Nigel Farage

On Friday morning we learned the inevitably, that Nigel Farage, leader of the Reform UK party, had faced down Count Binface in the Clacton By-Election, to regain his seat.  That may be a non-event, because he is back to square one, being investigated about a £5 million donation by a cryptocurrency investor.  Which is deemed wholly or partly the reason he called the by-election by resigning, though not his stated aim.  There are, however, signs in the polls that his star may be on the wane – but his historic pattern seems to be that of a comeback kid.

Birth Chart

His birth chart seems to describe him very accurately.  He has the Sun in confident Aries which is unaspected, so a free spirit.  His Sun ruler Mars has a prominent part to play in his chart, his personality and his life: Mars in Aries makes him doubly Arien; Mars in the 7^th House means he is forceful in relationships; Mars square the Nodal Axis implies that he is combative, and an agent of karma. Mars closely sextile his natal Midheaven (Careerpoint) sees his ruling warrior planet taking a lead role in his career path and mode of working in the world.

His Moon in Sagittarius is at the Galactic Centre (a very powerful placement!) which may explain why emotionally (Moon) he has such an appeal to a large portion of the electorate.  His Venus is closely square to Saturn – is there an element of hard-heartedness there?

Uranus conjunct Pluto in Virgo is the anarchic conjunction of the mid-1960s (he was born in 1964).  At the same time, Uranus exactly sextile the North Node enables success in a karmic mission of being a maverick.  The North Node in Cancer indicates patriotism and populism.

And the key to his chart is Pluto exactly conjunct his Ascendant – he reinvents himself or his life from time to time; at its extreme this conjunction can be very destructive.

Life and Career

Nigel Farage was born in Farnborough.  His stockbroker father left the family when he was five years old (his absence shown in Nigel’s birth chart by his unaspected Sun, where the Sun represents the father).

With all that Mars in his chart, he did have a Warrior lineage: his paternal grandfather served as a private in the First World War.

He received an education between 1975 and 1982 at Dulwich College, a fee-paying private school.  Many of his school mates at the time had unhappy memories of his bullying and racist behaviour, and these were prominent in the media in December 2025.  He had written in his 2010 autobiography that there had been outrage from staff at his “spirited defence of Enoch Powell.”

He joined the Conservative Party in 1978.

On 25 November 1985 he was hit by a car after a night out, injuring to his head and left leg.  Pluto on the Ascendant natally, as in his chart, can indicate a pattern of near death experiences.

In 1999 he was elected as an MEP to the European Parliament, and subsequently re-elected in later years.

On Election Day 2010, May 6^th, he survived a near-fatal plane crash while campaigning for UKIP.  He sustained serious injuries at the time.  The accident was caused when an election banner became entangled in the tail fin of the plane.

In the run up to the European Brexit Referendum of 2016, Nigel Farage took a leading role in getting the result over the line on 23^rd June 2016, with 52% of the population voting to leave.  The consequences of Brexit are generally acknowledged to have “broken Britain.”  In his book “How they Broke Britain”, James O’Brian devotes a whole chapter to Nigel Farage, as well as to others such as David Cameron.  But Nigel Farage is generally seen as the architect of Brexit.  If I may quote from that chapter about his appeal:

“He effects the demeanour of a mildly sozzled City gent, dresses like a city-dwelling social misfit’s idea of a country squire and reassures people it is fine to be discomfited by the nationality of their new neighbours…”

After the result, he went to the European Parliament, and gloated:

“Isn’t it funny? When I came here 17 years ago and I said that I wanted to lead a campaign go get Britain out of the E.U., you all laughed at me…Well, I have to say, you’re not laughing now, are you?”

At that point in time, with Pluto a dominant planet in his chart, and Pluto transits being the most powerful type of transit, Pluto was exactly sextile his natal Neptune, one of the most powerful transits one can manifest.

In this period, he was a great supporter of Donald Trump, who was elected President in November 2016, for his first term of office.  He has continued to espouse policies very similar to those of the President.  They both have the Moon in Sagittarius.

In January 2019, he formed the Brexit Party.

In 2021, he took a hiatus from politics, which he announced on 6^th March.  This is interesting astrologically as it shows up in his transits as Jupiter square his natal Neptune in his 3^rd House (a possible spiritual crisis or crossroads), and the Nodal Axis square his natal Chiron/Descendant (a karmic crisis).

Approaching the 2024 Election, the Reform UK party (formerly the Brexit party) was struggling, under the leadership of Richard Tice.  [It is an interesting reflection on that Pluto/Ascendant in his chart, that not only did he re-invent himself, but the names of his parties, e.g. UKIP in an earlier incarnation].  When Nigel Farage took over as leader in June of that year, the party took off in the polls, and did well in the election. Farage first became an MP, for Clacton.

After that, his influence and poll rating grew steadily, as he hammered home his main policy, which was the influx of immigrants and how they would be stemmed.  The Conservatives had struggled to make headway on this issue, and Labour were making some headway, but not enough for those sections of society to whom it was the burning issue of the day.

In the Council Elections in May this year, the Reform UK party were very successful, in many parts of the country.  The lack of popularity of Prime Minister Keir Starmer led to a plan by Andy Burnham to renounce the leadership as Manchester Mayor and attempt to become MP for Makerfield, on the way to becoming Prime Minister.

However, in the meantime (April 202) it was revealed that Nigel Farage, before taking over the leadership of Reform UK, had accepted a gift of £5 million from a cryptocurrency investor, under ambiguous conditions regarding parliamentary rules on such matters.  He hid away from invitations to be interviewed on the matter, until he declared (on 7^th July) that he would hole a by-election in Clacton, on an anti-establishment platform, and “let the people decide.”  The main political parties decided not to give him the satisfaction of standing against him, and so it was that Count Binface was his main local opposition.

Transits for Thursday 13^th August 2026 Clacton By-Election

Nigel won the election by 22,239 votes, with 63.3%.  But at what cost? – £250,000 for his Council.

The main transits for this time show:

Pluto sextile his natal Mars in 7^th House – exerting his will; Neptune on his natal Mars – uncertainty or shadiness; Uranus on his Midheaven – Career and Political Success; and the North Node on his Saturn in Pisces in his 6^th House – some sober political karma going down.

Count Binface did very well, gaining 9,455 votes.  Sadly we do not have his birth data.

Nigel Farage announced his victory ahead  of the result, and did not turn up to the announcement, citing worry about security and the humiliation of standing next to the likes of Count Binface (there were 34 candidates in all).

He apparently lied [as I go to press] about Essex Police advising him his life was under threat.

Depending on the ongoing investigation result regarding that donation, another by-election may be triggered.

Was it all a storm in a teacup?  It probably hasn’t enhanced his reputation.

The Quiet Office

I have now completed writing the third novel of my trilogy “The Quiet Office – Volume III – Windows to the Future”.

Next stop will be the publishing process…!

I feel it is my best work so far, and if you have enjoyed Volumes I and II you will be able to further the experience.

It is a mixture of Astrology, Futurism, Climate Change and Humour!

There will also be a limited edition of cards to accompany this volume, as there were with the first two.

Aspects

On Monday (17^th) just after breakfast, as you swing into the routine of your week, Neptune squares Mars: Confusion may reign, so take that time for thinking things through. Meditation and activities which combine meditation and movement, can be helpful for centring, during the day, if you sense that this aspect is operating on your consciousness.  It would set you up for the week.

The afternoon brings an easier aspect, that of Mercury trine Saturn.  This combines mental work with practicality, and brings focus and realism to the mental activities.  So it is a good day for making plans.  Serious conversations can also safely take place under this aspect.  It favours book keeping after a day’s shopping and spending!

Even better, shortly after, Venus will be sextile Jupiter (at 16.16 Hrs in the U.K.).  That is one of the brightest aspects of the year.  This bodes well for any celebrations or parties.  It’s conducive to socializing, and romancing.  This sextile combines luck and love.  Enjoy your afternoon and evening!

With three aspects on Monday 17^th, it is the most important day of this week, astrologically.

The middle of the week is devoid of aspects.

There’s a bit of a slump on Friday (21^st) when Saturn opposes Venus.  This aspect would urge you to let go in relationships or to make economies in finance.  The message of the power of love may be more difficult to sustain in the face of testing under this aspect.  But the cure for the situation is even more love.  The message in finance is having to examine your values, needs and necessities.  Social media may make awkward reading.  “Return to Love” by Marianne Williamson would be a preferable read!

Saturday (22^nd) is the last day of the Sun’s journey through Leo.  The next day, it will move into Virgo, so make the most of this last burst of Sun-in-Leo energy at the weekend.  It went into Leo on 22^nd July, when I wrote:

“Enjoy the holiday season, and for parents, good luck as purveyors of kids’ entertainment.  Sun in Leo is about the expression of the human spirit, and that can be enjoyed whatever the weather (although some are tiring of the heat and worrying about the implications for climate change).   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.  For those staying at home, it is about enjoying aspects of life and being, generally.”

Keep it up!  I will be back, next Sunday, to report on the Sun’s ingress into Virgo.

The week in bullet points:

• Monday – lack of co-ordination; mental concentration; sparkling socializing
• Friday – letting go and economizing
• Saturday – be playful

 

Elon Musk – Part 2

Elon Musk has not especially been in the news this week, but his influence is all-pervading, and I haven’t devoted a blog to him since 2018.  A message in my postbag this week brought me back to looking at him.

Birth Chart

I wrote in 2018:

(without a birth time) “We find Elon Musk’s Sun unaspected (individualism) except for a square to Uranus (invention and futurism) – his main connection with reality.  He lacks personal aspects generally, and that may be linked with his huge aspiration for mankind (he worries about human extinction and wants us to be able to live on Mars).   His technological aspirations are reinforced by a conjunction of Mars and the North Node (karmic mission) in Aquarius, the sign of technology and futurism.  Mars/North Node/Aquarius represents engineering, and even specifically symbolizes his electric car company Tesla, which was named after the earlier passionate  inventor and futurist Nikola Tesla (though he co-founded the company but was not responsible for naming it).”

Elon Musk has revealed a lot about himself in the intervening years, so I can add some extra notes (this time with a birth time):

Sun conjunct Ascendant – personal power

Mercury square Uranus – not afraid to be controversial

Mercury exactly square Chiron – a problem-solver

Mars conjunct North Node in Aquarius – an aggressively technological karmic mission!

Jupiter exactly sextile Pluto – great Power

Saturn trine Pluto – The Strategist Archetype

Pluto square the Ascendant, from 3^rd House – Psychological Power his foundation

Cecil Rhodes

In my 2021 blog, I likened Elon Musk to Nikola Tesla (1856 – 1943), stating a resonance between them, and I have wondered if Elon is a reincarnation of Tesla, though there is no particular physical resemblance (which is often the case in such matters).

However, I received the following in my postbag:

“I have been listening to a podcast which references the many parallels between Cecil Rhodes and Elon Musk. I think this is another possible case for your reincarnation file.”

Cecil Rhodes (1853 – 1902) looks far more like Elon Musk, than Nikola Tesla.

Astrologically, Elon and Cecil both have the Sun in Cancer, and Elon’s Sun is conjunct Cecil’s Moon.  Their Ascendants are opposed, to within three degrees of each other, and may be complementary in nature.  They both have Mercury closely square the Midheaven (Careerpoint) – use of the brain in the career, not always well handled.  Both had Mars conjunct the North Node, though Cecil’s was wide, and in the other scientific sign, Gemini (the aggressively technological karmic mission!)

Similarities in Life and Career

There is a South African connection:  Cecil Rhodes was a mining magnate and politician in Southern Africa, who came to dominate the world’s diamond market.  Elon Musk was born in South Africa, and is reported to be the wealthiest people in the world.

Both were reported to be unexceptional students at school.  Maybe their talents just went under the radar?

Both controlled and were ambitious for an important communications technology which the government relied on.  Rhodes aimed to continue the telegraph northwards, across the Zambesi, through Nyassaland, and along Lake Tanganika to Uganda.  For Elon Musk the aim has been “At some point, Starlink will deliver a majority of the world’s internet.”

Both used influence with the government for own commercial gain (Rhodes to start the Boer War).  In 1890 Cecil Rhodes became Prime Minister of the Cape.  By 2024 Elon was helping elect Donald Trump for his second Presidential term of office.  Within weeks of that second term, they both boosted their wealth immeasurably.

There is a racial element: Rhodes took back land from black Africans, and barred black people from voting in elections.  Elon apparently continually posts racist remarks (though I don’t see them, as I am not on X), and has given Nazi salutes and espoused far right opinions on such lines (e.g. “I am not far right, just pro-‘normal people’).  I should say, he denies being racist.

Rhodes thought he was saving humanity by white colonial expansion and was bitterly disappointed that he could not similarly colonise other planets.  He was particularly intent on expanding the British Empire as he believed the Anglo-Saxon race to be destined for greatness.  Elon of course, is a leading contender in the 21^st Century space race, with his programme SpaceX.

In 2018 I wrote, about Elon:

“He lacks personal aspects generally, and that may be linked with his huge aspiration for mankind (he worries about human extinction and wants us to be able to live on Mars).”

Clearly this has become a distortion in recent years, especially with his far right orientation and Nazi salutes.

Nikola Tesla

I wrote in 2018:

“Elon Musk has a resonance, and not just in name, to the earlier passionate and prolific engineer, entrepreneur, inventor and futurist Nikola Tesla.  Tesla was born on 10th July 1856, though under the Julian calendar he shares a birthday with Elon Musk (28th June).  In their appearance they differ greatly, as Tesla sported a dramatic and moustachioed look worthy of his Pluto on the Ascendant (we have his birth time).

Like Elon Musk, Nikola was a workaholic, with Moon conjunct Mars in his 6th House.  But Nikola only slept 2 hours per night, and worked 140 hours per week, compared to Elon Musk’s 80 hour a week schedule!  Tesla was a more solitary character, and never married.

Tesla had a remarkable mind, including an eidetic memory, experiencing flashes of light, and the capacity for 3 dimensional visualization.  I think his depth of vision is connected to the presence of Pluto on his Ascendant. He also spoke eight languages.  His Inner Healer (Chiron) was expressed through the sign of Aquarius, i.e. science, invention and futurism.  He never visited a doctor in adult life, though he had suffered cholera when young.  Curiously, he credited reading the works of Mark Twain as helpful in his healing, and in later life became a close friend of Mark Twain (whose Jupiter was exactly conjunct Tesla’s Venus)

He patented a huge number of inventions, and is mainly known for his contribution to the development of the Alternating Current.  But towards the end of his life, he was involved in pursuits such as a patent for a biplane, and a motor that would run on cosmic rays: interests which ran more along the lines of Elon Musk’s.  So it could be said that Elon Musk is continuing the work of Nikola Tesla.

An interesting set of transits to Nikola Tesla’s chart (posthumously) were evident when the company Tesla Inc. was formed:

Chiron was opposite Nikola’s Sun in the 3rd House, Jupiter and Pluto were sextile Nikola’s Mars (motor car).  Mars was trine his natal Saturn in Cancer in the 3rd House of Transport, and Mars was also sextile his natal Pluto rising in Taurus.”

Fascinating achievers, but chilling to think that we are in thrall to such a far reach of power, wealth and unfathomable intelligence.  Do they make us powerless?

Aspects

There are a record number  of astrological features to relate today, fourteen at the last count.  So without further ado…:

Today, Mercury enters Leo.  With Mercury in Cancer, our minds may have been focussing on our emotions.  Now they wake up and see the sunshine, proclaim joie de vivre, express powerful thoughts.  If you are wanting to revive or renew holiday atmosphere, spirits can be recovered.  Perhaps you have drawn up some autumn working schedules, and can reward yourself with another break.  This placing enlivens communication and debate and applies the mind to summer enjoyment.  Be quick to grasp this now, as it’s just a short window, until 25^th of this month.

Next up is Chiron square Mercury, tomorrow, Monday (10^th).  Mini-crises may form requiring problem-solving skills, and solutions which may be to hand, like dock leaves near nettles, or may require soul consultation, digging deep.  Cut yourself some slack, and do what you can.  Motto: “Necessity is the mother of invention”.  Elon Musk should know (see above) – he has it exact, in his natal chart.

Early evening tomorrow Venus trines Pluto: relationships can come on to a deeper but firmer footing.  It is an aspect which is helpful for money and love.  Pluto settles your deepest feelings into a more comfortable psychological context.  This aspect helps us through changes and transformations on a human level.  It is about deep love, deep awareness of your relationship with money, and profound artistry.

Late evening tomorrow Neptune opposes Venus: this may bring complications in love.  It may be uncomfortable in a way that you may not be able to put your finger on.  There may be some deception or illusion going on, especially in relationships or with money, so be cautious.  Don’t answer any cold calls or scam emails.  It is possible that you may be going to a social function in a context such that you don’t quite know where you stand.

Later still tomorrow, Mars trines the North Node: If there are karmic issues, such as internecine conflicts, they can be dealt with directly, with Mars trine the North Node.  Make your boundaries clear.  It is a good day for exercising bravery.  We might be more galvanized to action, especially from a karmic standpoint.  You may feel there is something you must do, or right a wrong, put something straight, in your own life or in the family circle.  Occurring during dream time for many (in the U.K.) the issue may be resolved through your dream life, e.g. a scene where you triumph on the battlefield gives you insight about who,what and why you have been fighting.

The second ingress of the week takes place on Tuesday (11^th).  This will be the entry of Mars into Cancer.  This represents an energetic shift from a mental and analytical mode, to that of feeling and protectiveness.  Mars stays in Cancer until 28^th September, so it is a good window to nurture those you love and foster family feeling.  Cancerians and emotional types may be super-sensitive or extra bristly during that time, but they carry the family mood and can be learned from.

Wednesday 12^th has several aspects, so it is good to master each one as they go along, so that there isn’t a congestion going on in your psyche!  It’s a big day, not least because there is an Eclipse…

It begins with an opposition between Pluto and Mercury in the early hours of the morning.  Geminis and Virgo especially could toss and turn, unable to clear the mind of clutter.  In the day there may be a real danger involved in travelling if you don’t have to.  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.  It doesn’t help that Wednesday is predicted to be the hottest day of the week in the latest U.K. heatwave, with temperatures in the 30 degrees Centigrade.

You might describe this influence of the day as “hot and bothered”.  As there are better aspects to come during the day itself, it may just be the night which is hot and bothered.  You’ll probably know by the morning if you have thrown off the Mercury-Pluto opposition!

Also occurring in the early hours is a far more pleasant trine between Mercury and Neptune.  If you have been awake until 3.a.m. this aspect may enable you to get to sleep and even have some sweet dreaming.  Things may fall into place spiritually, with some higher insight. This may result in an increased readiness to talk about a sensitive subject (later in the day, or in dialogue with your dreams).  This trine brings mental inspiration, transcendent wisdom, higher harmony, spiritual journeys.  It’s a kind astrological note.

Another congenial trine appears only seven minutes after Mercury trines Neptune, and that is Venus trine Uranus.  As it is also in the early hours of the morning, it may affect your dreams, and this time in making them more vivid and emotionally florid, in a good way.  The combination of the two trines in fact could make for some memorable and elevated dreams.  Keep that dream diary handy!  During the day time you may find a fresh and sparkling energy. The aspect may set you up with exciting meetings, or bring encounters of the illuminating kind.  In the field of the Arts, it can bring originality and surprise, e.g. to a performance of music.  Ideas for assisting the problems in our society may also crop up, such as community-based solutions. Another contribution towards what promises to be a dynamic day.

More positivity follows on Wednesday with a sextile between Mars and Chiron.  Wilful types may see that their way of doing things is not working in a group situation (it may work for them on their own), and invite some healing input from others.  Healing actions and efforts can thrive under this aspect.  If it influenced your dreaming time, it may have rebalanced your system somewhat, between activity, rest and healing.

And if you are not already confused, bamboozled and bowled over by everything so far that day, now for the big one!  An Eclipse and New Moon at 20 degrees Leo!  If you happen to find yourself in Ibiza apparently it will appear total.  But apparently, in the U.K. it hasn’t been so dramatic as the memorable one in 1999.  Leo can bring drama, but the vividness of this eclipse could be self-empowering.  It is helpful to know what House the eclipse fall in within your chart, so that you can apply the energies with more consciousness.  But otherwise, treat it as an enhanced new moon with new intentions, and creativity as a keyword, an opportunity to create a fresh start in your life.  There is a real possibility of a shift on Wednesday, even taking into account the uncomfortable truths from the early opposition between Mercury and Pluto.

The eclipse takes place at 17.37 Hrs in the U.K.  Don’t forget to take steps not to view responsibly, for you and yours (e.g. using colanders, pin-hole cameras etc!)

But the aspects for Wednesday 12^th haven’t finished with us yet!  The sixth feature of the day is a sextile between Mercury and Uranus.  You can afford to forget about the Mercury-Pluto opposition by the end of the day, as this aspect can bring a total change of mind and perspective, and sudden insights.  Connect your lower, logical, mind favourably, with your higher, intuitive, mind.  This is a is a sparky way of thinking, and may feel like a breath of fresh air, if it is not your default position. 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.  Occurring in the evening, you may find your way to programming the next night’s sleep in a revolutionary new way.  For example, find an affirmation that will work for you to take you forward on your next step in this new beginning.

How are you feeling by Thursday (13^th)?  Is the aspect occurring this next day conducive to maintaining the onward and upward trajectory of Wednesday?  It is indeed conducive, as Mercury sextile Venus enables us to flourish and blossom and make the most of our new reality.  It is a harmonious and social vibe; a moment to savour, in the now, a combination that aims to please.  This favours conversation, and creative forms which combine art and writing.  There is potential for negotiation in diplomatic efforts (hopefully helping peace efforts, though it is not a major aspect, so baby steps), and affinity and agreement between kindred spirits.  Ideal for cafe or soiree culture.  You’ll notice that seven of the week’s astrological features involve Mercury: therefore it is an especially important week for Geminis and Virgos – they will certainly be kept busy.

Last but by no means least is a conjunction of Mercury and Jupiter at 10 degrees Leo on Saturday (15^th), which favours journalism, learning and education, communication, sales and transport.  Aside from that, there should be plenty of enjoyment and philosophical awareness around.  I have found, historically, that a lot of awards take place on this conjunction, so if you are in line for one…watch out!  We are attending a wedding that day, so I am hoping it means that all who travel a long distance have smooth journeys.  There are likely to be happy conversations, too.  The astrological cards indicate a good time is had by all.  A good news day.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – creative thinking
• Tomorrow – problem-solving; deepening relationships; uncovering secrets; rewards in karmic warriorship
• Tuesday – energetic shift;
• Wednesday – angst; sweeter dreams; dynamic relationships; healing work; spectacular turning point; higher mental functioning
• Thursday – café culture
• Saturday – good news day

Bill Oddie (1941 – 2026)

“He was utterly committed to his work; and in my view, was one of a handful of true geniuses to have graced our television screens.”

~ Stephen Moss (producer of Springwatch)

Comedian and wildlife advocate Bill has died at the age of 85.  He wore many hats, even beside the two main ones: a television presenter, a writer, performer, an artist and a musician among them.

Birth Chart

We do not have a birth time, and therefore are without the Ascendant, but within his noon chart, we can find his many attributes archetypes.  He had the Sun in Cancer, which usually brings a bond with the mother, but in his case, with the absence of his mother due to her mental health problems, the intense feeling brought about a negative – at one stage of his life he was on record as saying he hated her.

The Moon (his ruling planet) at Noon was exactly square to Neptune, so allowing for the distortion of his birth time we can safely say it represents the condition of his mother as having been diagnosed as schizophrenic.  Furthermore, the Moon was square to the Nodal Axis, suggesting the karmic conditions which might have led to an absent mother.

His Sun in Cancer was conjunct Mercury, and this lent the archetype as a communicator, in the shape of the television presenter.

Mercury squaring Mars depicts his temper: he had a reputation for being grouchy. “I’m known as a bit of a bad-tempered bugger” he once said.

Venus in Leo trine Mars conferred many talents; the performer, the artist and the musician among them.

Mars exactly trine Pluto gave him a powerhouse of energy, enabling a prolific output of song-writing, book writing and other activities.  He seemed constantly on the go.

Curiously, Jupiter, the planet which represents Comedy, was unaspected in his chart, but that may have made his comedy especially free-spirited.  Jupiter in Gemini may be a factor in his concentration on bird life within his general care of wildlife.

His Neptune conjunct the North Node (karmic mission) in Virgo accounts for his sensitivity to the environment and the creatures that live on the planet.  In this he was a beacon in his time.  He had a difficult conjunction between Saturn and Uranus [and additionally a difficult psychological conjunction between Pluto and Chiron], but Saturn/Uranus was trine his Neptune/North Node/karmic mission towards the planet, and was able to support and enable it, while registering the anguish (Saturn/Uranus) he felt: the Conservationist Archetype.  He was a member of the Green party.

Life and Career

He was born in Rochdale, but the family moved to Birmingham early in his life.  He was brought up by his father and his grandmother, because of his mother’s aforementioned absence, her hospitalization at the Barnsley Hall Hospital psychiatric facility [represented by the Moon square Neptune in his chart].  When talking about his grandmother later in life, he was not particularly complimentary, but did credit her with inspiring a birdwatching habit from a young age.

At school, he captained the school’s rugby team [the Mars exactly trine Pluto powerhouse of energy].

He went on to study English Literature (a subject associated with the sign of Cancer) at Cambridge, where he also joined Footlights and met fellow comedians he was destined to work with in his career.  At that time, he wrote scripts for “That Was The Week That Was” (remember that?).

After immersing himself in a burgeoning career within radio and television, from 1970 to 1982 he formed a trio with Graeme Garden and Tim Brooke-Taylor for a comedy series “The Goodies” on television which he co-wrote.  It was madcap, slapstick, zany and quirky.  He co-wrote songs for it, the most memorable being “The Funky Gibbon”, one of their most prominent hit singles.  Astrologically, the period of inception of this trio coincided with his Saturn Return, an important cycle for the structures in life. Tim Brooke-Taylor was a fellow Cancerian, while Garden was an Aquarian.

Bill Oddie had been writing about birds ever since an early published work of 1962, but in 1985 he became the subject of a Nature Watch special, being interviewed by Julian Pettifer.  Taking place on 30th July 1985, Pluto was square his Chiron/Pluto (a challenge) and Mars was conjunct his Pluto/Venus (invigorating his passions) and more harmoniously from the point of view of his total expression the North Node (karma) was sextile his natal Sun in Cancer.  Some of his books were illustrated paintings and drawings of his own [his Venus in Leo trine Mars].

In 2005 to 2008 he hosted Springwatch, and then from 2006 to 2008 he hosted Autumnwatch, a programme he delighted in.

He was married twice, first to Jeanne Hart, with whom he had two daughters, and then to Laura Beaumont-Giles with whom he had another daughter.

Health

Bill Oddie made no secret of his lifelong depression, for which he was officially diagnosed in 2001.  His agent said: “Bill gets these bouts every two or three years where he gets down for about two weeks and recovers. He sometimes goes into hospital or takes a break or has a change of scenery to recharge his batteries.”  In 2010 he mentioned that bipolar disorder was part of the mix.  His illness meant that he spent periods of time unable to work.  During his appearance on “Who Do You Think You Are?” he expressed the view that his depression and bipolar disorder were linked with his relationship with his almost completely absent mother.

Something which brought him especial immense pain was being dropped from Springwatch due to his illness.

He was a self-declared atheist and humanist, and at his death Pluto opposed his natal Pluto (the finality of death).  Saturn also squared his natal Sun, symbolically extinguishing his vitality.  But he had on some occasions in his life attempted suicide, so there may have been an element of blessed relief: shown by Neptune (spirituality) trine his natal Venus/Pluto conjunction (anguish), Uranus trine that point (also part of the Barbault Cradle) and Jupiter on his Venus/Pluto (elevation to bliss…)

The presenter now fronting Springwatch, Chris Packham, left a wonderful tribute, which I feel bound to post in full here, capturing the real man:

“A renegade polymath with binoculars and a beard, Bill was invariably funny and occasionally furious. He loved birds and loathed those who harmed them. He was delightfully unpredictable, sparky, smart and at times a bit spiky. Critically he really knew his stuff, and his passion was true – he didn’t just pick up his binoculars on telly, he went birding whenever he could. So he was genuine and that’s why we loved him, he never needed a script, and took scant interest in any he was given. He didn’t like rules and often neglected to play by them. This may have frustrated the serious and the worthy but it always amused his audience – he was an utter joy to be with. I recall finding a Black Woodpecker in a damp Dutch park with him once, he gazed at it intently, sighed, put down his bins, turned to me and just smiled. A massive grin. No words, just a beautiful childlike bliss. That says all you need to know about Bill Oddie.”

There is often a sadness at the flip side of a comedian, and it certainly was so in Bill’s case.

He even got a mention in the first book of my trilogy, I am proud to say!

May he rest in Peace.

Quoting the annals of the White Rose magazine, May 2006:

“On the following Monday at 4.20 p.m. a new-born woodlouse appeared, hardly bigger than a speck.  Sharon imagined doing a report about it for Bill Oddie.”

~  ”The Quiet Office”, Volume I – The Mundane and the Mystical, by Lana Wooster

Aspects

I only have three featured events for you this week!  The first is Chiron Stationary prior to turning Retrograde tomorrow (Monday August 3^rd).  This will see us start to retrace some steps on our healing pathway.  A particular healing issue may crop up today to highlight this; perhaps you have gone as far as you can with a particular line of healing, and may need to revise or go over old ground for a while.  There may be more understanding to be achieved, for instance, about the emotional component of the healing issue.

We then skip to Thursday (6^th), when Venus enters Libra, making her graceful entrance with a sigh of satisfaction.  She is so at home here…You may be pondering relationships or money issues.  Venus is happy and harmonious in this sign, and that may assist you in finding the sweet words to overcome any tensions.  She will be there until 10^th September, giving you the chance to hone your design skills, whether it be in art, music, fashion or interior design.

Finally, and thirdly, on Friday (7^th) the Sun will be trine Saturn, occurring in the early hours of the morning, so you may find it in evidence the night before.  Dreaming may be constructive in nature, e.g. as in you might find yourself in a lego or Minecraft scenario!  It’s a stabilizing note.  This enables the re-establishment of a foothold on reality, if that is what you might need.  It 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, and counting your chickens.

The week in bullet points:

• Monday – re-tracing healing avenues
• Thursday – grace and beauty
• Saturday – constructive; laying foundations or even completing plans

Kevin Keegan (1951 – 2026)

“There was a time in my old neighbourhood when all the women in our street sported a Farrah Fawcett hairstyle (Moon rising in Cancer, the essence of femininity) and all their men had the Kevin Keegan haircut (we had the same hairdresser)…Aah! Those were the days…”

~ My blog, 28^th June, 2009

Football player and Manager Kevin Keegan passed away last week, at the age of 75.  He was widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. In the 1970s he distinguished himself by being a star player for Liverpool.

Birth Chart

Kevin’s Sun was in Aquarius, giving prime importance in his life to team playing.  The purpose of Aquarius is to understand and take part in group consciousness.  His Sun was trine Neptune, so he did this with the utmost sensitivity.  However, there was also drama involved, from Pluto opposing the Sun.  The contact from the two outer planets to his Sun meant that higher purposes were involved, than only the fulfilment of his personal life.  His Mercury was also in Aquarius, giving him the ability to put the team first in his considerations and decision-making.  Mercury’s trine to Saturn ensured mental focus and attention to detail: he didn’t take his eye off the ball, if you’ll pardon the pun.

He had a beautiful triple conjunction in Pisces, which depicted the sweetness of nature he is known for: Venus conjunct Mars and Jupiter.  They were joined by the North Node, which meant that they were incorporated into his karmic mission, one of depth and complexity.  The Guardian obituary commented that he “wore his heart on his sleeve”, a phrase worthy of his conjunction of Venus with the North Node.

Mars, also conjunct the North Node, made football part of his karmic mission, The Warrior Archetype (he was an attacking midfielder and forward).  Mars conjunct Jupiter gave him a blast of enthusiasm combined with energy.  Jupiter conjunct the North Node assisted him in his success.

His main internal challenges came through a Cardinal T-square between the opposition of Chiron and Uranus squaring on to Saturn.  This may have produced health challenges, and brought about some of the abrupt endings to certain placements.  Saturn square Uranus is especially associated with “personal earthquakes”, and his ruling planet Uranus (the planet of sudden change and unpredictability) had a part to play in that dynamic.

Life and Career

The son of a Yorkshire coalminer, Kevin was born into a poor, but loving, family background, in Armthorpe, near Doncaster.  His father was a keen football fan, and Kevin began playing from an early age.

He left school at 15, with O’levels in History and Art.  He took jobs during the week (which included working in an office as a clerk, in a psychiatric hospital and at a steelworks) while playing football at weekends.

His first professional contract as a footballer was at Scunthorpe United in 1968, aged 17.

In 1971, he came to the attention of Bill Shankly at Liverpool.  At this time, Keegan’s Progressed Sun had reached his natal Jupiter, a stroke of luck and a rise in self-esteem after several attempts to be noticed.  Shankly soon realized that Keegan had potential as an attacker, and put him up front.  He immediately made an impression when in his first debut at Anfield against Nottingham Forest he scored after 12 minutes.  He formed a working partnership on the pitch with central forward John Toshack, and became known for being nimble, skilful, courageous and non-stop.  Keegan stayed at Liverpool for 7 years, and he and Shankly expressed great affection for each other in subsequent years.

“Liverpool made me, not just as a footballer but as a person.”

~ Kevin Keegan

He moved to Hamburg in 1977, and was named footballer of the year in 1978 and 1979..

Hair

It was during this period that he became known for a certain hairstyle, sometimes described as a “poodle perm”.  The hairstyle would set a trend in football, though it was not without its detractors.  Apparently, his wife found it hilarious, and his agent jokingly tried to disown him in public.  But other footballers followed suit and it became a trend.  But it also regularly appeared at the top of “worst hairstyles” surveys.

Career, contd.

In 1980 he was bound for another change, around the time of his Saturn Return (a planetary cycle of decision).  He announced he would leave in February, and on 11^th February Lawrie McMenemy announced that he would join the Saints at Southampton in the summer.

At the time, his ruling planet Uranus, the planet of revolutionary change, was exactly square his natal Sun.  Uranus square represents sudden departures, and as an Aquarian, short stays became a characteristic of his career from that time. The news of his leaving caused surprise throughout the world of football – the Uranian element of surprise at work.  He only stayed at Southampton for two seasons, and then he was off again.

He also played prolifically for England, and in 1980 Keegan captained England at  UEFA Euro in Italy.

1982 saw him transferred to Newcastle, where he was warmly welcomed, and helped the club secure promotion.  He stayed for two seasons, before announcing his retirement.

The Guardian obituary by Richard Williams, highlights his moment of leaving as his apotheosis: “17^th May 1984, at the end of a friendly against Liverpool, with whom he had achieved big early fame, a helicopter landed on the pitch at St. James’ ark and carried him away, still in his full kit, borne aloft by the cheering of 36,000 hoe fans, many of them moved to tears by his departure.”

His transits at that moment included Pluto sextile his Chiron ( a deep healing), Chiron trine his natal Saturn (a decision supporting his own health), and the North Node trine his natal Mercury in Aquarius (again, a wise decision for his own good).  Other transits at the time suggest that if he had not retired, his health and well-being would have been compromised.

Management

He moved into management thereafter.  First at Newcastle on 5^th February 1992; Uranus sextile his natal Jupiter in Pisces at the time indicating a fresh start.

On 8 January 1997, Keegan announced his resignation as manager, with Chiron sextile his Chiron in Capricorn (again, a healing for him) and Saturn opposite his natal Saturn in Libra (an air of finality).

He briefly joined Fulham later that year as chief operating officer.

In February 1999 he took over the reins as England Manager from Glen Hoddle.

Then, in 2001 he joined Manchester City as Manager.

He was back at Newcastle in January 2008.

As you can see, his career fluctuated and took him to many different clubs.  I have never been a follower of football, but I always liked that hairstyle!

“I heard a quote that he said and I stopped dead. ‘I’m the mongrel that made it to Crufts.@ He always underestimated himself yet achieved so much…He was always very sweet as a manager, never outstayed his welcome.  Always said if the terraces want me out I will with grace leave.  A very lovely enthusiastic man.”

~ a text from one of my nephews

“My hero. My manager. My friend. Sleep easy Boss.”

~ Alan Shearer

“There was a lesson.  Maybe don’t fixate on the 10% of flops in a person’s life at the expense of the 90% creativity, excitement and joy?”

~ Paul Hayward, The Observer

 Aspects

 Two features to take note of today, the first being Saturn Stationary, prior to moving Retrograde.  Turning inward for contemplation is one of the requirements of a retrograde period.  That entails going through a period of revision: often with Saturn, it is a lesson all about patience and timing, and one of those lessons is that you can’t rush things.  Saturn is the Lord of Time, who reminds us that All Things Must Pass.

The second feature is a change of sign for the North Node (and therefore also the South Node), which happens every 18 months.  The North Node moves backwards, from Pisces to Aquarius today.  The North Node represents the Karmic Mission, in this case our collective karma.  North Node in Aquarius means that you accomplish your highest work when you are within a group (say, of workers, but it can be a group formed around a common interest).  Kevin Keegan as described above had the North Node in Pisces, but he embodied in his life and work a great deal of the essence of Aquarius.  Basically, we all help by helping each other.  Martin Schulman in “Karmic Astrology” describes the North Node in Aquarius as developing “the concept of Universal Brotherhood.  He/She must ultimately come to see himself as part of a larger cosmic sphere, in which his/her role is to share in the burden of human evolution.”

Astrologer Pam Gregory forecasts: “We will have even more focus on humanitarianism, egalitarianism, human and civil rights across the next 19 months…”

We face a rude awakening first thing tomorrow (Monday 27^th), with an opposition to the Sun from Pluto.  Perhaps you have a great deal of catching up to do, or some psychological processing you have put on the back burner.  There is an opportunity to look at deeper issues in your life, and re-assess what you need and don’t need.  It could be a day for sober reflection and unearthing the deep psychological significance behind events.  Being an opposition, there is a requirement 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?

However, soon after, Neptune trines the Sun, so breakfast could be quite a complex affair.  Do you choose the sourdough, which is supposed to be better for you, or plain old wholemeal?  Or half and half?  This is a more sparkling aspect, especially good for receiving creative inspiration, providing the champagne bubbles to alleviate some of the heaviness of the Pluto-Sun opposition.  Expand your consciousness, and allow your imagination to embellish your work, or project in hand.  Hope springs eternal.

A third event tomorrow is a sextile between the Sun and Uranus, at the other end of the day, in the evening.  That could lead to a spectacular turn of events or change of mindset.  Spontaneity and innovation characterize the proceedings of the evening.  Telepathy and higher consciousness, or liaising with a constructive group, are also favoured.  Mindblowing conversations can take place, and it’s a good evening for reading out-of-this-world literature.

Wednesday (29^th) brings another full programme, after which there are no more aspects for the week, so make the most of them!  First, at breakfast-time, Mars squares Venus – that’s hot (whatever the weather or climatic condition).  You may find during the day that you feel inclined to let your hair down a little, inhibitions loosened.  This square may also have a bearing on the battle of the sexes (within, or interpersonal).  If you are creative on an artistic or musical vibe, you may introduce a little cheekiness into your work.

Then early lunchtime brings a welcome conjunction between the Sun and Jupiter.  This is one of the best aspects of the year, and occurs at 6 degrees Leo.  Where there has been dejection, it is time to let in hope, or even celebration.  It will certainly be lucky for some.  Focus on what makes you happy, and make more of that.

Last, but absolutely not least, occurring late lunchtime on Wednesday, we have a Full Moon at 6 degrees Aquarius (opposing the Sun and Jupiter).  If you have a planet or Ascendant at 6 degrees Leo or Aquarius, take especial note of these last two aspects.  You may find some tension building towards this Full Moon, not least from the complexity of the day.  We might be torn by looking at an issue emotionally, then from a detached perspective, then back and forth.  This may produce heightened tension, or a stand off between the individual and a group.  Be sure to breathe deeply, and relax completely, keep calm and carry on.  It’s an important day, and you don’t want to fluff your lines or dent your performance, especially if you have a great deal of Leo in your chart.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – reflection; change of karmic emphasis
• Tomorrow – rude awakening/inspiration; spectacular turn
• Wednesday – sensuality; luck; emotional high tide

Barbault’s Basket

We are now in the middle of “Barbault’s Basket”, which I wrote about last week.

So, this is by way of a current update.

I am liking the alternative name for it, which is “Barbault’s Cradle”, because I see it as a protective force.

For the beginning of its influence, last Wednesday (15^th) I wrote:

“Uranus will sextile Neptune.  It’s an aspect involving two big hitters.  This is a rare an unusual aspect, and I can’t speak highly enough about it.  It’s a major reorganization in order to incorporate more complexity and a deeper understanding.”

There were some encouraging signs straightaway.  I noticed:

An interesting law on the evening prior to the Barbault Cradle to stop those at the top lying and covering up.  It is called the Hillsborough law but is on behalf of all the cover ups that happen in institutions, as in the infected blood scandal, the Christmas Island veterans scandal, the post office swindle. Designed to ensure that doesn’t happen in the future. They devoted an episode of Newsnight to it.  Andy Burnham said it would be Keir Starmer’s legacy.  This could be groundbreaking.

Secondly, all newborn babies in England will be tested for the genetic disease spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), as part of a major study.  This is as a result of former Little Mix singer Jesy Nelson’s efforts to obtain routine screening after her twin babies were found to have the condition.  Time is of the essence in diagnosis to stem the deterioration from the disease.  She said “Today is a day of hope. Knowing that future families will have access to early diagnosis and the opportunity for the best possible outcomes is something I’m incredibly proud to have supported.”

The third was reported by a friend:

“The recent report in the Guardian that Mark Zuckerberg had lost an important legal case in which jurors convicted Meta of creating addiction machines – see https://www.theguardian.com/media/2026/jul/12/mark-lanier-the-lawyer-who-took-on-meta-and-google-and-won-interview

Another news item which could have considerable long-term impact.

At the same time, it cannot have escaped anyone’s notice that Donald Trump has escalated hostilities in the Middle East, against Iran.  That may be a feature of the Jupiter-Pluto opposition (Power Play) which is one of the elements of the Barbault Cradle this week, as Jupiter touches the sensitive points involved.

In looking for signs of the Barbault Cradle in operation, you may be sensing some damage being wrought, and wonder how that correlates with all the hype, and specifically here my own optimism as an Astrologer.

Two things at least are going on:

1. Some things have to be broken or tweaked for the best outcome to be achieved
2. Although Pluto, Neptune and Uranus are in harmony, and Jupiter will also be joining them this week, some squares at the same time are being formed, especially if your own 4 degree planets are in the so-called feminine signs (Taurus, Cancer, Virgo, Scorpio, Capricorn, and Pisces). The harmonious alignments are coming from some of the masculine signs (Aries, Gemini, Leo and Aquarius).  So some will experience challenges.

Why I still feel that overall this is a beneficent structure, is that the challenges take place against a protective backdrop, and may in the long run be for the greater good, or one’s best interests.  So in looking for signs, it’s a good time to look for the silver linings, or play “the glad game.”

The other encouraging “sign”, although there are naysayers, is the amazing arrival of Andy Burnham at the helm of our government, right in the middle of Barbault’s cradle, with a peaceful handover from Keir Starmer.  I am pretty sure he did not consult an Astrologer, but the fact that it is happening right now, and he promises a new beginning in politics reversing trends from the last 40 years, just seems tailor made to fit the brief of this astrological pattern.

On 17^th May, on the blog, I looked at his transits for September, before we had any idea of the timeline involved, and before the Makerfield by-election:

“For the Labour Party Conference in September:

Transiting Pluto sextile his natal Chiron – an emphatic move towards power, and healing

Transiting Neptune conjunct his natal Chiron – a complex journey towards healing

Transiting Mars opposite his natal Mercury – some strident communication, and possibly a war of words.

Andy Burnham … he seems to be most people’s choice, and the astrological indications do not disagree with that.  He has stated that he wants to “save” the Labour Party.”

You can see from the transits that the two outermost planets Pluto and Neptune are keyed into his chart.  It will indeed be an important time as he gets into the swing of his new role as Prime Minister, in the political Conference period.

It is time now to look at his transits for 17^th – 20^th July (now, as he takes over the reins from Keir Starmer):

Andy Burnham does not have a planet at 4 degrees, but he has one planet at 3 degrees, and that is Jupiter.  Jupiter, as it is about to join the Cradle, is at this point in time at 3 degrees Leo, therefore squaring his natal Jupiter.  Hence, his expression of Hope is sky high:

“Hope for every young person is what we are going to be about, and this is it. When you add all of that together, a plan to give people more power to bring back the hope we have all been missing too much, and people are looking for us to deliver, and we will.”

Those are the words of transiting Jupiter squaring natal Jupiter, if ever I heard them!

Hopefully, you will interact positively with this once-in-an-astrologer’s lifetime configuration, or recognize the potential within it.

Here, in case you missed last week’s blog, is how I described it:

“…the almost unheard of alignment of the outer planets, in a formation once foreseen by French Astrologer Andre Barbault (1921 – 2019).  This pattern has come to be known as “Barbault’s Basket”  Currently, as we speak, Pluto, Neptune and Uranus are all harmoniously aligned at 4 degrees of their signs.  If you have a planet at 4 degrees, you are well linked in.  Two of these exact alignments occur this week, and next week we shall have more because Jupiter is fast approaching 4 degrees.

As with the tremendously difficult Saturn-Pluto conjunction in Capricorn, whose timing we could predict but not its exact nature (the Pandemic), we know that the Barbault’s Basket will have a tremendous effect, but this time beneficently.  We can focus on all the problems in the world, and hope for some practical solutions.  But in our own personal lives too, we may see the hand of Grace operating.  Picture her or him as you like, I picture an enormous Archangel bringing things into right relation.

Some Astrologers feel we may not experience the beneficence immediately, but it may herald a Renaissance of some sort.  Bring that into your own awareness of your own life.  Where can you see, or hope, for a Renaissance?  Right relations should be part of that new order.”

Aspects

We start the week with a more common-or-garden aspect, that being Mars sextile Saturn today.  This aspect enables 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.

Jupiter joins the basket/cradle

Although there is an important opposition involved, I see the advent of Jupiter into the mix of the cradle as completely positive (speaking as a Sagittarian).  I see it as a knight in shining armour come to cement the achievements of the battlefield, or a fairy godmother touching each point of the construction with her magic wand, or alternatively a master baker adding a layer of icing to the cakes.  If you see otherwise happening, it’s the tendency of Jupiter to overdo things, over-egg the pudding, aggrandise and exaggerate.  Some people have a struggle with the expansiveness of Jupiter transits.  If you know you are one of them, just be more aware of your process.  That said, the first two appearances, or events, occur on Monday (20^th):

At breakfast-time, Jupiter trines Neptune.  This is one of my favourite aspects.  It’s a magical unicorn type of energy, for those who like that.  It is a great aspect, and a rare one, for aligning spirituality with religion and for the good of all.  Martin Luther King had this trine in his birth chart.  Make the most of the sacredness of this aspect today, and if you miss it today it will still be around to some extent, gradually fading over the week.

At lunchtime the same day, Jupiter opposes Pluto in an almighty Power Play.  Donald Trump may threaten more than tariffs in more than one direction, for instance.  If I find this in a natal chart, I might say: “You like Power.  But you do need to learn to wield it safely and fairly.  You may not feel this advice applies at this time in your life, but at a point in your life when you feel yourself to attain power, remember to do this.”

Another perspective comes from my favourite astrologer Alan Oken:

“Expansion versus Regeneration. The opposition may bring those challenging circumstances through which individuals are forced to refine their philosophical concepts.  Once again the playing for power is in evidence.  The challenging aspects  of Jupiter and Pluto…can indicate some form of mass religious or philosophical persecution.”

Take note, America vs Iran.

A happier manifestation occurs on Tuesday (21^st) with a sextile between Jupiter and Uranus, the third “basket” aspect of the week.  It occurs at 11.11 a.m., for those of a numerological bent: that is a significant time of the day, and a master number.  It could be a red-letter day in terms of achievement, surprises and possibly even miracles. If you find it so, you’ll have Jupiter sextile Uranus to thank. You could find everything clicking into place in a powerful way.  Anthony Robbins, eat your heart out, it’s a self-motivating, entrepreneurial day! Carpe Diem…

Here is Alan Oken’s take for those who have the sextile natally:

“Expansion flows or works well with Intuition. This aspect introduces an element of genius into any horoscope.  The person’s judgement is keen, and he knows how to apply the wisdom he gains through his intuition…These individuals come across those fortunate experiences in life which can awaken their appreciation of and commitment to truth. ‘The Well-Travelled Soul’ “

The next aspect comes on Wednesday (22^nd), with the ingress of the Sun into the sign of Leo.  For many schoolchildren and workers, you may be starting to enjoy the holiday season, and for parents, good luck as purveyors of kids’ entertainment.  Sun in Leo is about the expression of the human spirit, and that can be enjoyed whatever the weather (although some are tiring of the heat and worrying about the implications for climate change).   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.  For those staying at home, it is about enjoying aspects of life and being, generally.

On Thursday (23^rd) Mercury will be Stationary prior to turning Direct, late in the evening.  you may feel another tide turning in the right direction.  You may feel that you can catch up on chores which had been put on the back burner.  If you have been struggling with computers, I.T. and broadband connections, or delays in communications you may feel a sense of relief.  You can certainly pick up momentum on some projects which involve paperwork and documentation, and make some more essential journeys.

Another pleasant turn of astrological events occurs on Friday (24^th), with a sextile between Mercury and Venus.  It’s a sociable, equable sextile, a combination that aims to please.  This favours conversation, and creative forms which combine art and writing.  There is potential for negotiation in diplomatic efforts (hopefully helping peace efforts, though it is not a major aspect, so baby steps), and harmony and agreement between kindred spirits.  Ideal for cafe or soiree culture.

Some of you may remember the beautiful words written under comments on this blog by Yaz.  They were always full of wisdom, compassion and erudition.  She has passed away, and her celebration will be on Friday, an opportunity for those who knew her to express their appreciation of her life, and wish her well on her soul’s journey.

Finally, on Saturday (25^th) the fourth and final weave of the basket/cradle, in the shape of harmony between the two biggest hitters, Neptune and Pluto, in sextile.  This is a deep structural coalescence, both materially and psychologically.  Look at the big picture in the world, and in your own life, and society.  It has cropped up in many natal charts since the 1940s, so when encountered in a birth chart, I would point out:

“On the personal level, it gives you a basic understanding and harmony with the culture you are living in, perhaps only on an unconscious level.  But this is a sound psychological and in-depth basis for your psyche and those of your peer group.”

Alan Oken writes of this natal aspect in “Complete Astrology”: Illumination flows or works well with Regeneration. These aspects allow the person to respond to the more positive aspects of the invisible realms, which could lead, on the personal level, to an involvement with mystic or psychic schools of thought”.

I leave you in its tender care.  Look after yourselves, and hopefully all will flow from that.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – you can harness energy constructively
• Tomorrow – magical unicorns; power play
• Tuesday – success
• Wednesday – holiday mood
• Thursday – communications straightening out
• Friday – café culture, uplifting chats
• Saturday – a wider perspective on collective psychology

Ann Widdecombe (1947 -2026)

“If someone  wants to turn round and say, Widdecombe, you’re overweight and you’ve got crooked teeth, I say: you’re right, so what?”

~ Ann Widdecombe

I have been urged this week to produce two blogs: one for Ann Widdecombe and one for Bonnie Tyler, both of whom died this week in unusual circumstances.  So I am bowing to the pressure, but will write shortened blogs…

Ann was known for her strident right wing views, and sharp no-nonsense tongue.  But she had many friends and has been described as “intriguing”, and “a character”.  The manner of her death, currently being investigated as a murder, in her isolated home on Dartmoor, is not one that anyone would wish on their worst enemy.

Birth Chart

The crux of Ann’s chart is a Sun in Libra exactly conjunct Neptune – showing her deep faith in Christianity (Roman Catholicism), and a deep rooted idealism about close relationships (she had one reported three-year relationship while at Oxford, with Colin Maltby).  Inner journeys are very much a feature of Neptune and its sign Pisces, and she went from a protestand upbringing, through agnosticism, then to Roman Catholicism).

Her Moon was at the end of Taurus conjunct the Pleiades and sextile with Mars, giving her quick emotional reactions.  The Moon opposite Jupiter would give her florid emotions.  And the Moon’s conjunction with the North Node in Taurus reflects her closeness with her mother, with whom she lived until her mother died at the age of 95. At the time of her mother’s death, Chiron was opposite Ann’s Pluto, a painful wounding.  It also reflects the importance to her of her novel-writing, one of continued aims in retirement, as part of her karmic mission.

Maybe one of her most distinguishing feature was her assertive freedom of speech.  This comes from her close square between Mercury and Mars, the Inner Critic.  Mercury was also conjunct Chiron, an ability to wound through speech, but also with an ability for problem-solving.

We have a birth time for Ann, showing up a triple conjunction upon her Ascendant in Libra (Sun/Neptune/Venus).  Within that Venus conjunct Neptune portrays idealism in relationship, and “impossible love”, possibly also “secret love.”  Moreover, a close sextile of Venus to Saturn on her 11^th House cusp shows a great deal of personal loyalty.  Libra is associated with books (through the Latin name for books, Libri!) and she wrote 4 novels and 3 books of non-fiction.

Mars in Leo indicates a performing zeal, which the general public got to see when she appeared on Strictly Come Dancing partnering professional dancer Anton du Beke.  According to friend Gyles Brandreth (whose wife she met at Oxford), Anton du Beke was the “love of her life” said with a twinkle in the eye and possibly tongue in cheek!  According to the Guardian Obituary by Stephen Bates, she was “being hauled good-naturedly like a sack of potatoes around a dancefloor” and her appearance on Strictly “cemented her celebrity status”.

Mars trine Jupiter ensured great energy allied with enthusiasm, giving rise to a “conviction politician”.  At the same time, Mars in Leo conjunct Midheaven in Cancer meant that she was combative in politics, a Warrior in her 10^th House of Politics.

Coming to her Jupiter, we find Jupiter exactly on the South Node in Scorpio (a past life connection with religion, possibly in holy orders), and trine her Midheaven – a successful career.  Jupiter strongly aspected in her chart, highlighted the fact that she was known for her humour, and for being “game” for a laugh, even on herself.  Speaking about her reality TV debut on Strictly Come Dancing, she quipped: “People were terribly surprised that I had a sense of humour”.

Her “difficult” side came from Saturn conjunct Pluto in Leo, across her 10^th/11^th House cusp, and Pluto square Chiron.

Life and Career

She was born in Bath, studied Latin at the University of Birmingham, then read Philosophy, Politics and Economics at Oxford.  After years of trying she eventually became an MP for Maidstone in 1987, representing the Conservatives, Maidstone a few months before her 40^th birthday – that would have been her Uranus Opposition.  The Uranus Opposition is often a defining moment in a person’s life trajectory.

She served as a cabinet minister from 1994 to 1997, when Labour came to power.  She then served in the shadow cabinet under William Hague until 2001.

In May 2001, she made her famous remark about Michael Howard, that “there was something of the night about him.”  A classic example of her Mercury/Mars square in action.  In her 2013 Memoir, she added that he was “vindictive and gloating”.  It is thought that her assessment led to his defeat in the Conservative leadership contest.

Later, she took aim at David Cameron, calling him “big-headed, dismissive of everything that had gone before”.

She stood down from the House of Commons at the 2010 general election.  In 2016, she was an enthusiastic Brexiteer.  She was expelled from the Conservative Party in 2019, and then became affiliated to what was then the Brexit Party.  Some of her extreme views included opposition to the ordination of women in the church, climate change scepticism, supporting the reintroduction of the death penalty, opposition to abortion, and to liberalisation of LGBTQ+ rights.  In 2023 she joined the Reform UK Party as the party’s immigration and justice spokesperson.

She never married nor had any children.  We do not have Bonnie’s birth time, but Ann’s birthtime reveals an empty 5^th House of Children ruled by Uranus which is totally unaspected, very emblematic of that reality.

Murder

Ann retired to a sleepy village on the edge of Dartmoor, among other things to have the luxury of writing books, but she was still active politically.  Her cottage was named “Widdecombe’s Rest”, a poignant name in retrospect.

It is only a few days since Ann died, and the shocking news of her murder was revealed.  The police do not think it was politically motivated.  They are currently holding a 28-year old white British national (the first was released without charge).

Among her transits were Pluto square her Mercury in Scorpio in her 1^st House (mental shock – it doesn’t bear thinking about), Chiron square her natal Mars (wounding), but on the plus side (if there can be one), Saturn trine her natal Pluto in Leo in her 10^th House – great strength in the face of a high profile demise).  I like to think that shows she will have gone straight to the arms of Jesus, who was so much a part of her life.  If there was any karmic plan for her ending, it might be to show the divisiveness and violence in our society (though should not be exploited by those of that nature and intent).  My own take, for what it is worth, and time may tell, is that she may have expressed her sharpness towards someone who was unhinged, at the “wrong” moment.

Rest in Peace, Ann…

“I had the most brilliant time with Ann on Strictly Come Dancing, she became a real friend, she was fun, she was upbeat, she was positive, she was supportive, she was game, wanted to enter into the spirit of the whole thing”

~ Anton du Beke

Aspects

In the early hours of tomorrow (Monday 13^th) we start with a conjunction of the Sun and Mercury at 20 degrees of Cancer: Mentally, this may help you see more clearly, although as the conjunction takes place in a water sign, you do need to take account of emotions and feelings. You can apply your mind according to the House this conjunction falls in within your chart, and if you don’t know which that is, then apply it to home and family affairs, emotions and women.

Late lunchtime, Uranus squares Venus, so get your thinking, feelings and emotions as straight as possible before then!  Try and smooth the path in advance, e.g. deal with possible loopholes.  This square might bring twists and turn in relationships. There may be a quirky end to a relationship or money saga, slightly out of your comfort zone (especially for Taureans and Librans).  Your plans may have to be modified at the last minute.  The way through is to use your intuition, and stay one step ahead.

Some restoration of calm may ensue on Tuesday (14^th), with a New Moon at 21 degrees of Cancer.  A new beginning is on the cards.  Do remember 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.  In the past, this New Moon in the feminine sign of Cancer has enabled the promotion of women’s rights.

The middle of the week begins a most exciting couple of weeks, heralding the almost unheard of alignment of the outer planets, in a formation once foreseen by French Astrologer Andre Barbault (1921 – 2019).  This pattern has come to be known as “Barbault’s Basket”  Currently, as we speak, Pluto, Neptune and Uranus are all harmoniously aligned at 4 degrees of their signs.  If you have a planet at 4 degrees, you are well linked in.  Two of these exact alignments occur this week, and next week we shall have more because Jupiter is fast approaching 4 degrees.

As with the tremendously difficult Saturn-Pluto conjunction in Capricorn, whose timing we could predict but not its exact nature (the Pandemic), we know that the Barbault’s Basket will have a tremendous effect, but this time beneficently.  We can focus on all the problems in the world, and hope for some practical solutions.  But in our own personal lives too, we may see the hand of Grace operating.  Picture her or him as you like, I picture an enormous Archangel bringing things into right relation.

Some Astrologers feel we may not experience the beneficence immediately, but it may herald a Renaissance of some sort.  Bring that into your own awareness of your own life.  Where can you see, or hope, for a Renaissance?  Right relations should be part of that new order.  So without further ado, we come to the first element:

On Wednesday (15^th) Uranus will sextile Neptune.  It’s an aspect involving two big hitters.  This is a rare an unusual aspect, and I can’t speak highly enough about it.  It’s a major reorganization in order to incorporate more complexity and a deeper understanding.”  Uranus is coming from Gemini and Neptune is coming from Aries, both at 4 degrees of their signs, a truly reforming zeal.  This aspect is laying down terms for the future, whichever way you are looking at it, and from the personal to the universal.  In interpretating what this means for you in your life (and take into account the Houses it falls in, if you know), I would like to make immortal the words of my favourite Astrologer Alan Oken (who has now passed):

“Intuition flows or works well with Illumination.  On an individual level the result would give the ability to properly handle higher levels of consciousness and a profound interest in the occult and mystic.  On a mass level it contributes to a generalized expansion of consciousness and an awakening to new uses of heretofore untapped energy sources.”

Take what you can and weave it into your current reality, and vision of the future.

The second weave of the “basket” occurs on Saturday (18^th) with a trine between Uranus and Pluto.  These two planets are the major ushers of Change (with a big C).  It is a strong structure for the psyche, and for the collective.  It provides the ability to understand and flow with the forces of Change, and can be a positive agent for change.

Turning to other Astrologers to add dimension to my own offerings, I go first to Adam Elenbaas, who says:

“This is the kind of transit that reshapes what you believe is real, not with fanfare but with a quiet, persistent hum. How much change can the human psyche absorb before fragmentation occurs? What happens when information evolves faster than wisdom?”

Financial Astrologer Raymond Merriman says:

“We have an opportunity for another renaissance. Since invention (Uranus) is the mother of necessity, perhaps a recession is necessary to push the creative forces of human ingenuity that leads humanity into this renaissance. Usually, the renaissance is also a revolution in communications (perfect for Uranus in Gemini), according to the great Russian economist Nikolai Kondratieff. The revolution in thought that I am hoping for is a realization of the value of “diversity within unity,”

Alan Oken wrote in “Complete Astrology”:

“Intuition flows or works well with regeneration.  These aspects are definitely instrumental in bringing out more positive aspects mentioned under the heading of the conjunction… Tremendous elevation of consciousness,  to inventiveness,  to an exploration of untapped potentials of energy…”

If it is your birthday that day, it could be a humdinger of a birthday!

See you next week, in the middle of “Barbault’s Basket”!

The week in bullet points:

• Tomorrow – sparkling minds; disrupted feelings
• Tuesday – new beginning
• Wednesday – the ability to wrap your mind around complexity
• Saturday – Beneficent Change

Bonnie Tyler (1951 – 2026)

I have been urged this week to produce two blogs: one for Bonnie Tyler and one for Ann Widdecombe, both of whom died this week in unusual circumstances.  So I am bowing to the pressure, but will write shortened blogs…

I loved Bonnie’s songs, and her voice, and the passion with which she sang.  She lived in Portugal, and underwent emergency surgery some time ago, being put into an induced coma in intensive care.  She recovered consciousness later, but failed to thrive.  Such a tragedy – she loved to sing right up until her surgery planning tours.  She was 75.

Birth Chart

Bonnie had the Sun in Gemini, conjunct Mars (singing with gusto!).  Her Sun was exactly trine Neptune, so she was also inspirational and spiritual as well as being very physical.  We do not have a birth time for her, to see the total balance of her chart, but the exact sextile of Pluto to her Sun gives away that touch of Scorpio which is heard in her voice.  Her Mercury  in Taurus (the sign of the Voice) was sextile with Venus, so she would have been good with words, but was not known for writing her own songs.  However, she did co-write a handful of tracks for her albums.

The distinctive, raspy huskiness in her voice grew after she had an operation in 1977 to remove vocal nodules from her throat.  Apparently, she did not rest her voice enough after the operation.  Her voice has branded her “the female Rod Stewart”.

Mars trine Neptune gave her extra sensuality, again marrying spirituality and physicality.

Life and Career

Bonnie left school in Neath, Wales, without qualifications at 16, and it was soon clear that she was destined for a singing career. In 1969, aged 17, she entered into a local talent competition, and came second, but emerged knowing that singing was what she wanted to do for a living.  Her favourite song growing up was “River Deep, Mountain High”.

Her debut album “The World Starts Tonight” came out in 1977, and she released the song “Lost in France” from that album.

I was lost in France
In the fields the birds were singing…

[a personal digression: I wrote a poem on the back of that, called “Lost in Tibet in Love”!]

In 1977 she also released “It’s a Heartache”

It’s a heartache
Nothing but a heartache
Hits you when it’s too late
Hits you when you’re down…

Are you singing along, yet?

On 11 February 1983, she released her biggest hit, “Total Eclipse of the Heart”, one of the best selling songs of all time, a result of working with songwriter Jim Steinman.

The chart of the song’s release has a sensuous conjunction of Venus and Mars, and an entrepreneurial conjunction of Jupiter and Uranus, contributing to its huge success.  Saturn conjunct Pluto might suggest a total eclipse of something…and it bridges the cusp of Libra and Scorpio.

Pluto was sextile her natal Chiron – it was a profound healing and expression for her.  Her career had been flagging a little before that point.

Uranus was trine her natal Jupiter – Sudden Success!

The South Node was on her natal Chiron – emphasizing a cathartic healing

(Turn around)
Every now and then I get a little bit lonely
When you’re never coming ’round…

That was followed by “Holding Out for a Hero” in 1984:

Where have all the good men gone, and where are all the gods?

Where’s the streetwise Hercules to fight the rising odds?

That contains all the warrior fire of her natal Sun conjunct Mars!

Bonnie married Robert Sullivan, a property developer in 1973.  She miscarried at 39 (her Uranus Opposition), and had no children.  They lived in Albufeira, Portugal.

Her last months

In early May of this year, she underwent emergency intestinal surgery.  Her transits at the time included Saturn on her natal Jupiter and squaring her natal Uranus.  Saturn squaring Uranus particularly can result in personal earthquakes.

She was placed in an induced coma, and on 12^th May was said to be seriously ill but stable.  She woke from the medically-induced coma on 15^th June, but died on 8^th July from complications.  Chiron was trine her natal Chiron at that moment in time, suggesting that to pass over was a merciful healing for her at the time.

Her death would bring heartbreak all over the world – she was a particularly successful artist in America.  But what a body of beautifully rendered songs she has left…

Tyler’s music represented “fighting and power and living life without apology”

~ Carol Vorderman

Stay tuned for my second blog of the day…

Wimbledon – Week 2

Some stars have fallen in the first week, sad to see them go…but we have another week of action to look forward to.  So here is the next phase of my analysis:

Women

No. 7 Seed – Coco Gauff

I wrote last year about Coco Gauff (she plays Belinda Bencic today at 15.50 Hrs).:

“Coco is Sun Pisces, sextile dynamic Mars (the Warrior Archetype). Sun in Pisces is the sign traditionally associated with genius or prodigy, and she made her mark when very young.  She also has a dramatic streak (Sun exactly square Pluto).  Her karma is complex, or variable, with Jupiter trine closely North Node (favourable karma) and Neptune exactly square the Nodal Axis (confused karma).”

Her transits for the beginning of the second week:

Uranus square her Uranus (the possibility of a sudden upset)

Saturn sextile her Neptune (bringing realism to her ideals)

Jupiter trine her Mercury (a winning factor)

Her transits at the time of the final are exactly the same.  She stands a good chance of getting to the final, especially if she is able to negotiate the unexpected.

No. 11 Seed – Belinda Bencic

I have not written about Belinda’s chart before, though I have commented about her transits since 2015!  She is one of the older players, and was born in 1997.  Here goes…!:

Belinda is decidedly Piscean, with the Sun, Venus and Mercury in that sign, and is therefore inspirational and instinctive in her approach.  She is blessed with the entrepreneurial conjunction of Jupiter and Uranus, and as such can grasp opportunities when they are presented to her.  She has great strength, through a trine between Saturn and Pluto.  Above all, she is a Warrior, with Mars exactly conjunct her North Node, describing her karmic mission.

Her transits at the beginning of Week 2 (She plays Coco Gauff today at 15.50 Hrs):

Pluto sextiles her natal Pluto (self-empowerment)

Chiron opposes her natal Chiron (a health or injury challenge)

Jupiter squares her natal Chiron (positive thinking in the face of challenge)

Mars opposes her natal Pluto (a moment of danger)

North Node trines her natal Chiron (the Universe encouraging the development of her Inner Healer)

Her transits at the time of the final:

Pluto still sextiles her natal Pluto

Chiron still opposes her natal Chiron

Mars trines her natal Jupiter (if she gets through the initial dangers of the week, Mars lends energy and strength to her natural enthusiasm)

North Node still trines her natal Chiron

An interesting set of transits, indicating that she is dealing with a lot, and may overcome her challenges.  A possible contender for the final.

No. 12 Seed – Marta Kostyuk

I have watched a couple of her matches this year, and been very impressed.  Unusually, she has worn a frilly costume (feminine Sun sign), putting me in mind of Maria Bueno (fashionista Libra) in the 1960s!  This is the first time I have looked at her chart:

Marta has the Sun in Cancer, one of the two signs highlighted in this year’s Wimbledon chart (the other being Leo).  When I first started watching tennis in the 1960s two signs were prominent: Libra and Cancer.  Then in the 1970s, power became the watchword, and different signs started to prevail, also adding more analytical approaches (from Geminis and Virgoans).  Cancer then is one of the traditional signs for tennis, a sport which depends on response.  The year that I went to Wimbledon (1975) was the year that the changeover started to come in, with the more gentile and graceful art giving way to the power serve of those such as Rosco Tanner.  The mid-75s still belonged to Virginia Wade and Arthur Ashe (who meditated between changeovers): they were both Cancerians, both born on 10^th July.

Marta doesn’t have it easy, for her Sun is exactly opposite Chiron.  She may have had health issues, even stemming from childhood, to overcome.  She has a conjunction of Mars and Jupiter in Cancer: energy powered by enthusiasm, and expressed emotionally.  Other challenges in her chart include Saturn opposite Pluto, Saturn conjunct the North Node and Pluto on the South Node.

Her transits at the start of the second week:

She has Saturn sextile her Mercury (focus and concentration)

Saturn trine her natal Pluto (power and strength)

Her transits at the time of the final:

She has Saturn still sextile her Mercury

Saturn still trine her natal Pluto

Mars trine her natal Neptune in Aquarius (adding fire and energy to her spirituality and vision)

Much as I would love her to go all the way, her transits are strong but not especially distinguished.  Therefore, I think she will fall short of the final.

No. 14 Seed – Naomi Osaka

I wrote in 2019 (she will be playing Sabalenka today at 15.10 Hrs):

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

She has a planet at 4 degrees, in her case Uranus.  There is currently a 4 degree matrix of outer planets, which this month forms the co-ordinated “Barbault basket”.

Her transits at the beginning of Week 2:

Pluto is exactly on her Uranus – stimulating at a deep level

Pluto squares her natal Chiron – health or injury challenges

Neptune sextiles her Uranus – the ability to take on complexity

Uranus opposes her Pluto – facing Change

Uranus trines her natal Uranus – the Power of Surprise!

Mars trines her Uranus – electrical energy

Her transits at the time of the final:

Pluto is still exactly on her Uranus

Pluto still squares her natal Chiron

Neptune still sextiles her natal Uranus

Uranus still opposes her Pluto

Uranus still trines her natal Uranus

Mars opposes her natal Venus, peaking Saturday 11^th (women’s finals day)

She could start the week well, but has enormous challenges so may not last the week.  However, if she reaches the final, she is not likely to win it, but may be happy anyway.

Of these four, Coco Gauff has the best chance.

Alexandra Eala

I wrote under Comments yesterday:

Alexandra Eala has just beaten my “pick” Swiatek.

On brief inspection, I see that Pluto is on her natal Chiron in Aquarius, Uranus is trine her natal Chiron, Neptune is sextile her natal Chiron – a strong set of transits.

If she advances further this week, I will take a longer look.

Men

No. 5 Seed – Alex de Minaur 

Alex de Minaur won through to the next round yesterday.  In 2020, I wrote:

“De Minaur is an Aquarian, with the speed and agility of a close trine between Mercury and Mars, and the unpredictability of Mars square Uranus.  He has no Earth planets, which may make him ungrounded at times.”

His transits at the beginning of week 2:

Uranus opposes his Chiron – the element of the unexpected could affect his wellbeing

Pluto sextiles his Chiron – transformational help available

Neptune trines his Chiron – spiritual uplift

(Those three transits lock into the Barbault’s basket referred to earlier)

Saturn sextiles his Uranus – strength and flexibility of mind

Jupiter trines his Jupiter – some luck

His transits at the time of the final:

All of the above still valid, plus

Mars square his natal Mercury – mentally fractious and irritable, which might cost him some points

His greatest astrological foe at this time is Uranus opposite his Chiron, but he may be able to pull it into line with “Barbault’s basket”.  If he reaches the final, he could be liable to some unforced errors, so I would say he wouldn’t actually win, but may reach the final.

No. 6 Seed – Taylor Fritz

Fritz also won through, yesterday.

In 2022, I wrote:

“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 at the beginning of Week 2:

Fritz has two natal planets at 4 degrees: Uranus and Pluto, with his Sun close in early 5 degrees…

So, Pluto sextiles his Pluto – self-empowerment

Pluto is on his Uranus – explosive

Pluto squares his natal Sun – personally, hard

Neptune sextiles his Uranus – able to take in complexity

Neptune trines his Pluto – operating at a high level psychologically

Uranus trines his Uranus – the power of Surpise

Uranus opposes his Pluto – need to recognize and act on Change

Mars trines his Uranus – electrical energy

Mars opposes his Pluto – a moment of danger

His transits at the time of the final:

Exactly the same, minus that added texture of Martian energy.

Still very strong, therefore.  He could be a contender for the final.

Seed No. 7 – Novak Djokovic

I wrote last week, under Comments:

“Djokovic? He seemed to beat Tsitsipas easily yesterday…Chiron is currently sextile his Mars, a strong position physically and healingwise. Mars on his Sun yesterday gave him extra strength, but will move away from that position quickly.

At the final, Pluto will be sextile his natal Moon, which will strengthen him enormously on an emotional level. Chiron will still be sextile his natal Mars, supporting him. Mars will be sextile his North Node, supporting him karmically. He should do well, and could reach the final.”

Seed No. 9 – Flavio Cobolli

Another high flying seed who got through yesterday…I have not looked at his chart before (so cannot quote myself, lol).

Cobolli may have the Sun in Taurus, but he is very Geminian, with Mercury, and Venus, Saturn, Mars and the North Node in the sign of the Twins.  That alone could make him a tricky opponent, his partner on the other side of the net wondering who he is facing from point to point!  He also has a bamboozling slice of Pisces in his chart, with the Sun square Neptune and the Moon in Pisces, which could leave his opponent floundering (see what I did, there?)  He has a lot going for him, what with his Neptune (ruler of Pisces) also and inspirationally trining his Mercury/Venus/Mars/Saturn in Gemini.  As well as that giving him a huge versatility and adaptability through a preponderance of Mutable signs, it also adds weight to his karmic mission as those three planets also conjunct his North Node.

Mental note, to quote myself in future…

Joking apart, his transits at the beginning of Week 2:

Saturn sextiles his natal Saturn – great self-discipline

Mars is on his natal Mercury – supercharged mental energy

His transits at the time of the final:

Saturn still sextiles his natal Saturn

Mars trines his natal Neptune – energy and physicality added to his spirit

The lack of transits, and lack of connection with “Barbault’s basket” leads me to (possibly) conclude that Cobolli is here in Week 2 by force of sheer character.  The planets are not particularly supportive, and therefore I am not seeing him in the final.

So, of the next four men’s seeds, de Minaur, Fritz and Djokovic could make the final: I can’t put one above the others.  Last week’s “pick”, Zverev, is still going strong, so I will hold fast for him as winner.

Unless…

Our Brit Arthur Fery played a blinder (excuse my French) yesterday.  He is a wild card and won the decider at the eleventh hour of the fifth set.  A brief look at his chart, tells me:

He is Cancerian (one of the two signs highlighted in the inception chart of Wimbledon).  A good Cancerian can read their responses to their opponents well.  Neptune squares his Chiron at the moment, a challenge he has risen to (he was two sets down yesterday, and looked likely to fail).  Chiron is trine his Venus (a beautiful healing for him at this time – he gets into the world top 100 and qualifies to enter Grand Slams).  The South Node is on his Venus, so he is reaping past karmic rewards.  If he advances further, I will take a longer look.

To sum up, my current pick for the winners are Coco Gauff and Alexander Zverev.  But I will be looking at other options during the week, including the newcomers Eala and Fery.  Happy viewing!

Aspects

Mars was sextile Neptune during sleep time last night…did you sleep a little more deeply, or dream a little more vividly?  This combination can be a soothing influence on Mars types (Ariens), or enlivening on Neptune types (Pisceans).  For the rest of us, it is conducive to refined and spiritual actions, meditations and exercises.  Yoga and Tai Chi are recommended under this influence.

At lunchtime, Mars trines Pluto, which speaks of self-empowerment, but you have to remember that everyone also has this force!  This is a great aspect for tasks which need great energy.  There may be some upheaval involved, as when you are decluttering in earnest, but you should have the energy to start afresh once you have cleared some old ground.

This should ensure an England-Mexico match full of energy overnight (currently scheduled for 1 a.m. in the U.K., with the beleaguered pub culture hopefully set to profit).  Notice that there was a wobble about the time because of thunderstorms – that was the Mars-Uranus conjunction – often you’ll find that in the charts of babies born during a thunderstorm.

Anyway, sad to admit that England look like the underdog, with the altitude against them.  It is not the easiest of tasks.  The aspect tomorrow (Monday 6^th) morning is Saturn squaring the Sun.  That can be a downer (but who is to say it might not be the Mexico team with the downer?)  One team will have a downer, I can confidently say…(!)

There may be disappointing or deflating news, delay or frustration, such as criticisms about hasty actions. The Sun-Saturn square is an opportunity to think through what you are doing, and your strategies.  If you are making economies, are they the right ones, based on your optimum values?

Neptune is Stationary, prior to going Retrograde on Tuesday (7^th).  This represents some retracing of steps on our spiritual path.  It has been Direct since December last year, so you may have been inspired at that time by a new spiritual area opening up. Now is the time to consolidate on what you have learned, put it into practice, and walk your talk.  Neptune goes direct again this December.  This retrograde turn may re-emphasize issues related to the ocean, and ongoing mysteries.

Our last astrological feature occurs on Thursday (9^th), with the entry of Venus into Virgo.  This aspect makes us tend to be more selective and discriminating in our tastes.  We may get extra picky about our diet, for instance: choosing or rejecting salad, for instance. Our tastes for fashion and people may also temporarily change.  We become more aware of the issues around the environment.  Venus stays in Virgo until 6th August, so for this month refining our tastes and perfecting our contribution to the ecosystem, e.g. recycling procedures.  We may also be specializing in our work and studies, and maybe bringing artistry to a work project.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – fuelled dreams; energetic activity
• Tomorrow – deflation
• Tuesday – spiritual reflection and revision
• Thursday – extra picky

Wimbledon 2026

Welcome, Wimbledon-Watchers!  I have had some successful years predicting Wimbledon, but last year was not one of those!  Undaunted, I now present the first four seeds from the Women’s and Men’s tournaments.

Women’s

No. 1 Seed – Aryna Sabalenka

My original write-up, in 2021, was:

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

The Guardian Weekend provided a long article about her on Saturday, reminding us that she had threatened to give up tennis after her defeat in the French Open.  They wrote: “We have learned to expect the unexpected with Aryna Sabalenka.  Implosions, explosions…”, which exactly reflects her Sun/Mars square to Uranus.

Sabalenka’s main transit at the beginning of Wimbledon is:- Mars sextile her natal Venus, so she will be playing with passion!  Her recent defeat in the French Open may be down to a lack of planetary support…In the tournament, she will need to dig deep into her own soul and rely totally on her own efforts and self-responsibility (even more than usual).

Sabalenka’s prospects at the time of the final look more promising if she gets there:-

Jupiter will be trine her natal Venus (personal happiness), and

Jupiter will be opposing her natal Neptune (emotion will be high, and maybe bizarre)

I have seen instances where a lack of transits has been freeing, rather than showing a lack of support.

No. 2 Seed – Iga Swiatek

Again, I wrote in 2021:

“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”.

Since I wrote that, her birth time has come to light.  This reveals: an Ascendant of Gemini clothed by a conjunction of the Sun and Saturn.  This means her personality is focussed by her carefully constructed planning.

Swiatek’s transits at the beginning of Wimbledon:-

Pluto trine her natal Saturn in Gemini in her 12^th House – inner strength

Neptune sextile her natal Saturn in Gemini in her 12^th House – greater sensitivity

Uranus sextile her natal Midheaven (Careerpoint) in Aquarius in her 8^th House – sudden breakthroughs

Saturn trine her natal Pluto in Sagittarius in her 7^th House – able to outplay her opponents psychologically

Swiatek’s transits at the time of the final:

Pluto still trine her natal Saturn –

Neptune still sextile her natal Saturn –

Uranus transiting her natal Saturn – Could bring an upset, unless she is totally in control

Saturn still trine her natal Pluto –

Jupiter on her I.C. in Leo in her 2^nd House – a fundamental sense of success

Mars on her natal Sun rising in Gemini – highly energetic, perhaps incident-prone.

Swiatek’s transits are dynamic throughout, so she is a definite contender for the title.  However, the Observer report this morning highlights a decline over the last year since she won.

No. 3 Seed – Coco Gauff

I wrote last year:

“Coco is Sun Pisces, sextile dynamic Mars (the Warrior Archetype). Sun in Pisces is the sign traditionally associated with genius or prodigy, and she made her mark when very young.  She also has a dramatic streak (Sun exactly square Pluto).  Her karma is complex, or variable, with Jupiter trine closely North Node (favourable karma) and Neptune exactly square the Nodal Axis (confused karma).”

Coco’s transits at the beginning of Wimbledon:

Pluto trine her Uranus – ability to flow with change

Uranus square her natal Uranus – shock exit possible

Saturn sextile her Neptune – the need to be practical

Coco’s transits at the time of the final:

Pluto still trine her Uranus

Uranus still square her natal Uranus

Saturn still sextile her Neptune

Jupiter trine her Mercury (a mental triumph)

That Uranus transit operating throughout risks a shock exit at some point from the tournament.  But she’ll be upbeat at the end of the tournament, maybe for personal reasons.

No. 4 Seed – Elena Rybakina

Again, I wrote in 2021:

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

Her transits at the beginning of Wimbledon:

Pluto is on her Neptune – psychologically complex

Neptune is sextile with her Neptune – spiritually aligned

Uranus is trine her Neptune – able to deal with complexity

Jupiter is trine her Chiron – an added touch of luck and healing

Her transits at the time of the final:

Pluto will still be on her Neptune

Neptune will still be sextile with her Neptune

Uranus will still be trine her Neptune

This is a fairly strong set of transits, which may see her go a long way.  However, at some point she looses that protective trine of Jupiter to her Chiron, so she may not make the final.

All in all, from these sets of transits, I would pick Swiatek as a winner.

Men’s

No. 1 Seed – Jannik Sinner

Like Sabalenka, Jannik Sinner lost out at the French Open, but in his case he was unwell at the time.  The Observer this morning has written about his struggles with the heat.  I wrote in 2023:

“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 at the beginning of Wimbledon:

Neptune in Aries squares his Nodal Axis – highlighting the challenges of his sensitivities, e.g. the heat

Uranus squares his natal Mercury in Virgo in his 3^rd House – mental strain

North Node trine his North Node in Cancer rising – karma generally supporting him

His transits at the time of the final:

Neptune still squaring his Nodal Axis

Uranus still squaring his natal Mercury

Saturn sextile his natal Saturn in Gemini in his 12^th House – some extra grit

Somehow, I don’t think this set of transits will get him over the final line.  He could go far, but may not make the final.  He has a lot, personally, to sort out.

No. 2 Seed – Alexander Zverev

I wrote about his debut, way back in 2017 – he is now a comparatively “older” player, with longevity:

“His Sun is right at the beginning of Taurus, and he has 0 Water planets (so may not be so emotional) and half his planets in Earth so is practical.  He is sensitive, though, with Neptune exactly square his Sun, and Chiron exactly opposite his Sun.  He has Mercury conjunct Venus, which may give him writing or diplomatic abilities.  With Mercury exactly square Uranus, he is not afraid to be controversial.  Mars appears unaspected in a chart without a birth time, so his energies may be as wild and free as his hair.  Neptune trines his North Node, so he has a spiritual side.  With Neptune square his Chiron he may be impossibly idealistic (as well as practical).  An intriguing young man.”

His transits at the beginning of Wimbledon:

I have high hopes for Zverev at this time, because Pluto, Neptune and Uranus are coming into an exact alignment, he has planets which will be affected by this pattern, and may be able to make something of it in his personal life, as well as on the court.

Pluto sextiles his natal Pluto rising in Scorpio – self-empowerment

Pluto squares his Venus/Part of Fortune in Taurus in his 6^th House – personal challenges

Neptune trines his natal Pluto – good psychological frame of mind

Chiron transits his natal Sun in Taurus in his 6^th House – an opportunity for healing: may be dealing with health issues

Jupiter square his natal Sun – optimism

Jupiter opposing his natal Neptune – faith

Mars trine his Neptune in Capricorn in his 3^rd House – action combined with spiritual force

He has just passed his Saturn Return, a major milestone in development

His transits at the time of the final:

Pluto still sextiles his natal Pluto

Pluto still squares his Venus/Part of Fortune

Neptune still trines his natal Pluto

Uranus opposes his natal Pluto rising in Scorpio – this could be hazardous, but in the midst of some strength from other forces, he may rise to challenges, changes and disruptions, e.g. opponents playing up

Chiron still transits his natal Sun

Mars just passed a trine with his natal Moon in Libra in his 11^th House – if he reaches the final, he may have pulled off some stunning victories in the semi-finals and quarter finals, through sheer emotional force

The  Mean North Node about to sextile his natal Sun – he should be pleased with where he is with his karma immediately after Wimbledon

The True North Node sextiled the Sun on 1^st July early in the tournament – in  the first rounds of the tournament, karma may be smiling upon him

This is an amazing set of cosmic connections, but some of them quite challenging.  I see this as an opportunity to overcome weaknesses and circumstances, and therefore feel he could win the tournament.

No. 3 Seed – Felix Auger-Aliassime

I first looked at Felix Auger-Aliassime’s chart in 2020:

“Felix has 5 Fire planets, 0 Water, 6 Fixed and 0 Cardinal.  He has Sun in Leo opposite Uranus (the Rebel Archetype and the Showman).  His Moon is in Sagittarius or Scorpio (no birth time available).  Mercury is conjunct Mars, so he could get easily rattled, and in Leo he is highly competitive.  He can get distracted (Mercury opposite Neptune), but he has plenty of enthusiasm (Mars sextile Jupiter) and energy (Mars trine Pluto).  With Mars opposite Neptune, he may have periods where his play is patchy and he is not entirely “present”.  Not a straightforward chart for a tennis champ.”

His transits for the beginning of Wimbledon:

Pluto on his Neptune – a complex time psychologically

Pluto opposes his natal Mars – there could be a danger of injury

Neptune trines his natal Mars – he may deal with events on a spiritual level

Jupiter sextile his natal Saturn – some optimism

Mars on his natal Saturn – he may break some of his own rules, traditions etc.

South Node on his Venus – he feels a sense of it being an important time for him karmically, e.g. settling old scores.  He’s not one of the younger players, but he’s not as old as Zverev.  He wants to make his mark at this time.

His transits at the time of the final:

Pluto still on his Neptune

Pluto still opposes his natal Mars – possibility of injury throughout

Neptune still trine his natal Mars

Uranus sextile his natal Mars – if he should reach the final, this transit would assist him in surprising his opponent, and giving his performance extra spark

Jupiter now on his natal Mercury in Leo – that is a winning transit

Mars opposing his natal Pluto – more danger!  He may be appearing to skate on thin ice at times…

South Node still on his Venus

Felix’ birth chart and this set of transits are dominated by Mars.  There seems to be an ever-present danger of injury in this period, but he will have plenty of energy and combativeness.  The other quality which comes out strongly is Courage – he may be praised as far as he goes in the competition for that quality.  Despite all the dangers, I would not rule out a place in the final.

No. 4 Seed – Ben Shelton

Ben, born in 2002, was new to me in 2025.  I wrote last year, rather sketchily:

“Ben is a Libran, with a focussed and perfectionistic conjunction of Mercury and Mars in Virgo.”

I may add that his Mercury/Mars conjunction gives him brisk action and acute co-ordination.  The Sun sextile Jupiter gives him an upbeat attitude, but at the same time Mercury squaring Saturn can also make him depressed at times – a see-saw of emotions, as well as the balancing of the Libran scales.  Mars squaring Saturn means his strokes may not always be as elegant as his Libran Sun would aspire to.  Saturn trine Uranus gives him strength, and the ability to adapt when old and new ways of doing things are presented in times of transition.

His transits at the beginning of Wimbledon:

Jupiter trines his natal Mercury – he may make a promising start

North Node sextile his natal Chiron – he may become aware of his Inner Healer

Both transits are leaving their positions, leaving me to suspect that getting to Wimbledon was the high point.

His transits at the time of the final:

Saturn sextiles his natal Jupiter – he will be realistic

Saturn trines his Pluto – he will have inner strength

Mars trines his natal Neptune, peaks on 10^th July – around that time, if he is still in the tournament, he may make one or two inspiring shots, which would be memorable

This Wimbledon doesn’t look memorable for Ben Shelton, sadly.  His transits are as blank as Sabalenka, but as I said before, I have known a lack of transits giving a sense of freedom.

Summing up, then, Zverev has the best astrological profile of the top four men’s seeds.

Swiatek has the best astrological profile of the top four women’s seeds.

As always, I will be watching who comes up in the ranks, and assessing whether they have better transits.

Happy watching!  Let me know if you will be putting your jam on your cream or cream on your jam, when constructing your scones.

Next Week: Wimbledon Week 2

Aspects

Did you rise with the lark this morning?  With a positive attitude?  If so, you will have been responding to a sextile between Mars and Jupiter. [A perfect run-up to Wimbledon fortnight!].

Mars sextile Jupiter is a straightforward combination of energy and enthusiasm, so a good way to employ excess feeling in an absorbing leisure activity of your choice.  You’ll be able to find that extra drive, for what you are wanting to achieve, or go that extra mile.

While I have been blogging, hubby has reported that it is fresher out than it has been for some days.

This evening, Mars will enter Gemini.  We go from the more sluggish energy of Mars in Taurus (it has been difficult to do anything in this present heat) to a brighter, more expressive energy.  It’s a high action placing, with a spike in mental and physical energy, and the urge to get things done.  Certain sports, such as running and cycling, are highlighted.

Tomorrow, Monday (29^th), Mercury in Cancer is Stationary, prior to going Retrograde.  Yasmin Bolland and Kim Farnell observe in “The Mercury Retrograde Book” that this placing in Cancer implies:

“You need to follow your instincts when Mercury is retrograde in a Water sign. This is a time to listen to that small voice within – especially if it starts shouting.”

Depending on how you are normally affected, be clear in your communications for the next three weeks, in order to avoid misunderstandings and loopholes.  Although technology can go awry, it can be a good period to upgrade such devices.  You may have developed your own strategies, according to past experiences.

The day may also be tense on an emotional level, building up to the Capricorn Full Moon just before midnight in the evening.  This may be marked for you by a benchmark of achievement or an emotional peak (or trough!).  Full Moons can be a revelation.  Even if you were making an important start on your plans for the day, you may still be feeling some tension.  This Moon represents the pull between authority and individual needs.  There are questions about society, such as how far can authority be accountable for an individual’s fate, and how much can the individual expect from authorities – where does the balance of responsibility lie?  On the wider picture, I have noticed resignations associated with Full Moon in Capricorn.

Some storminess could be afoot on Tuesday (30^th), with a challenging square between Mars and the Nodal Axis.  It is a day for preparing your lines of action.  Karma may dictate that you cannot sit and lounge around, you’ll be prompted to action, whether willingly or unwillingly!  There may be old scores and battles to settle.  This aspect occurs in the U.K. in the middle of dreamtime, so you could be in for some fiery dreams.

The most important astrological feature of the week occurs before waking, also on that day, with the entry or ingress of Jupiter into the sign of Leo.

Jupiter in Cancer has seen the rise in populism, patriotism and nationalism.  The preserving and restoration of antiquity also came under the Jupiter in Cancer, as old treasures were unearthed in the archaeological world.

Jupiter in Leo is altogether more playful, and hedonistic.  It will operate for approximately a year.  If you catch yourself in unguarded moments of sheer joy during that period of time, you will be catching that vibe.  The royal family may be more than usually in the limelight during that time, and there may be a new royal child born.  Sun worshippers will enjoy the extra warmth from climate change and may not need to go abroad to experience it.  Yet it is still a reminder that we have to keep on track with reaching Net Zero.  On a personal level, there may be new causes for celebrations, such as more weddings than usual.  And if you are a Leo Sun Sign, this is your year!

The last feature of the week, a conjunction between Mars and Uranus, occurs on Saturday (4^th July).  It is important to check health and safety practicalities.  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, with original ideas.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – energy plus enthusiasm; increased mental energy
• Tomorrow – communication glitches; emotional high tide
• Tuesday – battle lines; a more joyful approach
• Saturday – explosive or galvanizing

A Zodiac of Painters

Following on from last week’s art theme, I am looking at various artists representing their Sun signs.  The next two weeks will be taken up with Wimbledon blog season!  Does the painter depicted under your Sun sign resonate with you, or do they push your buttons, I wonder…?

Aries – Vincent van Gogh 

Vincent van Gogh produced work of such vibrancy and energy that they expressed his Sun sign of Aries.  He had the red hair of Aries, but his favourite colour was yellow.

His sense of confusion and delicate nature speak of the neighbouring sign of Pisces, which in his chart contains Neptune, the Midheaven (career path), Mars (his ruling planet from his Sun sign) and Venus (his art).

I was fortunate enough, in my third year at University, to study under Europe’s foremost Van Gogh expert, Ronald Pickvance.  I studied 19^th Century art, which encompassed Van Gogh, but at the time did not know Van Gogh was his specialism.

Taurus – JMW Turner

Turner is one of Britain’s best loved artists, and his Sun sign is that most usually associated with art (together with Libra, as they are both ruled by Venus).

The style he adopted and is famous and most successful for is more whispy and whimsical in terms of his skies and atmospheres than you would expect from a solid Taurean.  His level of success and karmic fulfilment may be due to a close trine of his Sun to his North Node in Virgo (another earth sign).  His Venus (art) is also in Taurus.  It is to his Air signs that we need to look to for his “special effects”: his Air planets are the Moon in Aquarius (innovative) trine Uranus in Gemini (innovative in Air), and Saturn in Libra (dedicated to his work).

Gemini – Albrecht Durer

Albrecht is a true Gemini, with Saturn, the Sun, Venus and the Moon, in that sign.  You can see the mental approach to his work in the precision and starkness of lines, the absence of emotion from colour.  Though he did sometimes work with colour, his skill lay in detailed drawing, characteristic of the ruling planet Mercury, though more usually associated with the other Mercury-ruled sign of Virgo.  His specialism was woodcuts and engravings. The self-discipline shown in his work is exemplified in his chart by a conjunction of the Sun with Saturn, and Saturn being exactly square the Ascendant, at the top of the chart.  That also gives him Capricornian qualities.

Cancer – David Hockney

Cancerian themes he painted included home interiors and splashing in pools…

From last week’s blog:

Venus in sextile to the Moon and Saturn, in between their trine, gives a feel for beauty, and this makes his paintings easier to relate to than the majority of British art arising in the last century…

His colour, and childlike clarity appeal to the Inner Child within us.  And as a Cancerian, he was easily able to inhabit that joyful space.

“He taught us about the joy of looking, seeing things the rest of us failed to notice – his witty and sharp observations a constant presence within his work and in person”

~ Alex Farquharson

Leo – Andy Warhol

Andy Warhol, the father of pop art, is a good example of the Leonine temperament, with Mercury, the Sun conjunct the Ascendant (a “double” Leo), Venus and Neptune all in Leo.  Leo is the sign of Creativity, and his work was certainly eye-catching in the best tradition of seeking the limelight so characteristic of this sign.  With three trines and a conjunction (with the Moon) to his Uranus, there is a strong desire to be innovative and original, and to stand out from the crowd.  These qualities associate him with the sign of Aquarius.  With the Moon exactly trine with the Sun, he certainly knew what he was doing.  He was assured of success with Jupiter on his Midheaven (Careerpoint).  And the simplicity of his images may be down to his Moon in Aries.

Virgo – Beryl Cook

Historically, female painters are like gold dust compared to the male of the species.  However, I have managed to include three women in my survey!  On the surface of things, Beryl Cook’s artwork does not look very Virgoan, and the evaluation is not helped by the fact that we do not have a birth time for her (as we did for all the previous male painters!  “Equal rights!” I hear you cry…) – apparently, Beryl was never accepted by the art establishment.  So we are entirely reliant on her day of birth to understand what made her paint the voluptuous females she did.  Is it, for instance, the association with the Virgin Mary with this sign? Maybe it is her Venus(Art)/Neptune conjunction in Leo (voluptuousness) which is at play?  There is also sense of karmic drama in her Pluto/North Node conjunction in Cancer (the sign of femininity).  She has Mercury and the Sun in Virgo, which is only two planets, but one of them, Mercury, is in its home sign.  Her theme of “everyday life” is a Virgoan theme.

So she is a bit of a mystery (unless we find a birth time for her).  A painter I would have expected to find under Virgo is the pointillist Seurat, but you’ll find him under Sagittarius, with hopefully some lucid explanation…

Libra – Michelangelo Caravaggio

Again, we are without a birth time.  Caravaggio is famously known for his “chiaroscuro”, the dramatic use of light and shade.  This might suggest the sign of Scorpio, which he does have through Mercury conjunct Saturn in that sign.  But Libra does hint at the duality of life, for which an eternal striving for balance and unity is attempted.  He has only the Sun in the sign of Libra.  His “art” planet, Venus, is in Virgo, so he will have been very painstaking.  Personality-wise he was known to be tempestuous, irascible, and this may be shown in a quincunx between his Mars and Pluto.  His strong desire to express the Inner Rebel is shown by a sextile to his Mercury/Saturn from Uranus.  Though we do not know his birth time, at Noon on the day he was born the Moon was exactly conjunct Chiron, showing a deep woundedness, especially around females in his life.

Scorpio – Georgia O’Keeffe

The second of our female painters, Georgia O’Keefe does display the sensuous nature of Scorpio in her beautiful flower images.  Mercifully, we do have a birth time for her, and that establishes her firmly in the territory of Scorpio: with Jupiter, the Ascendant (“double” Scorpio), the Sun, the Moon (“triple” Scorpio, in terms of the most prominent three factors in a chart being in the same sign), and Mercury in that sign.  The best feature in her chart is her exact sextile between Mars and Jupiter (energy allied with enthusiasm).  But her planets clustered around her Ascendant show a tremendous force of personality.  Her photographic portrait shows an angularity of Scorpio in her mein.  She did not only paint flowers, she painted a whole range of other things, but the flowers are more well known: they are exquisitely beautiful, and though they are intensely sensual, there is also a softness about them.  This may be due to her Moon rising, two degrees away from her Sun, immediately after a New Moon.

As mentioned previously, both in art and personality, Caravaggio may be seen as Scorpionic.

Sagittarius – Georges Seurat

As mentioned under Virgo, one would expect the minutely detailed pointillist technique to belong to that sign, rather than the expansionist seeing-the-wood-for-the-trees sign of Sagittarius.  And to answer my own question at the beginning of this blog, yes he is one of my favourite painters.  Was it an attempt at inner balance that Seurat was trying to achieve?  The answer is simpler, courtesy of a birth time, for Virgo was indeed his rising sign, or Ascendant.  He had an amazingly co-ordinated chart in many ways, for his Ascendant was 26 degrees, Venus (art) was at 25 degrees and at his I.C. (his security point), Neptune was at 24 degrees at the Descendant, the Midheaven was at 25 degrees, Jupiter was at 24 degrees (exactly trine inspirational Neptune) and last but not least Saturn was at 26 degrees.  All these planets formed tight aspects to each other.

Capricorn – Berthe Morisot

The third of our women artists, Berthe Morisot was outstanding as a French painter in the Impressionist movement.  Though she was born under the ambitious and career-orientated sign of Capricorn, she often painted domestic and maternal scenes more characteristic of her Ascendant sign Cancer.  Chiron (the wounded healer) was also in Cancer, in her 1^st House, so there is a desire to heal in her work and personality.  The Cancerian theme is carried through in her karmic mission, as the Moon trines her North Node.  Femininity is also highlighted for her career, with Venus closely conjunct her Midheaven in Pisces.  There is also a desire for emancipation, with the Moon conjunct Mars in artistic Libra – it was a very difficult time for a woman to be recognized in the art world.  She was married to the brother of Edouard Manet, who appears under Aquarius.  Her work was known for its elegance and lightness.

“I don’t think there has ever been a man who treated a woman as an equal and that’s all I would have asked for, for I know I’m worth as much as they.”

~ Berthe Morisot

Aquarius – Edouard Manet

Manet was one of the foremost of the Impressionists, was born in Paris, and as mentioned he was the brother-in-law of Berthe Morisot.  His work is characterized by his use of the colour black, the harshness of which for instance does not predominate in the work of Claude Monet.  His work takes on a Capricornian/Saturnian feel, therefore.  At the time he was born, Aquarius was still ruled jointly by Saturn and Uranus, as the latter had only been discovered in 1781. Astrologers had only begun to ascribe Uranus to Aquarius in the 1820s, and it takes a while for a planetary principle to work its way into the collective unconscious.   Manet had three planets in Aquarius: the sun, Uranus and Jupiter.  Some of the harsh outlining can be attributed to his Mercury trine Saturn, and Mercury square Pluto.  Apparently, it was Berthe Morisot, a friend to famous painters of the time, who drew Manet into that artistic circle, and she encouraged him in his work. He painted many plein air pieces, as befitting of an Air sign!

Pisces – Piet Mondrian

20^th Century artist Piet Mondrian, influenced by Cubism, has again a very distinctive style of painting, in slabs and blocks of colour.  He is another example of a painter whose work is not typical of his Sun sign, and needs decoding astrologically.  He does have the Sun conjunct Mercury in Pisces in the 1^st House, but with an Ascendant of Aquarius.  The Moon is gentle, in a conjunction with Venus in his 12^th House.  That conjunction is in Aquarius, and his paintings boldly go more in that direction than in the whispy, blended colours you would expect from Pisces.  His confident tones are described in his trine between Sun/Mercury and Jupiter.  There is some significant wounding in his life, shown by Mars conjunct Chiron (also indicative of the fear of eye injuries he suffered from), and maybe the bold use of colour is an attempt to heal this.   As a pioneer of abstract art, he influenced Bauhaus, modern architecture, and industrial design.  A deep personality, philosophically he was drawn to Theosophy and Anthroposophy.

As mentioned, I see Turner’s skyscapes as being sensitively Piscean in nature.

“Art is higher than reality and has no direct relation to reality. To approach the spiritual in art, one will make as little use as possible of reality, because reality is opposed to the spiritual. We find ourselves in the presence of an abstract art. Art should be above reality, otherwise it would have no value for man.”

~ Piet Mondrian

Next Week: Wimbledon

Aspects

This morning ushered in the Summer Solstice, the Sun’s entry into the sign of Cancer.  Smell the roses if you have some, and celebrate the moment of maximum light.  Many people will enjoy the benefits of nature, and the weather in the U.K. is conducive to making the most of it.  A holiday mood is possible, at least theoretically.  You may also be taking stock of your life.  They say that sunrise was spectacular at Stonehenge this morning…!

Today holds another gift: that of a sextile between the Sun and Chiron.  This may have a stabilizing effect, especially if parties desire to work on healing.  This is a useful aspect for balancing, and receiving beneficial input from other worlds and planes.  It’s helpful for problem-solving, too.  What do you yearn to solve?  There will be an attempt to bring everything to a wholeness.

Tuesday (23^rd) brings a trine between the Sun and the North Node.  Karmic developments (North Node) are likely to be about power and creativity.  At this time, the Universe bears a karmic gift.  This can help your actions and creations to fall in line with, and be in sync with, your own karma and the collective karma.  I have a dental check-up that day, and am hoping that my dental karma holds…!

We have two contrasting aspects on Thursday (25^th), the first of which arrives at Noon, in the shape of Venus trine Saturn.  This may bring encouragement, of people coming together with more commitment and loyalty, in this period of social division.  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 nations (for any bidders for the Nobel Peace Prize).

Late on the same day, Neptune will square the Sun, which may find you confused by opposing ideas and thoughts, as Neptune squares the Sun.  This is a smoke and mirrors type of aspect. There may be new considerations and issues arising, more sensitivity to consider, in your own life.  How much energy can you give to the consideration of events abroad, while attending to your own healing and those of other around you? You may be feeling a little lost, or even dizzy, your awareness in a state of transition.  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.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – summery mood; healing
• Tuesday – karmic rewards
• Thursday – loyalty; confusion