MARCH 2023 GLOBAL ASTROLOGICAL OVERVIEW

 

 Two major, very significant planetary shifts this month.  Pluto and Saturn both change signs.

 The main shift, being Pluto. (Think Plutonium and Plutocracy, to get an idea of just how powerful a planet Pluto is) He will be moving temporarily into Aquarius on the 23rd … after being in Capricorn since 2008. The last time Pluto was in Aquarius was 1777-1797.

This initial temporary visitation is from March 23^rd till June 11th… when he then retreats to Capricorn, staying back there till late January 2024. He then again returns to Aquarius, staying there till early September 2024, when he once again returns to Capricorn to finalise his work there. Pluto then finally commits to Aquarius in late November 2024, where he will stay till Jan 2044 and fully roll out his power in that sign. (From 2044, he will then start to move through Pisces).

 However, this imminent protracted period of Pluto, dithering between the two signs of Capricorn and Aquarius, is very significant, as it will give a large hint of the global shifts of direction and values that will dominate, when Pluto finally commits to Aquarius from the end of next year, for approximately 20 years. However, during this alternating phase between the two very different signs, there will also be very considerable battles between the contrasting value systems, affecting us all.

 I have talked in previous blogs about the differing messages of Pluto, which is all about intensity of power (use and abuse) in Capricorn and potentially in Aquarius. We are now in a huge and slow transition between those two values. We are going from the values of the earth sign (Capricorn) to the values of an air sign (Aquarius).  Earth is focused on the power and importance of the here and now, practical, material and economic issues, whilst air is about the power and importance of the abstract, detached, objective mind, intellect and out of the box insight.  Those are the choice of values that will be battled over.

 Pluto (power and intensity) however represents full throttle emphasis on the qualities of the sign he is in, often to an obsessive, and even a coercive degree.

 Pluto in Capricorn has brought the huge emphasis on the power of the establishment, economic gain at all costs, divisive power, and status. A sense of ego importance, linked to monetary gain has been underlined and the pursuit of eternal economic growth, which has evolved into the increased status of money, which has created greed and inflated personal status, privatisation, massive profits, and indeed increased financial corruption, tax evasion, money laundering and cronyism, resulting in huge economic imbalance and inequality, larger now than for many decades.  Basically, the worst manifestation of neo liberal capitalism. This behaviour has been notable, not least among many of our so-called global leaders. The UK, a Capricorn nation, is now paying a very noticeable visible price, as a culmination of Pluto’s negative impact in Capricorn has become obvious, underlining all this abusive predispositions of behaviour and values in many, and indeed in the behaviour of significant members of government. We now have a resulting nemesis.

 Power has indeed largely become based on wealth, not intellect.  It has also led to the increasing growth of oligarchy globally, as we are seeing so painfully currently, resulting in a cruel, ruthless and inexcusable war.  

 This shift of energy and power into future oriented, outside the box sign of Aquarius, creates a very different mood, energy and value system, which hugely focuses on the importance of big picture, objective, detached awareness, alternative understanding, wisdom, insight, truth and an intellectual concern for and fight, for humanitarian values and a collective global consciousness, re our future survival. It also is a sign that focuses much more on the power and potential of the rapid development of progressive science and technology. Again, this will be an extreme, intense focus under the influence of Pluto.

 It emphasises focus on human’s ability to create systems that are motivated to change and improve the environment in a sustainable way, through sheer technological achievements and breakthrough.

During this transition period, however, the fight between the two very differing and extreme manifestations (because of Pluto’s influence) of the old school conventional Capricorn, versus typically anti-establishment unconventional, rebellious, objective, futuristic Aquarius, will be significant in the coming few years. We will see the full nemesis of the damage and corruption, related to the abuse of power and indeed greed, that we have been experiencing. This awareness will speed the necessary transition of values.

 However, and it is a big however, motive is everything, especially re Pluto’s energy. Just as we have seen the abuse of power while Pluto has moved through Capricorn, re greed and financial corruption at the expense of big picture fairness, so can his position in Aquarius focus on the misuse /abuse of technology and science, with the wrong motive, and at a huge price for humanity, when this misuse is pursued.  However Aquarian value systems are so much more detached than Capricorn,

We already are seeing the signs of abuse of use in technological experimentation and the very damaging power it has, particularly again, when motivated by ego, power and greed, as it has been in many ways, whilst Pluto has been in Capricorn.

 Pluto is indeed the tester of motives behind the power he underlines.  With Pluto in Aquarius, however it is hoped that the potential abuse of technology for mere selfish financial gain and power (including the powerful potential for cyber warfare) will be downgraded by the pursuit of the right motives, objective intelligence and the urgency of increased human awareness of truth re our environmental predicament.

Technology, in the coming years, quite simply must be judged by its genuine benefits for the planet, as opposed to merely for its genius and power for its own sake.

Aquarius is ruled by the planet Uranus, the planet of awakening and enlightenment which are qualities often kickstarted by the unexpected and by shocks.  Uranus now in Taurus (very much connected to mother earth as a sign) since May 2018, till April 2026,  is a planetary influence often correlated with earthquakes, as we, with recent events, are only too painfully aware. On the 5th and 6^th of last month, the Sun was indeed square to Uranus in Taurus, when the terrible quake struck.  It really would be no surprise if there is an increasing number of earthquakes, with the additional power of Pluto in Aquarius, combined with Uranus in Taurus.  They are both wakeup calls to humanity.

 Interestingly, earthquake damage is now uncovering corruption in certain countries related to avoidance of building regulations, which, it seems have been turned a blind eye to, in order to gain financially.  Again, money before people.

We are very likely to start seeing in the coming months and years, an increase in mass public demonstrations for radical pro environmental action and equality, and even a sense of anarchy, motivated by sheer desperation, and motivated by the power of influence of Aquarius, for a change in values and priorities, for the sake of a viable future.

Astrology itself, is a subject ruled by Uranus and it is possible that this “alternative” science may well, while Pluto travels through Uranus ruled Aquarius, gain a new validity and acceptance of its insight into people and the planetary situation. Technology has already increased its popularity and interest in astrology, by its online participation. Again, however motive is everything.

Of course, all Aquarians individually will be significantly impacted by this new Pluto sign position, for certain periods during his long stay in Aquarius, as will Leos (opposite sign to Aquarius).

 When Pluto starts to hit the 1st degree of Aquarius late this month, it will be exactly squaring Boris Johnson’s Moon and that remains an energy in the background on and off for him, till January 2025. This only happens in someone’s chart approximately every 124 years, and it will not be an easy period for him. There will be power struggles/challenges and changes in his personal, financial and public position in life. Coercion and misuse of power, related to his actions, are underlined, as will be some nemesis.

 It is worth mentioning that Russia is deemed an Aquarian nation, and Pluto in that sign could indicate a ruthless shift of power markedly for that nation, in relation to the rest of the world. Motive will however be under intense global scrutiny. Pluto is also Putin’s ruling planet, as he has Scorpio rising.

Now, let us move on to look at Saturn’s important change of signs this month. Saturn stays in a sign for approximately two and a half years.   He leaves Aquarius and moves into Pisces on the 7^th, and he then stays in Pisces till May 25^th, 2025. Whist in Pisces he is reinforcing the power of that sign, as Neptune (Pisces ruler), is also currently travelling through it.  This is a rare combining of planets.  Whilst in that sign, since 2012, Neptune has woken us all up to the preciousness of nature and the suffering it is facing with climate change and human activity… and how much our wellbeing is inseparable from nature.  

 Saturn is a karmic schoolteacher, and we learn lessons from the sign position he is in,  and when  in Pisces  (every approx.. 30 years) we are forced to acknowledge our vulnerabilities and weaknesses and failures, re that sign and our obligations to that signs power (emotion, sensitivity, spiritual values, nature, the sea and creativity in the arts) and where we need to get a healthy relationship with the good use of that sign for ourselves and others.  From this sign, Saturn brings reality checks which are huge for us all, re the damage to nature caused by human activity, which will be increasingly visible and impacting us.

 Saturn in Pisces can also bring hypersensitivity, fear, anxiety …and feeling trapped in the past, it can cause damaging escapism, delusion and psychological vulnerability and haunting regrets from the past. Positively, it can give the determination and humility to stand up to past pain and mistakes and do all one can to rebuild and heal and care for that which needs care, on an individual and an environmental level. Objective self-analysis rather than self-pity can help us all let go of the past and get out of difficulties. Much humility is needed and self-discipline, with Saturn.  It’s the test in Pisces, of humble severance from the past.  That will be a needed mood globally, in order to find our collective way out of global and potentially, individual difficulties.  Of course, all those with strong Pisces input in their charts will be most impacted at some point during this visitation by Saturn, as will the opposite sign of Virgo. New, necessary maturity is indicated.

 Looking at other more transient planetary issue this month, in the first few days of the month when Venus’s conjuncts Jupiter there is a positive combining for moving forward with good motive and luck. Serious negotiations are also indicated by Mercury conjunct Saturn at the same time.

 Particularly difficult days globally are between the 14^th and 18^th when the Sun and Mercury square up to Mars, Venus squares up to Pluto, Mars squares up to Neptune and the Sun conjuncts Neptune.  Tensions/crises are tangible then, as is anger and indeed deceptions.

 However, very late month when Venus’s conjuncts Uranus, and Mars trines Saturn, there could be some satisfactory compromises and surprising positive events, socio-politically.

Between the 6^th and the 11^th however, Putin has a lot of reckless daring, overconfidence and overreaching indicated, as Jupiter opposes his Sun. Jupiter will then opposes his Saturn between the 21^st and 28th, when his desires for success outweigh his fears and caution… but there will be realities he has to face reluctantly.

 Apologies for this very long blog .. but so much to point out.

 We are indeed living in interesting times.

leigh@astroanalysis.co.uk

FEBRUARY 2023 GLOBAL ASTROLOGICAL OVERVIEW

  So many people are finding listening to the news and reading the papers increasingly depressing, and with good reason. The collective instinct is one of anxiety and fear re the future of our planet. Despite humanities’ amazing knowledge and capabilities, we seem not to have moved forward much in terms of challenging the main motivators of the dark news which are of course money, greed, power and ego. It was always so, but now it has reached a global culmination, and the gap between the very wealthy and most of the population of the planet, is greater now than for several centuries. The last 16 years or so, have accelerated this chasm.

Plutocracy is a powerful force now and Putin’s war alone is a terrible example of a value system and mind set, that feels primaeval.

 Astrologically, this is demonstrated indeed by the planet Pluto, in his long trek through Capricorn, which can, when misused, so often bring abuse of power (think Plutonium, Plutocracy) in the sign he is in. It has been travelling through Capricorn, since the start of 2008… and it is finally ready to just dip into Aquarius, late next month, which it has not done for 248 years, but to which it will not be fully committed, till the end of 2024.

  These two signs, Capricorn and Aquarius represent very different value systems. This is a quite monumental transitional period, which will really mark the beginning of the gradual collapse of the old ideological socioeconomic order/value system (Capricorn) whose time is truly virtually up. Pluto’s current transition now will symbolise the attempts of those with vested interest in the values of pure ego, money and power for its own sake, to try to defy and prevent the necessity for a radical new value system to get its foot seriously into the door.

 This will not be an easy transition / battle between the two very different values, which will take till the end of 2024 to begin to show truly the necessary shift to the new, being manifested … as Pluto dithers on and off between the end of Capricorn and the beginning of Aquarius till then.

 All signs have their positives and negatives. Capricorn is mainly about economic values, status and conservative knee jerk reactions.  Positively it is about hard work, and steady climb up the mountain to get security and practical results, but obviously motive counts. Over the last 16 years or so, the power of Pluto in that sign has indeed motivated the negative side to dominate i.e., greed, status and the internalised value that the only god is money and being stuck in a circle of the concept of eternal economic growth. Increasingly, however, that has only worked for the few and of course also increasingly at the expense of the health of the planet.

The desire for power and domination has been increasingly dangerous, economically, internationally, environmentally and politically.  The world has shrunk, in terms of everything being interlinked now via economics and internationalism, but cooperation based on the greater good of the earth has been constantly overruled by ego and that desire for power and money. Pluto has seriously tested for misuse of power in these values since 2008, and now we see the results.

The UK is designated astrologically as a Capricorn country and indeed, members of the UK government have demonstrated greed and this abuse of financial power, that is underlined in our current Pluto in Capricorn driven value system.

Currently, Mars has been stuck in Gemini since August 19^th last year and remains there till late March this year. The very negative characteristics of Mars in Gemini are indeed dodgy duplicitous dealings by people with power and a tilt towards evasion of truth. This very unusually long visitation to that sign has certainly stirred up emphasis in Westminster politics, as London historically has been designated astrologically, as a Gemini city. Internal wrangling, and some dodgy dealings have been and are being exposed in the UK government and indeed London is increasingly revealed as a major money laundering centre. 

The transition of Pluto into Aquarius (air sign /intellect) will put power (Pluto) into a whole new area. Aquarius is about the big picture, outside the box, awakening, and a detachment from ego for the benefit of the new and the progressive, on a humanitarian and futuristic basis.  Aquarius also rules science and technology and again, as always with Pluto, motive is everything, and always tests for wise and non-abusive use of power in whichever sign he is travelling through. The danger of the misuse of technology ever grows and Pluto will seriously underline that as a negative potential.  Although there is a coming sea change in focus and values, there is always the danger that poor motive can remain part of the picture, for some time.  However, the drive that is growing amongst the younger generation is so powerful, that the old order is rapidly becoming defunct and out of total urgency, is no longer tenable.  It is their future, their planet and therefore should be their choice, as to which value system dominates.

Thankfully, Neptune, powerfully still travelling through his own home sign of Pisces (water sign which equates to sensitivity and emotions) since February 2012 till late January 2026 (and only every165 years) has, on the positive side, greatly shone a light on the preciousness of nature, and our planet. It has really brought home to our hearts and minds, that the total lack of balance between mankind’s ruthless behaviour and the preservation of the natural infrastructure of our precious planet, is now being dangerously tipped towards our own irrevocable destruction, unless we change our values and our priorities. We need nature, nature doesn’t need us.

 All children born between February 2012 and late January 2026 have Neptune in Pisces in their natal birth charts and so will, all their lives, be exceptionally sensitive to nature and it will be a very powerful and precious influence in their lives, in terms of their determination to prioritise and protect it.  The arts too are underlined for them as a value… That is a very vital and hopeful energy for our future.

Saturn has been in Aquarius (air sign… the power of the intellect) since mid-December 2020 and leaves for Pisces on March 6^th. From Aquarius the necessity principle of Saturn, (the realty check planet/karmic schoolteacher) has totally underlined the necessity to look at the science of climate change and its ability to show the reality of scientific truth and facts, has come to the fore and it has shown us all where the responsibility lies. Saturn is also a benevolent despot and indeed and has shown us all in real experience a taste of what climate change will look and feel like. The seriousness of the need for a change is shown, but it is scary (classic Saturn) but a necessary one, and one which many governments have been reluctant (uncomfortable necessity of Saturn) to act on, despite the facts.

 Aquarius, being ruled by Uranus, is indeed much about technology, and Saturn in that sign now, has certainly also underlined the nemesis and karmic downside of misuse of technology, not least in terms of social media misuse . It also has, of course, shown its great positive potential. Motive, as always, is everything.  Saturn is for lessons, Pluto is for power and transformation, after endings. 

 Saturn in Aquarius has indeed been a serious scientific big picture reveal. Aquarius relates to social equality too and Saturn has also pointed out that the current extreme free market economy has rather undermined the very concept of this and free and fair democracy.  The move of Pluto into Aquarius will really put the power we have as a planetary community into a whole different context.

 Saturn moves into Pisces on the 7th of next month… joining Neptune in that sign, which will really shift the balance of priorities. This will be a metaphorical and literal sea change. (Neptune and Pisces are very much about the sea)

 Saturn in Pisces (staying there till Feb 14^th, 2026) will bring a real shift in Saturnian reaction to events around us, as a result of a massive reality check in direct experience, re the damage to our planet through climate change.  it will start to manifest as a major emotional response, based on fear and anxiety.  As the impact hits, karma is strong, and so fear, guilt, regret and worry, can be drivers. But there will be a necessity and a need not to be paralysed by these emotions, but to act constructively on our increased consciousness, sensitivity and awareness of the suffering and damage done. There is a need to let go of the past and to find ways out of difficulties, and not be escapist or in denial about the challenges and realities of what we need to face up to and do.  Learning a loving detachment from our own and others pain is the way to go with Saturn in Pisces. Not be overwhelmed, but to acknowledge the facts and act to heal and repair, what we have been responsible for. The sea (Pisces) will be a huge emphasis in terms of our realisation of the impact of what our actions have done to it and how it will impact our planet… and will therefore be a huge focus for trying to redress the balance and to redeem, by change of behaviour and creating some healing.  Don’t underestimate the powerful impact of the next few years.

Back to this month.  Days of unpredictability and shock events are around the 4th/5th when the Sun is square to Uranus and the Moon is full on the 5^th at 16 degrees of Leo.  There is tension in terms of negotiation around the 10/11^th when Mercury conjuncts Pluto. Powerful words and events are impacting heavily then. The 16^th shows some blocks and reality checks, when the Sun conjuncts Saturn.

 The 21^st and 22^nd are also chaotic and changeable re negotiations, as Mercury squares up to Uranus.

Boris Johnson is preparing to make a comeback for sure, as from the end of this month as his Jupiter encourages popularity and favours from others, which can propel him into a new chapter of ambition for power.  He will be pushing for rebuilding a new public image as Jupiter encourages him, but Saturn in Pisces from mid-March, will simultaneously be doing him no favours then. (His Saturn return in late April /early May will be a very telling and rather karmic time for him)

 Sunak’s chart indicates a rather chaotic upheaval in his life and position from the end of May this year. This is a rare event and lasting on and off for about a year. Ultimately it can be liberating, if rather uncomfortable, at the time.

 Jo Biden has a rather difficult February, especially the second half. His heath and work look under stress and scrutiny, and he may have to accept the paying of some price, as Saturn is certainly in challenging mode for him then.

Putin, by contrast, is in more buoyant and daring mode generally.  Mars is rather disturbingly encouraging that mood in his chart.

Positive and more harmonious times are around the 1^st, 6^th, 8^tH 16^th, 18^th and 20^th, when wisdom, cooperation, sensitivity can hopefully dominate.

 Venus is in Pisces till the 21^st…, always a time when sensitivity/the emotions, the arts and idealism dominate.

The new Moon is at 1 degrees of Pisces on the 20^th …a day also with emphasis on the Pisces qualities of sensitivity/idealism / emotions; and frequently… escapism.

 

 

JANUARY 2023 AND BIG PICTURE GLOBAL ASTROLOGICAL OVERVIEW FOR THE YEAR.

 

There is a general feeling that now the planet is in critical mass mode. We go one way or another… The old ongoing dominance of and drive for money, power, ego and an increasing autocratic value system destructively continues, or we turn to a new more enlightened humanitarian and big picture planetary health driven value system.  There is alongside this, a growing war between the two hugely contrasting energies, autocracy or true democracy.

 You don’t need to be an astrologer to realise this.

 The ongoing war in Ukraine totally represents all the misuse of power we are facing.

The new values that our planet screams out for, and indeed what the planets that are starting to influence us astrologically, are also demanding, are so contradictory to the decades long values we have aspired to. So, it will be a massive fight to get a revolution from the old to the new.

 This year is a year where that collision of forces will seriously start to manifest.

 The unusually lengthy retrograde period of Mars in Gemini, since October 30^th and continuing till the 12^th of January, has certainly done its job of paralysis on many fronts and pointed to a real crisis of battles and anger re value systems.  This has shown itself not least in the UK. London is a Gemini city, the centre currently of a paralysed government,.which is in  typically current Geminian dithering manner and with scattered internal opinions, and completely not knowing what steps to take to resolve the many strikes and the financial mess. Anger (Mars) is brewing in the populace and the government hopes this will focus on the discontented strikers, when in fact, disillusionment with the UK government and the whole system is seriously growing.

  After the 12^th, movement of some kind will emerge, society wise and personally.

 Mercury also is retrograde since December the 29^th and till the 18^th of January, and this will compound the problem… Agreements will be very difficult to attain, and delays and blocks will dominate. Best agreements will come after the 18th.

Jupiter is committed to Aries (England’s Sun sign) from the 20th of December, lasting till mid-May, and this will put a lot of power into the populace’s hands, and again collective determination, drive and courage will be significant…and now that Saturn has finished squaring up to Uranus, as it has been doing on and off for the last 2 years, the blocks and limits put on the need for some revolutionary change, have been considerably loosened.

Despite an increasingly vocalised feeling that the current (neo liberal capitalist) system is unsustainable, the fact is, our political system is by nature totally anti-revolutionary, but the populace may become increasingly revolutionary, over the coming 2 years, as Pluto (power) edges gradually out of his occupation of Capricorn era. (Since 2008.)

 Capricorn symbolises the old order of conservatism, tradition, extreme capitalism and colonial power, with fiscal inequality baked in… It has become increasingly unfair, illogical and increasingly at war with the need for a big picture existential change, in order to restore the health of the planet and create more balanced equality. Money can no longer be God.

 Money alone is not the root of all evil but the love of it is.

Aquarius is looming large as a focus of power, and it is the energy that is starting to build seriously this year, as Pluto dips its toe into the first degree of Aquarius for a trial run only, from the end of March till mid-June 2023. This will give us a taster  of the coming shift of focus and values.

 Aquarius is all about the prevalence of intellect over greed and the power of out of the box, lateral and divergent thinking to solve problems that are global, not parochial.  Revolutionary insight, hugely innovative technology and humanitarian thought and planetary survival, especially related to climate change, will be increasingly, and of necessity, the motivator.

 This is such a contrasting force to Capricorn energy. There will however now be an ongoing battle, on and off, between these two value systems, till the end of 2024, when Pluto finally commits to Aquarius. This will also be very much related to autocracy versus democracy.

 Pluto visits each sign every 248 years and stays in it, to do its work (and tests for wise use and abuse of power) for approximately 20 years.

The March to June period in 2023 will indeed give us a flavour of the change in mood, values and energies that are destined to show themselves, and will emerge again from late January 2024 to the beginning of September 2024 when Pluto pays his second visit to Aquarius. The emphasis during those periods will be the humanitarian and global need to put environmental issues as a priority and the realisation that the essential need for the development of technology must be motivated by big picture collective progress, for our very survival and not just motivated by money, power and ego.

  When Pluto reverts for the final time, to Capricorn again in September 2024 till late November 2024, then the final battles between these two values will be seen. From late November 2024, Pluto’s commitment to Aquarius begins and Aquarian energy will then dominate…. All the way through till February 2044.

However, we must be aware that all systems have their potential for abuse by some, and therefore there is always a likely downside to every planetary placement, not least for Pluto in Aquarius, the planet whose title alone, is the very essence of power (think Plutonium and Plutocracy.) Technology, an area very much governed by Uranus ruled Aquarius, has increasingly also become a medium for the use of darkly motivated energies and abuse, when the motivation is greed… This must be rooted out, as value systems naturally shift of necessity and more evolutionary characteristics of mankind kick in.

 Can Orwellian type use of technology be abandoned… and then used only for the greater good.?

There will be, must be, a sea change.

If not, we are looking at a huge, rather slow-motion finale for us all.

 Re the UK this year …Rishi Sunak has a very powerful and chaotic once every 84-year Uranus transit to his Sun from May this year.  Change, shock and unexpected revolution is in his career then, and in his life generally. The UK government and its traditional structures are indeed very symbolic of all that must be rethought.

Of course, Neptune is also still travelling through its own home sign of Pisces. Neptune in Pisces (2012 till Feb 2026) has been a real wake up call to us all, re the beauties, frailties and necessity of nature, notably the sea …and how much it is suffering from our human assault on it. It has also underlined the power of invisible global spread of epidemics and the unrestricted global spread of social media with all its conspiracy power.

 Re Pisces, another significant planetary shift this year is Saturn’s entry into Pisces on March 7^th. This every approximately 29-year visitation will last till mid-February 2026.

 Saturn is a testing, karmic planet and brings reality checks to bear and shows where work must be done, but where it is a tough road.  He is not called The Benevolent Despot and Karmic School teacher, for nothing. We must be humbled in relation to the sign he is in, and Pisces (the last sign of the zodiac) is, as I said, so about nature, and denotes, as a sign a strong spiritual awareness of life…the preciousness of the simple. Pisces is all about sensitivity and emphasises sensitivity to pain and often also, more negatively, escapism from what is uncomfortable to deal with.  Saturn in that sign, asks that we need and must stand up to the plate and deal with problems and suffering in a compassionate way, both personally and environmentally.  We will see clearly and with pain, the truth of our damage to the earth, and pay an increasing karmic price, which will further drive the need for change. We must face up to our fears and anxieties and take constructive action to deal with the present and let go of the past and its hurts and mistakes. Huge challenge globally, but increasingly unescapable as a necessity. But Saturn is a tough teacher. You only get progress, after huge, hard and humble work

 Indeed, Saturn will demand that our collective mistakes and historic value systems must be confronted and rethought … of necessity, or we pay the price of the downside of Pisces…escapism, denial, delusion, or of simply giving up.   Negatively, Saturn in Pisces it may be quite challenging to the arts also, which will have to fight for its true values to be recognised by the system.

 Jupiter, however, positively, moves into Taurus in Mid-May for a year, and this position underlines the power of Taurus alongside Uranus in that same sign currently and since May 2018. Uranus brings shocks and awakening and change and Taurus rules our infrastructure in terms of literally the earth under our feet and its productivity re crops and our security systems, and simply, the money system. We have seen the shocks re the earth in response to climate change and how it has also affected money, with cryptocurrency, cashless dealings, Ukraine war and the cost-of-living crisis. Not least also, how technology (Uranus), has affected our financial dealings. Jupiter’s arrival into Taurus, however, can very helpful as it brings satisfying rewards for the good, we do, changes we make, related to our planet’s infrastructure and survival. It can show us what progress can indeed be made through appreciation of and efforts made in caring for nature…. and indeed, the arts.

 I believe we all know in our souls, that massive karmic wakeup calls will start to stare us in our faces in 2023. 

 All best to you all for the coming year.

 

 

 

 

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.