John Le Carre (1931 – 2020)

“Le Carré was one of the giants of postwar English literature, a master of his chosen form and an exceptional prose stylist. He had an ear for the dialect of the governing classes of this country, perfectly tuned to their evasions, their deceits, their melancholy.”

~ Jonathan Freedland

The highly respected writer of espionage novels John Le Carre, died on 12th December.  He wrote, among other titles, The Spy Who Came in From the Cold (1963), Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (1974) and The Night Manager (1993), which were adapted to screen.

Birth Chart

We do not have a birth time for John Le Carre, which is disappointing: I often look for 12th House planets in connection with espionage (he worked for MI5 and MI6).  But in the absence of that, significant Neptunian and Plutonic planetary aspects are indicators. He had the Sun in Libra exactly conjunct Mercury, a combination which lends itself to a very focussed and legal type of mind.  He had an extraordinarily difficult relationship with his father  and that is reflected in a T-square between his Sun/Mercury (representing the father) on an opposition between Saturn and Pluto.  His estranged relationship with his mother is also represented in his chart:  the Moon in detached Aquarius (his mother left when he was five) was square his Venus.  Mercury square Pluto hints at espionage, and the dark side of communication.  Venus closely sextiled Neptune in his chart, complicating relationships.  His chart is very energetic, with Mars square Jupiter (often over-the-top energetic enthusiasm) with Mars exactly trine Pluto – a huge powerhouse of energy, able to handle extremes within the human psyche.  Mars exactly opposite Chiron indicates wounding through men (the spy Kim Philby being an example).  The Entrepreneur Archetype shows up too, in Jupiter closely trine Uranus – he was able to use his experiences in Intelligence to write his books.  Saturn exactly square Uranus brought personal earthquakes, and loosely tied in to his T-square, completing a Grand Cross.  Uranus square Neptune increases the complexity of his make-up, and reflects the cloak and dagger nature of working in Intelligence, but as a saving grace Pluto exactly sextile Chiron meant that he knew the healing power of transformation.

Life and Career

Le Carre (or David Cornwell as he was originally named) was born in Poole, and did not really have any relationship with his mother after she left, briefly meeting her at 21.  His father was jailed for insurance fraud, was a friend of the Krays, and was declared bankrupt in 1954.  He and his brother learned to duck and dive their way through their childhood, constantly having to lie and cover up to get by, and on their father’s behalf. He later had a step-sister, who is the actress Charlotte Cornwell, who remembers him fondly as a wonderful older brother.  He attended Sherborne School, but chafed at its regimes and withdrew.  He developed a facility for foreign languages, especially German, and received a further education at Lincoln College, Oxford.  During the cold war, he worked with MI5 (The Security Service) spying to obtain information about possible Soviet agents. He transferred to working for MI6 (The Secret Intelligence Service) in 1960, around the time of his first Saturn Return in Capricorn (politics).  In 1964 Kim Philby identified John Le Carre as a spy, and he had to curtail his activities.  Kim Philby’s astrological signature for the Spy Archetype was North Node exactly sextile Pluto, with the North Node and Saturn in the 12th House.  Both Kim Philby and John Le Carre had the North Node in Aries.

The Spy Archetype

The Spy Archetype that Le Carre sought to portray was in sharp contrast to that of Ian Fleming’s James Bond, essentially de-glamourizing the role.  Ian Fleming himself was another air sign, Gemini, but had the Mercury-Pluto connection (in a conjunction, in Gemini).  He also had the Venus-Neptune connection (in a conjunction, in Cancer), representing deception in relationship.  There is also a strong macho Aries theme in the espionage genre: the birth of James Bond in fiction, in Casino Royale (published 13th April 1953) shows a triple conjunction of the Moon, Venus and the Sun in Aries.  The spy Guy Burgess had the Sun in Aries.  The James Bond franchise, of course, had been enormously successful in literature and film, but undeniably John Le Carre’s depiction in his creation of the character George Smiley would be closer to the truth.  George Smiley first appeared in the book “Call for the Dead”,  published in 1961, but we do not have a date of publication.  John Le Carre’s portrayals were deliberately unheroic, whereas James Bond is patently heroic.  In the Guardian Obituary for Le Carre by Eric Homberger, George Smiley is described as an unexpected sort of a hero who has “sacrificed his life to institutions but who is determined to protect what is worth protecting in a world of disintegrating values”. John Le Carre’s son Nick also writes espionage novels, under the name Nick Harkaway.

“But until le Carré came along, no writer had nailed the toxic combination of bad faith and blundering, the confusion of tactical cynicism with strategic wisdom, with such lethal accuracy.”

~ Simon Schama

Aspects

Venus trines Chiron today, which may aid healing and recovery from the shock of Christmas being cancelled yesterday.  We personally are unable now to travel to see relatives, but since yesterday have been offered help with shopping etc. after it has been revealed that the new strain of the virus is spreading rapidly.  Try to keep the heart open; it is the antidote for many things.

The Sun conjoined Mercury early today, at 29 degrees Sagittarius.  John Le Carre had this aspect in exact conjunction, in the sign of Libra, and it characterized his precise and focussed style of writing and content.  If you have any paperwork, documentation, or novel-writing in process, that may aid your endeavours.  This conjunction favours philosophical conjectures, as well as sporting interests.  It also supports global vision and interests.

Mercury moves into Capricorn at the last hour of the day, urging us to be practical and realistic in our plans, and methodical and systematic in our mental approach.  Ah how the frivolities of Mercury in Sagittarius seem to have been so short lived (just 1st to 20th December)!  Again, this will favour official documentation needing to be worked on, forms to be filled in, authorities to interview, etc.: not what we would normally be expecting to be focussing on right now.  Maybe you are completing a house sale, for example.

The main event of the week, month, and second half of the year comes tomorrow, on Monday December 21st, in the form of the great Jupiter-Saturn conjunction.  The Winter Solstice precedes it, at 10.02 a.m., when the Sun enters Capricorn.  We often feel a sense of relief that the light is returning to our lives, and a special connection with the natural beauty of the winter season.  Again practicality is the theme, looking at the general structure and order of things, and your relationship with authority and the institutions which govern our society.

The long-awaited Jupiter-Saturn conjunction takes place at 18.21 Hrs in the U.K. on that day.  As an Astrologer, I have been pinning my hopes on it, ever since the devastating Saturn-Pluto conjunction on January 12th which brought the coronavirus crisis.

I would like to take a breath here, and say that I have been asking people lately “What have you achieved in your life that you would not have done if the covid crisis had not derailed your life style?” – with interesting results (mine is finishing my novel).

Jupiter conjoins Saturn every 20 years or so, but this one is super duper special, occurring at the very first degree of Aquarius.  Aquarius signals hope, goodwill to all men and women, a fairer society, and the beginning of a New Age.  There have been many dawnings proclaimed, but this one is the most promising (and the most needed!).

There is a tradition that the Star of Bethlehem was composed of this conjunction, though to believe it you would have to let go of the date of 25th December 0 A.D.  It doesn’t come up that precisely in the ephemerides!  Nevertheless, as it is visible to the naked eye and presents an extra bright  spectacle in the sky, it is a delicious romance to believe in it.

At this point in time it would be lovely to think that, just as 2000 years ago the Piscean Age began with the birth of Jesus, a New Age could follow now in the form of the Age of Aquarius.  The visibility of this pairing in the night sky is available in the lower South Western sky at around 4.30 p.m. – 5 p.m.

In terms of effect in our lives, we may feel a significant shift, maybe not so much in circumstances, but in our ability to see a higher perspective and a more socially beneficial collaboration – we are all in it together, in terms of our collective effort to reduce the spread of the virus.  We can employ our higher sense perceptions, such as telepathy, higher philosophy, higher guidance etc. in order to get ourselves through this, and help others negotiate their way through it.

Jupiter conjunct Saturn itself is not a particularly easy combination, however.  It represents opposites trying to come to unity.  Thus we may have bittersweet experiences: witness yesterday’s announcement from Boris at 4 p.m. in the U.K. cancelling Christmas, juxtaposed and followed immediately afterwards by the crescendo of the final of the nation’s favourite winter treat, Strictly Come Dancing (and a particularly delicious outcome of the 55-year old Bill Bailey’s triumph!).  That was a good distraction, and maybe doesn’t exactly weigh up with not being able to see loved ones, but it is one of television’s finest outputs.

So in your own life, Jupiter-Saturn in Aquarius is a signal that things will change for the better.  We know that 2021 will need a lot of repair work from 2020, but hope that sufficient numbers taking up the vaccines will make all the difference to the pattern of our lives.  Some cannot take up the vaccine, but maybe enough will.  I am still grappling with the individual liberty issue for my philosophy essay; it is a genuine dilemma.

The day may pass like any other, but on the other hand, you may experience or witness something, either globally or personally, which symbolizes the arrival of a new paradigm.  If this magic happens for you, take it to your heart and hold it through the challenges of the coming weeks.

There may be a great deal of tension coming up to Christmas, with a square between Mars and Pluto on Wednesday (23rd).  Normally, I would be describing crowds jostling and cramming their way into stores for last-minute Christmas shopping. At this time, it will be more like people vying for click and collect supermarket slots on the internet.  There may be disagreements, e.g. in terms of which relatives are in and who is left out of the Christmas Day mini-party.  Mars-Pluto requires physical care, but on this occasion equally feelings could be hurt or bruised.  It is one of the most difficult aspects of the year.  The last time it occurred, in October, there were riots in Bali of all places (one of the most spiritual locations on the planet).  You may need all your conflict resolution skills.

Providing even more tension, Chiron squares Mercury also on that day, so mini-crises may arise needing problem-solving skills, and solutions which may be to hand, like dock leaves near nettles, or may require soul consultation, digging deep.  The cause of this may be general pre-Christmas panic, the brain fog of whether you have got that last minute gift or card, for example.

Christmas Day itself (Friday 25th) has a benign trine between Mercury and Uranus. It might be a relief that you haven’t got too much to do, unless you are having a full set of three bubbles together.  This leaves mental energy for playfulness and creativity, and good ideas to come out of nowhere, always a benefit of Mercury and Uranus.  Some of the best inventions come out of this space.  The mind is uplifted, and computers and I.T. devices given or received, will be on good form and working satisfyingly well.  Mental brilliance, technological upgrades, lightbulb moments, and futuristic inspiration can be yours.  So even if you thought your re-arranged plans seemed rather dull, the day could surprise you.

Caution needs to be re-applied for Boxing Day (Saturday 26th) with a square between Chiron and the Sun.  It may pose a dilemma, or a problem to be solved, or even a healing crisis to be soothed.  It is a time to hone your Inner Healer, both for your self-healing, and for anyone who comes into your two-metre orbit.  Some lessons from the Chiron-Mercury square on Wednesday may prove useful, if you have taken notes.

All that remains is for me to wish you a Happy Solstice, a Happy New Age, and a Happy Christmas!

The week in bullet points:

• Today – healing and recovery, focus and practicality
• Tomorrow – the return of the light, beginning of a new age
• Wednesday – keep out of the fray, practise problem-solving
• Friday – Christmas surprises
• Saturday – Boxing Day healing needed and recuperation

Barbara Windsor (1927 – 2020)

Another national treasure, Dame Barbara Windsor, has left us this week…Whether you were a fan of the Carry On Films, or a regular viewer of Eastenders, she will have been part of your lives.  Even if you weren’t a fan of either, you would have known her cheeky blond persona.

Birth Chart

Barbara Windsor had 0 Air planets in her chart, so operated very much on instinct.  She was born around a New Moon in Leo squaring Uranus, a born performer and a headstrong individual.  Her Ascendant was in Capricorn conjunct Jupiter and the Part of Fortune, and so comedy and cheeky laughter were very characteristic of her personality.  She had Mercury trine Uranus, which gave her a quick mind (she did exceptionally well in her 11-plus).  Romantic sorrows and heartaches are depicted by Venus square Saturn and conjunct Chiron (she was involved with a string of unsavoury characters).  She did not want children, but she had an undeniably sexy side: Mars exactly trine Pluto (a powerhouse of energy), and Mars conjunct the Midheaven in Scorpio (very Carry On!)  She also had great inner strength, with Saturn trine Pluto, which she especially displayed late in life in her courage in the face of Alzheimer’s.

Life and Career

Her talent was spotted early by a dance teacher who remarked: “Barbara is a born show-off who loves to perform.”  She began appearing in the Carry On films in 1964 and stayed with the franchise for 10 years.  The Carry On crew may have been a soul group – I have not looked into this (yet) – and she forged deep friendships within that group, most notably Sid James and Kenneth Williams.  She starred in 9 of their films, and the most iconic scene of course was the projecting of her bikini top in Carry On Camping.  After 1974 she concentrated on theatre and other film roles to a great extent but was offered the role of Peggy Mitchell, landlady of the Queen Vic in Eastenders in 1994, which was a wider vehicle for her acting talent.  In some ways, life imitated art, because she had been running a pub with her second husband Stephen Hollings, and then later she married a Mitchell (Scott).  In 2006 she was made a Dame (when her Progressed Sun trined her natal Venus).  She worked in Eastenders, off and on, until 17th May 2016, when she portrayed the death of Peggy Mitchell in a special episode.  Jupiter was trine her natal Uranus (an opportunity), Saturn trine her natal Sun (a completion), Uranus was square her Ascendant on the 4th House cusp (big change in lifestyle), and Pluto was trine her natal Neptune in Virgo in 8th House (playing out the death of her iconic character).

Relationships

Barbara had three marriages, dated numerous high profile men, included the Kray twins, and had five abortions.  Her first husband Ronnie Knight turned out to be a criminal: the potential for her emotional wounding is seen in his Chiron opposing her Mars.  However, they were together for 21 years, and there was also astrological glue (her Jupiter on his Sun, her Uranus trine his Mercury, and her Pluto sextile his Chiron).  Her second marriage, to Stephen Hollings, lasted 9 years and ended in financial ruin. It was third time lucky with Scott Mitchell, whom she married in 2000, and who supported her throughout her latter years with dementia – he described her as his soul mate.  We do not have birth dates for her last two husbands.

She was very close to two men within the Carry On circle, and while Kenneth Williams accompanied her and Ronnie on their honeymoon (they had a mental companionship with opposite Mercuries), she later embarked on an affair with Sid James.   While her last husband Scott was undoubtedly a successful match, of all the others Sid James has the greatest astrological compatibility, which includes exactly trined Marses, Jupiters within one degree, Saturns exactly sextile, and Sid’s Ascendant exactly trine Barbara’s Venus.  In contrast, the link with Reggie Kray was tenuous, based on His Neptune square her Nodal Axis – caught up in some dubious karma.

Latter Years

It was on 10th May 2018 that Barbara’s husband Scott announced the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, although they had known about it since 2014.  At the time of the announcement Saturn was trine her natal Saturn (a serious news announcement), Chiron was square her Venus (focus on a health crisis) and Pluto was on her Ascendant (significant change in her life).  She became an ambassador for the Alzheimer’s Society on her 82nd birthday (6 August 2019),  with Jupiter trine her natal Sun, and Neptune opposite her natal Neptune (compassion and charity).  She died at 8.35 p.m. on Thursday, with Jupiter/Saturn sextile her natal Mars and opposite her natal Pluto, Chiron on her Saturn, and Neptune still opposing her natal Neptune.

The nation will remember her fondly.

“The Quiet Office”

The long-awaited novel (!) “The Quiet Office” is now completed, together with a set of accompanying painted cards.  It has only taken 14 years…I will take steps in the New Year to self-publish.

Aspects

It is an important couple of week for stargazers, with an eclipse tomorrow, and hugely significant ingresses at the end of the week, then the life-changing Jupiter/Saturn conjunction at 0 degrees Aquarius on 21st.  Get ready to see changes in the landscape of your life and psyche over this fortnight!

Neptune squares Mercury today, so you may be in two minds: one clear, and one confused!  It is a good day for sorting out your finer feelings, because there is an eclipse tomorrow, and that gives today a sense of being part of a process of preparedness.  On a new moon, you need to post  your intentions, so before a new moon you need to settle your mind, so that  your choices are better informed.  This aspect may contribute to misunderstandings too, so keep your communications clear.

Mercury conjoins the South Node tomorrow (Monday 14th), prior to the eclipse.  This favours the exercise of the mind in relation to karma.  Review the teachers and teachings of your life prior to this moment, and review how you receive and process information currently: that will help you evaluate karmic factors.  Also under scrutiny is where you may play the role of teacher and student in  your life.

The main event tomorrow is the Solar Eclipse and New Moon at 23 degrees Sagittarius.  This New Moon and Eclipse can expand your focus and bring  you a larger perspective.

American Astrologer Robert Ohotto sees this as an important turnaround in  your relationship to Truth, if you would like to watch his video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjoUFLAAPVs&t=53s&ab_channel=RobertOhotto

As if that is not enough for one day, in the evening Venus sextiles Jupiter, so the day could end on a happy note, socially or romantically.  Engagements, celebrations and virtual parties could be on the agenda.

Mercury trines Mars on Tuesday (15th) in the early hours.  You may find yourself wakeful, and raring to go!  Providing you have some sleep, and not too much mental activity, you will probably start the day bright and breezy.  It could be a very productive time.

It is a case of the early bird catches the worm, as the lunchtime energy is slower, with a sextile between Venus and Saturn.  Relationships need consideration, and will repay the time and loyalty you give them.  It is a helpful aspect for laying the foundations of artistic or musical work.

In the afternoon, Venus enters Sagittarius, the first of three ingresses this week.  You may be gearing up for Christmas or be in party mood, bearing in mind that virtually all parties are virtual these days.  Venus in Sagittarius ensures that the mood stays around, right through the New Year till Friday 8th January.  It is there if you need it.  Venus in Sagittarius is a good-will-to-all men and women vibe.

The second ingress occurs on Thursday (17th) when Saturn enters Aquarius. Saturn briefly sojourned at the beginning of Aquarius in March, around the time we were being urged to self-isolate in earnest.  So there may be some extra instructions along these lines.  As I wrote at the time, “Saturn = isolation and Aquarius = society”.  There may be a new slant on the issue occurring.  I went on to describe that “Saturn’s entry into Aquarius quickens the pace slightly from Capricorn, and may introduce a more telepathic element to communication.  There is also a sense of necessity being the mother of invention (where Saturn = necessity, and Aquarius = invention)… If you find yourself having ingenious ideas … how you can cope, or how you can help others, that will be down to Saturn in Aquarius.  It’s much more “we are all in it together” than “every man for himself”.  So this is such an important day in our history.”   You may sense a shift on Thursday, from the Earth (Capricorn) to the Air (Aquarius) or in the coming days after that, with subsequent planetary movements.

The new paradigm receives backing the next day, with Jupiter entering Aquarius on Saturday (19th).  This will be the wind beneath the wings for Saturn, which may have made heavy going of the shift.  Jupiter takes 12 years to move round the zodiac, so in your life think back to the benefits of 12 years ago: more precisely January 2009 to January 2010.

Back in 2009, I wrote: “If you have planets in Aquarius in your natal chart, they will be lit up by Jupiter this year, but even if you haven’t everyone will receive a helping hand from the Universe in some area of their life depending on where Jupiter is travelling in the natal chart.”  For Aquarians, 2021 will be your year, but for everyone there is the hope of greater vision and intuition guiding your life.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – confused
• Tomorrow – karmic teaching and learning; turning point, new beginning and expansion; sociable and romantic
• Tuesday – brisk; attentive; sociable
• Thursday – serious consideration of society
• Saturday – the lighter side of life

Jonathan Van-Tam

Jonathan Van-Tam has this week become more than just someone who flanks Boris at a covid briefing.  He has been recognized as an expert on more than just coronavirus.  He’s been hailed as king of the metaphors!

Birth Chart

With the Sun in Aquarius, he has the capacity to surprise us, having stood firm at times against Boris on the podium.  The ebullient Sun conjunct Mars means there is more than a touch of Aries about him.  The Sun sextile Jupiter makes him generally upbeat and optimistic about life.  But the Sun square Neptune at the same time means all may not be as it seems.  His Moon in Libra gives him some desire to please.  The crux of our theme comes with Mercury sextile Venus – here we have it:  I call it the Writer Archetype.  In this context it is the King of the Metaphors!  There is no questioning this birth date.  Mercury square Jupiter confers a wide-ranging mind, with Mercury closely sextile Neptune adding sensitivity to that mind, and Mercury trine Pluto adding deep thought.  Mars in Aquarius can be defender of the underdog, believing in the common good for society.  Mars exactly sextile Jupiter brings enthusiasm constructively allied to his energy.  Saturn square Neptune befits working with epidemiology. Uranus conjunct Pluto in Virgo can show a passionate interested in public health, though we do not know what House it falls in, within his chart.  Uranus (his Sun ruler) sextiles his North Node, so he is a leader, in a futuristic way, in this case through pandemic preparedness.   He also has the Healer Archetype, through Neptune trine Chiron, and North Node trine Chiron.  Uranus/Pluto opp Chiron

Life

Van-Tam is of Vietnamese origin, his grandfather having been a Prime Minister of Vietnam.  He obtained a degree in Medicine from Nottingham University. Jonathan was awarded an MBE in the 1998 New Year’s Honours list for his work designing a medical kit for large groups of teenagers on camping trips.  He took up his present role, as Deputy Chief Medical Officer in England, on 2nd October 2017.  A cocktail of transits at the time opened up the opportunity to serve the area of health with his abilities: Mars sextile  his natal Neptune, Neptune on his Chiron and Pluto sextile his natal Neptune.  He has published no less than 100 scientific papers.

Words

The first sign of the man behind the impersonal mask of his role came when he declared he was going to urge his mother to take the vaccine, when the possibility was first announced.  But this week, with the new announcement of its imminent arrival, he was chosen to do the media rounds, with a new up close and personal image.  And that image trails a growing reputation for metaphors.  He told how he learned the art of storytelling while camping in Snowdonia (nowadays he practises the metaphors on his family).  It is said that people find him more trustworthy than the politicians.  He doesn’t however pull his punches – he stated this week that people could be wearing masks for a long time to come.

May 2020

[when easing the first lockdown]

“Don’t tear the pants out of it.”

November 2020

[news of the first vaccine]

“This, to me, is like a train journey where you’re standing on the station – it’s wet, windy, it’s horrible – and two miles down the tracks, two lights appear and it’s the train.  And it’s a long way off.”

December 2020

[vaccine approved]

“The train …has now slowed down safely, has now stopped in the station.  And the doors have opened.”

“Father Christmas would be at the front of the vaccine queue”

Football Metaphors

[He is a supporter of Boston United]

Regarding  the coronavirus process, he has referred to “penalty shoot-outs”, “70th-minute equalizers” and “the need for the country to nick a late winner”.

This Week’s Announcement

For Jonathan and his new media role, Mars was squaring his natal Mercury, spurring him to speak out, and Neptune was trine his natal Neptune (a harmonious spiritual state, a transit also found this week for the originator of the Pfizer vaccine from Germany, Ugur Sahin).

There was no major aspect on that day, but Mercury had just entered Sagittarius, which brings Good News, though as you know all may not be as it seems.  The government seemed almost desperate to be the first to declare the approval of a vaccine, but it aroused suspicion that it may have been purely for political popularity.

It is undoubtedly part of the process which will soon bring us the upcoming Jupiter-Saturn conjunction at the Winter Solstice, which I can see has something to do with it.  It is about bittersweet outcomes, double-edged swords.  But at the same time, occurring at 0 degrees Aquarius it brings a fresh start after the trials of this last year.  I will write more soon on the subject.  I feel that the U.S. Presidential Election, though still in the death throes of the Trump administration, was a major signal of that turning of the tide.

Aspects

This morning, in the early hours, Venus was trine Neptune, a serene planetary dance.  Dance is one of the art forms enhanced by this trine: certainly some of the dances on last night’s round of Strictly Come Dancing were at the top of their game.  You may on the other hand, like me, have been kept awake by the latest inspiration for the current chapter of your novel.  Whatever your art form, it can be enhanced, and if you are an observer there is the greatest of pleasure in being an audience.  In relationship, there is a potential for spiritual bonding.

On Wednesday (9th) evening we have more Neptunian activity, this time more confusing, with Neptune squaring the Sun. You may be feeling a little confused, lost, or even  dizzy.  This may include a mistrust of information coming from governments or the media.  Wednesday is definitely a day to tackle the indefinite and sort the truth from illusion.

Thursday’s (10th) aspect is constructive in regard to feelings, relationships and money: Venus sextile Pluto, occurring just before midday.  It could be a time of difficult but rewarding soul searching with loved ones.  In finance, there could be hard won but satisfying bargaining and balancing.  If you are an artist or musician, you could take a step further in your art from Sunday’s inspiration, and deepen the value and content of the material you are working with.

A much more concrete aspect occurs on Friday (11th) when the Sun trines Mars.  This is like the red light on a traffic indicator.  If your energies have been flagging, or ungrounded or otherworldly, you’ll come right back to the present and the task in hand, and could achieve a great deal.  This aspect favours the yang side of the male/female equation or balance, so if you are female, employ your energies on your more physical and energetic tasks.  You may not be able to fully integrate those with your sensitivities – that’s not the goal of this fiery trine.

The Sun also conjoins with the South Node on Friday, which means past karmic glory coming home to roost; for the most part that can be a positive gain.  The South Node in Sagittarius relates to past lives in connection with religion, pioneering, adventure, exploration, academia and publishing.  This can also refer to earlier phases in this lifetime, e.g. you may receive a newsy Christmas card from an old University friend.

Saturday’s (12th) aspect also involves the Nodal Axis: Mars sextile the North Node.  This is a positive expression of Warrior karma.  You may be able to get your message across directly and actively, in speaking your truth or setting an example.  You may, like Jonathan Van-Tam, find the perfect metaphor to wrap an unpalatable truth in a palatable guise.  Or you may, having negotiated a path to Brexit all week, decide on a final assertion of your case.  Lines may be drawn (Mars has a short fuse at times, and is not suited to long-drawn out debate).

The week in bullet points:

• Today – enchanted
• Wednesday – confused
• Thursday – a shift in love and money
• Friday – active; karmic reward
• Saturday – defining karma

Diego Maradona (1960 – 2020)

“When Diego scored that second goal against us, I felt like applauding. I’d never felt like that before, but it’s true… and not just because it was such an important game. It was impossible to score such a beautiful goal. He’s the greatest player of all time, by a long way. A genuine phenomenon.”

~ Gary Lineker

The passing of Diego Maradona this week was mourned by football fans all over the world, but especially in the hearts of his homeland Argentina and his adopted home for a while, Naples.  He is hailed by many as being the greatest football player of all time.

Birth Chart

The film of Maradona’s life by Asif Kapadia was aired last night on television.  He also wrote an article about the making of the film in yesterday’s Guardian.  He pointed out some Archetypes, which were put on a poster:

“Rebel, Hero, Hustler, God. He didn’t like ‘hustler’ – he interpreted it as thief – and said: ‘This film is a lie, they’ve cheated me, I’m never going to watch it, I trusted them and they betrayed me.’ ” 

I found the film very sympathetic, and very illuminating, and you may spot some of the Archetypes in his birth chart.

Maradona had half his planets in Water, which made him highly emotional in make up.  He also had 0 Air planets, so he worked very much on instinct.

His Sun was in Scorpio (the sign of Light/Dark) conjunct closely Neptune  (the planet of the Saint/Sinner Archetype).  With his Ascendant in Scorpio too (all the intensity you could ever need), you can see the Scorpio physique (short and stocky) in his distinctive appearance.  Moreover, the Sun in his chart was exactly sextile Pluto, the ruler of Scorpio (Light and Dark).  It is no wonder his character confounded and intrigued the world.  His Midheaven was in Leo (the Persona of the Showman, but also the Hero) and squared the Sun.  His Moon in Pisces was trine Mercury – so there was a co-ordination between rationality and imagination in his psyche. Quick emotional reactions, helpful in football, are shown by Moon closely trine Mars, while Mercury loosely trine Mars provided quick mental reactions, and good motor skills.

His Moon was sextile Saturn, pointing to some emotional control, and discipline in training habits and regimes.  The Moon was conjunct the South Node, a strong indication of a karmic tie with his mother and his family: born in poverty, he had a strong sense of responsibility towards them, and always said his motivation was to buy his parents a house (he was the eldest son of several siblings).

Mercury in Scorpio conferred a forensic mind, but Mercury was closely square Uranus – showing an erratic nervous system, and someone who was no stranger to controversy.  Mercury was also conjunct the Ascendant from the 12th House, providing a great deal of nervous energy.  Mercury square Chiron added more nervous strain, but denoted a problem-solving mind.  Venus in the 1st House closely trine the Midheaven brought to the fore a much loved public figure and a warm reputation, but at the same time Venus square Pluto held volcanic feelings, and may also have represented the backlash in the feelings of others when he was unable to fulfil their expectations.

Mars sextile North Node showed Football/Warrior as a karmic path or mission, and  Jupiter trine Uranus the Opportunist (not so much the Hustler).  Jupiter and trine Pluto conferred great power and strength.  Scorpio is also known for powers of regeneration, and this was heightened by Jupiter sextile Chiron.  The drugs, inspiration, charisma, glamour and illusion are portrayed in Neptune exactly square his Midheaven and sextile his North Node.

Life and Career

He was born near Buenos Aires, to Guarani (father) and Italian (mother) heritage.  He was given a football at the age of 3, and was talent-spotted at the age of 8 (with Progressed Sun trine natal Mars in Cancer in 8th House).  His professional debut, at Argentinos Juniors just before his 16th birthday coincided with his Progressed Sun transiting his natal Mercury in Scorpio in 12th House.  Shortly afterwards, on 14th November 1976, he scored his first goal in the First Division, with a  planetary line up which included Uranus on his natal Sun/Neptune (a sudden breakthrough).  He then played for the Boca Juniors team in Argentina.

He was transferred to Barcelona after the 1982 World cup for a record-beating fee for his time.  On 26th June 1983 he received an ovation at a match for his play against Real Madrid.  The transits for this highlight the importance of his Chiron placement in Aquarius (healing through teamwork) – for Mars, Saturn and Pluto were trine his natal Chiron in Aquarius in 3rd House, and Neptune was sextile his natal Chiron. Though he did well initially at Barcelona, he did not settle, and he received a nasty ankle injury on 24th September 1983: Mars opposite his natal Chiron in Aquarius in 3rd House, Aquarius representing ankles.  His time at Barcelona ended in a mass brawl on the pitch.

A fresh start awaited him in Naples on 5th July 1984. The impoverished club took a huge gamble, and looked upon him as their saviour.  Italian football was at the time dominated by the Northern clubs.  He was hugely welcomed, and felt very much more at home.  His transits at the time were jubilatory: Mars sextile his Saturn and North Node, forming a Grand Trine; Jupiter sextile his natal Sun, a triumph; Jupiter trine his natal Pluto, a step up in power; and Uranus transiting his natal Venus, a new era in his personal life.  He was to change the fortunes of Naples, and became a lucky mascot for them.

At the same time, he still played internationally for his home country Argentina, and in the summer of 1986 the famous or infamous (depending on your stance) “Hand of God” goal was scored against England in the quarter final of the World Cup.  A few minutes later he scored a deciding goal, one that was to be hailed as one of the greatest goals in the history of the sport.  The first goal was widely seen as a cheat, as he handled the ball but the referee allowed the goal; the second goal was a demonstration of his skill at manoevring the ball by dribbling a path through five members of the opposing team, England.  Transits for that day included the Sun opposing his natal Jupiter (taking a chance), and Venus squaring his Sun/Neptune (an element of deception).  The two goals themselves were two sides of a coin.  The match led to Argentina winning the World Cup.

Maradona led Naples to the top of the Italian league tables, and at first he enjoyed a more opulent lifestyle.  Whether it was naivety, or the stress of his responsibilities and his own drives, he became entangled in the local mafia, the Camorra.  They gave him protection, and introduced him to drugs.  His life became a mixture of hard training and success on the football field, and socializing and drug taking.  In the film by Asif Kapadia Maradona’s wife Claudia Villafane talked of Maradona’s need for escape, without completely being able to identify what he needed to escape from.  This is so characteristic of the Sun conjunct Neptune (drugs) in his chart.

Eventually, realizing the toll on his health of his lifestyle, he sought to end his contract with Naples, but the powers that be would not let him leave.  In this period, he had a chronic lower back problem and sciatica, for which he was given painful injections in order to carry on his prowess on the field.  An extraordinary emotional tug of war took place on 3rd July 1990 when Italy played Argentina in the World Cup.  Argentina won on penalties, but the win proved to be the final nail in the coffin of Maradona’s relationship with Naples.  Transiting Pluto trine his natal Mars produced a win of sorts, but with brutal results.  The Camorra stopped supporting and protecting him, and he tested positive for drugs in 1992 and 1994.  He was banned from playing for 15 months, leaving him a broken man.  His transits at that point:  Mars opposite his Mercury (testing) and Saturn on his South Node in Pisces (a karmic correction relating to drugs).

Personal Life

His primary relationship was with Claudia Villafane, who he married on 7th November 1989.  He had known her since his youth in Buenos Aires, and they had two daughters.  During Claudia’s pregnancy with their first daughter, a son was born to Cristiana Sinagra whom she named Diego.  Maradona denied paternity, however, for many years, but the son followed his father into the profession of football.  Maradona and Claudia stayed together until they divorced in 2004, and remained on good terms.

Gastric Bypass

Maradona continued to coach and train within various clubs round the world, while battling health problems, one of which was obesity.  Finally on 6th March 2005 he decided to opt for a gastric bypass operation, which took place in Colombia.  The transits for this were particularly interesting to note:

Uranus exactly trine his natal Sun (drastic solutions)

North Node trine his natal Uranus (unusual course of action)

Uranus opposite his natal Pluto (drastic action)

The procedure was successful, and enabled him to work with greater ease.

His health problems took their toll this month, and he was admitted to hospital on 2nd November.  He died at home, from a heart attack, on Wednesday 25th, with Uranus opposite his Sun (events beyond his control) and Uranus trine his natal Pluto exact to the day (a huge transition), hopefully at peace.

“Maradona, turns like a little eel and comes away from trouble, little squat man… comes inside Butcher and leaves him for dead, outside Fenwick and leaves him for dead, and puts the ball away… and that is why Maradona is the greatest player in the world.”

~ Bryon Butler, 1986

“He offered Argentinians a way out of their collective frustration and that’s why people love him”

~ Jorge Valdano

Aspects

In the early hours of this morning, Neptune was Stationary, prior to turning Direct.  Hopefully, you emerged from sleeping and dreaming refreshed and firmly re-orientated on your spiritual path from this!  This event is an opportunity to fine tune relationships, art, or spiritual practices.

Shortly afterwards, Mercury was sextile Jupiter, another welcome planetary event.  This encourages mental development and learning, and may have resulted in vivid instructive dreams in the night.  Today may be helpful to businesses in sore need of a lift at this time.  If you are learning a new language, you may experience a shift and take off with it!  It will also be favourable for the teaching profession, so you may notice that the effects may spill into the coming working week.

Tomorrow (Monday 30th) there is a Lunar Eclipse and Full Moon at 8 degrees Gemini.  This may mark a turning point or a completion of sorts, especially for those who have a significant astrological feature close to 8 degrees Gemini.  You may feel or see acutely the two sides of a story, e.g. some of the polarities occurring in the news and worldwide. With the Sun in opposition in Sagittarius, it is important to note that the principle of the polarity of Gemini/Sagittarius is Communication, whether in its more surface nature (Gemini) or on a deeper level (Sagittarius), for example in the writing of articles and short stories (Gemini) or book publishing (Sagittarius).

In the evening, Mercury sextiles Saturn which, after the tension of the Full Moon, allows for mental stabilization and consolidation.  Thoughts and feelings can be channelled and harnessed into constructive plans and ideas.  Mental foundations can be laid.  The aspect favours documentation and knuckling down to form-filling etc.

Tuesday (1st December) offers us a change of focus, with Mercury leaving the intense mental requirements of Scorpio, and entering into the more upbeat mindset of Mercury in Sagittarius, looking forward to a possible relaxation of the restrictions under the new Tier system post-second-lockdown, and calculating how best to spend our five allotted days of Christmas courtesy of Boris and his crew.  In our family, the rules have resulted in some real mental gymnastics, as I suspect has happened in many other households.  I wish you Good Luck, in true Sagittarian spirit!

As there are no aspects for the rest of the week, I will add a Fixed Star, for Thursday (3rd).  The star in question is Rastaban in the constellation of Draco, around 11 degrees Sagittarius. In “Starlight Elixirs” by Michael Smulkis and Fred Rubenfeld, we are afforded the following seed thoughts for contemplation:

“There are multiple influences from this star which can be useful in dealing with inner conflict and with trying to sort out ideas that do not necessarily make sense or that do not fit well together.  It may at first seem that you are only adding energy to the difficulties.  This will eventually sharpen the contrast and highlights between the competing ideas and allow you to take a higher form in which you are able to utilize the approach that works best in your life.  Then what may also emerge from this is an attitude in which there is laughter or separation from the competing ideas, and then you do not take that entire issue so seriously.”

The week in bullet points:

• Today – Spiritual turning point; new vistas for learning
• Tomorrow – Emotional high tide and turning point; mental stabilizing
• Tuesday – Mental optimism
• Thursday – Dealing with inner conflict

Allegra Stratton

As newly appointed press secretary for 10 Downing Street, we’ll be hearing a lot more from Allegra Stratton, especially now that Dominic Cummings has left the building, and is not standing in her way.  Apparently she will be fronting regular news briefings.  Ever since her departure from news programme “Peston on Sunday”, I had wondered why she had left, and what she was doing: it turns out she was building her career towards Downing Street.  She has not made an impact yet, but promises to play an important role in Boris’ “re-set”.  She did, however, play a role in the departure of the pantomime villain.

Birth Chart

So what sort of a woman is Allegra?  Her birthchart states categorically that she is a Warrior!  She has Sun in Aries (warriorship) with Mars exactly conjunct the North Node (karmic mission as a warrior), with the Sun also trine the North Node (a leader, too).  The North Node at 26 degrees Leo is exactly trine the Galactic Centre, a centre of great power.  Her Sun is also trine Mars (more guns blazing) and exactly opposite Pluto, which is deep and powerful, but not always to her advantage (power struggles can ensue).  There is a sense that while she loves power and is attracted to it, she may also become a pawn in its game.  So warriorship, power and leadership are prominent components of the core of her birthchart.  We do not have a birth time/Ascendant, so we don’t know how much that would mitigate or soften the picture. But she is a definite go-getter.

The Sun and Mars are in a Grand Fire Trine with Neptune, which provides some softness and sensitivity.  This might provide some skill in what she does, because she has the fight (Mars) but the sensitivity (Neptune) to understand the opponent.  However, she was taken to task during her career (2012), in upsetting a single mum who she interviewed, and ended up having to apologize.  An outstanding talent she does have for P.R. and communications is shown by her Mercury exactly trine Uranus: she is in the right profession.  She also has Mars conjunct Jupiter, energy allied with enthusiasm.  Jupiter square Uranus in her chart reveals that she can be a risk-taker, and an opportunist: she certainly bagged an opportunity here.

Her New Appointment

The Observer this morning has an article about cronyism within government appointments, specifically over appointments related to the management of the coronavirus crisis.  It seems that Allegra has been part of the circle of society, for when she married in 2011 Rishi Sunak, our present Chancellor of the Exchequer, was best man at her wedding.  And just prior to becoming press secretary she was director of strategic communications at the Treasury from April 2020.

Her appointment as press secretary was announced on 8th October this year, with transits of:-Mars trine her natal Neptune, activating her Grand Trine (triggering a dream come true), Saturn sextile her natal Uranus, (an opportunity for ambition) and Mercury (solidifying intellectual ambition, linked with communication); and finally, Pluto trine her natal Saturn, taking a serious step towards power.

The Coup de Grace

Everybody was wondering how long chief adviser Dominic Cummings could continue his reign of fear…but no one knew how it might end.  He was brought down by a circle of feminine power in the end, who would have thought it?  While he and Director of Communications Lee Cain (who left office a few days before Cummings) hurled insults at Allegra Stratton, and apparently reduced her to tears, she was supported by the Prime Minister’s fiancee Carrie Symonds, Priti Patel and political advisor Munira Mirza.  Boris was forced to choose, and Dominic was the loser.  Allegra’s transits at the time Dominic left were North Node sextile her natal Sun (a karmic triumph), and Chiron sextile her natal Venus (support from females), plus the Nodal Axis square her Saturn (a difficult time).

Dominic’s Departure

The interesting transit for Dominic Cummings at his departure was Uranus exactly squaring his Nodal Axis (a sudden karmic departure).  This is the same transit as the Prime Minister’s brother Joe had when he was forced to leave office (under very different circumstances) as he described it “torn between family and national interest” last year.

Carrie Symonds

Carrie Symonds has Sun in Pisces, and was born close to a New Moon in Pisces, with the North Node between the Sun and the Moon, indicating that she can be an agent of karma.  She also has Mars conjunct Neptune, which means that she is capable of being strategic, and behind the scenes!  An interesting feature of her chart is that she has no planets in two Elements: Fire, and Air.  This gives her a great deal of concentrated feminine power (all Earth and Water).  She has an interest in power and leadership (Sun conjunct North Node), however.  She can be very balanced in her judgements (Jupiter exactly trine Saturn/Uranus), and it would be a mistake to underestimate her, as Dominic Cummings might have done.  Finally, her Nodal Axis squares her Chiron exactly, so she is used to handling crisis on a daily basis.  At the time of the Cummings departure, transiting Saturn was sextile her natal Sun in Pisces, a settling of affairs.  Just prior to this, earlier in November, Mars was square her natal Mars, presumably when the battles were taking place.

Priti Patel

We need to talk about Priti Patel!  She is having her own battles to fight at the moment, but was notably supporting Allegra and Carrie at the time of the battles with Lee Cain and Dominic Cummings.  The big question on people’s minds is “why is Boris so loyal to Priti?”  Her recent role of support may be one factor in his loyalty, but he has been reluctant to force her out, ever since the exposure of her bullying of the civil servants.  At the time Dominic left office, her transits were:-  Uranus trine her natal Jupiter (a triumph), and Chiron trine her natal Neptune (a sensitivity weathered).  On Friday (20th November) the report was revealed of her conduct regarding the civil servants, an issue which was triggered by the resignation of Sir Philip Puttnam.  We do not have a birth date for him, but he resigned on 29th February this year over the issue.  Priti’s transits at the time were Mars exactly square her natal Sun (brought to book over aggression) and Pluto trine her natal Venus (issues of power in relationships).  Boris kept her on after that, and instituted an enquiry, the results of which apparently he sat on for months.

The row erupted on Friday, in the midst of Anti-Bullying week!  Boris is so far steadfast in his support for her, no matter what this does to the reputation of the government.  This protection is reflected in her transits: Jupiter (protection) trine her natal Venus (from a friend), and Uranus still trine her natal Jupiter (still going strong).  She issued an apology, making full use of the word “unintentional”.  I noticed back in the Spring when she issued an apology during a briefing, that even her apologies sound aggressive.  Remember when she was taken to task about smirking?  It was last October, on the Andrew Marr show, when she was smirking about the impact of a possible no-deal Brexit.  She has a buoyant chart, as you can see from a blog I wrote in 2017 (when she was forced to resign from Theresa May’s cabinet):

“Priti Patel is an individualistic, uncompromising Aries, who was the poster girl for the Brexit campaign… She is a gambler by nature (Sun square Jupiter)…An interesting feature of her chart is Mercury exactly conjunct Chiron in Aries: a mind suited to problem-solving, but unusual in its processes… she says she has received much support, and seems popular within her party, and has kept smiling…  Her chart has many aspects, and her Mercury also has a square to Jupiter (likes to travel) and an opposition with Uranus (not afraid to be controversial).”  To this I would add her forcefulness is shown by Mars trine Pluto.

When the report was finally released on Friday, it resulted in the resignation of Sir Alexander Allan, the Prime Minister’s Independent adviser on ministerial standards, who had complied the report which Boris studiously ignored. Sir Alexander’s transits include Chiron squaring his natal Uranus (a crisis triggering a sudden departure).  There have also been allegations that Boris tried to interfere with the wording of the report.  In its implication for the integrity of government, we live in extraordinary times.

Back to Allegra

Allegra’s actual statement on the matter of the report on Priti was:

“He loathes bullying. He takes it very seriously and recognizes that it is very difficult for people to come forward and raise concerns.  It’s a brave thing to do, he knows that, and he believes that this process has been thorough.  But it is also his responsibility to look at…the conclusions in the round.”

A private WhatsApp communication was leaked from Boris’s account urging fellow Tories to “form a square around the Prittster” to protect her.  This might be seen as a contravention of his quasi-judicial role as P.M.  He ought to be neutral when judging the conduct of officials, so this calls into question his whole role of arbiter.  Boris stated: “as the arbiter of the code…the prime minister’s judgment is that the ministerial code was not breached.”  Priti herself raised in her defence that she did not receive feedback on her behaviour.  But Sir Philip Puttnam had not been allowed to take part in the enquiry (which in itself is remarkable) but commented afterwards that he had warned her about the effects of her behaviour.

Allegra’s only comment about the “Prittster” exhortation was that it reflected an acknowledgement that “this is a testing day for her”.

So Allegra may be called upon to sometimes defend the indefensible, in her new role.

Aspects

My description of the Aspects begins on Tuesday (24th) with a trine between Mercury and Neptune.  This aspect brings the possibility of mysteries being solved, e.g. around health conditions.  Thus, more may be revealed about the covid virus and its mysterious ways.  In personal applications, 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 small kindness can bring about significant mental healing.

Further healing, both physical and psychological, ensues on Thursday (26th) when Chiron trines the Sun.  Healing is illuminated by clarity, and solutions may appear to conundrums which have been recently aired.  There is a sense of wholeness about this aspect.

Another win-win aspect occurs on Friday morning (27th) in the shape of Mercury sextile Pluto.  This can produce profound thought and communication,  honouring the gravity of a situation if necessary, and enabling meaningful debate to occur.  If you have something important lined up, you may be successful in getting your point across.  Try to act or communicate anything of significance in the early half of the day.

At 17.11 Hrs on the same day, Uranus opposes Venus, so any attempts to persuade another of your point of view may lead to intransigence or detachment on their part.  Someone around you may be displaying skittish behaviour.  There may be strange social encounters, too.  Be clear from your heart, to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings, as cross currents and crossed purposes can occur.

The week in bullet points:

• Tuesday – mysteries solved
• Thursday – healings
• Friday – profound communication; strange socializing

Two Pillars of Their Communities

Within a week of each other, two pillars of the Jewish and Palestinian communities, passed over, their work on this earth completed.  I look at the work, character and achievements of Rabbi Jonathan Sacks and diplomat Saeb Erekat.  I find I can’t write about one this week, without writing about the other.

Jonathan Sacks (1948 – 2020)

“God has spoken to mankind in many languages: through Judaism to Jews, Christianity to Christians, Islam to Muslims…No one creed has a monopoly on spiritual truth; no one civilisation encompasses all the spiritual, ethical and artistic expressions of mankind…In heaven there is truth; on earth there are truths…God is greater than religion.  He is only partially comprehended by any faith.”

~  Rabbi Jonathan Sacks

Tributes poured in for Rabbi Jonathan Sacks in the days after his death, from Conservatives (Boris Johnson) and Labour figures (Sadiq Khan) alike:

“His leadership had a profound impact on our whole country and across the world.”

~ Boris Johnson

“He was a towering intellect whose eloquence, insights and kindness reached well beyond the Jewish community.”

~ Sir Keir Starmer

“A man of huge intellectual stature but with the warmest human spirit”.

~ Tony Blair

“I benefitted hugely and learnt a lot from him. May his memory be a blessing.”

~ Sadiq Khan

Birth Chart

With 6 planets in the Fixed signs, strength of will was a hallmark of Jonathan Sacks.  His Sun in Pisces (the sign of spirituality) was square Uranus, so he would always have ploughed his own individual path.  Sun in Pisces exactly sextile his North Node in Taurus meant that spiritual leadership was part of his karmic mission.  Mercury in Aquarius in his chart was closely opposite Mars, showing a mind with a highly developed critical faculty.  Mercury was also exactly trine Uranus, denoting a very original thinker.  Mercury was involved in a T-square as it opposed Mars and squared Chiron, so he had a mind that was always alert to problem-solving.  Venus in Taurus brings solid values into his make up, which trined Jupiter to widen his love of humanity.  He had Jupiter at 26 degs Sagittarius at the Galactic Centre, signifying power, the force of the cosmos.   He will also have felt the weight of the world on his shoulders, with Saturn exactly square the Nodal Axis.  These things served to make him a larger than life character.

Life and Wisdom

Born in Lambeth in 1948, he was educated in Finchley, and gained a first-class degree in Philosophy from Gonville & Caius College, Cambridge. He originally planned to become an accountant (Mercury opposite Mars), but ditched these plans around the age of 19 in favour of training to be a Rabbi.  In this profession, he experienced a meteoric rise, and acted as Chief Rabbi from 1991 to 2013.  He was married with three children, and (fun fact) was a vegetarian.  He regularly imparted his wisdom on BBC Radio 4’s  Thought for the Day, and was a sincere proponent of interfaith dialogue.

He authored 25 books, including commentaries on prayer books.  One of the most widely read of his books was “The Dignity of Difference”, published in 2002.  Reflecting on the tragedy of 9/11, he observed that to attain peace in the world there needed to be respect between religions.  In the book, he also tackles the question of inequality in society.

Here is a quote from “The Dignity of Difference”:

“What morality restores to an increasingly uncertain world is the idea of responsibility – that what we do, severally and collectively, makes a difference, and that the future lies in our hands.”

He was known, among other things as a moral philosopher.  That is especially relevant to me, and to hubby Mike, at the moment, as this term’s syllabus on our philosophy course is morality and ethics.  Mike has been a long-term fan of Rabbi Sacks, and I asked him to write a few sentences for me on what Jonathan Sacks meant to him, so here are some quotes about Sacks from him:

On the Holocaust:

His approach to the Holocaust was, for example, that God was absent in Auschwitz and that evil should be remembered, otherwise it will rise again.

On Politics:

I think if he had been a mainstream politician he would have brought in the best of Left and Right – he would have been inclusive.

On Philosophy:

We should realize that he was a philosopher who just happened to be Chief Rabbi.  There are accounts of his inability to co-operate with the more progressive wings of Judaism but although this is disappointing, I think the plus points outweigh these fallibilities and shortcomings.

The transits at the time of Sack’s death included most notably Neptune on his natal Sun in Pisces, a return to his very spiritual essence.

Saeb Erekat (1955 – 2020)

The second of the two pillars, Saeb Erekat, is possibly lesser known (at least in this country), but Saeb was someone who sincerely tried to achieve the impossible: a peace settlement between the Arabs and Israelis.

Birth Chart

With 5 of his 10 planets in the Cardinal signs, he was a Leader, as such.  His Sun was conjunct Mercury in Taurus.  Taurus was also an important sign for Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, as he had its ruler Venus and the North Node (his karmic mission) in that sign.  Note that Taurus is the sign of the Pillar, or rock of a community!  With the Sun square Chiron in his chart, he tried to be a fixer.  I am always fascinated by the charts of peacemakers, and the Diplomat Archetype, and his chart does not disappoint: he has Venus (diplomacy) square his Nodal Axis (his karmic path), and Venus exactly sextile Chiron – if those two features along do not signify the Peacemaker Archetype, I don’t know what does!  In addition, he has Mars trine Chiron (a willingness to fight for wholeness).  Balanced judgement was also his, in the shape of Jupiter trine Saturn.  And he also possessed the Entrepreneur Archetype (Jupiter exactly conjunct Uranus), so had an inherent instinct for when and how to act and take opportunities for his mission.  Where he may have had an Achilles heel is in his Jupiter square Neptune, which can often bring about confusion around religion.  Saturn trine Uranus conferred a talent for social engineering, while Saturn square Pluto enabled him to confront hard truths (he was known for being a realist, as well as a moderate).

Life and Work

Erekat was the sixth of seven children, born in Abu Dis, a Palestinian village near Jerusalem.  The Israelis occupied the West Bank when he was 12 years old.  He attended college in San Francisco in 1972, where he gained a B.A. in International Relations in 1977, and an M.A. in Political Science in 1979.  This was followed up in 1983 with a PhD from Bradford University in the U.K. on Peace and Conflict Studies.  This shows a consistent and continuous path of the peacemaker and diplomat from an early age.  He concluded that peace could only come through negotiation, and not through a military solution.  After the Oslo accords in 1993 Erekat became a senior official of the Palestinian Authority (the PA) in Ramallah on the West Bank.

The death of Yitzhak Rabin in 1995 is often seen as the death knell of the Arab-Israeli peace process, but Saeb Erekat never gave up on his faith in a two-state solution.  He was in fact the chief negotiator in this field from 1995 until 2003.  He participated in the peace talks at Camp David in 2000.  In September 2000 he was one of three top Palestinian politicians to ask Ariel Sharon not to visit the Al-Aqsa Mosque, an event which led to the second Intifada.  He was asked to take up the post of … Negotiator in …, which he fulfilled for a short while.

2011 was a tricky year for him.  He temporarily resigned over the leak of documents about negotiations with Israel, entitled the “Palestinian Papers”.  He turned the situation into humour, with the memorable lines: ” If someone sneezes in Tel Aviv, I get the flu in Jericho”.

At the time, his transits were:-

Jupiter on his Venus (the Negotiator) in Aries – a good transit for a quip; Uranus square his Nodal Axis (interestingly the same transit as Dominic Cummings’ current embarrassment of leaving Downing Street with a box); and Pluto trine his natal Sun in Taurus (a crucial and profound moment).

In 2015 he took up the position of secretary-general of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization.  He was in a position to collaborate, during the Trump administration, with Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, though he did not approve of the form of Trump’s peace plan.  He was very disturbed by the Abraham Accords of August 2020, which involved the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain normalizing relations with Israel.  He had not been in good health in recent years, and this was a real blow to him, and possibly hastened his end, though it was Covid-19 that took him.  This disappointment is shown in his chart by a transit of Saturn squaring his natal Neptune at the time of the Abraham accords.  In addition, Pluto opposite his Jupiter/Uranus conjunction was a disempowerment.

In his dealings with Israeli politicians, he was commended by Israeli justice minister Tsipi Livni who stated that he was an honest broker in their talks, with mutual respect, although their causes were so far apart.  He was known in the U.S. media as “Mr CNN”, for his frequent appearances on that news channel.

He lived in Jericho with his wife, and had four children.

Health Issues and Death

Saeb Erekat had many health issues, which is probably one reason why the coronavirus was able to have such an effect on him.  In 2012 he had a heart attack (with Saturn square his Uranus).  In 2017 he had a lung transplant (with Uranus opposite his Neptune, and Neptune square his natal Mars).  He also suffered from pulmonary fibrosis.  The positive test of Covid-19 came on 9th October this year, with Pluto still opposite his natal Jupiter.  He underwent a bronchostomy on 21st October, and eventually died on 10th November.  Whereas Rabbi Sacks had Neptune on his Sun at his passing, Erekat had Uranus on his Sun in Taurus, both transformative planetary agents.

Both were pillars of their communities, but they also served the world.  In closing this blog, I have chosen a quotation which befits both men:

“Though war needs physical courage, peace needs moral courage, the courage to break with the past and turn enemies into friends”

~  Rabbi Jonathan Sacks

Aspects

At 3.57 a.m. here in the U.K. we experienced a sextile between the Sun and Jupiter, which should see us kindly through most of the day.  It is one of the brightest  aspects of the year.  Focus on what makes you happy, and make more of that.

Then at 5.07 a.m. we experienced a New Moon at 23 degrees Scorpio.  Did you feel it?  It is one of the most potent New Moons of the year.  It is a good time to re-set your intentions about life, and to create a new beginning.  There is talk among Conservatives of re-setting our government, now that Dominic Cummings has exited No. 10 Downing Street with a box (Uranus squaring his natal Nodal Axis).  There may be a certain amount of letting go required, before the fresh start can be established.  You might find yourself being ruthless with your de-cluttering, in accordance with your recent re-evaluation of the past.

The mood may change towards the evening, as at 19.43 Hrs Pluto squares Venus, which is not such a picnic.  This will require some psychological soul-searching, and honest-as-you-can-be interpersonal communication.  The dance-off on Strictly Come Dancing could be a heart-wrenching affair, as no one will want to go, and no one will want to see anyone go.  At the same time, celebrities will be arriving at a cold, haunted castle in Wales for the new series of  “I’m A Celebrity”.  But in our real lives, there may be difficult issues to watch.

Tomorrow (Monday 16th) is a less complex prospect, with just a square between Venus and Jupiter to contend with.  It’s a very social and sociable aspect, but can be gauche, awkward, or inappropriate.  Social non-conformists won’t care, but conformists may lament the lack of sticking to the rules.  Donald Trump will probably still be closeted in the White House, and his supporters will probably still be claiming fake voting.

More rule-breaking on Tuesday (17th) as Uranus opposes Mercury.  It can have the effect of a mini-Mercury retrograde, or a spanner in the technical works.  However, if you connect your lower rational mind directly with your telepathic higher mind, you can receive a flow of information which is workable, harmonious and useful.

Don’t forget, Stargazers, that Tuesday will be the peak of the Leonids meteor shower, if  you are lucky enough to have access to a clear sky.

On Thursday morning (19th) the Sun will be sextile Saturn, which could restore some order.  For those of you who have chafed under the creative chaos of the last few days, you can re-group.  Practical initiatives are supported by this aspect.  It is a good aspect for setting up solid foundations, for instance.  If you initiated a re-set during the day on Sunday, you can ensure you are back on track on Thursday.

Make sure you are the early bird that catches the worm however, because at 11.29 a.m. Venus squares Saturn, which may take the edge off your feelings of progress.  The Sun’s sextile with Saturn can still prevail, but you may be feeling out of your comfort zone in some way.  Perhaps the way the changes are taking shape are not quite to your liking, but it is not too late to change them.  It may be about the way something looks, or the way something makes you feel, but some warmth of heart can make a difference.  The two aspects may refer to different issues, however.

Saturday (20th) is All Change, with two planets changing signs and modes of expression.  First, at lunchtime, Venus enters Scorpio, and the flatness of the previous day could give way to a greater sense of passion, and motivations which come from a deeper level.  Your artwork or musicianship become more profound and eloquent.  There could be a greater sense of intimacy in  your relationships and more profound understanding.

In the evening, the Sun enters Sagittarius, the season of festive preparation.  It is an extraordinary prospect this year, as we in the U.K. are in lockdown (until 2nd December), and in the U.S. there is still a sense of transition and suspense about what happens next.  Christmas preparations will be like no other year.  We will possibly have more opportunity to be thoughtful about what we do prepare.  What comes between the Winter Solstice (21st December) and Christmas itself will be remarkable, though, as on 21st Jupiter and Saturn conjoin at 0 degrees Aquarius, ushering in a new New Age (there have been many run-ups; will this be the real McCoy?).  So at the moment, we do not know if we will see our loved ones at Christmas, and we don’t know what to prepare for;  we don’t know if we will be let loose on December 2nd, and we don’t know if we will want to be let loose; but there could be a sudden rush of celebratory energy between 21st and 25th.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – Mixed: Some Joy, a New Beginning, Heart-Searching
• Tomorrow – Social and Sociable, a bit awks
• Tuesday – Spanner in the Communication Works (see my tip)
• Thursday – Mixed: Some Stabilization, some deflation
• Saturday – All Change

Strictly Come Dancing 2020 – Part 2

In this series of Strictly Come Dancing, there have been some unexpectedly high scores from the word go.  It will be interesting to see when they score a first 10, as there have been 9s already.  In this look at a further four contestants, I continue to assess their prospects for winning, and the chemistry between the couples.

Jamie Laing

Jamie hails from the show Made in Chelsea, and is a descendant of the inventor of the McVitie’s digestive biscuit.  He has a tricky, incident-prone birth chart, and signed up for last year, only to fall at the first hurdle through a foot injury (natal Neptune, ruling the foot, opposite Chiron, representing a wound).  Then, occupying second place from bottom on the leaderboard for two weeks resulting in a place in the dance off…things looked quite dicey for him.  But last night, with his portrayal of Hercules in the musical, he turned things around miraculously, in a fun, committed and high-spirited performance!

In his birth chart, Jamie has a close conjunction (an orb of within 1 degree) of the Sun and Pluto in Scorpio, which can be dramatic.  His accident at that crucial moment early in last year’s series changed the whole tournament, with his replacement Kelvin Fletcher winning with Oti Mabuse.  He has the Sun exactly trine the North Node, which can make him an agent of karma.  To his credit, he was not put off, and in true Scorpionic determined style looks as enthusiastic as ever (he literally threw himself wholeheartedly into last night’s performance).  His Sun in Scorpio is strong, being sextile Neptune and trine Chiron, in addition to the aspects to the Sun already mentioned.  Scorpio is the master of transformation, too, so we don’t need to write him off.  Moon square Jupiter is represented by his huge smile, but there is a real ability to concentrate in his Mercury sextile Saturn, with flashes of brilliance from Mercury sextile Uranus.  His Venus (relationships) has a lovely sociable trine from Jupiter, but huge challenges of squares from Saturn/Uranus/Neptune (a triple conjunction) and Chiron.  The square of Chiron to Venus may be responsible for some of his incident-proneness, as well as a brittle Mars-Saturn square.  Mars in a T-square with Uranus and Chiron (wounding) gives an electrical quality to his energy, but again inclines to incident-proneness.  However, with Mars sextile Jupiter, he has a joie de vivre and energy which can quickly see him dusting himself down and starting again.  Motsi and Craig (Revel Horwood) have remarked on his high energy, and Shirley has pointed out his enthusiasm.  Neptune sextile his North Node will help him on the dance floor.

He is partnered by Karen Hauer, who will put him through his paces with her Pluto conjunct his Mercury.  His Jupiter trines his Mars, which shows enthusiastic energy between them, and his Jupiter opposes her Uranus (so they would take risks together).  At the same time, his Saturn trines her Sun, so he takes her instruction seriously.  His transits now show up Uranus trine his natal Neptune, encompassing greater complexity.  Her transits now show Neptune (the inspiration of dance) trine her natal North Node (karmic mission) – she will feel at one with her life path.  For the final, he would have Chiron opp his Venus (ouch, a minor injury?), but Saturn and Jupiter sextile his Mars likely to bring about an enjoyable final show, and a feeling of belonging in this special lockdown group.  He won’t have any regrets about taking part.  Karen’s transits at the final are more challenging: Jupiter square her natal Sun (she will enjoy the sense of occasion), with Saturn square her natal Sun (a personal obstacle or challenge) and Uranus opposite her natal Jupiter (feeling restless).  Not a partnership likely to reach the final, but I hope to see more of them – they have been very watchable so far.

Nicola Adams

Nicola is a recently retired Olympian boxer, and making waves this year in the first same sex partnership for Strictly Come Dancing.  Like HRVY and Maisie last week, she has 0 Earth planets in her chart, from which  you would expect a lack of grounding, but it hasn’t held any of them back!  Like Jamie, she has the Sun in Scorpio.  The Sun is conjunct Venus, providing musicality, in a sign which has a great drive (to win?).  Nicola has the Sun conjunct Saturn and Pluto (discipline and depth).  Mars in Sagittarius gives her a sense of adventure and love of sport, but is exactly sextile Saturn, which is deliberate in action, and useful in boxing.  Mars is conjunct exactly with Neptune, a sensitivity in movement.  Mars closely sextile Pluto provides a powerhouse of energy, which may help to make her quick on her feet in boxing (and now dancing).  She retired from boxing due to a torn pupil (a sensitivity which may be seen in her natal Mars representing Vision conjunct Neptune).  At the time of her injury, Mars was square her natal Neptune/Mars conjunction.  Her transits on retirement were peaceful and harmonious: Neptune trine her natal Jupiter, Chiron trine her natal Uranus and Jupiter on her natal Neptune.

She is partnered with the extraordinarily creative Katya Jones, who has taken up the challenge of providing ingenious same sex routines with gusto.  My favourite performance of theirs was during Week 2, in the couples’ choice, which told the story of Nicola’s life.  The costumes were beautiful, and Nicola’s smile and verve were memorable.  Motsi enjoyed “her enjoyment”!   They are doing a grand job.   Their Synastry shows opposite Moons, Katya’s Mars conjunct Nicola’s North Node (kind of symbolic in relation to the same sex theme, and purpose of their partnership with their malleable roles, in the sign of Cancer, a female sign).  Nicola’s transits now are challenging: Saturn square her natal Saturn (it’s a difficult thing for her to do, challenging the existing order), and Saturn square her natal Pluto in Libra (symbolizing the transformation of relationship).  For Katya now, Jupiter trines her natal Sun (success), Chiron sextiles her natal Mercury, and Uranus sextiles her natal Mars, electrifying!  Her efforts are paying off.  For the final, Jupiter and Saturn square Nicola’s natal Venus (it could be that her private life intervenes).  She may make it to the semi-final.  For Katya at the final, Chiron squares her natal Uranus, maybe a minor injury intervenes or hinders progress.

Max George

Max follows in the dance steps of his fellow band member from The Wanted, Jay McGuiness, who won the 13th series of Strictly Come Dancing in 2015.  He could also do very well!  Max is a discerning Virgoan, who held back a little at first (he is gradually coming out of his shell), but you could see he had potential.  His partner Dianne Buswell praised him at the outset for his “long neck”!  In his chart, he has the Sun trine Neptune, a happy dancing aspect (which features as one of this week’s aspects).  The Sun in his chart is also sextile Pluto, which also features in this week’s aspects.  His Moon conjoins Venus in  Cancer, showing a great gentleness.  At the same time, Mercury closely opposite Mars means he can be a bit fractious – he certainly does get very nervous, according to Claudia Winkleman.  Motsi has praised him for his great energy (Mars in Aries).  Mercury trine Jupiter means he is a good learner, though with Mercury also square Neptune and Chiron (a T-square), he could zone out at times.  Together with Sun in Virgo, he has a need for quiet space at times.  He also has a challenging Grand Cross formed by Mercury opposite Mars and Chiron opposite Neptune.  He has had quite a versatile career, starting out as a footballer, and then after The Wanted disbanded he took up modelling and acting.

He is partnered with Dianne Buswell and they portrayed Homer and Marge Simpson astonishingly well in a very entertaining performance last night.  Their Synastry shows that they are extremely well connected: Her Mercury is conjunct his Jupiter, so they have excellent communication, and he is a fast learner.  Her Jupiter is sextile his Mars (similar to the energy between Jamie and Karen, above); her Saturn trines his Sun (also similar to an aspect between Jamie and Karen); her Saturn sextiles his North Node, her Pluto trines his North Node, and her Pluto sextiles his Sun (it is their destiny to shape each other’s progress – a strong theme  in their relationship).  His transits now show Uranus trine his natal Neptune (just easing himself into the complexity of it all) as with Jamie Laing (they were born two months apart in the same year).  Dianne’s transits now show Neptune sextile her natal Sun, so it’s a dream for her – she senses there is something really special about this partnership and series.  He still has Uranus trine his Neptune at the final, so he will have learned a great deal.  I don’t think this tells the full story, because he could well make it to the final.  For her, at the final, Uranus sextiles her natal Mars – she could do surprisingly well, and enter the final with electrifying performances.  Neptune will still be sextile her natal Sun, pointing to inspiration and perfection.  Motsi has said that Max “has it all”!

Ranvir Singh

Newscaster and television presenter Ranvir Singh went spectacularly to the top of the leader board last night with a score of three 9s. (closely followed by another brilliant performance by Bill Bailey, who Craig tipped for the final).  Ranvir has the performer’s Sun in Leo.  She certainly has the energy needed (Sun closely sextile Mars) but can be serious minded too (Sun closely conjunct  Saturn).  The Sun trine Neptune inclines her to dance (as with Max George).  Like Max as well, she has the Moon conjunct Venus in Cancer (capable of great gentleness).  With Mercury square Mars, she has a strong Inner Critic Archetype (which can make her irritable, but can also result in perfectionism). Like Max, she can get distracted (Mercury square Neptune).  She and Max might understand each other well, off the dance floor.  She has Mars sextile Saturn like Nicola Adams, signifying disciplined action, and Ranvir is also a powerhouse of energy (from Mars trine Pluto).  Her dances have all been highly praised.  At the outset, Shirley declared that she had “exquisite hands”, and Craig observed that the partnership “works well”.

She is partnered with Giovanni Pernice, and they put in a beautiful performance last night (a foxtrot, to Dream Girls) which gave them the highest score so far in this series.  Analyzing this successful partnership, we find:  Giovanni’s Sun square Ranvir’s Neptune (some glamour and illusion), Giovanni’s Venus sextile Ranvir’s Jupiter (they would get on well socially), Giovanni’s Uranus trine Ranvir’s Chiron (dynamic healing), and Giovanni’s Pluto sextile Ranvir’s Mercury (intense learning for her), as well as some extra challenges.  Transits for Ranvir now include her Uranus Opposition (an important astrological cycle which expresses the element of a Mid Life Crisis or Rebellion).  This still pertains at the final, but is resolving.  The final pass of this transit comes around 10th March, so perhaps at that time some conclusions she has come to throughout the process will lead to a new strand of her career or personal life around that time.  For Giovanni now, Neptune opposes his Mercury (some mental confusion) but Neptune also sextiles his natal Saturn, which is more stabilizing: it’s icing or inspiration on the cake.  But Chiron squares his natal Uranus, so he has to take care of himself physically.  At the final, all three transits still pertain, so these are long running processes for him throughout this period.  This pairing certainly has the ability to reach the final, but something may challenge them along the way.

Aspects

We start the week with a sensuous opposition between Venus and Mars tomorrow (Monday 9th), which may add zest to life.  Jamie Laing has this opposition in his natal chart, so you may capture some of his zest.  However, Venus opposite Mars may bring tension between the sexes or a tussle between your own inner male and female.

On Tuesday (10th) we have the Sun trine Neptune (an ideal day to practise your dancing).  Max George and Ranvir Singh both have this aspect in their birth charts, so you may capture some of their grace!   Expand your consciousness, and allow your imagination to embellish your work, or project in hand.

In the evening, Mercury re-enters Scorpio, on its now forward journey.  Collectively, we will look into matters more deeply and forensically.  In your own personal life, you will have more courage to look at what really matters, and to worry less about how things appear to others.

The most important aspect of the week occurs on Thursday (12th), another experience of Jupiter conjunct Pluto (which we met in April and June).  It occurs at 22 degrees Capricorn, the same degree and sign as the inception of the conjunction of Saturn and Pluto on 12th January, which was responsible for the coronavirus.  This may, during lockdown, concentrate our minds wonderfully on the task in hand: to keep ourselves and others safe.  The impulse may be entirely the opposite, wanting to take risks, jump ship, etc.  But information at that time may cause us to look within at more constructive pathways moving forward.  Often Astrologers issue warnings under this conjunction, but I always see it as the germ (excuse pun) of  possibility and potential.  Which way you go is to a great extent up to the individual, and collectively our response stems from that.  So it is a day to make good choices…the power is there, but some will misuse it, e.g. world leaders who are inclined to tantrums may play up.

Friday (13th) – lucky for some – gives us Venus trine the North Node.  Love and the Arts flourish under this aspect.  These song lyrics are coming to mind:

“What the world needs now is love, sweet love
It’s the only thing that there’s just too little of
What the world needs now is love, sweet love,
No not just for some but for everyone.

Lord, we don’t need another mountain,
There are mountains and hillsides enough to climb
There are oceans and rivers enough to cross,
Enough to last till the end of time.”

~ Burt Bacharach and Hal David

Saturday (14th) is another day which can bring our lives forward, for Mars is Stationary prior to going Direct that day.  We may no longer feel we are pushing the boulder up the hill…we may be able to roll it gently along the flat (hopefully it is not likely to be rolling downhill).  For the Ariens among you, you could experience a literally physical renewal.

This is followed towards the evening by a sextile between the Sun and Pluto.  This finishes the day and the week on a profoundly satisfying note in some way. You may have to put in the inner work of soul searching to find the treasure, but the force is likely to be with you.  It is a profound aspect which may help to show us the direction we need to solve our collective problems, and understanding the meaning behind our dilemmas.

The week in bullet points:

• Tomorrow – sensual tension
• Tuesday – keep dancing; incisive thought
• Thursday – power and potential, handle with care
• Friday – love and the arts flourish
• Saturday – emerging progress; profound experiences

U.S. Presidential Election

A Last Minute Recap

I will keep this brief, as I am no wiser than the next person on the subject.  Indeed, most people thought Hillary Clinton would win four years ago, and she did not.  Maybe Donald Trump has a certain je ne sais quoi que je ne sais pas. It is also true that most pundits, of all descriptions, tend to be influenced by their own bias, and that is an unknowable quantity.

Joe Biden

“… the face it chose was a familiar one, belonging to a man whom Democrats feel they’ve known for ever, whom most of them trust and like. Even the voters I met who were not backing Joe Biden described him the same way: as a ‘good man’, as a ‘really decent person’, as someone of warmth and “empathy”.”  ~ Jonathan Freedland

Written earlier in 2020:

“At the time of the presidential election, Joe Biden has Jupiter sextile his natal Mercury (which is mentally upbeat) and Chiron trine his natal Pluto (which is profoundly helpful).”

To which I would add that though the Chiron trine is not exact, it may be important because in his natal chart he has Chiron conjunct his North Node (karmic mission).  Also, the sextile of Jupiter to his Mercury is exact the next day, when some of the results are starting to come in.  So there may be some initial cheer.  Of course, we hear a lot about delays, and this week Mercury will be square Saturn for most of the week, which bears this out.  And we hear much about Donald possibly not accepting defeat if it comes, which may delay an outcome even further.  Then there are fears that the country will be plunged into civil war afterwards (whoever wins).  If we were not living in such unusual times (not to mention the pandemic), Jupiter sextile his Mercury would be plainsailing good news for him!

Written earlier in 2020:

“For the time of the inauguration, Biden has very difficult transits, suggesting that he may have to cede to his deputy if elected: Mars will square his natal Pluto (danger); Jupiter will be opposite his natal Pluto (a difficult power struggle), Uranus will be square his Pluto (difficult change) and Pluto opposite his natal Jupiter (more power struggle).”

Donald Trump

Written earlier in 2020:

“Donald Trump at the time of the presidential election will have: Uranus sextile his natal Mercury (surprise), Saturn opposite his Venus (heartache), Neptune square his Uranus (confusion) and Chiron opposite his Neptune (more confusion).  Although this is a mixed bag, there is enough difficulty there to possibly topple him… ”

To which I would add he also has Mars opposite his Chiron, exact on the day, another dangerous opposition.

His transits for Inauguration time are:

Pluto opposite his natal Venus (a shattering time for him personally), but with Pluto trine his Midheaven (a transformation in his Career, Life Direction and Reputation – which could go either way!)

Kamala Harris

As Deputy for Joe Biden, if he were elected she may have to step into his shoes at a moment’s notice.

Written earlier this year:

“Her transits for the time of the election on 3rd November show Neptune opposite her natal Venus in Virgo in 3rd House (some personal confusion) and Jupiter trine her natal Jupiter in Taurus in 11th House (a sign for success).”

and for the Inauguration:

“In her transits for the Inauguration on 20th January, she has Pluto trine her natal Jupiter (the chance of a real step up in power).”

Mike Pence

Again, written earlier this year:

“What is a surprise is the set of transits for his running mate, Mike Pence, which are partly favourable, so they do not rule out Pence taking over for Trump.  At the time of the election, Mars will be exactly sextile Pence’s natal Sun (new vigour), and the North Node will be exactly conjunct his Mercury (again, according to his karma, the result could swing either way).  At the time of the inauguration, Pence will have Saturn opposite his natal Mars (some blocking), Saturn square his natal Neptune (discomfort), but Pluto sextile his natal Jupiter (often meaning taking on power, and a milder version of Kamala’s positive transit at inauguration).”

Chart of the U.S.A.

Election Transits for the chart of the U.S. show the North Node on its Mars in Gemini in 9th House of Foreign Relations – an impact on world affairs;  Chiron square its Jupiter in Cancer in 10th House – an alteration or crisis in its reputation; Pluto trine its Neptune in Virgo in 12th House – favourable to change; and the Nodal Axis square its Neptune in Virgo in 12th House – utter confusion!

For the Inauguration: Pluto will be opposite its Mercury (nervous strain); Mars sextile its Jupiter (enthusiasm or hope), and Chiron still square its Jupiter.

Some political commentator fear that the process of settling the issue could take a great deal of time, particularly if Donald loses and digs his heels in.  There is an interesting set of transits for 19th and 20th February:  The U.S. Pluto Return takes place on 20th February 2022 in its 4th House of Home and Family, the day after the exact opposition of Pluto to Donald Trump’s Venus.  It could be that the issue or an issue is forced, for Donald Trump around that time, and crisis and transformation come to a crucial point around that time for the U.S.  These two factors could be linked.

Meanwhile, other transits to watch for the U.S. are: Saturn reaching the U.S. Pluto, on 21st November, a possible rock bottom moment; and Jupiter reaching Pluto on 7th/8th December, a possible sign of hope.

Mercury turning Direct on the day is not unhelpful, but as you will see under Aspects for this week, it is a Mercury which is in a stuck position, squaring Saturn.

And, as I have said before, the Jupiter-Saturn conjunction at 0 degrees Aquarius on 21st December heralds a fresh new era for all of us, and that may include a new presidency.

Aspect

There is one aspect this week, and it is able to dominate the week in an unusual way.  Mercury is in a stuck position, squaring Saturn.  In the U.K. we are facing a lockdown, from Thursday 5th November.  In the U.S. they are facing what may be a stuck election.  You will need a great deal of patience this week.  You may also need a new philosophy of life, along the lines of forbearance (an old fashioned, 19th or 20th Century value).

That mood starts today, with the actual square between Saturn and Mercury itself, the first of two passes (in one week – what a rarity!)  It may be difficult, but it does mark this week out as being a special week.  Try to look at the Universe’s purpose for the train of events, or for how they interact with your own life purposes.  “What is being required here?” is a useful question.

More haste less speed may be a useful mantra to follow: I had the mundane challenge this morning of a very slow computer, which fits the brief accurately.  Travel and communications will be slow, and during almost the rest of the week.

On Tuesday (3rd), the day of the U.S. Presidential Election, Mercury will be Stationary prior to turning Direct.  There may be some slight sense of relief, e.g. “we can go out and vote to change things” or “we can get on with planning the next month’s lockdown”.  It is the difference between being in a state of suspense and being able to take some action, however small.  Some types of glitches (e.g. some computer issues) can be smoothed out today or in the next few days to come.  But remember that Saturn is still holding down Mercury, so some issues are still under a state of repression.  It is still by no means full steam ahead, and may not be for a few days to come.  You can certainly pick up some projects which involve paperwork and documentation, and make some essential journeys.

To fill in the tedium of this week, I am including some Fixed Star inspirations.  So on Tuesday, our Sun is aligned with the fixed star Acrux, the alpha star of the Southern Cross.  According to Vivien E. Robson, this star is associated with intuition and inventive thought.

From “Starlight Elixirs” by Michael Smulkis and Fred Rubenfeld we have:

“Humanity has reached the point of perfect attunement for receiving the beneficial energies from this place and this civilization.  For some individuals working with games, the sense of competitiveness and inner strength can become an awareness of love, compassion, forgiving, seeing it all as a game, and being able to have some perspective on it.  This is also helpful in dealing with many conditions of seeming hopelessness or difficulty on Earth.”

On Wednesday (4th) our Sun is aligned with the star Alphecca which Robson equates with honour and artistic ability.  It is part (the jewel) of the crown of Coronae Borealis, and suggests a gift.

Again from “Starlight Elixirs”:

“The beings associated with this star have a deep love of history.  They made contact with Earth beings in the time of ancient Greece.  The god associated with Mercury, sometimes called Hermes, was actually a manifested being from this civilization.  Some direct influence beginning in the ancient Grecian period is associated with this star.  These beings have assisted in this deeper awareness of integrating principles at various times and have sought to stimulate ideas and communicative principles for long periods with Earth.”

Friday (6th) brings a return of Saturn square Mercury (today’s aspect), this time with Mercury Direct as it just turned, so twice in one week, which is so very unusual as has been mentioned.  You may experience it as one long continuous square between Sunday and Friday (virtually the whole week), with some lightening of proceedings from Monday’s turnaround. So you may feel slightly lighter on Friday, as Mercury is Direct.  Perhaps you may see the light at the end of the distant tunnel.  Otherwise, all that was mentioned for the beginning of the week still applies.

On that day, too, another Fixed Star links with us: Zubenelgenubi, the Southern Scale of Libra.  Some words from “Starlight Elixirs, may apply:

“This binary star influences in a very positive way those aspects of close relationship where individuals have given over their will to another being, yet recognize that, paradoxically, the other being has also given over his or her will to you.  Individuals may be able to find a peacefulness in their relationship by balancing forces that may be negative, aggressive, or those causing great disruption in their relationship.”

The week in bullet points:

• Today – slow progress
• Tuesday – some improvement in communications; perspective
• Wednesday – integration and harmony
• Friday – again, slow progress, but not as slow as Sunday; peacefulness

Strictly Come Dancing 2020 – Part 1

A very different series of Strictly Come Dancing awaits us this year, with social distance rules and virtually no audience.  Nevertheless, there was clearly much enjoyment to be had in last week’s partnership reveal show, and no loss of zest.  And last night’s first Live show did not disappoint, leaving a warm glow.  As usual, I will kick off with four contestants, and come back to this theme in future blogs.

Caroline Quentin

We first came to know Caroline in Men Behaving Badly (1992-1997), but she has hardly left our TV screens since.  Mars (men) sextile the North Node and closely conjunct the Midheaven in Taurus, may symbolize that role.  She has Sun conjunct Venus in Cancer, and has been involved in programmes about houses (namely: The World’s Most Extraordinary Homes and Restoration Home), a Cancerian theme.  She also has the Entrepreneur Archetype: Jupiter trine Uranus.  A most interesting feature of her chart is Jupiter exactly trine her Ascendant, on the cusp of the 5th House, at the Galactic Centre – that’s almost a superpower!  No wonder she has been popular and successful throughout her career.

In the partnering show, nearly all the celebrities said they were over the moon with and would have picked their designated partners; so we cannot infer anything from their reactions!  But she seems genuinely happy with her designated partner.  For the transmission of the partnering show, Caroline had Jupiter opposite her Sun (high hopes);  Neptune trine her Sun, a chance to reconnect with her Inner Dancer (she originally wanted to be a dancer so it is a childhood dream come true); and Mars trine her natal Uranus – all fired up!  For the start of the Live shows, last night, Neptune was still trine her natal Sun.  With her partner Johannes she performed the American Smooth last night, and drew great praise from the judges, and a very successful first score of three 7s.  Her full Cancerian emotion was on display.   In her transits for the Final show Neptune will still be trine her natal Sun (still enjoying reconnecting with dance), but Pluto will be opposite her natal Venus, a tough time personally.  And she will have North Node sextile her natal Uranus – a surprise for her, plus Uranus opposite her natal Neptune, complexity.  I think she will enjoy the Strictly experience, but would not see her in the final.  She will do well, though.

Her synastry with partner Johannes Radebe reveals her Neptune opposite his Sun (he can help bring out her Inner Dancer, but the experience is more complex for him); her Jupiter trine his Mercury and conjunct his Uranus, transits which provide a some successful showcasing of his teaching.  She describes him as “patient, funny and kind”.  His transits for the start of the Live shows show Saturn square his Mercury (something holding him back), Chiron on his Venus, some emotional pain (which may be in his private life) and Uranus opposite his Pluto (there may be a sense in which he may be performing below par).  For the final, Uranus opposes his natal Sun, so he could be feeling detached at that time, Chiron will still be on his Venus, but Uranus trine his Neptune, making some sense of recent difficulties.  He will be on a real journey, as they say. Right now, though he seems confident of being able to bring out Caroline’s highest potential.

HRVY

Young HRVY was born in 1999 but found fame as a singer at an early age.  With 0 planets in Earth, he may find difficulty in grounding, and with 6 planets in Air he may overthink things.  Last night’s performance showed him to have real dancing feet, though his jive was so quick his feet almost didn’t touch the ground!  But he has 6 planets in the Fixed signs, which gives him strong will power.  He is a Sun sign Aquarian with Mercury conjunct the Sun, so may have a futuristic mental outlook.  With the Sun also conjunct Uranus, he can surprise you, and no doubt will do so throughout this competition.  Sun conjunct Neptune gives him a spiritual side, and Sun sextile Pluto means you could underestimate him – he is definitely one to watch!  Mercury square Mars provides quick mental reactions (could be good at the Tango head-turns!).  His Mercury is closely conjunct Neptune, so he could be good at channelling (e.g. may channel Fred Astaire!).  Mercury is also sextile exactly Chiron, making him a problem-solver (he may be a person who habitually uses the phrase “no problem”!)  With Uranus sextile Pluto, he can flow with change.

He began his music career with a single, “Thank You”, released on 20th December 2013.  Yes, you read that right…at the tender age of 14.  Transiting Uranus, his ruling planet, was sextile his natal Sun (the sign of sudden success).  The next year, he was a supporting act for Little Mix!  On 20th November this year he will release his debut album, when Saturn is sextile his natal Jupiter, Saturn square his natal Saturn and Uranus square his natal Sun.  So he will be under a lot of pressure, with the dancing competition alongside that.  Uranus is currently square his Sun and Saturn sextile his natal Jupiter now, as we start the Live shows.  He put in a breathtaking performance last night, with superlatives from each of the judges, and the top score of 8, 8 and 9.  For the final, the Uranus square has passed, so that may be more associated with the excitement of his debut album.  At the final, Jupiter would be square his natal Mars in Scorpio, he’d be really going for it if he is in the final!  But Saturn will be square his natal Mars, so he would be required to exhibit great flair with great discipline, balancing his natal T-square of Mercury, Mars and Saturn.

His partner Janette Manrara is a bright spark, always cheery and effervescent on screen.  Their synastry shows their Mercuries are exactly sextile, providing great mental rapport.  His Chiron on her Mercury will pose her conundrums, but at the same time contribute to their solution.  Her Uranus sextiles his natal Sun, which is a successful sign for him.  Her Pluto trine his Venus constitutes a deep partnership, very transformational for him.  Her Pluto on his Mars brings a lot of energetic connection between them, which may become obvious in the fast-paced dances.

Her transits as they begin the competition shows transiting Pluto closely sextile her Sun, which builds to an exact transit at the final; that is extremely fulfilling.  But Chiron opposes her Venus, and Uranus opposes her Saturn so it is a challenge for her, on some level (perhaps the age gap?).  Other prevailing transits for her at the final are: Jupiter square her Pluto (a sense of power for her) and Saturn square her natal Pluto, a bittersweet edge – maybe  they will come second in the final?  But I see them as a sure fire entry into the final.

Maisie Smith

Maisie is another youngster, who plays Tiffany in Eastenders.  She was born the year after HRVY, and shares a similar element balance with HRVY.  With 7 Air planets she is mentally focussed, and with 0 Earth planets, you would assume her to be ungrounded.  Of course, both may have worked on these issues since they arrived on the planet.  And dance would definitely help ground them.  Maisie’s mother has described her as extremely grounded, so perhaps she has an Earth sign rising (we do not have her birth time).  Motsi last night described her as bringing “the dance to Mother Earth”.  She also has 6 planets in Mutable signs, making her adaptable and versatile.  Maisie has the Sun in the very feminine sign of  Cancer, so could do well in the feminine qualities required for some dances, and she obviously revels in the girlie costumes.  She has an unaspected Sun, which indicates a free spirit.  Mercury conjunct Jupiter may make her a quick learner on the dance floor.  Her stage school teacher described her thus: “Maisie has the most incredible memory and when it comes to script work she is fantastic.”  And Mercury trine Uranus could add touches of brilliance, and quick thinking, e.g. picking up after a missed step.  Venus trine Neptune indicates one who has musicality and innate dance ability.  Mars conjunct Pluto means she is a powerhouse of energy, in herself.  She has the Entrepreneur Archetype, like Caroline Quentin, and can go far, diversifying the avenues for her talents.  Like HRVY, she began her career young, as the red-headed daughter of red-headed Bianca, at the age of 6.

Her transits for the beginning of the Live shows bring up a square to her Sun from Mars, so she will be uninhibited from the start (she was, actually, fearless!).  She came out all guns blazing, in a frilly pink number.  At the final stage, Uranus will be square her Neptune, so there may be some hitch along the way, but she will give some spirited performances to be sure.  And on her performance last night, you would think her entry to the final to be guaranteed.  She came second on the leaderboard, after HRVY had performed.

Partner Gorka Marquez has clearly done a good job, from the outset, of allowing her talent to shine.  Their Synastry shows his Venus sextile her Mercury (good communication between them), his Venus trine her Chiron (a good relationship), his Jupiter sextile her Venus (a real marker for success, and Excellence in relationship, plus his Uranus on her South Node, adds another layer of success.

For the duration of the contest, he has Neptune opposite his natal Mercury, and Neptune sextile his Saturn.  The latter transit can bring inspiration down to earth.  The first transit may mean that he may take his eye off the glitterball at some point.  Chiron square his Uranus at the end means there is a possibility of injury during the competition.

She scored three 8s.  Bianca will already be proud, wherever she is!

Bill Bailey

Wow – Here we have someone who is very grounded, with 8 planets in Earth!  You might expect him to be a little too heavy on his feet, but actually he is more agile than you would expect for a veteran comedian.  Sun in Capricorn (politics) trine Jupiter (comedy) points to political satire as one of the strings to his bow.  With 0 Air signs, he is also very instinctive.  He has the energy (Sun trine Mars) and he has the enthusiasm (Sun trine Jupiter) to go far.  Mercury conjunct Venus gives him a way with words, and Mercury square Mars quick mental reactions.  Jupiter trine Uranus points to the third Entrepreneur in my quartet!  He is comfortable with Power (Jupiter exactly trine Pluto), and has the anarchic Uranus-Pluto conjunction in Virgo of the mid-1960s.

As well as being a stand up comedian he is known for appearances on Never Mind the Buzzcocks and QI.  He is also very musical, and played musical instruments during his performance last night.  He is an exponent of animal and wildlife conservation, and says he feels an affinity with the 19th Century naturalist Alfred R. Wallace.  The two are both Capricorns with Mercury conjunct Venus.  He begins the Live shows with Pluto on his Sun in Capricorn!  He seems to be embracing this challenge spectacularly.  He also has Saturn trine his natal Mars, some self-discipline, and Jupiter sextile his natal Neptune (currently loving life).  For the final he has Mars square his natal Sun, which is a bit frenzied.  Pluto will still be on his Sun (a long transformative process, throughout the series).

He is partnered with last year’s winner, the brilliant Oti Mabuse, who may not win again this year, but with his Jupiter squares her Sun – he will make her laugh!  Good, deep, connections include: His Neptune sextile her Saturn, his Uranus sextiles her Pluto and his Chiron trine her Pluto – they will transform each other.  Oti’s starting transits show Jupiter on her Saturn in Capricorn, a lightening up, a tonic;  and Chiron square her natal Uranus, also a shake up for her in some ways.  They came together over African rhythms last night, and put in a fun performance of the Cha Cha.  Her final transits show Pluto opposite her Venus, possibly too much of a challenge;  Uranus trine her Uranus – a personal success of sorts; and  Chiron square her natal Uranus still, still undergoing a shake up.  I think she will have a lot going on in her private life.  Not a serious contender for the glitterball, but a welcome and rewarding diversion in her life.

So we already have two possible contenders here: HRVY and Maisie, and Caroline keeping the flag flying for the older generation.  I will be back in two or three weeks with the next instalment!

Aspects

At tea time today, the Sun will be conjunct Mercury retrograde at 3 degrees Scorpio. You may experience deep insights into life and love.  You may solve a mystery, from the low key “Where did my glasses get to?”, to the more profound “Why are we here?”.  Conversations may produce revelations.

In the early hours of Wednesday (28th) morning in the U.K. [1.33 a.m.], Mercury, still retrograde, re-enters Libra (from Scorpio).  You may return to a brief spell of soothing cultural themes, after a spell of furrowing your brow over the mysteries of life.  Gaze at beautiful paintings, and listen to beautiful music.

Eight minutes later, at 1.41 a.m., Venus enters Libra from the regular end (Virgo), emphasizing the planet Venus in both ingresses.  You may be pondering relationships or money, and see the issue from two different angles.  But the proximity of these two changes of sign may produce an intensity of real significance.  Venus is happy and harmonious in her own sign of Libra, and that may assist you in finding the sweet words to overcome any tensions.  A spot of insomnia may prove worthwhile, or you may have a beautiful dream.

It’s Happy Halloween for Saturday (31st), with a spooky Full Moon at lunchtime at 8 degrees Taurus.  Be sure to have all the edible treats on the table; the tomato sandwiches, the mozzarella sticks, the liquorice spider webs, etc.  And of course, the thoughts of dear ones departed who may be taking advantage of the collective tradition of the thinning of the veil.  If you have forgotten how Aunt Maud can provide guidance, you can re-kindle that telepathic pathway!

After lunch, Uranus opposes the Sun, requiring a change of orientation in some way.  Earlier insights, either from the day itself or earlier in the week, may lead you to understand what changes are required.  Expect the unexpected.  Be open and flexible, and use your intuition to the max.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – insight and focus
• Wednesday – love and money
• Saturday – trick or treat

 

Andy Burnham

Cometh the man, cometh the hour, so they say.  Andy Burnham, Mayor of  Greater Manchester, emerged as initiator of the Northern Rebellion this week, like liberty leading the people.

Birth Chart

I originally wrote about Andy during his second leadership bid for his party, in 2015, in which he came second to Jeremy Corbyn:

” He comes across as a competent and sincere man, but has not captured the public imagination – perhaps he is a little safe and dull?  He was born on a New Moon (Sun conjunct Moon) in the prosaic sign of Capricorn, which is strongly politically motivated.  He is a decent chap, with Venus conjunct this combination, and his heart is no doubt in a good place.  He also has his Mercury in Capricorn: a methodical, practical, systematic type of thinker.  6 of his 10 planets are in Earth signs, so he is grounded and realistic.

He does have an imaginative side, with North Node conjunct Mars in Pisces, normally the Warrior Archetype conjunction but softened by its appearance in Pisces.  He is a Warrior, but does not like to confront directly…  His Mars also sextiles his Sun exactly, and he has 5 of his 10 planets in Cardinal signs, so he has energy and would see himself as a leader.

The Piscean sensitivity also extends to his mental faculties, as his Capricorn mind (Mercury) sextiles closely Neptune, the planet of imagination.  So this is a balance in his make up, between the practical and the imaginative.  His Mercury also trines closely his natal Pluto, giving him depth of thought as well.”

To that I would add that his 6 Earth planets give him a deep connection with his Northern roots (he was born in Liverpool), and Moon conjunct Venus lends a quality of gentleness to his character.

When all the unsuccessful candidates (the other two were Liz Kendall and Yvette Cooper) slinked off after that election, I remember  wondering what they would do with their lives and ambitions. Yvette Cooper made a successfully strident critic in opposition, and Liz Kendall continued to successfully serve as an MP in Leicester.  But I was intrigued when Andy Burnham made a bid for the Mayoralty of Manchester – I felt that he was making a choice from the heart.  And he has shown heart in his role.

Life and Career

Andy joined the Labour party at the age of 14 (so socialism is ingrained in him like the letters in a stick of rock!).  It was a response to the miner’s strike of 1984/5.  He gained a degree in English at Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge.  He gave his maiden speech in parliament in 2001, at the age of 31.  He took various roles in government under Blair and Brown, notably Minister of State at the Department of Health, Chief Secretary to the Treasury and Secretary of State of Health.  In his first challenge for the leadership of the party in 2010 (standing on the philosophy of “aspirational socialism”), he must have felt ready to lead, but came fourth to Ed Milliband.

Mayor of Greater Manchester

Andy Burnham was elected Mayor on 5th May 2017, with 65% of the vote.  He stated at the time:

” politics] has been too London-centric for too long … Greater Manchester is going to take control. We are going to change politics and make it work better for people.”

It was a new role, and one which he had to carve and create for himself.  Since then, he has notably attempted to tackle homelessness in his city, though he pledged to eradicate it and later admitted he would not quite achieve that aim.  Another aim was to overhaul the disjointed bus network, and in this aim he has met with delays and frustrations too.  The same is true for his desire to tackle pollution…the wheels of government grind slowly, and some of the delays have been down to Brexit legislations.

He was called upon to show his mettle as a leader in  the handling of the Manchester Arena bombing disaster.  He made an effective speech at the time, and provided support in various ways.  The aftermath and repercussions left may issues for him to deal with.  But it is as a voice for the North that he has been most visible.

This Week

So his great love for his territory and role as defender of Manchester came out this week when he stood up to Boris Johnson and declared that Manchester would not go willingly into Tier 3 despite the rising coronavirus numbers.  Matt Hancock immediately accused him of playing party politics, but his party leader Keir Starmer had earlier in the week challenged Boris to enforce a circuit breaker.  For Andy, the economic support that the government would provide in such an eventuality were not enough for his citizens to live on.  In fact, Burnham felt that a circuit breaker would be fairer than a Tier 3 category enforcement.  He stated that he would not let  his region become “the sacrificial lamb for an ill-thought-through Downing Street policy which doesn’t make sense in the real world”.  Venus transiting his South Node and opposing his North Node and Mars at the moment is making very much a defending karmic role.  On 18th November he may be taking a very strong stance, when Saturn exactly trines his natal Pluto in Virgo.

Currently, Boris’ response is to say he may override the Mayoral stance.  Of course the health vs economics tightrope walk is a fine line.  But Andy Burnham has drawn a line.  The populace of Manchester are currently awaiting clarification, amid talk of talks being held.

The Chart of Manchester

Astrologically, it is an extremely interesting time for the chart of Manchester, pivotal and crucial, with Pluto exactly trine its Sun on the day Andy Burnham made his stand.  Pluto was also conjunct the Chiron of Manchester: a make or break moment.  No wonder he felt such a compulsion to act on behalf of its citizens.

Aspects

Saturn squares the Sun at lunchtime today, so you may be excused for feeling a little flat today.  Perhaps you live in a Tier 2 or 3 area, and are feeling the screw tightening, and your options dwindling.   We are all in it together, but some of us are more in it than others.

And then, just after lunch, Neptune opposes Venus, which is uncomfortable but in a different way, that you may not be able to put your finger on.  There may be some deception or illusion going on, especially in relationships or with money, so be cautious.  Don’t answer any cold calls or scam emails.  This aspect, like the previous, one, is fairly subdued.

A change of energy tomorrow (Monday 19th) with the more vibrant aspect of Mars square Jupiter: sheer over the top enthusiasm allied with energy. This aspect can bring spirited exchanges or sporting achievements, but there is a possible hint of danger – the last time it surfaced was in August, when there was a huge explosion in Beirut.

However, Venus trines Jupiter tomorrow, which is one of the best aspects of the year, and may go some way to mitigating some of the more reckless features of Mars square Jupiter.  The male energy may be running riot, but the female energy may temper that and make it more useful.  Venus with Jupiter is so very social, and can be romantic too.  It’s an aspect to savour and enjoy.

Tuesday (20th) brings a return of the recent opposition between Mercury and Uranus, last seen on Wednesday 7th when Mercury was still Direct.  Now that Mercury is Retrograde, there is even more possibility of experiencing the spanner in the works.  But if you are tuned into a higher mental wavelength, e.g. that of telepathy, you can achieve progress and flow.

The Sun enters Scorpio late on Thursday (22nd).  Under the Sun in Libra, we were going for negotiation, but now we need to confront the deeper issues and find more lasting solutions which treat the causes and not just the symptoms of a situation.  For this we need more insight, resolve and conviction, qualities of this sign.  The Scorpio gig is a grittier requirement.  You may see two sides becoming more entrenched in a stand off.

There is hope, on Saturday (24th), of more coming together, and more commitment and loyalty, with Venus trine Saturn.  Here again, Venus can provide a softening role to a hard line stance.  It’s not the celebratory relationship of Venus and Jupiter that we saw on Monday, but it is conciliatory, which may be just what is needed at that time.  Relationships need serious resolving, and Venus trine Saturn can help, whether on a personal level, or between the North and South.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – flatness; intrigue
• Tomorrow – high jinks; celebration
• Tuesday – the spanner in the works
• Thursday – taking a stronger stance
• Saturday – calling a truce