Tag: astrology musings

A New Beginning? Aquarius New Moon, February 11 2021 — Astrology Musings

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The astrological climate continues to suggest great changes are underway.

And one doesn’t have to be a lover of star signs or a psychic to believe we are living in extraordinary times, although the problems we all face are faith and finding some clarity.

Take the Aquarius New Moon on February 11 2021. Here we have half a dozen planets in the fixed air sign (Aquarius), which is striking.

The Old and the New

Now I am one of those astrologers who do not assign Uranus as ruler or even co-ruler of Aquarius. I am a bit of a traditionalist in this respect. There are two sides to Saturn, ruler of both Capricorn and Aquarius. In the cardinal earth sign of Capricorn, Saturn is materialistic, practical, systematic, realistic, all necessary functions of our lives. In his Aquarian mode, however, Saturn’s ‘gravity’ turns to forward planning, practical and realistic thinking in preparation for the future of humanity.

The Uranian side of Aquarius, I contend, is wrong, as is Neptune’s rulership of Pisces and Pluto’s of Scorpio. These three so-called outer planets are invisible to the naked eye, after all, and I agree that they do not represent anything positive at all. They are in fact forces which we should not knowingly dabble with, merely try to overcome and understand.

Hope, Dreams, Wishes

So, accepting this premise, what does all this Aquarian energy mean? Aquarius, traditionally, is the sign of hopes, dreams and wishes — it plans ahead, reflecting the sun at this time of year moving steadily north in preparation for the vernal equinox.

In other words, this New Moon on February 11 represents a new beginning of hope, where our dreams and wishes can be planted like seeds, with full expectation of a flowering, soon. One of the most beautiful aspects of this New Moon is that at the same time, the two benefics are in an almost exact conjunction in Aquarius.

Venus loves Jupiter — but platonically, idealistically in Aquarius

Jupiter, the greater benefic, and Venus, the lesser benefic, enhance one another, creating a beautiful idealistic, platonic vibration, strongly tinged as it is with the Aquarian energy, forecasting peace, justice and freedom for humanity as whole. But we must be patient. This is only a step.

And of course it’s not straightforward either. At this time Mercury, also in Aquarius, is retrograde, so there is a sense that nothing much is happening, or being heard; information is not clear and things keep going wrong. Aquarius demands a free flow of data.

Mercury turns direct on February 20, so we may not begin to see too many signs of a ‘spring thaw’ until around then, or into March as Mercury exits post shadow. Also, the Jupiter/Venus conjunction is loosely square (difficult) both Mars and Uranus in Taurus. The latter has been bringing chaos to financial markets in recent times and will continue to do so, whilst Mars steaming through the same sign has only agitated the situation — none of this to the benefit of humanity, whose hopes are invested in this Jupiter/Venus love-in for all.

Impasse

In other words, there continues to be an impasse between these two forces, those who want to ‘progress’ to that restoration of true human values, against what could be some chaotic ‘manipulation’ which has led us into this crisis in the first place.

We should not forget Saturn’s continued presence in Aquarius either, the true ruler of that sign. Interestingly, he is in challenging aspect to Uranus in Taurus in this chart, perhaps bringing a touch of stability which we might not have had; Uranus is saying ‘I want to turn over the financial markets’, while Saturn is saying ‘slow down!’

Lack of Clarity in America?

The first chart above is set for Washington DC, so might cast light onto the situation in America. I won’t say too much here, except that using my favoured house system, all that Aquarian energy is housed in the eighth house, which in mundane astrology represents other people’s money, i.e. investments, big finance, and thus business — but also secrets.

We should expect to hear a lot about these issues in the coming weeks, especially when Mercury goes direct. However, in this chart, Neptune is also almost exactly conjunct the midheaven, bringing little clarity, confusion and outright befuddlement in governmental issues and circles. The actual truth may be very hard to discern.

Nevertheless, with the Moon being the ruler of this chart (Cancer rising), it makes the importance of this new moon paramount. And what happens in America invariably affects the whole world.

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The above chart, set for London and therefore the United Kingdom, shows the Aquarian energies within the sixth house, strongly emphasising public health and work related issues, perhaps also the armed forces. Neptune’s presence in the seventh house could also leave the United Kingdom wide open to deceit in regard to diplomatic issues over the next month.

Most intriguingly too, the fixed star Aldebaran is exactly conjunct the midheaven on this chart, emphasising possible success in trade and/or military affairs over the next few weeks.

It is also worth bearing in mind that soon Pluto will reach the exact same degree it was in the USA Declaration of Independence chart, July 4 1776. Pluto warns us of surreptitious behaviour on a grand scale, although one can’t help but wonder what this might mean for the constitution — we shall see over the next year or so.

There’s Hope — But Don’t Expect Too Much

I believe the February 11 New Moon represents another step along the way of some form of transformation, which may only reach top gear by around 2025 when Pluto itself enters Aquarius. By then I truly hope that we will be on the way towards creating a peaceful federation of locally based communities within our countries, which can stretch the hand of friendship and cooperation worldwide — now these are true Aquarian values.

This New Moon could be quite interesting and enlightening, therefore, but don’t expect too much. We may have to wait until after February 20 to get some more clarity. Hang on in there.

Copyright Francis 2021

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Astrology & Health: Sagittarius — Astrology Musings

The mutable fire sign of Sagittarius, the archer, is the ninth star sign of the zodiac in astrology.

Sagittarius represents the farthest southward outreach of the ecliptic, the apparent path of the sun, where the daylight is subsequently short in the north, called winter, and the days are at their longest in the south, the southern summer.

Probably because of this fact, these thirty degrees of the ecliptic are named ‘the archer’, Sagittarius in Latin, the symbol of the centaur about to shoot an arrow into the far distance. This sign not only represents the higher mind but also long distance travel, the explorer, as well as the philosopher and the lawmaker.

Sagittarius is ruled by the so-called giant planet Jupiter, ‘king of the gods’, also associated with expansion, optimism, long distance travel, religion and philosophy.

Typical Sagittarians are indeed optimists, often sporty, outdoors people, who often need to understand the concept of limitation. Whilst such individuals can be inspirational to be around, the tendency to go too far is often present. For these reasons, issues relating to health will arise.

Hips, thighs and liver

Sagittarius traditionally rules the hips, thighs and liver, the largest organ and gland of the body, reflecting Jupiter, the largest planet and ruler of this sign. Obviously our hips and thighs are instrumental in exercise and getting us out and about.

These are often areas of weakness with those who have Sagittarius strongly emphasised in their charts. Sagittarius likes to be out and about, is often very sportive, even explorative, and so the hips and thighs tend to be subject to injury.

Equally, because Sagittarius often likes to party, a lot, the liver may well suffer too in the long run. Those Sagittarians who have little restrictive elements to their character, have to learn the hard way by experiencing injury to their hips and thighs and/or problems with their liver due to ‘high living’, life telling them to amend their party lifestyle.

In a nutshell, the lesson a strong Sagittarius type needs to learn, is one of restraint. Whilst exercise and enjoying oneself are important factors in making life tolerable — there have to be limits.

Copyright Francis Barker 2020

Is Life ‘A Simple Game’? The Visionary B-Side from 1968 — Astrology Musings

This is one of my favourite Moody Blues’ songs, composed by keyboardist Mike Pinder in 1968, at a time when the world was convulsed with anger, riot, division, assassination and talk of revolution. *Please take note of the lyrics.

Released as a B Side to ‘Ride My See-saw’, and later covered wonderfully by The Four Tops, I think this song captures the mood of the time — but most especially and prophetically, of our own time, all these years later. It’s a call for clarity, truth and justice. But most important of all, it is visionary.

This fantastic song did not appear on one of their albums until the 1974 double disc, ‘This Is The Moody Blues’.

The Great Mutation into Air Signs

I think we are, right now, ‘on the threshold’ of a more free, social, meaningful and humanitarian age. The birth pangs are all around us, symbolised in the sky by the up and coming Great Conjunction and Great Mutation, that is Jupiter and Saturn conjoining closely at 0 degrees Aquarius on December 21 2020. This marks the first transition of this Great Conjunction fully into the Air Element (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius) since the early 13th century. This new Age of Air will last around 200 years and will transform our materialistic civilisation.

Many people thought the Sixties were such an enlightening time, that we were entering the so-called Age of Aquarius, but I contend this was wrong, spurred on by the false, illusory trends of a social revolution. Amidst all that manufactured chaos of the late Sixties, ‘A Simple Game’ appeared, a truly hopeful and visionary creation that speaks to us all the more now.

But times of transition are always difficult, fraught and often protracted. I wish Godspeed to us all on this new and hopeful journey.

Copyright Francis Barker 2020

Astrology Musings: Brexit – A Done Deal?

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When PM Johnson and EU President both tweeted at 10:35 am this morning, claiming they had secured a deal in the interests of both sides, I couldn’t resist having a look at the chart of that time set for Brussels.

Fascinatingly, a well aspected Mercury planet of communication was found exactly conjunct the ascending degree (AC) in Scorpio. A very apt time to make a communication or statement in the sign of secrecy (which has been a characteristic of  these talks), especially considering all the cloak and dagger machinations that have been going on for days, if not weeks.

Mercury is ruler of the 11th and 8th houses, hinting at more positivity in regard to aims, legislation and further financial arrangements. Jupiter in its own sign in the 2nd house too, encourages economic growth through free trade deals (Sagittarius).

Continuing Combustion

However, I also note that Uranus, planet of disruption and change is in the 7th house (using whole signs) of deals, treaties, diplomacy – not a good sign and may indicate the continuing combustible nature of these protracted negotiations, where the PM is trying to keep all sides on board, a nigh on impossible task.

Financial arrangements are also going to continue to be very volatile, especially in regard to settlements (Taurus is the major money sign). Uranus is also in difficult aspect to Venus in the first house, Taurus’ ruler, a further indication of fallouts about money and security.

Only a quick look and few insights but clearly this is far from over – but I guess we already knew that.

copyright Leofwine Tanner 2019

*If you would like your own personal astrology report please contact me at leoftanner@gmail.com

Astrology Musings: A Political Leader in His Element. Who’s For Boris?

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The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. I mean, who would want it – really?

One of the names touted around for some time is the former Lord Mayor of London, former British Foreign Secretary, leader of the Brexit campaign in 2016, prominent journalist, editor and author, Mr Boris Johnson MP.

Does he have what it takes, astrologically speaking, to lead United Kingdom PLC? Well now he’s thrown his hat in the ring, here’s my take on it, my musings.

Lots of Air – but where’s the Fire?

Let’s begin with the chart basics. There’s lots of air: Libra on the ascendant; Sun, Mercury, Venus (the chart ruler) and Mars in Gemini in a pretty full ninth house; Moon in early Scorpio in second house, but still trine the Sun and Venus conjunction.

There is a lack of the fire element. 

So what might all this mean?

Obviously the birthchart of any leader will necessarily apply itself to the fortune’s of that nation. So who do we have here?

Affability

Libra rising and all that Gemini; the affable, likeable, quick-witted, humorous fellow we all see. Nevertheless, this outer affability should not disguise the significant substance within: this is no ‘shallow’ Gemini.

He’s obviously great company, as well as a serious intellectual, with a penchant for foreign matters and history, especially classical history – all ninth house affairs.

He is a particular operator from the higher mind, though always approachable (Libra, Gemini), intelligent, able to give full, well argued, discursive answers, probably without notes, all delivered with humour (lots of Gemini), argumentative fervour if need be (Mars in Gemini ninth house) but with grace (Libra rising).

Communicator

He’s charming, a naturally enthusiastic communicator, who could make you be interested in virtually anything. He might have been a salesman in another life.

But he’s also a diplomat, a negotiator (Libra) and probably a very good one, too.

And at the end of the day, that Sun conjunct Venus in Gemini will always make him likeable, even to many of his political enemies. The Sun Venus trine the Moon also means he’s pretty much at peace with himself, too, I think.

But let’s look at that lack of fire. As a potential leader, I would be happier to see some Aries or Leo, or a prominent Mars, so this may be a problem. I don’t see here a natural leader, but he understands both sides of an argument, with persuasive, intellectual power in droves. He’s very comfortable in the heady world of intellectual debate (Air signs, ninth house): He may have to rely on it.

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So what might a Johnson premiership be like?

Well, with all that ninth house activity, he will naturally gravitate towards foreign affairs, and this area of UK policy is not going to change very soon. No surprise there, you might say. The difference being, I’m pretty sure, is that the EU negotiators this time would know they’ve been danced with, so to speak. He’s no pushover when it comes to arguing over a point.

Libra (on his ascendant) has a reputation for indecision, yet it is often prominent in charts of leaders and generals. The key factor here is weighing up, literally the balancing of options, a fundamental part of deciding on any action.

Fence Sitting

His ruler (Venus) in Gemini might even seem to exacerbate this tendency for fence sitting; maybe this is why he’s waited until now for what he sees as the appropriate time, rather than trying to oust the incumbent premier earlier.

With the emphasis on Gemini and the ninth house, he would be able to respond quickly to events, have a broad grasp of any situation. These are good qualities.

In recent times he’s published a biography about Winston Churchill. Most interestingly both men have a prominent Saturn Uranus opposition, Boris Johnson’s almost exact.

Here we might see the fundamental problem that would face any leader at the present time though, and perhaps particularly a Johnson premiership. Saturn represents the existing order, Uranus stands for a radically new one that may be thrust upon us without warning. They are fighting each other, and we can see similar situations in Europe and the world, as well as within individuals.

Not a Firebrand

In his own chart, this plays out in the sixth/twelfth house axis, but could be highly significant for the country’s health if he’s leading it, how it functions as a nation, and whether it can face the deep psychological rifts that may be going on with Britain’s changing status in the world.

There is another near exact opposition also between Jupiter and Neptune in the second/eighth house axis. This hints at financial and security instability, confusion.

So to summarise, he’s not a firebrand, inspirational type leader. He leads with reasoned argument, persuasion and oodles of wit and charm.

And sometimes luck comes strongly into play. If Mrs May could be described as being unlucky, maybe taking the job at precisely the wrong time, perhaps Mr Johnson’s timing is spot on. We shall see.

copyright Leofwine Tanner 2019

*If you would like a personal astrology report, please contact me at: leoftanner@gmail.com for details.