James Lovelock (1919 – 2022)

“Even the best democracies agree that when a major war approaches, democracy must be put on hold for the time being. I have a feeling that climate change may be an issue as severe as a war. It may be necessary to put democracy on hold for a while.”

~ James Lovelock

James Lovelock, creator of the concept of “Gaia”, died this week on his 103rd birthday.  His groundbreaking book “GAIA, a new look at life on Earth” of 1979 proposed a hypothesis which was responsible for a whole new way of thinking.  It posed a scientific question which flew in the face of Darwinism, put him at odds with some other scientists, and in its solution also conflicted with some environmentalists’ views of how it should be dealt with.  He saw the Earth as a living organism in which its components were interconnected.  He brought up the danger of CFCs, greenhouse gas emissions, a problem which we are still dealing with.  He held very individual views about climate change, and it is interesting that he has left the planet at this time, a few days after the extreme 40 degree celsius temperatures in his home country.  People are still questioning whether climate change is real (deniers), and in our Tory leadership contest, there is no attempt to put this planetary issue at the forefront of their policies.

Birth Chart

The work and thought of James Lovelock appealed both to scientists, and to New Agers.  The Green Movement also owes a lot to his pioneering ideas.  The genial, open face which consistently presents itself in his photographs is the epitome of the sunny sign of Leo.  That he was born and died on 26th July would be especially significant to the New Age ascension movement, a proponent of which, Celia Fenn, declares that date annually to be the start of the Galactic or Planetary New Year.  His theories are holistic (“My role has been to bring separated things and ideas together and make the whole more than the sum of its parts”), and he insisted on working independently as a scientist, both hallmarks of the sign of Leo, ruled by the all-embracing Sun.  He stated:

“Any artist or novelist would understand,  some of us do not produce their best when directed.”

His Sun was in conjunction with Jupiter, giving him an expansive outlook.  Some of his scientific research was in relation to life on Mars.  His North Node (karmic mission) was at 0 degrees Sagittarius, the sign ruled in esoteric Astrology by the Earth.  His Mercury was exactly conjunct Saturn in Leo (capable of very precise thought and accuracy) and opposite Uranus  (not afraid to be controversial, thinking outside the box).  Venus in Virgo gave him a leaning towards Environmentalism.  Mars conjunct Pluto in Cancer bestowed upon him a powerhouse of energy.  Academically, he gained a PhD in Medicine, depicted in his chart by Chiron (the Inner Healer) in his 6th House of Health.  He had Uranus trine Pluto, depicting enormous strength, which may be one of the secrets of his longevity, but also gave him the ability to bring about constructive change.  Uranus in fact takes a pivotal role in his chart: it is exactly square his Nodal Axis, prompting him to smash prevailing world views, and marking him out as an inventor.  Neptune conjunct the Midheaven portrays him as a spiritual leader of sorts.  Last but not least, he has a full 9th House of publishing, containing Pluto, Mars, Moon, Jupiter/Sun.  He is known especially for the book which changed world thought: GAIA – A New Look at Life on Earth 1979 Oxford University Press.  The term GAIA was suggested by neighbour and friend William Golding, citing the Greek goddess brought forth the living world from Chaos.

Life and Career

James Lovelock was born in Letchworth Garden City, coming from a humble background, and could not initially afford to go to University on  leaving school.  A Quaker upbringing instilled in his mind that: “God is a still, small voice within rather than some mysterious old gentleman way out in the universe”.  After establishing himself as a scientist and inventor, he refused to take up any professional post in a university, so as to remain independent.  Instead, he used a home-grown laboratory in a barn on the Devon-Cornwall border for his continued explorations.  He was married twice and had four children.

The Science Bit

Lovelock’s scientific interests were wide and eclectic.  Early experimentation on mice (in connection with researching the possibility of life on Mars) had later applications for cryogenics, and he claimed to have accidentally stumbled upon the use of the microwave oven (though he did not claim to actually have invented it).  It was when designing scientific instruments for NASA, that he developed his GAIA hypothesis.  He invented the electron capture detector, which led to his pointing out the need to reduce CFCs, the proliferation of which was causing global warming due to the greenhouse effect, and their role in eroding the ozone layer.  To this end he proposed a method of climate engineering.  By 2001 the scientific community formally acknowledged the concept that the planet “behaves as a single self-regulating system comprised of physical, chemical, biological and human components”

But he was at odds with certain members of the scientific community, for example evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkings over Darwinism.  The Darwinian view was that life was shaped by the environment, but Lovelock felt that it was just as true that life shapes the environment.   Although his work had nurtured the Green Movement, he did not agree with their policy over carbon footprints, and felt that nuclear power was the only way forward.   He wrote in 2006:

“I find it sad, but all too human, that there are vast bureaucracies concerned about nuclear waste, huge organisations devoted to decommissioning power stations, but nothing comparable to deal with that truly malign waste, carbon dioxide.”

At odds with the Greens, he also surprisingly approved of fracking and disliked wind turbines.

Death

His death, though coming after a fall, was graced astrologically by Jupiter trine his natal Neptune, a sign of being at peace after a life well lived.

In his various publications, he portrayed an apocalyptic future where much of the Earth would turn to desert, and then would from time to time row back on his own assertations, only to re-state his warnings.  Nowadays, scientists agree that we have virtually passed the tipping point of terrestrial climate resiliance, and that our targets are a damage-limitation exercise.  Even so, and despite warnings and efforts from David Attenborough, Greta Thunberg, Caroline Lucas and Chris Packham, our governments are still failing to tackle this all-pervading issue, or to meet their own proclaimed targets.

According to his Obituary in the Guardian, he had wondered how Earth might appear from the perspective of an extraterrestrial intelligence.  I like to think he was actually mentally attuned to guardians of the Earth from out in the Cosmos.  And hope that, from wherever he is now, he will still have a care and an influence on humanity and the planet.

“One thing that being a scientist has taught me is that you can never be certain about anything. You never know the truth. You can only approach it and hope to get a bit nearer to it each time. You iterate towards the truth. You don’t know it.”

~  James Lovelock

Aspects

This week could be an important turning point, both on a personal level, and in society and global affairs.  For today,  the True North Node conjoins with Uranus.  You may have had inklings of such changes in the last few days.  This karmic conjunction can bring sudden and surprise events, and is good for innovation and innovators.  I think the passing of innovator James Lovelock is an indicator of the passing of one karmic (Nodal) cycle and the beginning of another.  Perhaps it heralds a new thinker, scientist or environmentalist coming to the fore – another Futurist.  As mentioned last week, it could be eventful for those engaged in Uranian professions, such as Electricians, Engineers and Astrologers.  On the world stage, there may be some startling changes.  Aquarians and Taureans may be most affected, as well as anyone who has a planet or angle at 18 degrees in their chart.  World finance could also be affected, as the conjunction takes place in Taurus.  Financial Astrologer Raymond Merriman observes: “… with the rare conjunction of Mars, Uranus, and the Moon’s North Node in the money sign of Taurus… This is a consistent signature for a sharp (but possibly short) drop in equity markets.”  Take note, financiers.  There may be events now for which the consequences may not be immediately clear or realized.

Saturn opposed Mercury early this morning, possibly while you were still having a Sunday lie-in.  Saturn promises more frustrating and delay in communication and travel, some being repercussions from yesterday’s rail strike.  You will be urged to think before you speak, or even to remain tight-lipped in order not to deepen an existing crisis.  Documentation may be delayed, e.g. passports and driving licences – well, even more delayed!  You may have to tell someone “It’s in the post!”.

In the late evening, in contrast we have one of the brightest aspects of the year, in the trine between the Sun and Jupiter.  If you have been feeling stressed, you may experience a welcome distraction.  It’s a happy-go-lucky aspect where circumstances allow.  So whatever lights your candle today, grasp the opportunity in the evening.  Good cheer, laughter, and adventure may characterize the later hours.  For those watching the Women’s football final, fortune may favour either side, but the astrology can promise a good match (though my remote control will be heading elsewhere!)

Tomorrow (Monday, 1st August) Mars may trigger events and specifically the Uranus/North Node conjunction at 18 degrees Taurus, forming a triple conjunction.  In the U.K., this is the day that Tory Party members receive their ballot papers: choose wisely!  The consequences could be indeed far-reaching.  At this time, Liz Truss seems to be a foregone conclusion to take over the role of Prime Minister.  Mars conjunct Uranus is an explosive and volatile mixture, and Liz is not known for her tact in her current role of Foreign Secretary.  I will say no more!  Similarly, in personal lives, try to take the heat out of events, and choose the more peaceful option, I would say.

This combination brings out the dignity of our own Inner Warrior, and the practice of asserting this in the most constructive way we can understand at this time.  It depends where you are with your own Inner Warrior…you may be in denial that you have one at all, you may be working on being a peaceful warrior or a warrior on behalf of women’s rights.  With Mars conjunct the North Node, we see the karmic results of our actions straight away, giving us the wisdom of knowing, instant-karma style, whether or not we are doing things the right way and learning the right lessons, including the way to conduct our Inner Warrior.

In the last hour of the day, specifically the Mars/Uranus element of the triple conjunction kicks in.  It is important to check health and safety practicalities, particularly before you retire, in the U.K timing.  Mars conjunct Uranus is very focussed action, sometimes conducted at lightning speed.  It favours engineering, mechanics and science, and could be explosive if the energy is not harnessed with some sense of control.  The energies could be very galvanizing. If you are engaged in a creative venture, your mind could be over-active on retiring at night, with original ideas.

While Mars dominates at the beginning of the week, Tuesday and Wednesday could have a more soothing vibe, being dominated by Venusian aspects (Venus sextile the triple conjunction).  This can take the edge off some of the harshness of Mars/Uranus.  The first, on Tuesday (2nd), is Venus sextile the North Node, which is ideal for smoothing over karmic issues, resolving relationship karma and easing connections. It is more about forgiveness and laying aside grievances than exacting karmic balance.  The law of karma works automatically – you don’t need to engineer it.  Your own knowledge may not be complete enough to judge.

At lunchtime, Venus goes on to sextile Uranus – There may be a social sparkle somewhere in your life, even if only on social media.  It’s a good day, for the most part, for socializing and meeting new people.  Meetings are significant with the combination of Venus and Uranus, and sometimes they can be strange.

The third Venusian aspect in the row occurs in the early hours of Wednesday (3rd), a sextile between Venus and Mars.  This is an altogether more relaxing prospect.  Time for some pleasure and enjoyment.  A better night’s sleep may be on the cards, with romantic dreams possible!

By the morning of Thursday (4th), we are in a more mental and practical mode, with Mercury entering Virgo.  This signals a more studious change in focus and presaging the next academic term.  We will be thinking ahead, planning for September schedules.  Students and teachers will be trying to plan for the term ahead.  Parents will be stocking up on essentials such as school uniforms and various kits.  Businesses will be hoping for an extra push in efficiency for after the holiday period.  Retail will be preparing for the run up to Christmas. Some services will be planning strike action.  Parliamentarians will be setting out their policies on strike action.  Mental application will be needed all round.

The rest of the week is free of major aspects, so I will leave you again with a Fixed Star for the end of the week (Saturday 6th).  The alignment of our Sun would be to Dubhe, the Alpha star of Ursa Major.  “Starlight Elixirs” by Michael Smulkis and Fred Rubenfeld puts forward the following information:

“A particularly good application here is the pouring of such an energy into a clear quartz crystal to allow this energy to strengthen further and vibrate on its own.  The combination of free will and love can be better communicated to others.  These stars can also create certain deeper states of forgiveness of the elderly in your life, be it your parents, grandparents, or ancestors.”  This star is associated with the colour and substance of Gold.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – game changing; communication delay; a touch of luck
• Tomorrow – explosiveness; karmic warriorship; engineering
• Tuesday – smoothing over karma; social sparkle
• Wednesday – sensuality
• Thursday – knuckling down mentally and practically
• Saturday – combination of free will and love; forgiveness; going for Gold

 

Leo Careers

We are  in Leo season!  This is the sixth 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 Leo looking at re-training for a change of career.  If you are a Lion and have found an ideal or fulfilling career,  you could share that under comments.

The Boss/Businessman/woman/Leader/CEO

Leos do not like to work under someone else’s jurisdiction, and therefore you will often find they will take their strength or speciality, and turn it into a business.  They work well with Virgos, who tend to be conscientious but do not like so much to lead.  Taureans too are very supportive, though there may be a clash of wills.

Actor / Actress

Leo is one of two signs I associate with the acting profession.  The other sign is Pisces, which represents the more sensitive and nuanced side of an actor in portraying inner psychological states.  Leo is more flamboyant, playful, and dramatic.

Famous Examples: Arnold Swarzenegger (plays the strong man who seems to always triumph)

Bennifer (Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez, who just got married in Las Vegas, both Leos)

Alexander Vlahos (who played Philippe, Duke of Orleans in Versailles)

Barbara Windsor (of Carry On fame; also played Peggy Mitchell landlady of the Queen Vic Pub in Eastenders)

Film director

The Film Director controls and oversees all aspects of the making of a film.  Many Film Directors are born under Leo, and embody that total creative vision.

Famous Examples: Alfred Hitchcock, Stanley Kubrick, Sam Mendes, Christopher Nolan, Roman Polanski, John Huston, Cecil B. de Mille, Wim Wenders, Peter Bogdanovich, Wes Craven

Performer

This displays the Leo traits of creativity and self-expression.  You may find the Leo fronting in a band (e.g. Mick Jagger in the Rolling Stones, and Mark Knopfler in Dire Straits), or treading the boards (as above), or performing as a soloist in an orchestral setting.

Conductor

The Conductor in an orchestra literally plays the role of leader with control over the whole orchestra, rather like the Film Director for a film.

Playwright/Scriptwriter

Associated with theatre, drama and acting.  Some actors go on to scriptwriting, or film directing.

Leo writer Carla Lane was the creator of successful sticoms for television The Liver Birds, Butterflies, and Bread.

Occupational Therapist

An Occupational Therapist can work in a holistic way to empower the patient in various activities in rehabilitation.  This is a worthwhile role for a Leo.

Leos are particularly suited to the role of Youth Worker, as they have an innate playfulness, and can nurture the Inner Child.

Teacher

You will often find Leos in the profession of Teaching, and they often find they can bring out their inner performer in order to project their personality and engage their pupils.  Even if the teacher does not have Sun in Leo, they may for instance have Midheaven in Leo which represents the Persona in the outside world, which they can bring out for this purpose.  The Sun, which rules Leo, is central in a birth chart, and may occupy a special significance in the chart of a teacher.

Holiday Rep

The Hedonist Archetype of the Leo personality would lend itself well to a career in the tourist industry, enabling others to enjoy their leisure time.

Other Occupations:

Working with Competitions, Speculation, Gambling (e.g. a Bookie or Croupier!), because the Sun and Leo are expressive and lucky in these spheres.  For this reason, possibly property development may also be an attractive path, though this would also come under Capricorn and Saturn for property.

A Modern Option: Social Media “Influencer”!

Talented Leos can turn their minds to a host of occupations, just as long as they are calling the shots!

Aspects

Early tomorrow morning (Monday 25th) Jupiter squares Venus, so you may be confronted with an awkward social situation.  Behaviour may be gauche or a little inappropriate, and that may have consequences.  You may be socializing when you don’t feel like it, or feel that you have to force jollity.  There will be a meaning to it – there always is!  Even if it is one remark which makes you think deeply, or helps you to realize what you don’t need.  Social non-conformists won’t care, but conformists may lament the lack of sticking to the rules.

The Mean North Node conjoins with Uranus that day at 18 degrees Taurus, which will give you a taste of the True North Node conjunct Uranus which occurs next Sunday (31st July).  This can bring sudden and surprise events, and is good for innovation and innovators.  It may be a significant day in relation to proposed and threatened strike action, which is in the air in the U.K.  It could be eventful for those engaged in Uranian professions, such as Electricians, Engineers and Astrologers.  On the world stage, there may be some startling changes.  Aquarians and Taureans may be most affected, as well as anyone who has a planet or angle at 18 degrees in their chart.  The effect may last all week, through to next week.

On Tuesday (26th) early evening Mercury squares Mars, which can bring can bring irritations, wars of words, and minor cuts and bruises.  So, proceed with caution.  If you are sufficiently centred, you may be quite productive, producing brisk work.

On to Thursday (28th) and an opportunity for a fresh start afforded by the New Moon at 5 degrees Leo.  This emphasizes the holiday making, creative and performing qualities of the sign and the season. In fulfilling the spirit of holidaymaking, staycationing would seem the best bet, seeing continuing difficulties for some overseas travellers.  But it is some kind of a new beginning, so if you have experienced some testing times recently, you can press the re-set button.

In the evening, Jupiter will be Stationary prior to turning Retrograde, increasing the count of retrograde planets, which include Saturn, Chiron, Neptune and Pluto.  You might feel it is difficult to make progress under such conditions, but most years you see a similar pattern for planets going retrograde, and life goes on!  As for Jupiter, Sagittarians may feel the effect more than most.  Though you may have been working along a particular line and making steady progress, you may now have to re-assess.  One of the Tory contenders for leadership may have to make a U-turn on prospective policies, seeing an adverse public reaction.

Even later on Thursday evening, Mercury squares Uranus, which is the the spanner-in-the-works aspect of Uranus square Mercury.  Back up your computer files, and consider I.T. loopholes, as this is a time when you may experience glitches in this area.  Your Intuition is your guide to your way through these anomalies.  Set your antennae to a higher frequency!

This looks like a tricky week, and coming up to next weekend that may intensify as we near the conjunction of the True North Node with Uranus.  So I am bringing in a little soothing balm from the Fixed Stars for the end of the week (Friday/Saturday), one of which is the Asellus Borealis, the Gemma star of the constellation of Cancer.  According to “Starlight Elixirs” by Michael Smulkis and Fred Rubenfeld:

“With use of this star there is some strengthening in the dream state of the ability to perceive your direction with your family and how things are to work themselves out together.  The ability to nurture others is strengthened.  This star can assist individuals in professions that rely heavily on such nurturing abilities, such as nursing, childcare, or teaching younger children.”

The week in bullet points:

• Monday – socially awkward; surprises
• Tuesday – minor skirmishes
• Thursday – new beginning; U-turns; more surprises
• Friday – make use of your nurturing dreams

Tory Leadership Contest 2022

In the TV debate on Friday evening on Channel 4 hosted by Krishnan Guru-Murthy, the candidates did not distinguish themselves, and there was bickering between the candidates jostling for the attention of the floating voters in the audience.  In the event, when they were asked if they were more likely to vote conservative, a mere handful of the audience indicated they would. In a poll immediately afterwards, Tom Tugendhat came top, and Liz Truss came last.

Here are the current contenders, who will be further whittled down this week:

Rishi Sunak

Slogan: Ready4Rishi

Rishi currently has the highest number of votes from his fellow MPs.  He is known to be one of the richest MP currently in parliament, and took some flak over his wife claiming non-domicile status.  He famously saw us through the pandemic with the furlough scheme, and the eat out to help out scheme, etc. He crossed swords in the TV debate with Liz Truss, e.g. saying that there was “no such thing as covid debt”.  He is the only one of the five that thinks it would be madness to lower taxes, and came across as competent and confident compared to others in the TV debate, with the exception of Tugenhardt.  He wants people to think of him as a realist.

When he became Chancellor of the Exchequer, I wrote about his chart:

“So what is the new Chancellor made of?  He was the deputy for Sajid, and has married into Indian wealth.  He has the Sun, Mercury and Chiron in Taurus, the sign of money.  With the Sun/Mercury trine Saturn, he has a great deal of common sense.  But will he be a mere puppet of Boris Johnson and Dominic Cummings?  He has a preponderance of planets in the Mutable signs (adaptability and flexibility), but he also has Uranus opposite his Sun (so is capable of rebellion).  It is an intriguing combination, in terms of his future role.  He has Mars closely conjunct Jupiter, energy allied with enthusiasm, which I feel has contributed to his success (at 39, he is a very young age for a Chancellor).”

He is backed by Liam Fox, Oliver Dowden, Dominic Raab and Matt Hancock

Transits now:

Saturn squares his natal Uranus.  He will be finding the process tough.

Saturn urges him to stay true to his cautious principles, and not give rein to his Inner Rebel (Uranus)

Transits 5 Sept (when the new PM is to be announced):

Saturn will square his Mercury (mental headache)

Saturn trine his natal Pluto (power, strength and responsibility)

Neptune trine his natal Uranus (taking on complexity)

It is very likely he will succeed.

 

Penny Mordaunt

 Slogan: PM4PM

 “I could feel myself dozing off in the heat.  Along with almost everyone else packed into the room.  Mordaunt may have a vision but she’s not a natural communicator.  There’s a reason that almost no one outside of Westminster has heard of her.”

~ John Crace

Penny currently has the second highest number of votes from her fellow MPs, but many people are still saying “Who is she?”.  I have previously written about her, but had forgotten I had done so.  She basically wants to lower taxes, but otherwise keep things as they are and fulfil Boris’ mandate.  She has served in a variety of government departments, so like Liz Truss, claims experience.  There is a controversy over her views on gender, which she tried to clear up in an interview with Sophie Raworth this morning, and has taken part in reality TV.  Some of my readers may be interested to know she is enthusiastic about Homeopathy. (Her Nodal Axis is exactly square Chiron, the asteroid which signifies Homeopathy).

Her birth chart:

Penny has Sun in Pisces sextile Mars exactly conjunct her North Node.  She does not come across as a warrior, but her chart marks her out as one.  (She became the UK’s first female defence secretary, and has a background as a naval reservist, among other things).  Sun exactly square Saturn may put a restraint on that.  She has the Sun and Moon in Pisces, being born around the New Moon, which means she has the ability to start afresh.  The Sun sextiles her North Node, meaning that leadership is possibly part of her karmic mission.  In addition, she has Jupiter closely trine Pluto, a sense of comfort around power.  She has said:  “Our leadership has to change.  It needs to become a little less about the leader and a lot more about the ship”.

She is backed by Andrea Leadsom, and was slated by David Frost (of Brexit fame).

Transits now:

Light on significant transits. This could mean she feels free to express herself.

Transits 5 Sept:

Still light on transits…she may have withdrawn the race by then, surprisingly.  Or she may be operating in a different Universe.

 

Liz Truss

Slogan “Delivery, Delivery, Delivery”

“Truss looked blankly straight ahead, her body rigid with fear, and started misreading her script.  She tumbled over words and left pauses in mid-sentence.  She was robotic, managing to make Theresa May sound engaging, animated and personable.”

~ John Crace

Liz currently has the third highest number of votes from her fellow MPs.  She is our local MP.  I never imagined she could one day be running for Prime Minister!  She’s another low tax advocate.  She tries to dress like Margaret Thatcher, and echoing Boris Johnson she promises she will “Get things done!”.  As Foreign Secretary, she has been recklessly loose tongued, in the manner of Johnson himself.  Though she has experience in various government departments, she is not known for any successful achievements.

 There are similarities with Penny Mordaunt’s chart.  Liz has Sun trine North Node similar to Penny Mordaunt’s sextile “that leadership is possibly part of her karmic mission.” but not as exact as Penny’s.  Having 5 Cardinal planets, she likes to lead, and having Sun in Leo, she likes to shine.  With the Moon opposite Venus, she may be divisive on women’s issues.  Mercury square Jupiter makes her mind wide ranging, but not as flowing as Penny’s Mercury sextile Jupiter.  Her Mercury is conjunct Saturn, which may give rise to a stilted delivery at times.  She is not afraid of controversy (Mercury square Uranus), which may be one factor in the bluntness in foreign exchanges referred to above.  Jupiter square Saturn is not so favourable for balanced judgement, as optimism squares up to pessimism in an awkward way.  Jupiter opposing Uranus can give rise to the Chancer Archetype, and putting herself up as a possible Prime Minister may be a measure of that courage.  Saturn squares her Uranus, setting up yet another clash: this time between the old and the new.  I have counted thirteen squares altogether, so it is not an easy chart.

She is backed by Therese Coffey, Jacob Rees-Mogg, Nadine Dorries and Suella Braverman

Transits now:

Uranus is on her Mars, so there may be an upset imminent, such as being eliminated from the next round, or realizing that the polls put her last in the TV debate.  Saturn is sextile with her Jupiter, so her judgement and decision making are better than they usually are, at this time.  Jupiter is trine her natal Neptune, so self-belief is also high at this time, and that transit is of greater importance than the Uranus-Mars conjunction, so I cannot completely rule her out.  It is possible that in the next round, she will gain more backers.

Transits 5 Sept:

A lot can happen in the intervening weeks.  In early September Pluto will be opposite her natal Mercury, so if she gets through to the final two, she could suffer a major upset at that time.  If not, she will be having a heavy think about her future at that time.  Neptune will be trine her natal Saturn, so again she may start to follow a new path altogether at that time.  A new Prime Minister may mean different employment.  Mars will oppose her Neptune, so again, feelings may be hurt.  And Jupiter will be opposite her natal Pluto, so not a good transit for power issues.  In the New Year, Pluto will exactly sextile her natal North Node, so a new phase of karma is likely to come about.

 

Kemi Badenoch

Kemi Badenoch is the former levelling up and equalities minister, and takes the stand of “war on woke”.  She too would lower taxes.

Capricorn Kemi has half her planets (5) in Earth signs, so is very grounded.  Born on a Full Moon (Sun in Capricorn, Moon in Cancer), she could be very emotional.  With the Sun trine Mars, she is another warrior.  She also has Sun closely trine Jupiter, which makes her upbeat and positive, creating a Grand Earth Trine with Mars.  She could “get things done”.  She clashed in the TV debate with Penny Mordaunt on the trans issue.

She has been enthusiastically backed by Michael Gove – with her North Node exactly conjunct his Sun, and her Chiron trine his Venus, they have a strong karmic link. Their Uranuses are also exactly trine, which indicates a good spark between them, and they could work together well (telepathically, even!)

Transits now:

Mars on  her Chiron, she is challenging herself right now.  (Mars is therefore trine Michael Gove’s Venus, so he is really fired up)

Saturn squares her natal Uranus, like Rishi Sunak.  She will be finding the process tough.

Pluto trine her natal Saturn.  It’s powerful exercise for her, likely to earn her recognition and raise her profile.

Transits 5 Sept:

Pluto trine her natal Saturn

Neptune trine her natal Uranus, like Rishi

Saturn sextile her natal Neptune

All very favourable transits.  This suggests she will be happy she stood for office, and that she may gain a place in a new cabinet (maybe Rishi Sunak’s).  Rishi and Kemi were born in the same year, and have Uranus exactly conjunct.  Michael Gove’s Uranus is exactly trine theirs, so the three together might work well.

 

Tom Tugendhat

Slogan: The country needs a “clean start” 

Tom is the only candidate untainted by the Boris Johnson regime, and is the most left wing candidate.  He voted against Brexit in the 2016 referendum.  He promises an unrelenting focus on the cost-of-living crisis (which they all acknowledge as important).  He thinks taxes are too high, and has called for the national insurance hike to be scrapped, plus a cut in fuel tax.

Most  of the candidates stated on Friday that they love this country.  As a Cancerian, Tom may be a genuine patriot   Like Liz, Tom has half his planets in Cardinal signs, signifying leadership.  His military background is seen in his chart as Sun closely square Mars (a warrior, with bells on).  At the same time, his Mars opposes Pluto, so he has a powerhouse of combative energy.  The three planets are locked in a T-square, so he has to manage his passions carefully – when a planets transits one of those three points, all of them are triggered.  His Moon is in Taurus, which gives him some earthiness and grounded, but it is his only planet in the Earth element.  Mercury conjunct Venus indicates he should be good with words…although his denial of Boris’ honesty came in a nod of the head at the TV debate!  Mercury trine Mars gives him quick-wittedness and good co-ordination, an essential in battle.  Mercury trine Neptune means he can be inspired, and Mercury closely sextile Pluto means he is capable of deep thought.  Mars squares his Nodal Axis, another indicator of military karma and involvement.  Jupiter loosely trine Uranus is helpful for entrepreneurship.  And last but not least, Saturn trine Uranus in his chart indicates he can balance the old and the new, the outgoing with the incoming.  He says “The most consequential victim of our age is…Truth”.

He is backed by Damien Green

Transits now:

Neptune squares his natal Saturn, not a promising astrological look

Transits 5 Sept:

Jupiter with square his Sun, may be offered a post in a new cabinet

Pluto opposes his Venus, there may be turbulence in his private life

He is riding high in the polls post-TV-debate, but I don’t expect him to go much further.

I will try and analyse the two final hopefuls nearer the time that the new Prime Minister is selected.  There is another TV debate tonight (7 pm, ITV) hosted by Julie Etchingham, so the hopefuls have another chance to impress us.  You can re-assess them!  Though as Alistair Campbell points out in the Observer today: “Why is the country allowing – yet again – 160,000 mostly very old and similar people to choose the country’s leader?”  We need an overhaul of the constitution, to include proportional representation.  None of the candidates address the biggest issue to affect the planet, climate change, and the headline in today’s Observer stresses that the Climate chief Alok Sharma is threatening to resign if the new Prime Minister “dumps the net zero plan”.  Caroline Lucas of the Green Party is the only M.P. making that her priority.

Aspects

Today Mercury trines Neptune.  Things may fall into place spiritually, and you may be ready to talk about a sensitive subject.  This trine brings mental inspiration, transcendent wisdom, higher harmony, spiritual journeys, and insight.  A kind astrological note to start the week.

Late in the day, it is the turn of the Sun to trine Neptune, so to some extent, more of the same: A sparkling time, especially good for receiving creative inspiration.  Expand your consciousness, and allow your imagination to embellish your work, or project in hand.

Tomorrow (Monday 18th) begins well enough, in the early hours, with Venus entering Cancer.  We place our love on the home and family, and appreciate our locality.  We need to be conscious about our emotional boundaries during this period (to 11th August).  We have been advised to stay in our homes on Monday and Tuesday because of the severe Red Extreme heat warning of temperatures approaching 40 degrees centigrade.  The media are issuing all sorts of advice for managing this, mainly based on staying indoors and out of the sun.  So ingenuity, combined with common sense, are required to find just the right note, and stay safe, while enjoying yourself.  Find novel ways to enjoy staying in, and cherishing the home and family.

There’s an astrological warning to add, from breakfast time (so getting things done very early in the cool of the day may be advisable).  Pluto opposes Mercury, which means there may be a real danger involved in travelling if you don’t have to.  In this country, we are not used to dealing with such temperatures.  We don’t know what can melt, for instance… Watch your mental processes carefully, and be mindful in conversation.  Something could appear to be a minor snag on the surface, but may give you pause for deeper thought, leading to more psychological awareness.  Don’t skirt over it.  Examine the issue carefully, and the resulting insight could be a gift.

On Tuesday (19th) lunchtime we have another ingress, for Mercury enters Leo.  This placement favours applying the mind to ways of finding leisure and enjoyment in this holiday season.   Find novel ways to enjoy staying in, on Tuesday.  Take up a new hobby!  Mercury is on another rapid sojourn, leaving Leo on 4th August, so when the heat subsides, you can come out again.

On the same day, Chiron is Stationary, prior to turning Retrograde), so a healing issue may crop up that day; perhaps you have gone as far as you can with a particular line of healing, and may need to revise or go over old ground for a while.  There may be more understanding to be achieved, for instance, about the emotional component of the healing issue.  If you have Chiron Retrograde in your natal chart, you may be able to assess its greater significance.

The early hours of Wednesday (20th) bring another challenge, and another opposition, that of Pluto opposing the Sun.  Perhaps, on venturing out again, you have a great deal of catching up to do.  There is an opportunity to look at deeper issues in your life, and re-assess what you need and don’t need.  It may be helpful to get the energies and balance right on Tuesday, because of Wednesday’s challenge, which may bring up a lot of emotion and drama for people to balance and process.  It could be a day for sober reflection and unearthing the deep psychological significance behind events.  Being an opposition, there is a requirement again (after Pluto opposite Mercury earlier in the week) to balance two opposing forces, and possibly blend them or transcend the polarity.  A good question to ask on this day is: what needs to be transformed, or transcended?

The Sun enters Leo on Friday evening (22nd).

The Sun has got his hat on hip-hip-hip hooray

The Sun has got his hat on

And he’s coming out today

Well, you can celebrate, if you haven’t had enough of the Sun, and if the heat doesn’t constantly remind you of climate change.  I do enjoy my running in the warm weather, but will desist on Monday and Tuesday, unless the weather forecast turns out to be wrong.  For those of you on holiday by the sea, you may be able to enjoy a dip, alternating with lazing on a deckchair under a parasol sipping a pina colada.  But if the weather is still warm, some cautions may still apply.  Sun in Leo is also about the expression of the human spirit, and that can be enjoyed whatever the weather.  For many schoolchildren and workers, it is the start of holiday season…Have a good time!

The Universe has saved the best till last, this week.  On Saturday (23rd), Mercury trines Jupiter.  This aspect will help business transactions, and expand our horizons, minds and philosophies.  This is an upbeat vibe mentally, one that takes in great wads of information, produces good ideas and may incline one to travel, strikes permitting of course.  There may be media opportunities, for those so inclined, and it could be a productive day.  A cause for optimism may be found.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – spiritually harmonious
• Monday – focus on the home; mental and travel stress
• Tuesday – creative thinking; going over healing ground
• Wednesday – depth of thought required
• Friday – enjoy the sunshine, whether inner or outer
• Saturday – helpful for sales, learning and travel

Cancerian Careers

This is the fifth 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 Cancerian looking at re-training for a change of career.  If you are Cancerian and have found an ideal or fulfilling career,  you could share that under comments.

Parent

Many who are parents say it is the best thing they do or have done.  It’s not fashionable in this day and age to regard it as a sole purpose in life, though it was by necessity in previous centuries.  In these days of equality, househusbands are equally prized for this role as the tradition mother.

The Mother Goddess is central to the sign of Cancer.  Of all the Goddesses, Mother Mary is the most intrinsic.  Caroline Myss says of the Mother Archetype:

“You don’t need to be a biological mother, but must have a lifelong devotion to nurturing and protecting the environment or supporting any life form, including giving birth to books and ideas.  Some men relate to being ‘Mr. Mom’, another variation of the Mother Archetype”.

These days it is much easier to take a short break in your career, obtain maternity leave, etc.  When I first became a mother, maternity leave was not available for secretaries (my then career).  I took up childminding, so that I could look after my own children (I have the Moon, ruling planet of Cancer, in my 6th House of jobbing).  I noticed that when the Blair administration came in, women were more encouraged to sustain their careers and become working mothers, in the manner of Cherie Blair.  From that time, women’s rights in this area have improved, and many women take a year out to tend to their newborns.  There were also no paternity rights until 2003.

Gynaecologist/Obstetrician/Paediatrician

Cancerian medical students under this sign, will often opt for these areas of specialization, being associated with the female reproductive system, which is the province of this sign.

Nurse/Midwife/Carer

Caring professions in general are the province of the sign of Cancer, suiting their nurturing nature.

I have previously written, in relation to Archetypes:

In her 2013 book, Caroline Myss presents 10 new Archetypes for the modern age (look what you started, Carl Jung!).  One of these, the Caregiver, is related to the Mother, strongly associated with the sign of Cancer, but also has associations with the sign of Virgo.  Cancerians and Virgoans practically prop up the caring professions.

Myss advises that if this is one of your Archetypes, and you are compulsive about helping others, then your task is to learn self-care:

“Your challenge as a caregiver is to care enough about yourself to find out who you really are – to be willing to look closely and experience the deeper level of your inherent need and desire to care for others.”

Hospitality/Hotelier/Guest House proprietor/B&B owner

Cancerians are great home makers, and can make a profession out of this in the hospitality industry.

Sailor

Of the armed services, the Navy is associated with the Water signs, of which Cancer is one.  Cancerians tend to adore being at sea.

Novelist

Novelists who help us escape into a world of imagination, are often Cancerian or have a prominent Moon in their chart, e.g. you often find that people with the Moon rising close to their Ascendant have a talent for writing novels.

Childcare/Nursery Nurse/Reception Class Teacher

Whether or not someone becomes a parent, they may have a natural talent for working with very young children, say in the educational system.

Drummer

Cancerians have rhythm!  Musicians who are Cancerian or have Moon in Cancer can be especially adept at the art of drumming.  Examples of  Cancerian drummers are Ringo Starr and Mick Fleetwood.  In a band or orchestra generally, they would be well placed in the rhythm section.

Historian

Cancerians can also make talented historians.  They are able to store memory through emotional associations, and also have the imagination to re-create historical periods in their own minds.

Genealogist

Cancerians have a strong bond with their ancestors, and an interest in tracing family trees.  Often it is the Cancerian in the family that you find undertakes this task as a labour of love on behalf of the whole family.

Antique Dealer/Furniture Restorer

Related to their love of history and cherishing people and objects, you’ll often find them collecting antiques (collecting is an especially Cancerian hobby) and restoring objects to their former glory.  They have a great respect for such things.  You may also find that their favourite TV programmes are The Repair Shop, and Who Do You Think You Are.

I hope you have enjoyed this survey of Cancerian careers, and been able to apply it to your family and friends, even if you are not yourself a Cancerian.

Aspects

As I write this, Boris Johnson is still entrenched at No. 10 Downing Street, as long as he is allowed to stay, having been forced to resign by an unprecedented number of resignations within his party and cabinet.  His departure date is still uncertain, but the trigger for the announcement of the resignation came at about 9.10 a.m. on Thursday (7th) morning, with Mars (trigger) exactly opposite his Moon in his 1st House in Scorpio – he came out fighting.  I can feel a blog coming on…but in the meantime have written about Cancerian careers before we leave this zodiac sign.

On Sunday (10th July) the Sun will be sextile Uranus – a bright new day dawns.  This aspect supports us and adds a sparkle of ingenuity and inventiveness. Make headway with your various projects, assisted with some telepathy and higher consciousness, or liaising with a constructive group.  I shall be attending a retirement party, with my Jubilee trifle (orange jelly over lemon jelly), wearing a matching outfit of a yellow skirt and orange t-shirt (with a dab of Atelier mandarin cologne behind my ears).  What fun!

Another sextile occurs on Tuesday (12th), with the Sun sextile the North Node, which favours right action on a karmic level.  It is a good day to look at your life path as a whole, your creativity and self-expression and where you would like it to go.  Visualize your best possible path for the coming month.

We have a square on Wednesday (13th), between Chiron and Mercury.  This may cause some mental strain, a headache, a conundrum.  Remember every problem contains its own solution.  Attentiveness to health and healing is required, but first the question has to be aired.  The solution may just take a little work, or some lateral thinking.  Perhaps a good day to tackle the future of Boris’ tenure of 10 Downing Street.

Venus also trines Saturn that day, which brings some balm, e.g. perhaps some face saving for Boris.  It’s an aspect of practical compassion.  It can brings hope, of people coming together with more commitment and loyalty.  Venus can provide a softening role to a hard line stance.  It is conciliatory, which may be just what is needed.  Relationships may need serious resolving, and this aspect can help, whether on a personal level, or between the schisms in our society.

In the early evening, there is a Full Moon at 21 degrees Capricorn, which may exacerbate some of the insecurities of earlier in the day if they have not yet been resolved.  This Moon represents the pull between authority and individual needs.  If you feel that part of your frustration is coming from the power wielded by authorities, then this may be your Full Moon issue.  Many people are feeling angry and frustrated by the current political climate, and may need to focus on what they can do for themselves at this point in time, especially with government being in a virtual state of paralysis.

Mercury sextiles Uranus the next day, Thursday (14th), which may feel like a breath of fresh air after the complexities of Wednesday.  It’s a constructive aspect, being helpful for mental endeavours and technology. Telepathy, intuition and the power of surprise are benefits of this aspect.  This aspect can amaze you and help you find that “wow” factor, or unusual ways of articulating your message.

On the same day, Venus squares Neptune, adding a sense of intrigue.  There may be confusion or deceit involving relationship or money.  You need to look behind the illusion in each case, or both.  There could be uncertainty in the Arts or the world of Music.  Paranoia could steal into relationships, and frustrating flaws in creative works, as well as insecurity in finance. Tread softly.

And last but not least, the Sun conjoins Mercury at 23 degrees Cancer on Saturday (16th).  .  It is a good day generally to apply your mind with clarity,  concentrate and focus,  and make important statements.  The focus may be on your own growth and potential and physical wellbeing, or home and family matters.  Mentally you may see things clearly, if egocentrically.  Recognizing that people’s feelings and emotions must be part of the equation and honoured to an extent, may help matters.  In a negotiation, for instance, it is good that each party saves face, or there is an attempt at a win-win outcome.

The week in bullet points:

• Sunday – a bright new day dawns
• Tuesday – right karmic action
• Wednesday – problem solving; loyalty; emotional high tide
• Thursday – a breath of fresh air; love complications
• Saturday – clarity of mind and emotion

 

Wimbledon 2022 – Week 2

What a week that was: a week that saw Andy Murray, Emma Raducanu and Serena Williams out of Wimbledon, and various players (such as Berrettini) staying away due to Covid.  Yesterday’s Mars-Pluto square was very much in evidence on court yesterday, in the match between Kyrgios and Tsitsipas, dubbed “the most bad tempered match”! Kyrgios played extremely well, but messed mercilessly with Tsitsipas’ head.  This Sunday morning, I am looking at some of the next players in line.

Women’s Seeds

No. 16 Seed: Simona Halep

I wrote in 2014:

“She has Neptune conjunct her North Node natally.  This points to spiritual leadership potential, so she may have many followers who do not only follow her for her tennis playing.  She is Libran, one of the commonest Sun signs for tennis skill, because it involves a close monitoring of the person the other side of the net!”

Her transits on Monday:

Saturn exactly opposite her natal Venus, to the day (could point to a disappointment)

Chiron opposite her natal Mars (tricky and could point to a potential injury)

Mars square her natal Saturn (again, she may be accident-prone)

Uranus opposite her Pluto (difficult change)

Not an accommodating set of transits at all.  I would not expect her to get to the final.

Her transits at the end of Wimbledon:

Saturn still opposite her Venus

Chiron still opposite her Mars

Uranus still opposite her Pluto

South Node on her Pluto (difficult karma, but not insurmountable)

These are not promising transits at all.

No. 17 Seed: Elena Rybakina

Rybakina was No. 18 last year.  I wrote:

“Rybakina…is a 6-footer.  She has 5 planets in the Fixed signs, showing strong will.  Her Sun is exactly trine Mars, making her a Warrior (she is an “aggressive baseliner”).  With Sun sextile Jupiter she is sporting and positive, and her energy and enthusiasm are sometimes over the top due to Mars opposing Jupiter.  She has the Moon/North Node/Venus in competitive Leo and has enormous self-belief.  This triple conjunction opposes Uranus, so she can be emotionally unpredictable.”

Her transits on Monday:

Jupiter trine her Pluto

Uranus sextile her Mercury

Neptune square her Sun

Pluto square her Jupiter

With the Jupiter/Pluto exchanges, she could be fighting with herself to some extent.  But this could be a powerful set of transits, and Uranus trine Mercury could result in some ingenious play.  There may be moments of loss of concentration with Neptune square her Sun, but overall an interesting and helpful set of transits, which could take her to the final.

Her transits at the end of Wimbledon:

Jupiter still trine her Pluto (a big plus)

Uranus sextile her Mercury exact to the day (electrifying thought)

Neptune square her Sun (some confusion)

Pluto still square her Jupiter (power tussles)

I still like this set of transits, so she could be in the final.

No. 20 Seed: Amanda Anisimova

Amanda Anisimova is a Virgo Sun sign, an unusual sign for a tennis player, but of course a sign which pays attention to detail and has perfectionistic standards.  Her focus is widened by having Jupiter closely sextile her Sun.  Mercury squares Mars, so she can get quite tense at times.  Mars sextile Uranus in her chart can produce some enthralling shots.

Her transits on Monday include Neptune square to her natal Mars, which may be error-prone.

Her transits at the end of Wimbledon look very similar, nothing much changes over the week.

I would not expect her to be a strong contender for the final.

The rest of the Seeds are out.

Unseeded: Harmony Tan

Harmony Tan, who beat Serena Williams in the first round, has her birthday on 11th September – 9/11 took place on her fourth birthday.  Like Anisimova, she is a Virgoan, and is born to shine with the Sun exactly conjunct her North Node.  Her Sun sextiles Mars exactly, so she is a pure Warrior.  Mercury exactly squares Pluto in her chart, so she is a deep thinker and a problem solver with Mercury exactly sextile Mercury.  Mars square Jupiter takes her energy and enthusiasm to another level, almost another dimension.  An unaspected Saturn gives rise to an unusual attitude to discipline and control, perhaps a sense of inner freedom.

Her transits for Monday’s match against Anisimova:

Harmony is riding high with Uranus trine her Sun, though she should watch out for injury with Uranus opposite her Mars.  And Pluto on her Neptune, so it is not plain sailing for her.

Her transits for the final:

Harmony will have the Sun, Uranus and the North Node all trine her Sun (again, she is really riding high).  Mars will be trine her Mercury (acute senses), Uranus will still be opposite her Mars (riding high on a tightrope), and with Pluto still on her Neptune.  I think she could be a contender for the title.

Of these four women’s transits, I like Rybakina’s the best, though Ons Jabeur (my tip from last week) may still overcome.  Harmony Tan could also appear in the final, and even win.  There are still other contenders I haven’t looked at (e.g. Heather Watson, who I hope will win today) so look out for them under comments, or make a request.

Men’s Seeds

No. 5 Seed: Carlos Alcaraz

Looking at his chart for the first time, he has half his planets in the Fixed signs, and is therefore strong willed and stubborn.  He is a Taurean (a sign of great stamina), with his Sun caught in a T-square with an opposition between Mars and Jupiter.  He has plenty of energy and enthusiasm, but may struggle to balance them sometimes.  Saturn trine Uranus gives him strength and some adaptablity to counteract the Fixity.

His transits today:

Uranus transiting his natal Mercury (mental brilliance)

Chiron transiting his natal Venus exact to the day (talent)

Jupiter sextile his natal Mars (luck and energy)

Jupiter closely trine his natal Jupiter (luck and enthusiasm)

A good set of transits.

His transits at the end of Wimbledon:

Exactly the same, a week later.

He has a good chance of being in the final.

No. 9 Seed: Cameron Norrie

Earlier this year, I wrote:

“He has the Sun at the end of Leo conjunct the Fixed Star Regulus (the King), and exactly sextile his North Node (a very strong karmic mission). On the more difficult side, he has the Sun square Pluto and Mercury opposite Saturn. I think he has a very strongly competitive nature.”

His transits for Today:

Mars will be trine his natal Sun (great energy and strength) and squares his Uranus (liable to upset)
Pluto will be on his Uranus (a time of change and upheaval in his life)
Pluto sextile his natal Pluto (self-empowerment)

Mixed influences. We’ll know the outcome by the end of the day!

His transits for the end of Wimbledon:

Pluto will be on his Uranus (a time of change and upheaval in his life)
Pluto sextile his natal Pluto (self-empowerment)

Reasonable…if the Pluto sextile triumphs. He could make the final.

No. 10 Seed: Jannik Sinner

Italian Jannik Sinner will be playing Carlos Alcaraz, so only one of them can win through to the next round!  Here’s another chart I haven’t seen before…with all these new players coming up through the ranks. With Mars trine his Sun in Leo, Uranus opposing his Sun and Uranus sextile his Mars, he could be a bit of a maverick and is certainly a ball of energy who can surprise an opponent.  His Chiron also exactly trines his Sun and forms a conjunction with his Mars, so he is a problem-solver too.  Moon conjunct Venus in Cancer suggests he can also play those surprise soft strokes such as drop shots, which sometimes take other players by surprise.  Jupiter conjunct his North Node in Cancer brings him some luck and success down to good karma.

His transits for Monday:

Saturn opposes his Sun, Chiron squares his Venus, Jupiter squares his Jupiter and sextiles his Neptune

His transits are not as good as those of Alcaraz, but he could take a loss philosophically and count his blessings with Jupiter sextile his Neptune

His transits for the end of Wimbledon if he were to get there:

Saturn still opposes his Sun,

Mars trines his Mercury (on the ball mentally)

Uranus sextiles his Venus (some intuitive play)

and Chiron still squares his Venus (some discomfort)

I think he will have peaked before the final.

Of the two, I favour Alcaraz

No. 11 Seed: Taylor Fritz

Taylor Fritz is another maverick, like Jannik Sinner, with Uranus exactly square his Sun in  Scorpio.  His Sun is also conjunct Chiron, so he is a problem-solver, too.  He has a wide-ranging mind, with Jupiter square Mercury, and enjoys foreign travel.  Mars trine Saturn is good for precision shots, and Jupiter sextile Saturn helps balanced judgements and decision making.  There is also an entrepreneurial conjunction of Jupiter and Uranus in his chart, in the sparky sign of Aquarius, so he may be a whizz with technology.

His transits for Monday:

Pluto transits his natal Neptune (a deep psychological challenge)

His transits for the end of Wimbledon if he were to get there:

Pluto still transits his natal Neptune, and

Mars opposes his Sun (could experience burnout)

These are not promising transits.

Of these four men, I like Alcaraz’s transits most, now that last week’s tip (Tsitsipas) is out.

But I will still be looking at other players throughout the week (e.g. Kyrgios), in case there are some standout final transits.

Aspects

With Neptune square Mercury yesterday evening, we did indeed hear more scandal as forecast, about the Deputy Chief Whip, but it has become almost an everyday occurrence.

6 a.m. is the time to watch this week!  Each aspect described takes place in that hour this week, extraordinarily – three of them on one day!  So tune up your daily rhythm to make the most of this and focus or meditate at that hour.  Other features of this week is that we have two Ingresses, so if 0 degrees of a sign features in your birth chart, events and achievements may be triggered.  Also, either Mercury or Mars or both are involved in all four features, so if you are Aries, Gemini or Virgo, things may be lively for you this week.  For the exact times in the U.K., see below:

6.04 a.m. Tuesday (5th)

Mars enters Taurus – For many, this is a call for slowing down, except for Taureans, who will be stepping up their game.  If you have a Taurus Ascendant, you may begin several new projects between now and 20th August, while Mars is in Taurus.  Although Mars is not so happy in the earthbound sign of Taurus, the testing quality of this energy has its reasons and worth.  You may find yourself querying more often why you are doing something, and how to do it, e.g. working more resourcefully and more in alignment with planetary requirements.  Any enterprise on Tuesday needs to take account of the new energy and attitude.  As Taurus rules the Arts, an aesthetic angle or a musical rhythm may need to come into the equation, for instance.

6.25 a.m. Tuesday (5th)

Mercury enters Cancer – The collective mind will be more able to encompass emotion when considering an argument.  Mercury will be staying in Cancer until 19th July (it’s a short and quickfire stay), so we have to get with the programme.  Family matters are under the mental microscope throughout Mercury in Cancer, and examining our emotions about our roots.  Under this transit, you have to take emotions into account when making a rational judgement.

6.37 a.m. Tuesday (5th)

Mercury sextiles Mars – This leading to brisker action, even though Mars is in Taurus.  Your mental reactions may be heightened, and this can lead to enhanced productivity.  It’s a spike in activity, paradoxically on a day when most of us are being asked to slow down.  Taureans, hop to it!

You can take the middle of the week off, from working on the aspects…!

6.14 a.m. Saturday (9th)

Mercury square Jupiter – This will stimulate us mentally, almost to the point of too much information!  There may be travel involved or planned.  It would be a good day to be out in nature, taking a good stroll, and picking up information.  Or visiting a museum, such as the Museum of Making in Derby, recommended in the Guardian this week, and shortlisted for the art fund Museum of the Year Award [this is my attempt at being an Influencer].  Mercury square Jupiter is a refreshing aspect, if not a little over-stretching to manage, so you may find yourself travelling a little bit further than your comfort zone.

The week in bullet points:

• Tuesday – it’s all happening! The early bird catches the worm; slow down, unless you are a Taurean; take emotions into account; some briskness for some!
• Saturday – educational, informational and mind-stretching

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