I just read a very scary WSJ article about all the ways in which large US companies are spying on their employees – from their first email sent from bed in the morning to the new business contact added on the way home.
Employers are using the resulting data collected in many ways including spotting problem employees and monitoring which teams are the most productive. But it goes further. One of the newest frontiers is dissecting phone calls and conference room conversations.
Apparently, these employers are under little, if any obligation, to share their tactics or gathered information with their employees and there is almost nothing that the employees can do about it.
Workplace spies?
I was forced to agree with one comment in the response thread following the article – i.e. ‘that no employee should expect any privacy at work’. The operative word here is expect – for any employee would clearly be foolish to believe the situation to be other than it is. But I can’t help but think that employers are shooting themselves in the proverbial foot here because ‘trust’ (or lack thereof) cuts both ways. Traditionally, those companies who have profited most have tried hard to ensure employees at all levels work toward a common goal and share common values. I am pretty up to date on The Harvard Business Review and this seems to be the line that most articles there continue to take. But in light of this WSJ article, the academically inspired ‘advice’ from the creme de la creme is seemingly ignored, perhaps because more than corporate profitability is at stake.
I can only imagine that when Pluto hits Aquarius in 2023 and the proverbial ‘shit’ hits the fan in regards to technology and how it is being used, that it will be the employers who will end up with brown goo on their faces.
Pluto roots out all that is wrong in society in regards to the zodiac sign in which it traverses, concentrating on that which is dark, secretive, taboo, and purposefully hidden. With moralistic, idealistic (black and white) Aquarius, it’s all about doing the ‘right thing’ and I’m guessing that when the whole truth oozes out about the degree of spying and the uses made of it, employee loyalty of any kind will truly be a thing of the past.
If in doubt how this works, consider what happened when in 2008, when Pluto entered Capricorn, the sign associated with business, banking, and government.
X has just received notification of the likelihood of redundancy in the near future after many years of devoted service. How is this likely to pan out?
Time for goodbye?
Summary
The redundancy has not been well thought out by the employer and is likely to generate some heated discussion/arguments (internal). However it is likely to proceed with a nice payout for X, who is more likely than not going to be very happy. This ‘rebirth’ in X’s career as been a long time coming and is welcome. The only warning here is that X needs to take extra care when dealing with ‘important’ people because there’s likely some element of confusion or even outright deception.
Details
Horary Chart
X is represented by Venus, the ruler of the 7thhouse (I’m the querent asking on X’s behalf).
Venus is in a strong position (dignified by Term).
X’s career is ruled by Saturn because Aquarius is on the cusp of X’s house of career (4thhouse in this chart). Saturn is very strong in rulership of Capricorn.
Further, Venus (X) is in reception (albeit not mutual reception) with Saturn (career) by Term. Career and X are on the same wave length and in a strong position
The Moon is the overall symbol of how events play out (past, present, and future).
At 2 Scorpio 56, the Moon has not yet make any connection with another planet since changing sign. This suggests that X’s employer hasn’t given this much prior consideration and indeed, because the first aspects that the Moon will make will be a square to Mars/Mercury, the employer may be in for some ‘heated’ discussion (or quarrelling) on this matter, probably internal. Mercury is in retrograde; this suggests similar problems and issues.
That X and his employer (symbolised by Mars, as Scorpio is on X’s 7th house cusp (1st house in this chart) are not really communicating/connecting here, is demonstrated by lack of any aspect between Venus (X) and Mars (employer).
The Moon next makes an opposition to Uranus which suggests that the redundancy (break with the employer) will happen. Although many horary astrologers don’t use Uranus, Pluto, or Neptune, I believe that they shed valuable light on the situation. In this case, I’ll include them as ‘advisory’. The employer may also be symbolised by Saturn (Aquarius on the cusp of X’s 10th house) and Venus perfecting an opposition to Saturn does suggest that X and the employer are at odds with each other, pulling apart, on opposite sides of the fence.
Next, the Moon perfects a trine, or profitable aspect, with Venus (X). This suggests that X will be happy about this whole undertaking, especially when it comes to money.
The Moon will next perfect a sextile with Saturn, suggesting that this is a favourable time for legal dealings and/or with ‘officials’.
The Moon next makes a favourable trine to the Sun (and Neptune) suggesting that ‘important’ people will weigh in on this. X should take special care here, however, because Neptune’s involvement adds an element of confusion, lack of clarity, or possibly also outright deception. The by-word here might be all the glitters is not gold, so X must scratch under the veneer presented to find out what’s really going on.
The last aspect the Moon perfects before changing sign is a sextile to Pluto. This adds an element of ‘rebirth’ and ‘transformation’ to the mix and if X was not happy with the job as it had evolved of late, this break with the employer of many years may be just what is needed.
The Solar Return (SR) chart gives a brief snapshot of the 12-month period (birthday-to-birthday). Such predictive techniques are necessarily short and sweet, giving ample opportunity for all concerned to fill in the details.
Summary
Astrologically, a nation’s warmongering is dangerous when motivation is primarily for ‘national glory’. If President Trump continues on this current path to the apparent detriment of the national wealth, he may find that the American people will revolt against him. This would not be unexpected, given his own SR(s) for the same period.
Details
The operative planets for the SR chart for 2019/20 for the nation-state known as the United States of America are Jupiter and Neptune, which are forming an opportunistic square aspect for the whole of calendar 2019. With this energy, carefully considered risks accompanied by diligence and hard work can be expected to flourish.
Jupiter/Neptune take centre stage because they are the only planets tied closely to the angles of the chart and hence able to manifest in actual events.
But because Jupiter/Neptune is also the signature of the naïve and foolhardy, this is territory where those who are not well-versed in risk assessment and/or the application of diligence should fear to tread. The hinge-factor is Saturn; he provides opportunity only for those willing and able to identify and rectify the weak spots in their plans of action.
This SR chart sees Neptune strongly placed in the house of America’s foreign affairs. The upside is a more idealistic society. The downside is serious potential for both delusion and confusion, especially in regards to wars, the results of which lead to more confusion. This is especially true where the primary motivation for the war is ‘national glory’, as is demonstrated in the chart of Fascist Italy.
Jupiter is strongly placed in the SR 4th house of the common man, i.e. ordinary American citizens. Jupiter signifies the common values and belief systems that hold the nation together, which (looking backwards to the first 4th of July) are both idealistic and egalitarian.
Jupiter also is associated with the national wealth. Looking back to the birth chart of the American nation, we find the national wealth ruled by Saturn in Libra (Capricorn is on the 2nd house cusp).
In Libra, for Saturn to be successful, all aspects of the situation require careful consideration, especially in regards to relationships/partnerships.
My suggestion is that with Mr Trump at the helm, boosting national glory through warmongering is the agenda which will set America on course for financial disaster by disrupting the political and economic relationships/partnerships which in the past have allow it to flourish.
There is, however, hope in this regards.
In mundane astrology, Saturn symbolises the nation’s attitude toward law and order, authority, and tradition. If Mr Trump continues trying to take America away from the idealistic, egalitarian roots (Moon in Aquarius) upon which it was founded, the people may rebel against him, taking law and order – as well as authority – in their own hands. Is this not exactly what happened leading up to first 4th of July, the Declaration of Independence of the colonies from the fatherland, Britain?
Today, I attended a fab networking event for the ladies and the question was raised about karma.
Whether you believe that karma is about actual past lives or something more along the lines of what your higher self (or soul) wants to work on during this lifetime, this is my take on a few astrological considerations.
General shape of the natal chart – here, we are looking for empty spaces (i.e. quadrants or hemispheres rather than single houses). Energy ‘flow’ in the chart is important to pinpoint blockages as well as overcompensations.
I have absolutely nothing in the 3rd quadrant, which governs my personal development through relationships, socialisation and intellect. I’ve been married twice and have far too many university degrees. Overcompensation? You can bet on it.
Chiron – is also a big karmic factor and guess what, he’s conjunct my 7th house cusp! Is he telling me that I’ve suffered prior ‘wounds’ in relationship that had to do with balancing my own needs and that of the ‘other’? If so, then not surprisingly does this often manifest as the typical Libra refrain (I have 4 planets in Libra) – ‘I’ll do anything for you to stay in the relationship’. The karmic lesson here involves learning to love myself so that I’m not so dependent on the love from my ‘significant other’.
Element balance and imbalance – here, we are looking for (1) no and/or (2) four or more planets in either fire, earth, air, or water. Again, we’re looking for overcompensation and fixations. I have lots of air but no water in my chart and I often dream of water, not of drowning but of being constantly flooded. Water represents emotions. I don’t deal well with emotions. Put air and water together and you have rain storms. Too many of those at once and there’s flooding.
Moon and the South node – here, we are looking for deeply instinctual patterns, something that I’ve done over and over before and so keep doing because it is so easy. My Moon is in the 12th house, the most karmic of the houses. This definitely has to do with ‘mother-stuff’ (I spent years on ‘mother’ in my therapy – and I do mean years) and of course emotions. Or rather, it has to doing with being ‘detached’ from my emotions because otherwise it causes too much personal pain with which I cannot deal. Don’t be surprised to learn that my South Node is in Cancer. This is something that I’ve done gazillions of times before.
Doesn’t this tie in a bit too nicely with my lack of ‘water’ and recurrent ‘mother issues’?
It isn’t just who did what to whom but more the underlying tone of feeling expressed; anxiety, anger, panic, confusion.
The whole thing just doesn’t make sense and it’s queer – queer enough to hold your attention and queer enough to make you a bit nervous about going to bed at night.
We experience all sorts of dreams informing a variety of different subjects. We’re led to believe that this is the way we process that which happened during the day and in many regards, that’s probably true. But according to Liz Greene, the Jungian analysts, at the base of each and every dream is something churning away in our psyche that is trying to break through into consciousness.
In this respect, dreams are the answers to the questions that we didn’t realise that we needed to ask. Questions that are well documented in our birth charts by aspects and connections about which we’d rather not know. Most of the time, the dream fades away and we forget about it. But when the time is ripe (by transit or progression) these dreams make themselves known is such a way that they no longer can be ignored.
Some time ago, I had a dream that still haunts me today. I had inherited a flat in New York City from my parents, a flat that I’d never even known that they’d had. Even though I had a key, I had trouble finding the door. When finally I was in, I discovered that the flat had been empty for some time. I was amazed, however, that there were so light and sunny rooms to explore.
Could I live here?
At the time, transiting Uranus was making a trine to all of my planets in Libra in my 4thhouse, symbolising my ‘home’. With help from my therapist, I came to understand that I have what I call the ‘Henry James’ syndrome. Most of his novels explore themes where naïve Americans go back to their European ‘roots’ to obtain the education and polish they believe they didn’t get in their native land.
But eventually (like Henry James himself), they must come to terms with their roots or risking aimlessly wandering like the little boy who refused to grow up, Peter Pan.
As I’m still living in Europe and haven’t been back to the United States in almost 16 years, I’d hazard a guess that I’m still doing my Peter Pan. Little wonder this dream won’t leave me alone. Now I’ve got another set of transits (Pluto in Capricorn) that may force the issue.
Imagine, having a clear picture delivered from your higher self of what you’re meant to accomplish during this lifetime, a picture that ordinary astrological techniques and ordinary astrologers cannot provide?
Background
Just like the Tropical zodiac (developed in ancient Greece) used by western astrologers and the Sidereal zodiac (older than the hills) used by eastern astrologers, the Draconic zodiac is a method of assigning the planets (and other important points) to one of the twelve zodiac signs.
The Sidereal zodiac lines the planets up against the fixed stars or constellations.
The Tropical zodiac (now 28 degrees out of sync with the Sidereal) is a moving target. It lines 0 degrees Aries up with the vernal equinox which, because of the earth’s wobble on its axis, shifts ever so slightly each year.
The Dragon Speaks
The cosmic dance of Rahu, the Dragon’s head and Ketu, the Dragon’s tail
The Draconic (Dragon) zodiac is a completely different kettle of fish. Although based on the tropical zodiac, it realigns all planetary placements in keeping with the north lunar node (the dragon’s head). It is the cosmic dance of the two lunar nodes which plots the predictable point at which the moon will cross and crisscross the ecliptic (or the apparent path of the sun through the sky). Traditionally, the lunar nodes are more spiritually inclined than the rest of the planets/points; the north lunar node heralds your future, your destiny, whilst the south lunar node symbolises your past, as well as what’s holding you back.
The upside of this is that whilst both the Tropical and Sidereal zodiacs rely completely on the Sun’s movements, the Draconic captures the cyclical waltz between the Moon and the Sun. It is for this reason that the Draconic zodiac is believed to capture the essence of a soul (or higher self) incarnating into the earth plan as well as documenting the karmic strengths and weaknesses carrying on through multiple incarnations (rather like the Akashic Records).
If the natal chart erected using the Tropical zodiac fleshes out the personality or temperament of the incarnated individual, the chart erected using the draconic zodiac provides the skeletal framework. It’s the equivalent of having a snapshot of your higher self and its intended evolutionary goals before coming into this incarnation, highlighting important lessons intended to be learned this time around.
Destiny Calls
Where the tropical natal chart and the draconic charts intersect, there’s much information to gain; in essence, this is destiny calling.
As you can see, the structure of the chart remains the same but the planets and angles will have changed sign. In my Draconic chart, my Tropical Sun has shifted from Libra to Sagittarius. Indeed, although using the traditional western Tropical zodiac, my chart is primarily air (6 planets), using the Draconic zodiac, it is primarily fire (6 planets).
Tropical zodiac on the inside compared to Draconic zodiac on the outside ring.
To me this suggests that over many lifetimes, I’ve nurtured a fiery optimistic, spiritual, philosophical, and holistic approach. This has likely been accomplished through extensive travel as well as a good deal of higher education (Sagittarius).
My natal Tropical Moon in Gemini loves learning, reading everything upon which I can lay my hands. Certainly, this would fuel a continuing need to develop my wisdom but Sagittarius implies more understanding than does Gemini, which is generally more interested in gathering information than doing much with it.
My Draconic Moon in Leo may help here because it comes more from the heart (Leo) than the head (Gemini). Leo brings natural authority and fierce sense of pride to the table, a personal pride that quite honestly, I’ve never actually felt before. Having my Draconic Mercury in Sagittarius will also help in applying what I learn across a broader board. It might also be the source of my active interest in creative writing, which I’ve long believed is not really explained by my natal chart.
In my Tropical birth chart I have no fire and so I have never believed that my intuition (fire) was reliable. But then again, looking back over nearly six decades, my intuition never has let me down. I also have struggled keeping up faith in myself and in life in general, but all that fire in my Draconic chart suggests that perhaps I overdid this (i.e. held too high an opinion of myself) in prior lifetimes and so in this life, I needed to learn some humility.
This theme of humility is mirrored in the closest connection I’ve noted between the two charts – that of the Tropical Pluto sitting close to Draconic Jupiter. Together, these suggest a desire for power that might have got out of hand in past lives. There’s also plenty to suggest that Jupiter (king of the gods) is my spiritual guiding light (all that Sagittarius, which Jupiter rules) but in this life my Jupiter in Gemini is in detriment. Perhaps I need to find a new and less traditional way to express my urge for power?
Destiny is Answered
I’m still working with this new zodiac and am very excited about what it might add to my astrological coaching mix. Next, I’ll explore midpoints and synastry. There’s also a whole new way of thinking about transits and progressions. Watch this space.
Some believe it’s smooth sailing for Boris Johnson in the 2019 Tory leadership challenge. But based upon his current Solar Return (SR) (2019/2020), I suggest that even if he should prevail, he will neither prove effective nor enjoy a comfortable ride.
This SR chart has no angular planets (i.e. planets conjunct the ‘cross of matter’). This suggests that during this period (birthday to birthday), Boris will not be able to make a significant impact in the world at large.
The only planet making a tight Ptolemaic aspect to the angles (in this case the Ascendant/Descendant axis), is the Moon which suggests that Boris might be prone to ‘wearing his heart on his sleeve’. According to Ebertin, this combination does impact one’s personal relationship with others, but more likely than not, in a disingenuous (and disharmonious) way. .
Trying to be all things to all people never wins the day
Boris Solar Return 2019/20
The most remarkable thing in this chart is its stellium of planets/energy in Capricorn in the 10th house – Moon, Pluto, Saturn, and the South Node. This is a very public place– and so may well suggest taking on the role of party leader but again, it’s not likely to go well for Boris.
According to Ebertin, the combination of Moon/Saturn/Nodal axis suggests isolation, and inhibitions in organisations and association. Feelings of loneliness and standing alone in life are indicated. Add Pluto to the mix and there’s a necessity to rely only on oneself.
Tied in with this stellium by opposition is Mars/Mercury in Cancer. This might add the ability to think and act strategically so as to further one’s plans. Equally, it might suggest rashness and the tendency to exaggerate not to mention quarrelling and fault-finding. Ebertin even suggests this combination can result in using the ideas of others for one’s own benefit.
A Tiger does not easily change his stripes
What you have seen in the past with Boris, is very likely what you’ll see in the future. It is also worth noting that in his natal chart, Boris not only has a high dose of Gemini but no Capricorn. His Saturn, natural ruler of Capricorn, is in Pisces where it does not do Capricorn things like accomplished leadership well.
This suggests that the Capricorn energies reflected by that stellium in the SR return chart for 2019/2020 do not sit well with the basic temperament of Boris. To succeed with Capricorn energy requires persistence, hard work and concentration, anathema to any Gemini.
In considering whether or not to return to my long-abandoned writerly aspirations, I’ve done some research regarding the astrological indicators that statistically have proven best for successful novelists.
Key are Mercury and Venus, with Venus winning hands down for novelists. Her preferred zodiac sign is Taurus and her preferred location is on or close to the Ascendant.
Mercury, a good indicator for journalists, does well in Capricorn and Aries and wants close contact with Jupiter and/or the Ascendant.
Virgo and Gemini also seem to be important for successful writers like Agatha Christie and Stephen King. But there’s no statistical evidence (apparently) to support this.
A strong emphasis of 3rd house (communication) planets also helps with the ability to express oneself well; novelists in this category are Charles Dickens, Jane Austen, and Margaret Michell.
Where do I fit in?
Although there’s no apparent statistical evidence, Mercury in Libra (which I have) is great for artistic, poetic flair such as with Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby. My stellium in Libra (Mercury/Saturn/Neptune) also has promise. Even though my Mercury and Venus are not forming an aspect with each other, they are in mutual reception (Venus in Virgo is in the sign ruled by Mercury and Venus rules Libra). That’s a huge help. Likewise, my Moon in the 12th house and Cancer rising denote a vivid and sensitive imagination.
For luck in having my work published, I would want connections between Mercury and the 3rd house. Although I could use more, at least I do have with that mutual reception with Venus in Virgo ( 3rd house) and Mercury in Libra.
Pity, I don’t have any planets in my 9th house. But my Mercury is in reception with my Jupiter in Gemini, although such reception is not mutual. Finally, although I’ve no planets on my MC in Pisces, there is a connection (by rulership) with both Jupiter and Neptune (part of my Libran stellium).
Overall, there is promise for writing lovely and entertaining copy but certainly nothing suggesting that I’ll make a fortune as a novelist – but then again making money isn’t everything, is it?
This chart is set at Washington, DC for the Sun’s ingress into Cancer for 2019; the exact moment of the summer solstice. This should give clues as to the dynamics in play for the United States from then through the vernal equinox in September.
Other learned astrologers have suggested that by this point in time, the US might well be at war. Yet this chart shows none of that, at least not in the ordinary sense of a military operation. So what, in its stead, are we to expect?
Summary
Even if traditional military action is not in the cards, international diplomatic relations relating to finances and the American economy are headed either for ‘dreams come true’ or tragic consequences. It all depends on whether Trump, as head of the American nation, acts sensibly or naively in whatever situation(s) manifests.
Details
Venus (15 Gemini 22) is the most prominent planet in this chart, high in the sky at the midheaven and in close proximity with all the angles of this chart. This means that Venus has power to make things happen in the outer world – i.e. influencing actual events.
In the context of war, Venus represent victory. In the more generalised context of mundane astrology, it represents all that the American nation finds fashionable and fun as well as national resources and its financial institutions.
This Venus is caught up in a tight T Square with Neptune and Jupiter.
The current Neptune/Jupiter configuration is opportunistic – the ‘Dream Catcher’ aspect. Both these planets are strong in their signs of rulership and so, very beneficial in the hands of someone both sensible and willing to do some good-old-fashioned hard work.
Yet because both Jupiter and Neptune share a taste for the boundless, they are also the signature of the dreamer/visionary expressing a foolhardy naivety.
Tie this in with Venus and the dynamic is that of happy days for those who display common sense and are willing to work and not so happy days for those who don’t.
Enter the chart of Donald Trump, the current American president. His Uranus (radical individualism) at 17 Gemini 54 ties in with (and may set off) that T-Square.
What happens as the result would, in my opinion, be determined by whether Trump behaves either sensibly or in a foolhardy way in regards to whatever tensions this T Square represents in the international community. Areas of interest include national resources, financial institutions and of course, that which the American nation finds fashionable.
I won’t try to second guess actual events – but we can say that because this T-Square sets off the 10th, 4th, and 7th houses in the ingress chart, that whatever happens (and something will definitely happen) it will impact the common people and their concept of ‘home’ (4th) , as well as foreign relations/agreements (7th) , and of course, the American president and federal government (10th).
Final thoughts
It’s worth noting that ingress Mars/Mercury (fighting words) conjuncts Trump’s natal Venus/Saturn (hard-heartedness). Add ingress Pluto (22 Capricorn 26) by opposition and you get separations caused by fanatical criticism and/or heavy attacks or assaults from others. Add ingress Saturn (so close to the ‘fated’ nodal access that it is scary), and we might expect tragedy as the result of all of the above.
The Solar Return (SR) chart gives a brief snapshot of the 12-month period birthday to birthday. Such predictive techniques are necessarily short and snappy and give you plenty of opportunity to fill in the details.
Summary
The year ahead will be warmly social. As long as you make adequate space for quality ‘me time’, then building and maintaining relationships of all sorts will prove highly useful.
The trick here is not to let others intrude too much, as with this energy they probably will do. Thoughtfully but aggressively you need to push back.Otherwise, stress and strain in your love life could lead to painful separations.
Details
Solar Return (SR) Venus is prominent in this chart, being close to the SR Ascendant and in the 1st house. Put this together with SR Venus in opposition with SR Jupiter in the 7th house, and you can expect to be extraordinarily social, with your relationships of all sorts being helpful, cheerful, and warm.
As good as this sounds, however, if you’re not careful it could all get a bit much and so you’ll need to periodically take time out to be alone and ‘do your own thing’. You may not wish to hurt anyone’s feelings even when they intrude on your ‘me time’ but you need to consider all aspects of every situation and this year, put yourself first.
JJ Solar Return 2019/20
If you fail to do this, you open yourself up for potentially painful separations. The midpoint of your SR Saturn/Uranus is in Square (difficult) aspect to your Venus; this is a warning that stresses and tensions especially in your love life can and will take its toll.
Your SR Moon and Saturn are closely conjunct and in the same degree as the nodal axis. When it comes to your emotions, this brings a fated quality to the mix and with this influence there will be tendency to keep them under wraps. Whether this is good or bad is not the point. The key here is temperance – a little of anything goes a long way.
Not only is this true in keeping your emotions under control, but also in your desire to accomplish too much too quickly. The midpoint of your SR Mars/Pluto is Square (difficult) aspect to your SR Mercury. You’ll have lots going on and much of it very exciting, indeed (SR Mercury is in the SR 3rd house), but you still need to balance work with play. Again, a warning that overdoing it could lead to anxiety and nervous issues.
Mental attitude is key to making this year work for you (SR Ascendant in Gemini and the ruler of Gemini, is Mercury). Your beliefs about life and your place in it are probably out-dated (SR Moon in the SR 9th house along with SR Saturn/Pluto/South Node). Although the next twelve months may prove demanding, you have a unique opportunity to re-evaluate your philosophy such that in the future, it works much better for you on all levels: spiritually, emotionally, and physically.
Your beliefs about relationships regulate your demands and expectations of them and so you’re back full circle to a warm and cheerful social life one that will work well for you as long as you take enough time out to recharge your batteries.
There’s an old saying that ‘all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy and Jill a rich widow’ – exchange Jack for Jill and take appropriate action accordingly.
