Haiku: Worlds

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A world in tatters
We are beginning right here
Remember this day

Copyright Francis Barker 2022

Hilaire Belloc: Expressive Patriotism – Astrology Bites

Hilaire Belloc probably isn’t everyone’s cup of tea right now, but in the first half of the last century he was one of the leading writers of tradition, yet with eclectic tastes.

Born in France but living mostly in England, he had strong feelings for both countries and their traditions. He was a great scholar and Catholic, abhorred by the disappearance and deliberate dismantling of the old religion and the culture associated with it.

He became a Liberal MP in 1906 for four years and also served in the French army.

His wide range of interests and ability are shown by the Sagittarius ascendent, with his ruler Jupiter in a seventh house Gemini, opposed to Saturn in the first – he could not be pinned down to being a typical patriot and traditionalist, he was too restless, yet remained conservative in outlook.

Great Intellect

And with Mercury closely conjunct his ninth house Sun in Leo, he had a naturally expressive, creative intellect of great ability.

Moon conjunct Uranus, Venus conjunct Mars, plus the Moon’s North Node in Cancer in the eighth house, reveal how deeply invested his strong emotions were; he was both eccentric and caring, passionate and tender. He was able to instinctively home-in on the shared feelings and inheritances of England, France and their respective cultures, his life’s work. Little wonder that his patriotism and traditional sensibility stretched across The English Channel and beyond.

In other words, he epitomised the true patriotic spirit which cares for the integrity of all nations, not just its own, and due to this he was most insightful in his writings.


Copyright Francis 2022

Cartomancy for the World, May 18 2022!

This could be a very significant day for the world and ourselves as individuals.

Overtly it is a day for decisive action in practical areas of life, in money, finance etc. Start some new practical project.

Covertly, there is a ‘coming home to roost’ feeling about certain other financial and economic issues, where structures are either falling or need to be taken down. It’s time to stop doing those things which are not working for us.

Resolution: Ultimately concentrate on family concerns, be with them, your nearest and dearest and treasure the quality of life you can have – reconnect with those from the past.


Copyright Francis 2022

Uh Oh… May 16 Full Moon – Be Prepared

This chart, set for London (and therefore Great Britain) is a bit of humdinger.

I don’t often sensationalise but this is a really tense and trying looking chart, with the Sun/Moon falling exactly on the ascendant/descendant, and with the sun very close also to Algol – the demon star – in a Taurus first house, along with revolutionary Uranus and the North Node, insisting that we look at ourselves realistically, whilst trying to refrain from extremes.

Things are really coming home to roost right now and change is afoot which may seem difficult to deal with, especially with Moon conjunct the South Node – we really do have to learn to let go emotionally.

Epoch Making Times

And for the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, we are living in pretty epoch making times, so watch out – but this also goes for the world too. The activated and very tense Taurus/Scorpio axis is likely to highlight and bring about drastic changes in financial markets and the world economy around now.

Added to that, the Sun and Moon are square to Saturn in Aquarius in the 10th house. There are likely challenges and counter challenges to authority and leadership and in diplomatic circles too, but with Mercury now retrograde in Gemini, beware also of rumours of wars and other disasters, economic or otherwise – they may not be true, or, we may only find about what really went on when Mercury turns direct next month.

Something Has To Give?

Something has got to give around now, with all this fixed sign activity and racking up of tension to a crescendo.

There is also an emotionally volatile Mars/Neptune conjunction in Pisces in the 11th house, also aspecting the Sun/Moon, and acting almost like a pressure valve release. We may see a very difficult, emotional event occur which will affect the general public, but make sure to read all sources of information.

Drastic Action

For Britain (London) the midheaven is conjunct awful Pluto too, only undermining the government and other authorities, which may prompt them into drastic action.

And with Uranus also at 15 degrees Taurus in the first house, these are changeful times indeed for Great Britain, and we should expect sudden events.

Saving Grace?

The only saving grace in this chart is the 12th house Jupiter in Aries, along with Venus conjunct Chiron. We are probably going to have to dig deep, especially in Britain around this period, but so long as we have confidence in ourselves and look forward to new beginnings we can get through most eventualities. We are likely going to feel wounded to some degree, especially within ourselves and in relating to others an even as nations, but it will be an important lesson to learn, one which can help other peoples in the future.

I also drew a three card spread for the May 16 Full Moon, which cast an alternative light upon possible events. If we are broadminded, with courage and confidence, I think we can get through any crisis. There will be new opportunities emerging in the background which can result in overcoming problems and create the circumstances for new relationships and agreements which will put us in a much better place than we are at present.

I certainly hope the latter is the case, but we may have to experience a moment of shock first.


Copyright Francis 2022