Wimbledon 2022 – Week 1

It’s good to be facing the prospect of another Wimbledon fortnight!  I hope to be commenting regularly, throughout, as usual.  And as is my custom, I am starting with the top four Women’s and Men’s Seeds.  But there are some interesting wildcards this year, so I am likely to look at them later.

Women’s Seeds

No. 1 Seed: Iga Swiatek

I wrote last year:

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

At the outset of Wimbledon this year, Mars is on her natal Venus (heightened pleasure in her play), Saturn is on her natal Uranus (discipline, but possible clashing).

By the time of the final, she has: Jupiter square her Nodal Axis (exaggerated karma), and Saturn still on her natal Uranus.

These are not particularly inspiring transits, but I will monitor things as they go along.

No. 2 Seed: Anett Kontaveit

I haven’t looked at Anett’s chart before.  She was a Christmas baby in 1995, born in Estonia, with the Sun, Mars/Mercury/Neptune and Uranus in Capricorn.  The Sun conjunct Jupiter in Sagittarius is lucky and sporty.  Mercury exactly conjunct Mars gives her razor sharp mental reactions, and Mercury exactly sextile Saturn, with Mars exactly sextile Saturn add precision and control.  Mercury/Mars also conjunct Neptune add some whimsy and inspiration to her moves and shots, too.  Venus conjunct Uranus and closely sextile Pluto give her personal magnetism.  Uranus conjunct Neptune, a feature of all charts in her birth year, helps her cope with complexity.  All in all, a chart admirably suited to her craft.  The greatest difficult is that she has four squares to her Nodal Axis, so karma may sometimes work against her.

At the outset of Wimbledon this year, Uranus trines her natal Mars (an electric start), and Mars squares her natal Neptune (some subtle discomfort).

By the time of the final, she has: Uranus trines her natal Mercury (a sparky mind), Mars squares her Venus (may need to take care physically), Uranus trines her natal Mars (electrical energies), Uranus sextiles her natal Saturn (playing with more intuition than usual, over discipline), and the North Node sextiles her natal Saturn (steady karma).

Her finishing transits are far better than her beginning ones, so if she gets through the first rounds she could be a real contender for the final.

No. 3 Seed: Ons Jabeur

Like Kontaveit, Ons Jabeur has half her planets (5) in Earth signs, so they are both very grounded.  Ons has Sun in Virgo sextile Mars, so good energy for athleticism.  Sun opposite Saturn may see her struggle at certain times, e.g. during significant Saturn transits.  Tunisian Ons has Mercury trine Uranus/Neptune, so an inventive mind, capable of outwitting an opponent and tackling complexity, also bringing in inspiration.  Mercury exactly sextile her North Node suggest she will do very well as a trainer later in her career, and Mercury’s conjunction with Chiron is mentally tense, but capable of breathtaking problem-solving.  She has a Grand Trine in Water consisting of Mars/Saturn/Jupiter, which can give her a great deal of power and presence on court.  Neptune sextile her North Node may also make her a spiritual leader, so her growth in life will be very interesting.  She is married to her fitness coach.

At the outset of Wimbledon this year, Jupiter squares her Mars (she won’t be short of enthusiasm), and North Node trines her Neptune (her level of inspiration will be high) Neptune will be trine her Pluto (great depth and sensitivity of play), but Saturn will be square her natal Pluto (some level of struggle).

By the time of the final, she has: the North Node trine her Mercury (attention to detail), Jupiter still square her natal Mars, and Neptune exactly trine her Pluto to the day.  Saturn will no longer be square her Pluto, so there will be less holding her back.

All in all, a reasonable set of transits, so she could get close at least to the final.

No. 4 Seed: Paula Badosa

Unaspected Sun in Scorpio describes a free spirit.  Mercury sextiles Jupiter in her chart, so she has a wide ranging mind, and a talent for languages (she speaks Spanish, Catalan English and French). Mercury also trines Saturn, giving good mental application, with Jupiter between the two, creating two sextiles.  Jupiter exactly sextile Saturn suggests good, balanced judgement.  Mercury conjunct Pluto, re-emphasizes the sign of Scorpio, giving her the mental attributes of that sign: a forensic mind, incorporating emotional intensity.  Uranus sextile Pluto in her chart gives her the ability to handle change.

At the outset of Wimbledon this year, Pluto is on her natal Neptune (a supreme challenge).

By the time of the final, she has:. the same transit, exact to the day.

She may either go out in an early round (fairly likely), or if she can conquer this astrological challenge, make the final, strangely enough.

Of the four, I would pick Ons Jabeur to go the furthest in the competition.

Men’s Seeds

No. 1 Seed: Novak Djokovic

In the quarter finals of the recent tournament at Roland Garros, Novak lost to Rafael Nadal, who of course went on to increase his record in Paris.  The two of them still have the capacity to dominate a tournament.

At the outset of Wimbledon this year, Pluto is sextile his natal Moon (he is intensely emotional), Saturn is sextile his natal Uranus (he may be more cautious than usual, but still powerful), Neptune squares his Uranus (he may have moments of losing concentration), and Jupiter squares his Neptune (he may feel out of sorts spiritually).

By the time of the final, he has: Neptune still square his natal Uranus, Jupiter still square his natal Neptune, and Uranus from the top of his chart square his natal Ascendant (a possible upset).  That’s three major squares in his transits, so he may well fail to reach the end of the tournament.

I don’t this indicates that he will be the winner.

No. 2 Seed: Rafael Nadal

At Roland Garros, Nadal won his 14th French Open title, close to his Solar Return (birthday).  He also had Uranus sextile his natal Venus (the power of surprise), the North Node sextile his natal Jupiter (karma on his side), Jupiter square his natal Neptune (like Djokovic has for Wimbledon) and the South Node on his Ascendant (very karmic).

Now, a few weeks on, at the outset of Wimbledon this year, Chiron squares his natal Venus (the  health issue with his foot could plague him, as it was only just manageable at Roland Garros.  However, he a new treatment after Roland Garros, which he says is holding up well.  He still has the North Node sextile his natal Jupiter, which proved lucky at Roland Garros, and the South Node is still on his Ascendant.

By the time of the final, he has few strong transits, so it may be that he does not have as much motivation for Wimbledon this year as for the French Open, and may decide he needs more healing time for his feet.

Astrologically, it does not look all that promising for his progress in this tournament.

No. 3 Seed: Casper Ruud

I wrote about Casper Ruud for the French Open:

“Caspar Ruud is a Capricorn, with Mercury conjunct Pluto in Sagittarius (a deep thinker).  Also Moon conjunct Uranus in Aquarius (a vivid imagination, and intuitive).”

Historically, he is the highest ever ranked Norwegian tennis player, and grew up idolizing Rafael Nadal, who has taken him under his wing.

He seems to have taken the tennis world by storm recently, reaching the final against Nadal at Roland Garros.  His transits at the time were:

“Mars trines his Mercury, so there is good energy and co-ordination
The North Node sextiles his Jupiter….
Mars trines his Pluto, so there is a powerhouse of energy available to him.”

I felt he had a chance of winning, at the time.  So let’s see how his transits have moved on  He now has:

Mars trine his natal North Node

Saturn on his South Node

These two transits may balance themselves out karmically. At the end of Wimbledon, he has:

Jupiter trine his natal Mercury/Pluto

Saturn still on his South Node

Pluto square his Saturn

The Jupiter transits are very positive, the Saturn transit he may still be able to balance, but Pluto square his Saturn may prove ultimately disappointing – he could make the final, though.

No. 4 Seed: Stefanos Tsitsipas

Stefanos was No. 3 Seed at last year’s Wimbledon.  I wrote:

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

His idol, growing up, was Roger Federer, and he decided to become a tennis player at the age of 9.  He lost to Rune in the fourth round at Roland Garros.

At the beginning of Wimbledon: The Nodal Axis squares his Sun (there may be a powerful force against him, karmically), Mars squares his Mars (may be injury prone), Neptune trines his natal Mars (some inspirational action), and Pluto sextiles his natal Jupiter (some powerful moves and passion from him, too).

At the end of Wimbledon: The Nodal Axis will still be square to his Sun, Neptune will still be trine his natal Mars, Pluto will still be sextile his natal Jupiter.  Additionally, Mars will be exactly on his natal Saturn, which may spur him on.

A mixed set of transits, but overall there are some encouraging signs there, and I would not rule out the final for him.

Of the four top men’s seeds, the best transits belong to Tsitsipas, closely followed by Ruud.  I haven’t checked the draw, so I don’t know if they could both be in the final.  That may be clearer later, or if you know, please leave a comment below.

If your favourite player isn’t here, stay tuned to comments, or post a request.

Aspects

We start the week with a sextile between Mercury and Chiron tomorrow (Monday 27th).  This can bring a satisfactory outcome in the arena of communication.  For example, something you might have been told was impossible finds a way through, and a problem may turn up with a solution.  This may be particularly true for health conditions.  That may bode well for the first day at Wimbledon, keeping injuries to a minimum!

Another sextile follows, in the evening, that between Mars and Saturn.  This will enable us to harness energy constructively, and feel our way with any new energy that arises.  Mars sextile Saturn is a useful aspect on a practical level, and you may feel you have achieved something by the end of the day.  It helps to stabilize and firm up any plans, foundations or active projects you are currently undertaking.

On Tuesday morning (28th) Neptune is Stationary, prior to turning Retrograde.  What stone might you have not have left unturned?  What have you left undone, what loopholes are you looking to fix?  What memories have you not yet worked through?  Now is the time to address those.  Where are you on your spiritual path? And are you ready to have a period of revision?  Answer as many of these questions as you can, before the Neptunian period of brain fog sets in…

Just within the first hour of Wednesday (29th) Jupiter squares the Sun, an aspect which exaggerates everything it comes into contact with.  It’s the square of the Clown and the Prankster, among other Archetypes. Just try not to get side-tracked.  There is also a joyful, humorous side of Sun square Jupiter, so some laughter-yoga from time to time during the day would not go amiss!  It could be a fun day, but be aware of carelessness or overreaching goals.  If you were late to bed the night before, you may be kept awake by some comedic event which occurred the night before.

A couple of hours later, there is a New Moon at 7 degrees Cancer, so if you find yourself with insomnia, you can diligently do your New Moon intentions.  It’s a pure and simple chance to get back to basics with our home, family, roots, locality, emotions and ancestry.  Where it falls in your chart can give you extra clues about placing your intentionality, your hopes and wishes.  Again, the night before may have had a sense of clearing out the decks in order to start anew.

As if that were not enough excitement for one early morning when you are catching up with your sleep, at almost 4 a.m. we have our third sextile of the week: that of Venus and Jupiter.  That is of course no ordinary sextile, being composed of the two “benefic” planets.  It’s one of the highlights in a year, conducive to socializing, celebrating partying, and romancing.  This sextile combines luck and love.  Enjoy!  You may have experienced a party mood before retiring, or may be planning something special for  Wednesday itself (as it happens, we do have a birthday celebration in our family that day, which will involve cake).  If you live in the U.S., it’s less of a problem involving this trio of aspects, as you can celebrate on the evening of Tuesday 28th.

Gather ye rosebuds while ye may…for the clouds are gathering towards Saturday’s infamous square between Mars and Pluto – in stark contrast to its predecessor, it’s one of the most difficult aspects of the year.  But make the most of the period in between Wednesday and Saturday, as the party mood may last longer for some.  For others, they may start to feel the pinch of the approaching square at some point in between.  The square occurs in the early hours of Saturday (2nd July), so again the evening of Friday (1st) may be tense (and for those in the U.S.).  Mars-Pluto requires physical care, but on this occasion equally feelings could be hurt or bruised, and you may need all your conflict resolution skills. In the U.S. someone may be feeling trigger happy, and gun laws may be again under scrutiny.

Saturday is likely to be a complex day overall, starting with the square, but then smoothing out and stabilizing a little mid-morning (in the U.K.) with Mercury trine Saturn.  If there has been a problem arising from Mars-Pluto, you can effect some damage limitation.  If not, then you can apply your mind to exacting tasks and documentation which may be outstanding.  It favours list-making, planning, and practical productivity.  Constructive serious conversations can also take place under this aspect.

Matters may be thrown into (further) disarray in the evening, when Neptune squares Mercury.  Some undefinable snag may be nagging at you.  If so, allow your subconscious to bring it up in its own time, but don’t shut up shop until you have identified the rum note.  Then you can deal with it, move on and let it go.  There could be some scandals in the news…(such as Boris Johnson not resigning).

The week in bullet points:

• Tomorrow – healing communication; harnessing energy
• Tuesday – questioning
• Wednesday – exaggeration; new beginning; party party
• Saturday – stay away from conflict; constructive thought; intrigue

Olena Zelenska

This week, it will be four months since the invasion of Ukraine by Russia on 24th February.  It is being said that we are beginning to suffer “Ukraine fatigue”, so here I am keeping the flag flying, with a blog about the first lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska.  When I wrote about her husband Volodomyr Zelenskyy three days after the invasion, we had only just heard of him, but sensed his heroism.  Our admiration has increased as each war torn month has gone by, though not all nations are supporting his cause.  From that time, the war has taken a terrible toll on Ukrainian family life, with women and children fleeing to safety, and men and boys staying to fight for the state and their own survival.

Birth Chart

Volodymyr was born on 25 January 1978, and Olena was born only 12 days later on 6 February – often a sign of soulmates who plan to incarnate together, when their lives run parallel.  They are both Aquarians, first attending the same school (she noticed him performing in school plays), and then properly meeting at University.  Their birth charts have much in common.

What qualities make the wife of a heroic national leader?  Of course, they did not know of the role or choose it, and apparently she felt completely unprepared for it.  Her planets are high in the Air element (6 out of 10 planets), so she approaches life intellectually.  She has 0 Earth planets, so may rely on the challenges of life to keep her grounded.

With the Sun conjunct Venus, she would have a strong interest in the Arts, and her Sun receives a strengthening exact sextile from Neptune and exact trine from Pluto.  Another advantageous natal aspect is Jupiter closely sextile Saturn, a sign of balanced judgement.  Pluto is loosely conjunct her North Node in Libra, suggesting a serious karmic role connected with her spouse (Libra).

Life, Career and Marriage

Olena was born in Kryvvi Rih, Ukraine, and studied architecture at University (an Aquarian subject).  She added scriptwriting to her skills, when in 2003 she began to write for the company her husband (famously a comedian before becoming a head of state) performed in.  The couple married the same year, on 6 September.  Her transits were healing (Chiron transits) and empowering (Pluto transits), and because they are born close together, Volodymyr’s were similar.  Their first child Oleksandra was born in 2004, and their son Kyrylo was born in 2013 (an Aquarian, like his parents).

She assumed the role of First Lady when Volodymyr became President on 20 May 2019.  Jupiter was closely sextile closely her Venus (elevated in society) and Neptune was square her Neptune (a role she may not have been expecting).  According to an interview in yesterday’s Guardian by Shaun Walker, Volodymyr “forgot to tell her” he would run for president the previous year – she heard it on the news!

Since becoming First Lady, she brought in reforms of the school meal system, upgrading nutrition, she has championed gender equality, raised the cultural profile of Ukraine, and taken a special interest in mental health (with Mercury square her Chiron in her natal chart).  She says in the interview: “Ukrainians are not used to asking psychologists for help.  We are liable to ignore depression or anxiety.  We need to have a major advertising campaign to tell people that it’s not their fault if they need mental help…Every Ukrainian is under a huge psychological burden now”.

From the first day of the war, Olena and the couple’s two children had to go into hiding, for safety, while her husband played his high profile role: “But I was also keeping it together, and I had this weird smile on my face all day, because I was trying not to show the children panic”, she says of the first day.

Volodymyr

The Guardian interview highlighted that Olena and her husband have differing temperaments; she describes him as optimistic and never giving up.  In February, I wrote:

“The Prime Minister of the Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, is the hero of the hour.  He was born on 25 January 1978 in Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine.  We have a birth time for him, which gives Jupiter rising (he started out as a comedian).  He was an actor, who played a man who unintentionally became prime minister.  He became prime minister of Ukraine in reality in 2019, campaigning on anti-corruption.  In the lead up to the invasion, he consistently urged calm, while pleading with NATO for support.  Putin has stated that he wants to rid Ukraine of Nazi influences, which is astonishing, given that Zelenskyy is Jewish.”

Jupiter rising explains his ability to sustain optimism.  Olena praises his communication skills, and sense of discipline.  His courage and capacity to inspire also come across in the interview, which is worth reading:

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/jun/18/olena-zelenska-ukraine-first-lady-rare-interview-family-under-threat

Here’s wishing the Ukrainian first family well, and a speedy end to the conflict!

Aspects

Venus was sextile Neptune in the early hours of this morning, so you may have enjoyed a blissful sleep with sweet dreams! It’s a delightful aspect – a beautiful expression of spirituality and the Arts.  New artistic avenues can flourish, ingenious ways for people to share art, music and performance can ensure the Arts are kept alive.

Tomorrow (Monday 20th) another sextile keeps us buoyant: that between Mercury and Jupiter.  It’s another high note!  Some good news may be possible. This aspect favours communication, sales and travel.  Some worries about business may be alleviated.  Higher learning is also a benefit – This may be helpful to students revising for upcoming exams.  It’s a good time to practice any new language skills, too.

There is more good news on Tuesday (21st) which brings a trine between Venus and Pluto.  This can settle your deepest feelings into a more comfortable psychological context.  This aspect helps us through changes and transformations on a human level.  Venus in harmony with Pluto benefits both love and money.

This is followed on the same day by the Summer Solstice, the entry of the Sun into the sign of Cancer.  Smell the roses, and celebrate the moment of maximum light.  Many people will enjoy the benefits of nature, and as that day has been earmarked as the first day of the national train strike, many will have to celebrate closer to home than originally planned: a staycational Solstice.  I run down the same road every day, but there are always changes to observe in the gardens and grass verges!

On to Thursday (23rd) – the second day of the rail strike – and another planet ingress arises, that of Venus into Gemini.  It occurs in the first hour of the day, so you may notice something as you retire the previous night, or an overactive mind while trying to drift off to sleep.  While Venus may have loved being in the comfort zone of her own sign, she is being required to take on the role of social butterfly while in Gemini.  Keeping communication going, and adding the warmth of companionship, will be her job here.  Venus in Gemini can do the small talk, any chit chat will do, it doesn’t have to be profound.  There is a chance that some talk may revolve around rail negotiations, but disruption is still likely despite this ingress.

There is some potential to work with a Fixed Star at the end of the week, on Saturday (25th), for our Sun aligns with Tejat, the left foot of the twin Castor in the constellation of Gemini, at 3 degrees Cancer.

Here is a description from: “Starlight Elixirs” by Michael Smulkis and Fred Rubenfeld:

“This star can gently and easily increase the ability to bring spiritual ideas into clear and expressible form as mental concepts and direct ideas, to be shared with others.  There will also be a stimulation of the seventh and eighth chakras, so these ideas may come when least expected.  There may be greater patience with abilities that do not seem to form patterns in the usual sense.  Various cycles such as biorhythms and astrological rhythms will be easier for people.”

The week in bullet points:

• Today – artistic inspiration
• Tomorrow – buoyant communication
• Tuesday – deep feelings; Summer Solstice
• Thursday – social butterflies
• Saturday – spiritual expression

Bruce Kent (1929 – 2022)

“His clarity of thought and deep Christian faith brought light and direction to many people wrestling with the complex arguments around war and peace.”

~ Malcolm McMahon, archbishop of Liverpool

Peace campaigner Bruce Kent died on Wednesday, at the age of 92.  For many years, he was the face of CND.

Birth Chart

I have a particular interest in the charts of Peacemakers, and regularly single them out for treatment here (!), so will create a new category today, in his honour.  The last one I wrote about was Antonio Gutteres on 1st May, and previous to that Volodymyr Zelenskyy on 27 February.

The chart of Bruce Kent bears weight to the fact that in order to be a successful and effective peace campaigner, you also have to have the Warrior Archetype in your chart!  His Sun Sign was Cancer, but he had Chiron/Venus/Descendant/North Node/Part of Fortune in the Venus (peace) ruled sign of Taurus.  His Moon (early life and influences) was in Capricorn: he came from a conservative background, and attended a Jesuit school.  He later stated: “It took me another 20 years at least to realise how effectively I had been processed for English establishment life and values”.

The element of the Warrior Archetype is shown in his chart by Mars in fiery Leo square to the Ascendant, 10th House side of the cusp, thus making activism an important part of his role, and Mars square to the Nodal Axis (the karmic warrior), implying a deep soul requirement to stand up for what he felt to be right (in his case disarmament and peace).  But his Mars also had a deliberate and controlled side (Mars trine Saturn) and a gentle side (Mars conjunct Neptune).

He was intellectually rebellious, with Mercury sextile Uranus, and caused serious controversy within the church by involving himself in politics.  Conflicts and controversies around religion are shown in his chart by Jupiter (religion) square (vs) Neptune (spirituality), and Jupiter square Midheaven (divided loyalties between his career and the religious community).  But he had within himself a good balance between the material and spiritual, as shown by Saturn trine Neptune.  He was also an Agent for Change (Uranus square Pluto), not an easy natal square to fulfil.  Spirituality was very much part of his Persona, through Neptune on his Midheaven, and in this he was a spiritual leader in some ways.  The Guardian obituary by Peter Stanford points out that: “For his admirers – and there were very many more of them than detractors – he was a prophetic and charismatic figure”.  Pluto was exactly trine his Ascendant on the 9th House (Religion) cusp, and Stanford continues by saying that he “almost single-handedly shook English Catholicism out of its complacency, studied moderation and instinctive avoidance of all things political.”  Pluto was his ruling planet from his Ascendant Scorpio, so that may have been a life objective.

This strong association with Pluto is important in the work he was known for in the mainstream, for the heavenly body Pluto (discovered in 1930), represents the bomb, and CND’s slogan and objective was to “ban the bomb”.  As a Plutonian, with his Pluto closely sextile his North Node, he knew the power of the bomb to destroy.

Life and Career

Bruce Kent was born in London, but educated in Canada.  He served in the British army (thus exercising his Inner Warrior) for two years, then took a degree at Oxford in jurisprudence.  He was ordained a Roman Catholic priest (at his first Saturn Return, which often entails a commitment), and became a chairman of charity War on Want.  From 1980 to 1985 he was the general secretary for the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, his public profile rose and he revived the popularity of CND.  He became a staunch critic of Margaret Thatcher’s defence policies.

I personally remember this period distinctly.  It was when my children were growing up, and, always admiring of pacifism, I used to say to a family friend who marched with CND: “Have one for me!”  One of my children was born in 1983, when cruise missiles came to Greenham Common (and Pluto entered Scorpio).  Then at the end of the 1980s, I became a fully paid up member of CND with the role of collecting the local subscriptions!

On 11th February 1987 Bruce Kent had to take the difficult decision to leave the church, as he would not have been permitted to take an active role in politics.  He wept making the announcement, and later said it was one of the worst days of his life.  Neptune was on his natal Moon at the time: an ocean of tears.  He subsequently (in 1992) tried to stand for parliament in an Oxford constituency, but failed.

The following year, aged 59, during his second Saturn Return period, he made a second commitment, that of marriage to Valerie Flessati, on 4th July 1988, a commitment he was able to keep.  They did not have children.

Legacy

Dennis Healey claimed that Bruce Kent “achieved the most impressive victory for single-issue politics in recorded history”.  Stanford, in his obituary, described his stance:

“He argued that the Warsaw Pact countries posed little or no threat to the west, that the Soviet Union was in internal meltdown and therefore unlikely to attack, and that deterrence could never work because it implied the willingness to strike first.”  Stanford goes on to say that since the fall of the Berlin Wall (1989) history has proven him right (until now).  The CND movement seemed to cease to be such a hot potato during the intervening years.

It seems fitting that his soul chose this time period to depart.  He had done his bit for the previous generation.  We now need new strategies for this unprecedented crisis posed by Putin’s Russia with the invasion of Ukraine.

His transits this week were dominated by Uranus, an agent of change: Mars on his natal Uranus (sudden change), Uranus sextile his Pluto (deep change) and Uranus opposite his Ascendant (all change).  This gives a sense of him moving to another dimension in order to continue his work on another level.

“He was a huge influence on my life and his commitment to peace and human rights was inspirational.  He wanted a more compassionate and inclusive church and a more decent and just society.  He was one of the finest human beings I have ever met.”

~ Helena Kennedy

Aspects

Tomorrow (Monday 13th) Mercury enters Gemini.  Mercury, representing our communication, is at home in chatty Gemini, and free to express verbally or in writing whatever comes to mind.  The communication will come thick and fast, but the consequences of the communication is another matter entirely.  You may find yourself gabbling…!  Mercury stays here for a few weeks, and thus communication is the name of the game until 5th July, which is a day on which Mars also changes sign, so that will be a day of shifts and switches.

You may wake on Tuesday (14th) having had a fitful sleep with the approaching Full Moon at 23 degrees Sagittarius; you may experience restlessness, emotion and tension.  The event itself occurs late morning, almost noon, at 11.52 a.m., so these moods may ebb away for the rest of the day.  Be clear in your direction of travel, both physically and metaphorically.  If you have natal planets at that degree, you may be more affected than most.  There is a global flavour to this Full Moon, and strong statements may be made for example about the world response to the invasion of Ukraine.

A more stable atmosphere is created on Thursday (16th) first thing, with the Sun trine Saturn, re-establishing a foothold on reality.  This is a solid and productive aspect.  If you are engaged in creativity, it can help ensure that it works on a practical level.  It is also a good aspect for making plans and laying foundations, counting your chickens, and counting your troops on the ground.  But do so early, for Neptune is lurking…

By lunchtime, you may need to recount your chickens, and troops, for foxy Neptune is squaring the Sun, and all may not be as it seems.  There are new considerations and issues arising, more sensitivity to consider.  You may be feeling a little confused, lost, or even  dizzy.  If you are on a journey, take a moment to stop and reflect, over coffee at a service station on the motorway for instance.  It’s a good moment to surrender to the divine, and ask what you are supposed to be learning from the experience, seeking out where the illusion lies.

There is more heart-searching required on Saturday evening, with a square from Saturn to Venus.  Perhaps you need to contemplate whether it was right or wrong to ban the bomb, or reduce the deterrent.  Or perhaps your concerns are closer to home, about close relationships and money, both of which are ruled by Venus, and under constraint by Saturn.  Maybe you felt let down by someone or you disappointed yourself in some way.  Forgiveness could be a solution, in that case.  We need a great deal of patience in our human interactions, and some may be dealing with rejection or sadness.  We need to acknowledge those feelings before we can move on.

The week in bullet points:

• Tomorrow – Communication!
• Tuesday – emotional high tide
• Thursday – stability, then uncertainty
• Saturday – examining love and money

 

Lester Piggott (1935 – 2022)

The legendary jockey Lester Piggott died this week, at the age of 86.  In a record-breaking career (nine times Epsom Derby winner), he showed outstanding talent and perseverance, overcoming health weaknesses and a spell of imprisonment.

Birth Chart

In  his balance of elements, Lester had 0 planets in fire signs.  Though he obviously had passion for his sport, he did not have a showy personality.  His Sun in Scorpio, also giving him secrecy and a reserve, was unaspected, thus enabling a free spirit.  The Scorpio Sun provided a wiriness and strength, while Ascendant in Virgo provided a slightness of frame, suitable for a jockey.  There is more detachment provided, with his Moon being in Aquarius.  The Moon in his chart squared Jupiter, an aspect of buoyancy which could add to the fearlessness of Scorpio.  However, with the Moon also loosely conjunct Saturn, there may have been somewhat of an Ivory Tower quality to his emotions.  Mercury in 2nd House of Finance square Pluto may describe the financial dealings which led to his imprisonment for tax evasion.  Venus in Virgo may have meant that he was fussy about friendship and food tastes – he certainly was restrictive with his diet, as an occupational necessity.  Sun in Scorpio is strong-willed, and added to that he had Mars in Capricorn for dogged persistence.  Mars closely sextiled Saturn, meaning that he was capable of precision in action, especially when combined with Virgo rising.  He enjoyed power, and handled it well, with Jupiter closely trine Pluto.  With Saturn opposite his Ascendant, he was known to be shy in relating to others.

Life and Career

Lester was born in Wantage, but spent much of his life in Newmarket, and spent his last years in Geneva.  He came from a family that had roots in the horse racing profession going back to the 18th Century.  Fascinatingly, his astrological chart shows this graphically, in Jupiter (horses) exactly conjunct his I.C. (roots and the foundation of his life).  I have noticed before this correlation elswhere, where horses are fundamental to existence where Jupiter conjoins the I.C. (which represents a point of security).

He began racing early in life, beginning at the age of 10.  His first Derby win was in 1954, at the age of 18.

He married Susan Armstrong in 1960, and she too came from a horse racing background. They had two daughters.  He also had a son from another relationship.

Later in life, in a phase when he worked as a trainer, he was convicted for tax evasion, and served a year in prison.  He was subsequently stripped of the O.B.E. that he had received in 1975.  But he returned to racing in 1990 with continued success, only officially retiring in 1995.

By the end of his life, he had achieved 4,493 career wins in Britain and 5,300 worldwide.  According to the Guardian Obituary, he met the Queen in 2017 at Royal Ascot and “there was a warm greeting from the Queen which suggested that she had, personally at least, forgiven him.”

Sir Ivor

When asked to name his favourite horse, he said that Sir Ivor was the easiest to ride.  He triumphed with Sir Ivor in 1968, in an apparently unforgettable finish.

Sir Ivor was born on 5th May 1965, and his electric Mars/Uranus conjunction was close to Lester Piggott’s Ascendant.  Lester himself had an electric type of energy, in Mars trine Uranus, being a love of excitement and the rush of adrenalin.  So they could work together with that energy.  Apparently, Sir Ivor’s turn of foot was so electric, that Lester described him as having almost “quickened out from beneath him”.  Moreover, Lester’s Chiron (Inner Healer) was exactly conjunct Sir Ivor’s North Node in Gemini, a successful karmic partnership.

Fred Archer

Lester was inspired by a 19th Century jockey named Fred Archer.  There are a number of similarities between them, and putting on my past-life therapist hat, I would say there is a good case to be made out that Lester Piggott could be a reincarnation of Fred Archer.  They were both centred geographically around Newmarket for much of their lives.  They were both a little tall for their profession, and starved themselves to keep their weight down.  The adjectives used for their personalities are almost identical: taciturn, miserly, ruthless and charming.  Fred took his own life at the age of 29 (the age of the Saturn Return), and his hard karma was shown by Saturn exactly square his Nodal Axis.  Often, when a soul fails to complete a mission and their life is cut short, they will try again in a later incarnation to succeed within a similar set of circumstances, in order to surmount the original hurdle.

So then, putting on my astrological hat, I don’t find compelling proof that they are the same soul, but there are some interesting crossovers in their charts.  Lester’s Moon/Saturn conjunction falls on Fred’s Venus/Mars conjunction, a balancing out.  Fred’s anguish had been the death of his wife in childbirth.  In Lester’s life, his marriage endured, and his life endured, so that would have been a success by any standards, but a recompense and achievement if he had been Fred Archer.  The planet Neptune represents spirituality, but also suicide, and Fred’s Neptune is opposite Lester’s Neptune, a possible indication of an attempt at spiritual balancing, too.

The two men also shared some aspects in their charts.  They both had Mercury square Pluto: in Lester’s case linking with financial troubles as Mercury was in his 2nd House.  We do not know what House Fred’s Mercury was situated in, without his birth time, but he also had financial troubles.  They both had Jupiter square Saturn, which can be self-sabotaging, and Venus sextile Pluto (the ability to love deeply).  That is an above-average similarity of aspects between two people.

This Platinum Jubilee weekend has involved a great deal of reminiscing over the 70-year reign of our Queen, and Lester Piggott’s own longevity has played a role in the horse-racing world, which is so dear to her.  The name of Lester Piggott has been inseparable from the sport for so long.  Passing over just before the Epsom Derby seems particularly poignant.  In a life purpose ostensibly fulfilled, Pluto was trine his Midheaven and sextile his Jupiter, when he took his final breath.

Aspects

Tomorrow (Monday 6th) brings us a sextile between the Sun and Chiron, a cheery healing aspect.  It’s onwards and upwards, and also helpful for problem-solving.  What do you yearn to solve?  There will be an attempt to bring everything to a wholeness.  If you are meeting a friend for coffee, you could discover more in common than you thought, and more potential for the friendship.  If it’s your birthday, it could indicate a healing year ahead.

The next aspect does not occur until Friday (10th), but is also a positive one: Mercury trine Pluto.  Chiron and Pluto both delve into the deep healing layers of our psyche, so this theme can continue throughout the week, with their influence meeting in the middle.  Whereas Chiron’s influence often manifests as an instant solution to a healing crisis, Pluto’s action can be slow over a period of time, requiring psychological adjustment, but can also occur suddenly and dramatically.  Fortunately, both planets (poetic licence for the asteroid Chiron) are in harmonious interactions, so suggesting positive outcomes to deep issues, working together during the week.  Mercury trine Pluto brings deep thought and psychological reflection, and earnest conversations.  Conversations could be life changing: the right word at the right time, striking home in the right place.

There’s a conjunction at the conclusion of the week, on Saturday (11th), that of Venus and Uranus at 16 degrees Taurus, and it occurs almost at the last hour of the day and week.  If  you are socializing on a Saturday night, it could be an enjoyable occasion, culminating in some startling exchanges and exciting meetings.  It is a vibrant social aspect, which may carry an element of serendipity.  People may question your sanity, however, or you theirs.

It puts me in the mind of the lyrics to “Saturday Night”:

“Saturday night, dance, I like the way you move
Pretty baby
It’s party time and not one minute we can lose
Be my baby”

For those of a more sedate lifestyle, e.g. couch potatoes, I wonder what’s on the television?  I so enjoyed the Platinum Jubilee Party last night – it was good to see people coming together, and enjoying themselves.

The week in bullet points:

• Tomorrow – healing
• Tuesday to Thursday – healing and deep communication
• Friday – deep communication
• Saturday – social excitement

Gemini Careers

This is the fourth in a series in which I look at careers for the various zodiac signs.  Maybe you have children or grandchildren born under this sign, and are looking at their potentials, or you are a Gemini looking at re-training for a change of career.  If you are Geminian and have found an ideal or fulfilling career,  you could share that under comments.  Often Gemini will have more than one career on the go at the same time, as spinning plates stops them from getting bored!

Teacher

Definition of Teacher Archetype from Caroline Myss:

“Communicates knowledge, experience, skill and wisdom”

Teachers don’t as such tend to achieve fame and celebrity, but I personally know quite a few Geminian teachers!  And who among us doesn’t remember a teacher from our schooldays, especially those that really encouraged us.

There are different ways and levels of teaching and teachers. One famous Geminian teacher is Alice Bailey, in a wider sense than just the classroom.  She was a prolific writer on theosophical teachings.

Martin Luther King, known for the power of his speeches, studied many subjects and taught philosophy in Atlanta.  He had Gemini rising.

A teacher of the more conventional kind, Michael Marland, wrote a definitive guide to the subject, titled “The Craft of the Classroom: A Survival Guide to Classroom Management in the Secondary School”.  I know at least one teacher who is indebted to his work. He had Chiron in Gemini, being his route to healing.

Another esoteric teacher, Chris Griscom, author of “Ecstasy is a New Frequency”, will be known to those familiar with my website and work, as she has been one of my great mentors.  She is a double Gemini (i.e. with Sun and Ascendant in that sign), with in addition Uranus/Saturn and Mercury/Jupiter in that sign: a Gemini through and through.

Scientist

Science is primarily a province of the left brain, and as such comes under the Mercury-ruled sign of Gemini.  There are other aspects, which especially in combination, cover different areas of science, for example:

Gemini and Aries: mechanics

Gemini and Virgo: scientific theory

Gemini and Scorpio: scientific research

Gemini and Aquarius: technology and engineering

Pisces: medical breakthroughs, stemming from imagination beyond thought (e.g. Einstein)

Famous Geminian scientists include: Francis Crick, Carl Linnaeus, Daniel Fahrenheit, Peter Higgs and Blaise Pascal

Also worthy of note, are: Helen Sharman scientist/astronaut

and Heston Blumenthal, whose scientific approach to cooking has earned him honorary degrees from various Universities.  In addition, he has been made an honorary Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Journalist

Sub Categories: Broadcaster, Reporter, Media, TV Presenter, Spin Doctors

Geminian News Anchors include: Mary Nightingale

Journalists include: Isobel Oakeshott, who was the political editor of The Sunday Times

TV Presenters include: Dale Winton

Spin Doctors include: Alistair Campbell

And an extra category, Information Whistleblower: Edward Snowden – remember him? He was a double Gemini (Ascendant and Sun in that sign) plus Mars, Mercury (conjunct the Ascendant) and the North Node in Gemini.  An intense desire to communicate.

Writer

Gemini writing leans more towards newspaper, magazine, pamphlet, journals, and diaries, i.e. lighter writing.  The opposite sign Sagittarius is more associated with books and publishing.  Gemini writing is more emphasized in a chart if there is a connection between Mercury and Venus (The Writer Archetype).  Illustrated books, such as children’s stories, are especially associated with this combination of Mercury (words) and Venus (pictures). But they say everyone has a book  inside them (I certainly have), and here are some examples:

Val McDermid – A Scottish writer of the Crime genre, who started her working life as a Journalist.  Val is also a double Gemini (Ascendant and Sun in that sign) plus having its ruler Mercury in that sign in the 1st House.  The Crime leaning is due to Moon in Scorpio.

Colm Toibin – An Irish novelist and Journalist, he has Sun and Mercury in Gemini.

Ian Fleming – Prolific writer, and creator of James Bond.  The character he created is reflected in his own conjunction of Mercury and Pluto (the Spy) in Gemini in his creative 5th House.

Judith Kerr – Author of the perennially popular children’s book The Tiger that Came to Tea, Judith has the Mercury-conjunct-Venus Writer Archetype, symbolic of the art of combining words and pictures.

Anne Frank – One of the most famous diarists in history.  She had Sun/Mercury in Gemini, and was given her diary on her 13th birthday, her Solar Return  highlighting this life purpose.

Secretary

Secretarial work has been an occupation, or side line, for many women, especially when trying to juggle motherhood and career.  So, for example, you might find Gemini on the cusp of the 2nd House of financial earnings (as distinct from 6th House jobbing, and 10th House career).

An unusual example of Secretarial work is that of an Amenuensis, a definition of which is:

“A literary or artistic assistant, in particular, one who takes dictation or copies manuscripts.”

An unusual example of an Amenuensis is Alice Bailey, as already mentioned under Teacher.  She received telepathically, and transcribed, the teachings of the Tibetan Master Djwhal Khul.

Meteorologist

Famous example Carol Kirkwood – the weather girl on BBC Breakfast

Sport

In the sporting world, running (Johnny Peacock and Zola Budd) and cycling (Mark Cavendish) suit the light and airy style of Gemini

Other occupations:  Linguist, Salesperson, Merchant, Train Driver, Ornithologist, Postman/Postwoman

Above all, if you are Geminian, you would like variety in  your career and working life, and don’t want to be trapped in a rut.

Aspects

This morning was graced by an enthusiastic and fiery conjunction of Mars and Jupiter at 3 degrees Aries.  Any task in hand today is likely to be handled with gusto, relish and passion!  It’s a high energy conjunction, and one you may need to pour exuberance into into a worthwhile project – don’t fritter it!  I myself am planning a special secret mission, once I have finished this blog, necessarily secret because the conjunction falls in my 12th House of Secrets, but my enthusiasm cannot be questioned!

Tomorrow (Monday, 30th) brings us a New Moon at 9 degrees Gemini conjunct the Fixed Star Aldebaran.(the Eye of the Bull in Taurus).  Make the most of the new beginning afforded by this New Moon.  Clear your mind in order to make your New Moon intentions along the lines of the Geminian qualities and occupations: communication, writing, travel (see above).  If you know the House this falls in, you can further refine its application.  The teaching profession may be one such focus.

According to  “Starlight Elixirs” by Michael Smulkis and Fred Rubenfeld, Aldebaran:

“This star provides a particular blessing, since it soothes the mind that is grieving the loss of a loved one – whether through separation or death.  A greater understanding of the process of death through this awareness may bring a sense of peace and calm.  Hope and positive energy is transferred in recognition of the  connection and the oneness between those who might have passed over and those who are still alive, between those things that you might wish for and those you have, and between that which is desired and that which is no longer needed.  Through this essence the entire grieving process is accelerated and assisted, and individuals coming into contact with this compassionate energy find their own inner love and their own inner strength.”

This is apt and timely in our household, as we lost our 17-year old cat Tsipi last week, unexpectedly.

In the morning of Friday (3rd June), there is some relief from recent communication glitches and hopefully from the air, rail and sea travel nightmares recently experienced, when Mercury is Stationary prior to turning Direct.  There may be a turning point in your travel plans.  Hopefully, if you have projects waiting to happen of a literary or technical nature, this may also be a go-ahead for you.  If you have been holding back on communication, you may feel the push to move forward again with it.

Another change of planetary direction concludes the week, with Saturn Stationary prior to turning Retrograde on Saturday (4th).  We are consequently going to go through a period of revision in matters which are important to us: a lesson all about patience and timing, and one of those lessons is that you can’t rush things.  Saturn is the Lord of Time, who reminds us that All Things Must Pass.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – seize the moment
• Tomorrow – new beginning; working with transition
• Friday – communications go ahead
• Saturday – serious contemplation

Kay Mellor (1951 – 2022)

“I think that even when I write dark stuff it’s got a hidden warmth to it and maybe that is the Yorkshireness.  That northern side of people.”

~ Kay Mellor

Talented scriptwriter Kay Mellor passed away last Sunday, at the age of 71.  As well as keeping us entertained, she is credited with having changed people’s lives.

Birth Chart

Kay’s Sun was in Taurus, conjunct Mars, giving her the Warrior Archetype.  Actress Samantha Morton has described her as a “fighter, a warrior woman”.  Her ruling planet Venus was in the sign of Cancer, together with Uranus and the Moon (in its own sign), so women’s issues were important to her, as well as her own experience of motherhood (she had two daughters, one of which is an actress).  Of Kay’s first big writing success for television, Band of Gold in 1995, Morton said: “You really didn’t get writing like that for women on television at the time. It was a whole series that was written by a woman and starring women, with female directors and producers.” Kay also had the Writer Archetype, in the shape of Mercury closely sextile Venus, and was most prolific in that activity.  She had Venus conjunct Uranus, which she used in her writing to create unusual and surprising twists and turns of plot between the characters.  Though there is humour in a lot of her writing, she had experienced the nitty gritty side of life, coming from domestic violence in her home background (shown in her chart by Mars square Pluto).  Her mother threw out her father and subsequently raised her children as a single parent.  Kay had what I call the “Chancer’s” aspect, a square between Jupiter and Uranus, but this is what gave a light hearted twist to her writing.

Life and Career

Kay was brought up on a council estate in Leeds, and that background very much informed her writing: “I am Leeds born and bred, and the city, both architecturally and socially, feeds my creativity.”  She did her bit for levelling up, at least for drama in television, and stated that she never forgot “what it’s like not to have enough money to get to the end of the week.  I’ve experienced that first hand, so it’s easy for me to write that.”  She had her daughters at a young age, and remained happily married to their father, Anthony Mellor. 

She started out as an actress, in Coronation Street, then began to write scripts for the soap in 1986, later writing for Brookside too.  In 1995 she created the series Band of Gold, about sex workers in Bradford, which proved to be a huge hit, and made her name.  In casting the main role, she took a chance on the very young actress Samantha Morton, one of those people who credit her with changing their lives.  She subsequently cast Samantha Morton in her adaptation of Jane Eyre in 1997, in which she also acted.  There are strong connections between their charts: their Suns are conjunct, Samantha Sun conjunct Kay’s Mars, and Samantha’s Neptune squared Kay’s Nodal Axis (symbolic of a “karmic rescue” by Kay).

Fat Friends

In 2000, Kay created a series called “Fat Friends”.  She says of that work “It was such a lovely time of my life, it was a drama that was really important to me because I thought I had something to say about weight and body image.”  In doing so, Kay changed more lives.  Indeed, she brought together a group of people who may in fact be a Soul Group, going on to star together in other series, such as Gavin and Stacey and The Syndicate (including her own daughter Gaynor Faye).  The cast of Fat Friends, a series about a weight loss group, included Alison Steadman, Gaynor Faye, Ruth Jones, James Corden,  and Sheridan Smith.

James Corden and Ruth Jones in particular credit her with having changed their lives.  Kay picked James Corden because she had seen him in a Tango advert.  James Corden has the same fated interaspect with Kay as Samantha Morton had (their Neptunes squaring Kay’s Nodal Axis, plucking them out of obscurity).  James Corden’s eulogy included the words ” [Mellor] was the most generous, kind and loving person. An exceptionally gifted writer. She changed my life when she cast me in Fat Friends on ITV. She saw something in me that no one had before that point. She gave so many people their first chances.”

The other actor of note whose life was also reportedly changed was Ruth Jones.  Bringing her together with James Corden of course gave rise to their own creative success, Gavin and Stacey.  Ruth Jones’ Sun is exactly conjunct James Corden’s North Node, indicating a karmic tie.  Ruth also gave huge praise to Kay: “She was a great mentor to me when I first started writing – and always hugely encouraging of new writers – a real testament to the idea of paying it forward.  Her series Fat Friends was a massive turning point in my career and I will be eternally grateful to her for what she did for me.”  The cast of Gavin and Stacey included Alison Steadman, Ruth Jones, James Corden and Sheridan Smith.

The Syndicate

In 2012, Kay Mellor introduced a new series, which she co-directed, the fourth of which only aired last year.  In each series (the first of which was set in a Leeds supermarket), we followed a group of people bound together with a lottery syndicate win.  She gave her motivation for writing it as the feature of the times we are living in, where people feel the only way out of their financial difficulties is a lottery win.  Kay demonstrated her trademark humour, observation of the nitty gritty element of life, and mastery of the unexpected plot twist.  In the casting of these series, we see again some of the same actors, including Kay’s daughter Gaynor and Alison Steadman.  Emmerdale actress Gaynor herself has the Warrior Archetype (North Node exactly conjunct Mars), and mother and daughter have healing Chiron trines in their synastry.

Kay Mellor received an O.B.E. in 2010, and will be a great loss to the entertainment world.

“I was saddened to hear that Kay Mellor has died. I was lucky to work with her on the Syndicate and found her to be incredibly creative, funny and instinctive.  She knew what she wanted and knew how to get the best from us as actors.” 

~ Lenny Henry

“I adored her. She taught me so much. And she was hilarious… I think of her always when I’m writing.”

~ Russell T. Davies

Aspects

On this day of all the 22s (22/5/22), we have at 22.15 Hrs this evening, a sextile between Mars and Pluto.  Numerologists, please enlighten us!  I do believe 22 is a number of Mastery, and Mars sextile Pluto is also an aspect of Mastery, whatever it means for you.  This sextile will give you extra physical and emotional energy, so you may find yourself spontaneously clearing clutter just before bedtime.  It may also take a while to settle to sleep, so some people might want to do some extra exercise before retiring.  It could be very constructive too, with vigorous discussion and perhaps some decisiveness.

In the early hours of tomorrow morning (Monday 23rd) Mercury re-enters Taurus, retrograding from Gemini.  Some may be aware of a special connection of our Earth with the Pleiades at that time.  As the Sun and Mercury are cuspal, the Sun just having switched from Taurus to Gemini, there may be scope to combine the practicality of Taurus with the mental energy of Gemini.  However, Mercury has some of its own agenda to attend to, focussing mental faculties in going back to resolve some practical issues, temporarily.  The quality of the mental energy may become steadier and calmer.

Late morning on the same day, we have our second sextile of the week, in the shape of the Sun sextile Jupiter, which is one of the brightest aspects of the year.  Time to embrace hope, or even celebration.  It will certainly be lucky for some.  Focus on what makes you happy, and make more of that.

Tuesday (24th) brings two more sextiles, the first between Mercury and Mars.  Physical and mental energies can co-ordinate.  If you are cycling a great deal to keep fit, you may find the wind behind your sails.  You may be able to cycle just that bit faster or longer, and your fitbit may register record stats.  You may also find shortcuts to your usual way of doing things.

The second sextile on that day is that of Venus with Saturn, late morning.  It’s a constructive sextile, a re-affirmation of where you are going, especially in terms of relationship, or art.  In the realm of human relations, it is about steadiness and loyalty: cementing commitment.

In the last hour of the day in the U.K.,  Mars enters Aries, so, we have an influx of energy.  As with Sunday evening, Mars is no respecter of sleep time, and the same advice may be repeated,  to do some gentle exercise before retiring (as you would, if you were trying to tire a toddler before bedtime).  Mars ingressing its own sign, gives rise to a purer quality of physical energy, especially for those born under Aries.

On Wednesday (25th) Mercury trines Pluto which is mentally harmonious if not challenging us to dig deeper.  If you have been treading water (please excuse the mixing of metaphors), you’ll meet your rescue vessel, so to speak.  That aspect is conducive to deep thought and psychological reflection, and earnest conversations.  It is good for in-depth consultations and negotiations, and researching past lives.

Early on Friday morning (27th) Venus squares Pluto, and it is time to contemplate, and reflect, rather than to dig even deeper, as it is time to digest recent experiences in a loving and healing way.  That may even include a damage limitation exercise.  You may for example have woken up after a revealing nightmare, which  you need to work through.  Venus rules relationships and Pluto represents the force of transformation or deep soul searching, and both planets rule money, so all these factors may be on your mind and vying for attention, in some cases conflicting.  

Lastly, we have the ingress of Venus into Taurus on Saturday (28th), another case of a planet entering its own sign.  This gives a feeling of “all’s right with the world”, apart from obvious background concerns such as climate change and the invasion of Ukraine.  Within yourself, and in your relationship with nature, you are capable of feeling much more settled and harmonious.  This placement of Venus in her home sign continues right through to the 23rd June.  Those born under the Venusian signs of Taurus and Libra will especially feel its benefit.

With Neptune, Venus and Mars in their signs, and Saturn in a sign it co-rules (Aquarius) there may be a sense, at the end of the week, of a naturalness in some areas of your life.  Even if you feel there is room for improvement, some things feel they are meant to be as they are.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – mastery and energy
• Tomorrow – applied mental energy; hope and celebration
• Tuesday – physical and mental energies co-ordinate; constructive and committed in relationship; late influx of energy
• Wednesday – digging deeply and profound conversation
• Friday – processing feelings and relationships; in some cases, licking wounds
• Saturday – some measure of harmony

Eurovision Song Contest 2022

“I’m incredibly excited to make some friends, chat some music, and just take in every moment of this beautiful, wild bonkers thing.”

– Sam Ryder

Long-term readers of my blog will know how much Eurovision means to me!  And I have to declare last night’s Eurovision Song Contest the best ever (and I have been watching since 1959).  I attended when Duesseldorf hosted in 2011, which apparently was the last time we were on the left hand side of the scoreboard, until last night of course.  It was such a special occasion, not least for the overwhelming unity and love for Ukraine, who won deservedly.

Sam Ryder

Last night was the first time I had been able to watch Sam Ryder’s performance all the way through his song “Spaceman”.  We had been told, as usual, that we stood a chance of winning, but they say that every year…So I was pleasantly surprised to find that I loved everything about the performance: the long strawberry blonde locks, the soaring falsetto voice which seemed to encompass the universe, and the imaginative set and costume (which a young friend texted me to declare it blogtastic).  For many of us, this year is the first we have heard of Sam Ryder, but in fact he has been singing since 2009 (at the age of 20).  He sang first in bands, then went solo in 2016, but in the interim has taken jobs, such as bricklaying, to make ends meet.

Compere Graham Norton, successor to Terry Wogan, gave us character references for Sam Ryder from time to time:

“A positive ray of sunshine”

“the nicest man imaginable” and

“a great ambassador for the U.K. and Eurovision”

Does his birth chart reveal someone who can turn around the decade long slough in our Eurovision fortunes, and take us from zero to almost the top of the leader board?  His Sun is in patriotic Cancer, exactly opposite Uranus, which suggests that he could suddenly find fame.  This is indeed what happened: in the first lockdown of the pandemic in March 2020 Uranus (sudden success) activated his natal Sun-Uranus opposition, in a trine with his Uranus and a sextile to his Sun.  In addition, Pluto opposed Venus, bringing about huge changes to his personal life.  With the Sun conjunct Chiron, he is a healer of sorts, and certainly has healed our long-term Eurovision wounds! Mercury unaspected, makes him a free thinker.  And he has managed his natal exact conjunction of Saturn and Neptune, which can, from a position of imprisonment, dissolve boundaries.  He was born in 1989, when the Berlin Wall came down.

He was chosen to sing the Eurovision entry on 10th March this year, with Uranus (the Spaceman planet) trine his natal Saturn/Neptune conjunction and opposite his natal Pluto.  He has his North Node (karmic mission) in Aquarius, ruled by Uranus, which may explain the impact of Uranus transits to his chart, in the absence of a time of birth.

Ukrainian Entry

We don’t have any birth dates for the members of this wonderful troupe who entertained us last night, but I went to bed happily humming their tune (“Stefania”) last night, having voted for them.  They are known as the Kalush Orchestra, and their song was a haunting refrain interspersed with some hip hop or rap (this septuagenarian doesn’t know the difference!).  It really gave you a sense of the soul of Ukraine.  This fairytale for them would not have come about, had not the original entry for Ukraine been forced to withdraw because they were being investigated for having visited Crimea, at a time when the Russian invasion was beginning.  One of the members of Kalush Orchestra had to stay behind to fight in the Ukraine, but the others got special dispensation to perform.

Scoring

When Sam Ryder got picked as our entry for Eurovision, apparently his first thought was one of joy and jubilation, then he momentarily panicked, and asked himself “What if I get nul points?”

The current scoring system, which registers the jury votes from each country, then the public votes, extends the suspense for viewers. It was especially poignant for the U.K. this year, who came top of the jury vote, then had to wait last for the score from the public vote.  Sam Ryder then went and hugged the German contestant, who at that point had received the dreaded nul points, telling him “We know how you feel”.  But it was a glorious and thrilling night for the U.K., and so heart warming that so many voted for Ukraine.  It was the perfect result.

I don’t know if any astrologer or numerologist or lexicographer could have foretold the predominance of the letter “S” in the top five results last night. The songs Stefania and Spaceman came top and second; Spain, Sweden and Serbia took the next three places.

Apparently, though it doesn’t win the war against Russia, the result has raised the morale and happiness quotient in  Ukraine, at the same time confirming European solidarity and support.

Sam’s transits last night included Mars square his natal Jupiter (which I always say propels you into another dimension), and Neptune trine his natal Venus (inspired singing).  Enough said.

“If I was an astronaut, I’d be floating in mid-air
And a broken heart would just belong to someone else down there”

– song co-written by Sam Ryder

Aspects

We start today with a conjunction between Venus and Chiron at 14 degrees Aries, highlighting the need for healing in relationships, and hopefully also providing the means to that healing.  Where there is a will on both sides, healing can be achieved.  Or forgiveness on one side can also move mountains.

At tea-time, Saturn will square the Sun, which may bring disappointing or deflating news,  delay or frustration.  The Sun-Saturn square is an opportunity to think through what you are doing, and your strategies.  If you are making economies, are they the right ones, based on your optimum values?

Slightly later, Neptune will be sextile the Sun, which may bring some higher resolution to the preoccupations of the day.  This aspect gives you the best chance of creating beauty and inspiration in your life, conferring spiritual harmony.

By then, you may be starting to feel the oncoming Full Moon and Eclipse at 25 degrees Scorpio, which will occur at 4.14 a.m. tomorrow morning (Monday 16th).  It’s a time to look within and examine your emotional health.  Another area demanding attention is that of shared finances and an attempt to balance material resources and needs between two people.  It is  one of the most intense Full Moons of the year.  For some there may be a temptation to lash out; some may be prickly about the conditions we find ourselves in, and many are angry.  In the creation of the new conditions, one requirement is the quality of forgiveness, for there is no room for holding onto grievances and blame.  In order to make the best of a new slate, forgiveness is one of the things to cultivate.

We have another conjunction on Wednesday (18th), that of Mars and Neptune, at 24 degrees Pisces, almost 25 degrees.  This could be supportive to any issues which arose around the eclipse on Monday.  Mars conjunct Neptune may empower the spirit, but for some it may serve to confuse, especially if they are dashing like headless chickens.  Chilling out would give a better outcome.  More meditative activities such as Tai Chi, Yoga and Qijong will achieve a greater sense of balance and serenity.  It is difficult to have one foot in the material world and one foot in the spiritual world, but some can do it.

Thursday (19th) brings us a trine between the Sun and Pluto, so there may be the sense of an ending.  You may have to make a decision which brings about change.It is time to construct a new psychological mindset: one which is creative but also bears in mind the changes and cycles which are transforming our lives at this time. You may have felt that you haven’t got very far with a goal, but may receive an indication in this period that you have done better than you thought, your patience is rewarded, or that a pipe dream could become a going concern.  You may have cause to remember fondly the dearly departed.

Mercury sextiles Jupiter in the early hours of Friday (20th) ushering in a bright new day. This sextile encourages mental development and learning (if you are on a course of study, for instance), and is helpful to businesses in need of a lift.  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.

Saturday (21st) ushers in a new mindset, with the Sun entering Gemini in the early hours.  That may keep you awake, for a while, with new ideas whirling round a busy brain.  With the Sun leaving Taurus, earthy preoccupations may give way to a need for Communication and lightness of heart.  In the month of Sun in Gemini any kind of communication goes, writing your book, dealing with your documentation, ensuring that you are walking and cycling to work instead of taking public transport.  It all aids the general connectivity, which society needs.  We are in the midst of forging a new society.

The Sun then goes on to conjoin with Mercury at 1 degree Gemini at tea-time.  That brings a touch of sparkle to your consciousness.  It is a good time to apply your mind with clarity,  concentrate and focus,  make important statements, and look to the future.  You may write or speak some memorable lines.  Look out for some telepathy, too!  Past-life insights may also occur.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – relationship healing; deflation; raising the spiritual level
• Tomorrow – turning point; intense emotion
• Wednesday – empowering the spirit
• Thursday – psychological health
• Friday – bright new mindset
• Saturday – busy mind; great insight

Taurus Careers

This is the third in a series in which I look at careers for the various zodiac signs.  Maybe you have children or grandchildren born under this sign, and are looking at their potentials, or you are a Taurean looking at re-training for a change of career.  If you are Taurean and have found an ideal or fulfilling career,  you could share that under comments.  Other than Pisces, Taurus is arguably the most talented of signs, and Taureans therefore have a panoply of occupations to choose from in terms of doing the work that they love.

Artist

Famous Taurean artists include: Salvador Dali, J.M.W. Turner, Joan Miro, Eugene Delacroix, Dante Gabriel Rossetti and Georges Braque.  By virtue of its element, Earth, Taureans are particularly gifted in Sculpture and Pottery.

In an earlier blog, I wrote about the Artist Archteype:

“The Artist is one of the most basic of Taurean archetypes.  In my Past Life Archetypes, I go back to the cave paintings of bulls for my Taurean archetype.  That is in itself such a basic image and imbued with such meaning for this sign.

In previous centuries there was a prevalent Archetype of the talented artist starving in a garrett in his lifetime, and possibly gaining success posthumously.  The memory of this may unconsciously hold you back if you are an aspiring artist in this lifetime.

Caroline Myss brings the Archetype much more up to date in her book on the subject.  She observes: “In our society, art is generally regarded as a risky, if not altogether reckless, occupational choice, and any activity that isn’t financially rewarding is automatically classed as a hobby.”

She is very encouraging to the budding artist, and her final thought is: ‘The Artist/Creative archetype has an inborn calling to contribute to life creatively.  It is a privilege to possess artistic gifts and talents.  Cultivate yours.  To deny them is true suffering.’ ”

Musician

Famous Taurean singers and musicians include: Barbara Streisand, Adele, Billy Joel, Ella Fitzgerald, Roy Orbison and Cher.

Ruled by Venus, Taurean singers have especially melodious voices.

Gardener

Taureans are notoriously green-fingered, and close to the Earth.  One such gardener, who has been on our screens for decades, is Alan Titchmarsh, who celebrated a birthday last week.  He had left school at 15, with just one O-level, in Art, and just followed his passion.

Banker

Taureans have a facility for acquiring money, and keeping it.

In an earlier blog, I wrote about the Midas/The Moneylender Archetype:

“The Taurus/Scorpio polarity has a cluster of Archetypes around the theme of money.  Taurus generally represents one’s own earnings and possessions, and Scorpio (its opposite) represents dealing with other people’s money, e.g. through banking or insurance.  But of course money has to flow between these two ends of the polarity, and as has already been mentioned the current crisis over the Panama offshore tax havens [written 17th April 2016] highlights aspects of this relationship.  Is the rich man hoarding wealth the Midas?  The literary archetype of the moneylender is embodied in Shylock in the Merchant of Venice.  The moneylenders of the Bible have also coloured our perceptions of the profession.  More recently, the banking crisis of 2008 adversely altered the reputation of those who have monetary power.

Again, the last word goes to Caroline for the description of this Archetype: ‘Entrepreneurial or creative ability to turn anything to gold.  Delight in sharing life’s riches…look for a pattern of creating wealth and/or confronting how far you’re willing to go to create it; also for a pattern of difficulty sharing wealth’.”

Builder

It is in the Taurean nature to patiently build firm foundations, with solid structures on dependable support systems, both practically and figuratively.  So you often find that Taureans are employed in the building trade, from bricklaying to architecture.

Kevin McCloud, the presenter of the TV programme “Grand Designs” has carved a niche for himself in bringing innovative building to our screens, highlighting the blood, sweat and tears which go into the projects, and waxing lyrically, even poetically at times, about the end products.  He was brought up in a house which his parents built.  With the Sun in Taurus, he left for Florence after A-levels to study as a Singer at the Conservatorio.  He then studied art and architecture at Cambridge.  His son is an architect.   His life story suggests he was born to exemplify the Builder Archetype, but with Singing and Art also available choices.

Boxer

Famous Taurean boxers include: Sugar Ray Leonard, Joe Louis, Sugar Ray Robinson and Sonny Liston.  Taureans are known for their endurance, and staying power.  Of course, their ruling planet Venus is peace and harmony-loving, so Boxers would need a strong Mars or Pluto in addition to the Sun in Taurus.  In terms of the Taurean nature, it is the rock-like, steadfast quality of immovable strength which contributes to the success in the boxing ring.  Muhammed Ali pointed out that as a boxer you also needed to “float like a butterfly, sting like a bee”.  His Jupiter was in the butterfly and fast-talking sign of Gemini.  He was a Capricornian, but had Mars, Midheaven, Saturn and Uranus in Taurus.

Chef

Through their ruling planet Venus, Taureans love their food and the sensuality of cooking.  The way to a Taurean heart is often through the stomach, so Taurus may also qualify you to be a professional gourmand or gourmande (though this is quite a rare career)!  Famous Taurean chefs include: Brian Turner, Clodagh McKenna, Simon Rimmer and Antony Worrall Thompson.

Other occupations:  Masseur/Masseuse, Herbalist, Botanist, Conservationist (David Attenborough is Taurean, as is Chris Packham)

Above all, if you are Taurus, you are highly likely to find satisfaction in your chosen career, if you select such a path stemming from a hobby or interest.

Aspects

The most important day this week is Tuesday (10th), starting with that notorious bugbear – for Mercury is Stationary, prior to turning retrograde at 11.48 a.m.  Many of us have current frustrations with technology (maybe because there is so much of it, now!), and I have an issue with my emails. But the duration of the three week Mercury Retrograde period is a helpful time for technological upgrades.  We had our broadband unexpectedly upgraded two days ago (in advance of Mercury Retrograde), an engineer coming to investigate a problem, and informing us that our broadband was not up to speed, and spending about three hours upgrading it.  It whizzes along now, though we had no idea we had a problem.  My email issue still remains, but I can’t fault the engineer.  Sorry to digress!  You know the drill by now: practise mindfulness in your communications, and revise old ground.

The Mercury Retrograde Book” by Yasmin Boland and Kim Farnell details the effect of Mercury Retrograde in each of the signs.  Mercury Retrograde in Gemini is particularly impactful, as it is in its own sign.  Here is a wise snippet from Mercury Retrograde in Gemini:

“It’s worth checking and re-checking anything  you’re told.  Other people tend to be more critical than usual – but here’s a top tip: you probably don’t need to point out everything that’s wrong.” Mercury turns direct again on 3rd June.

Jupiter in Aries

At the other end of Tuesday, at 23.22 Hrs, we have a major ingress, that of Jupiter entering Aries.  Aries, it’s your year!  Pisces, yes, it is still your year too, as Jupiter will dip back temporarily into your sign (fear not).  The sign Jupiter is leaving, Pisces, is spiritual in nature, thus we had the clergy speaking up about injustices in society, we had an outpouring of compassion around the invasion of Ukraine, and we experienced unprecedented unity in the world over Putin’s aggression, to give some examples of its effect in that sign.  If you know the House occupied by Aries in your birth chart, you should find an expansion of its affairs this year: more joy, luck and protection in that area.  Jupiter in Aries is super-adventurous, devil-may-care, desiring to throw off the shackles which have been holding us back.  The coronavirus constraints seem to be loosening, though they always improve during the summer months.  People will be determined to do the things they have dreamed of in the last two and a half years of privation.  It is a good time for expressing the fire of the human spirit.  Aries is great ground for giving birth to new ideas and feeling your enthusiasm.  Just one cautionary note: it may be a more selfish time, with the feelings of others disregarded.  We still need the lessons of Jupiter in Pisces to avoid the sense of “every man for himself”.

Friday (13th) brings a conjunction between the Sun and the North Node, at 22 degrees Taurus, which gives a karmic flavour to the day.  This could bring a show of power by someone in your circle.  However, this show of power is firmly subject to the laws of karma, and if you have faith in the justice of that you’re O.K. (aren’t you?).  It could also heighten creativity if you are unattached to the power play of others.  Listen to the subtle instructions of the Universe…

Saturday (14th) is an opportunity to regain ground, with a constructive sextile. The North Node sextiles Mars, where warriorship can be expressed reasonably safely. You may be able to get your message across directly and actively, in speaking your truth or setting an example.  If you are a follower of Dan Millman (the “Peaceful Warrior), I’ll be preaching to the converted…  If you are a timid type, there is scope to embolden yourself slightly.

Also on Saturday,  our Sun aligns with the Fixed Star Capulus, the Double Star Cluster H and Chi Persei, at 24 degrees Taurus.  Bernadette Brady in her book of “Fixed Stars” concludes that “Capulus energy is clear, decisive, focussed, and possibly even ruthless”.  That chimes well with Jupiter in Aries.

“Starlight Elixirs” by Michael Smulkis and Fred Rubenfeld give a theme of Individualization for this cluster.  They advise that it “can make one aware of the deliberate separation that one has allowed in coming into incarnation in the first place.  This can give some remembrance of past lives and some awareness of the time before birth in which contracts were made with individuals one is yet to meet.  It enhances remembrance of the strong survival energies poured into the child.”

The week in bullet points:

• Tuesday – communication disruption; throwing off restrictions
• Friday – karmic power play
• Saturday – fight the good fight; individualization

Antonio Gutteres

Secretary-General of the United Nations

Antonio Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, visited both Russia and Ukraine this week, in an effort to defuse tension in the region.  As an institution, the U.N. is dedicated to the maintenance of international peaceful relations, and as its head the Secretary-General has the diplomatic responsibility to carry this out.  As the 9th person to hold this title, Guterres faces arguably the most difficult situation since the second World War.  I am interested in what makes a diplomat, astrologically.

Birth Chart

We are lucky enough to have a birth time supplied, which gives him an Ascendant of 0 degrees Capricorn (the politician’s sign).  Gutteres has two of the signatures of the Diplomat Archetype in his chart: the Sun conjunct Venus (a projected image from his 5th House), and the South Node in Libra (peacemaking skills acquired in past lives).  His predecessor Ban Ki-Moon has the Sun conjunct Venus, as did the notable peacemaker Yitzhak Rabin.  Guterres has an unusual Element and Quadruplicity balance, with 0 planets in Water (an ability to be dispassionate) and 7 planets in Fixed signs (an extremely strong will).  He has the Moon conjunct Mercury in Taurus trine Jupiter, showing erudition and a global outlook.  He was awarded an award for being “the best student in the country” at secondary school, and Mercury trine Jupiter is especially associated with an ability to speak several languages (in his case, Portuguese, English, French and Spanish).  He has high energy levels, with Mars square Jupiter, and the Engineer Archetype appears in his chart in the shape of Mars sextile Uranus (he studied physics and electrical engineering at the Technical University of Lisbon.  Something a peacemaker finds valuable is an understanding of conflict, and he has Mars conjunct the North Node in Aries, giving him the Warrior Archetype in addition to that of the Diplomat.  Uranus trine his Midheaven shows success in his career, and with this aspect, I often find “some have greatness thrust upon them”.  Also worthy of note are deep psychological strengths afforded by Neptune closely sextile Pluto, and Pluto trine Chiron.

Life and Career

Antonio Guterres was born in 1949, and was raised in Lisbon.  After beginning his career in teaching, he switched to a political career, joining the Socialist Party in 1974, and taking leading roles in that party. He became prime minister of Portugal in 1995, taking the oath of office on 28th October.  His progressed Sun (leadership) was trine his natal Midheaven (career; politics).  Uranus was trine his Mercury (mental prowess), Neptune was square his natal Midheaven (an uncertain future) and Pluto was squaring his natal Saturn (a difficult and responsible job, but preparing him for his later even more challenging role).  When he resigned in 2002, a poll ranked him the best prime minister  in 30 years.

He was elected Secretary-General to the United Nations in October 2016, and took  up the post on 1st January 2017, declaring “Let us resolve to put peace first”.  Neptune was sextile his natal Sun in Taurus in 5th House (a role requiring a spiritual shift).  In his first term he remonstrated against the war in Yemen, opposed Donald Trump on various issues, condemned the persecution of the Rohingya in Myanmar, but was criticized for his silence about the treatment of the Uyghurs in China.  His record must have been reasonably sound, for on 18th June 2021, he was appointed for a second term as Secretary-General.  Saturn trine his natal Neptune, a complex but responsible transit, while Uranus was square his natal Pluto (perhaps an augury of the deep change in the world which was about to transpire).

He is a practising Catholic, and has been married twice, with two children.

Predecessors

Guterres’ immediate predecessor was Ban Ki-Moon (2007 – 2016), and before him was Kofi Annan (1997 – 2006) who won the Nobel Peace Prize.  As has already been mentioned, Ban Ki-Moon had the peacemaking conjunction of the Sun and Venus, and the same number of degrees apart (three).  Kofi Annan’s chart shares the high energy square of Mars and Jupiter, with Jupiter in humanitarian Aquarius in common with Guterres.   Like Guterres, Kofi Annan had Mercury and Venus in Taurus.

Current Transits

Antonio Guterres visited the Kremlin on Tuesday, and Ukraine on Thursday this week.  For his visit to sit at the end of Putin’s long table, Guterres had a Mercury Return (it’s good to chat), Mars was square his natal Chiron (delicate wounds being addressed), Jupiter was sextile his Moon/Mercury in Taurus in 5th House (foreign travel and the use of communication skills), and Uranus still square his natal Pluto (still tackling deep world changes).  Putin’s chart is currently contested, but for his original chart Chiron is opposite his Sun, Jupiter square his natal Mars and the Nodal Axis square his natal Pluto (all challenging transits, the latter particularly karmic).  Guterres called Russia’s military action a violation of Ukraine’s territorial integrity.  Putin responded by saying he still hoped for a negotiated agreement, and agreed to involve the Red Cross involvement in evacuating the besieged town Mariupol (though there are still many civilians trapped there).

Guterres went on to Ukraine, where the Russians were still shelling parts of Kyiv while he was there.  He called the war evil, declaring: “When I see those destroyed buildings, I must say what I feel. I imagined my family in one of those houses that is now destroyed and black.   I see my granddaughters running away in panic, part of the family eventually killed.”  He met and expressed solidarity with Ukrainian President Zelensky, pledging humanitarian aid.  It was close to Guterres’ birthday of 30th April, so he was experiencing a Solar Return, and Pluto was trine his Moon, increasing his empathy.  For Zelensky, Chiron was square his Mercury (mental conundrums to solve), Jupiter square his Mercury (an overstretched mind), and Uranus trine his Mercury (his intuition working well). The U.N itself has been criticized as being ineffectual, but it is better to have it until something better is created.  It has been suggested that as the majority of nations are opposed to this war, Russia should be expelled from the institution.  Guterres himself has been criticized as being ineffectual, but the role he has is unenviable, and must take a great deal of courage.  All luck to them, and to the collective nations, in solving the current impasse. “Blessed are the Peacemakers” – The Bible (Matthew 5:9)

Aspects

In the first of five sextiles this week, which should set up a harmonious vibe, Venus sextiles Pluto today.  It could be all systems go!  You can add extra artistry and harmony to your current projects.  You can also experience profound connections between people, and it’s a good time for evaluating what people mean to you.

Tomorrow (Monday 2nd) Venus waves goodbye to Pisces and enters Aries in the afternoon.  Though Venus was sympathetic in Pisces, there is a warmer and more demonstrative feel while she is in Aries.  On the flip side, she is out of her comfort zone in the warrior sign, so there may be some uncomfortable wrestling with issues around whether to express true feelings or stay away from possible conflict.  Venus stays in Aries until 28th May.

On Tuesday (3rd) there is a major sextile, this time between Jupiter and Pluto.  This is likely to be quite impactful, and constructive.  It is about the bold but wise use of power, if you are keyed into it.  Philanthropy flourishes, and is appreciated.  Don’t miss this opportunity to display your best self.

Wednesday (4th) brings the next sextile, that between Mars and Uranus.  This promises dynamism for the day.  Engineering especially benefits from this aspect, but that also includes social engineering.  Electricity and Astrology are other areas which can be stimulated by this combination.  Cars, mechanics, mechanical goods and household appliances may receive a boost or a renewal.  This aspect can refresh your energies, if you have been feeling jaded.  It is helpful for both beginning new tasks, or completing long term projects. The power of surprise may be constructive today, too.

The Sun conjoins with Uranus at 14 degrees Taurus on Thursday (5th), a day of Council elections for some.  A day when expectations can be overthrown!  It is a good day to demonstrate your originality and inventiveness, and in your leisure time begin a project which is highly creative or benefits society.   If you are operating from your Intuition, you could have a very successful day, but if you are lagging behind backfootedly, you may have a struggle to keep up.  Some tuning in early on may help with this.

The convivial sextile of Mercury with Venus occurs on Friday (6th), a combination that aims to please.  This favours socializing and conversing, and creative forms which combine art and writing.  There is potential for negotiation in diplomatic efforts (hopefully helping the peace effort, though it is not a major aspect, so in baby steps), and harmony and agreement between kindred spirits.

Last sextile of the week, Sun sextile Mars, comes on Saturday (7th).  Energy is injected into our affairs.  It should hopefully allow you to press on with active projects, and dynamically get your jobs done.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – deep harmony
• Tomorrow – warm feelings
• Tuesday – bold but wise use of power
• Wednesday – dynamic electrical energy
• Thursday – originality and inventiveness
• Friday – gentle communication
• Saturday – dynamic energy

Disappearing Men

The Thief, His Wife and The Canoe

I watched four episodes of this fascinating true story four days this week, and then The Real Story on Thursday, so it has dominated my television viewing!  It is the story of John Darwin who faked his death out at sea in a canoe, persuaded his wife Anne (superbly acted by Monica Dolan) to claim the insurance money, and then went to live in Panama.  The plot then unravelled, with him returning claiming amnesia, and a journalist in Panama (David Leigh) persuading his wife to return to England to face the music.  Both husband and wife eventually spent six years in prison. For a long time, their sons refused to forgive their mother for lying, but they are now reconciled. John Darwin now resides in the Philippines with his second wife.  We do not have a birth date for the wife, who played such a huge role in the real life drama.  And neither do we have a birth date for the journalist who played a really karmic role, befriending Anne (to this day) and writing the book on which the television drama was based.  Most frustrating!

John Darwin’s Birth Chart

The first thing that strikes you when you look at his chart is his Sun conjunct Pluto in Leo.  In the programme The Real Story he was described as “loving the limelight” (Sun in Leo), and of course Pluto is the planet of Death and Resurrection.  The close conjunction of Mercury and Saturn in Virgo in his chart is also of intense interest: a workmate described him as “calculating” and another interviewee commented that he “planned everything”, both descriptions not hard to deduce from his actions, but both very descriptive of Mercury conjunct Saturn, and Virgo providing the detail.  Mercury square Chiron shows a mind that is problem-solving, and this close square is also to be found in the chart of the actor who plays him (Eddie Marsan).  The adventurer in John Darwin is shown by Mars closely trine Jupiter, which together with Uranus forms a Grand Water Trine (his chosen Element of disappearance!).  Jupiter trine Uranus indicates the Entrepreneur Archetype: prior to getting  into debt and deciding to fake his death, he owned a string of properties, and apparently was always on the lookout for an easy way to make money.

His Transits

The transits for when he went out to sea in a boat included Pluto square his natal Mercury (the death plan) and Pluto trine his natal Pluto (self-empowerment, at the time).

The main transit for when he was imprisoned and convicted for fraud was Jupiter square his natal Neptune, Neptune being the planet of incarceration.  We do not know which House this falls in chartwise, because we do not have a birth time for him.

On his release from prison, Jupiter (liberation) was close to his North Node (karma).

The CPS announced that the life insurance and pension payouts were recovered by 14th February 2012, when transiting Jupiter was sextile Darwin’s natal Jupiter in Pisces, and  Pluto opposed his natal Uranus, both transits wiping the slate clean in some ways.  But he was still liable to pay £679,073 costs by the judge, which were largely paid by July 2015, when Uranus was trine his natal Sun (favourable change).

The story was previously made into a film in 2010 entitled “Canoe Man”.  The real story may have unfolded slightly differently had the crime of “coercive control” come into force earlier, for Anne Darwin was a reluctant partner in crime.  “Coercive control” was not recognized in the courts until 29th December 2015.

John Stonehouse

In an earlier precedent for John Darwin’s bold and reckless actions, the M.P. John Stonehouse disappeared into the sea back in the year 1974.

John Stonehouse, like John Darwin, was a Sun in Leo, but with a different character and mindset.  His Sun, and ruler of his chart, was exactly conjunct his North Node, a sign that karma and fate played a huge part in the course of his life.  His Mars was closely conjunct Neptune, which gives him the Neptunian connection with the sea and disappearance. He had power issues, with Jupiter closely opposite Neptune, and his chosen career was politics (Jupiter in Capricorn gave him some success and ease in this).  But it emerged, long after his death, that he had spied for what was then Czechoslovakia, so he had a whole other, secret, life (possibly depicted by his Mars conjunct Neptune). His highest Element count was for 4 planets in Water, and he had 0 planets in Air.  His Neptune was conjunct John Darwin’s Sun, so he may have partially provided inspiration for the other John.

Ultimately, it was false financial accounting which got him into difficulties that persuaded him the only way out was to fake his own death, so in that motivation the two Johns were similar.  He apparently spent a great deal of time preparing a new prospective identity for himself, that of Joseph Markham.  In the event, he left a pile of clothes on a beach in Miami, and it was presumed among other things that he might have been eaten by a shark.  He, like Darwin, had a woman in tow, his secretary Sheila Buckley.  He fled to Australia, but the Bank of New Zealand spotted an anomaly, and he was placed under surveillance.  For a time, it was even suspected that he was the missing Lord Lucan!  The latter had only disappeared two weeks before John Stonehouse.

Transits for his faked death included Mars sextile his natal Jupiter, and Jupiter trine his natal Saturn (both transits of action), as well as Uranus sextile his Venus  (a change in relationships).

A notable transit for his arrest on 24th December 1974 was Uranus (surprise) sextile his natal Mercury.  After conducting his own defence, he was convicted on 6th August 1976.  Mars was forming a dicey opposition to his natal Uranus. After divorcing his first wife, he married the secretary.  He died suddenly of a heart attack in 1988, with Mars opposite his Sun, on his South Node, and Jupiter opposite his Saturn.

Lord Lucan

Lord Lucan disappeared two weeks before John Stonehouse, after supposedly killing the household nanny Sandra Rivett.  When his wife died in 2017, I wrote about his chart:

“Lord Lucan had the Sun and Mercury in Sagittarius, and was a notorious gambler (a traditional Sagittarian trait), horse racing being one of his interests.  It’s a very Sagittarian phenomenon, too, that he was (subsequent to the murder) spotted in various places all over the world, even if it wasn’t him!  A curious fact about Lord Lucan was that he was considered for the role of James Bond, so there is another Archetype associated with him.

There was a strong streak of rebelliousness in his nature, with his Saturn in Aquarius and his Sun closely trine Uranus.  His North Node (karmic mission) was also in Aquarius, and he certainly had a unique and bizarre destiny.  Mars was exactly trine this North Node, and he was forever linked with this act of bloodshed…

His natal Mercury was square Neptune, indicating a confused mind at times, particularly when under stress.  He also had Venus square exactly Mars, which can bring impulsiveness in matters of the heart.”

Reggie Perrin

John Stonehouse’s escapade especially gave inspiration to the comedy series, The Fall and Rise of Reggie Perrin, which aired under a Virgo Sun on 8th September 1976.  Its theme was of a mid-life crisis of Reggie, who faked his death on a beach and carved a new life for himself.  I doubt if Lord Lucan, John Stonehouse and John Darwin found it very funny, but it was one of the better comedic offerings of the 1970s.

Traditionally, disappearance is associated astrologically with Neptune, and other disappearances bear this out, but for these examples some other considerations come to light.  It is still an unusual phenomenon, and if more birth data come to light, I will fill in the gaps.

Aspects

A busy week for aspects this week!

Mercury squares Saturn today at lunchtime, so if there are obstacles or delays in communication, you’ll know why!  Patience may be the key here (e.g. you may have to repeat yourself), and “more haste less speed” may be a useful mantra to follow.

In the late evening, Mercury settles down to a smooth sextile with Neptune: Sensitivity towards others, and spiritual awareness, inform our minds easily, making delicate conversations and channelling easier.  You can receive inspiration, especially for writing and communication.  You may feel that you communicate with other dimensions on other planes.

Tomorrow (Monday 25th) Venus sextiles the North Node.  A softer side is brought into our karma with Venus sextile the North Node, if we need to luxuriate a little or justify a little indulgence.  Expressing more love too, is easier under this aspect.  It’s good for re-establishing warmth in a relationship.

A third sextile on Wednesday (27th) arrives in the form of Mercury sextile Jupiter, early in the morning.  It’s another high note!  Some good news may be possible. This aspect favours communication, sales and travel.  Some worries about business may be alleviated.  Higher learning is also a benefit – This may be helpful to students revising for upcoming exams.  It’s a good time to practice any new language skills, too.  Have you tried the French version of wordle (they are calling it Le Mot)?

On Wednesday evening there is a conjunction between Venus and Neptune at 24 degrees Pisces.  This could be a serene, highly spiritual and artistically inspired conjunction, full of unconditional love.  This conjunction can express the best of the divine feminine.

Mercury trines Pluto on Thursday (28th), which is conducive to deep thought and psychological reflection, and earnest conversations.  Conversations could be life changing: the right word at the right time, striking home in the right place.

In the early evening, there is a planetary change of direction: Pluto is Stationary, prior to turning Retrograde.  This may be tricky.  Put your psychological house in order, e.g. with a spot of re-aligning meditation, ready for the challenges of this retrograde period.  There may be practical inconveniences, or contentious subjects arising.  The challenges may be more wearying than acute, but you need to keep up your vitality and reserves.  Alternatively, if you find yourself in overwhelm, surrender is equally effective as a spiritual strategy towards a sense of peace and acceptance, and new insight to inform your next steps.

Even later in the day, Mercury enters Gemini, which will quicken our mentality and curiosity, and stimulate our communications during its stay in this sign, which lasts until 5th July, because there is a retrograde period during that time, when Mercury will dip back into Taurus.  As Mercury in Gemini is so mentally stimulating, this may result in a sleepless night, so  you may want to put your strategies in place, e.g. keep a drowsy book by your bedside (I would recommend “The Quiet Office” by Lana Wooster).

The last portion of the last day of the week holds great interest, Saturday 30th April.  In the evening there is a New Moon and Eclipse at 10 degrees Taurus (so check out which House it falls in for you, if possible).  This may enable may a fresh new start, and that may be in the realm of cooking, gardening, art, music or money.  Make the most of this wishing Moon, as it could be a turning point.

And there’s more…!  Mid-evening, the best conjunction of the year takes place, and that is Venus conjunct Jupiter.  This is for parties and celebrations, so if  you have not yet planned yours, get a free kit from 10 Downing Street.  You should be able to let your hair down, even if you decide to keep your mask on. It is a great conjunction for getting out and socializing, but also for practising Unconditional Love.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – communication delays; spiritual communication
• Tomorrow – re-establishing warmth
• Wednesday – bright communications; spiritual love
• Thursday – earnest conversations; deep psychological delving; active minds
• Saturday – new beginnings for earth matters; celebrations