DECEMBER 2022 GLOBAL ASTROLOGICAL OVERVIEW

 

The most significant astrological change this month, is Jupiter’s re-entry into Aries on the 21st, after having returned temporarily into Pisces in late October. This time Jupiter commits to Aries from the 21^st till mid May 2023.  Indeed, a boost to all Aries at some point.

 This Jupiter shift will certainly be more confident and forceful in mood and suggests a more driven path, less confused and foggy and less naively delusional going forward, in terms of decisions and directions.  It will, however, potentially negatively, certainly encourage the bold and more purely ego driven energy of leaders and governments… not least in England, an Aries country.

Mars however, still in Gemini, remains in retrograde motion in that sign, indeed since the end of October, and therefore it is still creating a sense of frozen, paralysed, confused energy for everyone, with much dodgy dealing in the air, and what people do and what they say are very inconsistent. The used car salesman mood is predominant, till around January 12^th, when Mars, more constructively, moves direct again.  However, Mars in Gemini, even when not retrograde, can tend towards scattered ideas and words, as opposed to deeds.

The COP 27 meeting in November, certainly demonstrated lack of real progress re fighting climate change.

In fact, the true message of retrograde planetary activity, is not  just get frustrated with blocks, but to stop, have patience, stand back, see the bigger picture and rethink the whole concept of what is needed and why there are the blocks … i.e.  a necessary total reconfiguration.  Retrograde activity is in fact a learning curve. It’s like knocking on the wrong door and getting angry because it is not opening for you… and then realising that you are indeed knocking on the wrong door.

With the current global problems, that conclusion is a must. In fact, as has been said before, a total existential rethink of our global values is needed. A tall order indeed, but essential.

 Saturn remains on his travels through Aquarius, since mid-December 2020 through to March 7^th, 2023. Aquarius is attributed as the astrological sign of Russia. It is, indeed, no secret that Russia is struggling as a country, in terms of the world’s view of it. When Saturn travels through your Sun sign, there are difficult lessons to be learned. True of countries too.

 Putin has Saturn conjunct his I.C (the nadir of his chart) between the 16^th and 28th of this month, (this happens only every 30 years) suggesting then a blow to his security and a reality check about his fundamental status and direction of travel which will demand a whole new need to make significant and challenging changes to his infrastructure and plans, as many fall apart. The danger of this, is that it can create a scorched earth reaction. “If I can’t have it, no one can”

Also, this same period, is particularly challenging for Rishi Sunak, notably again exact between the 16^th and 28^th of this month, when Saturn squares his Sun… (every 15 years). This is probably because of industrial action, rife in the UK (and goodness knows what Putin will be up to then, out of spite or desperation). The Xmas period certainly won’t be that relaxing for Sunak.

 Also, interestingly Jo Biden has Saturn square his Mercury, between the 16th and 28^th of this month.

 This is not great in terms of Biden’s public status. It is very difficult and frustrating for him, and negotiations are a very challenging area. There is much stress and a feeling of blocked ability to communicate successfully with others, in order to make progress.

 It clearly is therefore, an “interesting” time for us all then, in some way. At the least, it will be a paralysis of action relating to the inability to be able to resolve global troubles… Xmas puts a hold on things, for sure.

 It is notable that Rishi Sunak also, and considerably more significantly next year, has a very powerful, once only every 84-year visitation of Uranus conjuncting his Sun, periodically on and off, starting from June 2023 till the end of April 2024.  It is particularly strong in influence from mid-June through till early July, next year, and again, from late October through till mid-November. This transit is especially powerful, as his Sun opposes his Uranus in his natal chart, so it will trigger that topsy turvy energy that is implicit in his life generally.  This transit will create significant disruption and shock for him during those above periods. The unexpected indeed will be haunting him, although ironically, it could be, liberating for him in the long run. (Uranus often does that, through chaos) We don’t know his time of birth, so it is hard to say which specific area of his life it will affect, but his position in general next year, will be subject to some significant upheaval.

Trump’s chart is also currently challenged, now that Neptune is again , for the final time, ( on/off since April 2021), exactly squaring his Sun (every 84 years) This was strong  last month, continues this month and till early January, and then that transit is completed… This dissolves his image, strength and public standing somewhat and certainly has implications round his financial reputation… as Neptune is now travelling through his natal 8^th house, the area connected to complex and private finances, where there is much smoke and mirrors, and which are really activated now.

Trump has also had Uranus, by transit, squaring his ascendant since June 2022 (happens every 42 years) and this finalises in April 2023. During this period, there is the falling apart of much that he took for granted, in terms of support by others in his life and in his public status. Again, a game changer.

The UK, as a combined whole, is designated as a Capricorn nation. Pluto now in his final few years of travelling through that sign, since 2008… is creating now an increasing crisis in the union. Pluto always brings endings, often a nemesis, followed by a new order in some way, for places and people who/which have strong representation of that sign in their chart.

 Since Pluto travels through a sign only every approximately 248 years, the changes are profound in a global context. With Scotland, a Cancer country, the opposite sign to Capricorn, the desire for independence as a concept is increasingly high profile. Also, the Northern Ireland crisis round the Brexit deal, is indeed divisive. There is no doubt that the UK is destined over the coming few years to see a very significant ending of its traditional status quo.

 What all this is pointing to globally and indeed existentially … is also very much related to the results of Uranus in Taurus, now coming to the end of his rare square (challenge) to Saturn in Aquarius, (since early 2021). This has been a momentous energy. Uranus has flagged up the urgency for a totally necessary, enlightened new way of being and thinking, making it clear that the old status quo and values of Saturn i.e., domination of the old socio-political/economic system, really must be pushed aside, as it is now defunct.

Uranus (change/shock) in Taurus (money and our physical earth), says it all.

This is a fated transition demanding the new freedom of us, as the populace of the earth, to move away from the old destructive system of autocracy/despotic leaders and away from the control of the old order/value system… and a move to a more collective, enlightened, big picture dimension of humanity and its spiritual potential of using group wisdom as its motivator. That also needs to be reflected in new technology which will be amazingly innovative from 2024/25, when Pluto moves into Aquarius.

 Basically, the old order and paradigm is dying. New ways of being and new forms of consciousness will start to drive it, of necessity… and, very importantly, not merely for money and power.  Motive is everything. Pluto always tests for misuse of power, and brings a large nemesis, if it is so misused; and that very much relates to technology, from 2024 onwards.

The old Cree Indian proverb states “Only when the last river has been poisoned and when the last fish has been caught, and the last tree is cut down, only then will you find that money cannot be eaten”

The heart and soul, NOT the power of the values of rampant neo liberal capitalism, is what people are now increasingly needing to connect to. Neptune, now in its home sign of Pisces (February 2012- February 2026) has been demanding and continues to demand just that, on an internal spiritual level… and indeed has been bringing much more awareness to so many of us, of the preciousness, power, beauty and wisdom of nature, plants and animals…. and how vital to our very existence, nature is. Now the axis of values must change on a whole global power and priority level. The old order is disintegrating, we feel it, we see it. Nature abhors a vacuum and a new set of values, collectively must be given birth to.

However, the labour pains are and will be, very difficult.

It is important to know that all children born within that 2012-2026 period have their natal Neptune in Pisces, so are very predisposed to have this powerful love of nature and indeed the arts, as a powerful and indeed intrinsic part of their being.

 The Moon is full on the 8^th at 16 degrees of Gemini, and new on the 23^rd at 1 degree of Capricorn.

 Full Moons bring things to a climax and often an end. The New Moon does what it says, the birth of the new, is indeed someway indicated. Being a monthly event however, not too important.

 Days this month that are stressful in terms of potentially disturbing events are indeed around the 8^th/9^th when The Sun opposes Mars, when a rather combative note is sounded. Also, indeed the 17^th/18^th when Mercury conjuncts Uranus, some level of shock and the unpredictable is in the air, re communications.

 Interestingly, Xmas day on the 25^th, has a rather “interval” type sense of calm, spirituality and sensitivity in communications, as Mercury then sextiles up to Neptune. 

  Enjoy.

  All best for Xmas and 2023.

 

 

 

 

NOVEMBER 2022 GLOBAL ASTROLOGICAL OVERVIEW

 Re the recent UK political pantomime… last month, (and possibly an ongoing one), Uranus last month was exactly conjunct Liz Truss’s Mars (only every 84 years) and simultaneously, Pluto was exactly opposing her Mercury (only every 248 years), it was therefore virtually impossible to think she could survive then politically. The personal chaos, shock, change and massive confrontation from others, typical of both those rare planetary combinations, was as powerful as it gets.

Now that Mars currently in Gemini (London’s sign), has gone retrograde, till 12^th January next year (a very rare event of that length) … life will seem in freeze frame of confusion, impasse, shock/awe and anger during that period, not least in Britain, but globally. Boris Johnson, with his natal Sun, Mercury, Venus and Mars in Gemini, will certainly need to seriously rethink his future, as paralysis and impasse hits him. Interestingly also, the partial solar eclipse on the 25th last month, was right on his Scorpio moon, on the day of his realisation of his failure to make a comeback as prime minister. His ego will demand that another plan must be pondered on, and a new chapter must be created, which eclipses often indicate, when they significantly impact your personal planets.

 Rishi Sunak also came to power as the UK prime minister on the day of last month’s solar eclipse, which was certainly a new chapter for UK politics. Unfortunately, we have no time of birth for him, but he is a Taurus, both Sun and Mercury (money/ security/practicality) hence his previous job in banking and then chancellor. He is in many ways grounded and practical, underlined by having his natal Jupiter and Mars in Virgo.  His Moon is certainly in Aries, which also gives him a fiery drive and ambition. His Venus in Gemini also gives him a certain level of convenient butterfly like flexibility in his stance, to suit his preferences and personal advantage. His Mars conjunct Jupiter certainly adds to a pioneering, confident and zealous streak.  His Mercury and Sun trine to Saturn, gives him also a capacity for caution, constructive hard work and intelligent practicality. It also gives him an instinctive very conservative stance… with both a capital and a small “C”.

 However, to contrast that Saturn influence, and what is very striking in his natal chart, is that he has a powerful and quite unusual aspect of both his Sun and Mercury, being in opposition to his Uranus. This gives a tendency to have periodic considerable shock and sudden change in his life, and radical challenges to his ideology, often created by situations out of his control and likely instigated by others.

 Ominously and interestingly, next year Uranus moves to conjunct his Sun and Mercury (only happens every 84 years, so only once, for significant a period, in his lifetime), triggering massively that very intrinsic, unpredictable natal energy. He will then be subject to significantly challenging and inevitable change in his life and position, that will very likely be triggered by others, and certainly by significant forces, largely out of his control. This period notably will be activated in June /July, October /November and early December 2023, and will be repeated in March/ April 2024.  Once in a lifetime stuff indeed!

His natal Moon is almost certainly opposition his Pluto in his chart, indicating that he is attracted to power, has much hidden power and attracts powerful people/contacts into his life, especially women, and it is of course, no secret that his wife comes from a very wealthy family and who has indeed massive financial assets.

However major emotional battles and power struggles with others, can also go very deep with this natal aspect… His decision re not attending this year’s COP meeting has triggered much criticism and controversy re his seeming lack of awareness/concern of global priorities, especially in view also of the absence of King Charles at that conference.  Finances are classically his priority, to an overwhelming degree, as indicated by his chart.

 Putin’s desperation re Ukraine has been made much scarier, by his realisation of his underestimation of the challenge of his so called “military operation”. The decision he was almost certainly making at the end of last month, when that solar eclipse in Scorpio was virtually exact on his ascendant was decisive… a new chapter indicated.  He has a choice to either, in some face-saving way, withdraw, or to potentially cause a world war. He also has Saturn conjunct his North node in the 1st half of the month. He will feel this as very frustrating and oppressive, as the weight of the world is on his shoulders… and his frustrations re his goals, can create a very spiteful response.

Next year we will have the initial taster of a coming major revolution, when Pluto dips his toe into Aquarius, between late March and mid-June. However, from January 2024 to early 2044, when Pluto is really committed to that sign, there will also be powerful lessons to learn then and a price to pay, re abuse of technology (technology being an Aquarian issue) … despite the then huge developments of technological abilities.  Power is always tested for positive use.  For every technological advance, there is often an equal and opposite step backwards in its potential … Motive is everything.  Pluto always tests for wise use, or misuse of power as represented by whichever sign he is travelling through.

 Elon Musk will surely also be tested in his now ownership of Twitter, as to what he accepts as legitimate in its power and use.

Aquarius is not only very linked to technology and the future, but positively, very much to a big picture awakening. it is a wakeup call to truth, big picture objectivity and the huge need for cooperation for the greater good. Indeed, it is a humanitarian sign, in best manifestation.

We are on the brink of a need for a total change of our values in many ways now, as Pluto finally finishes his lessons and reveals the consequences of years of misuse/abuse of financial power in Capricorn (financial value systems).

Saturn in Aquarius continues currently to square up to Uranus, (which rules Aquarius) which is totally symbolic of a real and fundamental clash between the old order (Saturn) and need for the new (Uranus)… This gargantuan conflict is clearly between the desire to maintain the old socioeconomic value system (Saturn) and the need for a fundamental revolution in values and priorities (Uranus), not least because of climate change.

Mars in Gemini is also currently and protractedly, because of its retrograde motion, squaring up to Neptune …  This is classic of smoke and mirror messages, and a sense of inadequacy, confusion and uncertainty of action, as to the correct way forward. Mars in Gemini can be about much talk and promises, scattered energy and little action and when additionally square to Neptune, it brings added deceptions and confusions.  Devious actions are rife. Indeed, also a collective lethargy can also permeate.  The world, literally, and its people, are all generally tired and depressed in mood.  It knows we are running out of time for a lifesaving existential change of values to be established.

A very powerful and profound period, globally this month is November the 8th/9^th. The total lunar eclipse then is exact on the 8^th, which sees the Moon at 16 degrees of Taurus, oppose the Sun at 16 degrees of Scorpio, and the Sun will also simultaneously oppose Uranus while the Moon conjuncts it. Mercury will also oppose Uranus on the 9^th. The North node in Taurus is also involved. This is an enormous conflict between what can be described as the forces of good and evil, between the need to cooperate rather than compete. It is an eruption of trauma, both personally and globally, brought about by the patriarchal desire for control and power, versus the great scream of planet earth to stop this battle of egoistical power versus the greater good of collective harmony, and indeed for the literal health of the whole planet.  In other words, wisdom versus ego

.That is a very significant period indeed, and involving the sign of Scorpio, potentially shocking and profound… a game changer… on many levels. The 9^th and 10^th and 11th will then see Mercury opposing Uranus, then squaring Saturn and then the Sun squaring Saturn respectively.

This is not a comfortable time at all.  Hopeful signs follow, with Mercury trining Neptune and sextiling Pluto on the 12^th and 13^th.  This is when sensitivity, insight, intelligence and power can come together to heal…. potential.

Trump has Mars conjunct his Sun between the 18^th and 23^rd. suggesting a real bid for power and an exceptional fighting mood, but being retrograde, it could be frustrated, and his anger will be very evident.

There are only two certainties in life, and one of them is change, and the astrology certainly points to that truth right now.

 When looking at the world and the symbolism of the current astrology now., I cannot help but be reminded of a line from the W.B. Yeats poem, “The Second Coming”. 

 “Things fall apart, the centre cannot hold”

 

OCTOBER 2022 GLOBAL ASTROLOGICAL OVERVIEW

 

The change of leadership and the planned new economic policies of UK government symbolise the beginning of the final death throes of the predominant values of our current prevailing socio-economic system… This is a microcosm of the direction of travel on a global level, as the astrology of outer planetary activity, notably Pluto, clearly indicates.

The planet Pluto is all about power (the words plutocracy and plutonium says it all). As an energy, it tests for the wise use of power, in which every sign he is travelling through, which is currently Capricorn (2008-2025). Ultimately, if there has been abuse of power related to the values related to the characteristics of that sign, then there is a nemesis, an often-self-created implosion of the system.  Capricorn is all about the prevailing establishment and socio-economic system and now Pluto is in its final 2 years of his journey through that sign, it is certainly pointing to the fact that the global economic order is seriously disintegrating. The UK is a Capricorn nation, and this death knell, is being totally exemplified by the current much increased right-wing emphasis on what has been decided will create economic growth, being imposed on the UK by the new prime minister and her chancellor. The shift to the right is being mirrored elsewhere on our planet, not least Italy, and not to mention the abuse of power as seen in the current nationalistic, fascist style actions of certain presidents. This all indicates a last-ditch desperation to reinstate an out worn value system, that is not in any way based on equality, or relevant to the current, urgent existential planet earth needs.

20025 will be a momentous period of change globally, when Pluto commits to Aquarius.

 In many ways, this is all indicated astrologically.  In 2008 when Pluto first entered Capricorn (every 248 years) there was indeed a large economic crisis in Capricorn ruled UK, when the economic ideology of growth at all costs, suddenly became prevalent then, caused by a large reduction in regulation, greed by banks and especially by the fraudulent misuse of money by mortgage salesmen, which ultimately proved disastrous.  Now once again, a side-lining of regulations is being promoted, and hugely inequitable tax cuts are being pursued to further enrich the rich, and apparently it is all a drastic, last-ditch attempt to rescue our economy and create growth.  This is purely ideological driven and has previously proved to be disastrous and indeed illogical, not to mention, abusive of power.

The theory of eternal economic growth, at all costs, is the same creed as the cancer cell, it eventually destroys everything around it, and indeed therefore, itself.

 The truth is, this direction of travel will be the ultimate downfall of that free-market theory and our current regime, and by the time Pluto commits to Aquarius, at the end of 2024, continuous till 2044, we will have begun then, of total and desperate necessity, a complete revolution in our values and ideas…, in Britain, at the least.  This will reflect the need to move away from greed, inequality, exploitation of nature and ruthless chasing of profit …and more toward values reflecting the urgency of the need for basic planetary survival and much greater equality… all Aquarian qualities …

 But… and it is a big “but” … the downside of Pluto in the sign he is in, as was mentioned, is a misuse of the power of the characteristics that the sign symbolises.  Aquarius energy is indeed connected to big picture insight, and humanitarian values.  However, it is a sign also very connected to advancement of science, especially the development and power of technology. Advancement in that area, will be hugely underlined under the regime of Pluto in Aquarius.  However, as we are already aware, technology can be dangerously misused by nations to hold other nations to ransom and to exploit people’s vulnerability.   Technology can be a great progress maker, but also a great disrupter and mischief maker, in the wrong hands.

Motive is everything, with all energies, not least where Pluto is involved.

2024 is the year a general election must be called in the UK, if one isn’t forced beforehand. This is totally in line with an inevitable shift of values and energy, indicated by astrological forces then.

 The sad death of the Queen (she had Capricorn rising) also correlates with a changing dynamic in our Capricorn ruled UK.   Although the monarchy will continue, its manifestation will change. The end of an era is profoundly unfolding. It is interesting how the death of the Queen correlated with the anointing of a new and a very controversial, Prime Minister.

 Liz Truss’s chart looks very challenged this month. She has Uranus exactly opposing her Mars, from October 12^th to November 7^th. This once only every 84-year transit, indicates chaos, disruption, wilful and very risky and rather crazy actions and events, also unpredictable opposition and a high risk of literal or, metaphorical accident proneness. She also has Pluto continuing to oppose her Mercury till mid-December. This is a once every 248 transit, that although it indicates a ruthless push for power by herself, it also indicates ruthless opposition and challenges to her ideology, that can lead to a metaphorical death of her position and indeed, a silencing. Additionally, she has Saturn squaring her Mars all October and through the first half of November (ever 15 years) which suggests blocks, challenges and paralysis of her will, re plans and policies. Anger all round, no less.

 Putin has had Saturn squaring his Jupiter since September 10th and which hangs around till December 4^th. That brings a real sense of disillusionment and being thwarted in his goals. In late December, when Saturn also squares his Midheaven and very challengingly also squares his Pluto (his ruling planet), there is a clear suggestion of his loss of status, by force or through a quiet retreat. Significantly when Mars (his co ruler) moves retrograde from October 30^th for a very rare lengthy period of nearly 10 weeks, he will likely take a step back in some way.  That’s the optimistic interpretation of his response to this frustration of energy and thwarting of ego.  Resentment, frustration and even shame, that these transits can bring, can also cause a dangerous, vengeful response, that could suggest a “scorched earth” action, i.e. If I can’t win, nobody can.

Looking at the general prevailing energies in October, that can influence us all in some way, Mercury finally moves direct on the 2^nd having been retrograde since September 10^th. We will start to really see and experience the results of events, that have been partially paralysed/on hold, since early September… Days of critical intensity and possible danger are around the 19^th/20^th when the Sun squares up to Pluto, and again around the 27^th/28^th when Mercury squares up to Pluto.  Ruthless power struggles globally and personally, reach a zenith on those dates.  Also, around the 12th when Mars squares up to Neptune, there is a danger of over idealisation, and smoke and mirrors are in the ether… and we can be sold a bit of a sham.

There are however some indications of progress around the 7^th, 14^th 17^th, 23^rd when some positive and constructive forces are permeating… for us all.

 Importantly, when Mars, which still in Gemini, moves retrograde on the 30^th of this month, staying in that mode and sign till January 12^th, there will be paralysis of external energy and drive, for us all. It will also feel like, our “leaders” and everyone, are running out of ideas, and a void of direction will be evident. Interestingly, London is a Gemini city… so it will be a centre of chaos and attention, but the influence of this Mars position and mode of action, will be global. Politicians will tend to be all talk, no action, as those in power will in many ways, have no clue what to do. There will also be many promises and declarations, but little delivery. However, dangerous internal discontent and festering significant collective anger will rumble, and behind scenes plans will be growing. There will also be a general sense of public rebellion growing, in the face of disturbing leadership behaviour.

Hang on to your hats, this is a very significant global period.

SEPTEMBER 2022 GLOBAL ASTROLOGICAL OVERVIEW

 

 We are in a perfect storm and feeling pretty alarmed/depressed at the general global situation, if you indeed listen to the news …or read about it. In fact, to keep stable or vaguely upbeat, many are understandably limiting, or avoiding their news intake, but sometimes we feel more jittery if we don’t keep fully informed …Depends on our birth chart/personality.

 There is an element of denial for a proportion of the population, in order to protect themselves, especially about some of the existential concerns, like climate change/wars, although it has been very hard to deny these things over the last few months, as their manifestations are now in our face, with many very difficult implicit challenges.

Strong sensitivity in a person, can either be manifest as serious anxiety about such matters and indeed depression, or it can manifest in denial and escape, in some form. This often relates strongly to the power of and aspects to Neptune in one’s natal chart, combined of course, with other issues astrologically.

 We have a senseless, dangerous war, a huge cost of living crisis, climate change crisis /drought, strikes and seeming no strong, coherent governmental leadership to cope, not least in England.

This month, to somewhat complicate things, Mercury moves retrograde from September 10^th till October 2^nd, during which time he moves back from 8 degrees of Libra to 24 degrees of Virgo.

 When Mercury moves retrograde, which he does on average 3 times a year for 3-4 weeks, this is always a period for everyone and globally, of delays, blocks, frustrations, poor communication, confusion, lack of clarity.  Although it can be very annoying … in reality, the purpose of it, is to create a situation where we are all, both collectively existentially and individually, meant to stop and reassess our habitual goals, beliefs and thoughts about the general status quo and indeed re our own personal path forward. We need the humility at these times, to see maybe where we have gone wrong and to decide how to change and reshape things, in view of the manifest impasses.

In fact, it is a time for constructive reflection, as we need to realise that what we thought we wanted, may in fact, be not what we need.

 Yes, there can indeed just be delays, but this Mercury retrograde period is there for sure, to create space for reassessment of the validity of plans and goals. The power of Mercury in our charts and its position at the time of the retrograde motion, will indicate the personal areas of needed reflection. Politicians especially will have to rethink many things in this retrograde period, especially those newly in power, and it won’t be at all comfortable for them, to say the least.

Mars is currently in Gemini, till the end of March 2023 (a very rare, lengthy stay) and Mars tends to be a bit dodgy in that sign. There is tendency towards duplicity and uncertainty and indeed for many words and promises, reversals of ideas, but often no action, with this planetary placement, especially underlined around the 16^th/17^th when Venus squares up to Mars. The used car salesman quality will be manifest in many ways.

 Very significantly also, around the 3^rd and 18/19^th of September, there is a problematical retrograde Mercury opposition Jupiter, when over promising and dubious statements are potentially rampant.  The very end of the month and early October sees Mercury (still retrograde) in opposition to Neptune, which certainly indicates fantasy, potential lies, smoke and mirrors at the least, and misleading information. Be sure to check the truth and validity of all issues, around then, and of all information received, on a personal and indeed on the big picture level.

 Jupiter now in Aries (May 9^th, 2022 – till May 17^th, 2023), there for a year, every 12 years, is certainly underlining for this period, the power of big ambitions, competitiveness and assertive egos and rather primaeval power stances.  This confidence however may be based on little known or understood infrastructure. We are living in times where ego seems to totally surpass wisdom in many leaders’ being, and indeed in their CV.

  It is always the specific power of the 3 outer planets; Pluto, Neptune and Uranus, and the characteristics of the signs that they are slowly moving through, that determine the main mood music and changes that happen on our planet over the rare years, that they spend travelling through each sign. That is the key to understanding the big picture, astrologically (and for understanding generational differences and characteristics)

1)   Pluto (power and motive) now finalising his journey through Capricorn, (2008 till late 2024) which represents the establishment and the predominant socio-economic systems, now shows us the very ugly fallout of ruthless, largely global, neo liberal capitalism, ongoing since his arrival in that sign.  Climate change is obviously the resulting effect of decades of destruction of our planet’s natural world and its delicate atmospheric balance, putting the totally self-destructive goal of eternal economic growth, before all else. As I persistently underline, the manifestation of the hubris of extreme capitalism is increasingly more apparent to many now, and we are paying the price in so many ways.

 The UK collectively is a Capricorn nation, and England is specifically an Aries country, and with Jupiter in Aries now, egos in that arena, are now certainly currently off the scale in political struggles, as potential leaders vie for triumph.

The basic tacit philosophy that greed is good and takes precedence over the environment and fairness (not to mention wisdom), has been the message for far too long, with Pluto going through Capricorn.  We all ultimately pay the price, as indeed we are doing now, for abuse of our natural world. The astrology screams this out now that Pluto is in his final throws of being in that sign, before moving into Aquarius in late 2024, from where he will test us from then, re the positive, wise use of power, or abuse of power in areas and values represented by Uranus ruled Aquarius, (technology, particularly.) The wise use of power of Aquarius is big picture insight, humanitarian interests and use of technology and triumphs of the human brain for the greater planetary good.

2)    Neptune so strong in its own home sign of Pisces now (2012-2026) clearly shows in so many ways, the sacrifice that nature, water and our seas (Pisces) have been forced to endure, by human activity… creating such depletion of biodiversity. Positively this astrological position has also woken us up to the natural world’s preciousness and vital importance, not least at a time now of the worst drought, apparently, for 500 years, in Europe. Neptune In Pisces is quite simply forcing so many of us to have a new, more spiritual connection with and love of, our natural planet.  This characteristic will be particularly true for all the burgeoning and yet to arrive generation, born between 2012 and 2026, who all have their natal Neptune in Pisces, so that connection with and sensitivity to nature is/will be in their very DNA for life.

 There is however a downside with all planetary positions when it is used unwisely, and the qualities of that position are abused.  Neptune can negatively be about misleading concepts, subtle deceptions, smoke and mirrors and conspiracy theories, and in its most powerful manifestation in its own sign, as it is now, it also points to the growing greenwashing we have been fed about assured environmental standards being adhered to in products, when that is so often far from the truth.  We are assured by governments and owners of companies that they are caring about the environment, but their words and private activities are often contradictory. There has been much sneaky stealth of infiltration of the media (Neptune) too by self-interested forces.

 England and Wales are the only country in the world with privatised water companies We have realised in recent weeks how they have eluded assumed standards, and saved money by releasing raw sewage into the sea … and their failure to stop leaks …   Money/profit has taken priority over the stewardship of water, one of our most precious natural resources.

 An example of this ongoing predominant value system is that despite its complete lack of publicity, between 2014 and 2017, £24 million was cut by the English government from the budget for environment protection, surveillance and monitoring.

 Again, what we are told and assume and what really happens are so often just not as one…

 Scams on social media /phones are all manifestations of the power of the often-invisible spread of lies/deceptions …that is enabled by our technological “progress”. Invisible spread of viruses also continues to reflect the potential negative power of Neptune now.

3)   Uranus (technology, shock, change, chaos, instability, not least in climate, awakening and ultimately inevitable change) travelling through Taurus now, a sign all about money/security and land/ agricultural food supplies, from March 2019-end of April 2026, is certainly bringing huge shocks re the cost-of-living crisis.... and the diminishing value of money, as well as fears over sustainable food supplies/ crop production. The power of technology (Uranus) as it connects with new money concepts e.g., bitcoin, is also strong now for good or ill. Also, as technology is so powerful now, cash as we knew it, will likely be soon, a thing of the past.

 Uranus often causes upheavals and chaos … designed specifically so that awakened, big picture change must happen.  That is the message.

Because of the fallout of the Ukraine war, and Putin’s implicit blackmail re Russian gas, energy companies, all privatised, are of course going to pass on the massive hike in energy prices to all consumers, an already predominantly struggling population.  The government are largely blindsided and seem to have no coherent, agreed strategy to cope, as this was not in their playbook.

 Revolution re these financial issues is inevitable, with Uranus so strong in Taurus, and the energy companies know this.

 Only two certainties in life, one being change.

As I said last month, Liz Truss has much in her chart activity (transits) in early September, to suggest her success then, in her goal to be England’s Tory prime minister (i.e., in terms only of pure gratification of her ego).  

 There is a saying that if you want to be a politician in power, you probably shouldn’t be one.

The current, rare conjunction of Uranus with the North node also guarantees a recognised need in the psyche of the population for a progressive, wise revolution in the way our society moves forward. Sadly, current proposed leaders seem disconnected, blind… and have no concept of this needed fundamental revolution, as it threatens their very identity, vested interests and ego. Many of our leaders and potential leaders, are merely rearranging the deckchairs while the titanic sinks. Narcissism seems now a common factor in so many of them.

The truth is, we are facing an existential period of the collapse of so much, resulting from abuses of power and especially of nature, for so long.  The system is broken. Those who know this, and there are so many now who do, are fighting for a total redress of values and for wisdom… and the outer planets, which determine the mood music of the big picture and generational awareness, are totally pointing to this emergency. The undeniable need for change and wake up calls have become so loud now; we cannot ignore them. The age of eternal material growth and abundance is coming to an end.

 Misuse of power brings its nemesis, in an almost Shakespearean way … and astrology has that messaging, in fact it speaks truth to power.

 The full Moon is on the 10^th at 17 degrees of Pisces and the Moon is new on the 25^th at 2 degrees of Libra. The full Moon corresponds with eruptions of pent up issues and often , endings … whereas the new Moon represents the birth of the new and the planting of new seeds ..

 

 

 

 

 

 

AUGUST 2022 GLOBAL ASTROLOGICAL OVERVIEW

 

The times we are experiencing are very precarious and insecure in so many ways. The astrology currently is indeed powerful.

This month starts very significantly in the first few days, with a symbolic, challenging and powerful Mars conjunct Uranus in Taurus (an event in that sign that happens only every approx. 84 years).  We know that Uranus (chaos, unpredictability, wake up calls and a need for more advanced big picture thinking) in Taurus, can create havoc with economies and money supply (Taurus), but also as Taurus rules literally the earth and agriculture, it is creating chaos in food supply from farming, as a result of war, and of course, critically, because of significant and huge wake up calls re climate change events, extreme heat and raging fires. Significant shifts in the earths infrastructure itself are also likely in very early August.

 Individually, there are unpredictable issues too in the early days of August, for many of us, not least for Taureans and Scorpios, born around May 8^th/9^th and November 9th/10^th, respectively. They can be wakeup calls, but too much impulse and potentially dangerous risk should be avoided.

 To be honest, this is a challenging month generally. Globally, politically it looks very shaky as powers that be, seem in chaos and have an inability, or reluctance it seems, to address the big picture. England of course has finally seen the nemesis of Boris and is now in total stasis while another “leader” is in the process of being chosen. Jupiter in Aries currently certainly now favours the bold, ambitious and the confident everywhere, despite, maybe lack of depth, wisdom, insight or detail.

 Liz Truss’s birth chart (no time of birth known) when compared to Rishi Sunak’s chart (again, no time of birth known) indicates success in the leadership contest, as Pluto opposes her Mercury currently and has been for some time (ambition, power and challenge) and Jupiter opposes her Pluto at the end of the month and early September, indicating strong ambition which can be very successful, but which can overreach her true abilities... Also, Mercury conjuncts her Pluto and the Sun conjuncts her Venus around the same time, it doesn’t get much more likely than that, to make her feel good, powerful and very successful. (However not knowing her ascendant details or the degree of her Pisces Moon, it can’t be 100 % certain.)

 However, I would say to her, in view of these powerful planetary forces, especially with Pluto so involved, “Be careful what you wish for.”

 Jupiter in Aries still (ruled by Mars) is for sure globally, encouraging bold ambition, but it also spills into pure ego ridden desires and goals, forcefully demonstrated, and being often very ruthless and primitive in action.  War can be its worst manifestation, as we are currently witnessing.

 While much burns and nature screams, and people and animals go hungry and suffer, many of the powers that be, still focus on superstructures such as profit, growth and power and indeed mostly their own ego… while the very infrastructure of our earth is severely wobbling and being totally undermined.  We are now facing up to the need for revolution in values, as Pluto finalises his journey through Capricorn, and Uranus in Taurus is making sure we see and feel the damage we have done

Many turn a blind eye, as to really addressing the problem and making the fundamental changes needed, which is a total global change of values and a downgrading of current prevailing neo liberal capitalist values (Capricorn) on the altar of collective survival and the preservation of our planet. This new value/priority is, however, unthinkable to those ensconced in a totally toxic, unsustainable system, but who literally profit significantly from that system

 As I have said many times, these last few years of Pluto (power) being, since 2008, in Capricorn (predominating and traditional economic system) is now showing us the nemesis of misuse and abuse of this system, and where power especially has been misused (one of Pluto’s jobs). The fallout of this abuse shows acutely what we need to change. Pluto tests for misuse of power of the characteristics of whichever sign he is travelling through. He finally leaves Capricorn in 2025, when socio/political/economic systemic values and changes are inevitable., hopefully not too late.

Neptune could not be stating the case for the value, power and importance of nature more strongly, now that he is travelling through his home sign of Pisces (2012 – 2026). A visitation that happens only every 165 years. This brings a huge focus on the value, beauty and preciousness of nature, especially the sea, and indeed on truly spiritual values. A characteristic often labelled as “snowflake” qualities, by some in power, who are vested in the current system.

Many of those young people born during this Neptune in Pisces period will however be future total warriors for the rejuvenation of the natural world.  It will be in their DNA.

Other days when again the unexpected and shaky is likely this month, are around the 11^th when the Sun squares up to Uranus, and around the 27^th when Venus squares up to Uranus.

 Mars moves into Gemini on the 20^th, where he will stay for an interesting and unusually very long time, 7 months in fact, (till late March 2023) as opposed to his usual approximately 6 weeks in a sign.

 In Gemini, Mars is tricky. From that sign energy is ingenious and resourceful, but often for self-seeking gain. It creates good salesmen, but motive can be shallow and hard to pin down. Energy is often scattered and spread thin, with fingers in too many pies. There is ambition/ideas, but poor follow through and scattered action on stated goals. All talk, fleeting and sometimes impressive, or unusual goals talked about, but no concrete, solid action, basically. Clever, but in a way that is often lacking in real substance or indeed probity and designed only to be popular at the time.  Forked tongues dominate, and duplicity is likely. Great statements, and no delivery. That is going to be the predominating feature of people who are in power or vying for power in the world. There will certainly be good ideas floated by some but take up of them will be unlikely or inadequate and a ducking and diving away from truth can be obvious.

 Boris Johnson may well be in the spotlight again from the 20^th of August, as Mars activates his strongly Gemini chart, significantly from then, and his anger, resentment and dodgy tactics may then well manifest, relating to his lost status.

 London is a Gemini city. Hence it may well be high profile, in world events and in some difficulty, with significant challenges, during this protracted Mars in Gemini period.

 Mars also goes retrograde in Gemini, between this coming October 30^th and January 18^th. This unusually lengthy retrograde period, will certainly invite increased uncertainty, bring real blocks frustrations, delays, confusion and unfulfilled promises and much paralysis for us all.

 Putin has Saturn opposition his Pluto (ever 30 years) from the 30 July to August 14^th. This can a real blow to ambition in some way, a restriction on power, but it is karmic. What we want is often not what we need, and therefore we are denied it. We need to have the humility of course to accept that experience. However, on August 3^rd and 4^th, he also has Mars conjunct Jupiter, which will embolden him in action, to compensate for any loss or frustration he feels.

The Sun square to Mars generally in the last week of this month affecting our world, is also showing then, a general potential for misuse of power, impulse and anger on a personal and an international level. 

  There are, however, a considerable number of good, hopeful, protective days this month (yes there are some) to help balance out the challenges and the misuses of power.

 There is no doubt though that we are at the end of an era, and this month is spelling it out quite clearly. There is only one certainty, and that is change, which will be forced upon us unpleasantly, if we don’t willingly, collectively embrace what is necessary, and work for what is undeniably logical, just and essential and for the health of our planet and therefore our survival.

 The full Moon is on the 12^th at 19 degrees of Aquarius and the new Moon is on the 27^th at 4 degrees of Virgo.

 

 

JULY 2022 GLOBAL ASTROLOGICAL OVERVIEW

 

It’s not an easy month July, no surprises there, considering the world situation.

 Jupiter in Aries since May this year till mid-May next year is making for a determinism, and a confidently rebellious, competitive, angry and assertive mood on the planet, for good or ill.

Uranus (shock, change disruption and wake up calls) currently careering through Taurus, (money/values and mother earth) for the long haul (March 2019 -May 2026) is certainly ensuring crisis vis a vis money, it’s worth and divisive demands re pay and cost of living issues. It is also obviously creating intensifying climate change shocks, as its effect speeds up more unpredictably quickly than anticipated.

Mars, (God of war) moves away from Aries and joins Uranus in Taurus (cash /security and mother earth herself) on the 5^{th of} July, staying there till the August 20th… which will put the emphasis even more on the global economy and its challenges, as opposed to just global territorial ambitions.

Mars in Taurus is very stubborn and rather immoveable in attitude on all sides. Alongside that, issues around farming/fruits of the earth and its current challenges, and not least re the global grain shortages caused by the ugly war, will erupt considerably. The plight of the earth and climate change effects will become increasingly desperate.

The issue of Russian global goals, versus the Western view of the international status quo and the increasing global gap between the very wealthy and the poor are all more in our face. Mars in Taurus (money/values) will also underline increasing anger and determined unrest (Mars) re financial hardships felt in the general populace, as a result of the fallout of the war and inequitable governmental fiscal policies. Strikes already being the obvious and desperate manifestation.

 Relating to the war, Putin has Scorpio rising, when born, and from the 10^th when Mars in Taurus, starts to oppose his ascendant, he will be in a position of very angry defensiveness against the threats he feels from the reactions of his challengers.

 It will not be a pretty response and indeed around the 22^nd when Mars opposes his Venus, there will be at the least, very powerful exchanges.

Russia is an Aquarian country, and with Saturn (karmic schoolteacher) moving through that sign till March 8^th , next year,  the lessons learned for that country will be tough indeed… and any gain achieved, will be through infinitely more tough times than ever anticipated by the powers behind the decision to invade Ukraine.

Economic crashes are very likely in the coming few years, as the path of our rampantly accelerating capitalist model over the last 15 years or so, since Pluto started his march through Capricorn, is now becoming unsustainable. Only 2 certainties in life, one being change of course.

Extremes of stances are indeed becoming very apparent globally. Extreme right-wing ideologies are growing in many ways with the responding increasingly binary views, which threaten to become a basis for huge division, almost a sense of civil war. The new Roe v Wade ruling in the States re abortion, exemplifies this … a major legacy of Trump’s power of course.

 The UK (Capricorn country) is certainly becoming very divided politically, not least because of Brexit, with Scotland looking for an independence referendum, effectively wanting to jumping ship, as they see clearly the increasing challenges of the Brexit fallout and Johnson’s policy ambitions. In the USA (Cancer country), the new abortion laws and indeed the gun laws are now really dividing the country, as many states choose very different paths and outlooks. … One wonders if such a large country as the USA, wont indeed starts to divide into smaller countries, not just states, as their differing laws and views become overwhelming, and a united constitution becomes untenable.

 Certainly, with Pluto in his last throws (the last few degrees) of moving through Capricorn since 2008, impacting both America and the UK most powerfully, will bring very significant constitutional crisis and change over the coming few years for both countries. This seems inevitable.

Pluto always tests for abuse of power relating to what the sign he is moving through, represents. Capricorn rules the power of the established system, the socio/political and socio/economic status quo. What has dominated powerfully since Pluto’s entrance into Capricorn in 2008, is the extreme neo liberal capitalism model, which has increased rapidly, and which has seen, as the downside, the growth of monetary greed and indeed often corruption and growing inequality. The resulting nemesis of any abuse of a system, which brings rebellion and unrest, also brings a last-minute desire by many powers that be, to return to limiting, or tampering with the populace’s voting power and freedoms, in order to preserve an outworn and threatened political system, whether it be economically, or power based, which they have vested interest in maintaining.

Indeed, there can also be by some, a desire to move back to a more morally/religious driven stance, that also defies freedom of choice.

 In other words, the status quo of the preceding years of Capricorn economic power and any abuse of it , is cumulatively objected to and there is a final fight to change it. The resulting battle to protect the power and status quo of those who have benefitted from abuse of power, with those who seek to overturn that power and seek a different value system, is colossal.

 The chasm building between conflicting principles and values has become so vast, that resolution and compromise seem now impossible… Even the drive for global efforts to limit climate change versus big business/political interests continue, even if in a somewhat cloaked way.

Neptune currently in its own sign of Pisces (2012-early 2026) has two manifestations, either making many people very positively idealistic, creative, sensitive, spiritually and selflessly compassionate, or also it can negatively, bring illusion, deception, delusional ideals of grandeur and a desire for heroism for some in power. If motive is indeed only for ego glory alone, however, it will backfire, but often, only after much damage is done.

 Boris Johnson is clearly increasingly paying a price for his desire for personal heroism, his untruths, vanity projects and power to do as he wishes, at all costs, and as with most (usually damaged) people with narcissistic tendences, there is no scrutiny by themselves of their real motives, or more to the point, they dare not look at them.

 Real objective moral/political ideologies are cast aside, by narcissistic type leaders on the altar of an often desperate but unconscious ideology of just personal ego, power and gain, and it seems there is no acceptance of culpability, or even defeat, even when it is staring them in the face.

On the 4^th Boris has Mars opposing his Moon. Challenges to his position will be most powerful and likely then.

On the 28^th he has Mars opposing his Neptune and conjunct his Jupiter, a period when the used car salesman in him is at its most strong.

 What is certain re Johnson, is that at the least, at the end of this year and early next year, his life and position will become very different, as Uranus works his once every 84-year revolutionary and unpredictable energy for life change, in his chart.

Globally, days of rather stressful power struggles and geophysical or geopolitical crises are around the 2^nd when Mars squares up to Pluto, and again around the 20^th when the Sun opposes Pluto.

Smoke and mirrors and confusion is strong for us all, around the 3^rd when Mercury squares Neptune, and   around the 14^th when Venus squares Neptune. All that is said or seen around those dates, cannot necessarily be trusted or true.

 The very end of the month and maybe manifesting around the 1^st of August, sees Mars conjunct Uranus, a very chaotic, unpredictable, potentially dangerous and somewhat anarchic time, with danger of earthquake, literally and metaphorically. Risk taking is strongly underlined… globally and individually.

  The Full Moon is on the 13^th at 21 degrees of Capricorn and the New Moon is on the 28^th at 5 degrees of Leo.

 The full Moon brings things to a head and often causes eruptions and a closing of chapters. The new Moon, by contrast, correlates with new and positive starts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUNE 2022 GLOBAL ASTROLOGICAL OVERVIEW

 

 During the first 10 days of the month, Jupiter and Mars are virtually conjunct in assertive Aries, suggesting some rather daring and macho moves based on confidence and zealous beliefs.  Mars is in his home sign of Aries now and till July 6^th, suggesting that it will be a period of strong determination not to concede on issues internationally. It indeed underlines the war like mood… and that can be on a personal level too.

Mercury, however, moves direct on the 3^rd suggesting that certain issues will start to move forward from then, and some clarity emerges for many, but hopefully only after important lessons have been learnt and a rethinking of issues has been successful… true for us all, as well as in the bigger socio economic and political picture.

Jupiter in Aries is very confidently and even ruthlessly competitive and rules England and so there may well be a rather dramatic show of political force in England’s political mood in order to get its way in global politics and in order to impress.

 Boris Johnson is under a lot of pressure re demands for a vote of no confidence in him, but as ever, for now, he seems to be inured to this and is stubbornly staying put, even though Uranus is certainly currently causing upheaval in his chart.

 He has Jupiter sextiling his Mars between the 6^th and 21st of June, a period of great confidence to move forward with apparent success.  However, combining with that energy, between the 8th and the 12^th, he will meet with severe and angry challenge from others, both personally and politically…  which will then rumble on throughout the month, and it is pretty much a catalyst for enforced change. However, as is typical of the English PM, he seems to get lucky when all points to the opposite outcome.  Having four major personal planets in Gemini can enable that individual to weave his way in and out of obstacles with a mix of truths, obfuscations and untruths (outright lies actually) amazingly.  Libra rising also certainly helps him clothe these misdeeds and his misspeaking, in a seeming charmingly compromising, manner.

 Natally Boris’s Mars in Gemini also squares up to Uranus in his natal chart, which is an in-built attraction to risk and danger. He gambles with these to get his kicks, and similarly he is drawn to dodgy deals/ individuals, to help him fulfil his adrenalin fuelled desires.

 As I am about to post this on the 31^st, he is still at large as PM, but unplanned change is certainly in the air for him.

 He has been compared by some journalists, to a greasy piglet, in terms of his elusive quality, when there are attempts to pin him down for his misdeeds.

 All signs have their down sides and Geminis, in their more negative mode, have a reputation for ducking and diving cleverly in and out of facts and situations, with adaptive narrative.  However, this very characteristic, if continually used, eventually becomes their nemesis.

Biden, by contrast, is somewhat, but constructively, boldly truthful, especially this month, as Pluto sextiles his Venus.

He will speak truth, regardless of whether it advantages him or not. His strong Scorpio planets combined with Sagittarius rising is an intense, forensic, but a courageously frank combination… sometimes a bit too frank for others comfort.

 Putin, between the 11^th and the 27^th has Mars dangerously opposing all his Libra planets triggering a strong confrontational response from others and he will react accordingly. This is an intensely war like mood, but on the 30^th when Mars trines his natal Mars, he may be feeling vindicated in some way, by a perceived victory.  

The 11^th and 12^th are days when Venus is conjuncting Uranus, the unexpected is indeed in the air around then for us all.  The 16^th and 17th see the Sun square up to Neptune…indicating that there is much smoke and mirrors around then, with misinformation and confusion on the world stage, potentially for us all.

All is not as it seems.

 The unusual outbreak of Monkeypox in some countries, is very telling of the ongoing power of Neptune, so strong now in his own sign of Pisces (since 2012) … which represents no boundaries and an invisible spread in all issues, not least information, fake news, the power of social media and of course, the spread of viruses. This Neptune journey through Pisces lasts till late January 2026, and we therefore cannot relax our position on any potential for the power of these forces.

 Pluto in the final and very telling last few revealing degrees of Capricorn (global economic systems and infrastructures) is now showing us the culmination of the downside of globalised interdependent neoliberal capitalism, as a horrific crisis in one country can have such consequences now for many others, not least in food and energy supply. A nemesis is underway. Pluto always shows us the dark side of any misuse of power.

We had become complacent that the world order was stabilised and civilised enough now, to become very interdependent on each other. We had, it seemed, forgotten that it only takes one somewhat unstable, powerful narcissist, whose desire for increased power had become so strong that their misguided, ruthless actions can totally destabilise the whole rather fragile global equilibrium.

Self-sufficiency has its advantages and we have ignored that advantage at our peril to some degree. It also of course has clearly pointed out how globalised big business and their tax advantages have created increasing inequalities and have also exacerbated climate change, because of the reluctance to change their systems to ones that may challenge their profits.

 Climate change is increasingly in our faces, and as Uranus (shock, disruption) marches through the halfway point of Taurus, mother earth is showing her very disturbed response to these changes in no uncertain terms.  Combine this with Pluto in the earth sign of Capricorn, and it really does threaten our very infrastructure.

 There is a disturbing but insightful quote about Pluto’s warning messages:

 “The gates of Hades are thrown open to the unwilling victim at their own unconscious request”.

We need this disturbing, urgent wakeup call… and deep down we know it collectively, no matter what denial there is.

 The Moon is full on the 14^th at 23 degrees of Sagittarius and New Moon is on the 29^th at 7 degrees of Cancer.  Things tend to be finalised/ended on the full Moon but are often positively initiated on the new Moon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MAY 2022 GLOBAL ASTROLOGICAL OVERVIEW

 

 A terrible war and the very stressed global economy are taking their toll on the planet and the psychological state of many, as indeed is climate change.

 A major and important planetary shift of energy this month, is that on May 10th Jupiter moves out of Pisces and into Aries, staying in that sign initially till late 0ctober, when he then returns to Pisces, to complete his influence there till the 20^th of December. On that date he then again commits to Aries, finalising his stay in that sign, till mid May 2023. Jupiter only passes through each sign every 12 years. This move to Aries, will bring a more assertive and a fiery stance to those ambitious for power and victory, and generally for the collective, in terms of a renewed proactive stance to fight back generally against being repressed, or deprived. Rebellion will become more likely.

This is very underlined, as also Mars leaves Pisces and moves powerfully into its own home sign of Aries from the 24th, remaining there till July 6^th. This will very much reinforce a more angry, impatient, dangerous, and risky atmosphere in the collective, as there will be an increased need to take more control, in order to feel empowered.

 It will also reinforce the power of the egos of those in power, whose egos are so often larger than average anyway. Fiery, ambitious behaviour will become more obvious in many.

Let us remember that Aries is ruled by Mars, the god of war, of course.

 Venus also moves into Aries on the 2^nd till the 28^th, again underlining the mood for assertiveness and indeed ruthless competitiveness, especially interestingly in the arts and certainly in the arena of money and indeed re the power of desire/indulgence.

Despite the new shift of emphasis onto Aries, which can underline the power drive of ego and competition, Neptune remains strong in Pisces, which when manifested positively, is more concerned with the values of the spiritual and nature, underlining the sensitive side of humanity. This divide of power between these two signs, will underline a growing battle between the two values they represent. Classic of this, is the current growing drive to pursue deep sea mining on the altar of human greed and pursuit of growth, versus the desire not to destroy deep sea environmental infrastructure, which is rich in life and an important protector against climate change.

 Importantly this month, Mercury moves retrograde on May 10^th, remaining in that mode till June 3^rd.

 When Mercury, now in his home sign of Gemini, retreats (goes retrograde), which happens on average, for about 3 weeks, 3 times a year, it basically indicates delays, blocks, misunderstandings, holdups and poor communications.  This will be a powerful influence especially re communications and indeed re lies and confusion and indeed affecting travel till the 24^th. Then from that date, as Mercury retreats into Taurus then, staying retrograde there till June 3rd, the nature of these frustrations will shift and relate more to finances and economies/securities, in terms of blocks, confusions and retrograde developments.  Mother Earth will also likely create some unexpected challenges then, in terms of geo physical events.

The lesson of Mercury retrograde, for us all in our personal pursuits, as well as on a more global level, is that it is actually a learning curve. It’s a time to stand back, take stock and rethink, rather than just get frustrated at the seeming blocks /hiccups, and angrily push forward anyway. The point of this seeming negative energy is to reveal where things have been misjudged or poorly planned, or even where things have been taken too much for granted, and we should try and learn from this and make reparations. Retrospectively therefore, we hopefully can see the advantages of the so-called hiccups.

Uranus now, and powerfully till the end of April 2026, is still slowly traversing Taurus (since March 2018) Uranus is a big picture wake-up caller and rules shock, change, disruption, rebellion, even rebellious liberty from the outworn, and general unforeseen events. In Taurus, it is constantly reminding us of what we cannot take for granted re the stability of the physical infrastructure of our planet (Taurus) and certainly also in relation to the stability/security of our economic infrastructure (also a Taurus issue). All Taureans will be, or have already been, impacted by significant change that is unforeseeable during Uranus’s journey through that sign. (Only every 84 years)

 Around the 5^th, when the Sun conjuncts Uranus, which only happens once a year, there is likely to be some sort of shock event related to financial and/or a geophysical upheaval, which in many ways maybe a blessing in disguise, as it teaches us some important truths about what we need to fully face up to. Transits involving Uranus often correlate with literal earthquakes.

 Boris Johnson, interestingly, has this month the start of a once every 84-year transit period of Uranus conjuncting his Jupiter and simultaneously opposing his Neptune. This is exact between the 8^th and 27^th of May and it returns to impact him, on and off, ongoing till April 2023.

This rare influence starting this month and over the coming year, will bring profound changes in his life, re his status and his context in life. The unexpected is around him and new pathways and challenges, and some deep revelations maybe presented to him about the real values of life. He may well feel out of his comfort zone as the old assumption’s he has had about himself/life and his desires are severely undermined/challenged.  There will however also be a potential liberation for him, but whether he sees it that way, is another matter. New job opportunities and sense of freedom are potentially in the air, but all quite discombobulating. How he will cope with the turn of events will be interesting, but having 4 planets in Gemini at birth, he tends to mould his life like pliable plastic and adjust and change his path to suit his immediate, if temporal and transient desires, as presented by any attractive opportunities.

Putin at birth, has the Sun and 4 other planets in Libra (with a Scorpio ascendant) but Mars moving into Aries this month, will not challenge his Libra planets till next month, when serious battles and challenges erupt in his life.

Zelensky, president of Ukraine, is an Aquarius, a humanitarian who sees outside the box, but his Gemini ascendant and Jupiter power on his ascendant also gives him much confidence, charisma, wisdom, manoeuvrability, courage, internationalism and clever tactics, which he can adapt to change.   His natal Moon and Mars in Leo of course, totally corresponds to his acting history but indicates that he has real power to take the stage in other ways and shine.  His Pluto square his Mercury natally, also points to his determination to challenge others intellectually and will stand up to an argument with passion, if necessary. Jupiter trines his natal Mars between the 10^th and 17^th of this month, which will much underline his daring, zealous nature and his confidence.

 Around the 27^th of this month generally, is a period of some ruthless challenge and potential coercion on the world stage, as Venus squares up to Pluto. Stubborn recalcitrance and misuse of power can dominate.

 On the 29^th and 30 ^th however, when Mars conjuncts Jupiter in Aries, there will indeed be quite a culmination of the fiery energy manifest this month, and a time of great daring and confidence to achieve a goal for many individuals, not least for those with power. This may or may not be so wise, but this mood will be extremely manifest and can bring real progress, if the motive is for the good.

 There is a total lunar eclipse on the 16th at 25 degrees of Scorpio.  That is a powerful energy that will bring much that has been brewing both individually and collectively to the surface, rather explosively. Endings of chapters are in the air, in quite a powerful way, when Scorpio is involved.  

 The more benevolent New Moon, which will fall at 9 degrees of Gemini is on the 30^th.

 Be assured however that this is a very energised, powerful and challenging month.  As always however, motive is indeed everything.

 

 

 

APRIL 2022 GLOBAL ASTROLOGICAL OVERVIEW

 

We are at a point in history where we have effectively to face that we have had a too complacent view of our liberal order, which is now being totally challenged by a powerful authoritarian power. The fallout is a truly shocking humanitarian crisis, which should be a reminder of ongoing ones outside of Europe, but also, that this Ukrainian situation is resulting in a global economic crisis too.

 We are unexpectedly shaken and reminded that history repeats itself, or at least it tends to rhyme, and we should never assume complacency about so called progress. The authoritarian, populist and indeed narcissistic type of leader, has grown as a power and influence in many countries in the last decade or so, and here we are with the outcome of the culmination of such power.

 The fundamental battle now it seems is between democracy and autocracy, and that sums up the very worst challenge that Pluto in Capricorn 2008-2025 has shown us. Pluto indicates where there is potential misuse of power and being in Capricorn, which rules economic infrastructure/ systems and the established powers, there have indeed been strong indications of potential misuse of such power in those areas. That battle is not only obvious now in an extreme way, as demonstrated in the Russia / Ukraine situation, but it has increasingly grown subtly within many countries that claim to be democracies. Some leaders in proclaimed democracies, have become laws unto themselves, abusing their own country’s standards, norms and laws.  In the same way many heads of big international businesses are conducting their business more autocratically, as they wish, and according to their own advantage, often disregarding assumed principles and rules of behaviour, in a so-called democratic society. Russian oligarchs have got away with many dodgy financial advantages, because politicians and their cronies of the democratic countries who indulge them, also make significant private gains from them.

 Uranus, the planet of shock, change and the revolutionary, is continuing in Taurus till May 2026 (since 2018/2019.) Taurus relates literally to money, value systems, and security and indeed the importance of mother earth and her benefits and we are certainly, as a result of the current military eruption, now seeing our financial assumptions re power /gas/petrol supplies and their prices and the general cost of living, completely shaken up in a way not seen since the 2^nd world war years.

 The second world war period was indeed the last time that Uranus passed through Taurus.

 Uranus in Taurus also totally points now to the physical shocks, eruptions and extreme changes on our Earth, brought about by the effects of climate change.

 Sources of global power supply and competitiveness on the world stage, has become a major axis of financial power, but now we pay the price of facing a sorry need to be less trusting, and indeed less quietly tolerant of abuse of power and dodgy dealings, and indeed less unconditionally dependent.

 This phenomenon has grown, as the power and values of neo liberal capitalism has leapt into a whole new and tacitly accepted dimension of globalisation, greed and ruthlessness in everyday life and amongst those in power and politics. This is a Pluto nemesis.  The perpetrators are also revealed for who they are, and the poor and the innocent pay the price.

There are two certainties in life, one being change, and now Uranus is in Taurus, and Pluto is in the last chapter (last two degrees) of Capricorn, our systems faults and complacency about the status quo, are hugely coming home to roost… and change is now, no choice. Hubris and nemesis are never to be forgotten as eternal principles, not least in astrology.

 If you add this game changing war crisis to the climate change challenge and the pandemic issue, we need to understand where we can no longer maintain many of our current assumptions/ values and to not let money and human ego be our god.  This truly is a critical turning point for human history and the planet.

 The power of social media is another example of what initially seemed like a step forward in progress through technology. It can also have an equal and opposite effect on the massive potential for abuse by powerful controllers and the total distortion of truth to a mass audience, for the benefit of dark intentions.

 This links to Neptune currently traversing its own home sign of Pisces, so doubly strong, and which happens only every 165 years (2012 till the beginning of 2026, in its current transit.) The downside of this planetary positioning is that both Pisces and Neptune are linked often to illusion and delusion and amorphous spread. Hence the current power of fake news, especially when convenient for certain powers that be, and this is seriously apparent now. Also, it can represent delusions of grandeur, even narcissism, amongst despotic leaders, which brings significantly poor and dangerous judgement in their ambitions.

 Very positively however, it must be pointed out, that Neptune in Pisces also really underlines the growing global realisation for so many, of our need for and love of nature, and the total urgency of protecting it for our very survival. It also underlines our appreciation of the beauty and value of the arts and spiritual sensitivity. It basically is a force for compassion and the power of the heart/soul, in its purest, positive manifestation. A major force majeure in the collective unconscious.

 Whilst Neptune is in Pisces however, we must not be complacent about pandemics. The extra power for invisible spread is still at large.

There is a downside and upside of every outer planetary positioning.  We have choices as to which way we go, and that is down to us collectively.

 Putin’s chart is now significantly less risky, impulsive and reckless than it was in the first half of last month, and certainly, limiting reality checks are powerful for him in the first 2 weeks of this month. This is because he has during this period, a once every 30-year Saturn opposing his Pluto, which indicates that his power then is severely stymied, for sure. What can’t be assessed, is how he will react to that. It will be either with resentful, frustrated anger, or acceptance, somehow disguised as a face-saving change of plan/ambition.

Most people would ultimately recognise under this transit, that what they want is maybe not always what is good for them, and in fact, they realise that what they thought they wanted, is not what they need at the time this transit manifests. What we want and what we need are often very different things… Saturn certainly can show us that.

The last 10 days of April, also look difficult for Boris Johnson, when Mars is activating/challenging his chart uncomfortably… not least by significant pressure from others.

 Around the 18^th/19^th when the Sun squares Pluto, is a period of some tension and crisis on our planet, but there are very positive planetary periods in the mid and last half of the month, to cling on to, on a hopeful level.

 There is a new Moon on the 1st at 11 degrees of Aries and there is a much rarer partial Solar eclipse on the 30^th at 10 degrees of Taurus… New Moons are a regular monthly opportunity for the birth of the new. However, Solar eclipses show themselves once or twice a year, and potentially bring far more powerful emotional, circumstantial and spiritual renewals and breakthroughs.

 The regular monthly full Moon is on the 16th and at 26 degrees of Libra, and points to a time of the culminations of repressed issues, which tend to erupt, in order to create a new beginning after an ending. Often this is a bit of a crisis that has been waiting in the wings to be addressed.

MARCH 2022 GOBAL ASTROLOGICAL OVERVIEW

 

The month starts with significant global stress and crisis, for obvious reasons.  We have endured Covid and now war haunts us.

 Around the 3^rd Mars and Venus in Capricorn conjuncts Pluto simultaneously, which is rare and intense in its power for us all, to say the least.

 But powerfully and very unpredictably, Mars, the traditional God of War, moves into Aquarius on the 6^th, as does Venus simultaneously. Aquarius is Russia’s natal sign.  Venus helps potentially with negotiations, but the power of Mars in Aquarius is detached, unpredictable, willful and fixed. In fact, it’s a law unto itself.  Mars transiting position in Putin’s chart this month and early April is also triggering angry, powerful, assertive energies.   Around the 11^th of March, it certainly activates his chart dangerously when it squares his ascendant. (If we have his exact correct ascendant degree)

Of the most significance for Putin, as I referred to last month, is that Uranus (ruling planet of Russia), which is now in Taurus, his house of relationships, is also opposing his Venus currently, which only happens every 84 years and was exact most of February and continues for the first half of this month. This again underlines the very rebellious and indeed potential paranoid and significantly unstable tendencies in people.  Because Venus also rules his relationship area, his defiance of cooperation and his desire for freedom to do as he wishes, independently of others needs and desires, is not only rare, but unpredictable, rash and risky.  His need to rebel against the status quo, to have his freedom, power and independence of action, is overwhelming during this time.  There is often with this placement, a powerful desire to break or manipulate, a previously accepted status quo. In fact, it is classic of metaphorical or literal divorce in any relationship.

Importantly also however, Uranus, currently travelling through his house of relationships, very much also points to the unpredictability for him, of the behaviour of those he is dealing with and indeed of those around him. The rebellious power potential of his enemies and assumed friends, will be strong and which he certainly didn’t anticipate.

 Putin has Scorpio rising natally and Pluto, his ruling planet, when born was conjunct his Leo Midheaven (public standing) in his natal chart. That points powerfully for a hunger for supremacy, power and control, as his overriding life goal.

 On a global level for us all there is a very strong emphasis on Uranus ruled Aquarius now (wake up call, upheaval and change) as Venus, Mars and Saturn are currently all in that sign, as is Mercury, till the 10^th. This, combined with the powerful position now of Uranus travelling through Taurus (nature /land, the earth), suggests that we will all need to hang onto our hats this month…when weather patterns and geophysical shocks are as likely as geopolitical ones. 

Saturn, the planet of restriction/limitation/karma and necessary lessons, in Aquarius, since the end of last year, (the sign cited remember, as Russia’s natal sign) has seriously stirred up Putin’s brooding anger about his power being potentially diminished, but it opposes his Pluto and his Midheaven in early April (every 30 years), which will however, somehow limit his power …. A karmic event. This will ultimately however actually benefit him, but he won’t necessarily see that.

 Boris Johnson, because of the importance of intervening world events, seems to have so far opportunistically and conveniently, escaped what seemed very likely, in terms of having to step down from his position. Indeed, his chart is looking very buoyant between the 5^th and the 10^th when he is favoured by Jupiter, but it is fleeting.

Between the 22^nd and 27^th however, when Jupiter squares Johnson’s Mercury, and Mars squares his Neptune, he needs to think long and hard before he speaks or acts.  Carelessness / or any lack of truth can be very damaging to him then.

Talking of truth, the very significant fact about this Ukraine crisis, is the amount of disinformation that the west is being accused of by Russia, and the disinformation being given out by Russia .. This is the real global danger of the very downside of Neptune currently, and for the long haul, being so powerful now in its own home sign of Pisces.   Truth/lies are all confused. Social media can make or break the outcome of situations, with their massive influence.  Invisible spread of foggy information is now extremely and literally lethal.

Indeed, around the 22^nd /23^rd are dangerous and risky days generally, affecting us all, when Mars squares up to Uranus.  This is possibly the most crazy and unpredictable period of the month.

Jo Biden is also deeply affected by Uranus in Taurus this month, as it exactly opposes his powerful Natal Mars in Scorpio from March 12^th till April 4^th, and which only happens every 84 years.  That too is certainly very unpredictable, challenging, dangerous and chaotic for him, but Jupiter opposing his Midheaven, between March 22^nd and 26^th, brings him some peace and protection.

 There is this month however, despite the distressing events, there are a few hopeful signs of some resolution, as there are several planetary aspects of grounded, reasonable behaviour too for our planet., so it is important to have faith, that some logic and balance prevails.

 I think it is very important to acknowledge also, that this month, Pluto, on the 10^th moves into 28 degrees of Capricorn (30 degrees in each sign) which starts the final 2 degrees of Pluto’s long journey through that sign, which that planet has been travelling through since 2008. It will be another 248 years before it reaches this same point again.

The final few degrees of an outer planet’s journey, (especially Pluto) through a sign, brings to a head the karmic lesson needed to be learned, related to the symbolism/values of the sign it is travelling through. Capricorn rules the predominant socio-economic order and the establishment and represents the growing power and challenges of capitalism globally. Pluto has tested for use of that power, both potentially constructively used, or abusively/ ruthlessly employed.  This final 2-year period is the denouement of that testing.   Hence, we are facing a sea change in our global economic systems as a result of misjudgments and misuses of power, and corruptions economically, since 2008 ....not least addiction to Russian money by certain governments, since then. Therefore, there is now an urgent need to face new realities re economies. In fact, a new world order will be forced upon us, as the fallout of complicated globalisation manifest.

The Ukraine war situation will very much instigate this, as well of course, the increasing power and challenge of climate change outcomes.  Inflation will rise dramatically as will energy costs, especially gas prices and the dependency on Russian gas by Europe, will be seriously affected.  The need for investment in and development of alternative sources of renewable green energy will be massively stimulated, no choice... Banks will be significantly affected; economic uncertainty and food prices are all going to be hugely impacted. Our value system will be challenged, as will the downside/fallout of greed and complacency re neo liberal capitalism’s developed prevailing ideology.

 When Pluto commits itself to Aquarius (scientific progress and technological innovation and big picture awareness) at the end of 2024 and staying there till 2044, we will then see what huge developments are possible, re the good and constructive use of power, or indeed the abusive/ misjudged use of power, re the above qualities, plus re the need for greater humanitarian awareness (Aquarius).

 We are teetering at the significant beginning of a new and extremely challenging transition in world history.