Katy Perry and Justin Trudeau

In a week’s headlines wrought with sadness, sorrow and tragedy, I am choosing this week to write about an unlikely romance, between a pop star and a politician – between Katy Perry and Justin Trudeau.  They were openly seen together in public, last weekend, though rumoured to have been seeing each other for a little while. Trudeau had parted from a long marriage, and Katy had split up from actor Orlando Bloom.  What has brought them together, astrologically?

Katy Perry Birth Chart

We are fortunate enough to have birth times for both of them.  Katy has the Sun in Scorpio, Moon in Scorpio, and Ascendant in Scorpio.  A triple Scorpio! – that is quite rare!  Added to that, the Sun in her chart is exactly conjunct Pluto, the ruler of Scorpio, so you could argue she is a quadruple Scorpio.  And of course, with Pluto in its own sign of Scorpio, and in addition Mercury/Saturn in Scorpio, I could go on…

The Moon in her chart is exactly conjunct Saturn, so she may have the Ivory Tower Archetype. Mercury sextiles Mars in her chart, giving her the Critic Archetype.  Mercury closely conjunct the Ascendant, rising, suggests the Teacher Archetype.  There are plenty of Archetypes to see here (I will shortly be writing about the Scorpio Archetypes).  Her magnetism comes from all that Scorpio, plus a conjunction of Venus and Uranus.  Mars conjunct Jupiter gives her great Gusto!

Life and Career

Katy was born in Santa Barbara, California.  She had a very strict upbringing.  Both her parents were Pentecostal pastors. Her earliest musical inspiration was Alanis Morisette, and her parents allowed her a vocal training.  They also bought her a guitar for her 13^th birthday. She released a gospel album at the age of 16, which flopped.  It wasn’t until 2008, at the age of 24, that she achieved success with an album entitled “One of the Boys”, and the hugely successful single from that album: “I Kissed a Girl” (which was co-written with Dr Luke).  The single was released on 28^th April 2008, with Saturn sextile her natal Pluto (an important and solid transit).  From there, she went on to make history as one of the best-selling music artists of all time, and is among the wealthiest.

Relationships

In mid-2009 she met Russell Brand, became engaged on 31^st December of that year, and married him on 23^rd October 2010 in India.  Their synastry?:

Her Moon/Saturn was trine his Saturn;  her Venus was sextile his Pluto; his Moon/Jupiter was trine her Midheaven; his Venus was sextile his North Node; and his Mars was trine her Uranus.  That’s a strong attraction, but the marriage only lasted 14 months, Brand ended the marriage by text, and Katy was by all accounts heartbroken.  She responded cryptically to the later allegations about his sexual misconduct, saying she knew the “truth”.

She began a relationship with the actor Orlando Bloom in 2016.  Their interaspects are not spectacular, but what they did have were some real similarities in their aspects, so they would have understood each other.  Orlando’s South Node was conjunct Katy’s Chiron, and his Uranus was conjunct her Mercury (a mental compatibility).  The relationship lasted until June this year.  Katy has a four year old daughter.

In the meantime, Katy went into Space on the Blue Origin NS-31, with five other women, on 14^th April.  Mars was sextile her natal North Node – a brave karmic adventure.  Perhaps the flight altered her perspective on life.

She has accomplished a great deal musically in her 40-odd years, but I have to add a personal note: that I enjoyed her performance in the Just Eat advert circa 2022!

Justin Trudeau

Justin Trudeau served as the 23^rd Prime Minister of Canada from 2015 to 14^th March this year.  He announced the separation from his wife on 2^nd August 2023; they have three children together.  Like Orlando, Justin is a Capricornian, which on paper is harmonious with Scorpio.  Justin has a T-square between the Sun, Mars and Pluto, which is dynamic and fiery.  He has much of the warrior within him.  His Sun is exactly trine his Ascendant on the 5^th House cusp, making him very creative, with leadership potential (one factor in his political career as Prime Minister of Canada).  He has Saturn closely trine Pluto – The Strategist Archetype.  Charts are often inherited in their characteristics, and his father Pierre, who governed Canada before him, had Saturn exactly sextile Pluto, a close match.  Justin’s Saturn is right at the top of his chart, conjunct his careerpoint the Midheaven, which also points to politics – he seems to have been born into it.  He has a bright, problem-solving mind, as evinced by Mercury conjunct Jupiter and trine Chiron.  He has the capacity for loyalty, in Venus trine Saturn, exactly sextile Neptune and closely trine Pluto.  Venus is at 3 degrees Aquarius, where transformative Pluto had been working on his love life over the last year.

The strong synastry links between the Trudeau father and son is as follows: their Ascendants were sextile; Justin’s Sun squared Pierre’s Chiron; Justin’s Venus was sextile Pierre’s Chiron; Justin’s Jupiter was trine Pierre’s Moon; Justin’s Neptune was trine Pierre’s Chiron; and Justin’s Ascendant was conjunct Pierre’s Mars.

Synastry between Katy and Justin

What does the relationship look like astrologically?

Their Suns are sextile within 1 degree of each other; their Venuses are sextile within 3 degrees – two good indications.  Katy’s Moon is conjunct Justin I.C., which may assist a feeling of security for both.  Katy’s Venus is conjunct Justin’s Neptune, so there may be idealism and/or illusion present.  Justin Moon is trine Katy’s Midheaven, which may benefit her career.  Justin’s Mercury is conjunct Katy’s Mars, which may sharpen her Inner Critic Archetype.  And Justin’s Mars is sextile Katy’s North Node – old past life battles may have drawn them together, and that may encourage joint activism for shared causes.

Current Transits

The transits of last weekend when their relationship was aired show important transits for Justin.  He had Pluto (which is still conjunct his natal Venus) trine his natal Pluto (self-empowerment), Pluto trine his natal Saturn, creating an Air Grand Trine, and reinforcing his natal Saturn-Pluto trine (Strategist Archetype).  He also had Uranus on his natal Saturn, creating shock changes in his life.

Contrastingly, Katy had Pluto square to her Pluto/Sun.  There may be a sense of surrender in that, though they are both strong personalities.  Alternatively, it may be that she has so much Scorpio in her that Pluto square her Pluto/Sun represents a new level of mastery.  The North Node in addition was sextile her natal Mars (a new karmic relationship with a male).  Katy is a deep character, and it may be that she is currently lost in a new transformation.

That’s the end of my surmising.  Katy in particular has an intense relationship history, and I am not able to predict the course of this relationship, at least at this moment in time.  But as with everything, Katy will go deep.  Justin will be strong.  The name Justin means “just and righteous”.  Let’s hope the relationship adds kindness to their lives.

Aspects

A full programme this week, beginning with Chiron opposite Venus today, so that may bring up issues which need healing, especially for relationships.  It may be a case of “Now I am nice and settled, what is next for me to deal with?”.  The issues may be connected with one’s inner female, or one’s relationships.  It may be an artistic conundrum.

In the last hour of the day, relationship or money issues may continue to pre-occupy us, with a square between Jupiter and Venus.  You may be confronted with an awkward social situation.  Behaviour may be gauche or a little inappropriate, and that may have consequences.  You may be socializing when you don’t feel like it, or feel that you have to force jollity.  There will be a meaning to it – there always is!  Even if it is one remark which makes you think deeply, or helps you to realize what you don’t need.  Social non-conformists won’t care, but conformists may lament the lack of sticking to the rules.

On Tuesday (4^th) there are three aspects to Mars, so expect fiery energy and people standing up for themselves, including you.  In the early hours Mars trines Neptune, which may bring vivid dreams but involving situations which resolve themselves, possibly at a higher level.  Later in the day under this aspect the peaceful spiritual warrior can flourish skilfully.  You can combine your passions with your spiritual path.  Meditation with movement is favoured, e.g. yoga, tai chi and qijong.  Peaceful demonstrations also chime well with this aspect.

At lunchtime, Mars moves into Sagittarius, a placement which can be a green light to new exercise regimes and sports initiatives, foreign transactions, and further education studies.  If you are seeking to pursue a line of life philosophy with gusto in order to test out if it actually works, then pick your mantra and go for it!  You’ll have the energy at least, though success is not absolutely guaranteed.  There could be an injection of energy and light to proceedings.

Late afternoon brings tension, however, for Uranus opposes Mars at that time, and tempers could flare.  This aspect can be disruptive, and incident-prone.  Try to minimize health and safety risks under this aspect, especially in connection with cars, dogs, machinery and electrical appliances.  You may find people extra excitable and calmness may be a valuable commodity. Brush up your meditational skills, and be a port in the storm.

If it seems that the tension doesn’t dissipate, it may at least change form, building up to the Full Moon at 13 degrees Taurus at lunchtime on Wednesday (5^th).  Your emotions may be stirred and you may be motivated to try to resolve in an issue you care passionately about (Taurus and the Sun in opposite sign Scorpio are Fixed signs).  If you are of an artistic bent, you can plough this feeling into your creativity.

A more constructive Mars aspect finds us early afternoon on Thursday (6^th), in the shape of Mars sextile Pluto, Pluto so you may have the energy to push through a pet project.  It is a dynamic and active aspect, and you may find yourself spontaneously clearing clutter.

Next up is an ingress late that evening, of Venus entering Scorpio.  Emotions and passions could be heightened.  This is a time when deep feelings can be experienced and expressed.  Her previous sojourn through Libra focussed on relationships, and on entering Scorpio the quality of relationship deepens.  You can take a relationship to the next level.  Venus will change sign again on 30^th November, so make the most of the opportunity.

In the early hours of Saturday (8^th) we have another ingress, that of Uranus re-entering Taurus whilst in retrograde motion.  A temporary sojourn, it may highlight unfinished business from the last seven years, which you may need to attend to.  There may have been some groundbreaking moves by yourself, or the Universe, which need to make the ground workable.  In order to proceed with some newer initiatives from Uranus’ recent entry into Gemini, you may need to finish other projects or lay the groundwork more smoothly.

A final test for relationships and/or money on that day, also in the early hours.  You may be wrestling with such questions, and sleep may be fitful as a result.  Pluto will square Venus and so there may be deeper issues to unravel in relationships.  Deep feeling issues may be preying on your mind.  These will require some psychological soul-searching for a true interpretation, and may spur on honest-as-you-can-be interpersonal communication.

The last aspect of the day and week, brings hope and some resolution, with the Sun trine the North Node, a kind influence.  It links karma with harmony and love, and reminds us that love is a force underlying a great deal of human interaction, e.g. standing up for one’s country, and protecting loved ones.  It also reminds us of the Hindu law of ahimsa, or harmlessness, required to neutralize and promote good karma (and Kamala).  The right side of Karma…

The week in bullet points:

• Today – relationships need healing; awkward socializing
• Tuesday – peaceful warriorship; then increased vigour; then extreme tension
• Wednesday – emotional high tide
• Thursday – constructive use of energies; emotions heightened
• Saturday – unfinished business; deep relationship issues; karmic resolutions

Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly leaving Strictly

In one of the shocks of the week, Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly announced that this would be the last series of Strictly Come Dancing that they would take part in.  Although I like to vary my blog themes, this one does follow on from last week’s survey of Strictly.

Claudia’s Birth Chart

I wrote in 2014:

“Claudia Winkleman, new Co-Presenter

“No one can replace the unique contribution of long time main presenter Bruce Forsyth who has now retired from the post.  But Claudia Winkleman is a presenter of some talent, and is the daughter of Eve Pollard the journalist and fashion writer.  Claudia has been a regular presenter on this show, sometimes filling in for Bruce, and usually co-hosting the Sunday show with Tess Daly.  She is a Capricorn and favours wearing black, but I think the penchant for severe black sleeves is a fashion faux pas, possibly down to her Venus exactly Square Saturn natally.”

I would like to add that she gives the impression of having been an Egyptian queen in a past life, and the South Node in Leo in her chart supports that (according to my own Past Life Archetype system!).

She has various problems with her eyesight, and that shows up in her chart with Mars conjunct Chiron.

Claudia is lauded for her fashion sense, and part of that may come from her mother Eve Pollard, who is also a Capricorn by the way.

Life and Career

Claudia was born in Westminster, and her parents divorced when she was three.  She read Art History at Cambridge.  She began her television career in 2001, on a programme called “Central Weekend”, around the time of her Saturn Return.  In 2003, she was involved with the programme “Fame Academy”.  She then moved on to host the companion show to Strictly, “It Takes Two”.  She was also involved with presenting for Eurovision.

In 2010 Claudia became co-host of the Strictly Sunday night results show, and when Bruce Forsyth retired in 2014, she became Tess Daly’s co-host for the main show.  The same year, at Halloween, her daughter’s Halloween costume caught fire.  I remember the anguish of that time.  Neptune was square Claudia’s Neptune (turmoil) and Uranus was on her natal Mars in Aries (a shock involving fire).

The Traitors

In what seems a perfect fit, Claudia began hosting the new game show “The Traitors”, first screened on 29^th November 2022.  Chiron was transiting her Mars at the time, but it was also the year of her Chiron Return, a cycle when the Inner Healer comes to the fore.  Maybe the role she plays in “The Traitors” represents something about her Inner Healer!  Jupiter was also sextile her natal Saturn.

The current run of Celebrity Traitors has so far been very entertaining, and drawn good viewing figures (11 million viewers per episode), with Alan Carr shooting one-liners every few minutes, and the Faithful having no clue as to the identities of the Traitors.

The Piano

Another standout show that Claudia has presented in recent years is “The Piano” which she began presenting in 2023.  This beautiful and inspiring programme features amateur pianists showing their talents in railway stations.  The programme first aired on 15 February 2023 (only a few months after “The Traitors”).  Pluto was trine her natal Saturn, her ruling planet, at the time, cementing her reputation as a safe pair of hands for an important new show.  Neptune was sextile her natal Sun, showing her compassionate side (she treated every entrant with tender loving care); and Jupiter was on her natal Chiron (another vehicle for her Inner Healer).

Tess Daly

“I find it challenging to sit still and just watch TV or a movie.  I’d like to say I’m going to make conscious efforts to slow down, but I like to spin all the plates at any given moment, and I don’t know how to do otherwise.  I must be quite annoying to live with.  On the plus side, I’ve got a fast metabolism, so I can eat as much chocolate as I like and.I was going to say I get away with it, but frankly that’s a lie.  I’m breathing in most of the time in those tight dresses on Strictly.”

~ Tess Daly

Tess Daly is even more woven into the fabric of Strictly than Claudia, having co-hosted with Bruce Forsyth from the very beginning.

Birth Chart

Tess has the Entrepreneur Archetype in her birth chart (Jupiter closely conjunct Uranus).  She is an Aries Sun sign (see the quote above!).   She has Jupiter on her South Node, so has brought in some good karma from past lives, and the Entrepreneur conjunction is at that point in her chart, so it is something she has honed in her past.  That she is so associated with the number one dancing show is no surprise when you see that she has Neptune, the planet of dance, closely trine her natal North Node (her karmic mission).

In her partnership with Claudia, her Sun is conjunct Claudia’s Chiron, always an important interlink between two souls.  That they can work together so well is shown by their Marses exactly trine.

Transits

Although much of the focus is on Claudia at the moment, e.g. rumours that she may host a chat show, the transits for Tess are more profound, so she may create a surprising new future for herself.

Neptune is trine Claudia’s Saturn (a heartwrenching decision; they promised to leave together); Chiron is square Claudia’s Sun (more heartwrenching); Jupiter is opposite Claudia’s Sun (a sense of freedom coming).

For Tess, Pluto is trine Tess’s Uranus (life-changing); Neptune is exactly conjunct Tess’s North Node (she may explore her spirituality), Uranus is trine Tess’s Jupiter (an Opportunity, and a surprise announcement); Chiron is on Tess’s Jupiter (a healing sense of freedom); and Jupiter is square Tess’s Venus (a change in her social life).

The bookies are already laying odds on what future duo may take their place, but in the meantime, we wish them well!

Aspects

Aspects begin on Tuesday (28^th), with a trine between Mars and Jupiter.  This could bring an influx of new energy for whatever purpose.  This is a go ahead, spirited aspect which makes us feel we can achieve anything.  Enthusiasm and energy abound, and you may spring out of bed early full of the joys of the season.  Go with Gusto!

A timetable is required for Wednesday (29^th):

7.26 a.m. – Mercury trines Neptune

This aspect brings the possibility of mysteries being solved, e.g. around health conditions.  In personal applications, things may fall into place spiritually, and you may be ready to talk about a sensitive subject.  This trine brings mental inspiration, transcendent wisdom, higher harmony, spiritual journeys, and insight.  A small kindness can bring about significant mental healing.

11.02 a.m. – Mercury enters Sagittarius

This gives us a more cheery mental outlook coming up to Christmas (Is it too early to mention the C word?).  We may be still very much aware of the problems in the world, but we may, in our seasonal spirit of good will, be more supportive of charities and be more innovative in thinking of ways we can help.  Mercury in Sagittarius brings more lightheartedness and expansion.  There’s an opportunity to hone your sense of humour, sarcasm-free; quick-fire wisecracks could bring a laugh a minute.

19.05 Hrs – Mars trine Saturn

Despite being a connection between the two traditional astrological “malefics” this can be very constructive, in a non-dramatic way.  It does mean that hard work can pay off.  Think through what you want to achieve, and set about steadily allowing it to unfold, with some concrete or physical input or ignition on your part.  A trine not to be sniffed at.

19.36 Hrs – Uranus opposes Mercury

This could be tricky for communications, such as I.T.  Social media could be a bit fraught!  A spanner could enter into the works.  But if you are tuned into a higher mental wavelength, e.g. that of telepathy, you may achieve progress and flow.

A helpful note ends the run of aspects this week, with Mercury sextile Pluto on Thursday (30^th).  You could make real progress under this aspect.  This aspect can produce profound thought and communication,  honouring the gravity of a situation if necessary, and enabling meaningful debate to occur.  If you have something important lined up, you may be successful in getting your point across.

The week in bullet points:

• Tuesday – Gusto!
• Wednesday – spirituality; good cheer; construction; glitches
• Thursday – deep communication

Strictly Come Dancing – Part 2 

This year’s Strictly Come Dancing has got off to a promising start, with some outstanding performances already, including number 10s.

Here is my next selection of four contestants for analysis:

Alex Kingston

Actress Alex has the Sun in Pisces, a sign of versatile talents.  Who can forget her depiction of Anna Wintour in The Devil Wears Prada interpretation for musicals week?  And her steamy rhumba last night, which earned a hug from head judge Shirley. The versatility is heightened and emphasized by her having 7 or 8 (depending on whether her Moon is in Libra or Virgo) of her 10 planets in Mutable signs. Her Sun is conjunct Jupiter, so she is an upbeat individual, with the Sun also trine Neptune, so there is a strong spirituality there too.  North Node trine the Sun may point to acting karma, e.g. having perfected her stage craft in previous lives.  Mars also conjunct the North Node gives her some warrior energy, which will have been useful in her role as Boudica in the 2003 biopic.  Her Inner Healer, Chiron, is in Pisces, the sign of dance.  Shirley has commented that she has one of the best frames in the competition, while Craig pointed out that she has command, control and power

Alex was born in Epsom, Surrey.  She began her life on screen in Grange Hill in 1980, beginning a career of varied roles.  She appeared as writer Francis Patridge in the film Carrington in 1995, a film set in the world of the Bloomsbury set.  She found success abroad in ER in America beginning in September 1997.  She has also taken part in Dr Who.  She has been married three times, the first marriage being to Ralph Fiennes.

Her transits this weekend:

Saturn trines her North Node (steady karma)

Jupiter trine her natal Jupiter (luck and success)

Mars square her natal Saturn (a bit of a tumble)

North Node trine her Neptune (the spirit of dance is with her)

She is in a strong position at this point in the game.

Her transits for the final of Strictly:

Jupiter will be trine her natal Sun/Jupiter conjunction in Pisces, the sign of dance

Mars will be sextile her natal Mercury, nimble moves.

The North Node will be on her Chiron in Pisces, the sign of dance

I would not count her out of the final.

Her professional partner is Johannes Radebe.  I wrote about him in 2019: “He has 6 Fire planets, and was born close to a New Moon in Taurus.  His dance credentials include the Sun closely trine Neptune.  He could do well in the dramatic dances such as the Paso Doble, with the Sun opposite closely Pluto.  He has Mercury trine Uranus, so could surprise us with ingenious choreography.”  His Saturn is sextile with her Sun, which is steadying; but his natal Pluto is square to her Venus, which may be transformative in an uncomfortable way.

His transits this weekend:

Chiron is square to his natal Mercury (he may be feeling the strain)

Saturn is square to his Uranus (he may be feeling the strain)

Things may not be easy for him at the moment.

His transits for the final:

Saturn is still square to his Uranus

So with Johannes having lacklustre transits throughout, that reduces Alex’s chances of success.  But he seemed quite chipper last night, so maybe he is coping well with this set of transits.

Lewis Cope

Lewis is another Sun in Pisces, with Mercury and Saturn also in that sign.  He has the Sun closely sextile Uranus, for added brilliance.  His Venus is unaspected, possibly giving him extra freedom of expression in his musicality.  His Mercury is exactly trine his North Node, so he may also have the Teacher Archetype.  Last night, the panel thought he was leading like a Pro.  Mars is closely trine his Jupiter, giving rise to energy combined with enthusiasm (Gusto!).  He is already proving a favourite, with Motsi declaring his Paso Doble last week as the dance of the week.  Astrology aside, I have to declare he is my favourite!

He was born in Hartlepool, and had 13 siblings!  Maybe that is connected with Mercury exactly trine the North Node – a skill and profusion in siblings!  He began his career as a child actor in the stage version of Billy Elliot.  His career as an actor includes a stint in Emmerdale.

His transits for this weekend:

This looks like an important time in Lewis’s life.

Pluto is sextile Lewis’ natal Pluto (self-empowerment)

Neptune trine his natal Pluto (psychological refining)

Neptune sextile his Uranus (coping with complexity)

Uranus opposite his natal Pluto (explosive at times)

Chiron square his Neptune (learning to be more sensitive)

Jupiter opposite his Neptune (his philosophy of life being re-shaped)

North Node on his Saturn (learning self-discipline)

His transits for the final:

Neptune Retrograde on his Sun (dancing challenge)

Uranus sextile his Sun (bringing out his intuition)

Saturn sextile his Neptune (shaping his spirituality)

Jupiter sextile his Chiron (a sign of success and healing)

This looks promising!

He is partnered with Katya Jones.  Katya is one of my favourite professionals, as she is so innovative, and often gets the “comic” contestant.  I wrote in 2018: “She is a solid dependable Taurean, with the nimbleness of a few planets sprinkled in Gemini.  She has a very positive mindset from Mercury conjunct Jupiter”.  She was born near Leningrad, and has danced since the age of six.

There could be some storms between them, with her Pluto square his Mars, his Pluto square her Nodal Axis,  their Mercuries exactly square, and her Mars trine his North Node!  All that fire was well expressed in the Paso Doble!

Her transits this weekend:

Pluto is trine her Venus (she will be feeling it all, deeply!)

Uranus is on her Venus (her ingenuity will be on full display!)

Uranus squares her Nodal Axis (she may experience the unexpected)

Her transits for the final:

Pluto will still be trine her Venus

Jupiter sextile her natal Sun (good for success)

Mars opposite her Chiron (the possibility of injury)

Mars on her Uranus (a prey to the unexpected)

Nodal Axis square her Jupiter (over-expectation)

North Node sextile her Neptune (spiritual equilibrium)

Looks as though there may be a last minute hitch, say around the semi-final?

I love this couple, but a Strictly season is a long time in a contestant’s life…

Vicky Pattison

Vicky has the determination of the Sun in Scorpio.  She also has Mercury and Pluto in Scorpio.  Sagittarius is also nicely covered, with Venus, Saturn and Uranus in that sign.  Her Sun is largely unaspected, so she is strongly individualistic.  Her Moon is in Virgo, so she attends to detail.  Mars exactly sextile her Uranus gives her an electrical quality to her energy, and Jupiter trine Saturn helps to balance her judgement.  Jupiter trine Uranus gives her the Entrepreneur Archetype, and she certainly gives all reality TV challenges a go!  I have watched her progress as a competitor, from Geordie Shore to winning I’m a Celebrity (2015), to being a finalist and the runner up on Masterchef. (2019).  I don’t think there is a reality TV programme she hasn’t taken part in!

Her transits this weekend:

Neptune  is on her North Node (emphasizes dance in her life)

Chiron is opposite her Mars (could be physically challenging, even incident-prone)

Chiron is trine her Uranus (she is able to employ the art of surprise)

Jupiter trines her Sun (an ingredient of success)

Jupiter squares her Mars (exaggeration, and gusto!)

Nodal Axis squares her Jupiter

It’s a set of swings and roundabouts…

Her transits for the final:

Neptune will be even closer to her North Node (could be promising)

Saturn will be square her Uranus (deeply challenging)

Jupiter will still be trine her Sun (very encouraging)

Jupiter will still be square her Mars (keeping up the fire!)

She could make it to the final, I feel, on those grounds.

She is partnered with Kai Widdrington.  His Saturn trines her natal Sun, so he will be able to help her self-discipline.  Their Chirons are squared, so their Inner Healers work differently – if they are able to balance them, that would be a plus.

I wrote in 2021: “He has his Sun in performing Leo conjunct Venus in fastidious Virgo, and is a superb impressionist.  He is intensely disciplined, with Mercury exactly opposite Saturn, and he also has a complex conjunction of Uranus and Neptune in Capricorn, common to those born in his year (1995).”

His transits last night:

Uranus square his natal Venus (an unusual personal experience)

That seems a bit sparse for a major event.  But there will be a lot going on in his life at the end of the season.

His transits for the final:

Uranus will be  opposite  his natal Pluto (big changes)

Uranus trines his natal Chiron (the power of surprise and healing)

Chiron squares his natal Neptune (complexity to deal with)

Jupiter will be opposite his Neptune (faith and inspiration)

Jupiter will be sextile his natal Mercury (good for communication)

Jupiter will be trine his natal Saturn (good judgement and execution)

Whether or not he will still be in the competition, things look a lot more interesting near Christmas, for him.

They seem to have good chances, these two.

George Clarke

Not to be confused with the older Architect, George has burst on the scene (to those of us who had not heard of him) and made a great impression on the dance floor.  He is a social media personality, YouTuber and podcast host, for the uninitiated.  .He is not to be underestimated, with an exact conjunction of the Sun and Pluto in Sagittarius.  He also has Chiron in that sign.  Like Vicky, he has an electrical quality to his energy, with Mars conjunct Uranus.  His musicality lies in having Venus in Libra, but Mars is also conjunct Neptune which enables him to produce movement allied with spirituality, almost like a meditation.  With Mars on the South Node, he may have been a warrior in a past life.  He is quoted as saying: “Never thought I’d say this… but I’m doing Strictly! Honestly, I’ve got no idea what I’m doing but I’m excited to get stuck in… and potentially fall over a fair bit.”

His transits last night:

He has Pluto on his Neptune

He has Chiron on his Jupiter

Both are transformative transits, and intense.

His transits for the final:

Pluto will be trine his Neptune (powerful for dance)

North Node will be sextile with his Saturn

If he gets through to the final, he could put in some powerful performances.

He is partnered with newcomer Alexis Warr.  She is strongly Geminian to his Sagittarian, opposites and complements.  Her Venus is trine his Uranus, which may point to a great deal of magnetism between them.  Her Pluto is conjunct his Sun/Pluto conjunction, psychologically powerful.  They may understand each other on a deep level.  Her Neptune trines his Mars, refining his movement allied with spirituality further.

Her transits last night:

Saturn is trine her North Node (an opportunity to prove her worth)

Jupiter is sextile her Jupiter and Saturn (successful execution)

Nodal Axis is square to her Sun (personal karmic challenges)

Her transits for the final:

Chiron will be sextile her natal Mars (brilliant moves)

Saturn will still be trine her North Node

Saturn will also be sextile her natal Jupiter (her self-discipline will be heightened)

The Nodal Axis will square both her Venus and Pluto (a hefty challenge for her, but that doesn’t rule her out)

I see these two, also, as being good contenders.

If I had to choose out of these four who has the best transits for the final, I would go for Vicky as a dark horse.  However, I think all four of these couples will be strong in the contest.

I will be back in a few weeks with another selection of four.  Keep viewing!

Aspects

We have an aspect for every day this week.  That’s Neat!

Mercury trine the North Node occurs today.  This can help ensure that information and communications are accurate and karmically relevant.  You should be able to experience that on a mental or spiritual level.  It will contribute to progress generally, especially when preparing your week’s work, studies and communicative ventures.

Tomorrow (Monday 20^th) Mercury conjoins with Mars in the 19th degree of Scorpio, and you may wake early, overthinking things.  For the day, you may feel highly energized, and you may get through some tasks efficiently.  You or those around you may be slightly irritable, however, and if so – you know why!  There may be a loosened tongue, sharp words, or a war of words.  On the more high functioning end of this conjunction, you could write or say something witty, such as a critical review.

The aspect for Tuesday (21^st) is a New Moon in Libra at 28 degrees of that sign.  Some of the artistic, musical and relationship issues you have been grappling with could receive new impetus and a more confident direction.  Where there has been struggle, there could be more harmony.  Where there has been vacillation, there may be more balance.  But whether or not you are conscious of beneficial changes or shifts in these matters, they may still be progressing and bear fruit over the next month.  Relationships, too, may be assisted.

So what do we have on the menu for Wednesday (22^nd)?  Neptune will be retreating back to its own sign Pisces for a spell, before it takes up full residence in Aries.  There may be t’s to cross and I’s to dot before you complete your own mission for Neptune in Pisces.  Bear in mind the House it occupies, if you know it.  Some issues around this were: “Neptune in Pisces was on home territory: confusion, complexity and illusion – it brought the rise of A.I.  That is something difficult to negotiate, but which seems bound for our attention and mastery, even those of us who are not technologically minded.”  As a collective, we haven’t yet grappled with what we are going to do with A.I.

Thursday (23^rd) ushers the Sun into Scorpio.  Now we need to confront the deeper issues in life (such as how to actively go about achieving peace and balance in our society and world) and find more lasting solutions which treat the causes and not just the symptoms of a situation.  For this we need more insight, resolve and conviction, qualities of this sign.

Friday (24^th) has two aspects, the first around lunchtime which may upset the applecart: Pluto square to the Sun which is a deep soul-searching aspect.  It is the sort of aspect which can be looked upon as a gamechanger, or watershed.  So if you are in integrity, you may be able to influence what side the coin lands on.  In recent years, this aspect has brought about political turmoil in the U.K. when it occurs, so focus may be closer to home than Ukraine or the Middle East.  In your own life, continue to seek positive avenues for yourself, and remove yourself from drama.

The other aspect that day, occurring mid-afternoon, is Mercury trine Jupiter, which could bring you back to sanity and optimism, though Pluto square the Sun can be a heavy cloud.  This aspect can bring good news, which would be welcome at any time.  It can bring productivity, and good conversation.  Mercury trine Jupiter expands our minds and philosophies.  This is an upbeat vibe mentally, and can bring opportunities.  It is also helpful for writing projects and studying, so you may make progress on that novel you’re writing, for instance!  [btw, I am making progress on Volume III of my trilogy “The Quiet Office”].

Finally, another constructive trine occurs on Saturday (25^th), this time between Mercury and 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.

Over these last two days, there is a Grand  Water Trine between Mercury in Scorpio, Saturn in Pisces and Jupiter in Cancer at the 24^th/25^th degree, if that is significant for you. That vibration may help you navigate the Sun/Pluto challenge successfully.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – karmic information
• Tomorrow – brisk action
• Tuesday – harmony
• Wednesday – dealing with illusion
• Thursday – dealing with deeper issues
• Friday – soul searching; good news
• Saturday – making plans

Libran Archetypes

I am writing about the Libran Archetypes today, before the month of Libra is out!  This is the eighth of my series specifically on astrological Archetypes.  It is time to embrace the potential of this sign, turning the spotlight on its Archetypes.

A few words about Librans: Like Taureans and Pisceans, they possess a cornucopia of talents, which can encompass many Archetypes.  So I will have to concentrate my mind on just a few.  The strengths of this sign are art, music, design and relationships.

So, following, are some thoughts I highlighted back in my 2015 blog, and then some examples of Libra and its Archetypes, including from history:

“Knight

The knight is associated with the medieval codes of romance, courtly love, courtly manners and chivalry, but also with its polarity Aries through warriorship.  The term “gallantry” comes from the Baroque ideal of refined elegance.

Princess

The Princess Archetype is the Queen (Leo Archetype) in waiting, the desire for emotional power but with the lack of responsibility.  It is carefree and youthful.  Often a young girl will play Princess to a certain type of father, who is willing to play the game of pampering.  It can be a harmless Archetype, but is sometimes seen as a diva.  It can be a necessary stage of development for a female in trying to establish her own power.  In some ways it is the female counterpart of the Knight, in its pleasantries, and is related to the Damsel Archetype.

Advocate

Librans are well known for their love of justice and fairness.

Advocate – Traditional

Traditionally, the Advocate is squarely Libran, associated with the law profession and promoting equality.  In her “Archetype Cards” Caroline Myss defines it embodying “a lifelong devotion to championing the rights of others and a passion to transform social injustices.”

Advocate – Modern (with Aquarius)

In her book “Archetypes” Caroline Myss introduces new forms of Archetypes for the modern world.  For the Advocate, she progresses the picture:

“The Advocate may be the most unfamiliar archetype among our family of ten.  That’s because this is a relatively recent addition to the cosmic theatre, having emerged as a recognized pattern of power with the rise of civil consciousness and social action in the 1960s”

Her final thought is: “There has never been a time in history so primed for the talents of true Advocates.  Listen to your heart, find your cause, and commit to it.”

Famous Examples: John Lennon, Sun in Libra, Advocate of Peace, with Ascendant in Aries the Action Hero, partnered by Yoko Ono, Sun in Aquarius, the Social Activist.

Sting and Bob Geldof, Librans born in the same week of the same year, are Advocates for a number of causes.

Married couple Catherine Zeta Jones and Michael Douglas share a birthday in Libra, and have hosted a Nobel Peace Prize concert together.  He has been involved in supporting the causes of human rights, nuclear disarmament and gun control (specifically prompted by the death of John Lennon).

Diplomat

The Diplomat is related to the Mediator Archetype.  In my 2010 article which appeared as a guest blog on Joyce Mason’s astrological blog site, I identified an Archetype for South Node in Libra for a past life:

My South Node in Libra Past Life Archetype card reads:

‘Venus conjunct South Node

Archetype: The Diplomat
Place: Ancient Greece
Time: 421 BC

My name is Demis. I live in Corinth and try to smooth relations between  Athens and Sparta. I can see both their qualities and greatness and feel that I can bring them together.  There are plenty of people practising the art of war, but not enough cultivating the art of peace.  I love justice, too, having been educated in philosophy and law and hope one day that all people will accept the balance it brings. I am proud, too, of the artistic achievements of my country, which I think are outstanding. For beauty is truth and truth beauty, as you can see on this urn that I have before me. Maybe one day a poet will capture that essence.’

Fashionista

Another modern Archetype pointed out by Caroline Myss is “The Fashionista”:

“If you are a modern-day Fashionista you were formed out of two opposing forces.  One is the feminist movement of the 1960s and 1970s, which gave you an appetite for freedom of expression and appreciation for your body.  The other is the rise of the modelling and cosmetics industries and the fashion press…”

Under her Checklist for the Fashionista she offers the mantra “I consider my life my personal fashion statement.”

Famous Examples: Gok Wan, Style Guru – Though he is a meticulous Virgo Sun Sign, he has a forensic exact conjunction of Mercury and Pluto in Libra.

Maria Bueno, who in the 1960s wore groundbreaking tennis outfits and was the last word in elegance; Serena Williams is also Libran, and has a fashion house.

Gary and Martin Kemp, Libran brothers, leaders in the New Romantic(s) movement of musical style in their band “Spandau Ballet”.  Librans are collaborators, so where you have two Librans together, there can be a good partnership.”

Other Archetypes:

The Artist

Taurus and Libra are both ruled by the artistic planet Venus.  As an earth sign, Taurus inclines towards pottery and sculpture, while as an Air sign Libra inclines towards design, including interior design, harmony and fashion.

The Musician

Similarly, Taurus and Libra are both ruled by the musical planet Venus.  Both signs are associated with singing and playing musical instruments, while as an Air sign Libra has a particular talent for composition.

The Beautician

Beauty is the province of Libra, and while the renowned beautician and make-up artist Bobbi Brown is not Libra, she does have Venus, the planet that represents beauty, exactly conjunct her natal Sun.  In a recent interview, she was asked “What is your earliest memory?”, to which she replied: “Watching my mother put on makeup.  I was in awe of her beauty and glamour.  She was only 21 when I was born and quite stunning.”

Historical/more in-depth Examples

The Musicians

Bob Geldof (b.5/10/1951, 14.20 Hrs, Dublin)

Sir Bob Geldof is a true blue Libran (blue is the colour for Libra btw).  He has Mercury/Saturn/Sun/Neptune and the Midheaven, in Libra.  I wrote in 2014:

“Sir Bob is both an optimist (Moon exactly trine Jupiter) and a realist (Mercury exactly conjunct Saturn).  He has the power to change the world in profound ways (Pluto closely trine his Ascendant.  He is an activist (Mars sextile closely his Midheaven/Careerpoint, which bisects a trine between Mars and his Chiron).  He has a karmic mission as a humanitarian (Moon closely square his Nodal Axis).  I didn’t like his anthem for the workers (with the Boomtown Rats) “I Don’t like Mondays”, but I do admire his drive to help.  In his autobiography “Is That It?” he wrote about lying in bed anguishing about Africa, and being presented with a vision of a tunnel and what he must do appearing at the end, which culminated in his work on Live Aid.”

Sting (b.5210/1951, 1.30 a.m., Wallsend)

Sting has Saturn/Sun, Neptune/Moon in Libra.

In the same article, I wrote about Sting:

“Sir Bob Geldof and Sting are born only three days apart, in the same year (1951), with their Suns in Libra.  So some of the same impulses motivate them  both.  Sir Bob has the global sign Sagittarius rising, and Sting  is a showman, with Leo rising.  Despite a possible air of self-indulgence,  Sting does have a profound thinking conjunction of Pluto and the Part of Fortune in his 1^st House.”

The Artist

Caravaggio (29/9/1571 – 18/7/1610)

Caravaggio was an outstanding painter, but he only had the Sun in Libra.  More telling is his conjunction of Mercury and Saturn in Scorpio, showing his tempestuous nature, but also depicting the art technique he was particularly known for: chiaroscuro (the contrast of light and shade).  It can be argued that this represents a balance, as in Libra.  But I feel it more truly reflects the Scorpio dramatisation.  His art was sensitive (Venus exactly square Neptune) and his mind brilliant (Mercury closely sextile Uranus).

The Diplomat

Lord Peter Ricketts (b 30/9/1952)

Peter Ricketts was a British senior diplomat and is a life peer.  He has been in the House of Lords since 2016.  He was a part of the Intelligence Committee under Tony Blair’s prime ministership, and a national security adviser under David Cameron.  He has four planets in Libra: Sun, Mercury, Saturn and Neptune.  He has an unaspected Venus, which can sometimes result in a heightened freedom to express its qualities, in this case diplomacy.

You may notice that with your Libran family, friends and acquaintances, some of them have more than one of these Archetypes.  While the Sun is in Libra (until 23^rd October), you can connect with your own Libran Archetypes, or Venusian qualities if you do not have any Libran planets, and enable them to blossom.  If you are a Libran, make the most of those talents!

Aspects

Tomorrow (Monday 13^th), Venus enters Libra; Venus as its ruler is very comfortable in Libra, one of her two signs. If you have design skills in art or music, they could be heightened now, and in the near future.  At the very least, polish up your vocal skills.  She is in residence here until 6th November.

A timetable is needed for Tuesday (14^th):

1.16 a.m. – Neptune opposite Venus

If you find yourself wakeful in the early hours, you can put it down to Neptune opposing Venus.  Thoughts may be confused in the night, and you may wonder if  you are asleep, awake or in the hypnogogic state between.  The day will demand that you  sort out your feelings, the real from the illusion, and especially in relationships.  In politics, there may be bluffs and double bluffs.  In relationships, more compassion is needed, and in finance more honesty.  Fine words may butter no parsnips.

2.54 a.m. Pluto goes Direct

Pluto is Stationary prior to turning Direct, in the very early hours of the morning.  This may ease the path a little, and bring relief that the deep issues are being tackled.  We may feel we are coming through a transition, or at least on a more salubrious path.  The ruminations of the entire retrograde period (since 4th May) bear fruit.  Breakthroughs can take place at this juncture, e.g. reunions where perhaps people have not been speaking to each other.

14.10 Hrs – Venus trine Uranus

Making it through to lunchtime, 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.

23.45 Hrs – Venus trine Pluto

Late evening, 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.

Venus in Libra, Uranus in Gemini, and Pluto in Aquarius form an Air Grand Trine.  This is especially beneficial for communications and connecting the dots generally.

On Friday (17^th) Jupiter squares the Sun, an aspect which exaggerates everything it comes into contact with.  There is also a joyful, humorous side of Sun square Jupiter, so some laughter-yoga from time to time during the day would not go amiss!  It could be a fun day, but be aware of carelessness or overreaching goals.

The week in bullet points:

• Monday – artistic and musical skills to the fore
• Tuesday – confused feelings; psychological clarification; exciting meetings; deep feelings; connecting the dots
• Friday – jollity, both wise and unwise

 

Jane Goodall (1934 – 2025)

“…animals are “far more aware and intelligent than we ever imagined and, despite having been bred as domestic slaves, they are individual beings in their own right. As such, they deserve our respect. And our help. Who will plead for them if we are silent?” 

~ Jane Goodall (referring to farm animals)

The celebrated primatologist and anthropologist Jane Goodall died on Wednesday at the ripe old age of 91.  She seems to have come into this lifetime intent with purpose, and achieved an amazing set of achievements throughout her long life, being on a lecture tour at the very end of her life.

Birth Chart

Such a remarkable lady would be likely to have a remarkable birth chart, and she has.  The pioneering, courage, and adventurousness just stack up in her chart.

Her Sun was in Aries (courage, The Pioneer and Warrior Archetypes), bold and fearless.  In addition, Aries has an unmistakeable primal quality, which obviously she possessed in order to do the empathetic work with the chimpanzees.

The Sun was opposite Jupiter in her chart – adventurousness, and sextile the North Node (she was master of her own destiny).  Her Moon was in Sagittarius, again adventurousness.  The Moon was conjunct her Ascendant in Sagittarius, on the 12^th House side: depicting living out in the wilds.

Venus was in Aquarius when she was born and conjunct Saturn, indicating a lone existence (human-wise), although she was married twice, her first marriage producing a son.  Mars was in Aries, again The Warrior – she knew how to look after herself.  Mars was opposite Jupiter – trusting in adventure, and exactly sextile the North Node, again accentuating the Pioneer and Warrior.

Jupiter was trine Saturn in her chart, balanced judgement which was much needed in the life she led.  She had Uranus square Pluto – and so was an Agent for Change.

Life and Career

Jane was born in Hampstead; her father was a businessman, and her mother was a novelist.  She attended school in Poole, Dorset.  She was given a stuffed toy chimpanzee when she was a child by her father: it must have been her animal totem!

On her 23^rd birthday in 1957, she travelled to Kenya, to stay at the farm of a friend.  The planets really came out for her that day, as you would expect from such a life-changing event: Pluto was opposite her natal Venus, a big change in her personal circumstances; Uranus was trine her natal Moon (ditto); Chiron was sextile her ruling planet Mars, and crucially for her destiny, transiting her natal North Node; Saturn was trine her natal Sun; and the North Node (again) trine her natal Sun.

She worked as a secretary and made a telephone call to the famous archaeologist and palaeontologist Louis Leakey.  I am always fascinated by how the right people appear at the right time in the lives of others, and it’s interesting to note that Jane and Louis’ Suns were exactly trine, one of the best indicators of being able to work together.  Louis at that time was looking for a chimpanzee researcher, and employed her ostensibly as a secretary.  He sent her first to Tanzania, and then to London to study primates.  On 14^th July 1960 he sent her to Gombe Stream National Park to study the primates there, where her true work of observation was to begin.  At the time it was deemed necessary to have her mother with her, as this work was not considered the province of a female.  In this, Jane was a pioneer.  The Moon on her Sagittarian Ascendant both illustrates the role of her mother in encouraging her, and the far flung nature of her work.

After two years, Leakey sent Goodall to Newnham College, Cambridge University, where she read natural sciences.  She then  enrolled at Darwin College for a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Ethology.  Ethology deals in the welfare of animals and their survival.  In her thesis, she drew upon her years observing chimpanzees in the wild.

She discovered many ways in which chimpanzees were like humans, from their emotional range, to their capacity for toolmaking and warriorship, as well as community life.  She established that they were meat eaters, contrary to the established thinking that they were vegetarian.  She turned the prevailing male-dominated style of research on its head, giving the chimpanzees names instead of numbers, making her prey to charges of anthropomorphism.  This did, of course, increase the bond she developed with the chimpanzees.

By 1977, she was turning her efforts towards the habitat of the animals, and later to the problem of climate change.  She wrote a book in 1999 entitled “Reason for Hope” in which she recounted a spiritual experience she had in Notre Dame (“And so I must believe in a guiding power in the universe”).

“That afternoon, it had been as though an unseen hand had drawn back a curtain and, for the briefest moment, I had seen through such a window. In a flash of “outsight” I had known timelessness and quiet ecstasy, sensed a truth of which mainstream science is merely a small fraction. And I knew that the revelation would be with me for the rest of my life, imperfectly remembered yet always within. A source of strength on which I could draw when life seemed harsh or cruel or desperate.”

In 2015, she endorsed the parliamentary candidacy of Carolyn Lucas, in the Green Party.  In 2022 she was on the board of the Nonhuman Rights Project, a role which she continued until her death.  She was a staunch advocate for vegetarianism:

“I stopped eating meat some 50 years ago when I looked at the pork chop on my plate and thought: this represents fear, pain, death”.

Death

Jane had been conducting a speaking tour in America, but died of natural causes this week.  All of these transits include Chiron, the Inner Healer: Pluto trine natal Chiron, Neptune sextile natal Chiron, Uranus on her Chiron in her 6^th House, Chiron on her Uranus in 5^th House, and Chiron sextile her natal Saturn in 3^rd House – some resolution was going on in her life.  In addition, Jupiter was on her natal Pluto in 8^th House – clearly a good death, a good life and a good name.

“My next great adventure, aged 90, is going to be dying. There’s either nothing or something. If there’s nothing there’s nothing, that’s it. If there’s something I can’t think of a greater adventure than finding out what it is. I happen to think there is something because of the experiences I’ve had, because of experiences other people have had. Very powerful ones.”

~ Jane Goodall

“She gave up doing what she loved – spending time with her beloved chimpanzees – to tirelessly travel the world and share her passion with everyone she met.”

~ Professor Cat Hobaiter

Aspects

We start tomorrow (Monday 6^th October) with an ingress: that of Mercury going into Scorpio.  This implies that collectively, we will look into matters more deeply and forensically.  In your own personal life, you will have more courage to look at what really matters, and to worry less about how things appear to others.

In the early hours of Tuesday (7^th) there will be a Full Moon at 14 degrees Aries.  You may feel Some emotional tension building on Monday evening, with possible insomnia in the early hours of Tuesday, especially if you are susceptible to the Moon’s phases.  The Full Moon opposes the Sun in Libra.  This is about balancing your own needs and that of the other, and bringing the two into balance.

Late lunchtime on the same day, there will be another source of tension, from a square between Pluto and Mercury.  Profound journeys may be undertaken, too.  There may be a setback or a reversal, so make sure your actions are solid if you have a conflict to resolve in your own life.  Perhaps there is a twist in the plot.  You may need extra ‘me time’ in order to separate yourself from worried pronouncements about the state of the world.  If you do engage in chatter, choose a worthwhile subject.

In contrast, we move to the sublime on Wednesday (8^th) with a gorgeous sextile between Venus and Jupiter.  It’s 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 the highlight of the week!

Saturday (11^th) at 11:11 (numerologically sacred to many), Saturn opposes Venus.  This could be emotionally deflating (e.g. a prominent, well-loved public figure could pass after a long and worthwhile life). It is time to value those around you, and to renew bonds of love and loyalty.  If you are into numerology, the number 11 could sustain you.

The week in bullet points:

• Tomorrow – look more deeply
• Tuesday – emotional high tide; look every more deeply
• Wednesday – time to party
• Saturday – a sober note…but lucky 11 for some

Michel Odent (1930 – 2025)

“One could almost say that the root of all anguish is an unconscious memory of birth and its terrors”

~ Frederick Leboyer

We heard this week that Michel Odent died this week, at the age of  95.  Very much of niche interest (but very much of interest to me), Michel Odent was one of the leading lights of the natural birthing movement at the time I was having my children (late 70s, early 80s).  I wrote a blog on 25^th June 2017 when Frederick Leboyer died, about these “Childbirth Educators” and innovators, which included Arthur Janov, Thomas Verny, Ina May Gaskin, Leonard Orr and Sheila Kitzinger.  If the subject interests you, you may want to revisit it.

Interestingly, at the time, I did not even have a birth date for Michel Odent.  So I wrote:

“Michel Odent (born  1930)

Obstetrician Michel Odent is seen as a disciple of Leboyer, and we do not have a birth date for him, only a year.  1930 was the year Pluto was discovered, and it was then found in the sign of Cancer.  This reminds us that one of main significances of Pluto in Cancer is the reform and deeper understanding of birth practices.  He was born one year after Sheila Kitzinger.  Michel Odent was labelled in the Lancet as “one of the last real general surgeons”.

He was interested in the birth environment, and has been associated with the rise in popularity of the water birth, although he did not see it as a requisite, but as an alleviating factor for pain to some extent.  Nowadays, water births are readily available to women.  He was enthusiastic about breastfeeding immediately after birth.

His book “Birth Reborn” was published in 1984, ten years after Leboyer’s main work.”

Birth Chart

Michel Odent’s birthday was 7^th July, Sun in Cancer being a fitting sign for an obstetrician.  That date is also aligned with the Fixed Star Sirius.  The Sun exactly square Uranus in his chart marks him out as an Innovator, and a breaker of moulds.  He could therefore be controversial, such as in his statement that anxious fathers could stay out of the birthing room.  His Sun conjunct Pluto links him profoundly with the life cycle of birth, death and rebirth.  And the Sun sextile Chiron suggests the Healer Archetype.  He had Mercury conjunct Jupiter, which is a positive mental energy.  His Jupiter was sextile his Neptune, which indicates a balanced relationship between religion and spirituality.  And Uranus square Pluto marks him out as a fierce advocate for Change.

Life and Career

Odent was born in Bresles, France, and studied at the Sorbonne, training as a surgeon.  After this, he did two years of military service in Algieria.  He practised at Pithiviers Hospital for 23 years.  He was particularly interested in the environment of the birth process.  Consequently, he instituted birthing rooms, birthing pools and singing sessions.

Daniela Drandic (International Confederation of Midwives):

“In the 1970s birth was institutionalized and medicalized.  Michel Odent reminded us that physiological processes during pregnancy and birth should be respected.”

He retired in 1985, moved to London, and dedicated himself to research, developing ideas around home births.  He researched the correlations between the natal “primal period” and the subsequent health conditions of mothers and babies.

He was a prolific writer, beginning with the books “Birth Reborn” (1984) and “Primal Health” (1986).

He was concerned about lower back pain in women giving birth, which was one of the reasons for the concentration on water births.  I am not sure what he would have made of Donald Trump’s urging pregnant women to put up with pain and forgo paracetamol.  Of related interest, he posited that some autism could be linked with some artificial inductions and caesarians (an idea met with scepticism), so that’s another possible conversation he could have had with Donald.

But on a serious note, I was a tremendous fan of his work, and all of those mentioned at the top of the page, back in the day…

Death

At his death, Jupiter was transiting his natal Sun in Cancer, often a sign of release for the elderly.  In addition, and very much worthy of note, the North Node was exactly trine his natal Pluto in Cancer: he had completed the most profound missions of his life.

“One could almost say that the root of all anguish is an unconscious memory of birth and its terrors”

~ Frederick Leboyer

“Unconscious birth memories bar the way as a closed portal on the path back to bliss”

~ Fredric Lehrman

Aspects

It’s a long time since we had a One-Aspect-Week!  But this one, coming on Wednesday, the First day of October, is Mercury square Jupiter.

You can work on this one of two ways: use it as a general guide to the week, or forget about it the other days, and just focus on it on Wednesday.  The actual time of the square is 20.59 Hours.  You may even see it as a starting theme for the month of October.

This aspect will stimulate us mentally, almost to the point of too much information!  There may be travel involved or planned.  It would be a good day to be out in nature, taking a good stroll, and picking up information.  Mercury square Jupiter is a refreshing aspect, if not a little over-stretching to manage, so you may find yourself travelling a little bit further than your comfort zone.

The outcome of this mindstretching square may be within your control, through your response.  Certainly you can exercise choice …You may have far to travel, or a lot to learn, but may enjoy the ride nevertheless.

Interestingly, the week beginning 10^th March 2013 also had one Aspect, and it was the same aspect, Mercury square Jupiter.  I decided to link it to the Explorer Archetype:

“Explorer Archetype

The Explorer Archetype relates to our aspect this week of Mercury square Jupiter (It’s a close relative but distinct from the Pioneer Archetype, which combines Mars and Jupiter).  Jupiter square Mercury relates to physical and mental travel, but being square it can lead to overstretching.  The square can propel into other dimensions, for both Mercury square Jupiter, and its related Mars square Jupiter, but usually only if we are travelling spiritually.  For instance, if you are travelling in regression say, to a lifetime on another star system you might suddenly turn left in a corner of the Universe and find yourself on a distant home star destination.

Ranulph Fiennes, who just recently gave up an expedition to the Antarctic, has the natally robust sextile of Mars and Jupiter (the Pioneer Archetype) but was defeated by transiting Jupiter squaring his natal Mercury, frostbite putting an end to this ambition, overstretching himself being part of the problem.

Marco Polo, the Explorer, combined the two Archetypes successfully: Jupiter trine Mars with Mercury at the midpoint sextile both planets.  Christopher Columbus, another prominent Explorer, also had Jupiter-Mercury in a favourable sextile.

Adventurous minds and visionaries also come under Mercury square Jupiter, and some can be very successful in this field of human endeavour. Mercury-Jupiter of itself does not predispose to higher consciousness necessarily, but does lead to the sharing and exchanging of information, and does favour communication and publicity.

For channelling and interdimensional work there does need to be a significant presence of Neptune or Uranus with Mercury.  However, Mercury and Jupiter in combination do cover a lot of global ground.”

I then wrote a little about three pioneers who had this square natally, Alice Bailey, David Spangler, and Derren Brown, again if you wish to revisit this subject.

So, have a good Mercury square Jupiter week, folks!

The week in bullet point:

• Wednesday – stretching mind and body

Strictly Come Dancing 2025

[Two blogs for the price of one this week…scroll down to read about Virgo Archetypes]

Dani Dyer

She follows her famous dad not only in name, but also in Sun sign: Leo.  They seem close, but she does have an independent streak, her own path, with an unaspected Sun.  She has an enquiring mind (Mercury closely trine Jupiter), and great enthusiasm (Mars exactly opposite Jupiter).  Her dance skilled may be slowed by Jupiter closely square Saturn (the left foot not always knowing what the right one is doing).  But she has healing potential (North Node exactly conjunct Chiron).

She won the fourth series of ITV’s Love Island (2018) with Jack Fincham, but split up with him soon afterwards.  And although still young (at 29 years) she has three children, and was married this summer.

Her transits for the opening show this weekend are:-

Pluto on her Uranus (life changing)

Neptune square her Venus (challenging dancing)

Neptune trine her Pluto (psycho-spiritual growth)

Uranus trine her natal Uranus (wonderful surprises keeping her on her toes)

Chiron square her natal Neptune (physical difficulty in dancing)

Some challenging starting points here.

Her transits for the final show:-

Pluto still on her Uranus

Neptune still trine her Pluto

The picture does not look promising for a win, but for psychological growth, a tick!

Dani is paired with Nikita Kuzmin, and they make an attractive pair.  I wrote in 2021: “He has an unaspected Sun in Capricorn, which may mean he is a free spirit.  His Moon is in musical Libra, and he has a dynamic conjunction of Mars, Venus and Uranus in Aquarius.”

His transits for the opening show this weekend are:-

Neptune square his natal Sun in Capricorn (confusion)

Saturn sextile his natal Neptune (effort)

Mars square to his Neptune (some awkwardness)

Nodal Axis square his Mercury (he may have too much on his mind)

As easy on the eye as this pair is, this is a time of confusion for Nikita.  As a consummate professional he won’t show it.  But in his personal life, and behind the scenes, he may be struggling with the transition to this season.

His transits for the final show:-

Neptune sextile his own Neptune (spiritually in tune with himself)

Uranus trine his natal Neptune (in harmony with complexity)

He will be feeling a lot more settled at the end of the contest, but maybe as a group professional dancer in a comfort zone, rather than a winner.  I imagine they will do reasonably well in the long run, but may not last till the end.

Stefan Dennis

Anyone who has ever watched “Neighbours” in any decade will know of Australian Stefan Dennis, aka Paul Robinson of Lassiter’s. He has a specialist chart, with the Sun and four other planets in Scorpio (specializing on playing the same bad guy for decades!).   His Sun is in the middle of a quadruple conjunction between Venus/Neptune/Sun/Jupiter.   Venus closely conjunct Neptune catches the eye, as it is exactly the sort of conjunction one would hope to see in a would-be dancer!  He has strong energy (Mars square Pluto) which can be volatile, but also likes to take risks (Jupiter square Uranus, the Chancer Archetype).

Stefan does have musicality (Venus/Neptune), having sung in his youth in a vocal group with his brother.  He also toyed with being a chef (Venus also rules culinary expertise).  He joined the cast of Neighbours when he was 26.  He appeared in the programme on and off, right to the last episode.  He claims people have a struggle telling the difference between his character on screen, and his real life.  Like Dani Dyer, he also has three children.

His transits for the opening show this weekend are:-

Saturn sextile his natal Mars (good physical control)

Jupiter square his Nodal Axis (a karmic stretch)

Jupiter trine his Mercury (in good mental shape)

Looking promising!

His transits for the final show:-

Neptune sextile his natal Mars (inspired movement)

Jupiter still trine his Mercury

Mars sextile his natal Neptune (an embodiment of his spirituality)

Mars trine his natal Pluto (a powerhouse of energy)

We may have our winner already!  Now here’s the thing: in the launch show last night he declared that he has two left feet, and wants to impress his dancer wife.  Maybe the astrological picture is just showing he has a good time…

Stefan is paired with Dianne Buswell, another Australian.  Dianne of course won the contest last year, with Chris McCausland (who had a Jupiter Return at the final).  She is now expecting a baby boy in 2026 with Joe Sugg who she met on the 16^th series of Strictly, so I hope she takes care of herself…I have written about her: “She is a… supportive Taurean, with Chiron, Mars and the Moon in Cancer (the sign of musical rhythm).”

Her transits for the opening show this weekend are:-

Uranus square her Nodal Axis (the element of the unexpected)

There’s a lot of excitement between them at the moment, particularly with the Aussie connection, but astrologically it’s a quiet time.  Maybe she is focussing on the baby.

Her transits for the final show:-

Saturn Retrograde will be almost sextile her Venus (a sense of loyalty)

Mars will oppose her Mars/Chiron (she will need to look after herself)

Mars will also be transiting her natal Uranus (again, she will need to look after herself)

The North Node will be sextile her Neptune (she will have a sense of her destiny, not necessarily on the ballroom experience)

My feeling is she may be concerned about the pregnancy, and trying not to overdo the punishing schedule, sometimes on autopilot.  Again though she is a consummate professional, and a zesty character, she may be resting on her laurels somewhat.  As Stefan only wants to be able to dance with his wife, he’ll achieve that, with her.  It’s a confusing total picture, as his transits are impressive.  Maybe she may retire during the season, and he will acquire a different partner.  Maybe he is lying about having two left feet…

Balvinder Sopal

Following on the soap opera trend, Balvinder Sopal plays strong woman Suki Panesar in Eastenders.  She’ll probably be relieved to get away from the current shenanigans on the street!

Bhavinder also has quite a specialist chart, with a satellitium of four planets (including the Sun) in Sagittarius.  The other three accompanying planets are Mercury, Neptune and Mars.  Mercury conjunct Neptune indicates she will be able to listen to dance instruction effectively, and channel the essence of the music.  Despite the rather dour character she plays in the soap, she actually has an upbeat personality (Sun/Mercury trine Jupiter), though that is balanced out by Sun/Mercury closely square Saturn (so she can play the dour side…).  [She did, last night, declare herself as an optimist].  Mars conjunct Neptune means that she can synchronize her physicality with her soul nature, which could result in some inspired dancing from time to time.  This conjunction of Mars and Neptune can have a victim side, which is sometimes played out in Suki (despite her strong woman persona), and this conjunction squares her Nodal Axis, so can affect her karma at times, both in an inspired and in a sensitive way.  This could make her a complex character, but I may be projecting too much of Suki in my analysis!

Some life-changing transits occurred when she first aired her role on Eastenders in 2020:

Pluto trined her natal North Node in Virgo; Jupiter trined her natal Saturn in Virgo; Mars was transiting her natal Mercury; and the North Node sextiled her natal North Node.

Her transits for the opening show this weekend are:-

Jupiter is closely sextile her North Node in Virgo (karmic reward)

The Nodal Axis squares her natal Neptune in Sagittarius (a little uncertain on her feet)

Though her natal chart is suited to dance, it is possible she will be just finding her feet at this stage.  But she seems destined to make a good go of it.

Her transits for the final show:-

Chiron closely trine her natal Mars in Sagittarius (healing movement)

Jupiter will still be closely sextile her North Node in Virgo (a karmic uplift)

I think she will get stronger as the competition progresses, but there may be a dip when Saturn squares her Mars and opposes her Nodal Axis in the middle of the contest (when she may find herself in the dance off).  If she gets through that period, she could last until the semi-final or the final itself.  She’ll do her best to push through.

She is paired with Julian Caillon, an Australian professional, and newbie to Strictly.

So…looking at his chart for the first time: he’s a fastidious Virgo (read all about Virgo Archetypes, in the blog below), with Sun/Mercury/and Chiron in that sign.  He may be very health conscious, therefore.  He’s also a Warrior, with Mars exactly conjunct his North Node in Libra, the sign of music.

His transits for the opening show this weekend are:-

Neptune opposite his natal Chiron in Virgo (a little uncomfortable, though styling it out)

Chiron square his natal Uranus (a little uncomfortable!)

Saturn trine his natal Pluto (that’s more like it; a show of strength)

Jupiter trine his natal Saturn (good judgement)

Mars on his natal North Node in Libra (his Inner Warrior and competitor coming out)

A Mars Return (good physical energy)

Another professional finding it difficult to acclimatize and maybe not showing it.  But some splendid starting transits, too!

His transits for the final show:-

Neptune still opposite his natal Chiron in Virgo

Uranus trine his Chiron (helpful for pulling out surprises)

Chiron square his natal Neptune (some wobbliness)

Saturn sextile his natal Uranus (skill)

Jupiter opposite his natal Neptune (spiritual confusion; maybe the adjustment to the new show, not in his home country)

Jupiter still trine his natal Saturn

South Node on his natal Sun (past life karma catching up with him)

A mixed bag; I think he will put his all into this season, and the pair will do well.  I would echo the placing as for Balvinder: “she could last until the semi-final or the final itself.  She’ll do her best to push through.”

Ross King

Ross King is the only one of these four for whom I have a birth time, because he was born in Scotland where they routinely recorded times.  He regularly broadcasts on Hollwood celebrity news (Neptune in the 10^th House of Career) on the morning Lorraine programme.  Accordingly we have as his vital statistics Sun in Pisces, Moon in Virgo and Acendant in Capricorn.  His chart is dominated by the celebrity glamour planet Neptune, which is also the planet for dance.  So he won’t be completely out of place on the dance floor.  But at sixty-three he is probably one of the oldest contestants. Venus trine Neptune will be especially helpful.  He may have a shaky start, but once his instincts kick in, he may be able to go with the flow.  He won’t lack enthusiasm (Mars conjunct Jupiter), and will enjoy the experience.  Like Stefan Dennis he has the Chancer Archetype (Jupiter opposite Uranus).  Both Ross and Bhavinder have Neptune square their Nodal Axes natally, which put them at a slight disadvantage, but give them strong reasons to persevere and try and master the art.  He was born in Glasgow but moved to L.A. in 2000, and has hobnobbed with the Hollywood greats.

His transits for the opening show this weekend are:-

Pluto sextile his natal Midheaven in 11^th House – an important change in his lifestyle and the opportunity to make new friends

Uranus square to his Sun – out of his comfort zone

Uranus on his I.C. – the ground shifting under him!

Jupiter opposite his Ascendant – new relationships

Jupiter sextile his natal Moon in Virgo in his 8^th House – a new perspective on life and emotion

Mars sextile his natal Uranus – an exciting new physicality

It will shake him up and stimulate him!

His transits for the final show:-

Pluto still sextile his natal Midheaven in 11^th House – part of a long term deepening of his life experience

Uranus square his natal Uranus – a disruption in his life, in some ways

Chiron square to his Ascendant – he may have sustained a minor injury along the way

Chiron sextile his natal Jupiter – but he should heal quickly

Jupiter still opposite his Ascendant – new relationships: the social side may be the main reason destiny brought him to this experience

North Node trine his natal Neptune in Scorpio in his 10^th House – he will have found his inner dancer

He may attain the middle of the road!

Ross King is paired with Jowita Przystal, who won amazingly with Hamza Yassin in 2022.  She is currently being linked romantically with last year’s partner Pete Wicks.  I wrote in 2022: “She is a performing Leo, with Mercury sextile Jupiter (signifying prowess in linguistics and wide-ranging travel).  Her dominant element is Water (5 planets), so she will portray emotion well.”

Her transits for the opening show this weekend are:-

Jupiter opposite her natal Neptune/Uranus conjunction in Capricorn

Mars sextile her natal Sun (putting a lot of energy into it initially)

The North Node trine her North Node (a good time karmically for her

Her transits for the final show:-

Uranus square to her Sun (slightly detached)

Chiron square her natal Uranus/Neptune conjunction in Capricorn

Saturn trine her natal Pluto (a show of strength)

Mars opposite her natal Mars

The South Node on her Chiron

It looks as though she’ll be feeling rebellious at the end of the tournament, perhaps looking for new pathways, or new healing avenues.  This does not look like the winning pairing, but as I said for Ross, they could attain the middle of the road.

Well of these four, Stefan Dennis looks the best bet, but his partner doesn’t, and he doesn’t rate himself!  I will be back in a few weeks analysing another four.  Keep viewing!

Aspects

This morning Saturn opposed the Sun.  This could produce frustration in the cold light of day, but on a more creative rather than specifically mental level.  Pushing projects further may be a struggle.  The skies may be a little overcast with some rainfall or showers…We need to assess all our exciting ideas in the cold light of day, whether they will work in practice, etc.  We need to digest the current state of progress, and discriminate about what is worthwhile, what may be pie in the sky or overly romanticized.  There may be feelings of deflation, or feeling unappreciated.

A Solar Eclipse/New Moon follows this evening at 29 degrees Virgo.  The New Moon is always a good opportunity to start afresh.  If 29 degrees Virgo is a meaningful point in your chart that will intensify your experience.  Ecology and the environment are one of the provinces of Virgo, so benefits could accrue for the planet if enough minds are concentrated on this aspect of life.  Bear in mind eclipses are turning points.

Celia Fenn reports this morning:

“This is such a powerful eclipse at 29 degrees of Virgo. So, it is closing karma and allowing us to open into a new chapter after the Equinox…I woke up feeling really weird and wired and a little depressed [see my description of Saturn opposing the Sun this morning]. I realised I was shifting a lot of “stuff” and had been doing so in my sleep state as well.”

Tomorrow (Monday 22^nd) Mars enters Scorpio in the morning.  That is a brisker energy than its sojourn through Libra, though it puts some people automatically into battle mode.  If you are a pacifist, just observe.  If you are a warrior, your power may be heightened.  If you are a diplomat, be ready.  Mars will be in the battle zone until 4^th November, so take your position, and may everyone do their best in the effort to express the best of this dynamism.

The Autumn Equinox occurs in the evening, aka the Sun’s entry into Libra, bringing back some peace.  That could bring a change of pace and mood.  It is a good time to take stock of the events of the Summer, and embrace the colourful Autumn prospects: different, but equally beautiful.  Libra may draw you to artistic or musical pursuits, new relationships, or an interest in the law and justice.

Neptune opposes the Sun on Tuesday (23^rd).  Fogginess could be obscuring your aims.  Try to apply yourself to the basics and look at the detail (though that may seem impossible).  Grounding may be needed.  The new Strictly contestants may be floundering on the dance floor…

In the early hours of Wednesday (24^th) the Sun trines Uranus.  Dreams may be vivid, and surprising.  This trine may give you the go ahead to forge ahead with innovative plans and original creativity.  This is a hopeful influence, and can also bring surprise.  Record your dreams on waking, and take action if they guide you.

Breakfast time brings a trine between the Sun and Pluto.  We therefore have an Air Grand Trine situation of the Sun in Libra, Pluto in Aquarius, and Uranus in Gemini, which could be dynamic if you can grasp it.  You can be sustained by the fortitude of this aspect, which is deals with the important and deep stuff of life and psychology.  You may experience and contemplate in great depth, and any creativity will have this profound quality imbued within it.  You may find that you have made more real progress than you thought, and your patience is rewarded.  There could be a revelation.

Late morning is the tester: Pluto squares Mars, one of the most volatile aspects of the year (the two warmongerers squaring up to each other).    It’s a combination which can give way to riots or situations which can get out of hand.  Prepare your stock of peaceful vibes beforehand so that you can send out a blast of soothing comfort wherever you go.  You may need all your conflict resolution skills.  No doubt Russia and Israel will be carrying out some bombing, that day.

After that, there are no more aspects this week!  The planets are taking some time out, after their efforts, and after the Pluto/Mars explosiveness.

Time for you to recoup, rest, relax.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – frustration and delay; turning point and new beginning
• Tomorrow – war; peace
• Tuesday – confusion
• Wednesday – innovation; deep meaning; warriors will be warriors

Virgo Archetypes

[The main blog will follow shortly]

I am writing about the Virgo Archetypes today, before the month of Virgo is out!  This is the seventh of my new series specifically on astrological Archetypes.  It is time to embrace the potential of this sign, turning the spotlight on its Archetypes.  It has turned decidedly autumnal of late, part of the charm of the Virgo season for some. We’re embedded in work schedules, hoping to make progress and headway in Virgoan areas of our lives.

A few words about Virgos: Ruled by Mercury, they are often happy to work behind the scenes, unless they have a strong component of their neighbouring sign Leo.  They can be modest, or even self-deprecatory.  There’s a strong interest in health, diet and hygiene, as well as ecology.  And of course, there’s that legendary perfectionism.  Recognize those traits in the Virgos you know?

So, following, are some thoughts I highlighted back in my 2015 blog, and then some examples of Virgo and its Archetypes, including from history:

“The Bluestocking

I have known several Virgo bluestockings in my time!  The Bluestocking is a studious, intellectual woman, so named after a society founded in the 18^th Century by Elizabeth Montagu, who had her North Node (karmic mission) in Virgo exactly conjunct Pluto with Mars and Venus close by.  She gave birth to a sexual stereotype, depicted graphically by the planets clustered around her North Node in Virgo.

The Servant

The Virgoan is just as talented and accomplished as anyone else, but often chooses to work behind the scenes.  Thus the Servant is a common Archetype for this sign.  Caroline Myss describes this Archetype as engaging “aspects of the psyche that call us to make ourselves available to others for the benefit and enhancement of their lives.”

Virgoans are often found as health workers and therapists, and Chiron “The Wounded Healer” is often ascribed to this sign.

The Martyr

This Archetype is shared with Pisces, and Virgo forms a polarity with that sign.  It is a polarity which is much associated with the story of Jesus and the Crucifixion (through Pisces) and his mother Mary, particularly associated with Virgo.

A very ordinary way in which Virgoans can typify the Martyr Archetype is their insistence that they will do something themselves in order to make a better job of it, rather than entrust it to someone else.  This can start as an expression of their perfectionism, but in a relationship interaction can turn into a martyr complex, especially if anger and resentment are involved.

Religious Figure

Mother Mary, the Virgin Mary, is the archetypal religious figure for Virgo, representing purity and associated with the immaculate conception.  Some may regard her as a Deity, Goddess, or Master in the New Age sense (female Masters seem not to be called Mistresses).

Famous Example:  Queen Elizabeth 1,  The Virgin Queen, born 7 September 1533.

Caroline Myss says of the Virgin Archetype generally: ‘Needs to be explored symbolically as a pattern that represents not only purity, but also the beginning point of creation, as in bringing forth virgin ideas.’ “

To which I would add:

The Medic/ e.g. Health Visitor, Homeopath etc.

Virgoans are often to be found working in the NHS or in complementary medicine as carers and therapists.

The Craftsman/Craftswoman

And The Jeweller

[my Past Life Archetype Card reads:]

“My name is Hans and I am a specialist precision watchmaker in Zermatt.  People don’t try to take the trouble to do a fine job anymore, but I uphold that tradition and hope it continues in generations to come.  I do not presume to understand the world, but I know my place in it.  I start with a spotless environment – you won’t find any dust in my watches!”

Ecologist/Environmentalist

Virgos are often very sensitive to the environment, and their life work may involve the many urgent issues we have in combatting climate change.

I was once entering a restaurant with a Virgo Ascendant friend, who is very sensitive to pollution.  We were asked “Do you have any allergies?”  The reply was “Only to the environment!”

The Specialist

Especially those who have bunched up sections in a birth chart, and are pedantic and fastidious about their craft, whatever their craft.  I know one family who are predominantly Virgoan, one perfectionistic about his photography with a heightened eye for detail, and another perfectionistic in his film-making.  The Virgoan can achieve precision in their work, be it in artwork (miniatures and mosaics for example), music or science.

The Community Worker

Virgo is associated, through its 6th House rulership especially, with working for the community.  Now I don’t know many people in these parts (West Norfolk) but I know three prominent people working on behalf of the community, and all three are Virgos.

In case a definition of Community Worker is called for, here’s one:

“Community workers play a vital role in improving the lives of disadvantaged individuals and communities by facilitating change and advocating for their needs.”

Background Workers

I am thinking mainly of background workers in the theatre and television, such as those who work on scenery and props, maybe starting as runners.  Virgos prefer to work unseen generally, but then again if Leo is also present in the chart, they may perform upfront.  In the Virgo family I mentioned earlier, the Virgo daughter has a Leo Ascendant, and has chosen to tread the boards.

Historical/more in-depth Examples:

The Virgin Queen

Queen Elizabeth I (7/9/1533 – 24/3/1603)

One of our greatest monarchs Queen Elizabeth I, known as the Virgin Queen, obviously had some regal Leo in there.  But her Sun was in Virgo (exactly sextile Saturn for responsibility).  The Leo connection was in her North Node in Leo (her karmic mission).  Her Sun in Virgo was in her 9^th House of foreign affairs – she certainly cast her net wide, globally.

She was named the Virgin Queen because it was expected that she would marry and produce an heir but despite many liaisons, she never did.  As an Archetype, it is rare, though there may be many historic examples around the world.  But in terms of character, I have known people to fit the brief – again with a touch of Leo mixed in with Virgo.

The Selfless Servant

Mother Theresa of Calcutta (26/8/1910 – 5/9/1997)

“By blood, I am Albanian. By citizenship, an Indian. By faith, I am a Catholic nun. As to my calling, I belong to the world. As to my heart, I belong entirely to the Heart of Jesus.”

~ Mother Theresa

There is much I could write about Mother Theresa’s chart, but I will choose just a few highlights:

Three personal planets in Virgo the sign of Service, including the Sun.  Sun trine Saturn (duty and responsibility).  Mercury square Pluto (tackling deep problems).  Venus in Leo (a magnanimous heart).  Venus square Saturn (renouncing personal needs).  Uranus closely trine North Node (unusual karmic mission).  Pluto trine Chiron (a profound service).  Neptune square Midheaven (charitable work in the world).

Mother Theresa was born in Skopje, and raised a Catholic, and now a Catholic saint.  She established her mission on behalf of the poor of Calcutta in 1950, a work which she performed until her death.  She received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979.

I mentioned her briefly in September 2007 when Anita Roddick died:

“Anita’s leaving, like Diana and Mother Teresa’s was close to an eclipse in Virgo, thus highlighting the Virgoan virtues they came to show.”

So, in summary, in contemplating your own link to the sign of Virgo and for those you know, you can explore for the next few days until the Autumn Equinox (18.19 Hrs on 23^rd), this segment of the zodiac.  You may notice that with your Virgo family, friends and acquaintances, some of them have more than one of these Archetypes, and you may reel at their capacity to look at the minutiae and detail!  Notice too that some families have a particular sign as their theme, so perhaps they may be working on that theme in a common purpose in this incarnation as a soul group.

The Deputy Labour Leadership Contest

Bridget Phillipson and Lucy Powell

Among the drama-laden political stories of the week (which included the sacking of Peter Mandelson, and the shooting of Charlie Kirk), the search began for the successor to Angela Rayner as Deputy Prime Minister.  Her strength in her role was shown in her chart by an exact conjunction of Mars and the North Node in Leo (a Karmic Warrior).  She was once touted as a future Prime Minister.

Bridget Phillipson’s Birth Chart

“Our state schools need teachers more than private schools need embossed stationery. Our children need mental health support more than private schools need new pools. Our students need careers advice more than private schools need AstroTurf pitches.”

~ Bridget Phillipson

Bridget Phillipson, currently Education Secretary, has the Sun in Sagittarius, an unusual sign for a politician as it happens.  She has a satellitium of 4 planets in that sign, making her a specialist, which includes a triple conjunction of Jupiter/Sun/Neptune.  This triple conjunction suggests that she is deeply motivated by her faith, which in her case is Roman Catholicism.  She is born close to a Full Moon in Gemini, and, with strong emotions, full mooners can ruffle a few feathers sometimes.  She has the positive benefits of the Sun closely conjunct Jupiter, which provides a certain amount of optimism.  Neptune adds some sensitivity.  We do not have a birth time for her, so cannot properly assess her Moon aspects, but a noon chart would show the Moon closely trine Mars – she has appeared to vehemently stand her ground on episodes of Question Time.  Venus in Scorpio conjunct Saturn can result in harsh feelings at times, especially when criticized about Education policies.  But she has Mars trine the North Node, so a positive warrior position karmically, and Mars is in Libra which is capable of conciliation.  It must be noted that in her chart she has relatively few aspects, though the interpretation of that may be up for grabs: one possible interpretation is that of a lack of self-knowledge.

Bridget – Life and Career

Bridget Maeve Phillipson was born in Gateshead. To her credit, she is a local MP still serving in her area (Houghton and Sunderland South) – a rarity, these days!  Good Northern Stock – and it was pointed out by a few notables when Angela Rayner left office that we need a Northern female replacement.  There is still a lot of levelling up to do!

She attended a Catholic School, joined the Labour Party at 15, and studied modern history and modern languages at Oxford University.  She worked in local government, and for Women in Need (following in her mother’s footsteps).  At the 2010 General Election she was elected MP.  She campaigned to Remain at the time of the 2016 Brexit referendum.  She was a supporter of Keir Starmer in the 2020 Labour leadership election, and became Shadow Education Secretary in 2021.  With Moon in Gemini, Education is a natural interest.  She progressed to Secretary of State for Education and Minister for Women and Equalities when Keir Starmer formed a government in July 2024.  This was an elevation for her (with Neptune sextile her natal Chiron, the North Node trine her natal Uranus, and Chiron trine her natal Jupiter), but she had some more severe transits (Pluto square her natal Pluto, and Neptune square her natal Neptune), which may show the scale of the task and the bumpiness of the road ahead.

What has she achieved?  She has clearly impressed her fellow MPs, having gained more votes than any other contenders thus far in the contest. When in opposition, she stressed her aims of catering for the care of children at all stages of education. Among her achievements are bringing breakfast clubs to schools.  Another development in the school system in this period is VAT on private education, though that may be laid at the door of Rachel Reeves.

Bridget’s Transits for the Contest

Bridget put her name forward on 9^th September, and quickly established a lead among the six candidates.  Her transits were Chiron trine her natal Sun (helpful) and Saturn square her natal Neptune (stressful).  She led with nominations from 175 Labour MPs, so has clearly earned their respect.  She is also the favoured candidate from Keir Starmer’s point of view, the one most likely to support him without conflict.

The results are due on 25^th October, by which time her transits will have changed:-

Pluto will be square her natal Pluto (psychological challenge), Neptune Retrograde almost square her natal Neptune; these two transits operating at the time she began her role as Education Minister.  Chiron will be almost trine her natal Jupiter (another transit which was operating at that time, because of planets in retrograde – could it mean she will be staying as Secretary of State for Education?).  Saturn will square her natal Sun (responsibility, or disappointment? and the Nodal Axis will be square her natal Nodal Axis, forming a Grand Cross: a karmic time, to be sure.  Finally, the North Node will be almost trine her natal Venus, implying that whatever happens, she will be comfortable with it on a personal level.

Lucy Powell’s Birth Chart

“I really want this government to succeed, but I’m not afraid to speak truth where that truth needs to be spoken”

~ Lucy Powell

Lucy Powell, until Keir Starmer’s recent cabinet re-shuffle Leader of the House of Commons, has the Sun in Libra, with a satellitium of 5 planets in that sign, also making her a specialist.  Would that indicate that they should both stay put?  Except for the fact that Lucy has just lost her role, so it may be that fate has freed up her energies for a different role.  Intensifying the diplomatic skills of Libra, Lucy has the Sun conjunct Venus.  But she too has warriorship, with the Sun closely conjunct Mars, in Libra, the sign of peace.  Though born 9 years apart, Bridget and Lucy’s Marses are exactly conjunct, at 17 degrees Libra – they belong in the same cabinet, working together.  Astrologically, Lucy does not have an easy chart, with some awkward squares (including a T-square), suggesting she may not have had as easy a life as it seems on the surface.  Again, we do not have her birth time, but in a Noon chart, the Moon is exactly trine Neptune, indicating emotional sensitivity, and the qualities of a good listener (a quality some MPs, such as Emily Thornberry) have pinpointed as being the need of the hour for the government.  In another interesting link with Bridget, their Nodal Axes are opposite each other, so could balance out each other, if they overcome any differences they might have.  Mercury trine Jupiter in Lucy’s chart shows a good, wide-ranging mind.

Lucy – Life and Career

Lucy Powell was born in Moss Side, Manchester, so is another “Northern lass”, fulfilling that particular requirement.  Her position on the politican spectrum has been described as “soft left” of the Labour party.  She also studied at Oxford University, taking Chemistry as her subject, and she too is MP for her local area (Manchester Central), having been elected in 2012.  She too campaigned for Remain in the Brexit referendum in 2016.  The two must have a sense of shared values.  Lucy gained much political experience, first in Ed Milliband’s shadow cabinet, but also under Jeremy Corbyn (as Shadow Education minister).  However she resigned, with others, from Corbyn’s shadow government, on 26^th June 2016  The aspects for that day of mass resignations was Pluto trine Jupiter/North Node (potent karma).  In her own personal chart, Neptune was square her Nodal Axis (karmic confusion over her path).

She was appointed Leader of the Commons when Keir Starmer formed his government on 5^th July 2024.  This was her Chiron Return in Aries, and Jupiter was trine her ruling planet Venus.

What has she achieved?  In her wider and more general role, she has helped to bring about several parliamentary reforms, including supporting improved accessibility for disabled MPs.

In Keir’s re-shuffle on 5^th September, she was axed in her role and replaced by Alan Campbell.  Her transits when axed were Chiron opposite her natal Uranus (shock), and Jupiter square her natal Mars, plus a Mars return in Libra.  As I have mentioned, it may have been a freeing up for a possible new phase in her life.

In a Guardian Article, Peter Walker tells us that Lucy Powell was shocked and received no explanation. Do we know why he removed her and appointed Alan Campbell?  A possible clue is “She said she believed it could be because she sometimes passed on MPs’ concerns to Downing Street”. She has called for a “change of culture” inside the government and says if elected she would take “difficult truths” to Keir.  Of course, Bridget would be his preferred candidate, but that may not be the best thing.  Lucy’s transits at the time of the announcement of the new deputy are lacklustre, but that doesn’t count her out altogether astrologically.  In her favour, the North Node (karma) was trine her natal Saturn in Cancer at the time she threw her name into the hat, which shows she is up for more responsibility.

Bridget is patently a strong woman, and would be a good support for Keir Starmer.  Lucy has a vast amount of political experience, and she could make a good counterpoise to Keir Starmer, where Bridget would likely just promote more of the same.

Andy Burnham

The Guardian declared this week that “MPs have shared data showing Andy Burnham is Labour’s only politician with a net positive public rating the equivalent of a rave review”.  I know there is a lot of support for him out there, but I don’t know the logistics of him being able to lead, with his currently entrenched role as Mayor of Manchester.  He certainly has proved himself worthy of the position.

His chart, too, looks qualified, with Leadership and Warriorship packed into aspects of:-

The Sun exactly sextile Mars, the Sun closely sextile the North Node, and Mars conjunct the North Node (the Sun sextile Mars/North Node).  Note he has the same conjunction as Angela Rayner (Mars conjunct North Node) but two degrees apart, where hers was exact.  He was born on a New Moon, a positive lunar phase.  And he has Mercury closely trine Pluto (depth of thought).  He’s a Capricorn, the sign born for Politics.

So I thought I would check his transits around the time of the choice being revealed, which are interesting:-

He will have Pluto almost sextile his natal Neptune in Sagittarius; Neptune sextile his natal Mercury in Capricorn; Uranus opposite his natal Neptune in Sagittarius; and a Nodal Return, with the North Node sextile his natal Sun in Capricorn.

With such a concentration of Neptunian influences, it suggests a period of flux, of re-considering his position.  Perhaps he is working towards leadership, but I understand he would have to become an MP first.

Of the two protagonists, I personally would prefer Lucy Powell (and, yes, I still have a membership vote!), and there is support for her in my area too.  But Andy Burnham in the long term seems a bright prospect.  With the divisions in the world at the moment, we need people who can somehow bridge the polarities, which seems an impossible task right now.  And Socialism needs to be able to fulfil its promise to look after the welfare of the poor, vulnerable and disabled.

Aspects

We are awash with aspects this week, though they don’t begin until Tuesday, and then three come along.

In the early hours of Tuesday (16^th) Venus sextiles Mars, a largely enjoyable entanglement.  This aspect is given over to pleasure and indulgence, and maybe romance is also on the cards.  Art will have vigour, and movement will have artistry or elegance under this influence.  Social plans should flourish. As experienced specifically in the early hours, this aspect may give rise to sensuous dreams!

The other two aspects involve Chiron, and accordingly have healing themes:

Venus trines Chiron, and the healing power of Love may come to the fore.  Try to keep the heart open, and keep the faith.  There may be a real opportunity to re-group your healing energies and feel harmony within your being.  This is something especially relevant now, with society being torn apart with negative emotions, on both sides of the Atlantic.

Finally, Chiron will oppose Mars, which is more challenging.  This can highlight wounds, mainly of the psychological kind.  Something may be flagged up for you to heal.  Perhaps a longstanding misunderstanding in the family, especially concerning the male of the species.  We may be surprised to hear how deeply someone feels about an issue, which might hitherto have been hidden.  We can only start to address something which has emerged in consciousness and awareness, so can thank Chiron for that process.

Wednesday (17^th) brings another opposition, that between Saturn and Mercury.  There may be a setback to a plan, or you may suddenly feel fatigued.  Challenges or blockages may occur to the smooth flow of earlier in the day.  Travelling plans may be delayed that day, for example the wrong Autumn leaves on the rail line.

An ingress occurs on the morning of Thursday (18^th), that of Mercury entering Libra.  This can bring a new mental focus on cultural themes, which could bring more pure enjoyment: art and music being fundamental areas for Libra, and decision-making. Mercury in Libra is slightly more relaxed than Mercury in Virgo, but having laid plans and attended to essential detail under the previous placement Mercury in Virgo, we can embellish, beautify and smooth things over.

In the evening, Neptune opposes Mercury, in the third opposition of the week.  This can spark mental confusion.  There may be for instance a mental dilemma, or a demand for clarification.  It may be difficult to focus, if you are engaged in documentation work.  Journeys may be long and complicated.  You may need to take care near water.

Three more astrological features to come for Friday (19^th).  In the early hours, Mercury trines Uranus, which can inspire high functioning minds, intuition and good ideas (especially for Geminians).   Uranus will add extra spice to your plans, and documentation.  Computers and technology should be on sparkling form and assist your expression.  You may spring pleasant surprises.  Writing projects may also flow.

Then at breakfast time, Mercury trines Pluto, also benefitting Geminians, as well as our mental make-up generally.  It challenges us to dig deeper.  This aspect is conducive to psychological reflection, and earnest conversations between friends or colleagues.  It is good for in-depth consultations and negotiations, and researching past lives. Something to chew on over the muesli.

These two trines enhance the atmosphere of the day, forming a Grand Trine in Air, between Mercury, Uranus and Pluto.  It is especially conducive to changing minds.

The third astrological feature of the day is the ingress of Venus into Virgo, which occurs around lunchtime, making you more discerning in your tastes.  We may also be discriminating about the company we keep (if we subscribe to such a philosophy), and be exercising caution.  We choose the catering (in a healthful, Virgoan or Vegan way), and we tailor our practices to ecological ways under this placement.  This will be a general influence until 13^th October.

A tricky transit right at the end of the week, so try and smooth the path in advance, e.g. deal with possible loopholes.  On Saturday (20^th) Uranus squares Venus, which 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.

The week in bullet points:

• Tuesday – sensuality; relationship healing; dealing with psychological wounds
• Wednesday – delay and frustration
• Thursday – new cultural focus; mental confusion
• Friday – sparkling minds; deep consultations; healthy choices
• Saturday – disruption in relationships and finance

Zack Polanski

New Leader of the Green Party

“A fluent media performer”

~ The Guardian

“I believe that his style and emphasis meet the challenge of the moment”

~ George Monbiot

It’s been a turbulent week for politics in the UK this week: Angela Rayner was forced to resign as Deputy Prime Minister, a cabinet reshuffle ensued, Boris-Johnson-lover Nadine Dorries defected from Conservative to Reform…But then you had to notice the election of the radical Zack Polanski as Green Party leader this week, chosen by 85% of the Greens.

Birth Chart

Zack has a specialist’s chart, planets bunched up and concentrated in a segment of the zodiac, which helps to provide the passion for his cause: after all, who doesn’t want the planet to succeed?  His Sun is in Scorpio, one of the Warrior signs, and he exhibits one of its possible archetypes, The Firebrand.  Scorpio is also the sign of the Hypnotist (Paul McKenna having Sun conjunct Neptune in the sign), a former occupation of Polanski.  The Sun is exactly conjunct Venus in his chart, and Venus representing the voice, he has sung for the London Gospel Choir.  Venus is also trine his North Node – could that be providing some charm and charisma?  His Sun loosely conjunct Jupiter is useful, providing a certain amount of Luck.  It is trine the North Node, providing leadership qualities.  He was born with the Moon in Taurus, born just after a Full Moon.  The Scorpio/Taurus polarity is obdurate and determined.  Though with his variety of talents, he has chopped and changed quite a bit (having originally begun his politics with the Lib Dems, and tried a few different career paths).  He has Mercury sextile Mars, like last week’s subject Richard Osman: giving him a quick and incisive wit, but also in his case, he talks ten to the dozen, as you could expect with this aspect.  I would advise him to tone it down a bit, especially for us pensioners listening (I know at least one pensioner who finds him aggressive).  A triple conjunction of Saturn/Pluto/Mercury, inclines his thinking processes towards serious matters, a factor in his choice of politics as a career.

Life and Career

Polanski was born in Salford, into a Jewish family.  His parents divorced when he was young.  He was educated at Stockport Grammar School, and then Aberystwyth University. He worked initially as an actor with a theatre company, and taught at arts institutions (Sun exactly conjunct Venus, and Venus trine his North Node natally).  He then hitched his wagon to the Liberal Democrats for a couple of years, before joining the Green Party in 2017.  He was elected a Member of the London Assembly on 6^th May 2021 – his transits included Jupiter trine his natal Mercury in Libra, a win and an expansion; and Mars transiting his natal North Node in Cancer, a trigger for his karmic mission.  He was elected Deputy Leader of the Green Party on 7^th September 2022.

But this week, on Tuesday 2^nd September, he gained the top job in his party.  And his transits were stunning:

Chiron was opposite his natal Saturn in Libra, denoting Responsibility (this is a theme in his transits generally, and may make more sense if we had a birth time);  Jupiter was trine his natal Jupiter, a Triumph, his Luck coming in.  Traditionally, it denotes a Win!

In addition, the North Node in Pisces formed a Grand Water Trine with Natal Jupiter in Scorpio and transiting Jupiter in Cancer!  His time has come.  What he does with it, only time will tell.  He has followed his Karma to get to this longed-for point, with the North Node centrally involved.

John Crace has commented:

“Those of us with long memories might feel we have heard all this before…But Polanski sounded as if he believed it more than most.  This was his moment and he was going to make the most of it.” And

“If you can’t dare to dream on your first day in the new job, when can you?”

Policies

So, what does he stand for?  He has labelled himself an “eco-populist”, and links the climate with all the issues facing us.  With the threat of the Reform party, he wants to secure over 30 seats for the Greens at the next election.  He sees the Labour government as failing, and sees a gap in the market.  He has indicated possibly working with the emerging Corbynite party (Corbyn has congratulated him).  He is very vocal about the genocide in Gaza.  He wants to renationalize the water companies.  He is unsure of our relationship with NATO.  The Guardian Leader summed up  his stance as “Mr Polanski speaks of a climate-anchored politics rooted in solidarity with workers and migrants”.

He also wants to tax the wealthy.  In his own words:

“For years now, the very richest in society have accumulated more and more wealth.  While they sleep at night, the money pours in, not from work, but from assets such as stocks, shares and multiple properties.”

Millionaire entrepreneurs Dale Vince (owner of the company Ecotricity) and Deborah Meaden have both spoken out in support of taxing the wealthy.

In conclusion, time will tell, and the proof of the pudding is in the eating, to employ a couple of old cliches…We need something to galvanize fair changes and to counteract far-right populism.  We need more action on Net Zero to counteract climate change.  He may or may not be the one to deliver it.

“He must balance an attention-grabbing style with the risk of alienating the party’s other main power base, its MPs, or the chunk of members who remain sceptical about his talents and approach”

~ Peter Walker, The Guardian

Aspects

This evening brings a Full Moon and Eclipse at 15 degrees Pisces.  Pisces is one of the most sensitive and emotional Full Moons of the year, so treat yourself with tender loving care and you can then treat others with that sensitivity.  The Pisces Full Moon reminds us that we are all One.  As it is an Eclipse, it is extra potent and may be a turning point, especially if you have an angle or planet at 15 degrees of a sign.  Also, pay attention to the House if falls in, if you know it.

On Wednesday (10^th) the Sun is opposite North Node, and conjunct the South Node.  It may take that intervening time to digest the experiences of the Eclipse on Sunday (7th).  The Sun on the South Node can mean past karmic glory coming home to roost; for the most part that can be a positive gain.  The South Node in Virgo relates to past lives in connection with service, and working on minutiae.  This can also refer to earlier phases in this lifetime.  On the world stage, there seems nothing glorious anytime soon emerging from the current conflicts – the karmic lessons of this aspect need yet more time to work out.

The upside of this aspect can bring light and insight into past actions and memories, and fostering existing talents.  It can bring forward the talents you developed in past lives, but also enable you to release habits you no longer need.

Sunnier prospects on Friday (12^th), the best day of the week, with one of the best aspects of the year: the Sun sextile Jupiter.  Time to embrace hope, or even celebration.  It will certainly be lucky for some.  Focus on what makes you happy, and make more of that.  It’s the sort of day that can restore your faith in human nature.

There’s another sextile in the evening, boosting our mental energy: Mercury sextile Jupiter.  Some good news may be possible. This aspect favours communication, sales and travel.  Higher learning is also a benefit – e.g.  the anticipation of “fresher” further education students.  It’s a good time to practice any new language skills, too.  It is a time to forge good connections with business, and may benefit small businesses.

The Sun conjoins with Mercury at 20 degrees Virgo on Saturday (13^th).  This may bring an opportunity to apply your mind with clarity,  concentrate and focus,  and make important statements.  The focus may be on working schedules and documentation or environmental projects.  Mentally you may be able to see things clearly. If you know which House Virgo occupies in your chart, you’ll find that area of your life to be exceptionally busy.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – emotional turning point
• Wednesday –emphasis on past karma
• Friday – embrace hope; minds brightened
• Saturday – concentration and clarity