{"id":8437,"date":"2025-05-25T14:39:42","date_gmt":"2025-05-25T14:39:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.lanawooster.co.uk\/?p=8437"},"modified":"2025-05-25T14:42:09","modified_gmt":"2025-05-25T14:42:09","slug":"aspects-for-the-week-beginning-25-may-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.lanawooster.co.uk\/?p=8437","title":{"rendered":"Aspects for the week beginning 25 May 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"

Voltaire (1694 \u2013 1778)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

“It does not require great art, or magnificently trained eloquence, to prove that Christians should tolerate each other. I, however, am going further: I say that we should regard all men as our brothers\u2026without doubt; are we not all children of the same father and creatures of the same God?”<\/em><\/p>\n

~ <\/em><\/strong>Voltaire<\/p>\n

Time for the next in my zodiacal series of Philosophers, and we now come to Scorpio, for which I have chosen Voltaire (full name Fran\u00e7ois-Marie Arouet), a critic and satirist.\u00a0 \u00a0How far does a philosopher\u2019s work reflect their Sunsign, and overall birthchart, I continue to ask\u2026?<\/p>\n

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

Voltaire\u2019s birth is generally taken to be 21st<\/sup> November 1694.\u00a0 However, he claimed an illegitimate birth for 20th<\/sup> February that year.\u00a0 I have used the official birth date and time, whilst bearing in mind the latter.\u00a0 The November date seems very fitting character-wise, and I have checked out the major events in his life against both charts, and the transits for the November date are more relevant and revealing, too.<\/p>\n

For the November birth date we have an individual who had half his planets (5) in the Fixed signs of strong will.\u00a0 Scorpio is renowned for its \u201csting\u201d (not compulsory) and certainly his reputation for incisive with and prolifically productive drive go with this sign.<\/p>\n

Sun in Scorpio could therefore be scathing.\u00a0 Sun square Jupiter in his chart, is scathing with a philosophical twist; and Sun trine Pluto scathing with a philosophical twist, while trying to make a profound point!<\/p>\n

His Moon and Midheaven in Aquarius was forward thinking, and the Moon sextile the Sun meant that his conscious mind was aligned with his subconscious.<\/p>\n

Mercury was in Sagittarius (with Mars, Descendant, North Node and Saturn) – the Philosopher\u2019s sign.\u00a0 Mercury was conjunct Mars in his birth chart, The Critic Archetype, and in Sagittarius, Philosophical Critique.\u00a0 Mercury exactly opposite Uranus, again forward thinking, capable of lightning thought, and not afraid to be controversial \u2013 he was almost reckless in this, which led him into hot water.<\/p>\n

Jupiter exactly trine the North Node spelled success in a karmic mission as a Philosopher.\u00a0 Jupiter\u2019s positioning in his chart sextile the Gemini Ascendant and in the 3rd<\/sup> House denoted success in Writing (literature).\u00a0 Jupiter is enhanced by being conjunct his I.C. (security point) in creative Leo, and exactly conjunct the Part of Fortune, making for a rich vein of inner security and success in writing.<\/p>\n

Uranus, ruler of his Moon and Midheaven sign, was conjunct his Ascendant, from the 12th<\/sup> House side – a revolutionary, progressive energy, liking to shock.\u00a0 It trines his Midheaven, so is a strong feature of his career path, and in the nature of Uranus brought sudden changes of fortune.<\/p>\n

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

Voltaire played a key part in the philosophical movement known as the Enlightenment, or Age of Reason, which led to the American (1776) and French (1789) Revolutions.\u00a0 He died in 1778, so did not live to see La Revolution happen in his own homeland.<\/p>\n

Voltaire was born in Paris in 1694 with the name Fran\u00e7ois-Marie Arouet. \u00a0He was the youngest of five children \u2013 this is reflected in his birthchart as Jupiter exactly conjunct the Part of Fortune in his 3rd<\/sup> House of Siblings.\u00a0 He was educated at a Jesuit college, where he studied Latin, theology and rhetoric.\u00a0 His father wanted him to be a lawyer like himself, but Voltaire set his heart on writing as a career.<\/p>\n

Poetry was his first medium, and one indication that the Piscean birth chart may have validity, for poetry is in that domain.\u00a0 In his book \u201cA Very Short Introduction to Voltaire\u201d, Nicholas Cronk writes:<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Moderns were notably hostile to verse, which they saw as an old-fashioned form of expression that needlessly complicated the clear and logical communication of ideas, and in this respect, Voltaire aligned himself clearly with the Ancients who were staunch defenders of poetry.\u201d\u00a0 His first published book was a poetic work.<\/p>\n

His father tried to deflect the path of the writer, and in his early 20s sent him out\u00a0 into society as secretary to the French Ambassador in the Netherlands, where Voltaire\u2019s natal exact Mercury opposition to Uranus began to get him into hot water; he became involved in a scandalous affair, and produced writings criticizing the royal\u00a0 family, and was imprisoned in the Bastille on 16th<\/sup> May 1717 (when Neptune, for incarceration, was opposite his natal Venus).\u00a0 He stayed there for a year, in a windowless cell with ten-foot-thick walls, and when he emerged (with the freedom of transiting Uranus trine his natal Moon) he decided to change his name.<\/p>\n

From then on, he used the nom de plume Voltaire, and soon he found success as a playwright, his play Oedipe opening in mid-November 1718.\u00a0 Voltaire was involved in many genres of writing throughout his life, but Nicholas Cronk sees him primarily as a man of the theatre and a performer.\u00a0 A taste for emotional drama is shown in his natal opposition of the Moon and Pluto.<\/p>\n

More controversy was to follow: A member of a powerful family, Rohan, challenged him over his name change, and Voltaire called for a duel.\u00a0 But the response of the family was to call for him to again be imprisoned in the Bastille.\u00a0 Voltaire pleaded with the authorities to send him instead into exile in England, and they accepted.\u00a0 Thus he spent two years in England, and met prominent thinkers and writers.\u00a0 He was a great fan of Shakespeare, especially in relation to his own aspirations as a playwright.\u00a0 Among his friends and acquaintances were Alexander Pope, Jonathan Swift, Isaac Newton\u2019s niece, and Sarah Duchess of Marlborough.\u00a0 He was particularly taken with Newton and his science, and helped spread the rumour about Newton and the apple which fell, the reported source being Newton\u2019s niece.<\/p>\n

He spent two and a half years in England, and admired the country\u2019s political set-up.\u00a0 Later in life he reflected:<\/p>\n

\u201cIf ever I smell of a resurrection, or come a second time on earth, I will pray God to make me born in England, the land of liberty.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

On his return, he made a wise financial investment, which set him up well for the future.\u00a0 Again, this accords with his natal chart which has Pluto in the financial 2nd House (finances on large scale changes) opposite the Moon (ruler of the 2nd<\/sup>) in the 8th<\/sup> House of investments.\u00a0 Scorpio too is a sign which is gifted in these areas.\u00a0 He learned to master the world of publishing and editors, and constantly put out material in philosophy, scriptwriting, poetry and existing forms of literature.<\/p>\n

Relationship<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

A major turning point in his personal life took place in 1733, when he met the Marquise Emilie du Chatelet, a mathematician.\u00a0 This was a serious relationship, spanning 16 years, despite her being married.\u00a0 They came to an arrangement whereby she and Voltaire would live together at a chateau in Cirey.\u00a0 Her husband sometimes came to stay.\u00a0 Voltaire and his paramour did scientific experiments there and encouraged each other in their work.\u00a0 Between them, they amassed 21,000 books.\u00a0 Their synastry was strong: her Sun conjunct his North Node, clearest indication of a karmic relationship; her Mercury was sextile his Venus (happy communication) and her Mars was sextile his Jupiter\/Part of Fortune (she could fire his enthusiasm).<\/p>\n

Whether it was the influence of this relationship, or a natural learning of the dangers of his natal Mercury-Uranus exact opposition, it was apparently around this time that he began to learn to avoid confrontation with the authorities.\u00a0 Astrologically this may have been around the time of his Uranus Opposition, a recognized cycle of turning a corner.<\/p>\n

Religion<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Religion and metaphysics was one of the areas they continued researched together.\u00a0 Voltaire was known to be against the Catholic church, and was a staunch critic of the institution.\u00a0 But he did speak a lot of God, in a more universal vision.\u00a0 He is frequently referred to as a \u201cDeist\u201d.\u00a0 This was a belief in God, but in a more natural sense, divorced from the biblical picture.\u00a0 Personal reason was the guiding light.\u00a0 Later in life, he adopted a form of Spinozism, a more pantheistic view, after the 17th<\/sup> Century philosopher Spinoza.\u00a0 Voltaire wanted to free the state of France from its religious stranglehold, and argued for a separation of church and state.\u00a0 Above all, his creed was religious tolerance for all.<\/p>\n

His firm views on the matter led eventually to his later work \u201cCandide\u201d, a novel of 1759, which remains his defining work.<\/p>\n

Candide<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Voltaire was deeply offended by the religious theories of the German philosopher Leibniz, who propounded the doctrine of Optimism.\u00a0 The Synastry between the two philosophers is most interesting: their Mercuries were opposed (literally, opposed thinking); Leibniz\u2019 Mercury was conjunct Voltaire\u2019s Uranus (Voltaire wanting to transform Leibniz\u2019s thinking); plus Leibniz\u2019 Uranus, the disruptor, square Voltaire\u2019s Jupiter\/Part of Fortune – Voltaire went to town on his irritation.<\/p>\n

In the short, fast-paced and easy to read novel \u201cCandide\u201d, the philosopher is represented by the character Pangloss, a German professor, the guru of the central and na\u00efve character \u201cCandide\u201d who undertakes a hero\u2019s journey and blindly adheres to Optimism throughout earthquakes, battlefields, poverty, heartbreak and multiple catastrophes, even unto the end.<\/p>\n

I studied \u201cCandide\u201d at A Level French, my 17-year old self taking it fairly superficially I admit!\u00a0 I was pretty appalled by what Candide had to live through.<\/p>\n

The book was triggered by the Lisbon earthquake of 1755 which killed over 40,000 people.\u00a0 Voltaire\u2019s argument was the question of how God could allow all that suffering, and how, as Leibniz put it \u201call is for the best in the best of all possible worlds\u201d.<\/p>\n

Many of the ills experienced, I venture to say, are a result of \u201cman\u2019s inhumanity to man\u201d and not suffering imposed or allowed by God.\u00a0 It is more difficult or complex to argue about His\/or Her involvement in natural disasters (too much for the scope of this particular blog).<\/p>\n

Cronk writes: \u201cVoltaire\u2019s real mockery is reserved for those human beings who deny their essential humanity by clinging to beliefs which are demonstrably harmful and rationally unprovable\u201d.<\/p>\n

Finally, with such a strong Jupiter in his chart, you can\u2019t ignore Voltaire\u2019s comic side.\u00a0 Again from Cronk, speaking of this side of the work, we have the comment: \u201cThe zany and surreal qualities of its bitter-sweet comedy seem to speak to all cultures and to all periods\u201d.\u00a0 The comedy is almost slapstick in nature, and definitely absurd.\u00a0 The ultimate advice in the book is to cultivate your own garden.<\/p>\n

The publication of the book in January 1759 shows Pluto exactly on Voltaire\u2019s Descendant: he is fully confronting the shadow side of human nature, and with the North Node on his Chiron in Cancer in the 1st<\/sup> House (addressing the wound of his life).\u00a0 So at the same time as he was writing a universally acknowledged \u201ctruth\u201d, he was working out his own deepest psychology.<\/p>\n

Death<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

In February 1778, having a presentiment of his death, he wrote: “I die adoring God, loving my friends, not hating my enemies, and detesting superstition.” He died on 30th<\/sup> May 1778, aged 83, with Pluto on his Moon, and Neptune square his Nodal Axis.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf all the thinkers of the 18th<\/sup> Century, it was surely Voltaire who was the most media-savvy.\u00a0 His celebrity status meant that his books, and his message, reached over wider audiences.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

~ Nicholas Cronk<\/p>\n

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

Did you register Saturn entering Aries in the early hours of this morning?\u00a0 There may have been some warning shots late last night as Mercury conjoined with Uranus, bringing some late shocks to the system, and perhaps urging us to let go of outworn habits and ideas from the Saturn in Pisces era (two and a half years\u2019 worth).\u00a0 Today with Saturn\u2019s new positioning, we are brought into a huge dose of reality, and letting go of the unreality of Saturn in Pisces.\u00a0 For Saturn-ruled Capricornians in particular, its placement in Aries will bring out the inner fighting spirit.\u00a0 For Aries people, and depending where in Aries their natal Sun is, they will need to step up, take responsibility, and grow.\u00a0 For the population in general, it is about personal growth, accountability and maturity.\u00a0 Saturn, a slow planet, in Aries, the Mars-ruled fast-paced sign means that patience will be needed to adhere to a long project, and see it through (something that Aries-Mars doesn\u2019t usually have the capacity to do). \u201cRome was not built in a day\u201d may be one of the mottos of this two-to-three year period: the impatience of Aries polished by the stamina of Saturn.<\/p>\n

All the rest of the features this week involve Mercury: therefore it is an important week for those born under the signs of Gemini and Virgo.<\/p>\n

Tomorrow (Monday 26th<\/sup>), in the early hour of the day, Mercury enters its own sign of Gemini.\u00a0 Geminians will be feeling even more Geminian than usual!\u00a0 More talkative, more on the move, acting even more as a channel for their environment, and in many cases as a teacher.\u00a0 Collectively, it will quicken our mentality and curiosity, and stimulate our communications during its stay in this sign, which lasts until 8th June.<\/p>\n

A little later, but still in the early hours, Mercury will be sextile Saturn.\u00a0 All this Mercurial activity could over-activate the brain when suffering insomnia, so try to make the time profitable in some way.\u00a0 Thoughts and feelings can be channelled and harnessed into constructive plans and ideas.\u00a0 Mental foundations can be laid, at least during waking hours!\u00a0 You may have taken in all the facts for dealing with an issue or project, and are ready to put in serious and solid plans based on sober thinking. The aspect favours documentation and knuckling down to form-filling etc.\u00a0 Geminis and Virgos have the chance to regain their balance, if they need to.\u00a0 Progress can be made, including possibly for health related checks.<\/p>\n

It could be a productive day, altogether, with another sextile in the evening: that of Mercury with Neptune, bringing a chance to refine your plans, and perhaps shift them to another level.\u00a0 The earlier sextile being more concrete, can be built upon, and inspiration added.\u00a0 This is a time of intense imagination, so it is helpful for creative dreaming in the night, and creative visualization in the day.\u00a0 This aspect will assist you in refining your mindset and remaining mental clutter.\u00a0 Our minds will be able to receive higher guidance more easily. \u00a0Delicate conversations and channelling will also be made easier.\u00a0 If giving or receiving gifts, be open to non-material gifts.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s a chance of a new beginning on Tuesday (27th<\/sup>). With a New Moon at 6 degrees Gemini.\u00a0 A fresh mental focus is possible.\u00a0 You may have needed to review recent events, to let them go for the new month: mental decluttering. There’s a fresh outlook, new learning and progress in communications.\u00a0 New initiatives in the travel industry may also be helpful.\u00a0 The early bird catches the worm, in this respect.<\/p>\n

In the afternoon Mercury trines Pluto, and as if you (especially Geminis and Virgos) haven\u2019t been through enough learning this week (not necessarily too challenging, just on the go constantly), you are being called to do more soul-searching.\u00a0 There could be positive outcomes to deep issues.\u00a0 Mercury trine Pluto brings deep thought and psychological reflection, and earnest conversations.\u00a0 Conversations could be life changing: the right word at the right time, striking home in the right place.<\/p>\n

Finally, on Friday (30th<\/sup>) thoughts can clear and crystallize, with the Sun conjunct Mercury at 9 degrees Gemini.\u00a0 That brings a touch of sparkle to your consciousness.\u00a0 It is a good day to apply your mind with concentration and focus,\u00a0 make important statements, and look to the future.\u00a0 You may write or speak some memorable lines.\u00a0 Look out for some telepathy, too!\u00a0 If you\u2019re a Geminian or Virgoan, even more so (i.e. with spades on) \u2013 you\u2019ll be saying \u201cWhat a week!\u201d\u00a0 For the rest of us, communication will be memorable this week.<\/p>\n

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