{"id":8237,"date":"2025-01-19T12:36:26","date_gmt":"2025-01-19T12:36:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.lanawooster.co.uk\/?p=8237"},"modified":"2025-01-19T14:05:39","modified_gmt":"2025-01-19T14:05:39","slug":"aspects-for-the-week-beginning-19-january-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.lanawooster.co.uk\/?p=8237","title":{"rendered":"Aspects for the week beginning 19 January 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"

Tony Slattery (1959 \u2013 2025)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI was struck by his stage presence, his comic energy, his fierce intelligence, and his devastatingly good looks\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

~ Paul Merton<\/p>\n

Brilliant comedian Tony Slattery died last Tuesday, at the age of 65, having suffered a heart attack last Sunday.\u00a0 He was the archetypal comedian hiding an unfathomable sadness, who had taken a long hiatus from performing, and only just taken up his craft again.<\/p>\n

Birth chart<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Tony had 0 planets in the element of Air, therefore relying on instinct.\u00a0 This may be why he was just a genius at improvisation (in Whose Line is it Anyway?) a quick-fire format which could by-pass thought processes.\u00a0 He also had half his planets (5) in the Mutable signs, which meant that he was super-adaptable and versatile, also useful traits in his particular brand of comedy.<\/p>\n

His Sun was in the broody sign of Scorpio, conjunct Mars, which made him super-intense.\u00a0 Sun\/Mars was square Uranus, increasing his independence and rebelliousness, and giving him a crackling electrical energy.\u00a0 This was part of a T-square with Uranus opposite Chiron, which was problematic, especially for health, but at the same time made him super aware of possible solutions in the moment (again a quality he may have employed in improvisation).\u00a0 But this T-square may have worn him down, and caused him to have to take a break from performing, for the sake of his health; a strain on his Inner Healer (Chiron).\u00a0 His bright intellect is seen in Mercury closely conjunct Jupiter, but complicated by the darker influence of Pluto tightly squaring the conjunction.\u00a0 Venus in his chart squared Saturn, a depressive pairing, especially regarding relationships.\u00a0 In addition, Venus was closely conjunct the North Node in Libra (squaring Saturn), making relationships a karmic challenge.\u00a0 However, he sustained a gay relationship since 1986, so found a way to navigate the trickiness of these aspects.\u00a0 The difficult aspects to Venus may also have contributed to what he himself described as \u201cfiscal illiteracy\u201d (which later led to bankruptcy). Mars in Scorpio conjunct Neptune again shows intensity, and possible self-defeating emotions.<\/p>\n

Life and Career<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Tony Slattery was born in Stonebridge in North London, the youngest of five children.\u00a0 He revealed at one time that he had been abused by a priest at the age of eight, more than enough trauma for a lifetime\u2019s depression, and possibly indicated in his birth chart by the conjunction of Mars and Neptune in Scorpio.\u00a0 He revealed this in an interview with Hadley Freeman in April 2019, at the age of 59.<\/p>\n

He won a scholarship to Trinity Hall, Cambridge, where he read Modern and Medieval Languages (Mercury conjunct Jupiter tends to show a facility for learning foreign languages).\u00a0 He held a black belt in Judo, another talent represented in his chart: Sun conjunct Mars in Scorpio (martial arts).\u00a0 He had four conjunctions in his chart, showing the intensity of his talents.\u00a0 He joined Footlights at Cambridge, in the company of Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie, Emma Thompson, Sandi Toksvig and Jan Ravens.\u00a0 The troupe won an award at the Edinburgh Fringe in 1981. He was made President of the Footlights in 1982.\u00a0 From there he appeared regularly in the mid-1980s on television, and is particularly remembered for his genius on Channel 4\u2019s \u201cWhose Line Is It Anyway?\u201d from 1988, a show which demanded a\u00a0 rare skill.\u00a0 His hilarity joined with fellow comedians Josie Lawrence, Paul Merton and John Sessions among others.\u00a0 Oh, how we laughed!<\/p>\n

Acting was another skill \u2013 he appeared on stage in Me and My Girl in 1986, and in the film Carry on Columbus (the last in the series) in 1992.\u00a0 In 1994 he was a co-founding patron of Leicester Comedy Festival.\u00a0 From the mid-1990s, he reduced his appearances due to ill-health.\u00a0 A mid-life crisis and nervous breakdown in 1996 included cocaine and drink.\u00a0 He became reclusive.\u00a0 Occasional acting appearances included a voiceover in Red Dwarf.\u00a0 Eventually, he was diagnosed to have bipolar disorder.\u00a0 He was quoted as saying \u201cThe black dog got me in its jaws and just hung on for two years\u201d.<\/p>\n

In later years, he was slowly achieving a comeback, and returning to performing, even re-appearing at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2017.\u00a0 He was particularly active during the last year, and launched a podcast.<\/p>\n

He is remembered with great fondness, especially by his fellow comedians, such as Al Murray and Helen Lederer.\u00a0 Sad to think we missed so many years of him, in between\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think I ever met a more beautiful man than Tony Slattery.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

~ Sandi Toksvig<\/p>\n

Aspects<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

With four astrological features occurring today, it\u2019s an important day.\u00a0 We already know it\u2019s a crucial day in terms of a Ceasefire in the Middle East, and the anticipation of tomorrow\u2019s inauguration of President Trump. \u00a0Two peaks have already passed, but here is the timetable:<\/p>\n

Sunday, January 19th<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

1.26 a.m. \u2013 Venus conjunct Saturn<\/u><\/p>\n

This may give rise to sobering reflections about relationship or money.\u00a0 Feel your feelings (e.g. the nostalgia, or injustice), or deal with them philosophically, and let them go if you can.\u00a0 The care of the elderly may be a particular preoccupation.\u00a0 The optimum condition for this conjunction would be loyalty and commitment, and perhaps some songwriting incorporating a touch of melancholy.<\/p>\n

Preoccupations may have led to a restless sleep.\u00a0 The sadness and sense of loss were already felt, with the uncertainty at the late hour as to whether a ceasefire would take place, and more lives were lost in Gaza meanwhile overnight.\u00a0 The ceasefire finally became official at 9.15 a.m. (U.K. time), 11.15 a.m. local time.\u00a0 This gives an Ascendant of 2 degrees Taurus, and places most of the planets in the International 9th<\/sup> House and the Societal 11th<\/sup> House \u2013 very much a global chart.\u00a0 Venus conjunct Saturn appears in the 11th<\/sup> House in Pisces, and displays the nature of a commitment (as well as the more difficult qualities of this conjunction).<\/p>\n

7.38 a.m. \u2013 Mercury sextile Saturn <\/u><\/p>\n

Another earlier aspect, at breakfast-time, signalling that thoughts and feelings can be channelled and harnessed into constructive plans and ideas.\u00a0 Mental foundations can be laid.\u00a0 The aspect favours documentation and again knuckling down to form-filling etc.\u00a0 Geminis and Virgos have the chance to regain their balance, if they need to.<\/p>\n

At the beginning of the Laura Kuenssberg news show this morning, the ceasefire deal was still being ratified, due to a delay in naming the three hostages who were due to be released today.\u00a0 She announced the latest time for the announcement of the ceasefire was 9.15 a.m. UK time, and just after 9.15 it was confirmed to have taken place. So at the time of this aspect, serious talks were still being held (Mercury sextile Saturn).\u00a0 This sextile was taking place across the 9th<\/sup> and 11th<\/sup> Houses of the ceasefire (to be) chart, dialogues across nations.<\/p>\n

16.32 Hrs \u2013 Mercury sextile Venus<\/u><\/p>\n

This afternoon, a more congenial aspect takes place.\u00a0 Mercury sextile Saturn was sound, but quite serious.\u00a0 But Mercury sextile Venus is more harmonious and social.\u00a0 This may represent the actual release of the three hostages, and some of the relief which may accompany that, although of course no one takes anything for granted, least of all a long term peace.\u00a0 It may be simply a moment to savour, in the now.\u00a0 Those aid convoys that have been patiently waiting to cross into Gaza, may finally do so.<\/p>\n

Away from the conflict in the Middle East, in your own life, it is an ideal day for cafe culture (our local Costa is open!), and good conversation.\u00a0 It favours socializing, and creative forms which combine art and writing.\u00a0 There is potential for negotiation in diplomatic efforts, and harmony and agreement between kindred spirits. \u00a0That could be the best part of the day, although all aspects influence the day generally.<\/p>\n

20.00 Hrs \u2013 Sun enters Aquarius<\/u><\/p>\n

The event which takes place in the evening brings more openness to embracing change.\u00a0 We still have a way to go before Spring, but are ready to look at different ways of being.\u00a0 This year\u2019s entry of the Sun into Aquarius is more triumphant than most, as Pluto is there now, trumpeting a new age.\u00a0 Some might dare hope their loved ones are returned to them, e.g. the Palestinian prisoners, of whom there are many to be released.\u00a0 Some will be able to move on in their lives.\u00a0 But that Venus-Saturn conjunction sounds a bittersweet note of realism throughout the world: the loved and the lost will not be forgotten.<\/p>\n

So that is a resume of today.\u00a0 If it is your birthday, it could prove to be an eventful year.<\/p>\n

Tuesday January 21st<\/sup><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

There are two heavy aspects hanging over Tuesday, and so I don\u2019t think it will be an easy day.\u00a0 The first, Chiron square Mercury, implies the need to look at wounding, both physical and psychological (and the relation between them).\u00a0 This may cause some mental strain, a headache, a conundrum.\u00a0 Remember that often a problem can contain its own solution.\u00a0 Attentiveness to health and healing is required, but first the question has to be aired.\u00a0 The solution may just take a little work, or some lateral thinking.<\/p>\n

For the released hostages and prisoners (who have hopefully found their freedom) injuries and traumas will need to be aired, so that help can be sought long-term.\u00a0 We are told that \u201cHagai Levine, who heads the health team at the Hostages Families Forum, said he expects the hostages to return with cardiovascular and respiratory issues due to lack of ventilation in the tunnels. Among multiple other afflictions Levine expects are vitamin deficiencies, starvation, dramatic weight loss, vision problems due to a lack of sunlight, broken bones, cognitive impairment and mental health trauma.\u201d\u00a0 Provision may also be made on the Palestinian side to welcome and attend to their prisoners on release.\u00a0 Those Gazans returning to their homes in a state of rubble, may register a new level of hopelessness.\u00a0 Their neighbourhoods very much resemble areas of L.A. after the wildfires.\u00a0 How do you even begin to process the next step, mentally?<\/p>\n

At lunchtime, Pluto conjoins with the Sun, one of the most profound aspects of the year.\u00a0 But it is also an aspect which marks reality setting in.\u00a0 The enormity of the scale of the task ahead in Israel and Gaza may be registered. It may be a profound wake-up call, both personally and collectively.\u00a0 In our own lives, practicing meditation and calming techniques would be a good way to proceed on the day as the deeper issues of life come up for assessment.\u00a0 Any creativity will have depth to it, and you won\u2019t be able to skim the surface of things. But you may emerge the richer for it.<\/p>\n

Thursday January 23rd<\/sup><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

15.07 Hrs \u2013 Mars sextile Uranus<\/u><\/p>\n

This promises some dynamism for the day and the end of the week.\u00a0 Engineering especially benefits from this aspect, but that also includes social engineering.\u00a0 Electricity and Astrology are other areas which can be stimulated by this combination.\u00a0 Cars, mechanics, mechanical goods and household appliances may receive a boost or a renewal.\u00a0 This aspect can refresh your energies, if you have been feeling jaded.\u00a0 It is helpful for both beginning new tasks, or completing long term projects. The power of surprise may be constructive today, too.<\/p>\n

So it is a helpful day in terms of those who can<\/em> act constructively, e.g. in the war torn aftermath.<\/p>\n

Mars is a double-edged sword on Thursday, though.\u00a0 In the evening Mars opposes Mercury, which may be more fractious.\u00a0 You may make minor slip ups because you will feel like going quickly and pushing through agendas fast.\u00a0 Heated debates, irritability and incident-proneness could also be a feature of Mercury opposite Mars.\u00a0 You may observe this in others, and in the general hustle and bustle of society, where two or more (or six) are gathered together.<\/p>\n

There could be some resumption of hostilities today, e.g. some breaking of ceasefire agreements on either side.\u00a0 That is assuming, the ceasefire holds through Tuesday\u2019s challenges.<\/p>\n

Better vibes still later in the evening, with Mercury trine Uranus.\u00a0 This can bring mental brilliance, technological upgrades, lightbulb moments, and futuristic inspiration can be yours.\u00a0You may lie awake in the evening with amazing ideas.\u00a0 The mind will be uplifted, and computers and I.T. devices given or received, will be on good form and working satisfyingly well.<\/p>\n

It’s a good evening for people to apply their minds and receive flashes of intuitive solutions for the problems that beset us, personally, collectively and globally.\u00a0 Aid workers who have been stuck or hampered, may find green lights and green shoots.\u00a0 Donald Trump may enjoy getting into his stride in the resumption of power\u2026<\/p>\n

Saturday January 25th<\/sup><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Thank goodness for the last aspect of the week, Venus trine Mars, which occurs literally just before midnight that day, but may be operable earlier during the day.\u00a0 It may comparatively be a picnic, or a walk in the park, and a chance to forget some of your troubles and cares.\u00a0 Other wars may be raging (we must not forget Ukraine, for instance), but the relations between the sexes may be harmonious, or the connectivity between your own inner male and female.\u00a0 It would be a good opportunity for sharing and balancing roles, such as career and parenting.\u00a0 And exercises of body awareness, such as qijong or pilates, may be helpful.<\/p>\n

The week in bullet points:<\/p>\n