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Happy Birthday Ms N !

nan SR 2017The Solar Return (SR) chart is an astrological map for the next 12 months and the Sun (SO) is the most significant planet in the chart. It’s position – by house and aspect – indicates where you’ll be spending your time and energy during the next year.

With your SR SO in the 11th house, your focus will be in making your fondest hopes and dreams a reality – although as is noted later, this process may not be straightforward and/or easy. You may also expect to spend some effort developing some new friendships, which may not only further those fondest hopes/dreams but also raise difficult questions – re: romance or friendship?  Indeed, with your SR Moon (MO) and Venus (VE) also in your 11th house a romance might well be indicated – but be careful ! Your new friend(s) may have somehow become so linked up with your fondest hopes and dreams  that you’ll go for the whole package –  despite the odds.

This may, however, not be the best approach.

Neptune (NE) is also in your 11th house (on the cusp, in fact) and this suggests that not only are your hopes/dreams not yet fully formed but they might also be subject to considerable confusion (or worse, deception). Although you feel that you’re ready to ‘go with the flow’ – you probably have little or no real idea where that ‘flow’ is headed. Worse, you might well be faced with multiple potential paths. As the year progresses, you will be able to assess the situation more clearly – although you still must look very carefully before you decide to take any leap.Unknown

With SR Jupiter in your 5th house, you are searching for ways to expand and express your need for greater freedom – in creative endeavours as well as perhaps in love affairs – indeed this placement suggests the latter and if that should be the case, then the emotions generated may be quite overwhelming.

SR Mars represents where your active energies will be geared toward material manifestation. With SR Mars in your 12th house,  you can expect to spend a good chunk of time working from behind the scenes or maybe not doing much work at all. As noted earlier, there is likely to be a good deal of uncertainty/confusion regarding where you’re heading. This uncertainty/confusion is underlined twice here in the 12th house (double whammy): (1)  your SR NE is tightly sextile your SR Mars and of course (2) NE is the ruler of the 12th –   This year, it will be all too easy to stray from your chosen path – indeed what you originally set out to achieve may never materialise.

The good news is that with SR Mercury (ME) conjunct SR Uranus (UR), you will be open to new ways of thinking, which may suddenly become most appealing. New information is likely flood in – overwhelming – using up lots of mental energy – so be sure to take frequent breaks. This is a good time to be reflective – meditation and/or spiritual practices aimed at managing stress will be helpful as would be finding a structured approach to processing all this new information.

All in all, it should be a pretty good year – just keep your head on your shoulders – as there will be a tendency to get lost. Look (carefully) before you leap! If things don’t look completely OK then step back – and take advice from trusted others – just be certain that you know who it is that you should trust. This will be a year of confusion – and, if you’re not careful, deception.

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Karen Thorne, an astrologer who over many years has earned my highest regard, has advised that in order to find my ‘truth’, I need to look to all the squares and oppositions in my natal chart – because they represent energies that have been somehow squashed – yet they remain essential for me to be the best that I possibly can. There is no opportunity here to ‘fake it until I make it’ – this is my essence – this is what I am.

Libra

untitledFor example, my Mercury/Neptune/Saturn conjunction in Libra is square my nodal axis (Capricorn/Cancer). This means that my South Node (Cancer) represents energy with which it is easy for me to work (i.e. all things related to creating a safe and comfortable home). By contrast, my North Node in Capricorn requires me to build a solid/successful business or career in the outside world – a business/career that suits me and me, alone. I know that I’ve already done this once but now I must do it again – and believe me, it’s harder the second time.  At least I also know that because my Mercury/Neptune/Saturn in Libra are in square with the nodal axis, that whatever the energy that they represent must be be integrated for me to be successful.

In this regard, Karen has suggested that I look to Linda Goodman’s Sun Signs – concentrating on the best (positive) points about Libra and start doing them ASAP:Unknown

  • Librans are usually good natured and pleasant but they can also be sulky –don’t worry – soon enough they will return to being their usual adorable and charming selves.
  • Librans love people, but hate large crowds.
  • Librans are extremely intelligent.
  • Librans may love to talk – but they also make excellent listeners.
  • Librans may rush about for many months in frenzied activity – then suddenly stop – sit down – do very little (i.e. be lazy) for what may seem like a very long time – until they’ve recouped their energy and then they start all over again with that frenzied activity.
  • Librans are kind, gentle, and fair although they are prone to being argumentative, stubborn and indecisive.
  • Librans don’t really care which side of a good argument they take as long as it’s the ‘other side’. This is because they see both sides of that argument – and this can make him/her an excellent mediator.
  • Librans are good strategists (rational/logical minds).
  • Librans hate embarrassing displays of anger/passion.
  • Librans are both responsible and dependable.

Undoubtedly, all of the above is essential to my ‘truth’ – but I must somehow filter it through my Mercury/Neptune/Saturn.

According to Liz Greene, Saturn/Neptune is a 36-year cycle that has to do primarily with grounding (Saturn) spirituality (Neptune).

My becoming an astrological coach would seem to fit this bill. I’m a natural at mediation (seeing both sides of an argument), strategy,  and I’m a good listener. I love people (but not crowds) and I am fair. Promoting harmony both for myself and clients would be gratifying. But how can I avoid displays of anger/passion that are an essential part of being a coach? OK – that’s a challenge – but I can handle it. Although at times I can be lazy – taking time out to recoup – if I’m in charge of my own schedule, I can manage this better. Sounding good… but – yikes – is it what I really want to do? I don’t know. Do I have what it takes to build such a practice? I don’t even know how to get started…

Capricorn

Unknown-1OK – STOP – this is my Capricorn North Node stressing – it’s uncomfortable to move outside my (South Node) comfort zone –  Time to release all that’s negative – all that might be holding me back from attaining my North Node. Karen says I need now to look at what Ms Goodman has to say about the best bits of Capricorn:

  • Capricorn is persistent and determined – like in Aesop’s fable about the race between the tortoise and the hare – speed and agility is not what it takes  in order to win. Capricorn knows that and then some.
  • Capricorn is ambitious – serious and sensible – disciplined, too.  By focussing on  putting one foot in front of the other – Capricorn always wins.
  • Capricorn respects authority and tradition; over time, Capricorn becomes the face of authority and tradition. Capricorn is the master of time.
  • Capricorn organises, controls. Capricorn is strategic. Capricorn learns his lessons the hard way – but the point is that Capricorn does learn.
  • Capricorn has an innate sense of balance and harmony.
  • Capricorn hates emotional/passionate scenes.
  • Capricorn is both responsible and dependable.

Integration

I’m beginning to see a pattern here – aren’t you?

  • Balance & harmony
  • Responsible & dependable
  • Strategic
  • Don’t race forward – but do keep going.
  • Stubborn persistence wins the day.
  • Avoid messy emotions – not the least of which, my own.

Now the question comes – what am I to do with all this?

My goals is to ground spirituality in a way that contributes to building a (new) career and/or business – get strategic  – stop whinging and get moving – a determined, fair, sensible, and traditional approach will win the day – I will not accomplish this overnight – but in the end, I will prevail.

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images-1With the Sun in Aries (action) and the Moon in Aquarius (progressive ideals/ideas), it’s going to be a Prince of Wands day.

The Prince of Wands is a fiery character; his youth and daring are readily apparent. Clearly, he is embarking on a journey of great importance. See how he radiates his passion? He’s a free & original thinker – inspired by his ideas of what might – someday – be.

But upon closer examination, something about this picture doesn’t look quite right – and I suspect that this because our prince is a bit too cocky, too quick on the draw. Undeniably, original thinking is a positive asset; it frees us from the status quo. On the other hand, if untampered by the practicalities of the situation, such thinking could well doom our plans to failure. Is this prince about to trip over his own feet in his race to the finish line? I fear that he might be…

On a Prince of Wands day, it is likely that we will learn an important lesson in regards to naïve assumptions of ‘good luck’ – just because we have a good idea doesn’t mean that we will – or even ought to try to – make it happen.

c588b6504745a6c0cc8e4bf470c60795Tomorrow the Moon shifts into Pisces – and the bright, shiny plans of today just might overnight melt into disillusioned dreams.

So, don’t be like Don Quixote in Cervantes’ famous tale and tilt at silly windmills.

Instead, stand back for a moment and take the perspective of the wiser, and more quietly self-confident Queen of Wands (Moon in Leo) – and ask yourself honestly if the proposed course of action will validate your true sense of self-expression. If it won’t, then don’t do it. Save your time and energy for those courses of action that will do.

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SH has always believed her birth time to be 15:00.Unknown

Now, she has a new birth time (21:00) and this one has the advantage in that it was blest by her mother.

The key differences?

New Chart Ruler

UntitledThe chart ruler (ruler of the Ascendant or rising sign) is vitally important – it sets the underlying theme of your personality.

Originally, SH’s chart ruler was Mars (Scorpio rising) which is located in Cancer closely conjunct Uranus. Mars represents the ‘urge to action’ – aka – ‘the fighting spirit’ – it does best in Aries or Capricorn where actions taken become concrete and visible. But in Cancer, Mars is underwater and the urge to action now tends toward passive aggression and covert emotional manipulation.  Mars so close to Uranus adds a sense of rebellious individualism – impatience, intolerance, and let’s be honest, an explosive temper. If this Mars were SH’s chart ruler, it would colour people’s impression of SH as someone who is emotional, high-strung, restless, daring, and experimental.

Untitled

In her new chart, SH has Aquarius rising. This makes Saturn in Virgo her chart ruler. Saturn represents ambition – as well as the urge to consolidate, build, and assume (rightful) authority. SH’s Saturn is in Virgo conjunct the Moon and Venus. Although not in an ideal position, SH’s Saturn is in an earth sign where it can reasonably accomplish most of goals. In Virgo, Saturn is not only discriminating but practical – everything and everyone in its (natural) place. The problem is that  Saturn in Virgo often becomes anxious and frustrated as well as overly critical and harsh. Because Saturn is so close to the Moon, it could make SH too cautious as well as more prone to doom and gloom. Because Saturn is also so close to Venus, SH might well experience more than her fair share of disillusioned discontent and/or bitterness re: to her (romantic) relationships. She might also expect to suffer a generalised feeling of unhappiness and/or inability take pleasure from life.

Moon Changes Sign

Arguably, the Moon is the most important planet in that natal chart.

This is because we relate to life through our Moon – things, people, places, events simply will not exist for us unless we relate to them -i.e. to ‘connect with’ and become ‘conscious of’ them.

In her original chart, SH’s Moon was  in Leo – making her perhaps a bit lazy, bossy, and the constant centre of attention; Moon in Leo has a sense of presence and drama – people with this placement are proud, have a strong sense of personal integrity, and are not keen to follow orders. But with her Moon in Virgo, as we have seen SH will not be tend to be out-going – nor will she be prone to that sense of presence and drama; although Moon is Virgo is not necessarily shy, it does need space to call its own – a safe place into which it will retreat when things get too chaotic. Fundamentally, the Moon in Leo and the Moon in Virgo are completely different – they have little or nothing in common – Leo will seek the spotlight whilst Virgo finds security in the shadows where it seeks not only to be of service to self and others but also to worry about health and general well-being.

Changed Results of Predictive Techniques

In addition to natal proclivities  as noted above, of key importance is the ability to see how someone will fare throughout his/her entire life. In this regard, my favourite predictive favourite techniques – that will have changed as the result of a new birth time – are as follows:

  1. Directing by Triplicity – In the original chart, the current period of SH’s life would have been ruled by Saturn which, as we have seen, is reasonably well-placed even if prone to being too critical. In the original chart, Saturn conjuncts the Midheaven, which would have given SH a better than average chance to manifest her fondest ambitions. However, with the new chart, this phase of SH’s life is ruled by the Moon in Virgo which (because it is conjunct to Saturn) as we have seen is prone to gloom and doom, caution and oversensitivy to criticism.
  2. Secondary Progressions – With this technique, the Moon is key as it moves by progression (every 2 ½ years) through each sign of the zodiac – thus placing our lives into successively new prospectives. The progressed Moon is also about emotionally rearranging our personal relationships with others. With her original chart, SH’s progressed Moon would be in Aquarius, fixed air – where – no matter how hard it tries – it just cannot get comfortable. In Aquarius, SH about abrupt connections/disconnects – everyone and everything appears much too impersonal. With her new chart, SH’s progressed Moon has just entered Pisces where it feels lost, alone, and disillusioned. With this placement, SH’s Neptunian longing for a ‘better life’ is activated even whilst she feels particularly unable to do much to achieve it.
  3. Transits – The Moon and chart angles (Ascendant/Descendant & Midheaven/ IC) are the only key points that will have changed significantly in regards to impact from current transits. Using her original chart, SH would now have been experiencing Uranus transiting by trine to her Moon – known for mood swings as well as domestic upheavals – an overall positive experience – rather like a breath of fresh air. SH would also have soon experienced transiting Neptune trine her Ascendent – known to promote a softer relationship with the world.  Likewise with her original chart, in December 2017, SH would have experienced transiting Jupiter conjunct her Ascendant – a fortunate time of increased opportunity and optimism. Instead, with her new chart, SH will experience transiting Jupiter in square aspect to her Ascendant  later this year – marking a time when her entire life path may be redefined, sending her heading off in a new direction.

 

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Happy Birthday Ms X!!

tam SRThe Solar Return (SR) is an astrological map for the next 12 months and the Sun (SO) is the most significant planet in the SR chart – it’s position indicating where you’ll spend the most time and energy. With SO in your SR 4th house, your focus for the next 12 months will be on your home. With this placement, it’s not uncommon for ‘home’ (however defined) to become somehow unsuitable. Expect downsizing, upsizing, improvements – or even an unanticipated and perhaps hasty sale?

Neptune (NE) is also in your 4th SR house. This adds an element of uncertainty and perhaps, sacrifice to your home. Expect delays and confusion. Possibly, either you or your husband will take a new job in a distant location. Other possibilities include your parents and/or children coming back to live with you – whatever happens, try to take any disruption with a pinch of salt. Your SR Moon (MO) is in a tight (trine) aspect with your SR SO suggesting that domestic responsibilities could stir up a strong emotional response – unpleasant or not  isn’t yet known. What is known, however, is that because your SR MO is in the 1st house, your emotions may feel overwhelming – focus on your own emotional needs as opposed to capitulating to those of others.

Your SR SO is also in a very tight Square (SQ) – i.e. difficult – aspect with Saturn (SA). Because SA is in your 2nd SR house, developments regarding your home will likely be the result of money issues. SA is often experienced not only as uncomfortable but also as unfair – almost as if fate is at work against you. But in reality, SA is only asking that you accept responsibility for your situation. If you need to make do with a less, then do so but don’t let this negatively impact your feelings of self-worth.

Now for some good news – some really good news!images

SR Venus (VE) is conjunct your SR Mercury (ME) and together, they’re in your SR 5th house. You’re set for very creative – especially re: writing and other forms of communication – this will also be a year during which you will gain more confidence in your creative endeavours. This next 12-month period is an excellent time to launch creative new ideas because the reception you’ll receive from the outside world will likely not only bring you a great deal of pleasure but also money. Because SR Uranus (UR) is also in your 5th house, opportunities that come your way will likely be quirky and/or very unexpected– follow the flow – and the more diplomatically you negotiate  a particular deal, the more likely you are to get what you want. With SR UR also in the 5th house, it’s important that you express yourself freely and uniquely in regards to your creative endeavours. Because UR is TR SA, you may find those blockages that held you back in the past are now falling by the wayside.

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imagesOutsiders rarely follow Dutch elections but this one is special. What is at stake today is nothing less than an excellent indication of the direction in which the whole of Europe is headed – re:  the battle between ‘emboldened populism’ and the ’embattled status quo’. Some say that regardless, this election benefits Mr Geert Wilders – the Dutch equivalent of America’s Mr Donald Trump – in the sense that it has given his an ever-broader platform for broadcasting his anti-establishment and anti-Muslim rhetoric.

So which way is it most likely to go?

One way in which to forecast a nation’s future is by using an ingress chart, drawn for the moment that the Sun will enter 0 Aries (the start of the new 2017/18 solar year) set in the location of the seat of the legislature (The Hague). This forecast may be good for up to an entire year:Untitled

Because Cancer is on this chart’s ascendant, the Moon is the chart ruler – and its position and aspects are key to the entire situation.

This Moon (common people/voters) is in the 6th house (workers, illness, and armed forces) closely applying to a conjunction with Saturn (social order, national infra-structure, regulations, and controls). Moon/Saturn suggests the voters want the strengthening of national borders – Saturn is an expert at building walls and barricades. This also suggests that the mood of the people will be sombre over the coming year: Moon conjunct Saturn is bad for most purposes – especially for business and beginning new ventures.

That Saturn rules the chart’s 9th house, brings issues of religion (as well as the legal system) to the fore; might Mr Wilder’s anti-Muslim rhetoric get him – or worse – the entire parliament – in legal hot water? Quite possibly and if so, because Saturn also rules the 7th house, this could well cause more problems in regards to foreign relations – especially in regards to foreign trade (Pluto, which governs corporate affairs as well as the secret service is this house). Sadly, it would seem that the current Dutch/Turkish flare-up might just be the first in a series.

Because this Saturn makes a (separating) trine aspect to Uranus (in the 11th house) we might expect these elections not only to herald radical change to the Dutch parliament (11th house) but also to reveal serious problems underlying how parliament functions. The 45-year cycle of Saturn/Uranus tests the delicate balance between authoritarianism and anarchism – for a flavour of what this is about – think French Revolution. The current Saturn/Uranus cycle commenced back in 1988 (28-30 Sagittarius) – and so we are now at the waning trine – this is the time of the final integration of issues/tensions raised around the time of the conjunction – perhaps in regard to Dutch model of integrating immigrants which were subject to debate in the mid 1980’s? At an rate, such radical changes as are expected in the parliament will probably not be good for business. This is because Uranus (radical change) is in opposition (face-off) with Jupiter (finance and commerce).

Finally, Neptune (strong in its own sign of Pisces) is conjunct the MC (mid-heaven), This   suggests not only confusion regarding national leadership but also perhaps underhanded and/or subversive tactics. Neptune may be collectivist and pluralist with a tendency toward left-wing – but he is also politically unrealistic  – and he is especially devious when it comes to avoiding unwanted conflict. That there will be further problems regarding national leadership  is indicated by a stellium (Mercury/Venus/Sun) in Aries in the 10th house (i.e. the government and national leaders). This suggests angry debates – some perhaps purposefully inflammatory – but be certain of one thing – everyone’s focus will be here.

In summary, regardless of any election gains made or not  by Mr Wilders, prepare for some radical, revolutionary changes with regards to the Dutch government. Chances are good these will revolve at least in part around a tighter immigration policy and somehow this will not be good for ‘business’. Expect increasing interest in tightening up the borders.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Transiting Pluto (19 Capricorn) continues to hammer Ms K’s natal Mars (18 Cancer).

Worse, her natal Saturn (14 Capricorn) is involved. It’s through Saturn that Ms K will find the strength and wisdom to get through life and with her strong Saturn (in ruler-ship and plugged into the angles) that should be fairly easy. But even the strongest Saturn will struggle with a transit from Pluto, astrologically the biggest bully on the block. Transiting Pluto conjunct natal Saturn is a once-and-a lifetime experience (not even everyone will have it) – a frustrating period of creative destruction making way for new beginnings.

Earlier, I posted about the Gateways of the Soul – the Seven Seals or Planets – insights gained at a fabulous astrology retreat in Glastonbury. Bottom line, while there are seven seals or chakras to attain most of us remain stuck in either Saturn, Jupiter, or Mars. From what I understand of her situation, it’s likely that Ms K is currently working to consolidate Saturn.

Those living primarily in the Saturn chakra are easy to spot because they have not yet found a career that works for them; at some level they still struggle with money and earning a decent living. This is not to say that Ms K hasn’t accomplished anything of value to date; she’s been a successful wife and mother. But Ms K is the first to admit that she’s now come to a place where she feels she needs to make choices for HER future – and with her North Node in Virgo, this will have something to do with being ‘in service’ to others which in turn requires honing a skill by which she can gain a strong sense of self and appreciation.images

As yet, Ms K has not honed in on that skill – that career path that will work for her. Indeed, at the moment, she has little ,if any, idea of what this might entail. Sounds like the perfect opportunity to enlist the help of Jupiter – the key to consolidating and moving past Saturn.

Jupiter asks Ms K to develop a personal philosophy –  i.e. gain insight and understanding as to how she creates success in her life – I recommend that she finds a good counsellor or coach – someone who will help her identify what it is that she most desires to achieve in her career and then to evaluate her strengths and weaknesses in this respect.

UnknownAstrologically, we know that Ms K’s Jupiter in Capricorn gives her excellent organisational skills. She will attract fortune (Jupiter) into her life when she takes a disciplined, committed approach. Ms K will be at her best when she is self-reliant. She will be most confident when taking honest authority over others. She might choose to develop counselling and/or management skills in an area than requires structure and respects tradition. She might become  a PA (Personal Assistant) to an business executive or political leader. She might even consider a teaching career; Jupiter loves to share knowledge and experience. With both Jupiter and Saturn in her 2nd house, Ms K might also consider a career in finance – perhaps counselling others on how to restructure their mortgages and/or personal debt.

Luckily, transiting Pluto eases off her natal Mars/Saturn in the autumn of 2018. Then, at least, she’ll be able to get past her current anger and frustration. Also lucky is that in early 2018, transiting Saturn will conjunct her natal Jupiter. This will open up new opportunities – not the least because she will finally be ready to receive them. It is during 2018 that Ms K will have a chance to find a suitable outlet through which to channel her newly found ambition and because both her Saturn and Jupiter are in her 2nd house , this should allow her to both develop a strong sense of personal worth as well as making a good living.