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Astrology

What we might expect in this next calendar quarter:

Summary:

  • In the UK, the next three months will be difficult – very difficult to be brutally honest – consider this akin to a death and rebirth. However, the good new is that there’s ample evidence in this chart that the people of this nation (albeit perhaps not including the current government) have the resolve, desire, and spirit of enterprise to pull through this crisis. We might also see some expected developments in BREXIT and our relationship with Europe
  • By contrast, in the US the next three months – equally difficult – will likely be characterized by illusion, disillusion, confusion and (self-imposed) deception. The need to be ‘perfect’ will severely hamper the situation in the United States.

Detailed points of consideration:

  1. With Capricorn rising, the key to the entire situation is Saturn, the chart ruler, and he is a particularly strong position in his home sign.
  2. In mundane astrology Saturn often represents the amount of freedom a society permits or denies itself. In Capricorn, this is likely to be restrictive. This is now clearly showing up with social-distancing and self-isolation – some of it mandatory, some not. Saturn as chart ruler also suggests that UK is slipping into a its ‘traditional’  and conservative outlook. The sign on the Ascendant is oft said to represent the national ‘myth’ and in the UK that myth has traditionally been in keeping with Capricorn: ‘knuckle under’ and ‘get on with the job’.
  3. Yet that is not the entire story; Pluto is rising in this chart and is within seconds of arc with a conjunction with the Ascendant. Also note Jupiter/Mars conjunction has just risen. This is not to mention that in this chart, the 1st house has no fewer than 5 (or 50%) of all the possible planetary players.
  4. In mundane astrology, the 1st house governs the health and general disposition of the nation and its people. This suggests the UK is being heavily hit and it shows.
  5. More specifically, planets making close contact (within 2-3 degrees) with the ASC/DSC are seriously powerful players and the planet in this chart is Pluto. Here the health and general disposition of the UK and its people is characterized by the principle of rebirth that comes as the result of death and decay. We may thus speculate that in the next calendar quarter, the UK will experience a trauma that could quite literally bring the nation-state to its knees.
  6. The 7th house, governing the UK’s foreign relations as well as agreements is also impacted by Pluto. I would hazard a guess that suggests significant ‘reconsideration’ of the UK’s position re: BREXIT and its relationship with Europe.
  7. The good news, however, is that Pluto also represents the healing principle, which impels the collective – as an organic whole – to experience violent phases of self- healing, in order to regain health.
  8. Pluto is also making close contact (by Sextile/Trine) to MC/IC axis. The MC (also the 10th house cusp) represents the country’s leadership – in this case the prime minister and his style of government. Pluto also represents corporate affairs and similar group activity especially when applied to selfish advantage. That the prime minster is tied in with this suggests that what we are being told is something less than the truth – at least about the economy and the impact of this crisis on corporate affairs. In addition, because Pluto also suggests self-destructive impulses, any governmental activity along these lines is not likely to bring happy results for anyone.
  9. Pluto is also making close contact with the 4th house (the IC in this chart) which suggests that difficult challenges and changes can be expected to be made by the citizens of the UK especially in regards to their domestic situations. This also comes as no surprise but because this chart covers the energy to be experienced over the next 3 months, it might carry on longer than anticipated (at least by some).
  10. The final piece of the puzzle comes with the Mars/Jupiter conjunction that also is making close contact all the chart angles (MC/IC and ASC/DSC). This suggests that the nation has the resolve  and ability to pull through this crisis. Add Pluto to this mix, and we find an extraordinary spirit of enterprise as well as the desire and ability to tackle huge problems with great success.
  11. When the going gets tough, the tough (in the case the people of the United Kingdom) get going. YEAH!

By contrast, the chart set for Washington DC, suggests that the United States will not fare so well.

  1. As Capricorn is also rising in this chart, Saturn is still the chart ruler and again we can expect social-distancing and self-isolation.  Clearly that is already happening although perhaps not as wide a scale as in the UK.
  2. But the planet that sets off the ASC/DSC axis (1st and 7th houses) in this chart is not Pluto as it was in the UK chart, but Neptune.
  3. Whilst Pluto suggests that the UK would undergo self-healing, however difficult, Neptune  suggests that the American’s collective need to be ‘perfect’ (not only in the image it presents to others but also as to how it sees itself) will hamper their recovery.
  4. In this respect Neptune suggests the United States as a whole will suffer over the next calendar quarter from illusion, disillusion, confusion and deception.
Philosophy

What is Truth – Take 2?!

This is the second of a series of three mini-essays written for a course exploring various philosophical theories of ‘truth’:

For William James, turn-of-the-last-century adherent of Pragmatism, ‘truth’ was a working hypothesis; if something ‘works’ to enable us to move forward in our search for ‘truth’, then accept it as ‘true’ (for now). By contrast, if you wait until absolutely certain you have found ‘truth’ before calling it such, you will be forever disappointed. James believed that although ‘truth’ is capable of being known, we can never be certain whether or not we have reached it.

Besides, with constant advancement in science and technology, ‘truth’ changes over time. We are always aiming at a moving target.

Although James failed to specify where our target of ‘truth’ might reside and what might be its ultimate purpose, he obviously thought it worthwhile of pursuit. Not all would agree. For example, by the mid-20th century, Deflationists had concluded that there’s nothing special about truth so why bother with it? Despite such developments, James need never to have worried. The continuing 21st century popularity of The Varieties of Religious Experience, James’s epistemological study of the spiritual experience of men and women, suggests his brand of ‘truth’ remains in high demand.

In my view, those wishing to find ‘truth’, at least in an epistemological sense, should consider James’s approach. Pragmatism opens more doors than other theories of truth and keeps them open too. For example, correspondence theorists require ‘truth’ to be shoe-horned into a rigid set of factual constraints, leaving us bereft when the ‘facts’ in play are neither black nor white, but instead clothed in shades of grey.  Equally, Coherence theorists narrow the field by requiring potential new ‘truths’ to either fit comfortably within an existing body of knowledge/understanding or be discarded.

Despite many upsides, Jamesian Pragmatism has downsides.

Although James was pluralistic (i.e. multiple versions of ‘truth’ exist), he was not a relativist, at least not in the sense that one man’s version of the truth is necessarily as good as the next (i.e. ‘anything goes’). Sometimes, however, in practical terms this distinction falls flat.

Consider Donald Trump and his claim regarding numbers attending his 2017 inauguration. Correspondence theorists would not consider this as ‘true’ because it fails to correspond to observable facts. Yet undoubtedly Trump’s ‘truth’ was useful to him, perhaps furthering one of his favourite pursuits, self-aggrandisement. James may also have considered Trump’s claim as useful and thus ‘true’ at least to the extent it furthers our understanding of human nature.

Accepting this ‘truth’ even as a working hypothesis appears dangerous. The challenges of a post-fact, post-truth White House are highlighted daily.

It is disturbing that some have suggested that the late philosopher, Richard Rorty, who actively aligned himself with Jamesian Pragmatism, actually prophesied the coming of ‘truth’ à la Trump.

Other downsides include: if no cares enough about a potential ‘truth’ to attempt to prove it, then it can never be considered as ‘useful’ or not. Equally, the approach may be so scientifically oriented as make it impractical when dealing with certain types of ‘truth’ such as moral imperatives or aesthetic values.  

Philosophy

What is Truth?

This is the first of a series of three mini-essays written for a course exploring various philosophical theories of ‘truth’:

The correspondence theory holds that a truth bearer such as a sentence, is ‘true’ if it can be shown to correspond to some verifiable ‘fact’ (i.e. concrete, empirical evidence) regarding some (often physical) reality.

Undeniably, the correspondence theory has its uses. For example, a statement like it is raining can usually be proven or disproven in regards to correspondence to empirical evidence with a quick look outdoors. It is useful because it conveys useful information (i.e. in this case, whether or not to take an umbrella). However when the perfecting the correspondence of a statement to external evidence is not possible (such as when ‘facts’ in question are neither clear nor able to be adequately observed), the correspondence theory struggles. You may say that it’s raining and that might well be ‘true’, but I am unable to verify your statement because it is too dark outside for me to see, then I’m still left not knowing whether or not to take that umbrella.

Likewise, this theory struggles with statements such as ‘cilantro is delicious’ which at best it is verifiable only in respect to the beliefs of the individual speaker.

What is delicious to one person is not delicious to another. If in doubt consider my own position on the deliciousness of cilantro (thumbs up) in comparison to that of my husband (thumbs down). Worse, neither of us are able to point to any verifiable ‘facts’ or ‘evidence’ to decide our dispute. In the end, all that we have conveyed is opinion and preference, the universal truthfulness of which cannot be proven although it is undeniably useful to know the tastes of my husband when making dinner.

When seeking ‘truth’ regarding statements like the deliciousness of cilantro, the correspondence theory fails. In and of itself, this would not be a problem if everyone were willing and able to acknowledge this and introduce other theories of ‘truth’ where necessary. However history has demonstrated that the promise of an ultimate ‘truth’ can be so alluring, not the least because it provides a (moral) compass by which we can take decisions (perhaps without taking personal responsibility), that many, including adherents of the correspondence theory, cannot resist the temptation to cling to this black and white approach.

When we succumb to this temptation we are left with – at best –  a half-baked view of ‘truth’. For example, if I say that plants communicate danger to each other, most people cannot verify the truth (or falsity) of my statement. Even scientists cannot do so with absolute certainty. Scientists may be able to demonstrate (with some certainty) that grass releases certain chemicals in response to being cut. But whether that chemical release is meant to signal danger (however defined) must remain a hypothesis until scientists can communicate directly with plants with some level of mutual understanding. In the meantime, all we are left with is a working hypothesis that may prove useful in the future regarding our search for ‘truth’.

Correspondence theorists would generally not agree that usefulness should be an important consideration in the pursuit of ‘truth’. I argue that on this point they are also wrong. William James and other adherents of Pragmatism would likely agree with me. Loosely, Pragmatism suggests that which we hold as ‘true’ should lead to some successful action, such as being prepared for the weather or the ability to make a dinner that my entire family will enjoy. Unfortunately a detailed discussion of Pragmatism must await another day.

Astrology

Batten Down the Hatches

Back in April 2018, I was lucky enough to attend The Astrology of Wealth Management, a seminar given by Christeen Skinner, a clever and well-experienced financial astrologer with a client base of market-traders, investors, CEO’s, and entrepreneurs. In that seminar, Christeen warned us to clear as much personal debt as possible prior to 2020.

I took her advice. Would you have done?

In 2020, there will be several planetary cycles crashing up against together like tectonic plates. Expect some ‘serious global financial fallout’.

According to Christeen, ‘this will a really tough time’ – ‘there are too many bubbles under the surface’ – ‘expect a serious financial reset’ – ‘batten down the hatches and prepare to ride out the storm’ – ‘this is a crisis of values – what matters most’.

What matters most to you and how will you protect it?

Christeen was right – and we’re in middle of this right now:

  • The Saturn/Pluto cycle (33 years) is a compulsive/obsessive energy that constellates violent reactions and victimization. The theme of this planetary cycle suggests the ‘need for endings’.
  • The Jupiter/Pluto cycle (12 years) is associated with international terrorism; it suggests political power struggles – punctuated by excessive optimism and intense beliefs. The theme of this planetary cycle is ‘a response to fear and uncertainty’.

Add to the mix the planet Uranus (disruption) wandering back and forth on the cusp of Taurus (security and stability) and it’s sure to be a bumpy ride.

If you’ve identified a clear direction forward, do you still feel on track?

Christeen did not comment as to what might manifest as the actual trigger nor did she suggest when it might end. But given the planetary cycles involved, I’d suggest (and is NOT financial advice) that although we might feel the pressure lifting a bit in April, the situation will get tense again with the Lunar Eclipse in July and then carry on pretty much through the whole rest of 2020.

Christeen also suggested that 2024-2025 may be a tough time and I have to agree. For some years, I’ve been predicting the United States will suffer a second civil war during this period and I’m not the only one.

If that were to happen, then how might it effect the global economy and perhaps more importantly, what might be the impact on you and your family?

Finally, Christeen suggested that we might see the global markets bottoming out in mid-February 2026, which will be a difficult period for the United States for a number of good reasons.

debra@archetypalassets.com
44 7881821498
Astrology

Super Moon aka ‘The Promised Land’

Tonight, at 17:49 GMT, we will enjoy the Super (full) Moon in Virgo.

Many of you already know that each month’s Full Moon is the culmination and/or manifestation of the ‘seed’ of whatever it was that we each ‘planted’ approximately two weeks earlier with the New Moon.

The theme of that new Moon on 23 February might be summed up as finding ways to come together with others for the benefit of the community as a whole. This in turn, would raise questions about personal values.

Today’s full moon occurs at 19 degrees Virgo.

The theme of this Full Moon might be summed up along the lines as what has that ‘promised’ land that you set out with others to make manifest at the New Moon turned out to to hold? This brings with it questions about whether the potential rewards seen back in February were realistic and/or now as well as whether you (and others) have worked to make them happen.

Everyone will feel the effects of today’s Full Moon but some probably more so than others.

Those of you with planets at approximately 17-21 degrees of Virgo, Pisces, Sagittarius, or Gemini will could feel the impact hard for example, unexpected results of your efforts for better or worse. WHAT HAPPENED? Those with planets approximately 19-20 degrees of Taurus, Scorpio, Capricorn, or Cancer may also have similar results although the effect may be more gentle and/or more subtle.

The following is a quick thumbnail sketch of what you might expect if the eclipse triggers one of the following in your chart but if you’d like to know more, here’s a SPECIAL OFFER for the rest of this lunar cycle!

PlanetExpected ChallengeKey Questions to Ask Yourself
SunIssues with authority figures like parents or bosses or indeed anyone to whom you may have (wittingly or not) abdicated your personal power.Who or what did you blame for standing in the way of getting what you wanted and more importantly, how might you reframe this to take back your power?
MoonPossible changes in home situation or health that might leave you feeling explosed and/or vulnerable.What habits create more stress for you? What is one thing you can do right now to get this more under control?
MercuryPotential changes in how you define yourself. Is it time to reframe your life story from a new viewpoint or perspective?What do you need to stop saying NO to? What do you need to start saying YES to instead?
VenusCould signifiy challenges in finances and/or relationships. Don't let this damage your self-esteem.What is the cost to you of playing this 'safe'? What might be the benefit if you didn't?
MarsYou may be called upon to protect your home, reputation, and/or family. Take what is yours but make sure that no one gets hurt in the process. Tricky, but it can be accomplished.When you did whatever you did (or contemplated doing), what were you really say YES to?
JupiterTake a chance, a gamble, try something new and exotic. Travel if you can and dream if you can't. Expand your horizons and get yourself back on track.What do you believe to be true? What would you do differently if in fact, the opposite were true instead?
SaturnFeeling worn out and discouraged? Have your outgrown your present life and/or playing by outdated rules? No sense blaming others. Now's the time to take concrete positive action. Get rid of those fears that have been blocking you.What does this situation teach you about yourself? How can you make this new understanding work best for you right now?
UranusFeeling ike a misfit or even a scapegoat? Everything that goes wrong gets blamed on you? OK, that hurts - admit it. But your challenge now is to remain true to who you are regardless of what others think or do. Identify only with groups who allow you to be you.When is compromise out of alignment with who you are and/or what in which you most strongly believe in? How might you do this radically different?
NeptuneNow's the time to get in touch with your blind spots - dispute that which which until now you've convinced yourself was indisputable. If you've been fooling yourself, then expect a wake-up call.What is the gift in this challenge? What do you need to tell yourself in order move forward even if you can't be certain how it will turn out?
PlutoPower struggles are the order of the day. Get in touch with your dark side and embrace it - but please do not use it to manipulate others because that could seriously blow up in your face.What did you do to get your own way? What do you perceive threatens your personal survivial and development?
Astrology

Growth & Expansion

What are you inviting to expand and grow in your life that many not serve you as well as you might initially have thought?

It’s tempting for forget – or perhaps even to ignore – that which we invited into our lives with the New Moon in Pisces (at the beginning of this week) is continuing to take hold and grow. Indeed, we will not even begin to see the first shoots of this ‘seedling’ that we’ve planted (consciously or not) until early next week with the 1st quarter Moon.

In the meantime it’s worth remembering that New Moon in Pisces was ‘hosted’ by Jupiter, the planetary ruler of Pisces. It’s also worth remembering that Jupiter is currently in the zodiac sign of Capricorn where it is considered to be debilitated, or in ‘fall’.

In practical terms this means is that which is growing and expanding in your life this lunar cycle may not ultimately be to your benefit. Indeed, it could be worse than that. Think along the lines of the growth/expansion of a tumor – or even the coronavirus – that may ultimately kill you.

To understand what this might mean, consider that (among other things) Jupiter represents the core ‘truths’ in which we believe wholeheartedly. Whenever we set an intention, it is those core ‘truths’ that drive that intention. Yet often enough our intentions – not to mention the core ‘truths’ that drive them – are not given the due consideration that they deserve.

For example, I’ve been running with a ‘truth’ that money is power, neither of which one can ever have too much of, right? Little wonder that my stated intention this lunar cycle was to get more of both!

At one level, my core ‘truth’ is realistic, at least in the sense that it certainly does seem that money makes the world turn. At another level, however, this ‘truth’ has long been making a mess in my personal life as well as my most intimate relationships. I’ve known this for awhile but I can assure you that I’ve done my best to ignore it.

Luckily, (luck is another aspect of Jupiter), I had the opportunity to do a family constellation yesterday with an excellent guide. As the result, I discovered that this ‘truth’ that I’ve been holding onto about money and power come along with some seriously damaging negative energy. Also I discovered that ‘truth’ (and the negative energy) comes not from me in the here and now but instead from bad stuff that happened in my ancestral line many generations ago.

The ‘healing’ of my ancestral line that came about as the result of the constellation yesterday feels great. Thanks to my excellent guide!! However, it still remains for me to replace that old, outworn, and damaging ‘truth’ about money and power with a new ‘truth’ – something that serves me better.

Astrology

How to win your LOVE!

Aries – Let him call the shots – give him plenty or room – be sexy yet intelligent at the same time – tricky, but worth it. Likewise, she is restless and loves being chased. She may seem fragile but underneath she’s tough a diamond and worth one, too.

Taurus – Impeccably groomed and dressed, he wants you to also look the part. He needs to be both paternal and maternal @ the same time so make sure you give him the chance. She may be a flirt but what she most wants is a safe and loving home. Treat her to art exhibits, plays & concerts, and of course, delicious food.

Gemini– He must be the life of the party so make sure you laugh at his jokes. He thrives on constant change so give it to him. She’s well-informed across the board so engage her in serious debate. She may act as if flowers don’t impress her but your efforts to please her won’t go unnoticed. 

Cancer– Let him brood. His moods are in sync with phases of the moon.  After he’s spent some time alone, he’ll come around and be his charming self again. She’s naturally shy, so soften your approach. She’s also a good sounding board so use her for that and remember to show your appreciation.

Leo – He needs to be the centre of attention so give gifts of clothes and jewellery that are at the height of fashion. Don’t be coy. Be open and direct to win this man’s admiration. She needs constant assurance that she’s your Number One. Ensure she always know how proud you are of her.

Virgo– To win this man, be always on your best behaviour. Everything you say and do must make sense. Ask for practical gifts. She likes clever men, the more academic, the better. If, at first, she doesn’t return your calls, try and try again. 

Libra – Although he’s a good candidate for marriage, don’t leave him alone for too long. He tends to fall in love with whomever is nearest & nicest to him. She abhors noisy, crowded places; no scary movies. She will likely appreciate your advice when struggling to decide just make sure its fair to everyone.

Scorpio – Do not try to dominate this man, it will backfire. Instead, get up on your pedestal and let him adore you. Also not try to make him jealous. Suspicious by nature, this woman must be able to trust you; loyalty is the name of her game. Ask about her philosophy on life. She’ll enjoy explaining.

Sagittarius– Don’t try to fence him in; he will escape. Instead, be adventurous – eat, drink, and be merry – this man needs a lover, not a parent. She also cherishes her freedom. She appreciates lovers who are both casual and flashy as the mood suits. Keep her guessing.

Capricorn– This man is clever and ambitious and he needs you to be the same. If you are loyal and supportive, you’ll be handsomely rewarded. She is attracted to power and influence and will also wield some of her own. Give ‘power’ gifts like antiques and expensive jewellery. 

Aquarius – Take him on holiday, have fun and keep things light and airy; emotional scenes scare him. He needs to love your mind as much as – if not more than – your body. She loves all that is strange and offbeat and is always up to rally behind worthy cause. She has a short attention span so make your impression hard and fast. You may not get another chance.

Pisces – This man requires romance. Candle-lit dinners and poetry readings are a must. Give him lots of encouragement and Tender Loving Care. She will appreciate help in making decisions as long as you don’t push too hard. Traditional gifts of love work wonders. Consider giving her a puppy or a kitten.

Astrology

BREXIT – Alpha & Omega

The chart of tonight’s BREXIT set for London sets the tone:

At the very bottom of the chart, we find Saturn/Pluto – the two heavy-hitter planets the conjunction of which earlier in January this year, astrologers have been fretting about for many months.

  • Although Saturn/Pluto conjunctions occur about every 30-33 years, they have not come together in Capricorn since 1518, when Martin Luther posted his thesis which, with the Protestant Reformation, ended the Catholic Church’s stranglehold on Western religion.
  • Astrologers have, for the most part, agreed, that (for a number of reasons) something equally as momentous can be expected this time.
  • Saturn/Pluto in conjunction puts us in touch with the necessity for endings. Either something is completely destroyed or utterly transformed beyond recognition. There are no other options.
  • This Saturn/Pluto conjunction, the energy of which has been building for many months, will be operative throughout most of this calendar year. The conjunction is both (1) the end of the previous cycle (which occurred in 1982 in Libra) and (2) the beginning of the next, which will end in 2053.
  • In this BREXIT chart, Saturn/Pluto straddle the cusp of 4th house. In mundane matters, the fourth house  symbolizes the common people as well as the families and clans which, naturally, they form. We might read this BREXIT chart as signalling the end of the ‘clan’ known as the European Union, to which the United Kingdom has belonged for some time.
  • We might also see it as a sign for the future – the necessity of the ending of the United Kingdom as it is now. With Saturn/Pluto, we often also get an advance look at the cracks that are forming in the foundation before they cause complete collapse. For example, Scotland has made no bones about it: the ‘clan’ to which they may more naturally adhere (i.e. Scots) has been dragged from the European Union against its will.
  • The good news is that in this chart, the Sun, which symbolizes the UK government is in Aquarius – it is progressive and radical, if not rebellious, at least ready and willing to try out new ideas. The bad news is that this Sun is not in a position to accomplish much (i.e. it is not ‘plugged into the angles) of any of this in the ‘real world’.
  • Leaving the past behind, we look to the future and in this sense, progressive talk is good but affirmative action is better. Over the coming months, we shall see how the current UK government fairs in this regard but don’t expect all to be made perfectly clear until this cycle comes to an end in 2053.
Astrology

Ms S gets a new friend, Part II

METHOD:

When looking astrologically at the relationship between two people, two techniques are favoured:

  • The first is to examine the synastry between the individuals’ two natal charts. This identifies the essential energies in play between them as well as showcasing what has most likely brought them together in the first place.
  • Whilst synastry examines the impact one person has the other, the second technique – a composite chart – uses the individual natal charts to create a whole new third chart. This represents the relationship as a whole and provides insight into the dynamics upon which it, as a relationship, functions.

By comparing the two techniques, we often find repeating themes which of are of special interest because they will have a significant, longer-term impact on the relationship.

ANALYSIS:

Kindness & Empathy

For Ms S and her new friend, Mr T, the Moon/Neptune theme is highlighted in both synastry and the composite chart. This is likely to impart an overriding degree of kindness and empathy between the pair, which can be quite lovely.

  • This natural, instinctual bond runs deep and will not easily be broken. Both parties will likely feel that they ‘know’ each other ‘well’ and because of the placement of the contact (by conjunction) in the composite third house, this comfortable rapport is likely to play out in their interpersonal communication.
  • However comfortable the Moon/Neptune contacts may feel, it is in itself is not an indication of romance. Indeed although this contact is one of the classic signatures of a ‘soul mate’ relationship, it is just as often found in purely platonic relationships as it is in those of a sexual nature.
  • Potential problems with such a tight and deep bond like Moon/Neptune include the propensity to lose a vital sense of personal boundaries.
  • Should this happen, it could leave both parties feeling emotionally drained. Another potential problem is that whilst one person endlessly gives (in this case, most likely it would be Ms S), the other person (Mr T) might endlessly take. If this dynamic remains unchecked as the relationship progresses, it could well prompt Ms S (the Moon person) to become increasingly more possessive – demanding more and more attention. In response, this could well prompt Mr T (the Neptune person) to ‘quietly slip away’ and become increasingly ‘emotionally unavailable’.
  • Both Ms S and Mr T need to be always mindful not to slip into a ‘redeemer/victim’ pattern of relating which is common with the Moon/Neptune dynamic. Should this occur and continue unchecked, both parties may begin to unconsciously ‘undermine’ the confidence of the other in order to keep hold of their tight bond.

Openness & Warmth

Another theme repeated in both the synastry and composite chart is that of Sun/Jupiter. This is likely to result in a feeling of natural harmony between Ms S and Mr T, marked by a sense of openness and warmth.

  • In the composite chart, the Sun/Jupiter contact (by conjunction) falls in the 7th house, which is the place of partnerships and marriages.
  • This suggests that should Ms S and Mr T form an alliance akin to a partnership, both will ‘shine brighter’ and enjoy significant personal growth as the result.
  • With the 7th house, however, we must also always remember that it is the not just the place for partnerships but also for ‘open enemies’ – i.e. if you’re not ‘with me’ then you’re ‘against’ me.

Power Plays / Domination

In the composite chart, Pluto is directly opposite the Sun/Jupiter (conjunction). This suggests that if Ms S and Mr T are not careful, their relationship could very well become an open battle ground.

Along the same lines, the composite chart has Mars close to the Midheaven (MC) and in square aspect to both the Ascendant/Descendant axis and composite Venus.  This again highlights the possibility of the relationship ultimately becoming a battleground – as ‘domination’ and ego-fueled ‘power plays’ become the order of the day.

Sexual Attraction / Open Hostility

Although as noted earlier, the Moon/Neptune contact is often found in purely platonic relationships,  in this case, a close Venus/Mars (synastry) contact suggests a sexual attraction between Ms S and Mr T. Beware. Without careful attention, this erotic energy may find itself ‘rechannelled’ into arguments – over even the most petty things – as both parties engage in the power plays, as noted above, and well know how to ‘push each other’s buttons’.

Valued-Added

Finally, this pair also enjoys a mutual Venus/Sun synastry contact (by trine and square) suggesting a natural harmony promoting a significant degree of mutual acceptance and tolerance.

  • This contact, however pleasant, also brings with it the danger of taking each other for granted and subsequent loss of that all important ‘spark’ of interest that brought them together in the first place.
  • It’s more than possible that Ms S will begin to feel that she’s being taken advantage of by Mr T and that he does not appreciated or value her as much as she does him.
  • If this occurs, then the more she goes out of her way to please him, the more complacent he may become.
  • Some balance  in ‘give and take’ needs to be negotiated else the relationship risks the possibility of Ms S holding a ‘grudge’ regarding the ‘unfairness’ of it all – and this could well ultimately drive a wedge between them.
Astrology

Crisis & Collapse / 2020

Last night, I had a horrible dream: I was sitting in my living room watching as (for no apparent reason) the wall of the house next door crumbled and collapsed.

This metaphor aptly depicts what we might soon expect from a series of planetary onslaughts across the bow of the Capricorn/Cancer axis.

To understand what this means, first remember that Capricorn is ruled by Saturn and Cancer by the Moon. Thus we can expect the cold, hard reality of material events (Saturn) to seriously disrupt our domestic and emotional security (Moon) as follows:

10 January – Lunar Eclipse

With every eclipse something ends and something begins but whilst solar eclipses tend to offer new opportunities, lunar eclipses tend to bring final endings. Because this eclipse (where the shadow of the earth blots out the light of the Moon) occurs on the Capricorn/Cancer axis, we can expect a shadow of some sort to fall across the promise of continued domestic/emotional security.

11 January – Uranus turns Direct

Now comes the turning point – although the proverbial writing may have been the proverbial wall for some time in regards to an upcoming change we can no longer ignore it.

12 January – Saturn/Pluto Conjunction

A seriously powerful planetary line-up in Capricorn (Saturn/Pluto/Sun/Mercury/Jupiter) assures us a crisis of significant magnitude to catch and hold everyone’s attention. The status quo explodes and as a consequence, we are forced to take action, like it or not.

The last time Saturn/Pluto were conjunction in Capricorn was 1518, when the world witnessed the start the Protestant Reformation and the end of the Catholic Church’s stranglehold on political and religious power.

The planetary line-up in 2020 is eerily similar to that of 1518.

During this period, we can expect nothing less than the total and utter structural (Saturn) collapse and death and rebirth (Pluto) of some status quo that will play heavy on our minds (Mercury).

Because of the nature of Saturn and Pluto in combination, this will not be pretty.

Add the Sun to this planetary line-up, and we can expect this crisis to bring about a sober AWAKENING – a mature, realistic understanding that something we’ve taken for granted has come to the bitter end.

17 January – Last Quarter Moon

The Moon in Libra reactivates the Saturn/Pluto conjunction of five days ago. The last quarter Moon is always a trying time – a test – a judgement of how well we’ve dealt with that which has come before. Expect more drama, disruption, and hard choices.

21 June – Solar Eclipse / Summer Solstice

Just minutes after the summer solstice, when the Sun enters the zodiac sign of Cancer, there is another solar eclipse. We’re looking at new chapter in the story that started in January re: crisis and collapse. What’s being offered here and will we take it?

5 July – Lunar Eclipse

By this time, the Jupiter and Pluto conjunction, which has been plodding along in the background since April, will have come center stage. At last, we might expect our story to be approaching some kind of resolution.

But before getting too optimistic (Jupiter), remember that the Jupiter/Pluto cycle is associated with political power struggles arising from excessive beliefs and optimism, i.e. fundamentalism and terrorism. Likewise, we might expect some death/rebirth (Pluto) regarding Jupiter-inspired things like the legal system or governmental rules and regulations.

29 September – Saturn turns Direct

Back in January, Saturn and Pluto formed that conjunction in Capricorn, one that reminds us of that formed in January 1518.

In April, Saturn moved out of Capricorn and into Aquarius, thus alleviating some of the pressure. But, unfortunately, it’s not over yet. In May, Saturn turned retrograde and started reversing back into Capricorn throughout the entire summer reigniting the crisis experienced earlier in the year.

Finally, at long last, Saturn turns direct moves definitively away from that January conjunction. Whilst it is true that Saturn’s 2020 conjunction with Pluto has set off a new cycle that will take approximately 33 years to unfold in its entirety, at least we now have some breathing space to reflect upon what has happened and adjust our lives in keeping with it.

In regards to my horrible dream, the wall (Saturn) of my neighbor’s house (Moon) may have collapsed (Pluto) in January but the dust didn’t start to settle until the end of the summer. Towards the end of 2020, my unfortunate neighbor will finally learns if he or she is can rebuild or need to relocate.

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