During the period between June-September 2018, expect the United States to set the foundations (with or without help from others) for serious global financial fallout in 2020/2021.
- We’ve been here before – this has a fated quality.
- What you see is not what you get especially in regards to very public and very inspirational governmental (presidential) speeches – smokescreen is one word – but bamboozle is probably a better word – pay attention here – this is a slippery slope.
- The solar eclipse on 13 July 2018 at 20 Capricorn sows the seeds for all this – but will they take hold and grow?
- Watch this space and that BLACK HOLE.
Detailed Points of Consideration:
- Rising Sign and chart ruler – key to entire situation –With Cancer rising, the Moon is the chart ruler and this Moon is not particularly comfortable in Libra – where it might be diplomatic – but also isolated – in the 4thhouse – in its own back yard of nationalism. This Moon in Libra also makes trine (slippery slope– see comments below on the nature of the trine) to Mars in Aquarius in the 8th house. Now, although Mars equates to fighting words in 8thhouse concerns (i.e. international finance and multi-national corporations) it is – oops – conjunct the South Node. We’ve been here before – the nodes have a fated quality especially in regards to relationships – possible crisis-point.
- Interestingly, this Moon in Libra also makes a Sextile (facilitating aspect) to Venus in Leo in the 2nd house, which is (not surprisingly) conjunct to the North Node. While Mars symbolises manufacturing and, of course, the military, Venus seeks peace and harmony and, in mundane astrology, it signifies where society seeks its ‘joy’. Now, with Venus in Leo in the 2nd house, the American public are seeking their joy through showy materialism and financial strength (i.e. 2nd house = economy, material resources, and the nation’s GNP). Yet despite the flag-waving glory (Leo), none of these three planets (Moon, Venus, or Mars) are strong– and worse, Venus in Leo is actually in detriment – where it struggles to perform. This suggests a passionate desire of the American people to return to better financial days (nodal axis) but will their efforts in this regard be successful?
- Midheaven/Ascendant (MC/ASC) Midpoint – in any chart, the MC/ASC midpoint is very sensitive and, in this chart, it is at 8 Taurus with both Venus in Leo and Mars in square (difficult aspect). According to Baigent, Campion, and Harvey (p. 227) – the MC/AS midpoint is always highly sensitive to transits and often says something important about the country’s ideas and aspirations (MC) re: working in the world (ASC). In May/June 2020 – transiting Uranus (revolution, innovation, breakdown in order) will conjunct this midpoint. This suggests that the foundations laid by the US between 21 June- 21 September 2018 will come home to roost in 2020/2021(transiting Uranus makes a 2nd hit at 8 Taurus in March 2021) – when, according to financial astrology (Skinner, p. 9), we’re due for some serious global financial fallout. It might be going too far to blame these future difficulties on American diplomacy during the period of June/September 2018 but it is tempting.
- Neptune Conjunct the MC (Midheaven) – as noted in an earlier post – this suggests that what you see is not what you get and in the case of the American presidency (MC and cusp of 10thhouse) – ‘smokescreen’ is the word. But add to this the fact that Neptune (at 16 Pisces) is forming a grand water trine with Jupiter (13 Scorpio) and Mercury (16 Cancer) and I might even suggest that ‘bamboozle’ is the better word. According to Ebertin (p. 121) the combination of Neptune/Jupiter/Mercury is not only inspirational speaking but also misleading speeches through either outright deception or speculation (or both). As Liz Greene has often said, the trine aspect is considered ‘easy’ for good reason because it represents the proverbial ‘slippery slope’ – i.e. step too close to the edge and WHOOSH – it’s a fast-downhill ride.
- One final comment– in mundane astrology Pluto is associated with corporate affairs and group activity especially when to selfish advantage – and in this chart Pluto is at 20 Capricorn in the 7thhouse (foreign relations and agreements). According to Skinner (p. 201), 22 degrees Capricorn is in alignment with a ‘Black Hole’ which equates to upheaval with regards to any planet touching it. Skinner (p. 28) suggests when the planet involved is Pluto, the upheaval is at ‘nuclear or devastating scale’. Now, it just so happens that the upcoming solar eclipse on 13 July 2018 is within seconds of 20 Capricorn suggesting that we might expect the seeds to be sown for the expected fallout during 2019 (June 2019 will be particularly interesting) and 2020 when transiting Pluto actually hits 22 Capricorn.
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- Baigent, M., Campion, N., and Harvey, C. (1992) Mundane Astrology. 2nd London: Thorsons.
- Ebertin, R (1972) The Combination of Stellar Influences. 4th trans Roosedale, A and Kratzsch, L. Tempe: American Federation of Astrology, Inc.
- Skinner, Christeen H. (2016) Exploring the Financial Universe. Lake Worth: Ibis Press.
Backstory – six months ago, as the result of some coaching, you’d identified some unprofitable behaviours you’d concluded needed to be changed.
To be honest, you’d not really thought much about this kind of thing before but some people’ (including your best friend, your spouse, and your boss) had been increasingly complaining that when things didn’’t go your way, you got angry and aggressive. Now, as the result of coaching, you understand that this behaviour is down to ‘attachment strategies’ formed during infancy.
OK, it’s time to move on! After all, who wants baggage from childhood holding them back?
In real time – yet by the end of six months, you are not best pleased to discover that not only are you still not calm in moments of stress but actually you’ve gotten worse. The road rage incident this morning in which you were involved during your commute really scared you.
Epiphany– if you don’t change soon you might kill someone – or worse, get killed yourself.
Environment – You resolve to work harder on on this stuff this time – you bring some of the techniques you learned in coaching out of the proverbial mothballs – but just when you’d started your meditation – out of the blue – your boss storms into your office (or cubicle) and accuses you of doing something you did not do – that’s it – you’ve had it – you quit.
Regret – on your drive home – after have hung around in a coffee bar working out a story to tell your spouse about what happened – you hear something on the radio about a book named Triggers (available on Amazon in paperback or Kindle) by a guy called Goldsmith – could this really be you?
The 15 ‘Belief’ Triggers that stop change in its tracks:
- Confusion– just because you realised that you needed to change (along with the reasons why and the benefits to be expected) never meant that you would do it.
- Overconfidence– just because you’re convinced that you have the necessary willpower to do what’s needed (you did quit smoking, after all) doesn’t mean that you won’t give in to temptation when it sneaks up on you from behind like your boss did today. Who could have expected that?
- Indulgent inconsistency– and on your birthday too – well, he (your boss) deserved it and will regret having been so horrible to you – you’d not have reacted the way that you did if it hadn’t been your special day – and your boss ought to have known that.
- Immunity – well, it may not have gone well with the boss but it could have been worse – a couple of years ago something similar happened when some guy named Jim (an ex pro-boxer) broke your boss’s nose during an argument – quitting is much better than dismissal with cause – at least you had more sense than to get yourself into the same mess as Jim.
- Exceptionalism– that coach did mention that you needed to practice those calming techniques every day but hey, that’s for other people, not you, right?
- Depletion– you were tired – if you’d been sleeping better, that wouldn’t have happened – but with the new baby and all…God, life is difficult.
- Procrastination– OK, to be honest, you’d been putting off practicing those calming techniques – and maybe things would have turned out better if you had – but there’s always tomorrow – yea, that’s it – you’ll start practicing those techniques tomorrow.
- Unrealistic expectations – no one in their right might could have predicted that your boss would behave so badly today and right after you’d had that road rage close call on the morning commute too – when it rains, it pours, right?
- Epiphany – so unfortunate that you’d just had your epiphany this morning – before you’d had a chance to get back on track.
- False sense of permanence – if only the changes you’d put into place six months ago had lasted – they should have done – but they didn’t – it seems acutely unfair that you would have to continue to work at them.
- Future challenges – just when you’d got that new promotion as the result of having implemented those changes six months ago, it all went wrong – how could you possibly have known that the new job would be more demanding than the old one especially with the new baby at home…
- Resentment – your boss really should have been more appreciative of the changes you’d already implemented six months ago – at the time he’d seemed pleased enough but then he just kept demanding more and more – it’s not fair.
- Isolation– you were just sitting quietly in your own office (cubicle) minding your own business and privately nursing the wounds inflicted by your earlier road rage epiphany – and then your boss jumped you.
- It’s just the way that I am – to be honest, you’ve always been a little hot-headed – and what’s wrong with that? At least it has kept others from imposing themselves on you – in fact if you’d not done that coaching and tried to be something that you’re not (i.e. calm and collected) this wouldn’t have happened.
- Objectivity – by the way, who were all those people (best friend, your spouse, and your boss) who said that you needed to change anyway – aren’t you the best judge of your behaviour? Of course, you are and besides, you aren’t angry as often as are least 75% of the people in your office – no, if you were to be honest, you’re calmer and more collected than 90% of the people you (used to) work with. It’s the office environment caused by hot-headed bosses like yours (or at least the boss that you used to have until this morning).
On 16 May 2018, Uranus enters the zodiac sign of Taurus. This will mean different things to different people. But one thing that’s for certain is that sometime between 16thMay and April 2026, each and every Taurean will be for an interesting ride when Uranus conjuncts his or her natal Sun.
This is a perfect time for astrological coaching.
To understand why, remember that Uranus was discovered by William Herschel (in Bath, England) around 1781 – a time of revolution – both for the United States and France. It was also the time of the Industrial Revolution – massive breakthrough in science, technology, as well as sense of community – huge evolutionary change – for better or worse. Those who were in sync with such changes, fared well and those who weren’t, probably didn’t. So it’s probably also worth noting now that as a general rule, Taurus (fixed earth) is not keen on change.
Without considering your precise circumstances (i.e. any natal aspects to your Taurus Sun as well as which houses, or areas of your life that will be affected), Taurus can expect any/or all the following:
- Unexpected opportunities for change – maybe a new job, a new course of study, or even someone coming into your life to inspire you in completely different way.
- Excitement and upheaval – prepare to face the unknown.
- Restlessness – feeling bored and trapped by circumstances and/or relationships. If only ‘he or she would change, it would be alright’ – but of course he or she won’t and so, now what?
- Circumstances force a change in your relationship with your father or other significant man/authority figure in your life. Time to take control – you’re in charge now.
- Buzzing with thoughts and ideas – breaking free from tradition.
If ever there will be a time to make key, evolutionary changes in your ‘essential self’ this transit provides you with the perfect opportunity.
Want to find out more?
Give me a shout!
Yesterday, I was lucky enough to attend an entire day of lectures by Christeen Skinner about financial astrology.
Although I learned many things (including that my harmonious natal connection between Jupiter and Pluto keeps me financially afloat during tough times), my priority was to gain information to support my work-in-process novel, The Curve of Capricorn, and its primary premise that during the period leading up to 2025, the stage becomes set for the United States to split apart at the seams (i.e. civil war).
Christeen reminds us that, at the moment, just about everything is overvalued, and that includes real estate as well as the financial markets. Unlike in 2008, however, when Pluto entered Capricorn and brought with it the Global Financial Crisis, the period from 2020 to 2025 will not so much be a period of upheaval, but of profound re-valuation – a financial ‘reset’.
Nonetheless, it won’t be pleasant and we might expect a taste of what’s to come as early as May 2018, when Uranus enters Taurus where it has not been since 1934 (and where it will remain until 2025).
If in doubt why this might happen, consider the still outrageously high levels of national and personal debt across the globe. Although those well-advised not only will not take on any additional debt but will clear what do they carry prior to 2020, many will frivolously continue to borrow and borrow – at least until the bubble of the present fantasy-land bursts. Expect events on or about 21 December 2020 to usher in a huge dose of reality.
Then, not only does the Jupiter/Saturn cycle start in a new element (i.e. this shift occurs about every 250 years) but also Pluto and Mars (in Aries) are in an exact square. This is an explosive energy heralding in a new beginning. Two other planetary cycles will commence at this time (1) Jupiter/Pluto (excessive optimism) and (2) Saturn/Pluto (push for contraction). Obviously, these conflict; expect confusion. Also, keep in mind that whenever Pluto is involved, we can expect violence, victimization, crisis, fear, and uncertainty. Think racial tension, taxation melt-down, social class power struggle and global health concerns (possibly a pandemic) not to mention serious changes in weather patterns (based on solar flare activity, or rather, lack thereof) that could make certain parts of the world, including some areas of the United States, no longer habitable.
The plot thickens.
The next significant recession is astrologically expected in 2025-2026 with mid-February 2026 seeing the bottoming-out of the global financial markets. This will be an especially difficult period for the United States for many reasons, not the least of which is that in 2022, America will suffer its first Pluto return (i.e. a cosmic wake-up call and time of massive transition). The current political system is not working. This cannot and will not continue.
Whatever happens in the lead up to 2025, the proverbial shit will hit the fan when in late March of that year, Neptune moves into Aries where it has not been since 1861, the start of the American Civil War.
What does all of this mean for the rest of us?
Hang on to your hats and prepare for a rough ride but always remember that whatever goes up must come down and vice versa. So if the markets are high, then sell and if they’re at rock-bottom, it’s the perfect time to buy. Again, those well-advised might weather this upcoming turbulent period very well, indeed.
Whilst discussing Jung’s Red Book (Liber Novus), Liz Greene reminds us that when interpreting the Moon in an astrological chart, we should keep in mind Jung’s vision of the Moon as a fluid, living principle, always in flux.
To assume the astrological Moon corresponds solely to Jung’s Anima is a mistake. Equally, it is a mistake to assume that she is solely the nurturing mother. Indeed, Jung saw the astrological Moon as both deeply complex and ambivalent – the archetypal core of which equates to the triple-bodied lunar goddess of antiquity, Hecate.
Consider four of the Red Book’s female personages:
Salome – the daughter of Elijah, the wise old prophet who presides of the ‘temple of the sun’. Salome, with long black hair and dressed in red, is never pictured without her father. She is associated both with (1) the darkened skies of the ‘blood Moon’ (reportedly visible at the time of Jesus’ crucifixion) and (2) the blood-thirsty seductive temptress, the daughter of Herodias, who demanded the severed head of John the Baptist from her besotted lover. In this regard, Salome is associated with the tarot card, The Hanged Man, who although still possesses his head, is unable to use it (i.e. it is no longer above, but below) symbolising loss of the rational intellect when confronted with realm of the unconscious. Salome is associated with the dark moon. She is bloodthirsty and dangerous.
Old Scholar’s Daughter – imprisoned by her father in an old stone castle in midst of a forest, this pale and ghostly girl is shown with the crescent moon. Like the Greek goddess, Persephone, she is prevented by her parent from developing into a fully-grown woman. Although Jung considers her to thus be unworldly, she informs him that she knows more about ‘real life’ than does he. At the end of their brief chat, Jung has fallen in love with her and she disappears into a shaft of moon light, leaving behind a bunch of red roses. The roses, Liz suggests, links her to Venus, the erotic goddess of the ancient Greeks, who interestingly does not otherwise figure in the Red Book. But unlike with the dangerous eroticism of Salome, Jung had little to fear from this pretty young girl; indeed, she offered him much to learn. Associated with the tarot card, The Moon, the Old Scholar’s Daughter offers a doorway to the unconscious, a scary place in which wisdom resides. It is tempting to equate her solely with the crescent moon, but she shares this ‘honour’ with the Anima.- The Cook – along with the Old Scholar’s Daughter, the Cook is associated with the tarot card, The Moon, but the Cook takes this proverbial walk on the dark side to a completely new and different level. Large and fat and always pushing food, The Cook seems simple enough, the traditional house-frau. But in reality, she is unashamedly two-faced. After eating the food (nourishment) she provides, Jung falls asleep and wakes up in the underworld (‘the realm of mothers’). In this regard, The Cook is more dangerous than even Salome because what you see with her is never what you get. The Cook is associated with the full moon, also a gateway to the unconscious, but under no circumstances is she to be trusted.
- The Anima – although Jung never meets with the Anima, he does depict her dressed in blue and kneeling in prayer. She is at once the celestial mother, the chalice or Holy Grail (drink of her and attain immortality), the spiritual bride and mother, as well as the daughter of the stars. In his tarot deck, Waite shows her as The High Priestess, the guardian of hidden wisdom and spiritual mediator between the worlds, above and below. Notice that the High Priestess sits with the crescent moon at her feet.
In summary, astrologers ought not to consider the astrological Moon as either this or that, but instead as a fluidity that morphs over time. The imagery of the classical triple-bodied lunar goddess, Hecate, is in keeping with Jung’s complicated (and often contradictory) lunar journeys. In the Red Book, the astrological Moon represents the entire spectrum of the lunar myth and cycle, from the dark of the new moon and back again. Unlike classical astrology that divides the planets into either malefic or benefic, Jung’s astrological Moon at once both and neither. She can be dangerous – even treacherous. Equally, however, she offers the opportunity to plumb the depths for the wisdom that resides in the unconscious- the wisdom each of us must someday tap if we are to further ourselves on that all important path to individuation.
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Greene, L. (2018). The Astrological World of Jung’s Liber Novus; Daimons, Gods, and the Planetary Journey. Abingdon: Routledge.
Greene, L. (2018). Jung’s Studies in Astrology: Prophecy, Magic and the Qualities of Time. Abingdon: Routledge.
The psychological realty is that both coaches and their clients come into a session with personal agendas that will feed into the session for better or worse.
One aspect of this is what is known by therapists and psychologists as transference/countertransference, something they are trained to spot as well as to deal with it. Usually, however, coaches do not benefit from such training and hence may mistake transference/countertransference for any number of things.
De Haan reminds us that unspotted transference/countertransference can lead to serious client/coach misunderstandings, mistakes, the gradual deterioration of the coaching relationship, as well as unconscious collusion and/or abuse of power. The thing to keep in mind is that transference/countertransference is perfectly normal as well as, for the most part, completely unconscious. The best that a coach who is not trained to deal with this can do is to spot it when it’s happening and seek appropriate help and/or supervision.
Jung was convinced that it was not only personal material that could be the subject but also archetypal (Main, 2004, p. 24) This opens the way for astrology, which reflects the archetypal patterns at work both for a single individual or between two persons. As Liz Greene (1997, p. 172) reminds is, projection often has to do with unresolved parental issues (mother and father) on both sides and chances are pretty good that these will show up in both the client’s and coach’s separate and joint horoscopes.
According to Greene (1997, p 177) when a client looks to his coach as mother figure, he wants the coach to make him feel wanted and protected for who and what he really is – i.e. the client needs the coach to validate for him that it is OK for him to be alive. Astrologically, this generally invokes the Moon and/or Venus Although complexes of the kind that are ripe for projection/transference/countertransference are often shown by hard aspects (squares, oppositions, and sometimes, conjunctions), in reality any aspect (or even a single planet) can form such a complex.
Father complexes usually involve the Sun and/or Saturn but of course could involve any number of potentialities including difficultly aspected (or otherwise ‘afflicted’) planets in the 10th/4th houses. Also, remember that any/all planets in the 7th house are ripe for projection – being farthest away from the 1st house (essential sense of self).
Also, don’t forget that synastry (planetary aspects between coaches and their clients) will also play an important part in all this, especially in regards to how the coach responds to his client (Greene, 1997, 9. 179). The point is that powerful, unconscious, cross aspects with the client can be played out in any number of covert ways; the client may refuse to look the coach in the eye, ‘accidently’ spill coffee over the carpet, or ‘forget’ to pay at the end of the session. Liz reminds us (1997, p. 181) that whenever coaches find themselves reacting ‘blindly’ to a client, it’s probably an instance of countertransference. Something the client said or did triggered some unresolved complex in the coach/astrologer’s own chart
The following is based on some typical patterns of transference highlighted by Early (2013) as well as a brief suggestion of some the of usual astrological suspects that might underpin them.
For those coaches without astrological experience, consider gaining some. Carl Jung said that all therapists should be astrologers because if they aren’t they are missing important clues although many coaches aren’t therapists, in many respect their relationship with their client’s parallels that of therapists in many, many ways.
Please do suggest any that you think I’ve missed or forgotten!
| Pattern | Transference
Countertransference |
Some Potential Astrological Significators |
Dependency |
Client sees coach as either a mother/father figure and becomes overly dependent upon coach if he is seen by the client as meeting his needs, he may become too dependent upon coach but if you’re seen as failing to meet his needs, he will feel angry or hurt.
Either coach becomes overly involved with caring for his client (perhaps because of coach’s own dependency needs) or coach become angry and disturbed with the client because of his excessive needs. |
Moon/Saturn
Moon/Pluto Moon/Uranus Sun/Saturn Sun/Neptune Over emphasis of water element (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces) in the chart especially when there is little air to counterbalance all this raw emotion. Libra also has a tendency toward co-dependency.
|
Care-taking |
Client tries to take care of the coach, picking up on clues about coach’s personal issues, struggles, and insecurities.
Either coach allows the client to take care of him more than is appropriate or he takes so much care of the client in return that the client loses interest in (or is unable to) take care of himself. |
Emphasis of either: Leo,Cancer, or Pisces
Neptune aspects to Sun, Moon, or angles. |
Rebel |
Client refuses to cooperate in sessions and/or picks fights and criticizes coach’s approach.
Either coach feels ineffective/incompetent and/or hurt by client’s behaviour. Coach may also become frustrated with the client and engages in arguments and/or power struggles with him.
|
Mars/Uranus
Mars/Neptune Mars/Pluto Emphasis of Aquarius or Aries in the chart Mercury/Mars Moon/Mars Saturn/Uranus Emphasis of fire element in the chart especially if accompanied primarily by air (air fans the flames of fire). |
Passive-Aggressive |
Client experiences coach as pressuring them to do something. The client expresses desire to change but fails to do so over and over and over again. This is his way of expressing anger as well as to defeat the coach’s efforts to control him.
Either the coach feels frustrated with the client for failing to progress or else feels ineffective/incompetent. Anger or frustration might be overly or covertly expressed, for example by being late for sessions, double-booking, or otherwise failing to remain attentive to the client. |
Mars/Neptune
Mars in Libra Mars/Saturn Venus in Aries Mars in Scorpio Mars or Mercury in Pisces Combination of Aries/Libra planets Saturn in Aries Moon in Libra Mars in Cancer |
Victim |
Client complains about his miserably impossible situation (poor me, the world is against me, why do I always have such bad luck) attempting to offload the responsibility for finding solutions on the coach rather than taking personal responsibility. Equally, client may blame the coach for his problems and/or inability to undertake effective change.
Either the coach fails to see what’s going on and constantly tries to reassure client all will be fin or he becomes angry/frustrated with the client for not taking responsibility for undertaking necessary change. The coach may also fail to take responsibility for his own mistakes when challenged by the client, instead choosing to blame the client for being difficult. |
Emphasis of planets in Pisces
Pisces rising Sun/Neptune Moon/Neptune Mars/Neptune Neptune tight with any of four chart angles. Mars/Pluto Saturn/Pluto Mars in Cancer or Libra Venus/Neptune Venus/Pluto Full 7th house Full 6th house Full 12th house |
Distancing |
Client avoids emotional/personal relationship with coach or denies that this is happening.
Either the coach allows client to remain distant even if it impedes progress or he pushes too hard to force a connection resulting in the client back off even further. Equally, the coach may feel that client relationships ought not to have any personal connection and remains aloof from the client.
|
Emphasis of planets in Aquarius or Virgo – standoffish.
Sun/Saturn Moon/Saturn Moon/Uranus Sun/Uranus Lack of water in the chart makes connecting with emotions difficult. Cancer rising can be shy. Emphasis of planets in Gemini can be flighty. Emphasis of air in the chart (stays in their heads).
|
Self-effacing |
Client feels coach is critical and judgemental or otherwise doesn’t like them.
Either the coach becomes too involved in making the client feel liked or he is completely turned off by the client’s insecurities. Equally, the coach may constantly seek reassurance the client likes him or just enjoys the client’s concerns because it boosts his ego. |
Moon/Saturn
Mercury/Saturn Saturn in Fire (Aries, Leo, Cancer, or Sagittarius) Emphasis of planets in Virgo, Libra, or Pisces. Moon/Mars Sun/Saturn Sun/Neptune
|
Controlling |
Client insists upon being in control of the therapy.
Either the coach gets into a power struggle with the client or otherwise stamps out the client’s attempts to deviate from his instructions/suggestions.
|
Sun/Pluto
Sun/Saturn Emphasis of planets in Scorpio, Capricorn, or Taurus especially Moon, Mars, and Mercury. Saturn in Capricorn or Aquarius. Pluto in tight aspect to any of the angles. Scorpio rising. Saturn/Pluto Saturn/Neptune Saturn/Uranus |
Remember that for transference to occur, it only takes the client (and his own natal chart) but if the entire pattern of transference/countertransference plays out, it takes two to tango so look at the synastry between the client/coach (astrologer) as well as the composite chart (mapping the nature of their relationship as a separate entity).
Finally, don’t automatically assume that transference/countertransference is negative or unproductive, however. Main (2004, p. 81) reminds us that Jung believed that transference/countertransference could be synchronistic, in the sense that it is a ‘meaningful coincidence’ that bears further investigation.
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BIBLIOGRAPHY
Burke, J and Greene, L ((1997). The Astrologer, the Counsellor and the Priest. Chippenham: Antony Rowe Ltd.
De Haan, E. (2011). ‘Back to basics How the discovery of transference is relevant for coaches and consultants today’, International Coaching Psychology Review,6(2). Pp. 180-193.
Earley, J. (2013). The Pattern System: A Periodic Table for Psychology. Larkspur, Pattern System Books.
Main, R (2004). The Rupture of Time: Synchronicity and Jung’s Critique of Modern Western Culture. Hove: Brunner-Routledge.
Last weekend, a friend was stressing about the possibility of being made redundant. His company is soon undergoing some cost-cutting and a number of jobs are to be axed. The horary chart drawn up to address his concerns showed that while his current position was no longer safe, he was on course to gain an even better situation either outside his company or possibly, as the result of restructuring, within.
My friend has now updated his situation. Something has come to his attention suggesting that due to a variety of circumstances (mostly outside his control) he might now be up for a significant promotion.
SUMMARY
At the moment everything is up in the air although there is probably a good deal of discussion on the subject. All key events to determine the outcome remain in the future. Something is not quite right, however, and in order for the promotion to go through as my friend suspects, something will need to change. Whether or not that change is within his control is questionable however, overall, things look reasonably good especially for his personal finances.
DETAILED DISCUSSION
The following chart was drawn up this morning to address this new situation. Is he up for a promotion in line with his suspicions?
- Because I am the querent, my friend = the 7th house cusp = Scorpio and so he is presented by Mars (traditional ruler of Scorpio).
- Mars is strong (exaltation) in Capricorn in his 2nd house – could be good for a salary increase.
- Mars is moving ever closer to a conjunction with Saturn and that may or may not be good. It could just mean lots of hard work, which my friend expects anyway or, because Saturn is the traditional malefic, it might suggest something more strenuous.
- His career prospects = 4th house cusp (his 10th house) = Cancer and so with the Moon as the ruler of Cancer, the Moon rules the career of my friend.
- The Moon is in Gemini in my friend’s 7th house. This suggests that there is a good deal of communication going on in regards to his career – but because the Moon (his career) is in quincunx aspect with Mars (my friend) he is not privy to it. That doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s going on behind his back, but that at this point, such communication will not include him. Indeed, such communication may be currently in such flux (Gemini is flighty) that no one is certain what’s going on.
- In regards to my friend (Mars) and his career (Moon) something is not quite right. The Quincunx aspect (when used at all in horary) represents something that is out of joint – something that requires fixing or adjustment before the question is decided. The Moon is neither strong nor weak in Gemini but the fact that Mercury, the ruler of this Moon in Gemini is about to form a favourable conjunction with Venus, is helpful. Because many astrologers view the quincunx to be Uranian in nature I.e. it brings about sudden, unpredictable, and/or fateful change), my friend can use all the help that he can get.
- Because the Moon is the overall indicator of how events play out (past, present, future), we look to the Moon at 1 Gemini and because it has get to make any (Platonic) aspects with other planets since entering Gemini, we need to treat this question is a fresh sheet of paper – i.e. resolution lies completely in the future.
- The first aspect the Moon will make is a favourable sextile to the Sun, which is good for seeking favours from influential people, new friendships, and also for advancement.
- The next aspect the Moon will make is a favourable sextile to Mercury, which is good for dealing with clever people as well as for business and entering into contracts and agreements.
- The next aspect to be made by the Moon is a favourable sextile to Venus, which is good for financial matters.
- The final aspect to be made by the Moon before it changes sign, is a sextile to Uranus. Now, it is true that Uranus is not generally considered in horary but given (1) the nature of the quincunx aspect between my friend and his career and (2) that this question is about significant change, it is tempting to suggest that the end of the matter will result in huge (disruptive) change in my friend’s career and because of the sextile, aspect, it ought to be for the good.
A friend is concerned that he will soon be made redundant. His company is very soon to undergo some serious cost-cutting.
SUMMARY
The following horary chart suggests that his current job is no longer safe – in the last few days (or hours) there has been some treachery behind the scenes that has been a game-changer. Within a month my friend will separate from this employment and go on to bigger and better things. It is vital that at no time during the coming weeks of months, however, that he overestimates his strength and abilities or takes rash and/or angry actions.
DETAILED ANALYSIS
- Because I am the querent, my friend = the 7th house cusp = Aquarius and so he is represented by Saturn, the ruler of Aquarius.
- Saturn is very strong in Capricorn, its sign of rulership.
- Saturn is however, not well placed in my friend’s 12th house, the place of unknown enemies as well as that which is secret and/or in a premature state of development that is not yet able to be consciously recognised. This suggests that something treacherous is going on behind the scenes which will likely not be to his immediate benefit.
- His job = 4th house cusp (his 10th house) = Libra and so his job is represented by Venus, the ruler of Libra.
- Libra is in Aries, where it is in detriment – or weak – i.e. damaged or harmed in some way.
- Venus (14 Aries) has recently formed a square to Saturn (8 Capricorn) which suggest my friend and his job are no longer on the best of terms.
- As the Moon is the overall symbol – of how events play out (past, present, future), we look to the Moon (9 Aries) and all the aspects that it has and will make:
- The first aspect the Moon made was a square with Mars (0 Aries) – this aspect is generally unfavourable and quite possibility represents an ‘on-point’ argument of some sort – either within the last 9 days or 9 hours. Because Mars has just entered the 12th house, it is quite possible a previously unknown enemy has surfaced.
- The next aspect the Moon made was a square to Saturn (8 Capricorn) – this is also generally an unfavourable aspect and suggests that within the last day or hour, the tide has turned negative in regards to my friend and his job.
- The next aspect the Moon will make is a conjunction with Venus (14 Aries). This is a highly favourable aspect and because Venus represents my friend’s job, it could be good news financially which could manifest as early as in 5 days or (less likely) 5 hours.
- The next aspect the Moon will make is a conjunction with Mercury – excellent for signing contracts and commercial transactions.
- Although horary does not generally consider the newer planets, it is tempting in this situation to consider what it might mean for the Moon to next make a square with Pluto (20 Capricorn). Not only does this suggest behind-the-scenes power play of some sort, but a strong emotional upheaval.
- The final aspect the Moon will make before changing signs is a conjunction to Uranus (26 Aries). Again, horary does not usually consider this planet but it looks as if this could be the separation of my friend from his job within 15 or so days.
- Because all of this lunar activity takes place in the 4th house of my friend, it could suggest a domestic move as the result and with Uranus involved in the final play, the unexpected is all that can be expected. However with Moon/Venus involved, and Venus ruling not just my friend’s job, but also his entire career, this will all likely soon enough be a cause of some celebration.
- This is further suggested because the Moon at 9 Aries is conjunct the fixed star, Algenib (otherwise known as Mirfak), which is connected to the young warrior, proud of his strength and hunting/fighting abilities. This is associated with drive and ambition. The only warning here is a tendency to overestimate strength and abilities. It is a brilliant vital energy – ready to engage and prevail – albeit with a tendency toward taking rash action.
Under the Association for Coaching (AC) Guidelines (Rev. June 2012), raising awareness in clients is one of twelve key competencies for coaching. So, what might constitute awareness, why is it important, and how might it be achieved?
According to the OED (n), awareness brings one into a state of consciousness (OED, n, b) which in turn requires obtaining facts and information regarding something about or internal to oneself.
Eurich (2018), organisational psychology and executive coach, suggests that self-awareness can be defined in many ways but basically, it boils down to either 1) internal awareness – or your own values, passions, strengths and weaknesses or (2) external awareness – or how others view you. Surprisingly, these two levels of awareness share nothing in common and unless you actively work to balance the two, it is likely that you will be deficient in one even if proficient in the other.
Consider Jeremiah, who, after coaching, was in touch with his own values, aspirations, strengths, and weaknesses (Eurich,2018). As the result, he left a good career in accounting to pursue his passion for marketing only to discover that, unfortunately, his new employer did not view him as he viewed himself. For Jeremiah, things did not improve until he brought these two viewpoints in line.
For Eurich (2018), this demonstrates that internal awareness is only one possible truth and based on her research, coaches should focus (1) less on asking ‘why’ (the most popular coaching question) and (2) more on asking ‘what’. The reason being that while answering ‘why’, the client will likely reinforce his fears and insecurities (i.e. why wasn’t I able to turn things around?). But in answering ‘what’ (i.e. what do I need to do to move forward), he keeps his focus on finding future-oriented solutions (Eurich, 2018). Interestingly, this meets another AC coaching competency, that of maintaining forward momentum as well as an outcome-focused approach with clients.
Gourguechon (2017) suggests that self-awareness it is not a ‘clutch of soft skills like authenticity and compassion’, which can be achieved by meditation, journaling, or contemplation. Instead, self-awareness, or at least valuable self-awareness, is a ‘data-gathering and processing skill’ that can be taught and learned.
Hougaard, Carter, and Afton (2018) suggest that attaining self-awareness is worth the effort. It produces better results for executives than gaining an MBA. A study comparing the organizational performance of 440 top-flight CEO’s showed that performance-wise, MBA’s fared significantly worse than those without the degree. The proffered explanation was that hard skills such as taught in MBA programs will only get an executive so far.
The obvious question is what takes them that extra mile?
Consider the case of Vince who was convinced that he had done a great job as CEO because numbers-wise, he had turned the company around (Hougaard, Carter, and Afton, 2018). Vince was shocked however, when, during the 360-degree review process, he learned that the majority of employees, including his leadership team, believed him to be the source of significant corporate dissatisfaction. Vince learned that hard way that whatever his past accomplishments, he could not further his success until he developed enough awareness to understand why people no longer wished to work with him. Apparently, Vince is not the only one ripe for such realisations. One study showed that of those who believe they are self-aware, only 10-15% actually fit the criteria (Eurich, 2018). Interestingly, the more senior and experienced the leader, the more likely he or she is to overestimate his or her skills and abilities. There are many potential reasons for this, but the implications for coaches would seem to be better initial contracting to ensure the client knows the score. Research indicates the easier the client believes awareness is to achieve, the less likely he is to achieve it (Eurich, 2018).
Gourguechon (2017) further suggests that self-awareness only becomes useful when it transforms to self-knowledge, which in turn requires an honest evaluation of gathered facts and information. For example, identify certain recurring patterns which predictably provoke certain troublesome behaviours like losing your temper. Back-up – consider what happened and what you were feeling just before you blew your top – What might you do to reframe/reprogram your response to such situations/feelings in the future more in line with your conscious wishes?
Interestingly, research suggests that not all insights are of equal value (Longhurst (2006). To achieve transformational change, clients need more than understanding or even realisation. Instead they must experience an elusive ‘Aha’, or life-changing ‘road to Damascus’ moment. Because such experience is felt simultaneously on so many levels (somatic, emotional, as well as cognitive), it is almost akin to a religious experience. This research suggests that awareness gained by problem-solving is one thing, but that awareness gained by a more holistic illumination, is of a different order.
In summary, awareness for coaching clients requires obtaining and honestly analysing facts and information allowing him or her not only to become conscious of his own values, passions, strengths and weaknesses but also of how others view him. Awareness is important not the least because it has been shown to foster and support real and measurable success, especially for executives. Finally, although awareness may be achieved through a variety of approaches, it requires more than just polishing up traditional soft-skills. Instead achieving useful awareness requires (1) developing data gathering and processing skills that may unearth some potentially difficult to digest feedback as well as (2) even some more holistically inspired moments of life-changing realisation.
__________
References
Eurich, T. (2018). “What Self-Awareness Really Is (and How to Cultivate It)’, Harvard Business Review Digital Article, 1/04/2018, pp. 1-11.
Gourguechon, P. (2017) ‘The Unexamined Mind Doesn’t Think well: Why Self-Awareness Is A Fundamental Leadership Capacity’. Available at: https://www.forbes.com/sites/prudygourguechon/2017/09/19/the-unexamined-mind-doesnt-think-well-why-self-awareness-is-a-fundamental-leadership-capacity/#1689b32c455c, (Accessed: 16 March 2018).
Hougaard, R., Carter, J. and Afton, M. (2018) ‘Self-Awareness Can Help Leaders More Than an MBA Can’, Harvard Business Review Digital Article, 1/12/2018, pp. 2-5.
Longhurst, L. (2006). ‘The Aha Moment in Co-Active Coaching and its Effects on Belief and Behavioural Changes’. International Journal of Evidence Based Coaching and Mentoring, 4(2), pp. 61 – 73.
During the period between April-June 2018, expect the United States to lead the way on international agreements/treaties – probably in regards to manufacturing – that are both regressive and aggressive. Although outright war is not likely to break out, military action of some sort to enforce such agreements/treaties is a possibility. The key here is what you see is not what you get. The reality of the situation will be well hidden by a smokescreen of seemingly soft politics. Interestingly, any trade agreements/treaties introduced during this time will likely be popular with the American public.
Discussion
The Berlin astrologer, EH Troinski, worked extensively with ingress charts to predict war. Using the Placidus house system, he concentrated on charts set for the time of the Sun’s ingress into the four cardinal signs at the location of the capital city of the country in question. His research has indicated that several key planetary patterns recurred predicting war.
This chart is set for the United States (Washington, DC) for the Sun’s ingress into Aries for 2018 – the exact moment of the vernal equinox. This should give clues as to the dynamics in play for the US from then through the summer solstice in 2018 (21 June).
Points of consideration:
- None of the traditional indications of war as set forth by Troinski are present. Hence war involving the United States (i.e. war in its usual military sense) is unlikely.
- Neptune is closely conjunct to the MC in this chart (thirty minutes of arc). In mundane astrology, Neptune represents, among other things, utopian tendencies, collectivist values, left wing policies. Neptune in this position suggests the US government (represented by the MC/10th house) will tone down aggressive rhetoric and be seen to seek softer solutions. The key word here is seen – i.e. with Neptune (underhanded and subversive) so high in the sky and tied in with American authority (in this case, the Sun, or the President) – whatever is ‘seen’ to be the case re: US politics is probably anything but what is actually going on – in any chart, Neptune is the perfect smokescreen.
- Saturn and Mars straddle the DSC or 7th house cusp. In mundane astrology, the 7th house rules relations with other societies and countries and in particular the fruits of productive labor sold to foreign countries. Aspects of this includes treaties, alliances, and of course wars. Saturn represents the legal system and the police. In mundane charts, Saturn is repressive and controlling. It also represents fear of change. Mars, as you might imagine, signifies the military but it also represents manufacturing. For any nation-state to take care of itself, it must be able take aggressive action. Both Saturn and this Mars are strong in Capricorn and so any aggressive action taken by the United States during this period will be strongly felt by other countries. Although war in the military sense is unlikely (no other signifiers present), some kind of repressive, aggressive international agreement or alliance in regards to manufacturing is a distinct possibility.
- The Moon – because Cancer is rising, the Moon (popular opinion and mass ideologies) is the ruler of this chart. Interestingly, the Moon (strong in Taurus) is in the 11th house and very closely trine to that Saturn. Because the 11th house is associated with legislature and local government, this aggressive, repressive agreement will likely be the result of legislation. The 11th house is also relevant in foreign affairs where it is said to relate to friendly nations. In this case, then, that legislation might be some kind of trade pact between America and her friends that somehow, represents a threat to other nations. If this were to happen, it’s more likely than not to be in keeping with popular opinion.
- Uranus ingress into Taurus – on 15 May 2018, about a month after the vernal equinox, the planet Uranus moves into Taurus, where it has not been since 1934 – 1941. Please see my earlier post for details on what this might mean – but the overall tone is something along the lines of American actions leading the way toward disruption in world security and stability (think of the rise of Nazi Germany). The effects of such disruption might be expected to be felt for up to seven years (the period during which Uranus is in Taurus).