Aspects for the week beginning 19 February 2023
Nicola Sturgeon Resigns
“I am proud to stand here as the first female and longest serving incumbent of this office, and I’m very proud of what has been achieved in the years I’ve been in Bute House.”
~ Nicola Sturgeon
Nicola Sturgeon, the Scottish First Minister, heralded a major shift in politics with her resignation this week. Not only does it shift the tectonic plates about Scottish Independence, but also touches areas such as Brexit, issues of gender, and a possible gain for Scottish Labour. Coming after the shock announcement a few weeks ago by Jacinda Ardern of New Zealand, who had overlapping concerns, their resignations may be part of a trend.
Birth Chart
I have previously written:
(2014):
“Scottish Deputy Nicola Sturgeon … is a role model for the strong woman, and unflinching in her political aims…. She is comfortable with power, as her Sun is sextile Pluto… Nicola started young on her course: she was 16 when she entered politics”.
I added in 2021:
“She has the Sun conjunct Mars, the Inner Warrior Archetype. Her strength comes from the Sun closely trine Neptune and closely sextile Pluto, and in addition the problem-solving exact trine between Mercury and Chiron.”
I have always found her formidable in debate, albeit arguing from an agenda of Scottish Independence. However, I can empathize with her frustration about Scotland being forced against its will to leave the European Union, and being “under the thumb” of Westminster. Recently, of course, the government at Holyrood was directly blocked by Westminster over its attempt to introduce progressive legislation about transgender rights (the “gender recognition reform bill”), which is a complex issue.
She was criticized about certain areas of her political performance, such as the recent record of Scottish education, but the progressive nature of Scotland’s tax system has earned praise, and heroically she faced her nation daily during the covid years.
She started young in politics, and has spent almost three decades in frontline politics, and ten years as First Minister.
Timing
Some of Nicola’s statements now echo those of Jacinda. Here are some phrases from her resignation speech:
“I have believed that part of serving well would be to know almost instinctively when the time is right to make way for someone else…
In my head and in my heart I know that time is now…
my decision comes from a place of duty and of love…
I am a human being as well as a politician…
there is a much greater intensity – dare I say it? – brutality to life as a politician than in years gone by”
Her resignation comes with the following transits to her birth chart:
Saturn trine her natal Jupiter (a decision carefully weighed and balanced)
Saturn square her natal Neptune (soul searching and anguish, encountering complex and almost unanswerable questions)
Pluto sextile her natal Neptune (recognition the necessity for deep change, both for herself personally and in the wider concerns of her party and society)
Yes, she is right to resign at this time.
I personally feel that she has been a politician of integrity, in a period of years where integrity has been lacking in the government at Westminster. But I know others who have disagreed with me on that, so I am just sayin’. I believe in the Union between England and Scotland, but I also believe England should be fair to Scotland.
“I admire her for not clinging too desperately to her dream of personally delivering independence. It must be tough to give up such a large part of your life…”
~Dani Garavelli, The Guardian, 17th February
Aspects
Today’s aspect is Venus sextile Pluto, an aspect which encourages soul-searching and arriving at deeper concepts and perceptions. You can add extra artistry and harmony to your current projects. You can also experience profound connections between people, and it’s a good time for evaluating what people mean to you. You may experience a volcanic eruption of creativity!
Tomorrow (Monday, 20th) starts with a New Moon at 1 degree Pisces. This is the most sensitive New Moon, and a time to set intentions, make affirmations, and creatively visualize along the lines of peace in your own environment, and the plight of war torn nations around the world. Lessons we have recently learned can be put to good use. Issues around water are also in the spotlight, such as plastic in water, and sewage in water.
Venus also enters Aries early on in the day, which sets up bolder feelings to express and contend with, bearing in mind the general tone of the month will be the gentler Piscean spirit and idealism. Venus is not entirely comfortable in Aries and therefore Venusian types may feel that they are being pushed to a faster pace of life than they are comfortable with. There is a warmer and more demonstrative feel about Venus though while she is in Aries, so hugs may be more forthcoming.
All in all, it is a positive and constructive day, as we also have a sextile between Mercury and Chiron. It is a good day for combining natural and scientific medicine, or alternative and conventional healing. So you may be making or attending appointments of this nature. This can also bring a satisfactory outcome in the arena of communication. For example, something you might have been told was impossible finds a way through, and a problem may turn up with a solution.
Tuesday (21st) brings an awkward square between Mercury and Uranus, so be prepared for glitches. Back up your computer files (mental note to take my own advice!), and consider I.T. loopholes. Speech may be controversial. Use your intuition to be one step ahead – the Universe may be trying to show you new pathways, and possible new perspectives.
The next day (Wednesday 22nd) is more dynamic, with Mercury trine Mars. Communications may zip along, and the day could be very productive. Much can be accomplished. You can put your ideas into practice.
And we have a subtle aspect with a karmic flavour on Friday (24th): that of the North Node sextile the Sun. This favours and supports creative plans. It is a good day to settle on your direction in life, or for the week at least. You may find that everything falls into place.
The week in bullet points:
- Today – soul searching
- Tomorrow – new beginning; bolder feelings; healing
- Tuesday – square pegs in round holes
- Wednesday – communications more straightforward
- Friday – favourable creative karma
February 20th, 2023 at 10:32 am
Dear Lana,
Every time I come across illustrations of politicians behaving with integrity and wisdom I feel so relieved and much happier about the possibilities for the Uk. Such was the case with Nicola Sturgeon’s resignation and great to read about this in your blog, with astrological insights to deepen understanding.
Despite watery issues still looming large for some, not a bad grouping of aspects to steer the week by, dare I say.
Thank you as always for your blog and astrological guidance.
Love
Yaz
February 21st, 2023 at 12:40 pm
Dear Yaz
Thank you so much.
I have portrayed Nicola as a pollitician of integrity, but there are those who have a different view of her!
I was glad to see that Joe Biden was able to make a historic visit to Kyiv under the constructive aspects yesterday. The morale boost must have been heartening. I hope that Zelensky wins the Nobel Peace Prize.
Have a good week,
Love
Lana
February 24th, 2023 at 6:00 am
Dear Lana
May I ask you again for a prediction? Today at 4pm CET Jessica Pegula will play in Dubai against Barbara Krejikova for the final. I see the outsider Krejikova in front.
Thank you very much.
Ladina
February 24th, 2023 at 11:17 am
Dear Ladina
Hope all is well with you.
Jessica Pegula’s chart is one I have seen before. I wrote:
The emphasis in Jessica’s chart is on the signs Aquarius and Pisces, so she could appear otherworldly. She would be fiercely competitive, with the Moon in Leo in an emotional way (with half her planets in Water signs, too). She has a serious nature, with the Sun conjunct Saturn. She is strong willed and stubborn, with half her planets in Fixed Signs. With the Sun exactly opposite Chiron, she may at times have healing crises, but may also be good at problem-solving. Mercury conjunct Mars gives her very quick mental reactions. She can handle complexity, with Uranus conjunct Neptune (a feature of her birth year, 1994). And last but not least, she has a profound karmic mission, with Pluto exactly conjunct her North Node in Scorpio.
Her transits today:
She has a Solar Return as it is her birthday. Saturn is square her natal Pluto (difficult) and also square her Nodal Axis (karmically unfavourable). Uranus is sextile her natal Venus, which could be pleasantly surprising in her personal life. Uranus also opposes her natal Jupiter, which could go either way (uplifting, or over-reaching herself) – there could be a major costly error in her play. Neptune sextiles her Uranus, so she can cope with the sensitivities of complexity.
Her transits at the end of the Dubai tournament on 4th March:
Uranus will still be sextile her natal Venus
Neptune will still be sextile her natal Uranus
But other than that, not much happening. I don’t think she will reach the final.
Now to look at Barbara Krejikova (for the first time):
She is a sporty Sagittarian, born under the powerful Galactic Centre, with the Sun conjunct Jupiter. Two words for her: lucky and powerful! She has a complex personal triple conjunction of Venus with Uranus and Neptune, so may be skilled at interpersonal counselling.
Her transits today:
Chiron square her Mars (a slight danger of injury)
Pluto conjunct her Uranus (big change in her life)
Neptune sextile her Neptune (serenity within)
Big challenges for her, but she is aligned with her own spirituality at this time.
Her transits at the end of the tournament:
Chiron still square her Mars
Neptune still sextile her Neptune
The hold of the Pluto on her Uranus is loosening, which might make things easier for her at that time.
Their synastry:
Krejikova’s Mars sextiles Pegula’s Jupiter, which benefits them both, but perhaps hands Krejikova more luck.
Krejikova’s Uranus sextiles Pegula’s North Node, which benefits them both, but may hand Krejikova more karmic reward.
Krejikova’s Neptune conjoins Pegula’s Uranus, so they understand each other on a deep level.
I think your instincts may be correct, Ladina, in favouring Krejikova (for what my prediction is worth!).
Love
Lana
February 24th, 2023 at 8:20 pm
Thank you Lana. Well done!
Krejcikova was the better player today
February 26th, 2023 at 2:04 pm
Thank you, Ladina!