Pluto, Eris, Eclipses, Uranus and the Lunar Nodes: War and the fear of War

The recent eclipses have had and are still having a powerful impact on the collective psyche via intensely confronting events, man-made and natural disasters of great magnitude.

Pluto, planet of transformation and life-altering crisis, and Eris, planet of discord, have been aligned to the eclipses’ degrees, not just in October, but from earlier this year, in April and May too. Pluto will continue its right angle to Eris and the Lunar Nodes (indicators of recent eclipses), until its ingress into Aquarius on January 21 2024. And the Lunar South Node will be conjunct Eris, at least to this year’s end. The Nodes of the Moon represent the course upon which destiny flows, from the past to the future, individually through the birth horoscope and collectively, through the horoscopes of nations.
In plain English this configuration is manifesting in many adversities, at the same time urging realizations of what is needed to avert future ones.

The Israel/Hamas war is a great case in point, due to the current configuration’s alignment to both the Israeli and Palestinian birth charts (May 14-4pm-1948-Tel Aviv: establishment of the State of Israel. November-15-0.40am-1988-Algiers: Palestine’s Declaration of Independence). The study of these horoscopes is a fascinating/tragic proof of astrology at work.

Transiting Pluto has been conjunct Israel’s home sector since 2019 (serious trouble at home) and Eris has been entering the sector of Open Enemies, very slowly, since 2014, but it is now right on top of it. Also particularly significant right now is the fact that the transiting Lunar Nodes straddle Israel chart, from east to west (South Node rising conjunct the Ascendant and North Node setting conjunct the Descendant), showing how important this period is for defining this nation’s self-image and global relationships. The South Node on the Ascendant affect the public persona of the nation in a negative way, bringing to focus unresolved issues. While the North Node in the area of open enemies is shining a more positive light on Israel’s adversaries, the future seemingly more aligned to their cause. The transits seem to indicate that, despite the horrific crimes perpetrated by Hamas on October 7, public opinion around the world is shifting in favour of the Palestinian cause, after the unrelenting Israeli response that has impacted the civilian population more than the terrorists, not only in Gaza but also in the occupied West Bank. These transits’ influence is not limited to this war and others but to the general unsettled character of this historical transition period.

 
Just before Hamas’ attack (October2-5), Mars, god of war and violence, crossed the Israeli Ascendant, becoming conjunct the Lunar South Node and opposed to Eris, the dwarf planet of discord and strife. All these positions are at right angle to Israel’s Meridian, affecting both its public image and domestic affairs.
Pluto, still very close to Israel’s Lower Meridian, also shows that this nation’s more profound transformation will have to come from within. The transit of Pluto in the home sector will last until 2042, plenty of time for in-depth self-reflection!

Transiting Uranus, planet whose function is to upset the status quo, is this year hovering on Israel’s Birth Sun, the nation’s core of identity (in Taurus and the Eighth House), seriously shaking the power grip this country has held in the region since 1948. This one-in-84-years transit became active in August this year and will remain active until early 2025, very significant indeed.     

Looking at Israel’s Progressed Horoscope I noticed Eris very closely conjunct the progressed Lower Meridian, confirming the potential for long lasting strife from within, and Mars, planet of war and antagonism, most elevated and powerful this year, in conjunction to the progressed Mid-Heaven. This aggressive conjunction could last a couple of years, not great news for peace.

In Palestine’s birth horoscope grim, authoritarian Saturn is setting on the cusp of the open enemies sector. This placement shows that Palestine’s counterpart is in control of the situation, its power sanctioned by authorities, a weighty enemy. At the same time transiting Pluto is conjunct Palestine’s Moon on the fated last degree of Capricorn. In the chart of a nation afflictions to the Moon from Pluto sometimes manifests as excess deaths among civilian population, destruction and separation of families and communities; all together a very challenging emotional time, one that will foment more resentment. This transit will remain active until the proper ingress of Pluto into Aquarius, in November 2024.  
Of great significance also is Uranus, planet of reforms/revolution, ready to cross the Palestinian Mid-Heaven. Significantly Uranus became stationary on this point just before Hamas’ crazy attack on its neighbour. Uranus will return there for good, together with Jupiter, at the end of April 2024, hopefully a positive turning point for this oppressed people, one that could change their standing in the eye of the world.
The Palestinian progressed horoscope seems to also confirm a powerful shift in the near future, with the progressed Sun, the nation’s identity, moving from Sagittarius to Capricorn in July 2025 and aligning with Uranus between July this year and July 2026.

Last retrogradation of Mercury, Capricorn-Sagittarius, December 13 to January 2
When a retro period occurs between Earth and Fire Signs the natural flow of things seems to be reversed: we thought we were ready to put our visions into practice, to make our aspirations into reality, instead we are forced to go back to the drawing board. Situations we find ourselves into and our own state of mind demand further revisions of our plans. This is often a frustrating but necessary setback, actually contributing to ultimate success, just taking more time and patience.

Paola Emma’s astrological musings for October-November 2022: the ongoing Saturn-Uranus’ saga

A shorter version of this post was publishe in issue 126 of 'The Uki Village News'

Between the intensity of Scorpio-Taurus Eclipses, the Retrogradation of Mars and the ongoing Saturn-Uranus’ square we will need to be flexible, because our long term plans may need significant adjustments to eventually succeed.

On October 25 a Solar Eclipse (02° Scorpio New Moon) will energize the early degrees of the Fixed Signs (0-5 of Scorpio-Taurus-Leo-Aquarius), potentially altering our perspective on life in profound ways, and thus creating pathways for future progress.  

On November 8 a Lunar Eclipse (16° Taurus Full Moon) could have an emotional impact on the middle degrees of the Fixed Signs (Taurus-Scorpio-Leo-Aquarius). An emotional climax of sorts may be on the cards, resulting from the way we may have dealt with previous experiences. This could be a time for profound realizations about the past, when you will look inward for answers.

The Saturn-Uranus’ square: this ongoing transit is maintaining its formidable hold on world affairs and many people’s lives. The degrees 16^th to 20^th of Taurus-Aquarius-Leo-Scorpio will be especially under this transit’s radar. We could be driven into taking some serious decisions, between contrasting, even conflicting choices, creating inner tension as well as strain in our personal relationships and environment, while hopefully moving us on from humdrum situations (see 2021).

Collectively, economies and governments around the world could also witness the escalation of tension and be forced to make hurried choices to implement urgent socio-economic changes. Make or break decisions, for better or worse, will decide the world future direction for the next ten years or so.  

The Sun, Mercury and Venus will become catalysts for the manifestation of the Saturn-Uranus’ edgy energy, between the first and second week of November. Furthermore, on November 8, the last Lunar Eclipse of this year (Taurus-Full-Moon), will conjunct Uranus and form a 90 degrees angle to Saturn in Aquarius. The US crucial mid-term elections in early November will have to deal with a share of this disruptive energy. Lunar Eclipses represent the climax of matters that have been maturing for a while, like a crop ready to be harvested; and also the start of more conscious new cycles. This particular Eclipse, aligning with the most transformative transit of the year could indeed carry a punch and not just for the US.

An escalation of the Russia/Ukraine conflict and others around the world is very possible too. While the same transit was active, on and off, in 2021, when relations between the two countries were becoming steadily worse, the invasion itself took place at the end of February this year, when Saturn had temporarily separated from the transit but was sitting on the very same 18^th degree of Aquarius that it will occupy in October and November; the November 8 Taurus Lunar Eclipse will be part of the mix too!

The United Kingdom is also closely aligned to the Saturn-Uranus’ unsettling transit, as well as the Lunar Eclipse, via Neptune in Scorpio 18° and Venus on 16°Aquarius, within England’s Natal Horoscope (January-1-1801). The Solar Eclipse (Scorpio-New-Moon), on October 25, will also be conjunct the United Kingdom’s Natal Jupiter. These synchronicities could indicate a difficult and uncertain transition for the present king and the British monarchy in general, marred in controversies and unforeseen events.  

New Zealand’s Natal Pluto (Natal Chart cast for June 18 1852) will be aligned to the October 25 Scorpio Solar Eclipse, while Jupiter and Saturn are loosely aligned to the November 8 Taurus Lunar Eclipse as well as the Saturn-Uranus’ transit.

The Natal Chart of modern, non-imperial Japan (April 28, 1952) has also Pluto in Leo at right angle to the November 8 Lunar Eclipse and the Saturn-Uranus’ transit. Some important event may befall both countries in the next few months.

Jupiter’s Return into Pisces

For a brief spell of seven weeks (October29-December21) Jupiter will be retracing its steps into Pisces. For people with the last two degrees of the Mutable Signs highlighted in their Birth Charts (Pisces-Virgo-Gemini-Sagittarius) Jupiter’s return visit could bring to fruition a wish, a dream, an opportunity they recently thought was close to be realized but then seemed lost. For some though attaining it may not bring the perfect fulfilment they hoped for.

Mars’ Retrogradation in Gemini

In October Mars is slowing down because it is due to turn Retrograde on the 30^th, an event taking place every two years. Turning Direct on January 13 Mars will exit Gemini only on March 25 next year. This planet signifies the function of assertion in action: when we want to achieve something how we go about it: in a timid, self-doubting way; or in an overly assertive, insensitive way; or fairly? This Retrogradation represents an opportunity to reconsider the way we usually act to get what we want and also the way we handle disagreements and conflicts in our lives. How effective and fair is the way we assert ourselves when we are challenged? Do we give our opponents space to make their point, or we just want our viewpoint to be heard?  Perhaps we have the opposite problem: we let others win an argument for the sake of peace or become overly emotional, to gain the upper hand by manipulative ways?   

A 90 degrees angle from Mars to Neptune, becoming exact three times, during and after its Retrogradation (October12-November20-2022-March15-2023), happens to be one of the most challenging in the coming months. The function of these two planetary energies is in fact naturally at odds. Mars is physical and ‘yang’; action and assertion its key words. Neptune is instead a ‘Yin’ planet, yielding and metaphysical in nature. The square aspect always tends to pit one planet against the other. So it is action or non-action? Is it assertion or surrender? It could get confusing to decide the right course when torn between these conflicting drives. I could compare their successful combination to a type of martial art, where physical skill and stamina combines with a dance form and spiritual philosophy to realize the perfect, non-aggressive self-defence practice.

March, April, May astrological highlights: Uranus and the recent extreme weather events

Village in the rain …

The flood

During the weeks of unending rain, I mused about the astrological dimension of the extreme weather event that was unfolding. I knew that some challenging transits had become active from late February, remaining in force at least until the first week in March. They started with the most difficult and far reaching: the Jupiter semi-square Pluto on February 24, coinciding to the day with the Russian invasion of Ukraine, threatening security in Europe and the world. This has been in fact the first instance in a great numbers of years when a world first power leader has used the threat of nuclear weapons as a deterrent against its opponents’ intervention in aid of Ukraine. The same transit also marked the onset of major flooding in South East Queensland. More difficult transits continued, in close sequence, in early March, especially around the March 3 Pisces New Moon, and soon after.

The Pisces New Moon phase has been, in my view, central to the whole event. It has been significant, in regard to the floods, because of its watery nature, of course, but also for its alignment to Jupiter, the cosmic amplifier, and Neptune, the water and tempest planet, also in Pisces. The disaster, while bringing great sorrow and loss to many and much destruction to the environment, has also strengthened our sense of community and human compassion. Friends, family and complete strangers have come to each other help and comfort (the Neptune’s effect).  These now all too frequent climate calamities hopefully will force us to develop a radically different vision for the future and a new environmental philosophy, to guide our policies and actions, individually and collectively (the Jupiter’s effect).

Other transits, becoming active close to the March Pisces New Moon, also added their own flavour to the flood’s story. Many hard conjunctions happened in fact on the same day or during the same week. 

On New Moon day, March 3: Mercury became conjunct Saturn in Aquarius. This is an alignment often described by astrologers as marking a time for serious, practical and focused thinking, and, because it happened in Aquarius, indicating also an occasion for becoming more aware of the needs of our global village, lending a hand to our fellow people, while keeping mental cool and detachment.

Negatively this conjunction is also said to manifest as limitations in our ability to communicate with others, frustration originating from these restrictions or inhibitions; with possible sense of isolation and feelings of alienation and depression. One of the unusual consequences of the floods has been the near complete and prolonged breakdown of communication by phone or internet for a great number of people (Aquarius ruling science and technology, in particular the internet). This inability to connect, as we are all so used to do, compounded the isolation caused by overflowing rivers and creeks and by the numerous mudslides blocking access roads for weeks. The conjunction Mercury-Saturn may have had a hand in this!

Here is a list of the other transits that became exact on New Moon day and for few days afterward. They are worth noting because of the numerous interactions between the destiny makers slow moving planets and the fast moving ‘personal’ planets: powerful experiences fostering evolutionary changes.

March 3: Sun-Moon semi-square Venus and Pluto; Mars conjunct Pluto; Moon semi-square Mars; Moon conjunct Jupiter and Neptune.

March 4: Sun semi-square Mars; Venus conjunct Pluto; Moon semi-square Uranus and sextile Pluto, Venus and Mars; Moon semi-square Mercury and Saturn (conjunct since March 3).

March 6:Venus and Mars, after aligning to Pluto in Capricorn one day apart, on March 3 and 4, having been on/off conjunct in Capricorn since the first week in February, became  conjunct each other again on the very threshold of Aquarius, on March 6. 

This is one transit, among others, that show the possibility of friendship and tolerance to emerge from the collective difficulties we are facing, and not just in Australia. The naught degree of Aquarius is the very same in fact where Jupiter and Saturn had their rendezvous at the end of 2020. That historical alignment promised that the world’s mind will be evolving in the right direction in the next twenty years. Venus and Mars may hopefully be catalysts to this promise in the shorter term.

The proof in the pudding of astrological meteorology

Of course the same phase and accompanying transits were also active all over the world, even in places where they are experiencing a drought or where the weather is just fine!

A clue to the different effect of the same transits in different places, meteorologically and otherwise, is the planets’ orientation to the local horizon, changing from place to place, more markedly the farther the places are from each other. 

In astrological meteorology New Moon, Quarter Moons and Full Moons are important indicators of weather trends for the weeks and months ahead. In this instance, at the time of the Pisces New Moon the unpredictable planet Uranus was found very closely aligned to the nadir of many localities on the Australian eastern seaboard, particularly close to it between Gympie and Sydney. Meanwhile the other difficult alignments, exact during the same period, could be found grouped around the local Ascendant (Rising Sign’ degree) in the same localities where Uranus was aligned to the nadir.

When attempting to predict the weather via Astrology the four cardinal points of the horoscope are those to observe for signs of good or bad outcome, from mild to extreme weather etc. In particular the nadir degree and the rising degree are traditionally considered the most important for weather forecast.  

In this case Uranus’ placement right on the nadir in the localities worst affected by the floods showed a potential for upheavals of great magnitude.

The nadir’s degree moreover fell in Taurus, Sign traditionally ‘ruled’ by Venus, at the time of the New Moon embroiled in an intensely difficult conjunction to both Mars and Pluto in Capricorn (death, anguish, drama, loss, destruction)!  This and the conjunction of Mercury to Saturn (communication breakdowns), another transit that contributed to the sad and trying nature of the event, were all grouped around the Aquarius Ascendant (Rising Sign’s degree). The Capricorn conjunction was in the Twelfth House of unavoidable, fated events, and the Mercury-Saturn’s conjunction in the very active, prominent First House. Both Capricorn and Aquarius are traditionally ruled by Saturn, while Aquarius is also co-ruled by Uranus. All the above set of circumstances certainly highlighted a time of rather uneasy planetary fellowship.

And finally the Pisces New Moon itself, with its alignment to Jupiter and Neptune, fell, in all the horoscopes under consideration in the Second House of security and finance, showing the enormous and ongoing economic impact of the floods, as well as the community and government financial and overall help provided to the victims. Pisces and Neptune in particular signify charitable institutions and acts of compassion, while Jupiter indicates general good will and support coming from high places. 

Horoscopes of the Pisces New Moon in nine different localities

Here are the horoscopes I’ve cast for the March 3 2022 Pisces New Moon, in nine different locations, to provide a visual for the above statements. They are nine places, from North to South: Cairns, Rockhampton, Gympie, Brisbane, Murwillumbah, Lismore and Ballina, Orange, Sydney and Melbourne.

In all the Charts I have highlighted Uranus’ distance from the nadir and also the other relevant transits, the latter grouped around the Rising Sign of each Chart: Venus-Mars-Pluto’s conjunction in Capricorn + Mercury-Saturn’s conjunction in Aquarius + Moon and Sun, on the same degree at New Moon, and conjunct Jupiter and Neptune in Pisces.

What it’s very telling is that Uranus, the extreme weather planet par excellence, shifted away from the nadir in places north of Gympie, south of Sydney, or further west from the coast!

This is the March 3 New Moon Horoscope for Cairns, Queensland. I have highlighted the position of Uranus at the nadir and the other relevant conjunctions. The distance between Uranus and the nadir was 09°32’ in Cairns, quite large.

This is the March 3 New Moon Horoscope for Rockhampton, Queensland. I have highlighted the position of Uranus at the nadir and the other relevant conjunctions. The distance between Uranus and the nadir was 04°37’, still large, but not as large as Cairns. We are moving south on the Eastern Australia coast.

This is the March 3 New Moon Horoscope for Gympie, Queensland. I have highlighted the position of Uranus at the nadir and the other relevant conjunctions. The distance between Uranus and the nadir was 02°25’, much closer than in northern localities. We are moving south on the Eastern Australia coast.

This is the March 3 New Moon Horoscope for Brisbane, Queensland. I have highlighted the position of Uranus at the nadir and the other relevant conjunctions. The distance between Uranus and the nadir was 02°02’, less than Gympie, meaning Uranus was closer to the nadir in Brisbane.

This is the March 3 New Moon Horoscope for Murwillumbah, Northern Rivers of New South Wales. I have highlighted the position of Uranus at the nadir and the other relevant conjunctions. The distance between Uranus and the nadir was 01°40’, less than Brisbane, meaning Uranus was closer to the nadir here than in Brisbane.

This is the March 3 New Moon Horoscope for Lismore, Northern Rivers of New South Wales. I have highlighted the position of Uranus at the nadir and the other relevant conjunctions. The distance between Uranus and the nadir was 01°47’, more or less same distance as Murwillumbah. The Horoscope cast for Ballina gave same results as Lismore, with Uranus extremely close to the nadir.

This is the March 3 New Moon Horoscope for Orange, in New South Wales’ interior. I have highlighted the position of Uranus at the nadir and the other relevant conjunctions. The distance between Uranus and the nadir was 06°04’, a large distance, due to the fact that Orange is quite far from the coast.

This is the March 3 New Moon Horoscope for Sydney, New South Wales. I have highlighted the position of Uranus at the nadir and the other relevant conjunctions. The distance between Uranus and the nadir was 03°54’, less than the Northern Rivers or Brisbane/Gympie, but still close enough to cause trouble.

This is the March 3 New Moon Horoscope for Melbourne, Victoria. I have highlighted the position of Uranus at the nadir and the other relevant conjunctions. The distance between Uranus and the nadir was a whopping 10°22’, even larger than in Cairns. No extreme weather recorded in Melbourne around this New Moon.

 What next? 

Since the start of this year all celestial bodies, excluding the Moon during half of its cycles, have been transiting within a narrow span of five Signs, in a 150 degrees arc.  This lopsided configuration will last until June/July. The same tight pattern happened during the first half of both 2020 and 202, a great visual reminder of the worsening lack of harmony in our world, in personal and political relationships. We feel we have no choice but to take one side or the other; compromise appearing now more difficult than ever. At the time of all Full Moon phases, for example, the Moon will again transit alone in the opposite hemisphere to all other bodies, heightening the emotional struggle to reconcile many opposites. And to put this trend in even greater relevance the Lunar Nodes, representing the world axis of destiny, connected to the current eclipses and at right angle to karmic Saturn, are the points closing the half hemisphere’s grouping!

Paradoxically though, while many astrological indicators are showing the potential of widening the already deep fractures in the collective psyche, triggering personal confrontations and even full blown wars, other significant transits seem to tell a very different story. Like the flood’s tragedy bringing the best out of people, even helping many to resolve differences that have divided us during the Covid outbreak, the positive transits of Jupiter, in particular its conjunction to Neptune (already active in March, exact on April 13 and in force for a few weeks after that) offer us hope that things could get better; that good will could prevail in the long term, if we give peace a chance.  

Important Dates in April  

April 12: the Lunar Nodes in Taurus/Scorpio at right angle to Saturn in Aquarius. Only a day shy of this year’s most important transit, the Jupiter-Neptune’s conjunction, this difficult angle is here to remind us that excessive optimism is not warranted at this time and that the world is as yet due to pay some karmic debts before we can move forward and in a new direction.

April 13: Jupiter will conjunct Neptune on the 23/24 degree of Pisces. Due to the ‘aquatic’ nature of this alignment there is a potential for more heavy rains in the next few weeks, but also for more sharing, loving, forgiveness and mutual understanding, a great plus at a time when antagonism is rife.

Between the two, Jupiter is the fastest moving body, so it represents the energy that activates and expands the role of Neptune. Astrology credits Water for more than just rain and floods. First and foremost this Element represents emotions, empathy, the sensitivity needed to feel someone else pain, with the desire to alleviate their distress. Water helps us to merge with one another, to erode away the barriers that stifle our connection with each other and with nature.

In a better world this combination would be indeed very positive, fostering peace rather than war, enhancing our more humane and spiritual side. Some even hope it could mean a cease fire in Ukraine and other hot spots around the world. It could, of course, especially considering that the conflict has now reached a stalemate, no side winning/losing outright. With all else going on, this remains only a wish though. Realistically, lasting peace on the planet seems to be yet remote to a born pessimist like myself.

There is a darker side to all planetary alignments, and the Jupiter-Neptune’s conjunction is no exception. One of the most obvious at present is the continuing spread of misinformation, principally generating from social media outlets, the focus shifting from the pandemic to the war in Ukraine and other topics. Everything is out for grab, apparently; documentary evidence is worth nothing; trust of serious, fact based reporting is dwindling, while boundaries of what is actually believable are breaking down. The fluid energy of Pisces, so powerful in the last few years, is showing its irrationally dangerous side, when trust in democratic principles is threatened by propaganda that services only despots and others with not so concealed interests in spreading lies.  

Important Dates in May

Eclipses in May could bring profound experiences and realizations, even the foundation or culmination of important life cycles, especially for some whose birth Sun, Moon, Planets and Angles fall within a couple of degrees from the Eclipses’ degrees.

May 1: the Taurus 10°28’ Partial Solar Eclipse fosters new beginning in the areas of creative imagination and relationships because, on the same day, a perfect conjunction is taking place between Venus and Jupiter, both very well placed in Pisces. At the same time Uranus is extremely active too, positively promoting originality, a spirit of adventure and risk taking. Coupled with Venus-Jupiter’s exuberance the Uranus’ effect could make many feel too restricted by committed relationships and all forms of set routines and creative work that seems to have lost its spark. Negatively Uranus’ radical, uncompromising stance could even produce estrangements, emotional isolation and wild goose chases bringing us nowhere in particular. Positively taking risks in relationships and creative work at this time could open new and exciting prospects.

From May 10 to June 4 Mercury will perform its magic loop (from Gemini 04°49’ to Taurus 26°05’). This is a shift between the abstract thinking and swift mental adjustments of Gemini to Taurus’ solid, factual thinking. It shows the need to concentrate our brain power, stay focused and realistic in our personal communication, work and study projects. Slowing down could be frustrating but necessary at this time. 

May 11: the big shift! Jupiter will enter fiery Aries today. Our giant neighbour will remain in this combative Sign until October 28, making then a brief sortie back into Pisces until December 20. The Aries transit will end on May 16 2023.

Jupiter’s yearly Sign change always shows us a different way to tackle social, political and ethical issues. While during the Jupiter in Pisces period our views have been basically motivated by emotional responses, ideals and beliefs, during the Aries period we will seek to manifest our principles and standards through right action, unplanned intervention, moving quickly and boldly in order to bring on the desired changes.  We will need to beware of aggressive confrontational stances to prove a point, one of Aries’ less desirable traits, endeavouring to remain sensitive to other peoples’ viewpoints and rights. Positively this could prove a helpful transit to tackle all range of social problems with greater urgency and courage.

Just after stepping into Aries Jupiter will form the first of three instances of a difficult angle to Uranus, a semi-square. This transit will return on September 29 and December 24.

Looking back at the events that unfolded at the one and only pass of the Jupiter-Pluto’s semi-square (Feb24), we cannot underestimate Jupiter’s role in adding momentum to the power of the planets it meets in transit. Pluto in fact confirmed its more destructive and ruthless side when amplified by Jupiter, in particular via the Ukraine invasion.

Uranus, orbiting with Neptune and Pluto beyond the ‘safe’ boundaries of Saturn, becomes activated when necessary but unsettling changes have to happen. Uranus is the key symbol of rebellions, of all calls for freedom and self-determination. This year and into early next year the transits of Jupiter are again bringing into sharp focus the same theme of authority versus individualism that the world experienced in 2021 via the long lasting square Saturn/Uranus. This is because, in July, September this year and up to March next year, Jupiter will also semi-square Saturn, thus becoming the amplifying go-between Saturn-Uranus’ conflicting powers.

The combination Jupiter/Uranus is also known for causing freak and intense weather events and earth tremors, the locations potentially affected depending on local factors difficult to determine beforehand, as I explained earlier.

May 16:  the Scorpio 25°17’ Total Lunar Eclipse will be rather a time of realizations and harvesting the fruit of previous actions and thoughts. Sun and Moon will be at 90° angle to Saturn, all in Fixed Signs, indicating constraints caused by external circumstances as well as inner insecurities and fears. To overcome the impasse it will help working through these with dogged perseverance and awareness of all that’s involved.

Astrology outlook for August September 2021 and beyond: Saturn versus Uranus; stationary Pluto

A summary of this article has been published in issue 119 of the Uki Village News (August September 2021)

The big picture: darkness and light

‘Allegory of Life ‘ by Pierre Puvis de Chavannes

Watching the news or connecting with world events through social media we know that our beautiful planet is going through a difficult period of transformation. We are all asked to master our inner resources and be ready to change ingrained habits in order to restore some balance to a severely lop-sided world.

It is often difficult to remain hopeful and upbeat when things seem to be getting more difficult for many of us. A serious astrological assessment of the global situation may sound negative at times, but it simply reflects the enormous challenges we face, while also showing how the same energies that are disrupting the status quo are also harbingers of future renewal, fostering the vision of a better, cleaner, more just and united world.

The present difficulties should truly force us to embrace the changes we need to make. In Astrology we call ‘transits’ the ever shifting mutual relationship between Sun, Moon and Planets, meaning that those relationships, by their own nature, are, transitory. Good news if you are looking for the light at the end of this tunnel.     

Many Planets in retrogradation

In August and September 2021 all the major planetary players, Jupiter, Saturn, Chiron, Neptune and Pluto will be traveling in retro motion. And Uranus will join them soon, turning Stationary Retrograde on August 20. Between October and December they will all turn Direct again. 
A period with many Retrograde could mean that time seems to stand still; things do not change as quickly as we wish, while unresolved issues are still simmering below the surface, ready to fully manifest again in the near future.

Saturn versus Uranus

For instance, the most important transit of 2021, the 90 degrees angle between Aquarius Saturn and Taurus Uranus, is not anymore exact (the second pass was in mid June) and will be exact again only on December 24, moving away for good after that.

This is the transit epitomizing the severe limitations the Covid19 pandemic has placed on everyone (Saturn), as well as the resentment and desire to rebel against those same limitations (Uranus). The same transit has also manifested into the rapid escalation of conflicts around the world as well as the weather extremes coming fast upon us: sweltering heat in Canada and Siberia, deadly unprecedented floods in Asia and Europe, destructive bush fires in North America the Middle East and Europe; as well as many countries on the verge of economic and social collapse, civil unrest, even civil wars; and a new Cold War afoot.  All these events, in a relatively short period of time, should make us more aware of the need for urgent and radical measures to uphold unity in the face of many mutual dangers; to counteract social inequalities, the global threat to democracy and the ultimate challenge of climate change, with the very survival of the planet at stake.

This divisive combination of antagonistic energies will remain active the whole year, more keenly felt when close to being exact or when other celestial bodies set it off by transit.  

In August, for instance, Sun and Mercury in Leo will connect with the Saturn-Uranus’ transit, by opposition and square, between August 4 and 8. 

The August lunar cycle will also tend to activate Saturn and Uranus: on August 1, the Taurus Last Quarter Moon will be conjunct Uranus, while at right angle with Sun and Mercury; on August 8 the Leo New Moon will be opposing Saturn and squaring Uranus too; and, on August 22, the last degree Aquarius Full Moon will instead align to Jupiter, another major player in the evolution of the global crisis we are still caught up in.
The fact that the Moon will be so involved in the current planetary dynamics could stir even deeper emotions, leading to outbursts of passions, falling out between people, more clashes with authority and social unrest.

Where is the positive in all of this? Is Saturn just a sadistic master squeezing the world into its authoritarian fist? Doesn’t Saturn represent rather the sense of responsibility that we need to develop, as people and nations, to become truly adult individuals?  Does it not represent also the willingness to make personal sacrifices for the benefit of society as a whole (Aquarius)? The need to be more realistic, limiting our wants to reduce their destructive impact in an ever more fragile environment?

Is Uranus just a destroyer of peace, source of divorce and war, alienating people and countries from each other? Or is not rather the light of intelligence illumining the new paths we need to take, to bring the changes we can imagine possible? Is it not Uranus anticipating future trends and overcoming negative past conditioning and prejudice? In Taurus Uranus is here to especially show us alternative ways to make a wiser use of the Earth’s depleting natural resources.

Stationary Pluto

What about Pluto in Capricorn?   With his ‘God of the underworld’ persona, not a reassuring bedfellow either!  This planet has been one of the main actors in the pandemic’s play, bringing personal loss and a sense of fate to our collective experience. We are facing a global catastrophe, the virus just the tip of the iceberg. In many unhappy places this is a war of people versus the virus, people versus authorities; people versus people; the environment versus people. Opinions abound and they are all fiercely defended as the gospel. From now to the end of 2021 Pluto will remain stationary on the 24^th degree of Capricorn. This degree is the same that was activated in a big way by the transits of Jupiter in 2020. For this year, at least, this degree will remain the focus for the expression of Pluto’s dark energy.

There is another side to Pluto’s coin though: the Pluto’s experience, at the personal or collective level, should ultimately empower us, making us aware of our resilience in the face of very difficult, even unprecedented circumstances. Pluto is a symbol of survival, of defeating the greatest odds, of facing the deepest fears and come out winning.

Jupiter and Chiron

Retro Jupiter re-entered Aquarius on July 28, ending then a two and half months foray into Pisces. Jupiter will transit Aquarius until December 29.  The second pass of  Jupiter semi-square Chiron in Aries, exact again on August 18, is a reminder that this is still a time for greater collective vulnerability to negative external agents (from viruses to misinformation). Gentle healing will be needed, to restore hope and confidence in better things to come. This transit too will not be over until nearly the end of 2021 (third pass on November 18).

Jupiter’s function is to seek the philosophical aspect of all our experiences, to view our personal circumstances as part of a much bigger, universal picture, thus gaining a wider perspective on everything.  The difficult link between Jupiter and Chiron, the planet of wounding, illness and healing, has an obvious significance. What larger understanding of life and ourselves can we glean through the ongoing difficulties and dangers? What are we learning from this historical crisis that could make much better prepared for other unavoidable challenges? I believe that Jupiter will help us to become more aware of the profound connection we share with all other people on earth, of one nation to all other nations (Aquarius/Pisces). Tackling this medical crisis in one country will be only part of a more global solution. The same can be said for all other crisis facing the world, climate change in the first place. We could tackle the challenge successfully only if we work together toward a solution.

Breakthroughs in December 2020 and January 2021: Jupiter conjunct Saturn on the threshold of Aquarius; Uranus in Taurus; Gemini-Sagittarius Eclipse Season

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Site for Astrology seekers and apprentices

Ask the Wild Bee what the Druids knew…

Just as it began, this fateful year ends with two eclipses, major planetary shifts and a historical conjunction. As different planetary patterns take hold things around the world should start to improve.

My Ganymede, Cup Bearer of the Gods

Critical Dates

In December 2019 and January 2020 the focus was on eclipses and conjunctions in Capricorn-Cancer, while all the major alignments involved Pluto. This planet in astrology is symbol of all ultimate experiences, death, loss, as well as profound personal/collective transformations. Pluto, in Capricorn until 2023, still remains active in the short term though, especially from late December 2020 to end of January 2021. Dates to watch are those when fast moving bodies will form challenging transits to the slow moving ones, in particular to all mighty Pluto. Here are some:
December 24: Mars in Aries square Pluto in Capricorn – December 30: Venus in Sagittarius square Neptune in Pisces – January 7: Mars enters Taurus – January 9: Venus enters Capricorn – January 13: Mars in Taurus square Saturn in Aquarius – January 18: Jupiter in Aquarius square Uranus in Taurus – January 21: Mars conjunct Uranus in Taurus – January 23: Mars in Taurus square Jupiter in Aquarius – January 29: Venus conjunct Pluto in Capricorn.

Despite all of that now that Jupiter and Saturn have separated from Pluto its power for destruction is definitely reduced. Regeneration comes after destruction; hope after despair, and resilience too, allowing us to tap onto those inner resources we all need to thrive in a difficult world, the very positive aftermath of all Pluto’s transits.

Jupiter-Saturn momentous conjunction in Aquarius

As they quickly move away from Pluto Jupiter and Saturn are getting closer to a right angle to Uranus. But, first of all, they have a date to keep: December 22 (few hours past the Capricorn Solstice) when they will finally become conjunct on the threshold of Aquarius, marking the beginning of a brand new twenty years cycle. These recurring conjunctions are important because they show the direction the world is going in the areas of government, law, religion, ethical issues etc, for the whole of two decades. The current twenty years event is particularly special because it begins an even greater cycle. This will last roughly two hundred years, during which Jupiter and Saturn will become conjunct mainly in Air Signs. Astrological researchers have found that the transits of Jupiter-Saturn in Air Signs (also known as the ‘humane Signs’) tend to move the world’s political needle toward progressive trends, strengthening a collective spirit of reform and innovation. Aquarius in particular is the Sign of individualism and friendly cooperation.

With Aquarius and Uranus thus strongly highlighted progress seems certain, if slow and fraught with difficulties. In the coming year, for instance, Saturn will undoubtedly attempt to slow down the process of reform and innovation (square Uranus), manifesting the karmic consequences of the Covid19 crisis that has widened rather than reduced the gap between the ‘have’ and ‘have not’ of this world.  2021 critical dates for the difficult Saturn’s square Uranus will be: February 18, June 15 and December 24.

Witness the conjunction with your own eyes

Even visually this conjunction is an event we could do well not to miss, the two planets appearing closer to each other than they have been in 800 years! Look west in the early evening, on December 21 and 22. Jupiter, the brightest, and Saturn will be so close to appear as a double star. We will need not only a clear night though, but also a clear view of the westerly sky. The two planets will be in fact near the horizon and quickly sink out of sight.

Uranus in Taurus, a come back

With all the attention given in 2020 to the fateful Capricorn alignments, no much thought has been given to the transit of Uranus in Taurus, one of the most significant in recent years. It was easy enough to predict that, during the seven long year of Uranus’ passage through Taurus we could see changes of great magnitude happening in the financial and business world; as well as major challenges to our sense of security and wellbeing. Uranus in Taurus is coming to the fore again in 2021.

Jupiter will be the first to reach the right angle to Uranus, one and only time on January 18, a transit that could bring significant breakthrough in the area of collective cooperation, to do with the global availability of Covid19 vaccines and therapies for example, also inspiring greater confidence in the eventual improvement in the economic and security future of the world, and encouraging more risk taking in the areas of alternative technologies and more sustainable ways to do business. We could even experience an excess of enthusiasm for a while, driving us to make changes before we are truly ready for them. The same transit could bring also some unusually extreme weather globally and worsen the autocracy/democracy conflicts proliferating around the world; change will not come without formidable global grassroots movements. Negative outcomes possible, especially while other challenges are active from Mars and Venus to the end of January and afterward when the Saturn square Uranus will become active (first pass exact on February 18).  

Saturn in fact will significantly make three passes of the square to Uranus, the most significant planetary theme of 2021. Uranus always suggests the need to do things differently, to find new untried ways, to re-invent ourselves if necessary.  Saturn in 2021 will severely limit our collective drive toward real deep reforms, a new economic model, or enacting sufficient countermeasures to climate change and social injustice.  In a period when the drive for change is so compelling this slowing down will be a frustrating trend, but it could prove necessary to obtain more ground braking results in the long run. Personal responsibility and greater grassroots involvement in social issues will be a must.

Gemini-Sagittarius Eclipse Season: Lunar at the Gemini Full Moon, on November 30, 7.29 pm; and Solar at the Sagittarius New Moon on December 15, 2.16 am.

The Eclipses in Mutable Signs end the year showing the need for greater adaptability and a more optimistic and open minded approach to problems. If, in your Birth Chart, the Sun, Moon, any Planet or Chart Angle happen to fall around the 8^th degree (Lunar Eclipse) or 23^rd degree (Solar Eclipse) of the Mutable Signs (Gemini, Sagittarius, Virgo, Pisces) these cosmic events may affect you in more personal and tangible ways.

The Lunar Eclipse could manifest as a significant emotional climax in the area of experience indicated by the sector of your Birth Chart where it will take place (the Houses of the Horoscope). For some will be relationships, for others work, career, health, study, family etc.  And not just for now but possibly for many months to come, depending how close the alignment is.

The Sagittarius Solar Eclipse will be a very special New Moon if closely aligned to sensitive points in your Birth Chart. It could mark the beginning of a brand new phase of your life, extending far into the future. The area of your Chart where the eclipse falls will determine the experiences and opportunities driving you toward the goals you seek.

Capricorn Solstice 2020, December 21, 8.02 pm

The seasonal Capricorn Solstice is this year simultaneous to the double ingress of Jupiter-Saturn into Aquarius and their rare conjunction. This synchronicity indicates that the Aquarian effect will strongly persist over the whole three months of the new season, summer in the southern hemisphere, winter in the northern. This is indeed a real opportunity to choose the collective good above more ego-centered tendencies, striving toward humane reforms against stale conservatism.

August and September 2019 Astrology by Paola Emma: Uranus Retro in Taurus; the allure and danger of Neptune in Pisces

This post was published at the start of August in the Uki Village News.

August Astrology: a fresh start

By August 1 we will be leaving behind us the quirky retrogradation of Mercury, now again a more reliable Morning Star, rising before the Sun, encouraging clearer thinking and decisive action.

The Eclipse Season has also ended with the July Lunar Eclipse in Capricorn. The next Solar Eclipse will also be in Capricorn on Boxing Day 2019. The Cardinal Signs of Capricorn, Cancer, Libra and Aries (in particular Capricorn and Cancer) will be dealing still with life changing events and emotional upsets for a while longer.

For many the times ahead could be less dramatic and complicated than the recent period.
The end of Mercury’s retrogradation, on August 1, corresponds with the Leo New Moon, both events indicating the beginning of a new phase, when initiatives and plans may actually bring the results we are hoping for.

Jupiter Direct

On August 11 mighty Jupiter will also turn Direct, after his yearly four months retrogradation, beginning then the last league of his journey through Sagittarius that will end on December 3 with the ingress into Capricorn. A forward moving Jupiter will give new impetus to projects and aspirations that may have been kept in the closet for a while.  Optimism and hope will brighten the days of many people, in particular those born under the Fire Signs of Sagittarius, Aries and Leo.  To strengthen this trend Mercury will transit a Fire Sign too, Leo, between August 12 and 29, a brighter, more creative collective mind set.

Uranus retracing his steps

On August 12 Uranus will turn retrograde on the sixth degree of Taurus, turning direct only on January 11 2020, on the second degree of Taurus.  This will ensure a continuing trend of unexpected happenings, amazing breakthroughs, difficult upheavals and even life changing events for those who have these degrees highlighted in their Birth Charts (and, to a lesser measure, the same degrees of the other Fixed Signs of Scorpio, Leo and Aquarius). If Uranus in Taurus is forming a conjunction, opposition or square (90 degrees angle) in your Birth Chart, especially with one or more of the so called ‘Personal Planets’ (the Sun, the Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn) this is a once in a life time astrological event that could turn your life around, eventually helping you to strike a truer individual path beyond early conditioning and restrictions.

Highlight on Virgo

By the middle of the month of August the spotlight will shift to the Earth Sign of Virgo, with Mars entering this disciplined and practical Sign on August 18, Venus on August 21 and the Sun on August 23. These many planetary entities in Virgo, plus Saturn still slowly plodding through Earthy Capricorn, could be positive for working in a more methodical manner at any project generated by the Fire Signs creativity during the first half of August.

The highlight of this period will be the conjunction of Venus and Mars in Virgo, on August 25, encouraging romance and a pro-active approach to seeking new relationships and/or creative outlets.

September Astrology: the allure and danger of Neptune in Pisces

In September we will experience many oppositions of the Planets still transiting Virgo to mysterious and ambivalent Neptune in Pisces. Neptune is the archetypal power behind dreams, visions, spirituality, as well as illusions, delusions and deceptions of all kind. Venus will oppose Neptune in Pisces on September 4, Mercury on September 7, the Sun on September 10 and Mars on September 14. All these aspects will be strengthened by the last pass of the square between Jupiter and Neptune, on September 22, transit that has been with us, on and off, since January this year. While it could be easier at this time to let ourselves be swept off our feet by grand dreams and romantic wishes, a keen discrimination would be necessary not to be caught into emotional, mental or financial booby traps (Virgo to the rescue). We may dissipate a lot of our energy in chasing pipe dreams and riding tangents that may bring us nowhere in the end.

Positively Neptune may bring romance, poetical feelings, artistic inspiration and even spiritual experiences in our lives, opening our psyche to unworldly dimensions. It could be wonderful so far as we are aware of the danger involved and succeed in making a safe landing when this dreamy period is over.

We can celebrate the Libra Equinox and the advent of spring on September 23, at 5.50 pm local time.

My Uranus Stencil

 

April-May 2019 astrological highlights: the Lunar Nodes aligned to Pluto-Saturn + Uranus in Taurus

This post has been already published, in a slightly edited form, in the Uki’s Village News, issue 105, April/May 2019.

Astronomicum ‘Caesareum’ by Michael Ostendorfer (1540)

The Lunar Node, Pluto and Saturn

The highlights of the April/May period will be two alignments of the Lunar Nodes to Pluto (April 5) and Saturn (May 1). The conjunction South Node-Pluto (and opposition North Node-Pluto) will be exact on the same day as the Aries New Moon (first New Moon in the astrological yearly calendar).

Both the Pluto and Saturn’s alignments will also happen on the same degree of longitude (23 degrees Capricorn and Cancer) as the Sun’s southernmost and northernmost degrees of declination, corresponding with the Winter/Summer Solstices . This is only a symbolical or numerical connection though: the two planes of celestial declination and celestial longitude being different from each other. Any apparent coincidence can be considered significant in astrology, because we are dealing here with becoming aware of all possible meaningful coincidences in our lives and the life of the planet (synchronicity).

Pluto will also turn Stationary-Retrograde on April 25, while sitting on this critical degree, just about on the exact declination of the Tropic of Capricorn. The alignments of the Nodes to Saturn will go beyond May, returning on July 4 and September 28.

These are all huge events in Mundane Astrology, that branch of the art that deals with the worldly effects of planetary motions.

The North and South Nodes of the Moon (also known, more picturesquely, as the Head and Tail of the Dragon) are the ascending and descending points of interception of the Moon and Earth’s orbits. Due to the Moon and Earth’s constant motion, these points naturally move too, completing 360 degrees in about nineteen years. The Nodes are closely connected to the phenomenon of Eclipses because it is only when the Sun is close to one of the Nodes, near a New or Full Moon time, that Lunar and Solar Eclipses can occur.  This means that the Nodes are linked with the deep experiences associated with Eclipses, new beginning and climaxes on a grand scale. They represent in astrology an axis of collective and individual destiny, showing the direction we are going, the trajectory between past and future enacted in the present moment.

The conjunction to the South Node (and opposition to the North Node) with Pluto occur only once every sixteen or seventeen years; with Saturn every twelve years or so.

The South Node has to do with the past; in this instance the world’s past. It has to do with letting go of what of the past is dragging us back (coal, bigotry and greed come to mind). The two Nodes are an axis and never work separately; if one is affected the other is too. So what we do with these mighty transits will have enormous effect on the future (the North Node), how things will eventually turn out.

Pluto is the planet of crisis, transformation, power struggles and all experiences in life that help to change us in radical ways. Saturn and Capricorn, on the other hand, are symbols of structure, security, ambition, the established order, authority, governments etc. These alignments certainly indicate a serious shake up of the established order of things, the sort of things we take for granted.

Much corruption, injustice and hypocrisy of our past and present are coming to the surface now. Confronting these could help remove our gaze from the scapegoats we have chosen to bear the burden of our collective guilt. Confronting stuff within ourselves (Pluto), taking responsibility and doing something about it (Capricorn and Saturn) are key necessities here.

Uranus in Taurus

We cannot forget that we are also still adjusting to the recent ingress of Uranus in Taurus (March 6), transit that will continue to 2025.  A passage over the very first degrees of any Sign is always harbinger of significant adjustments in the planet’s psyche, especially when a game changer like Uranus is involved.  The Moon on April 5-7, the Sun on April 23, Mercury on May 9, Venus on May 19 will in turn align to Uranus, bringing its exciting and/or disruptive energy to the fore around these dates. Times for things to perhaps unexpectedly change in our lives, our destiny taking a u-turn of sorts, new unforeseen opportunities arising, especially if the first four degrees of the Fixed Signs happen to be highlighted in your Birth Horoscope (from the first to the fourth degrees Taurus, Scorpio, Leo, Aquarius).

All these cosmic events are actually foreshadowing the big one on the horizon, the actual conjunction of Saturn and Pluto on January 13 2020, ending a mutual cycle that had its climax at opposition, around 9/11 (covering the period from August 2001 to June 2002). Let’s hope this is good news, the end of the bitter divisions that have been breaking the world apart in recent times.

 

 

November 7/8 2018: Jupiter enters Sagittarius (one year long transit) – Uranus is back in Aries – The Lunar Nodes shift in Cancer and Capricorn

Lord Jupiter

JUPITER enters SAGITTARIUS today, November 8, 11.39 pm (Australia Eastern Summer Time).

In a recent post on the major transits active in November-December 2018 I have called the ingress of Jupiter in Sagittarius ‘splendid’. This because Sagittarius is a much more suitable environment for Jupiter than Scorpio has been.
The Fire, Air and Mutable Signs in particular (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius, Libra, Aquarius, Gemini, Virgo, Pisces), and, in some way, all of us could profit from the inspiration and optimism of this year long transit, offering  opportunities to right some of the wrongs we have uncovered during the Jupiter’s transit through Scorpio and to look with greater confidence into the future. Jupiter will be in Sagittarius until early December 2019.
On November 7 Uranus re-entered Aries in retro motion too and thus squared again the Nodes (link to past and future eclipses)! The same day the North Node shifted into the back of Cancer, from Leo, and the South Node into the back of Capricorn, from Aquarius. This is a very significant combination of major transits around the time of the USA mid-term elections (November 6); also close to the New Moon in Scorpio (November 8).
Uranus square the Lunar Nodes is an ongoing transit that has manifested recently in intractable political chaos in many countries, as well as unprecedented weather events. More of the same, I suspect, is in the cards for the remaining of this year.

August 2018 Astrology: The longest Lunar Eclipse of the century, multiple retrogrades and the ongoing risky dance of Mars-Uranus

A slightly shorter version of this post was published in early August 2918 in the Uki Village News.

Last Eclipse Season for 2018

Spanning the months of July and August 2018 the Eclipse season will be intensified in its effect and extended in its duration by the fact that many planets are going retrograde, including our closest brothers, Mercury and Mars, with Saturn, Chiron, Neptune, Pluto and, from August 7, Uranus also. Mercury’s retro period in Leo will go from July 25 to August 19, while Mars’ current retrogradation, between Aquarius and Capricorn, will last until August 27. On top of this Mars has been closest to our planet for a number of years, fact that tends to make his war-like nature more evident; while, between July 7 and September 24, Mars will also be ‘out of bounds’ (beyond the usual 23° declination), another factor that could make the martial energy more erratic and unpredictable .

The Cancer Solar Eclipse of July 13 began the cycle and the August 11 Leo Solar Eclipse will end it. The July 28 Total Lunar Eclipse represents the culmination of the whole period, right in the middle of it, and it is indeed a very special event, not only to astrologers but astronomers as well, because of its length, a whopping one hour and 42 minutes, the longest lasting of the whole 21^st century.

Many Retrogrades

In August and September the July 28 Total Lunar Eclipse in Aquarius will still dominate. The reason for this is that during the eclipse Mars is closely conjunct the Moon and thus the difficult ongoing 90° between Mars and Uranus (active at least until October) will also involve the Moon, the Sun and the Lunar Nodes (T Square). This is a combination of energies that could sorely try our collective patience.

This transit acquires strength due to the Lunar Eclipse, thus extending its influence beyond the month of August, but it started having an effect already in May 2018, when the first pass of the Mars-Uranus’ Square took place, just as both planets were entering Aquarius and Taurus respectively (exact on May 16).

The fact is that while Mars, in backward motion, implies that we are required to soften our stance, looking inward rather than outward for the causes of conflicts and misunderstanding, the strong involvement of Uranus could make it a lot more difficult to find the patience and calm needed to review the way we usually deal with conflicts. And retro Mercury will not help by aggravating any difficulty in communication.

Mars retro always represents an opportunity to avoid arguments by maintaining a calm and detached attitude, remaining centered in the eye of any storm that may come our way, avoiding unfruitful retaliation. The angle with Uranus, especially coinciding with such a full on eclipse, could make this task ever more difficult, because we are, at the same time, pulled toward a more antagonistic and rebellious way of dealing with confrontations, while our reactions could be exaggerated and compulsive. Uranus is in fact the least diplomatic, more radical and uncompromising planetary energy there is!

Again the Fixed Signs of Aquarius, Leo, Taurus and Scorpio are the ones that could be more directly affected by these events, especially if the 4^th, 5^th or 6^th degrees (Lunar Eclipse) or the 17^th, 18^th or 19^th degrees (Solar Eclipse) of these Signs are highlighted in your Birth Horoscope. Because the nature of these Signs is wilful and focussed there is here a need for everyone to be more flexible and tolerant.

The Lunar Node involved in the Lunar Eclipse is the South, indicating that whatever we need to face now, individually and collectively, has to do with negative patterns established long ago, and that this could be an ideal time to recognize and release them.

Positive Transits

To help dealing with the emotional extremes and frustration of the Mars-Uranus’ aspect, Jupiter in Scorpio, is forming a harmonious angle (120°) with Neptune in Pisces, exact on August 19, and active until early September. Here perhaps is one cosmic key to survive and thrive through this challenging and intense period: the cultivation of compassion, closeness to nature and any activities that can help you relax and unwind, thus reconnect to your emotional/spiritual source.

Another helpful transit, active between August 7 and September 9, is the passage of Venus through Libra, the Sign of cooperation and justice, showing us a way of reconciling differences and finding a middle ground from which to work out these differences in creative rather than disruptive ways.

September 2018

Past August the month of September looks mild in comparison, with a stronger accent on the Earth Signs, implying a more practical and realistic outlook that will help all of us to stay more grounded.

Mars will then be direct in motion too, encouraging the start or re-start of any enterprise and project we may have had to put on halt during retrogradation. The effect of all the aspects I discussed before will be still lingering though, if not as intense.

The second pass of a crucial transit: Mars in Aquarius square Uranus in Taurus, things are shifting fast, plans go awry.. Remaining calm in the eye of the storm

‘The Tower’ edited Tarot Card – Alistair Crowley deck

Apologies to Living Moon Astrology subscribers if you received this post twice in your email box. It was sent in error with a different heading.

Today, August 2, Retro Mars in Aquarius completes the second pass of its momentous 90 degrees angle to Uranus in Taurus.

Uranus is slowing down considerably, nearly ready to become Stationary Retrograde, on August 7. This fact, coupled with Mars’ Retrogradation, will contribute to keep this transit active for the foreseeable future (to around the first week of October 2018).

An important thing to remember though is that this transit not only will extend its influence beyond the month of August but that it started having an effect in May 2018, when the first pass took place, just as both Mars and Uranus were entering Aquarius and Taurus respectively (exact on May 16).

The third Eclipse of the season (and the last for 2018) is also looming for the upcoming 18 °Leo New Moon on August 11 (Partial Solar), adding intensity and a more obvious cosmic purpose to this period, in the lives of many individuals, and generally the whole collective (more about the August 11 Solar Eclipse in another post).

Changes may be coming rapidly, perhaps too rapidly and even disruptively for some of us. Things may feel more out of control than usual, particularly in the areas of experience indicated by the Houses in our Birth Horoscopes where these events occur.  The effect would be accentuated and deepened also by alignments with one or more of our Birth Planets (conjunctions, oppositions, squares, trines, sextiles).

Remember that, due to the 90 degrees distance between Mars and Uranus, during this transit they will occupy any given Houses in our Birth Horoscopes at that distance from each other; the First and the Fourth, the Second and the Fifth etc.

04, 05, 06 degrees of Aquarius, Leo, Taurus and Scorpio will be directly aligned to this event.

Exciting or upsetting, opening up new channels and opportunities in your life or filling you up with apprehension and frustration, this transit is meant to accelerate necessary changes and alter the way you act in the areas indicated by the Houses. Staying relaxed and consciously focused in the eye of your own personal storm will bring its reward when the waters will be calm again and the purpose of all the upheaval will become evident.

Exciting or unsettling,

Major Transits active in June and July 2018: Mars Retro in Aquarius; second Eclipse Season 2018; Uranus in Taurus

Mars Retro in Aquarius

A shorter version of this post was published in the 100th issue of the Uki Village News, in early June 2018.

We are now well into the Uranus in Taurus era. As usual astrology seems to have anticipated much of the tensions and disruptive events, as well as the breakthroughs and evolutionary upheavals in store for the world at this time.

June and July 2018 sees a return of some of the most intense transits already active in mid May, while another eclipse season is upon us too. It will start at the July 13, Cancer 20° New Moon Partial Solar Eclipse, continuing to the July 28, Aquarius 04°Full Moon Total Lunar Eclipse, and will end on the August 11, Leo 18°New Moon Partial Solar Eclipse; three events rather than the usual two.

If your birthday falls very close, a day or so, from these dates the eclipses could prove significant for you, marking an emotional climax of some kind (Lunar Eclipse) or new beginnings in some area of your life, responding to a new level of awareness within (Solar Eclipses).

Similar effects are possible if the Moon or any planet or angle in your Birth Horoscope happen to be on or around 20^th degree of Cancer, Capricorn, Aries or Libra (Lunar Eclipse), and/or the 4^th/5^th and the 18^th degrees of Aquarius, Leo, Taurus or Scorpio (Solar Eclipse).

The Taurus Uranian era will last for the seven years stay of Uranus in this Fixed Earth Sign (until 2025). In the long or short term, depending on our personal alignment to these cosmic events, it will be better if we prepare for major and rapid transformations in our world. Being complacent could find us unprepared for the necessary adjustments to new circumstances.

The very positive side of all of this will be about aligning ourselves to our truer purpose, asserting more openly our individuality, breaking with old moulds and taboos by defying social and family convention/conditioning. In the line of major impact will be the Fixed Signs, Taurus, of course, and also Scorpio, Leo and Aquarius.  This transit will hopefully shift those Signs from their proverbial tendency to become stuck and their stubborn avoidance of change, without completely upsetting their sense of security and belonging.

Depending on the exact position of Sun, Moon and planets in our Birth Horoscopes these transits will be close and personal to us, or manifest mainly as changes in the general environment, impacting on our life in an indirect way.

From the time of writing, end of May 2018, to mid August, than again from the end of August to September 11, Mars will transit the Fixed Air Sign of Aquarius. Salient transits of Mars will be the alignment to the Lunar Nodes on June 8 and July 20, and the Mars-Uranus 90 degrees angle, from the week of May 16, to the weeks of August 2 and September 19. These difficult angles and the also challenging 45 degrees angle of Uranus to Neptune (June 16, December 15, 2018, + May 2, 2019) will dominate the whole period.  Rebellion and defiance are in the air; everybody seems more opinionated and stubborn than ever; the world is not shying away from open confrontations. Conflicts of ideas and ideologies could prevail; rationalism versus idealism; technology versus ecology. Many will need to stand up to uphold or defend the evolutionary principles and ideals of a just and tolerant world, because reactionary and ultra conservative traditions will not give up their grip on the planet without a good fight (Mars).

Manifestations of these conflicting forces are the present increase in tectonic and volcanic activities and in war-like posturing from world leaders. Look historically at the high cost modern democracies had to pay to stay alive during the last Uranus in Taurus epoch, 1934/35 to 1941/42.

With all the differences between the world now and the world of 84 plus years ago we are facing somewhat similar challenges, with rapid increase in governments power mongering, with the surge of dictatorship and general war-mongering around the globe, and the ever greedier big corporations and financial institutions’ control over our lives.

Timeline for the Mars’ Retro period

• Mars turns Retro in Aquarius on June 27
• Mars re-enters Capricorn on August 13
• Mars turns Direct in Capricorn on August 28
• Mars re-enter Aquarius on September 11

Let’s stay cool but alert, embracing the changes that come our way. They may seem daunting but they are really opportunities to rise above stagnant situations, allowing better things to manifest in our life.

 

Chiron in Aries and Uranus in Taurus: the game changers

A slightly shorter version of this article was published earlier in the April May 2018 99 issue of the Uki Village News

Chiron in Aries, beginning a brand new cycle for the Healing Arts

Uranus in Taurus, game changer for Global Finance/Security and more…

Two critical astrological events are in the cards for April-May: Chiron stepping into Aries on April 17 and Uranus into Taurus on May 16.

Chiron is connected with medicine and healing. The last time Chiron passed through Aries was 1968-1977, a period of many ‘revolutions’, including a revival of natural medicine, ancient practices as well as all sorts of alternative healing methods.

Chiron remains in each Sign differing lengths of time, due to its extremely elliptical orbit, this time it will leaving Aries only in 2027. Before entering Aries for good however Chiron will return in Retro motion into Pisces on September 26 2018 to step into Aries again in February 18 2019.

Aries is the traditional starting point of the whole Zodiac, thus representing the beginning of an entire new cycle for any planet entering it. In Chiron’s instance the entire 12 Signs cycle lasts about fifty years. We can expect then, in the next nine years or so, a surge of medical discoveries and new ways of treating illness that will carry us in unexplored pioneering territories.

And now we come to the biggest event: the passage of Uranus into the Fixed Earth Sign of Taurus, on May 16 2018. Uranus will briefly return to Aries on November 7, and will re-enter Taurus, for good, only on March 6 2019. After that the Uranus-Taurus’ transit will last until 2025.

From May 2018 to March 2019 Uranus will hover then on the cusp of Taurus, indicating a period of difficult adjustments for the whole planet. We need to become more grounded despite many disruptions and challenges to our established routines and habits, the things that provide us with a sense of security and comfort.

The ingress of a slow moving planet into a new Sign is always momentous, having a significant impact on individual and the world, especially if your Birth Chart or the Horoscope of a particular nation aligns in some way with it.

Taurus is the astrological symbol for money, wealth, security, finance and Uranus is the planet connected with radical changes, revolutions, turning points etc. During the seven years stay of Uranus in Taurus we will see possibly unprecedented changes in world finance and business.

The last time Uranus entered Taurus, 84 years ago (June1934-March1935) was a period of major upheavals for the world: huge dust storms in the Deep South in the US; massive armaments in Russia, Europe and America; Hitler consolidating his power by becoming German Chancellor; in October the so called Long March led by Mao Zedung began in China; in 1935 German Jews were denied the right to citizenship.  Many of these events are considered precursors to the Second World War, the real game changer!

The April 2018 Taurus New Moon and Mars-Uranus-Mercury

The day before the ingress of Uranus in Taurus, May 15, is the annual Taurus New Moon, when Sun and Moon, conjunct each other, happen to be also aligned to the star Algol (Medusa’s Head) in the constellation Perseus, which the ancient sky watchers deemed powerful and dangerous. I have studied Algol’s effect on world events and famous people for a number of years and found it often related to some major upheavals, like extreme nature events and/or dramatic political developments.

Two major catalysts are also part of this strange New Moon picture: Mercury separating from a conjunction to Uranus while entering Taurus, and Mars, on the cusp Capricorn-Aquarius, at right angle to both Uranus and Mercury. All of the above seems to portend that some major world events could take place around this time.

Australia Horoscope and Uranus in Taurus

With the national Horoscope of Australia in mind (First January 1901, when the Australian Constitution came into force) some clear warning signs become apparent. This is a Saturn Return year for Australia time to grow up, time for reckoning of past mistakes and beginning of a new evolutionary cycle. Transiting Uranus is also sitting on Australia’s Ascendant (cusp Aries-Taurus), meaning that there could be unexpected/abrupt changes in our country, during 2018/2019. These changes will impact on the way Australia is perceived around the world too, the Ascendant representing the outer impact and expression of a personality, being it of an individual or a nation. Talking about individuals, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull was born with the Sun at 0 degree Scorpio, meaning that Uranus this year and the next will oppose his Sun’s position, on and off, certainly shaking the status quo in his life and career.

With Saturn slowly moving through cautious and business like Capricorn, Uranus in Taurus and Jupiter in Scorpio shaking up the foundations of our global sense of security, our collective finances, savings and assets, the next twelve months at least don’t seem a propitious period to invest or spend big, or we could incur debts that we may not be able to repay. Common sense and caution need to prevail to cope successfully with rapidly changing circumstances.

Lunar and Solar Eclipses, Mars in Leo, Trump’s Astrology, Jupiter aligned to Pluto-Uranus and Mercury Retrograde, a lot to process in August and September

a picture is worth a thousand words

This article was published, in a shorter form, in the Uki Village News, at the beginning of August 2017

Mars in Leo aligned to the August Eclipses. Whoopee!

An intense Eclipse Season is again upon us, this time aligned to the axis Leo-Aquarius (and indirectly to Taurus-Scorpio) and made livelier by being associated with Mars. The Eclipses are: a Lunar at the Full Moon in Aquarius (opposite Sun-Mars conjunct in Leo) on August 8, and a Solar at the Leo New Moon, on August 22, aligned this time to Uranus in Aries, the traditional Sign of Mars, while Mars itself will be by then conjunct the Moon’s North Node, an interception point on the Earth orbit which is connected to Eclipses.

The Mars theme is obviously strong at this time, enhancing the possibility of confrontations, conflicts and escalation of issues that may have been dormant for a while. In a positive sense this means a clearing of the air and a healthy moving away from stale situations, especially after the second Eclipse. The August 8 Lunar Eclipse represents in fact a climax of some kind, when things are revealed or realized, while the Solar Eclipse, on August 22, signifies a cutting off from the past and a radical new start.

Mars in Leo

Mars, the main catalyst of all these cosmic energies, will be transiting Leo between July 20 and September 5.

When Mars moves Sign, every two months or so, a shift occurs in the way we act out our desires, assert ourselves and defend ourselves from real or imagined dangers. Naturally people with different planetary placements in their Birth Charts will respond to Mars’ changing energy in their own individual way.

Mars in Leo provides the type of energy that can be spontaneously channeled into creative activities. The energy should be high and focused. Brightness and warmth accompany this placement when found in a Birth Chart. Collectively also this Mars’ position can provide added warmth, brilliance and passion to everyone’s life.

Mars will remain in Leo until September 6. Leo is considered a positive placement for Mars, providing the fiery passion the Red Planet feeds on, but also containing that passion and controlling it, enabling us to utilize the positive energy for creative and enterprising feats.

Donald Trump’s Astrology

A case in point:  the transits to the Birth Horoscope of USA President Trump. Around the time of the Lunar Eclipse, on August 8, transiting Mars will be aligned to Trump’s Birth Pluto (one explosive conjunction, like putting a live match in a keg of dynamite); while, during the second event, Mars will be close to his Birth Mars and the Solar Eclipse degree will be in near perfect alignment to his Birth Ascendant (born in NY on June 14 1946, official time 10.54 am). Both Mars and Jupiter are soon due to return to his Birth Horoscope’s positions, marking endings and new beginnings. At the same time Saturn is forming the last alignment to his Moon (conjunction) and Sun (opposition) in August and September, the same transit active since his presidential inauguration, making the job itself feel very hardous to Trump, the routines tiresome, the responsibilities heavy. All these combined factors further stress the significance of this period in his life.

Two New Moons in Leo, one on July 23, the other on August 22

The first New Moon in Leo occurred on July 23 2017, at 7.45 pm. The New Moon fell on the same day the Sun entered Leo (1.15 am), and just about an hour after the ingress of the Moon in Leo (6.33 pm). Because that New Moon was at the very beginning of the Sign there will be another Leo New Moon on August 22, on the 28^th degree of Leo, just before the Sun‘s ingress into Virgo. This latter New Moon will be the Solar Eclipse spoken of before.

Jupiter alignment to Pluto and Uranus

Collectively, to add to the intensity of all the above, Libran Jupiter will be forming its last major alignments to Uranus and Pluto (before entering Scorpio on October 10): a right angle to Pluto in Capricorn on August 5 (close to the Lunar Eclipse) and an opposition to Uranus in Aries on September 28. In this case the Cardinal Signs are highlighted, also showing that accelerated changes, even upheavals, are now possible and the start of brand new phases in the life of the collective as well as many individuals. The role of Jupiter is to help us strive toward greater understanding of our place in the world, lifting us up and out of a too personal outlook on life. Its alignments to two of the most powerful ‘astrological transformers’, Pluto and Uranus, is now matching Jupiter’s widening of perspective with greater willingness to embrace radical changes, even if it means cutting the roots of deep attachments and lifelong habits.

Mercury Retrograde, a reminder…

Finally to make the period even more ‘interesting’ Mercury will turn Retrograde between August 12 and September 6, from Virgo back into Leo. To read more about Mercury’s Retro period  please navigate to my July post HERE.

Happy transits everyone.

Aries New Moon aligned to Uranus, Saturn and Pluto

Firefly by Jimmy Lawlor

The Aries New Moon, on April 7, is the first of the astrological year, because of the New Moon nature as the beginning of a new cycle every month; as well as the New Moon in the first Zodiacal Sign.

The Sun and Moon are closely aligned (conjunction) to Uranus in Aries, Saturn in Sagittarius (trine) and Pluto in Capricorn (square), promising that this new cycle will be one of significant changes, positive and/or unsettling for a lot of people on the planet. This will be particularly true for Aries people born within two days of the event, as well as Librans, born between October 9 and 13; Cancerians, born between July 8 and 12; and Capricornians, born between January 6 and 10, of any year.  This could be a personally important event also for anyone with Moon, Planets or Birth Chart’s Angles between the 16th and 22nd degrees of Aries, Libra, Cancer and Capricorn.

The prominence of Uranus brings unexpected twists to our experiences, with unforeseen changes of plans, windfalls and/or disruptions of various nature. Be prepared to alter your course of action because new circumstances present themselves or people you may have relied upon unexpectedly change their plans and outlook, veering in a complete new direction. Exciting, for sure, but also highly unsettling if you like your routine and have very set goals!  Try to keep your balance while things become uncertain or you could get stressed and alienated. The easy aspect of the Sun and Moon to Saturn (trine) could help you to keep a more level head, testing the viability of your new choices.

Pluto, on the other hand, adds intensity and wilfulness. You could feel like pitting yourself against the will of others, in an intense struggle to assert your own will. The difficult nature of this transit (square) calls however for greater caution in order to avoid destructive emotional extremes, painful separations etc.

Here is a chart of the Aries New Moon. April 7. 9.23 pm.

click to view larger image