Monthly Ascendant/Rising Sign Reports for April 2013

I am so sorry to announce that I am having to temporarily suspend writing my monthly Rising Sign/Ascendant reports. The reasons are very simple – they are financial. These reports take a long time to put together and write and I literally cannot afford to give up so much time for free at the moment.

In the past couple of months I have had to deal with some unexpected financial issues that have left me virtually “on the edge”. It takes a huge effort on my part to keep this blog, my Facebook page and my website up to date and fresh with new Astrological information and interesting articles to read.

Without clients – yourselves coming along and ordering services and readings, then I literally cannot exist and thrive. All Astrologers are feeling the pinch of the world downturn in the economy, myself very much included. Right now, I am at a real crisis point, and I feel so bad for you all that I am having to make this kind of decision.

If you love this site and my work, then please support me. I am still available to do personal readings and reports and I have a selection on my readings page which you can access by clicking on my portrait picture on the right hand side of my blog. Alternatively you can order a report from the link below.

My reports and readings page - Transits reports - Skype readings - Natal Charts etc...

I do really appreciate it if you are disappointed, however over the past couple of years I have shared so much information and it has take up hundreds of hours of my own voluntary time to do this. If my financial position allows in the future, then I will reinstate these monthly reports, the ones I have had so much positive feedback from. I hope you all appreciate where I am coming from, and understand the difficult decisions that I am having to make…

Many thanks,

Paul…

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Nelson Mandela recovers in hospital from lung infection

There has been a lot of concern about the health of the former President of South Africa Nelson Mandela in the past few months. Nelson is my humble opinion is one of the greatest men of the past century, however he is now 94 years of age and unfortunately not getting any younger. This latest bout of illness prompted him to be immediately taken to hospital, although there are signs that he is making a bit of a recovery.

Nelson Mandela’s illness is easily seen if you look at the astrology. In effect, there are two factors in play here. Firstly transiting Neptune which is a sign of suffering and of health issues is approaching the bottom of his natal chart, the IC and in the process making an opposition to his Midheaven, so his public face to the world is showing him suffering with his health. There is a trine from Neptune to his natal chart ruler Jupiter (he has a Sagittarian ascendant) so Neptune is here affecting his constitution and also a difficult inconjunct from Neptune to it’s own position, a generational influence but one that also slows you down. Remember Neptune degrades and undermines, so his physical state here is being weakened.

Secondly, his natal Mercury which in medical astrology rules the lungs and breathing in general sits in a tense conjunction with Saturn. In my experience, and planets which is in a difficult connection with either Saturn, Uranus or Pluto can manifest itself later in life with health problems. At the moment that conjunction is being squared by the transiting Nodes. This square to Saturn and Mercury is a difficult aspect to deal with in itself as fate turns you life around, but here it is exacerbating this weakness in his chart, making his suffer with illness. This conjunction sits at 15/16 degrees Leo and when transiting Saturn gets to these degrees in Scorpio in October and November making a conjunction to his Moon ruling his 8th house. The 8th house is the house of one’s mortality and adding in this square to the Mercury/Saturn conjunction, then Nelson Mandela's health may well be a cause for very great concern again in the autumn.

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North Korea in declares itself in a “state of war” with South Korea

Things are starting to turn rather ugly on the Korean peninsular, as North Korea which has been increasing it’s rhetoric and preparedness for some type of conflict in issuing threats to the United States today declared itself in a state of war with it’s South Korean neighbour. Technically these two nations have been in a state of war since 1950 after the Korean war was never officially ended by a treaty, but the North seems to have felt threatened by US/South Korean military operations recently and has reignited the fuse between them, firstly by cutting all communications ties with the South, and now this statement of intent.

Here we have the North Korean natal chart above and current transits below. As I have mentioned before a few days ago, there is huge pressure being put on the North Korean Mercury/Neptune conjunction in the 10th house of the leadership and national reputation. This conjunction I see as very deluded, almost as if the North Korean leaders including Kim Jong Un see themselves as mythical beings, untouchable, living in a dream world or utopia. Neptune is the sign of deception and illusion and it is also the sign of the collective, so the leaders are seen as Gods or almost untouchable and their tentacles and state influence spreads throughout North Korean society – this is the sign of a communist state, brainwashing the people with their ideas . With The Sun on the Midheaven, the Leader is as prominent as one could be and with the Moon bang on the Sagittarian ascendant, the people (Moon) buy in totally to the direction of the nation – again we have the idea that they are seen as one entity.

Now the stellium opposing this conjunction, the Mars Uranus Venus and Sun conjunction in Aries is seen as a threat by the NK leaders because of the rulerships active here. Mercury’s sign Virgo at 10th house cusp rules the Midheaven, the people at the top of society and Neptune’s sign Pisces sits at the 4th house cusp, the house of the land of the nation. Mars and Uranus in opposition to that Mercury/Neptune conjunction are seen as an unpredictable (Uranus) military (Mars) threats to the leaders (10th house) and the territory of the nation (4th house). We also have Pluto square to Neptune/Mercury, so powerful forces are intervening in North Korean society. Pluto is moving in the 7th house of finance, so this refers to the sanctions being imposed on North Korea, restricting their ability to make money. Jupiter trine to Mercury/Neptune from the 7th house indicates the people at the top have false optimism and confidence in regard to international relations. Neptune square to the Moon and Ascendant shows this nation (Ascendant) and the people (Moon) being very deluded as well as suffering under the the impositions that North Korea is under – Neptune dissolves and disintegrates. That Neptune is making an exact trine to the North Korean Mars, and that delusion is encouraging them to prepare their military forces (Mars) now.

Looking at the young supreme leader of North Korea Kim Jong Un, his chart is being very rattled by the 4 planet stellium making a quadruple trine to his natal Uranus which sits in conjunction with Venus. This trine from Mars and Uranus is very worrying as it it encourages his to act in a dangerous and unpredictable manner and opposing Jupiter moving through his 5th house of speculation is giving him optimism and over confidence. Mars is now making a square to his natal Sun just as this announcement was made, making him feel in an aggressive mood.

I said in my assessment of Kim and his natal chart a couple of years ago that his natal chart made me shudder and all the fears I had in December 2011 when writing about him are now starting to fall into place. Two dates to keep an eye on Kim Jong Un and North Korea for you. Mid April when transiting Mars opposes his combustible Mars Pluto Midheaven conjunction, that looks like a dangerous time with the situation we have now on a knife edge, and 23rd to 25th June when transiting Jupiter makes a trine to that same conjunction and transiting Mars makes contact with his natal North Node. At the same time, the North Korean natal chart is shaken up by Mars, Uranus and the transiting Nodes – Mars square the Midheaven/Sun and opposing Jupiter, Uranus opposing Neptune and trine Pluto and the transiting Nodes exactly square natal Pluto. Hold onto your hats then, things could go off big style!!!!

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Mars Conjunct Alpheratz - Taking a chance

This aspect is in orb now and operational for the next 3 days until 1st April.

Mars in now in range in the the star Alpheratz in the constellation of Andromeda, the Princess. This star used to be part of the constellation of Pegasus and it still retains the same kind of attributes that we find in the stars of that constellation, namely freedom and movement and the sheer thrill of flying along at great speed, this is a star of action!!

Mars getting here brings a very brave reckless influence of a star that knows no fear, and so the possibility of doing something very dangerous or foolhardy in increased immensely. This combination is likely to instill a love of risk taking, taking on challenges and taking your life into your hands for the sheer buzz of the experience. In my estimation, this combination when it happens is like the Evel Knievel of the solar system.

Just on cue in North Korea, Kim Jon Un has decided in a crazy move to put his troops and forces on the highest alert in preparedness to fire rockets at the United States!! Is he totally mad, or is it this conjunction and influence that is giving the young North Korean leader the impetus to take a huge, huge risk?

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Amanda Knox – Facing retrial over death of Meredith Kercher

This one runs and runs, doesn’t it? A judges in Italy today announced that Amanda Knox, or “Foxy Knoxy” as the press dubbed her along with her former boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito must stand trial again for the 2007 murder of British student Meredith Kercher in Perugia. The last case centred around DNA evidence on a knife which the defence proved at the time was flawed, allowing Knox and Sollecito to be found not guilty. The debate over the case has rumbled on and now the Italian authorities after reviewing the evidence once again has ordered this retrial.

Back in October 2011, I had a look at Amanda’s natal chart. In that article I wrote about her character as I saw her…

Amanda Knox was born on 9th July 1987 in Seattle, Washington at 02.47 am. Her Sun sits in the 2nd house of personal possessions and self worth in Cancer, along with Venus and Mercury, her Moon in enterprising Sagittarius and she has a Gemini Ascendant.  Cancerians are very family driven and security conscious, and Amanda’s energy will be used to protect herself and those she loves, however the Sagittarian Moon makes her need to expand her horizons and to have her opinions respected. Immediately on the Sun Moon combination, we have to question the motives of Amanda. We know with a Sagittarian Moon that going off to study in an foreign country, to expand one’s knowledge is a natural thing to do. The fact that it was language study is reflected by the Gemini Ascendant and it’s propensity to communicate.

But what of this Cancer Sun, with Venus and Mercury also in Cancer opposite Neptune. If anything this is a very gentle sentimental combination, idealistic, loving beauty, art, culture and music possibly. Yes Mercury opposite Neptune is liable to deceive, but there is no aggressive intent here. We do have the possibility of being over optimistic in love, a bit blinded by the whole idea, and with the Moon in the 7th house of partnerships in Sagittarius conjunct Uranus, we can safely say that Amanda would have been very keen to be in a relationship. Indeed unusual (Uranus) foreign (Sagittarius) men she would have found irresistible. There is a downside to this 7th house as Saturn is also found here. Saturn always shows fear and difficulty, and through her relationships, Amanda will have tough moments in her life. So it was to prove. That Saturn has a personal effect on her as it is opposite her Gemini Ascendant and makes an irritating and rather tricky inconjunct to her Sun. Any Saturn transit she will feel with almost double effect. In what area of her life would it particularly hit her? Capricorn, Saturn’s sign is on the 8th house of change and death and the 9th house of travel and higher education.

What else of the chart? Well we have we have a rather blunt and outspoken Mars in Leo in the  communicative third house square to both Pluto and Jupiter and opposite the Midheaven. Amanda does have a bit of an ego problem, an over confidence that could land her in hot water. Jupiter in Aries is very confident, possibly overly so. In the 12th house, that over confidence can lead to suffering. This is the house of institutions, including prisons. Mars Jupiter does tend to take risks and Mars Pluto is hugely determined and rather forceful. This aspect does indicate intensely passionate transformational relationships. This square is complemented by a Pluto Venus Mercury trine. More accent on relationships of a deep and dark nature. Also interestingly a link to communication of them through Mercury, through her memoires or serialisation. Me thinks she will make hay out of newspaper and book deals. Combined with a Mars Midheaven opposition we have a t-square which suggests that actions around the intense liaisons could be what she is publically known for and the actions around them, and with Pluto at the point of the t-square, the focus would be be very Plutonic in nature, accenting change, death, confinement, transformation. Finally Pluto is also at the point of a wedge, including that Venus Mercury trine and a sextile to Neptune. Neptune here brings uncertainty, a cloud of confusion in communication or in her case accusations, the dream of passionate union, of sexual bliss.

The transits hitting her chart now see the army of planets in Aries I have been highlighting recently now conjunct her North Node of destiny, square to that Mercury/Venus opposition to Neptune across the 2nd/8th axis of her chart, an unexpected occurrence that in a funny way may benefit her. With the financial angles of her chart stimulated by these square aspects, she is going to be back in the news again and her book sales may rocket. Jupiter transiting her 1st house will push her into the spotlight in an international sense too.

As I see it, there is little chance that she is ever going to be extradited from the US to Italy after the first trial acquitted her, although this decision may curb her ever travelling to Europe again if in the second trial held in her absence she is found to be guilty. The nature of foreign authorities issuing the retrial can be shown by transiting Saturn the planet of authority ruling both 8th houses of death and 9th houses of international affairs square to her Midheaven, her public reputation. Transiting Pluto also in that 8th house is opposing her chart ruler, Mercury, showing powerful and controlling forces against her.

  

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People in Paris protest against gay marriage

Interesting protest in Paris today as thousand of protesters took to the street to voice their opposition to new Gay rights laws allowing same sex marriage and adoption to happen. Thousands of people took to the streets near to the Arc de Triomphe to try to persuade lawmakers to change their minds. The protests did get out of hand and the police had to intervene with tear gas to prevent violence breaking out.

In birth charts, I have noticed over the years that you often find that tension aspects (conjunction , square, opposition or maybe inconjunct) between Uranus the planet of alternative tastes and Mars the planet of act of making love in men or Venus, the planet of love and relationships in women does show some correlation to homosexuality in a subject. This is not a given and many many straight people have these aspects, although they may make them a little wild in the bedroom.

Today the Sun with Uranus Mars and Venus all in conjunction was making a sextile onto Jupiter, the planet of laws and law making focusing a yod onto conservative Saturn in Scorpio, the sign of intimacy and sex. Here we have people activated by that yod who want to see traditional relationships retained pitted against those who want to see more liberal (Jupiter) and progressive (Uranus) attitudes to love and relationships (Mars Venus). Mars and Uranus in conjunction was always going to raise tensions around the world and here we have social (Venus) activists (Uranus) who were prepared to take action to protect the laws and traditions in France.

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Liam Neeson – From the backstreets of Ballymena to the bling of Hollywood.

It’s a long while since I did one of my celebrity profiles and thanks to a suggestion a few weeks ago, I’ve decided to look at the astrology of Northern Irish actor Liam Neeson, star of films like Taken and Schindler’s List. Liam was in the news in the past couple of months as he was awarded the freedom of his home town of Ballymena, an honour he finally agreed to after rejecting it back in the year 2000. I believe returning home and being accepted as Ballymena’s favourite son now in a peaceful and more religiously tolerant Northern Ireland gave him great joy.

Liam was born on 7th June 1952 in Ballymena, Northern Ireland. The chart above is a rectified chart, done by Astrologer Noel Tyl and as with all rectified charts should be taken with a little caution. Liam is a Sun Sign Gemini with a freedom loving Sagittarian Moon and Ascendant. This is an airy chart with 5 planets in air signs, thus he will find it important to get out his message, to network and using his mind in a logical and matter of fact manner more than relying on his emotions, as is the way with most Geminis. Those with a predominance of air in their chart can seem rather detached and cold sometimes, as any emotional warmth within them often can’t get through so easily. This is not so the case with Liam as his Moon is in fiery Sagittarius in his 12th house. That warmth will come out in private and more personal moments, but maybe in public he will seem a little more reserved and cool.

The combination of Sun and Moon shows an opposition of communicating ideas and thoughts (Sun in Gemini) and the need for those opinions to be listened to and to be respected (Moon in Sagittarius); in all that he does, he will want to make an impact on people. These two planets are in direct opposition and it suggests that his father and mother were total opposites in nature and character, but also committed to each other, both Sun and Moon were not affected by any aspects from malefic planets to affect their union. That opposition brings a personality at cross purposes with itself, his emotions and his brain and desires shown through Venus and Mercury conjunct to the Sun are not married well with his emotions, and this will cause some internal restlessness within him. The Moon in the 12th house does keep the emotions under the surface and he will feel that he will be unable to empathise with people around him as much as he would like. This is a little bit of a reclusive position, and although his has to be in the spotlight through his work, I suspect he would prefer to keep out of the way as much as he can. This position will give him a love of the oppressed man, the one who has to fight for his right to survive.

The triple conjunction in the 6th house shows someone who can put up with routine and the ordinary grind of every day work, a guy who is a perfectionist and very organized, someone who is artistic and possibly creative with his hands, a man who appreciates beauty and design, a guy who is kind, articulate and thoughtful. These planets oppose the Moon and this gives him a real interest in his past, his roots, and  in human stories. Have you noticed that he often plays people from the past, men who were significant in their time? He has portrayed Rob Roy, Irish revolutionary leader Michael Collins, particularly poignant for him and also Oskar Schindler, who he brought to life brilliantly on the silver screen.

This opposition focuses in on Neptune in his 9th house conjunct to his Libran Midheaven, the planet of film and acting in a sandwich between his point of public projection and career, the Midheaven and Saturn, the planet of ambition. This 9th house indicates a serious attitude to religion and beliefs, and also fear. We have modest and conservative Virgo on the cusp of his 9th house, and it is known that Liam came from a Roman Catholic background in Northern Ireland at a time when the province was seething with religious tension between Catholic and Protestant. Neptune and Saturn shows fear of the religious tensions that were at their heights when he was approaching adulthood but also ambition, and Neptune’s spiritual reach and the suffering it brings extended into his local environment as Pisces, Neptune’s sign is the ruler of the 3rd house which has authority over these areas of his life. The influences on this 3rd/9th house axis would shape much of his life. He initially wanted to be a teacher, Saturn in the 9th highlights the learning and teaching element of this placing however in 1976 he joined a local (3rd house) acting and dramatic (Pisces) society in Belfast and this fuelled his artistic side. The 9th house is also the house of international travel and eventually his talent took him abroad (9th house) to work (Saturn) as an actor (Neptune/Midheaven) in Hollywood.

These planets make a couple of square aspects to Uranus which heightens his talent in creative terms, it gives him a bit of star quality and an attitude not to look back but to always move forward, to update and adapt his style and the kind or roles that he plays. Liam is a very adaptable actor who has appeared in thoughtful roles as well as big blockbuster and action movies – active Mars sits conjunct to the Midheaven too. This Uranus is in the 7th house of one’s wife and partner, and we all know about the tragic accident that occurred to his wife Natasha Richardson on the ski slopes in Quebec, Canada. On that day 19th March 2009, transiting Saturn in his 8th house of death squared his triple Sun Mercury Venus conjunction. The Sun through Leo was ruling his 8th house of death where Saturn was moving, Mercury ruled his 7th house of his wife, and 9th house of incidents abroad. Venus ruled his 5th house of sport and 10th house of public awareness. That natal Uranus under severe stress from Saturn and Neptune predicted the shocking accident that was to come to affect his life and family – the transiting Nodes were also square to his natal Jupiter in his 4th house of the home and family, the South Node, the one of detriment was moving in his 8th house too.

That 8th house is occupied by Pluto which sits at the point of a mini grand trine from Sun/Mercury/Venus and Neptune. This brings great depth to his character and to his artistic work, he will have a talent to go beneath the surface of any role to get to the real motivations of the man that he portraying. Here is a fascination with power and the politics of control and also of the more unexplained areas of life including mortality and death. Connecting to his Sun, Mercury, Venus, and Neptune there is a depth and gravitas to his work, to his talent and to his relationships and even through his manner of communicating.

Liam has Mars retrograde also conjunct his Midheaven in Scorpio in his 10th house, a very active and competitive position and one where one has to use some of the internal rage and latent anger that sits inside one, the retrograde element here of Mars in Scorpio boils up a storm inside. He took up amateur boxing in his younger years and he still loves it immensely, that’s the stirring of his love of the underdog in his Sagittarian Moon coming out too. His 5th house of competition and sport has Taurus sitting there and this is always an indication of someone who has to let the energy within them go through some type of physical exercise or competition. In his work, he will be very driven to do well and with Mars opposite to Jupiter in Taurus his 4th house he will love any adventure and also very driven to have a large spacious and comfortable home. Jupiter in the 4th house as well as a Sagittarian ascendant indicates he will hate to be hemmed in and will love the wide open spaces of the countryside. It also suggests that he will always do well in purchasing property and in real estate matters too.

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Libra Full Moon 27th March 2013 (Part 2) – Placing pressure on relationships

This is a second look at the full Moon coming along in a few days time in Libra. I looked at the more global impacts a few days ago and this second look at it, because this full Moon is such an interesting one focuses more in on the more personal impact that it could have.

The full Moon coming up on 27th March is very much an intense one, a fact that I noted a week or so ago. We've got the full Moon at 6:52 degrees Libra opposed by an army of planets, Mars Uranus Venus and Aries. This of course is the relationship axis of the zodiac, Aries likes to go it alone, Libra wants to relate. With Pluto square to this quadruple opposition something somewhere is going to break, and with Jupiter trine to the Moon and sextile to the 4 planet conjunction, break big time.

If your relationship is in trouble and you have planets in the 6-11 degrees range of cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn) I would batten down the hatches now as the storm is coming. The Full Moon is culmination of a cycle, the peak point, the Moon is like the full beam of light coming from a lighthouse pointing out the rocks that you are just about to crash into.

We have a sub plot here too with a mini grand trine from Mercury conjunct Neptune (square to Jupiter) focusing onto Pluto. Maybe some big creative or inspirational ideas (Mercury /Neptune) that you have had recently can now be formed into something more solid (Saturn) that will transform your life (Pluto).

Also keep an eye on Jupiter which is at the point of a Yod from Saturn/Pluto and Saturn at the point of a Yod from Mars/Jupiter. If either of these planets (Jupiter at 11 Gemini and Saturn at 10 Scorpio) are connecting to any of your planets and angles, you may see an opportunity for expansion (Jupiter) or ambition (Saturn) however you will have to adjust your position to benefit from any expansion (Jupiter) or take a big risk (Mars Jupiter) to fuel any potential ambition (Saturn).

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South Korea suffers cyber hacking attack

Interesting story out of South Korea over night as authorities are investigating a cyber attack on several broadcasters KBS, MBC and YTN as well as two banks, the Shinhan Bank and Nonghyup Bank. Representatives of the banks said that their computer systems went down and their operations were severely affected and spokespeople at the three TV companies said that their computers crashed and were not able to be restarted, with screens simply displaying error messages. The local authorities are looking into the matter, however the obvious thought is that this might be an attack by their North Korean neighbours.

This is a look at the transits for the the South Korean chart. Above I have included the South Korean natal chart set for 15th August 1948 in Seoul at midnight, formed after the split of the country into North and South Korea. The obvious candidate for a cyber attack is the Mars Uranus conjunction that is forming in Aries right now, quite literally internet (Uranus rules technology) attack (Mars, planet of force and attacks). This time around I have highlighted the important aspects so that you can see them a bit more clearly, mainly because the South Korean chart is a bit stressed at the moment.

You can see Mars Uranus in the outer ring in the 11th house making a square to South Korea’s 2nd house natal Venus and an opposition to their natal  Neptune which conveniently sits in their natal 5th house. Transiting Pluto in the South Korean 8th is also in action here opposing natal Venus and making a square to Neptune. Pluto is the planet of underground and subversive action, it is destructive and secretive. These influences are focusing on money institutions and broadcasters. Venus is the planet of money and the 2nd house rules the financial institutions, banks and money supply of a country, Neptune rules inspiration, films and TV and the 5th house is the house of entertainment, creativity and art.

Transiting Saturn which rules the 9th house of overseas relations is making a square to the Korean Midheaven, so this is interference that is aimed one might think indirectly at the leadership of South Korea possibly from abroad, and as such they will now be looking at security issues to see if another possible attack can be prevented. Actually who is to blame is very hard to tell from looking at the Korean chart. With the transiting nodal axis (not highlighted) square to the South Korean Sun, this is an unexpected hit to the Korean nation that nobody would have foreseen. Transiting Neptune and Mercury (not highlighted) are now square to the Korean Ascendant, bringing uncertainty and mixed messages hanging like a dense mist over Seoul, and Neptune is going to be holding this square throughout 2013. For sure in the coming year, the South Koreans are going to be very  nervous, confused and worrying what may come next…

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Japan – Aries Ingress Chart 2013

This time around I have decided to look at the ingress charts of Japan to see where their priorities lie ahead in the coming months. The ingress chart is the moment the Sun crosses the 0 degrees Aries point, and many Astrologers say that it sets the tone and the themes for the place it is set, until the next cardinal ingress point at the beginning of Cancer.

As with the earlier UK and US ingress chart I looked at, we have the same pattern of planets dotted around however because of the change in location on earth they switch houses and thus influence. On this chart we have a yod aimed at Jupiter from Saturn and Pluto, a grand water trine (Moon, Mercury/Neptune, Saturn) and a t-square from a Moon Pluto opposition aimed at a volatile Mars/Uranus conjunction. What can I deduce this time around for Japan?

The Sun and Venus sit in the 5th house, so artistically and creatively this could be an inspiring time for Japanese artists, musicians, designers and creators. Sport and entertainment will be favoured by the people and there may be a focus on children’s issues. With Venus in the 5th house (ruling the 8th) but conjunct to Mars and Uranus, the Japanese stock markets may be quite volatile in the next few months, rising quickly and falling sharply.

The people will be very focused on international affairs, those on the seas around Japan and in particular the fate of any islands and colonies that Japan owns. Faith and legal issues may also preoccupy the interests of the people. The opposition between Pluto and the Moon across the international and foreign axis (the 3rd/9th) squaring onto Uranus and Mars in the 6th house of the forces and national defence looks risky and Japan may have to react if any of their dependencies are threatened. I am thinking of China and her advances towards the Senkaku island chain which lies between the two nations. Pluto showing power sits in the 3rd house of neighbouring nations, surely representing the next superpower on Japan’s doorstep. Japan currently controls these islands, but China would dearly like to. This t-square could indicate that a sudden dispute and potential military action to defend the islands could get out of control very quickly. There is also one other dangerous possibility here. Pluto rules the nuclear industry and this t-square if it were activated by a malefic influence could see an accident or incident (Mars Uranus) at one of their power plants (possibly at Fukushima which is still unstable) that could severely affect the people (Moon).

The Saturn Pluto square shows where reform and rebuilding needs to occur, and with Saturn in the 1st house of national pride and the people and Pluto the planet of heavy industry and transformation in the 3rd house of infrastructure (roads, bridges, schools) this chart indicates that these are still priorities after the tsunami of March 2011. This sextile forms a yod focusing on Jupiter sitting in the Japanese 8th house. Reform and success may come though Japan’s multinational companies. They need to change but if they do, riches will follow. Japan’s currency may do well I feel on the international currency exchanges and relations between Japan and the rest of the world should be cordial; they may as a result of trade be able to improve their balance of payments.

The grand water trine on this chart favours the government of Shinzo Abe who took power late last year. Saturn, the sign of administration sits in the Japanese 1st house, so the one with the power and is in charge has favour now and with Neptune in the 4th house of the opposition, his opponents look decidedly weak and confused. The Moon represented by the people completing the grand trine shows that the people of Japan will clearly see this situation, and with Leo ruling the 10th house of the leadership, Mr Abe will continue to shine and dominate the spotlight.

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Sun and Venus conjunct Scheat - A brave new dawn is coming.

These connections are valid now and in the next 2-3 days until 22nd March

The Sun and Venus give me a good excuse to get out my picture of Pegasus the winged horse again, as this star sits where the saddle would be on his back. As I mentioned last time, Scheat is a star of intellect, of free though and actions and anyone who has a direct connection with this star will be independent and brave, unafraid of speaking their mind and communicating what they see as the truth.

The Sun here indicates a time when people speak their minds and will be very forthright. No mincing of words or hiding things under a veil of secrecy, there is a direct honesty here which will be refreshing seeing as Mercury has been in conjunction with Neptune and Deneb Adige, clouding issues and playing games with the what is right and what is wrong. Finally we can cut through much of the uncertainty and get to what is important.

Venus brings a more social and creative side to the power of Scheat. This promotes innovative design, a more direct approach to forming relationships, in essence the opposite person or party will make it quite clear where they stand and what they expect from you. This is an aspect of the alternative cutting edge artist, the one who goes out on a limb to shock and surprise. Under this influence we can see social change and generally accepted ideas being challenged.

In the next couple of days as the Sun and Venus connect with this star, they also enter the sign of Aries. We are about to enter a time when the playing around stops and the action begins. Let's get it on...

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Pope Francis I – The astrology of the first Pope from the Americas.

As I began writing this article, on the TV behind me Pope Francis I was being officially confirmed in his position at his inauguration Mass in St Peter’s Square in Rome, he received the Fisherman’s ring the sign of his authority over the Roman Catholic Church and his reign as Pope began. I have to confess that Jorge Bergoglio was not a name on my radar when I was considering who might take the reigns at the Vatican, and I am guessing he was hardly considered by anyone, except the most important people at the conclave which elected him, the 115 cardinals who were eligible to vote.

Jorge Mario Bergoglio was born on 17th December 1936 in Buenos Aires (no birth time yet confirmed), one of five children and of Italian parentage; he is a Sun sign Sagittarian and he has an Aquarian Moon. Sagittarius is the sign of knowledge and faith, it is a fire sign and a sign of exploration. Sagittarians are jovial, optimistic in nature, love to take risks and always have their eye on the next challenge; often very popular they love life and love a party. As they grow older, they become wiser and far more philosophical, they eventually do learn from the mistakes they made in the past. I find Sagittarians mature well, the wild side which may have seen them get into a few scrapes when younger settles down and they become much more knowledgeable and responsible. My father was a Sagittarian, so I have a bit of a personal insight on this particular sign. Mixed with an Aquarian Moon, we see a more independent side coming through in Jorge, a real understanding of social needs and a burning desire for the ideal of social equality. The Moon in Aquarius does like a bit of glamour though and to stand out from the crowd, to be seen as a bit unique and special. This combination therefore is perfect for a social leader, someone who wants to make their mark especially in a philosophical or religious manner.

Pope Francis’ Sun sits in a very close connection to his North Node sitting on the star Aculeus, in the sting of Scorpio. People born with their Sun on this star come from the school of hard knocks, their rise up and grow stronger despite criticism or attacks on one’s ideas or way of living. This star with the North Node indicates a man who’s intrinsic values are to help people and to take the lead in battling for a group of society. This is what he was born to do. That Sun/Aculeus/North Node conjunction makes two aspects to both faith planets, a conjunction to Jupiter which brings a wide view of the world and a continuous optimism and a square to Neptune, which is very compassionate and dreamy and gives motivation to follow a spiritual path. This ultimately is a gentle man, someone who is drawn to take the hard path in helping the suffering and those in need through faith and religion.

Jupiter is in Capricorn alongside Mercury a position that shows shrewdness and no little ambition. Don’t be fooled about this humble man, he would have wanted authority (Saturn/Capricorn) on a global scale (Jupiter). Of course this position has a second meaning, to lead (Saturn/Capricorn) in matters of faith (Jupiter). This picture is not just seen here, it is also indicated by the Saturn Neptune opposition that I will get onto later, ambition (Saturn) in spiritual matters (Neptune). Mercury in Capricorn conjunct to Jupiter is serious and disciplined but also thinks and sees things on a grand scale. This position is someone who loves delving into theory, exploring the teachings of great minds and scholars and what they had to say; forever learning and wanting to expand one’s knowledge. This position shows an aptitude for being a teacher too, for sharing what you have learnt and sharing it with others.

The Jupiter Uranus conjunction makes a double trine to Uranus in Taurus. This Uranus sits directly on two fixed stars, Hamal in the constellation of Aries and Schedar, the main star in the constellation of Cassiopeia, the Queen of the skies. Hamal combined with Uranus shows enthusiasm and enjoyment from working and being pro-active on behalf of the public, on being an activist for social change. The link to Schedar is a regal link, it shows leadership in one’s community and showing kindness and consideration in working for the betterment of all, even if one has to take an alternative line to achieve this. Combine these influences with Jupiter and Mercury and this is someone who wanted and was destined to lead as well as to promote and to call for active change. Remember the lightening bolt that hit the Vatican just after the shock announcement of the resignation of Benedict XVI? Hindsight is a wonderful thing and only now one could see the signature of this new Pope. Uranus electrifies whichever planet it connects to, it shakes things up and is unafraid to act, brings a bolt of new energy, it enthuses and enlivens. The link of Uranus to Schedar was I believe “the” sign of the radical leader to come, one who would take the church in a new direction.

Uranus makes a double square to a Venus Moon conjunction in Aquarius. This is a lovely sympathetic and affectionate combination which cares about women, children and family life. Beneath the surface is a soft and gentle heart, one that never wants to offend and dislikes harshness. The Aquarian Moon as I mentioned is very aware of social issues and does show an independent side in ones emotions, however it is given a real dose of Uranian energy here. Despite that warm smile and the genuine compassion that he portrays on TV, do you feel like I do that there is a very detached soul here, one who knows how to keep his distance, something that all fine leaders ultimately have? 

Aquarius and Uranus are hugely individual influences and fixed too, and they will insist on doing things their way, they have absolutely no sentimentality for the past. Not only being the first Jesuit Pope, this man is going to shake things up in the Vatican, big style!! Out with the old and in with the new, this man will stand for nothing less. Venus and Uranus are in mutual reception (in signs ruled by the other planet) and thus are working really well here. This turns up the level of kindness and compassion within him up several notches, but with Uranus in Taurus square to it’s ruler Venus, he will rebel against a comfortable “Taurean” lifestyle. No more limousines, this man prefers to take the bus.

Mars sits alone on this chart in Libra making only a quindecile to Uranus as a connection of any significance. Mars in Libra is the archetypal “iron fist in a velvet glove”, it is a tough and active position for Mars to be. This shows an need to fight for justice and equality, and with this Mars connected to Uranus by that laser like quindecile, he will always have been a strong and strident voice for change in the Catholic Church. Now of course, he has the ultimate power to see it happen. Just watch in the next few weeks and months as a hurricane sweeps through the Vatican. A lot of the officials who though they were in comfortable and permanent positions won’t know what has hit them.

I fix my gaze now on the only opposition on his chart, one between Saturn and Neptune, across the Pisces Virgo axis, the one on the chart of suffering and service, charity and solitude. Saturn in Pisces is an easy position to interpret, to work (Saturn) in spiritual matters (Pisces). Neptune in Virgo shows modesty and service to the neglected and marginalized people in society and the poor, and together with Saturn in Pisces in a powerful opposition they show a very conservative and traditional form of spiritual belief, one which espouses old values, those like marriage, loyalty, devotion and obedience to the word of God. Notice that he asks people to pray for him rather than the other way around, that’s the humble influence of Neptune in Virgo coming through loud and clear.

The opposition here also shows finding a balance between the limitations of the material world (Saturn) and one’s beliefs, visions and ideals (Neptune). The Uranus Venus square I think tips the balance here in favour of austerity and simplicity, of kindness to the poor, of fighting for equality for them (Mars in Libra), of a global vision of the church revitalized to serve those people. The name he chose, Francis, following in the footsteps of Francis of Assisi, suits him down to the ground.

I mentioned in my article a week ago on who could be the next pope that Jupiter sitting conjunct in the skies to Aldebaran, the royal star in the eye of the bull in Taurus would be a significant indicator of who might be chosen; the old texts say that this conjunction favours high ecclesiastical honour. Today, as Pope Francis was acclaimed in Rome, Jupiter was exactly conjunct to this star, and it just so happens that Aldebaran is his own Heliacal setting star, one which would be activated into the second part of his life affecting him deeply. This signifies someone who will eventually find a set of principles which will guide his life, be it social, political or spiritual. It suggests success and acclaim if one stands true to these principles and does not compromise them, however if one has taken or takes the wrong path then one will be eventually found out, and lose everything. Greatness or ignominy awaits him…

****** Update – Birth time confirmed ******

Finally we have the official birth time of Pope Francis I - 21.00 hrs discovered by Claudia Rizzi, ISAR in Buenos Aires through a copy of his birth certificate. Well done Claudia…

We now know he has Cancer rising so he will be protective to his loved ones and his own little circle especially I suspect the Cardinals who voted for him. Cancer's ruler, the Moon sits in his 7th house with Venus so a strong need for the those he loves and cherishes around him. Uranus conjunct his Midheaven in the 10th house - a reformer for sure. Sun Jupiter in 6th house shows a modest attitude, an attention to detail and a very honest work ethic. Pluto in 1st shows someone who has had a tough upbringing, including losing a lung when young, but also has a magnetic personality and can wield personal power.

He was elected with Pluto bang on his natal Mercury just into his 7th house and was opposing his Ascendant, Uranus was square so big personal change was coming. Interesting that Scorpio (Pluto) rules his 4th house, so a change of residence was also on the cards at the time he was chosen…

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United States – Aries Ingress Chart 2013

This is the second in a series looking at the ingress charts of a few of the most important nations on the earth and where their priorities may lie ahead. The ingress chart is the moment the Sun crosses the 0 degrees Aries point, and many Astrologers say that it sets the tone and the themes for the next three months, until the next cardinal ingress point at the beginning of Cancer. This time I focus my gaze on the Unites States of America.

As with the earlier UK ingress chart I looked at, we have the same pattern of planets dotted around however because of the change in location on earth they switch houses and thus influence. On this chart we have a yod aimed at Jupiter from Saturn and Pluto, a grand water trine (Moon, Mercury/Neptune, Saturn) and a t-square from a Moon Pluto opposition aimed at a volatile Mars/Uranus conjunction. What can I deduce this time around for the United States?

This time we have the Sun Venus Mars and Uranus all positioned in the first house of the nation, the people and the general mood. With all these planet sitting here, one can say that there will be quite a volatile atmosphere in the States in the next three months. Where does this general anger come out? The Pluto Moon opposition shows it. Pluto shows ultimate power and control and it sits in the 10th house of government, the administration run by Barack Obama. Pluto indicates many things in the 10th house. A policy of the transformation of the functioning of government, secrets being withheld by the administration, heavy industry being favoured. Opposed is the Moon in the 4th house, the house of the land and of farmers, the patriots and those who have traditional values. The 4th house is the house of the opposition (the Republican heartlands) and you can intrinsically see a split here, an opposition to the way that government is being run and a square from this Moon to Uranus, trying to intervene in general social progress and to prevent reform in traditional ways of living - hunting, fishing and shooting (Mars).

Saturn in the 8th house of debt and big business indicates problems with the deficit and money owed as well as laws aimed at social security & taxes. Pluto’s influence on Saturn through the sextile between them is to transform and quite possibly in this next three months some type of legislation will again be proposed to sort out a budget. With Venus ruling the second house of money (through Taurus) the will of the majority of people will certainly want it, however with the Moon also being square to Venus, the opposition Republican side will not.

Saturn and Pluto focus a Yod onto Jupiter and I think that local infrastructure, transportation and education will be a key targets for the Obama government in the next few months. I think there will also be a focus on neighbouring nations to the US, to Mexico, Canada, Central America and the Caribbean islands, including Cuba. The grand water trine on this chart sees Saturn in the 8th house trine to Neptune and Mercury in the 12th and the Moon in the 4th. The exploitation of gas and hidden resources and funnily enough healthcare issues look as if they will gain in support from all sides, maybe as people realise the benefits of a healthcare system that helps those less well off to get some assistance. The square between Jupiter and Mercury and Neptune interests me. Will the cat come out of the bag now about religious practises and excesses that have previously been hidden from view?

The US is such a large country that the West Coast can act quite differently from Washington in the East. If you set the chart for Seattle, an interesting picture comes out.  Here we have Pluto bang on the Ascendant and Saturn on the Midheaven. Pluto and Saturn on the angles sitting on an ingress chart can indicate a possibility of a disaster of some kind, and here we have the two most important angles being affected by two of the most difficult influences in the heavens. Add to this a square from Mars and Uranus to Pluto opposite to the Moon and we have the potential for a disaster affecting many people. My thinking is the possibility of an earthquake happening at some time in the next three months. If you move down the West Coast, Pluto moves more and more into the 12th house but Saturn still stays reasonably close to the Midheaven, certainly as far south as San Francisco if you reposition the chart.

I have mentioned in previous posts that I think the possibility is there for a big earthquake on the West Coast soon, and this picture reinforces my views, although if one comes it may occur a bit further north than I previously hinted at. A big enough one might just shake the whole of the West Coast. The Washington chart does have Saturn in the 8th house of death and public mourning, and this suggests to me an incident will happen to trigger some sadness across the US in the coming months.

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United Kingdom – Aries Ingress chart 2013

If I get time over the next couple of days, I will have a look at the Aries ingress charts for a series of countries around the world to see what is in store in the next 3 months. The ingress chart is the moment the Sun crosses the 0 degrees Aries point, and many Astrologers say that it sets the tone and the themes for the next three months, until the next cardinal ingress point at the beginning of Cancer. I naturally start off with my home country of the UK.

On this chart we have a yod aimed at Jupiter from Saturn and Pluto, a grand water trine (Moon, Mercury/Neptune, Saturn) and a t-square from a Moon Pluto opposition aimed at a volatile Mars/Uranus conjunction. A lot to work through here so what do I see?

Firstly the yod. We have Pluto in the 6th house of the public workers and unions so transformation is coming here to public services. Saturn sits in the 5th house of sport, children, entertainment as well as the financial brokers and the stock exchanges as well as any kind of speculation. We may find regulation or tough times for these areas of British life, in effect the budgets may be limited and reform of administrative bodies may be insisted on. The pointer of the Yod however is aimed at Jupiter in the 12th house, so the main area of concern and possible bone of contention will be the make up and funding of the Nation Health Service; expect reforms aimed here as well as reforms to welfare and the care of the less fortunate in society.

With the Moon in the 12th house conjunct to the Ascendant, the people will continue to suffer and this disaffection will be taken up by the unions (Moon Pluto opposition). This could lead to strike and industrial action aimed at the government, seen by the Mars Uranus conjunction in the 10th house of the people at the top of society conjunct to the UK Sun and Venus. Cancer rules the 2nd house of the money supply and UK finance, and Pluto’s influence on Cancer’s ruler the Moon I think may block rather than encourage any significant financial recovery. Uranus and Mars square to the Moon I think indicates instability in the UK monetary position. The relationship between those unions and the Government is likely to be rather strained I feel. This wide 4 planet conjunction also hints a new industrial projects backed by the Government to benefit the public which are far reaching and modern.

The grand water trine I think concerns overseas issues. Saturn sits in the 5th house of dependent colonies, Neptune shows a connection to natural gas and oil as well as to faith issues and the connection to the Moon shows public support. I am thinking here of the Falkland Islands issue which I think may rumble on through the spring. There are potentially large reserves of oil near to the Falkland Islands, and just today, the president of Argentina Cristina Fernández de Kirchner has asked the new pope, Francis I to intervene in the situation. I think that the grand trine shows the UK and the people standing firmly behind the government on these issues.

Finally we have a square between Jupiter and Mercury which I see as a philosophical argument about potential freedom (Jupiter) of the press (Mercury) and creative media (Mercury/Neptune) over what they can publish (9th house/Jupiter) and what they can’t. The UK will continue to do well in music and film, Jupiter grants favour on all creative and artistic projects aimed at an overseas market.

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Cyprus – Tax on savings causes public panic

Late yesterday, the Cyprus Government dropped a bombshell that not only upset their own population but might also send shockwaves right across the European Union. The Greek controlled part of the divided island has been in a financial crisis in the past year, and as part of an agreed bail out from the EU it has decided to tax people’s savings and bank accounts. Not just the wealthy are affected, this is a blanket tax charging 6% on the ordinary Cypriots and up to 10% on the wealthy. It not only applies to the local population, it extends to foreign nationals too. This has caused consternation and people have rushed to banks to withdraw their money to avoid any penalties. The worry across the continent is that other financially struggling European nations might consider passing similar laws.

I have placed the natal chart of Cyprus formed when Cyprus gained independence form the UK (16th Aug 1960, Nicosia – midnight) at the top and current transits below. The transits chart is very striking as you will see huge pressure aimed directly at the Moon Mars conjunction sitting in the Cypriot 12th house of hidden affairs and suffering.

That conjunction is under pressure from a yod aspect, formed by two inconjunct aspects from transiting Saturn in the Cypriot 6th house and Pluto in the 8th. On the Cyprus chart Scorpio rules the 6th of the ordinary workers and Capricorn the 8th of debt, banks, financial institutions, taxes and change. This yod focuses on the 12th house of issues that cause suffering and pain. The Moon, through it’s sign Cancer rules the Cypriot 2nd house of personal finance, and Mars the planet of action through Aries rules the 11th house of national legislation. Transiting Jupiter which sits at the point of the yod in the heavens right now is also conjunct this Mars Moon conjunction and through it’s sign Sagittarius which sits on the cusp of the 7th house of dealings with other countries, we see a link to the conditions imposed by the EU. Putting all this together, Cyprus is having to make structural reforms (Saturn sextile Pluto) through legislation to the money system (11th house/2nd house), and this is required so that they can receive the money that is promised. As a result we have anger (Mars) and a severe emotional reaction from the people of Cyprus (Moon).

The nature of this surprise decision is seen through the transiting Nodal axis which is still square to the natal Cypriot Sun Uranus conjunction. Fate (Nodal axis) has been turning it’s hand and causing the Cypriot government (Sun/Midheaven – ruled by Aquarius) to make some very radical (Uranus) decisions.

Transiting Mars and Uranus are now moving into a volatile conjunction and they will be making trine to the natal Cypriot 3rd house Mercury in the next couple of days. I can imagine that there will be widespread angry vocal protests, getting more and more agitated, probably at their peak by 22nd March. With this conjunction inconjunct to Pluto and Venus in the 4th house there is going to be widespread opposition (4th house) to this measure, and it could get quite nasty and destructive (Pluto). Keep your eyes on Nicosia…

*****Update – 19th Mar 2013*****

It looks like the Cyprus government is backing down, a little. After protests especially from the poor, they are adjusting the law not include anyone with savings less than 20,000 Euros in their bank. 

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