OCTOBER 2021 GLOBAL ASTROLOGICAL OVERVIEW

 

With Mercury retrograde till the 18^th and since September 27th, frustrations and delays abound, not least in England.  All month, till the around the 24^th Mars and the Sun are both in Libra nudging each other. This can only bring an atmosphere of barely disguised tensions and anger in people and global politics and a there is a ruthless desire to win This will however be bathed, in some disguise of charm and claims of fairness and this will be especially strong on the 8^th.

 However, the mood is clearly dangerously intense around the 2^nd, 17^th and 18th and around the 22^nd when Mercury, the Sun and Mars all respectively, square up to Pluto.  Power struggles that can be dangerous, are in the air, particularly on the 22nd.

The fight against climate change, so illuminated now by the facts and by direct and plentiful global experience, is growing as a priority for many, for obvious reasons, and it is increasingly creating serious eco anxiety, especially in the young, whose future is felt to be seriously threatened. However, so many people in power, are still in reality, very much still side-lining the issue, in favour of financial interests and growth, although lip service is being paid to it by many leaders.  There are of course leaders who totally acknowledge the vastness of the problem and are doing their best to address it, but it is only collective global cooperation which will make a significant enough difference.

 A huge existential clash of values now is coming to a head globally and with Neptune in Pisces and Uranus in Taurus now, nature is doing its best to wake us up, which is as clear as day , especially again to the young, but the old establishment socio/economic order (Pluto in Capricorn 2008 till 2025) is dominating and creates such a strong sense of ego , that it is just too much for many with power to face the inconvenient truth of a massive needed change of values and priorities.

 The technological development we are seeing is rapid and mind blowing in so many ways, for both good and ill, especially now Aquarius is so strong with both Jupiter and Saturn in that sign, but sometimes it seems we have become too smart for our own good, with wisdom becoming side-lined, again, often on the altar of money, power and ego alone.

When Pluto ,which equals power..( think of the words Plutonium and Plutocracy) moves in 2025 into Aquarius, (innovation, big picture, technology), it is hoped that power in that area will be combined with a humanitarian outlook and a collective wisdom, but because Pluto seems to revel in personal power, ego and control, there is a worry that technological advancement can then be used as a tool for dangerous control, manipulation, power and even warfare, without having to drop a single bomb.   Technology allows countries potentially to be held to ransom by other countries, if they can powerfully infiltrate technological systems. We are already seeing widespread misuse of technology, and this could become dangerously socio-political very easily.

 Motive is everything with Pluto, magnificently regenerative and healing when used well, or very destructive and dark, when used for reasons of selfish gain and power.

 The Gray Zone concept is looming as a reality.

 Boris Johnson has Mars on his ascendant between the 1^st and the 4^th.suggesting thar others will be problematic to him in their challenge and he will be under some duress … not least re economic issues, and looking at the England birth chart, Jupiter is currently square to the natal Neptune, which certainly points to an over optimism, a lack of clarity and reality, plus a desire for heroic jingoistic glamour, when it comes to innovative international relations.

 Biden’s chart continues to be stressed and from the 23^rd when Saturn opposes his natal Pluto (every 30 years) till November17th.  International relations are very difficult for him then and his power is at least totally limited, and at worst, really threatened.  Saturn is also squaring his Part of Fortune, most of the month, quite literally implying that his luck is at a very low ebb.

 There is still for the USA chart, a powerful transit of Pluto opposing the natal Mercury (Since March 2020 and till January 2022) suggesting a powerful and protracted period of stress, relating to the international reputation of the States (Since March 2020 and till January 2022)

New world orders are developing, broken alliances are manifesting with new, seeming illogical ones formed. Shape shifting and obscure agreements, are being announced, without clear reason, other than, it seems, the desire for immediate power of certain egocentric leaders and short-term economic gain, regardless of long-term consequences or risks. This is notable now, in the terms of new international agreements and deals, regarding increased proliferation of nuclear weapons.   This is indeed a manifestation of the downside of Neptune in Pisces, since 2012, which does indeed create behind the scenes smoke and mirrors and deceptions, resulting from the often fanciful, ego centred motives of certain powerful, but often foolish men, who only see the future in terms of their own glamourous tenure of office and who are wilfully ignoring the risks. The good of the world is sacrificed on the altar of perceived individual, national heroism and ego … A sad but increasingly common fact, re many of our world leaders.

The full Moon is on the 20^th at 27 degrees of Aries and the New Moon is on the 6^th at 13 degrees     Libra. Libras born around the 6^th/7^th October may well feel at the time of the New Moon, as if a new chapter is unfolding, whilst for Aries, born around the 17^{th of} April, there may be around the 20^th, a sense of an ending in some context, that must erupt in some way.  Things come to a head.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SEPTEMBER 2021 GLOBAL ASTROLOGICAL OVERVIEW

 The Taliban takeover of Afghanistan was alarmingly confirmed on Sunday 15 August, when they took Kabul. With hindsight, the chart for that day was very powerful in Kabul.   There were 2 strong fixed T squares of planetary influences at work, triggered by the Moon going through Scorpio, involving the Sun, Uranus, Saturn, the Moon, with Jupiter also nudging his way in. … all in fixed signs.  To top that, on the 15^th around the middle of the day in Kabul, for a few hours, Scorpio was rising and conjunct the Moon in that sign, which totally rubber stamped the power of the almost Fixed grand cross created.

 Fixed signs are the most immoveable, stubborn and durable of the signs.

 Hindsight is a wonderful thing, but an astrologer can’t be looking at every country every day.

 This was ominous for not only that country, but with significant global implications, especially with a powerful disruptive Uranus involved, and notably when challenged by Saturn, which is still happening now .

 Saturn challenging Uranus is basically a challenge to freedom, and those challenges to freedoms can be for either the collective good, or to the detriment of all, depending on one’s ideology, temperament and viewpoint.  We have seen this with the whole epidemic dynamic; and this clash of these two planets has indeed been around, on and off globally, since the appearance of Covid.

With Afghanistan, the likely limits put on the population’s freedom by the new regime, are now very much perceived by most of the world, as repressive and creating a frightening and very dangerous situation for many.

Now, looking at events in Afghanistan, we know why, as I mentioned in last month’s blog, that Jo Biden’s chart was so tough then.

 His chart is not looking easy at all this month either, as he has an every 30-year Saturn exactly opposing his natal Pluto from the 3^rd till the 30^th.  This limits his power enormously, especially in international dealings, as Pluto is in his 9^th house in his natal chart (international and legal issues).

 He will not achieve what he wanted, during this time, but when Saturn says no to Pluto in anybody’s chart, it is often because that person is not meant to have what they want or assumes they will get, as other lessons are needed to be learned and therefore their power is often very stymied. What one wants and what one needs, are often very different. This energy returns with a vengeance in his chart, from the 23^rd of October till 17^th November this year too, and in truth, it never really goes away throughout September till late November. 

However, because Saturn is in good relation to Pluto in his natal chart, he will manage this challenge better than many leaders would, as he will have some humility and will adjust.  It will however be a tough time for him.

Talking of leaders, Boris Johnson has Mars squaring his Sun and Venus around the 12^th and 13^th of ^this month, when he may have much to struggle with, in terms of some nemesis coming back to haunt him from his past behavior and decisions, and around the 20^th he will be in an uncomfortable situation again, especially on the 21^st when the full Moon will square his Sun and Venus.

 Being the month of Virgo, there is also a strong activation of Johnson’s 12th house in his birth chart, indicating that much energy in his life will be focused on behind-the-scenes secrecy and there will be potential obfuscation of truth. The 12^th house relates strongly to past and karma.

 Importantly this month, Mercury on the 27^th, starts on his notorious, customary retrograde period (approximately 3 times a year). This continues till October 18^th. He is passing through Libra for all this period.  Hence, as always, this will be a period of delay, frustrations and blocks globally. This not least will be connected to problems re the principles of Libra, relating to issues of harmony, worldwide diplomacy, negotiation and a block on fairness and justice. This will also affect us all personally too, to some extent, especially in the areas ruled by Libra in our personal charts. Many Sun sign Librans will be more aware of this, than most. Boris Johnson has a Libra ascendant and so will certainly feel the strain during this period., especially next month.

The thing to remember about Mercury retrograde, is that this event should be used as an opportunity for a rethink and recalibration of issues, as when this block is there, it is a time to learn from, and not to just to make us frustrated and angry. Also, patience is demanded, if we are on the wisest track.

 Climate change issues have loomed ominously large in the last few months and technology is now in no position to dawdle in terms of innovation to ameliorate the problems the world faces; and indeed, the now ongoing position of Saturn and Jupiter in the futuristic, humanitarian and technologically innovative sign of Aquarius, are in the spotlight.

 The problem is, we need global motivation from all governments, to invest in these areas, and that involves a need for wisdom and a lack of corruption, in terms of dubious vested interests. Those short-term interests may be good for those in power and their ego, but not for the whole of humanity and the planet.   Pluto in Capricorn (2008-2025) is still fighting its corner, a planetary position which is mainly concerned with preservation of the power of the old status quo and the old ruthless, consumerist economic order and the idea of eternal economic growth, at all costs to the earth… Neo liberal capitalism, no less. The unsustainability of this ideology is now screaming out.

The biblical quote “money is the root of all evil” is incorrect. The correct quote is “The love of money is the root of all evil”.

 Short term gratification, governmental flag waving and paying mere lip service to the need for change, is feeding egos only and it must concede humbly, to the urgent action to bring real long-term gain for the health of the planet, and therefore for us all.

 It is becoming obvious, I think to many, that corruption of governments is the 2^nd biggest threat to our planet, after climate change.

The sensitivity to and appreciation of nature, as brought to us by Neptune in Pisces (2012-2026) is totally seeping into our collective consciousness, in terms of what really matters, and it isn’t the exploitation of the planet, for personal wealth. Also, Uranus in Taurus (2019- -mid 2026) which is all about shock and change in our earthy infrastructure, is certainly also doing his bit to urgently wake us up.

We all need to beware of deceptive circumstances around the 2^nd and 3^rd and the 14^th, when Neptune is opposed by Mars and the Sun respectively. There will be then the danger of smoke and mirrors and confusion.  Things will not be as they seem, although the arts can be inspired in some way then. The 23^rd and 24^th see Venus in Scorpio opposing Uranus, when the unexpected is in the air and some shock and revelations are possible, personally and globally.

 Days of potential progress and breakthroughs are the 6^th and 7th and the 17^th bringing strength, regeneration and breakthroughs in some way.

AUGUST 2021 GLOBAL ASTROLOGICAL OVERVIEW

The very powerful, and existential climate change impacts, that are affecting our planet now, are more intense and faster in development than even many climate scientists anticipated … and that my friends, is genuinely scary and if ever nature is trying to warn us, it is really speeding up on that process now.

It seems that the whole Covid crisis is like a mere practice run for the massive threat of climate issues now burgeoning upon us, and it is a daunting, but essential challenge, as to how we must cope with these cooperatively, on a global level.

Astrologically, Uranus in Taurus, since May 2018 till May 2026, is the most significant indicator of this energy. Uranus is synonymous with unpredictable change, disruption, some chaos and necessary shock, (feels negative) but which demands action on a whole new kinder, innovative, technological, revolutionary, and essentially on a humanitarian level (positive). Taurus relates to literally the earth, our security and value systems, and the practical functioning of our planet. Hence the status quo and our infrastructure must, as a matter of emergency, be radically addressed in terms of a necessarily changed value and economic system. Respecting nature and its complex delicate balance and interactions, need total honouring, and indeed our own survival depends on it. 

 We need nature. It doesn’t need us.

Jupiter back now again in Aquarius (Innovation, progress, technology), since the end of last month, and staying there till the end of December this year, augurs well for ongoing enlightened, benign progress (positive Jupiter) in relation to scientific breakthrough… which has already served us well re vaccination progress… It also will now need to focus increasingly urgently on how technology can bring change and radically limit our man-made damage to the planet.

It is also true that Jupiter’s potential for advancement and growth can have a downside .. and his journey through Aquarius this year, has also correlated with the huge increase in power that technology has over us all and there has been a very significant rise in the tech companies’ economic worth and power. As a result, we have in many ways, a world dominated now by a technocracy, which holds massive power for ill, as well as good, and which can certainly dominate our governments. Its genius potential can be used for dark motive, and it can completely outwit and indeed even control our rulers. Certain world leaders can now also use it to gain advantage and power over other countries rulers, who mostly are completely blindsided by technology’s dark potential.

 When Pluto (power) enter Aquarius in 2024/25 (for 20 years) the potential then re technology is rather daunting.

Saturn, a benevolent despot, or to put it another way, a karmic schoolteacher, (discipline and tough lessons) is also now in Aquarius, (since December 2020 and till March 2023) and is therefore showing us the necessity principle, and brings harsh reality checks about difficult, even revolutionary changes that must be made. Since Uranus rules Aquarius, the whole principle of Jupiter and Saturn being in that sign, accentuates essentially the need for growth in innovation and an enlightened insight and revolutionary change on a global level. These planetary placements serve as an essential wakeup call, that must honour the need and huge discipline required, in how we collectively do things for the benefit of our planet and all on the planet. 

The downside of Saturn (discipline/lessons) in Aquarius is rebellion against the blocks on freedoms, even if they are necessary. The libertarian right wing of political parties, find imposed discipline, even if for the greater good, an insult to their ingrained sense of entitlement and to the assumption that eternal economic growth is the only valid creed… and even of course, greed.

 When money is the only God, we are in deep trouble.

 Pluto however (ruthless power for good or ill) is still in the sign of Capricorn (2008- till 2025) which is a sign linked to traditional, conservative, established economic systems and infrastructures, and often the very antithesis of Aquarian values. (England is a Capricorn country). This indicates an ongoing conflict therefore between the necessity, of the new and positive, revolutionary big picture values, versus the clinging to the old social and economic hierarchies, even though the survival of humanity is at stake.

The planet itself, however, will always survive, with or without us… and probably more happily with the latter, if the current status quo is not changed.

 This is a unique moment in human and planetary history.

Neptune is in his once every 165-year visit to Pisces (2012-2026) and so is now playing a powerful role on people’s consciousness and value system. Pisces is about the power of the spiritual and the simple, not least related to the appreciation of the value and beauty of nature and indeed, that of the creative arts too. Because Neptune rules Pisces, the hunger to value these qualities is felt doubly strongly now and will be a very powerful, inbuilt generational characteristic for all who have been born during those years when it is in its own sign (As above). Pisces and its ruler Neptune are also about metaphorical and literal, invisible spread (already obviously globally verified, pandemic wise) and about the power of the collective unconscious. Negatively, potential insidious influences, especially illusion/ delusion/lies, can now more easily be spread, for obvious example, by the power of social media.

Emphasis on Leo during this month is always a cause for more extrovert, expansive and confident behaviour, but the downside of that sign, being that an excess of those characteristics, can lead to a price to pay later. The increased power of ego and entitlement can create a mood of overconfidence and overreaching, re the emergence from the epidemic.

However, carefully considered optimism, backed by some evidence, is not necessarily proved wrong.

Around the 2nd when the Sun opposes Saturn, there are essential reality checks for us all, as the spirit of personal adventure and ego, may well clash with necessity of collective consideration.

Around the 4^th Boris Johnson has Mercury squaring his Neptune, when his predisposition to be vague, evasive, and to proclaim big, empty ideas, or be economical with the truth, especially re finance/economy, will be very strong. However, he has a very positive boost, after that date, when Jupiter trines his Sun till the 15th. He will then be in celebratory and confident mode, validly or not, either privately or indeed publicly.

 Jo Biden needs care and caution round the 5^th-22^nd when Jupiter squares his Sun and Venus, he is in danger of over promising or being overconfident, however, a simultaneous Saturn trining its own place in his chart, will give him some wise and self-reflective grounding. August is not ever really the best month for Biden, as the Sun squares up then to all his 4 powerful Scorpio planets.

 Days of some stress for the planet in general, and unpredictable eruptions, not least potentially geophysically and climate wise, are around the 7^th, when the Sun squares up to Uranus. And around the 8^th there is for many, much confusion, smoke and mirrors and lack of clarity about the trajectory of our collective travel.

Days of potential breakthroughs/ progress re our world, are the 3^rd, the 12^th the 20^th, 23rd and the 26th, when positive aspects from the inner planets to the outer planets, can then augur generally well for us.

The new Moon falls on the 8^th at 16 degrees of Leo, and the full Moon falls on the 22^nd at 29 degrees of Aquarius. Those born around August the 9^th, may find the that the 8^th of this month therefore brings opportunities for the initiation of the positive new, whilst those born around February the 19^th, may find that the 22^nd brings to a head stresses that have been building, and which may finally manifest then, quite eruptively. It can indeed mark the closure of a chapter.

 

 

 

 

 

JULY 2021 GLOBAL ASTROLOGICAL OVERVIEW

 Jupiter entered Aquarius on December 20^th last year, in his once every 12-year visitation …  He worked through that sign fast, bringing a speedy, much needed scientific triumph in vaccination development and research and recognition of the humanitarian universality of the need for cooperation in this issue (all Aquarius values). He then temporarily entered Pisces on May 14th where he stays till the 28^th of this month, and then he returns to Aquarius till December 29^th, 2021, to complete his welcome goals there.  From Pisces, positively, he has really underlined the focus on the value of our environment and love of nature and the urgency to wake up big time, to the need for protection of and the beauty of nature (all Pisces values) … and a strong focus on sea health (Neptune, God of the sea and Pisces ruler) has also been much emphasized.

 He has also brought a longing to get back the power of the arts and music into our lives, another Pisces focus a need for the soul to be fed. Negatively the power of Pisces has underlined the spread of conspiracy theories re mind control and dangers via vaccination, Pisces is a sign, that in extremis, is vulnerable to fantasy and some paranoia… and can bring confusion too about direction of travel re Covid control.

 The power of the continued conflict between need for freedom versus the ongoing need for caution re Covid, still hovers, as Saturn (restriction) still challenges Uranus (freedom) by rare square aspect in the heavens. This totally eases next year.

 On the 3^rd and 4^th, there is a rebellious unpredictable feeling in the air, both individually and globally, when Mars squares Uranus. Economic shocks and poor judgment are a possibility then too. Accident proneness and impulsiveness generally can be an issue. Indeed, it will be wise for us all, not least politicians/leaders, to stop and think before action, notably If Leo or Taurus, born between the 4^th and 8^th of May or August.

 Mars in Leo till the 29^th underlines the collective urge this month to live life more to the full, to chase the Sun via holidays and to express social creativity and feel the life force …hard to repress, even if needed… especially for Leos.   Around the 13^th sees a particular high passion in many, re enjoyment of life, not least in love life, and in the arts, when Venus conjoins with Mars.

Jo Biden has a few challenges this month, conflicts and blocks loom large around the 1st, the 16^th and 26^th. Strong egos are likely to frustrate him, at all costs, on principle, rather than logic.  Also, Pluto is opposing his Jupiter all month and the 1st half of next month. He will therefore be in real determined mode in order to achieve his goals. which, in turn will attract a strong ruthless desire by others to sabotage his actions.

 Boris Johnson has a very careless and a strong sleight of hand orientation around the 6^th and 7^th when Mars squares up both his Jupiter and Neptune. The used car salesman in him will be dominating. Having Saturn's ongoing, every 30-year conjunction to his Part of Fortune point, has not helped his position in terms of good judgment.

 Days of frustration and reality checks, generally for us all, are around the 1^st/2^nd and the 7^th when Saturn forces us to slow down and get real, without anger, both in our personal and collective lives.

 The 17^th/18^th brings a once-a-year Sun opposition to Pluto.  The quite explosive power of determination and confrontation is significantly in the air then. Power struggles no less, and the 25^th, also has the flavour of a real ideological power struggle, when Mercury opposes Pluto.  Ruthless arguments will dominate the ether. Trying to change others’ views will then be futile.

Pluto can bring obsession and potential abuse of power, from self or others when in challenging mode.  His ongoing journey through Capricorn (2008-2025), which rules the established economic order, has undoubtedly brought abuse of power re neo liberal capitalist philosophy, including massively increasing financial inequalities, tax evasions and a rise in power of monopolies and corporations etc…  If you combine that with Uranus (unpredictability /change /innovation/risk and technology) now in Taurus, since March 2019 till April 2026, a sign about money and values, (happens every 84 years), this points also to an ongoing revolution in the way we do money.

Cashless society is becoming the prevailing mode of financial transaction and Uranus, being the ruler of technology, has also seen the significant rise of crypto currency, with all its unpredictability and ephemeral qualities.  However, because Uranus also rules shock, and unpredictable danger, we have also seen a whole global economic crisis because of the shock of the epidemic and a huge loss of income for so many, whilst indeed others have thrived.

We are all in the same storm, but certainly not all in the same boat.

 Also, with the massive power of technology and its increasing unpredictable uses and abuses, not least re money, there has been an underreported huge rise of serious online and phone financial scams, which many have been vulnerable to, and authorities seem to have little ability, or maybe the will, to prevent this.

We must remember that Neptune ongoing in Pisces now, has a downside of confusion, deception, and smoke and mirrors, which can make many vulnerable.

We live increasingly in a technocracy., especially with the power of the sign of Aquarius which is so powerful re technology and Uranus (which rules Aquarius), now so strong. This power can be used for amazing progress for the greater good, or indeed otherwise.

 The energy of every planet has its downside and how we choose to use the powers of our planets (and our signs) are a matter of a mixture of personal choice, morality, wisdom, ideology and the prevailing value system of our society’s influences on us.  That is the human condition. As humans we have this struggle, but never more has the choice of our use of power, either for the greater good, or for personal gain, been more vital and indeed existential, as for the first time in human history, the survival of the entire planet, or not, can depend on those choices.

 Astrology has an implicit morality, as it reveals the choices we have and indeed importantly, the resultant karmic lessons we need to learn as a result of how we individually and collectively choose to express the power potential implicit in our charts.

 The outer planets particularly, which are generational in influence, as they stay for years in each sign, test the collective motives and morality of prevailing global values and direction of travel at any given period.

 To be unusually positive, the days of potential breakthrough and inspiration are the 5^th 12^th, 15th and 20^th, when wisdom, insight, inspiration and positivity can dominate the energies.

  The Moon is new on the 10^th at 18 degrees of Cancer and Full on the 24^th at 1 degree of Aquarius.

 

 

 

JUNE 2021 GLOBAL ASTROLOGICAL OVERVIEW

 

Mercury, currently in Gemini, moved retrograde on the 29^th of May, and stays that way till the 22nd of June.  It has and will certainly bring delays, blocks, confusion, misinformation and uncertainty in terms of messaging, not least re pandemic information and travel guidance. This will continue to be the case for much of the month. On many levels, when Mercury is retrograde it demands a rethink, rather than a stubborn, blind and often pride driven push forward, despite that push often not being logical.

Jupiter visits each sign for about a year, every 12 years, and he is now temporarily and so sensitively in Pisces from May 13^th till late July, but he will then later return to complete his work in Pisces twice more, before he finally moves away from Pisces in late December 2022.  His journey through Pisces in this 12-year cycle, therefore, is very unusually interrupted by a short return to Aquarius, then a 6 month visit to Aries, before returning to finally complete his task in Pisces, in the last 2 months of 2022.  I feel that this quite unusual meandering of Jupiter, is to make us all aware quickly, of the healthy balance humanity needs to address and achieve of necessity, between compassion, emotion, spirituality and the heart (Pisces), science, rationality, realism and innovation (Aquarius) alongside the power of the ego and the principle of survival (Aries).

 Negatively, from Pisces Jupiter can bring some over idealism and delusion over realities and an overenthusiasm about celebrations, notably re the demise of the pandemic. This is understandable, but combine confusion of messaging with over idealism, and some red flags are likely. Invisible spread of disease, or merely insistent spread of rumour or fantasy, is classic of the downside of Jupiter in Pisces.

Jupiter in Pisces is however wonderful for the power of all the arts and for spiritual concerns, but in extremis, it can create delusion, illusion and misguided conclusions.

 It is certainly true that many people in many countries, have vaccine fear and an out of proportion belief in its great potential harm. Jupiter in Pisces certainly underlines the potential power of an overactive imagination and spread of delusional information and fake news. Jupiter in Pisces can however be so positive when positively connected to the power of the heart, compassion and caring, not least re the preciousness of nature and our planet.

Saturn is concurrently in Aquarius now (science/humanitarian concerns) from last December till early March 2023, is however strutting forward magnificently in terms of his task (Saturn) of rolling out the vaccine availability so well in so many countries, but the current Pisces input can also simultaneously cause an irrational response in many...including a potential unrealistic idealism about our complete ability to now happily grasp unhindered freedom from restrictions.

 Pisces is a sign ruled by ruled by Neptune, God of the sea, and is also co ruled by Jupiter itself. Currently and rarely, Neptune is still moving through his home sign of Pisces (2012-2026 and only every 165 years), so now, with both the rulers of the sign traversing it, there is a double powerful influence of Pisces on humanity. This combining brings, among other things, therefore a great longing in humanity for the joys of being near the sea, even for many, a desire to live near the sea and it will drive many to want to travel to be near the oceans. Positively, it will also put much emphasis on the need to protect the seas/oceans from further damage by humanity.

 It is notable that Boris Johnson has Saturn continuing to conjunct his part of Fortune in his chart (every 30 years) till the 19^th of this month and indeed it has been hovering there since the end of April. It will notably be exact around the 11th of June, and his luck then is likely to be a little challenged, and uncomfortable stuff will likely catch up on him, especially as Uranus from the 12^t of June, will also be squaring the same point (every 42 years). This brings left field, unexpected eruptions to his plans, and disruptive outcome of unwise ventures.

 The 6^th sees Mars oppose Pluto on a global level, this has potential for anger, violence and rather primaeval power struggles and abuse of power on the globe and indeed we all need to be aware then of tensions potentially rising in our personal lives as well. The USA and Jo Biden may be acutely aware of this power around that time. Biden also has a powerful, rare Uranian transit opposing his Mars for the first half of this month. This can bring unexpected upsets in his professional path related to the erratic behaviour of others… and he will also need to look before he leaps.

 Also, around the 3-7^th will be a time for all of us to remember that the truth of information given and received, will be very hard to detect and ascertain, as Mercury squares up to Neptune then. Sleight of hand and plain potential deception and confusion is in the air. We all need to be careful and try to be clear in given and received information… especially as Mercury is also retrograde then, ensuring that frustrating chaos can ensue, and nothing is as it seems.

Around the 13^th/14^th the Sun also squares up to Neptune when much smoke and mirrors will be in the global ether.  Things will not be as presented.

 The 23^rd/24^th sees Venus oppose Pluto. This brings passion and intensity and can be very enthralling and hold potential for the power of personal desire to dominate and cause abuse of power and control issues. All that matters is motive with Pluto. If the motive is genuinely for the greater good for all, Pluto can be magnificent and healing. However, if it is for personal selfish gain, it can be a power that is destructively coercive, both in personal experience and on a political stage.

 The ongoing clash (square) between Saturn and Uranus continues. This has been especially in manifestation, related to Covid, i.e., the clash between disciplined caution (Saturn) and freedom (Uranus).  The signs they are in, point strongly to the clash between the realities and constraints of science and epidemiological facts (Aquarius), versus the need for the freedom to unleash the economy (Taurus).

This current planetary global conflict of energies has been operative since last April, and is continuing erratically till next September, when it eases, but then recurs strongly from November this year, till around February 2022. This time span will bring some tricky problems for politicians around paths forward and resulting frustrations for many.

 There is a Solar eclipse on the 10^th at 19 degrees of Gemini. A solar eclipse can augur especially well for the birth of the new. It favours all born around June the 10^th.

The full Moon falls on the 24^th at 3 degrees of Capricorn and is often a little eruptive in terms of outpourings of repressed problems that can bring some inevitable endings of chapters, or at least, a clearing house of issues, that need to be left behind. This will potentially personally impact most those born around June 25^th and December 25^th. It can of course, be just a mild and private wake up call.

 Globally, a full Moon can cause some outpourings of natural eruptions in nature, or some potential socio-political crises in certain countries, where tensions have been quietly rumbling.

 

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MAY 2021 GLOBAL ASTROLOGICAL OVERVIEW

 

 There is an important planetary shift this month. Jupiter moves into Pisces.

Whatever sign Jupiter is passing through is where his benefits and gifts are underlined.

Jupiter moves through each sign every 12 years and spends on average 1 year there, demonstrating his task in that sign’s energy.  People with strong Pisces in their birth chart will be pleased.

 On the 13^th of this month, Jupiter, makes this shift and moves away from Aquarius and temporarily only, dips his toe into Pisces, where he hovers in the very early degrees of that sign till July 28^th. From then, he returns to complete his task in Aquarius, staying in that sign till December 29^th.

From December 29^th however, he will then return into Pisces, to commit to finalising his job there, until May 10th, 2022.

He has been in Aquarius since December 20^th, 2020 and he has indeed during this period, been working alongside Saturn in the same sign, which a rare combining. This has demonstrated the amazing speed of scientific development for the greater good, not least re the development and roll out of vaccines and shifted the mood towards a need for greater humanitarianism and equality … not least racially.  The results of the pure drive of capitalism and ruthless economic growth (Strong Capricorn over the last decade or so) is showing its downside and is looking less robust in value and a realisation of the need for bigger picture wisdom, is showing its face, not least in climate change awareness and the essential need for global cooperation re planetary health, as opposed to nationalism. Big picture, more existential realisations are emerging (Aquarius).

The move into Pisces by Jupiter this month, will give us all a taste of what is to come from the end of this year, in terms of areas of development.

  The water sign of Pisces, ruled by Neptune of course, is all about the emotions, the heart, the spiritual and the artistic and indeed nature. It is a powerful influence for compassion. there is a greater sense of intuition, which sometimes, in extremis, can lead to astral illusion, not free of egotism … Positively, however it brings a great need for the heart and soul to be honoured, as opposed to just the mind and the material. Sensitivity is totally underlined, as is empathy, humanitarianism and compassion.  The sea (Neptune ruled) will become also of major focus in terms of its health and importance on our planet and love of it will really be powerful. Indeed, the human heart will be much more aware of the value of the whole natural world, for our psychological wellbeing and indeed for the health of the whole planet. The arts too will become an increasingly strong and hugely focused area, especially after recent starvation of that quality in humanity. Some major creativity of great significance in all areas of the arts will be manifest.

 The arguments against climate change happening, is already redundant and with the new Pisces influence, the power of oneness, caring and cooperation needed to protect our planet, will be indisputable. Neptune is currently (since 2012) powerfully moving through its own sign of Pisces (every165 years for 14 years) …. and now add Jupiter to the mix, and the power of this sign is clearly going to be increasingly self-evident.

 The powerful, destructive leaders in the world when it comes to their values of pure interest only in money and power, will become increasingly redundant and the forces for the heart and soul will gain in strength We have already seen the transition in the USA, in terms of leadership values and priorities and the same shifts will need to happen in many other countries, not least Brazil[LO1] .  Lip service alone to a change in values will not cut it.

 Of course, there is always a downside to any planetary position and Jupiter when in Pisces, can be OTT in that sign’s principles and qualities and therefore can bring over idealism, emotionalism, excessive fantasy, illusion and therefore escapism, including a danger of addictive behaviour, which is often a manifestation of a sensitivity to realities that are felt to be too great to tolerate and deal with.  There is also the danger of deceptions (negative Neptune). Strong emotions and idealism can be taken advantage of, and it can invite dangers via the already familiar dangers of the powers and illusions of social media influence, bringing distortions of truths and its appeal to people’s vulnerability, to a more damaging degree. The border between reality and illusion/ fantasy/lies can be very blurred when negative Pisces is manifested. The danger of the influence of ego seeking and indeed often delusional cult leaders is also flagged up, i.e., those who take advantage of others’ vulnerability, idealism and gullibility.

 The positives of this planetary position of Jupiter in Pisces, can be truly heart-warming, joyous, beautiful and indeed, evolutionary, but the dangers can be destructively illusionary. We need to be very careful and discriminating.

 The good news is that with Saturn totally remaining in Aquarius till early March 2023, we have the rational balance of his influence, alongside Jupiter in Pisces... to underline the science, truth and the pragmatism of our collective humanity’s needs and the wise use of our hearts, souls and minds, all combined in balance.

The Sun exactly conjuncts Uranus on the 1st of the month, but its influence is at work for several days either side of that date, so this period is a potential time of eruptions, literally physically, such as earthquakes and volcanic activity and/or metaphorically i.e., socio-politically. Being in Taurus, it is likely to do with our planet’s physical energy fields and possibly connected to economic issues.

 Anyway, expect the unexpected around those dates.

 Mercury in his home sign of Gemini from the 4^th and then moves retrograde on the 29^th of the month and stays in that mode till June 23rd.  This will, as always, be a period of delay, blocks and frustrations. and is also flagging up a period where patience is necessary, as well as probably a necessary rethink, set back and reassessment. Geminis be aware, not least Boris Johnson.

There is a total Lunar eclipse on the 26^th at 5 degrees of Sagittarius. That will be a time of endings of chapters and eruptive reality checks, that have been bubbling up for some time, for some who have significant natal planets involved in that degree… Obviously though, for those born around November 28^th and May 27^th.

  The new Moon falls at 21 degrees of Taurus on the 11^th which can be a time of new beginnings in some obvious or private way.  Again, especially true, if it connects with any strong planetary chart position you may have, but strongly anyway, obviously, for all born around May 11^th/ 12th.

 

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 [LO1]

APRIL 2021 GLOBAL ASTROLOGICAL OVERVIEW

 

April 2021 blog

The sign of Aries influencing the planet currently till the 19^th, ruled by Mars, is a confident, assertive and competitive sign and likes to take the initiative… It likes a confrontation and is fiery in response …. It does not like to be dictated to or lose control. There will be some obvious stand offs between nations re principles, ideology and policy and the military might will be on show. We already have Myanmar and China in defiant mode and even Europe is in rather in irritated/divisive state re the pandemic and vaccines. Authorities are coming under scrutiny as they push their luck.

Even in the UK the police are being challenged by sectors of the population, about freedom to demonstrate and in the States the police are being called to account in terms of racial issues.…. Of course, a collective global anxiety about and impatience with the Covid situation is creating much psychological stress and it manifests easily in a desire to somehow take control of what we can … when so much is rather anarchic, scary and out of control.

 Particularly angry days when power struggles and confrontations are on the cards, are strong between the 15^th and 19^th when the Sun and Mercury are squaring up to Pluto.   That can manifest on a personal level as well as socio/politically. Pluto so often brings dangerous power struggles when challenged.

 Positively, the thrust of both Jupiter and Saturn continuing in the sign of Aquarius (science, innovation and detached big picture wisdom) is furthering the ability to move forward with progress in squashing the Covid epidemic. The problem is that politicians are making it become a little too much based on the altar of competitiveness and nationalism. The vaccination programme will move forward, if we can rise above the ego angles related to the successes.

 However, the very constructive alignments this month of Mercury and Venus with Jupiter and Saturn are very hopeful.

 What we do need to be wary of is the ongoing tension now between Uranus and Saturn, which continue to square up to each other.

Uranus, positively, is very innovative, but also potentially alarming as he fosters necessary change/awakenings and has an unpredictable, impulsive quality, that can be very liberating, but can, negatively, be impulsive, rash and rebellious. Saturn, by contrast is pro status quo, cautious and clings on to safety and indeed practicality and brings reality checks. Negatively that can block progress, but positively, the reality that Saturn reveals, can be a constructive block on excess, rashness and unwise risk. As a pair they have always clashed, but in good coordination one can offset the extremes of the other. They must cooperate.

 Uranus is now in Taurus for the long haul till the end of April 2026 and Saturn is in Aquarius till March 2023, but because Uranus rules Aquarius, we have the potential for great compromise between these planets, despite the uncomfortable square alignment. There can be a mixing of the old with the new, positively in terms of progress.   The problem lies in a need by many for a libertarian approach to life on principle, as humans’ hunger after freedom(Uranus) and because some see it as an insult, or an oppression, to have restrictions .   However, in contrast to that, with Saturn, there is a need for collective discipline, if necessarily imposed, to protect us all. That conflict is still running on and will in some capacity, for another 12 months.   This is a major theme of the pandemic, freedom versus restrictions, or the economy before restrictions. 

This balancing act is fundamental to the outcome.

 

We have the phrase being repeated of “until everyone is protected, nobody is protected “re the vaccine rollout.

That sums up the principle of the current combination of both Saturn and Jupiter being in Aquarius (the future/humanity) and underlines the need to get that compromise between Uranus and Saturn, even though they are uncomfortably aligned. Freedom through responsibility, is the only way to move forward.

Where Uranus, continuing in Taurus is also very definitely awakening us in terms of tumult and unpredictability, is on the effect of climate change on mother earth, which Taurus is very linked with … Eruptions re our planetary infrastructure are thick and fast now and Uranus is certainly bringing the alarm signals in that context, about what we really need to address.

The issue of money, security and value systems are also Taurean issues and that is going through a chaotic period of change and transformation that will last till May 2026. It is unpredictable … but it will awaken us to a whole new vista as to our relationship with our current financial system and its necessary revolution/evolution. The extreme of this, is misuse of technology in terms of money and gimmicky financial innovations, that are transient and with little long-term substance.

 Capricorn is a sign that in extreme form equates with conservatism, ambition and is very much a traditional sign of class, power and capitalistic values, and a clinging to the past establishment. England is a Capricorn country and indeed nationalism and a superior colonial attitude are still strong among many conservative politicians, and indeed within the psychology of many of the population.

Pluto (power and intense determination) remains steadfastly in Capricorn (2008 till the end of 2024) and is hugely driven to underline and protect the status quo of political and financial power (Capricorn) and cling on to the past. This is contrasting with the very different next-door sign of Aquarius, which is where Saturn and Jupiter have been since the start of 2021. Aquarius is about the future, not the past and the need for change and the need to look at the bigger existential, progressive picture and to incorporate a humanitarian, rational and fairer value system. Aquarius is linked to a more, what is perceived, as left-wing philosophy. Hence that clash between two value systems is now being seen so strongly in several countries i.e.  between authoritarian regimes and a populace who want freedoms and democracy.

  It is interesting how since the beginning of the year the Royal family in the UK have experienced a basic divide within the family, between the old order and a rebellion against it.   Aquarius and Capricorn are now basically in battle with each other.  Pluto, it is worth noting, is however ruthless when threatened.

 It was very telling when Boris Johnson last month declared, in a supposed to be private, political meeting, that the vaccine success in the UK was because of capitalism and greed, implying those qualities were therefore a force for good. He quickly redacted it when he realised what he had said, but it showed the true value system he supports, and a lauding of greed.

The truth is that the success was not about those principles. it was based on and motivated by the humanitarian necessity principle of scientific achievement and was mostly funded by NGO’s including the UN and the NHS, in order to ensure collective survival, which in certain times are the only way forward, even though money would be made too by the pharmaceutical companies as a fringe benefit for them. The motive was certainly not money, it was collective human survival.

 It is however interesting that we now also have much transference of large company investment away from coal and oil, into new green energy sources, not just because it is essential to save the planet from destruction, but because many companies now recognise that the new focus on future energy sources, is now where financial gain is to be made… The two are not totally incompatible, but simple greed alone is never going to be a way forward, in any context in the future.

 When Pluto moves into Aquarius in 2025 till 2044, we will see a huge shift in power and value systems, but wherever Pluto is, there is always huge power that can be handled wisely or abused. In Aquarius also, there is the potential for very wise use of, or indeed also abuse of the new, especially technology (an Aquarian area) and that will be the issue.  The quality of the motive is always everything in life.

 Hence what we have now is that Pluto (power) still in Capricorn (the established economic system), is doing everything to protect the economy and the current value system but having gradually to give way to and compromise with a new order, in which the value system must be about planetary and human survival and what values must be adopted to make that possible… (Aquarius). Without that realisation and shift of focus, the concept of current capitalism is completely defunct, as there will not be a habitable planet on which to enjoy the luxuries of what money can buy.

 The ongoing and very upside of Neptune in Pisces (since 2012 and occurring only every 165 years) has created a new awakened sense of the value of and beauty of nature. The lock down has underlined that new consciousness, as we now notice what was side lined in our busy lives before.  Note that all children born with this planetary generational placement i.e., between early February 2012 and February 2026, will be a generation who have a very strong love of and respect for nature and all its creatures; and they will demand it is all looked after and totally respected. This is no coincidence, it is timely and necessary.

 Our future survival depends on that happening.

 

 

 

MARCH 2021 GLOBAL ASTROLOGICAL OVERVIEW

 

 Well, Mercury is now direct, so there will be less uncertainty in the air about direction of travel for us all. Mercury, still in Aquarius till the 15^th, alongside Jupiter and Saturn in that sign, illuminates the fact that rationality, and innovative, progressive science looks like it really is winning. New breakthroughs in knowledge about Covid will continue to assist greatly in progress.

 Jupiter is trining Boris Johnson’s Mercury in the first half of this month, suggesting then that he really is trying to put wisdom before popularity, but from the 15th, this may get sacrificed somewhat on the altar of impulsive, over optimism and a bowing to pressure from other, more libertarian influences in his party. Reality checks will then loom large as a result. Mars also moves into Boris’s own home Sun sign of Gemini on the 5^th and that will also spur him on with competitive if misguided confidence.

 Mars in Gemini has a strong reputation for producing much talk of ambitious plans, but with little detail and indeed with little resulting action.

 Notably around the 24^th when Mercury, then in Pisces (heart) squares up to Mars in Gemini (mind), there will be a real risk of a clash of ideological values, resulting in impulsive, illogical actions and controversial decisions which brings confusion and anger. This can be an international manifestation. It will very much create challenge then for Boris in particular, as both planets will challenge his natal Pluto at that time.

 Trump has Saturn opposing his natal Pluto in the second half of the month (every 30 years), which will be a significant challenge to his desire for secrecy and a severe limitation on his power to protect that which he wants to keep private.

 Jo Biden, also has strong Mars transits this month, suggesting challenges from others that will test his mettle and block some paths, but not without an intelligent fight back from him. His assertive, more aggressive, Scorpionic mood will emerge.

 We will also see this month the bigger picture development of many futuristic ideas about progress re economic restructuring, in view of the fallout from Covid (not over yet) and new commitments to fighting climate issues, as a new enlightened intelligence comes together with a sense of increased urgency and cooperation. The floodgates of progressive science (Aquarius) for the greater good, will begin to merge with a new financial opportunism, as it will dawn on many entrepreneurs that prosperity lies in change and innovation, for the greater health of our earth. The old industrialisation model is becoming history… indiscriminate protectionism of the old is now totally outworn, as a new paradigm is born, and that futuristic bandwagon will now be increasingly recognised as the way to go, if we are all to survive. Pluto (power) entering Aquarius in late 2024, (scientific/technological future) will rubber stamp that, but not without some dangers of abuse of those realms.

 However, simultaneously, Uranus is an unpredictable outside the box, even maverick, influence and can be very unguessable, by definition, and his current place in Taurus (since March 2019 and until July 2025) which literally is about money /security, totally points to unpredictable and significant chaos there. The last time Uranus was in this sign was 1934-1942, characterised by the great economic depression and during much of the 2^nd world war, which alone speaks volumes.

 The economic model we have had for decades, will become, over the next few years, very unstable and totally challenging to the old status quo. There will be very profound and unexpected financial shocks and significant losses.  Revolutionary changes will be apparent in the concept of our financial system, with additional seemingly eccentric notions, which will be hard to accommodate in the traditional model. Certainly, technology (Uranus)will play a huge part in this, again, with some more maverick, anti-establishment eccentricities (Uranus), emerging re money.  Obviously, the pandemic will be very much a huge challenge to the economic system in unpredictable ways. Money making in the markets will be at the least, significantly altered and desperate short-term gain, even if very unconventional, will become increasingly popular.

 Positively however, huge investment in advancing technology re the fight against climate change will however, become obviously more the way to go, as finally, profit and working for the good/survival of our planet become compatible and indeed financially logical and urgently essential.

 The rather chaotic unpredictability of Uranus in Taurus in terms of finances, will also be replicated in terms of upsets geophysically, as Taurus is also very linked to literally our relationship with the Earth.  There will be shocks re nature. This will manifest as extreme weather events and upheavals (already evident), as mother earth will be messaging us powerfully about what we have done to our earth’s delicate environmental balance.

The elements of Water and Earth are always totally harmonious and of course are an essential combination in nature, for growth. Therefore, the technological challenge and positive innovation of Uranus (brain/future) in the Earth sign of Taurus (since March 2019) now constructively working in harmonious sextile angle, with the spiritual, instinctive human desire of Neptune (heart/soul), so strong in the Water sign of Pisces (since 2012) is a very promising, cooperative partnership.

 During this pandemic, these compatible planetary positionings have seriously made us all appreciate nature, both for its beauty and value and importantly also, its power to show us massively how much nature can push back, if we mess with it, re climate the crisis. Critically also, we must face the root causes of many mutated viruses, which are a result of human invasion of nature’s sacred spaces, that should belong to its creatures alone. These facts are now becoming more in our faces, as a total emergency.

It is also essential that the mind (air) and the heart/soul (water) need to cooperate, for the survival of us all.

We still however have this month, Saturn in Aquarius squaring up to Uranus in Taurus, not as exact as last month, but still in operation. This is all about the hugely critical clash now in our society between the desire for the freedom instinct of Uranus, and the necessity of caution, restriction and discipline of Saturn. Both planets being in fixed signs, makes the clash stubbornly uncompromising.

 The argument between the great freedom of resuming a returned “normal” economic /social activity, which of course is very important, versus ongoing significant social constraint, in order to avoid risk of another pandemic wave and therefore more serious variants emerging, is totally fierce. Life and death, no less. It is also in truth, a political ideological argument, between the important economic needs, combined with the libertarian viewpoint, versus the compliance with the need for some authoritarian control of the population, based on the pure facts of medical science.   Scientific advice certainly however needs priority now, with Saturn (the necessity principle) being in the sign of objective scientific power of Aquarius, a sign which is indeed also co ruled by Saturn.

 Our society however is fundamentally based on the major value system of economic health.

 We cannot race back to the norm; patience is still now totally essential… as Saturn now demands. Short term gain will be dangerous, setting us back pandemic wise and therefore economically again, but with Mars moving into Gemini on the 5^th, there is indeed a worry, that impulse and somewhat superficial political analysis, may win the day, not least in England.  

The full Moon falls on the 28^th at 8 degrees of Libra and the New moon falls on the 12^th at 23 degrees of Pisces.

    

FEBRUARY 2021 GLOBAL ASTROLOGICAL OVERVIEW

 

The USA is in very different and more wise hands now, despite the shadows of pre inauguration events and Trumps ongoing manoeuvres. Global cooperation is in view. We do indeed also now have amazing and  more respected and applauded science, developing at breakneck speed to get a grip on this virus and to get out the right vaccines. Wisdom re the logical way forward is acknowledged more universally, but it is not without its significant difficulties. The new variants and the logistics of vaccine rollout are a huge challenge. Saturn and Jupiter, now rarely together in Aquarius since late December (as I have previously emphasized) and for the long haul, are all flagging up the principles of Aquarian focus, i.e., the innovative scientific work, to challenge and defeat these current massive global issues and indeed climate change.  Of course, this is also the month of the Sun in Aquarius, and additionally we also have, Venus and Mercury in Aquarius too, for much of the month, so that sign is huge in influence right now. Aquarius is very much about knowledge, enlightenment and the future. 

The air signs i.e., Aquarius, Libra and Gemini, are about the power of the mind and rationality.

Apart from this hopeful Jupiter and Saturn’s relatively new positioning, either causing or correlating (who knows?) with the shift in focus of values and direction of our planet’s goals, it is also very important however to note that this month, Mercury, although currently in Aquarius, is also stressfully retrograde, i.e., moving backwards (from 30^th January) and stays in that retrograde mode till the 22^nd of February.

This Mercury mood brings hiccups and lack of clarity, confusion, frustration and often delays, (related to Aquarian issues) and it is however, also a time to step back, because of problems faced, and rethink, re-evaluate, and learn from these issues.  Aviation/science /technology /vaccines/medical science and what indeed is wise and good for the future of humanity/the planet, are an unprecedented challenge, not least the hiccups of the Covid crisis. This is severely underlined and tested by retrograde Mercury.  Already we are seeing confusing, uncertain information re the vaccines, the timing of doses and its efficacy and potential blocks to supply chains. Experts, not to mention politicians, are learning as they go along. We are even having shaming squabbles related to vaccine nationalism.  Travel too is always limited, blocked or unpredictable, when Mercury is retrograde. Uncertainty and confused messages generally are all around us. All, so typical of this planetary influence.

This retrograde Mercury also proves frustrating for many of us individually on a personal life level in terms of delays, blocks and paralysis, as well as having a global effect.

 However, after the 21^st, when Mercury resumes forward motion, many of the difficulties, confusions and delays will start to be alleviated and more clarity, and hopefully progress re the Covid battle will emerge.

 This Jupiter and Saturn combining in Aquarius is totally about working with the new, the innovative, the science and the outside the box, big picture future. However, although Jupiter represents positivity, insight and progress re the qualities of whatever sign he is in, he can also create too much optimism re success and progress, as indeed Boris Johnson has demonstrated, all too often. Overoptimism can indeed be lethal.

 At least with pessimism, you can only be pleasantly surprised.

 Realism is what is needed, that is the task of Saturn (karmic schoolteacher) and by contrast to Jupiter, he is simply showing us that no road forward, regardless of how worthwhile and laudable the effort, is ever without its potholes and bumps. Saturn always brings reality checks, truths, delays, blocks and challenges… and a need for great patience   This is all in the name of learning and humility, ultimately in order to achieve deferred gratification. If the road is truly worthy and pursued with wisdom, hard work, determination, then the efforts will eventually, significantly pay off and for the long term …and currently related especially to issues characterised by Aquarian energy.  All that matters is the integrity of the motive.

Saturn often also reminds us that what we want and what we need, are often two different things. Combined with retrograde Mercury right now, till the 21^st we will all need to be very patient and tolerant.

When Saturn dipped his toe into Aquarius temporarily from late March to mid-June last year, he gave us a taste, re necessary limits to aviation, and this has returned profoundly, right now, as he commits to that sign for several years.  Air travel, which is ruled by Uranus, the ruler of Aquarius, is an important focus now in terms of blocks, (especially with the additional current Mercury retrograde.).  Flight is something we have taken for granted, as globalisation has become the norm, but Saturn is now having to intervene painfully in that industry, on the altar of fighting the virus.

When this pandemic crisis is seriously reduced in its severity, there will be, over the coming few years, because of the Aquarian focus, a great drive to make necessary, but challenging changes to the nature of flight, not only because of its potential as a virus spreader, but also re the nature of its fuelling, in order to help combat climate issues.

 Aquarius is also very much about independence, nonconformity and freedom of thought and action, but with Saturn (limitations) in that sign now, the passionate libertarians are not at all happy about the stringent virus induced measures that are being imposed on our freedoms. They are challenging the logically prescribed, collective obedience asked of us all to obey, even though the measures are in the name of all our physical safety and survival.

 Jupiter is running ahead of Saturn in Aquarius, by about 6 degrees.  The ongoing alternation, therefore, between Jupiter and Saturn influence, i.e., optimism initially, versus later resulting harsher reality checks, strongly continues as a theme this month.  

 Saturn (the brakes/discipline/responsibility and duty) however, is always stronger than Jupiter (freedom) in its effects.  Without Saturn we would have anarchy.

 Global problems must be dealt with by a global consensus and equality. Aquarian energy certainly points to that, and an acknowledgement now that no one is protected, till everyone is protected. That means global mass vaccination, in order to achieve maximum herd immunity. It is about cooperation, not competition.

Uranus (disruption, change) continuing in Taurus (value system, money safety, reliability and groundedness) since March 2019 and till the end of April 2026… has seriously threatened our sense of security and assumed norms around employment, the economy, planet earth and indeed social norms in general … and literally has manages to ground aviation (Uranus).

 The fallout for mental health, during this pandemic, is undoubted, for us all, both adults and children. The negative side of the current Neptune in Pisces position, till April 2025, not only is about invisible spread of the virus and indeed powerfully about the spread of conspiracy theories/fake news, but also the invisible spread of increased mental sensitivity and fragility. The positive side, of this every 165-year planetary position, is its underlining of our compassion and appreciation of the good and the pure in humanity, and not least realising the value, beauty and fragility of the natural world, and our urgent need to respect and protect it and its creatures, if our planet is indeed to stay beautiful, habitable and indeed more virus free.

Trumps current chart transits are creating a situation that is still hugely difficult (probably impossible) for him to accept. All month he still has Pluto opposing his Venus (ever 248 years). This will continue to hugely frustrate and undermine him. His allies will not be so loyal and his relationships both personal and with those in power, will be very diminished.  In the very early days of the month before his impeachment trial, he has Jupiter opposing his Pluto. He will then be looking for revenge and be leaning heavily on powerful individuals, in order to try to advantage himself.

 Late month, when Mars conjuncts his Midheaven and squares its own place, he is very angry, and will be still hugely pushing for power.

Biden is in generally positive mode chart wise, but in the second half of the month he may find international relations and economic issues very limiting, when Saturn opposes his Pluto (every 30 years.)  His challenges are significant then, but do not underestimate his wise, positive power and determination, that his natal chart shows.

 Johnson’s chart continues with Neptune squaring his Mercury by transit, indicating ongoing lack of clarity, false statements, disinformation, general confusion and fogginess, no detail or indeed often much logic. This happens approximately every 84 years and he has had it on and off since March 2020 and it fades from March this year.

 From the 15^th-24^th of this month when globally, Saturn squares up to Uranus as a current transit, that will be a powerful period of slow down, limitation and more blocks to freedom in many ways for all. Reality checks are also strong.  The 25th and 26th are more positive dates and progress can be seen.

 The New Moon falls on the 11^th at 23 degrees of Aquarius and the full Moon falls on the 27^th at 8 degrees of Virgo.   The new Moon correlates with hopeful new beginnings, and the full Moon with potential eruptions and closures of chapters.

 

 

JANUARY AND 2021 GLOBAL ASTROLOGICAL OVIEW

 

We have all learned at least one thing in 2020 and ongoing; and that is that we should not take life and our perceived normality, for granted.

Periodically we must remember how much we just assume continuity and that things stay the same, but in truth, there are only two certainties in life, and one of them is change.

 This is indeed a game changer. The world has now necessarily woken up to; and been reminded of the power of what nature can do to us… especially when we mess with it.

We now are entering a period of significant change, obviously and astrologically, totally catalyzed by this pandemic and its power. We need to really understand why this has happened. We cannot just “get back to normal”. We also need a retrospective, essential scrutiny of our lives, our civilization and to develop a big picture awareness of what we can do to try to redress balance and understand the dynamics and consequences of our actions on our planet and therefore on ourselves.

 This Covid period has brought out the most selfless, and indeed sometimes the most selfish behaviour in humanity. Each one of us, I am sure, has done a lot of personal reflection on our lives during this time.  It really is true that every crisis is an opportunity.

 The concept of ruthless, eternal, global economic growth at all costs, has been slowly growing over the last century, emphasised by the negative side of Pluto (power) in Capricorn (economic drive) since 2008.  The fallout is hitting us hard.

The realisations implicit, have been very much indicated by the dawning new emphasis on the power of the air sign of Aquarius, tasted in late March till July, when Saturn then temporarily dipped his toe into that sign. This Aquarian energy however has just again been truly, powerfully activated, when in the second half of December 2020, Jupiter and Saturn, virtually hand in hand, committed to a move together from Capricorn and into Aquarius.  A very rare event.

 As an energy, it is reminiscent of the old late 60’s hippy dream/song of “The Dawning of the Age of Aquarius.”  

 Basically, the message is that the power of the carelessness, ignorance, ego, greed and often the heartlessness of mankind, must be superseded by wisdom, a more existential big picture awareness and a far humbler reverence for our planet. This is achieved by using our brains (Aquarius), as well as our hearts (Pisces), for the greater good of humanity, the environment, and therefore for all our physical, spiritual and mental health.

The power of Neptune in its own home water sign of Pisces still, since 2012 till April 2025, has been struggling to awaken our senses and hearts to the value of nature and its delicate, complex balance.

 We need to remember that we need nature, nature does not need us.

There have now been many manifest warnings re climate change. This has now become very visible to many… even the deniers are becoming quieter.  However, with Pluto (power) in Capricorn (economic system) till 2025, the struggle of the transition in our value system will be not an easy one for many of those in power, for whom the old competitive and ruthless economic system is the only perceived and understood way and so is hung onto.

Come the end of 2024, Pluto also will concede the power of necessary change of emphasis, as he will then also move into Aquarius., where he will stay till 2044.

We have had in 2020, and now continuing powerfully, the crucial interaction of scientists with governments, in trying to beat the pandemic, and that has involved humility needed by people in power. This is a very difficult task for many of them if it involves a downgrading of their own power/ego to achieve other goals. Global cooperation, as opposed to competition and nationalism are the only way forward to beat the massive global problems we have and that is what the emphasis on Aquarius now (and Neptune in Pisces) demands. England is a Capricorn country, and the old colonial, sovereign empire mentality is still clung on to by many and will not serve us well in massively changing times.

The power of Jupiter (positivity and optimism) and Saturn (discipline, hard work and necessity) entering the big picture, awareness, rational, and alternative thinking sign of Aquarius has indeed brought, along with the vaccine roll out, a boost to the prospect of a successful combining of rays of hope in many ways. Jupiter in Aquarius has started an increased sense of global environmental collaboration and progress, wisdom, innovation, necessary and amazing scientific advancement to help us through this immediate health crisis, internationalism and a feeling of optimism and protection.  Saturn in Aquarius has also started to demand the challenging need for discipline, necessity, hard work, sense of responsibility, humility and organisation, and importantly patience, and even privation in the name of impersonal, universal progress, based on logic, and a necessary vision for the future. The combining of these energies is powerful. Saturn is the benevolent despot and karmic schoolteacher. We need his focus, discipline and humility now.

 It is interesting how much we realise we do not really need during these times, and indeed we are realising that sometimes less is more, in terms of consumption i.e., what is essential versus what is not. A very Saturnian lesson.  A change of priorities is essential.  The future will be different and needs to be.

The symbolic figure of Aquarius is talked about as “the water bearer” and people often think it is therefore a water sign because of that, but in fact that seeming water she pours from her urn, is symbolic of the flow of knowledge and wisdom

However, we need to be also aware that Saturn can bring blocks, delays and logistical complications and a huge need for patience, such as on the roll out the safest, most effective vaccines, on a desired time scale in the correct way. It is hugely important with Saturn in operation, for all to not put speed, the ticking of boxes and the ego fulfilment of politicians, ahead of scientific certainty and caution.

Jupiter, at the very end of December, overtook Saturn in the combining of the two planets and so started to lead Saturn in the journey through Aquarius.  

This Jupiter leadership has and will create a stronger push for speed, an impatience and a tendency to be overly optimistic, (Jupiter trait) not least by our leaders, about the progress of our path out of the pandemic. There is a possible potential carelessness and underestimation of the necessary caution re the organisation of our management of the challenges. Jupiter power, because of anticipation of an imminent vaccine, has encouraged an overoptimistic relaxation in public compliance re the general health/ social rules, still needed and demanded by Saturn. With the new  Covid variant (s) we need to be reminded by Saturn that indeed patience is the priority needed, in terms of the time taken for any necessary tweaking of vaccines over the months to come. It would, in truth, be better for Saturn to precede Jupiter on this journey… but that is not possible as Jupiter moves much more quickly than Saturn, as indeed he often does in human nature.

 Jupiter and Saturn both journey together through Aquarius till the very end of December 2021, but Jupiter will dip her toe in to Pisces temporarily, from the 13^th May till the 28th July this year. Importantly though, she recommits to Aquarius from late July to the end of December, to complete her Aquarian tasks. While temporarily in Pisces however, Jupiter will give hint at the flavour of what will be underlined from late December 2021, when Jupiter commits to Pisces, till May 10^th, 2022.  The positive side of Jupiter in Pisces, being the power of the heart, the arts and likely increased compassion, idealism and sensitivity, especially to nature.

Saturn meanwhile is now only committed to travelling through Aquarius, continuously till March 7^th, 2023, doing the necessary karmic work in that sign. When he enters Pisces in March 2023, that will be a whole different story.

Clearly, Trump’s power passing to Biden, is very much in keeping with the shift of values underlined now, and the fact that Brexit has been “settled”, I suspect in panic, are indicative of a no choice change of emphasis for Boris.

The date of Jo Biden’s inauguration on January 20th (when fittingly the Sun is also exactly entering Aquarius) sees Saturn trine his ascendant (every 15 years) and Jupiter oppose his Pluto (every 12 years) and Mars conjunct his Part of Fortune (every 2 years) which is a rare combining. These show a sense of responsibility and recognition of duty and economic challenge, all taken on very seriously, alongside a strong determination to make powerful, if ambitious advantageous changes, especially in international relations. Also, there is a strong sense of his will and ambition being combined on that day, with fate and positive success.  Challenges do await him in the second half of February though.

Do not underestimate Biden’s strong will. He is a powerful Scorpio, with Mars square Pluto. Motive is everything with Scorpio, but with Sagittarius rising, and his ruling planet Jupiter, so well and intelligently aspected, it is certainly not ego centred. The US chart (Independence Day 1776.) has Pluto opposing its Mercury now... which indicates radical challenge and change economically, and Biden has been blocked from moving the country forward, by Trump’s lack of cooperation in the transition period. This is indeed a crisis period for the USA, but it is now in wise hands.

 Trump continues to be haunted by a very difficult Pluto transit. Pluto has been opposing his Saturn since January 2020, (which is seriously undermining for anyone and only happens every 248 years) and from January 25^th Pluto moves to oppose his Venus (also only every 248 years) which specifically rules his public status (Midheaven) which then will be totally broken down, as will his domestic situation. This influence lasts on and off for 1 year. At the least it is a totally new chapter.

Boris Johnson, last month seriously undermined public confidence in himself by his actions and changes of advice re Xmas social rules and he has alienated many in his far-right supporters re his last-minute heroic, as he saw it, compromise over Brexit, the details of which are still very foggy. He now has Neptune square his Mercury exactly (every 84 years and has been so affecting him, on and off all 2020). It is strong from the 23^rd till late February. His health can be affected then, but more likely, it totally underlines his ability to be at the least, very economical with the truth, to make promises that cannot be delivered and to show a lack of any sort of clarity or detail in his plans and pronouncements. This will make the logistics of Brexit very confusing and chaotic for many. Positively he has now ensured an ongoing connection with the EU … but which has rather defeated the objectives of the ERG (extreme Brexiteers).

As always, he wants to keep everyone happy, but as a result, often keeps no one happy (the worst of his Libra rising).

This month, dates to be aware of are when the Sun conjuncts Pluto on the 14th and on  the 19th-22nd ,when Mars conjuncts Uranus . Powerful eruptive forces are at work then geophysically and potentially socio-politically, in terms of unexpected power shifts. The 26^th looks shaky, the planet is in grumbling mood again when the Sun squares Uranus, and with Uranus now long term in Taurus, the very physical infrastructure of our planet is more unpredictable and volatile currently anyway.

Mars moves out of his own, fiery and impulsive sign of Aries, where he has been since July 1st, and into the more practical, plodding, patient energy of Taurus on the 6^th of January, but Taurus is connected to mother earth/nature, so she will be showing her feelings from then.

The full Moon is on the 28^th at 9 degrees of Leo, and Venus conjuncts Pluto on the same day. Eruptions are in the air the too then, especially in the behaviour of politicians and leaders, as closings of chapters hit home, and since it falls on Trump’s natal Pluto, that may well be a rather intense day for him.

 Be assured, a new, more enlightened consciousness is coming (rather late in the day) but now it is urgent, of total necessity and not always comfortable. It will also take more time than is ideal and much patience will be needed by leaders and the populace, for the growing new consciousness to be translated into action and results.

 All best for 2021