The New Moon in Aquarius has occurred, conjunct Saturn in its own sign, challenged by Uranus in Taurus.
Aquarius is the sign of hopes, dreams and wishes… and friends! It is also about freedom and humanity.
Now I do not subscribe to Uranus being the ruler of Aquarius, not even the co-ruler as some do. It is ‘positive’ Saturn who rules the Waterbearer, he is the planner, the one who looks ahead for the benefit of all, just as the Sun makes more serious strides northward from the Winter Solstice. Aquarius is not a rebel but a conservative at heart.
Saturn close to the New Moon encourages us to look to the traditional, the fundamental, as well as establishing something new. And with the Moon’s north node now in Taurus for 18 months, we should seek to establish something valuable and meaningful.
Uranus also in Taurus square to the the New Moon and Saturn warns us of upheavels, sudden and unnessary. Beware of negative financial changes, look for those which are of real benefit to us, otherwise our long term security will be compromised.
But we can hope, dream and wish for a better future right now, where we are free, although that freedom behoves us to take the best from the past and project it forward into a brighter future.
Revolutionary Uranus turns direct today, January 18 2022, at eleven degrees of the Bull.
Let me make myself clear, I am not one of those astrologers who believes this planet rules Aquarius. For me, the so-called outer planets are not higher vibrations of Mercury, Venus and Mars. If anything, they are inferior and demonic, whose influences are to be deflected and resisted, not utilised as virtual weapons against the masses.
Ever since Uranus’ ‘discovery’ in 1781, it has been associated with sudden change and revolution, and has somehow become linked strongly with Aquarius. This cannot be accurate, for Aquarius’ traditional and only ruler, Saturn, is clearly the exact opposite of Uranus! Are astrologers actually saying that all Aquarians changed personalities, became revolutionaries from 1781 onwards?
That said, what can we make of Uranus going direct today, the planet which can turns things upside down, in the sign of values, money, possessions and security? Well, if, as many suspect, lots of changes have been happening in the background in regard to banking, money and world economies, we should begin to see some ‘roll out’ of these in the next few days and weeks.
Any such changes aren’t liable to look too beneficial initially, and many may be downright shocking. For example, are we about to see some kind of long expected stock market ‘reset’? However, I also suspect that certain other changes have been resisted and good changes can and will occur, symbolised by Saturn’s square to Uranus from his true domicile in the Waterbearer. There has been a kind of war of attrition going on for some time, the participants of this said conflict we can only guess at.
Either way, we are in a period of great change. Tomorrow, January 19, the Moon’s nodes change signs, heralding a major shift in our focus, in the way we live. But more of that tomorrow.
Many assume Aquarius is a water sign, mainly because the name means literally ‘water’ (from the latin Aqua), and the glyph represents dual flowing waves of some medium.
A more elaborate symbol of the sign is a figure pouring water from a jar, the ‘water bearer’, or ‘water carrier’, further underlining the assumption that Aquarius is a water sign.
No Water In Aquarius
But Aquarius isn’t a water sign; the name and the glyph are kind of metaphorical, showing a way of working, a process, a methodology, rather than something definitive. Aquarius represents a free flowing process, an openness, perhaps something like the world wide web, where in theory at least, information en masse is available for all to assess and discern using their own wisdom.
And what does a water carrier do? It’s not so much the actual medium of water that is important. Anyone could get a drink of water if they so wish. But the water carrier symbolises pouring out for all, being of service to the many.
Hopes, Dreams & Wishes
Aquarius is the fixed air sign. The medium of air is to do with communication, mentality, sociability. But how fixed can air be? Perhaps one way of viewing it is concentration. A concentration of air is like a strong wind, or maybe a fresh breeze to blow away the cobwebs, in preparation for something new, fresher, better.
Aquarius is the second sign after the winter solstice, when the sun appears to stop and begin to move northward again. Capricorn begins the process, like some earthing or crystallisation, laying firm foundations, as befits the Saturn rulership of that sign.
The Great Teacher Saturn
So Aquarius is also ruled by Saturn (not Uranus, in my opinion), but it’s a different side of ‘the great teacher’. Saturn plans ahead, systematically with ideas, and with Aquarius this builds for the future — the hopes, dreams and wishes of mankind, upon the materialistic foundations of Capricorn, for the coming spring in the north, the fall in the south, as the sun moves relentlessly northward.
The water bearer’s energy is powerful at present and change is on its way. Not the violent, revolutionary change of Uranus, but the instigation of ‘plan a’ of the ages — the beginning of a ‘golden age’ which we are blessed to witness.
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.
astro.com
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.
When we talk about classical music today, 19th and early 20th century French romantic composer, pianist and organist, Charles-Camille Saint-Saëns, may not figure in the highest echelons in terms of outright popularity.
Ok, so he isn’t Bach, Mozart or Beethoven, nor Schubert, Schuman or Wagner, but in astrological terms, much deeper than the mere superfluous realm of ‘star signs’, he makes a most interesting study indeed.
Child Prodigy
This fellow Saint-Saëns was certainly a remarkable child prodigy and composer, whose musical abilities did appear to come rather easily to him. Anyone who could produce works of the quality of, for example, ‘Danse Macabre’, ‘Carneval Des Animaux’ and ‘Samson & Delilah’, must certainly qualify as being near to the pinnacle of their profession.
He went on to be a very well travelled international figure, as well as being highly honoured, receiving the French Grand Cross of Legion d’Honneur in 1913. He was also inspirational; Faure and Ravel were both strongly influenced by him, for example.
Paris Conservatoire
By the age of 6 this prodigy was already composing, performing as a pianist by the time he was 10. He entered the Paris Conservatoire aged 13 and composed his first symphony when he was 18.
Saint-Saëns became quite a scholar of musical history, too, developing a more conservative, traditional approach to compositional structure, something which set him against the more modern trends of the early 20th century, which evidently wanted to turn everything on its head, as in other artistic fields such as painting.
Controversy and tragedy affected him too at times. Marrying later in life, to a much younger woman (to the surprise of those who knew him) the relationship would appear to have always been difficult, or strained. Nevertheless, the couple had two sons. However, in 1878 an appalling tragedy struck when the 2 year old Andre fell to his death from their Parisian flat window.
Tragedy & Disappearance
Only six weeks later, young Jean Francois died of pneumonia. This effectively ended their marriage. In 1881 whilst on holiday with his wife, he suddenly disappeared, later writing her a letter of explanation — that we would not be coming back. Even so, the couple never divorced. Speculation has remained as to Saint-Saëns’ sexuality.
Overall, however, this remarkable man led a very successful and productive life. I was intrigued to come across his birth data, so that I could assess him astrologically.
One of the most remarkable features of his chart is the positive placement of most planets. In traditional astrology, a planet is said to be exalted, or function at its best, in certain signs. In Saint-Saëns’ case, he has Saturn exalted in Libra, the Moon exalted in Taurus and Jupiter exalted in Cancer. Would might this mean in terms of interpretation?
Exaltation
Let’s begin with Saturn in Libra. Saturn, often still called the Greater Malefic, signifies limitation, boundaries, structure; in Libra, the Cardinal Air sign, this function is well reasoned, balanced in the most positive way. I will return to Saturn shortly.
Then we have the Moon exalted in Taurus. The Moon represents our responses, emotions, feelings; in Taurus (also ruled by Venus like Libra), these qualities are at their most grounded and fruitful.
We now turn to Jupiter, the Greater Benefic, exalted in Cancer. Jupiter is expansion, optimism; in Cancer, ruled by the Moon, expansion is given a nourishing, homely expression, like a blessing upon the base of our lives, quite often our mainspring for success in life.
A Charming, though Dignified Bearing
What is more, Saint-Saëns had other planets which were ‘dignified’. What do I mean? Dignity in astrological terms refers to a planet being in the sign of its rulership.
Firstly, he has Venus in Libra, the principal of unity given a highly balanced and considered expression; an ideal of beauty, balance and peace.
Then he also has Mars in Scorpio, which it traditionally rules. I personally do not subscribe to the ‘modern’ notion that outer planet Pluto rules Scorpio. Mars is energy, activity; in Scorpio, the Martian energy is concentrated, somewhat emotive, and also secretive — yet even so, well placed if one wishes to achieve something deeper, meaningful.
Natural Gifts
So what are we to make of all this ‘positivity’, the level of which I haven’t come across too many times before? Overall, it may represent the positive gifts he was born with, Saint-Saëns’ ability to create, seemingly with ease and with the blessings of his local universe.
Let us now return to Saturn, which was rising conjunct the ascending degree in Libra, closely followed by his Sun and Venus in the same sign of the Scales. A Libran ascendant is courteous, diplomatic, often charming, yet with Saturn so close to this degree, one would expect a certain amount of caution too, perhaps manifesting as a kind of dignity in the manner and appearance, which might seem at times like a little shyness, reticence, even haughtiness.
Conservatism, Good Fortune& Fixed Stars
As said above, limiting and conservative Saturn is indeed ‘exalted’ in Libra, so it is not surprising that later in life he grew to be noted for his conservative outlook, plus the deliberately structured nature of most of his works. He tended to favour the more traditional compositional styles in the long run, even though as a younger composer, he accepted the then ‘modern’ trends of such men as Wagner, without truly embracing what they stood for.
At this point I would like to introduce the fixed star, Spica, which is also conjunct the ascendant and close to Saturn. I have only recently begun to reintroduce certain fixed stars (the 15 Behenian Fixed Stars) into my method of interpretation — I think they can be highly significant.
Spica, traditionally, is said to be of the nature of Venus and Mars, a star of good fortune. This is thought to confer general happiness, honour and preferment. If we take out his short lived marriage and the major life changing tragedy of his young sons, Saint-Saëns’ life in general was very fortunate.
Keen Student of Musical History
This fixed star is also close to Saturn, conferring interests in the occult and history too. It is known that he was a keen student of musical history, which had a strong influence upon his compositional style.
Saint-Saëns’ Sun conjunct Venus in the Libra ascendant, would only underline the charm, diplomacy and overall affability of his personage. There would also be a certain amount of sophistication about his presence too, attention to his appearance, probably a liking for traditional fashion (Saturn in Libra conjunct ascendant) and being ‘just so’.
With all this Libra in his chart, he would certainly have craved company too; he might not have felt whole without a ‘partner’ in life. So it is perhaps a surprise that he did not marry until he was around 40. Some have speculated about his sexuality, although it could simply be that he was rather fussy; Librans often have trouble making up their minds, being seekers of perfection with high ideals.
Humour & Magnanimity
His exalted Moon in Taurus would provide relatively stable emotions, pleasant responses to stimuli, perhaps underlining the conservative streak. However, his Moon is also in good sextile aspect to the equally exalted Jupiter in Cancer.
I think there would have been a distinctly good humoured and magnanimous quality about him too, that would have been highly beneficial to him in his career, for Jupiter is housed in his career house and his exalted Moon is ruler of that 10th house. He was fortunate.
Jupiter is also the planet of expansion and projection, physically and mentally. Saint-Saëns became highly travelled through his lifetime, making 179 trips to 27 countries, an astonishing tally.
Much Travel & A Well Developed Mentality
This Jupiter is also close to the fixed star Sirius, generally considered another positive indication. This infers much travel in the career, usually by sea (Jupiter in Cancer), plus a generally caring nature.
His dignified Mars in Scorpio is conjunct communicative Mercury in the 2nd house, ruler of the 9th house of philosophy, the higher mind and travel. This gave him a highly powerful, penetrating, determined and energetic mentality, probably an endless curiosity too, which drove him on in his practical working life. Mars is also the ruler of this house: This was no day dreamer — he wanted practical results. As a young student he was highly proficient in many profound subjects and had a particular love of astronomy throughout his life.
That Trying T-Square
If I may turn to the less positive aspects of his known life, namely the failed late marriage and his sons’ untimely demises, it may be symbolised in what is known as a T-square formation, involving his first house Sun and Venus in Libra, opposite Pluto in the 7th house, both squaring (90 degrees) Jupiter in the 10th house. This is certainly an indication that all would not be plain sailing in personal relationships, which would certainly impinge upon his career and aims.
As I have stated before, these days I do not see the outer planets, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto as at all positive influences. They are not ‘higher octaves’, as they were once deemed: if anything they are lower, baser influences. They have to be overcome, indicating areas of our life where there could be potential pit falls, or worse.
Potential Disruption in Troubled Relationships
Pluto in the 7th house certainly forewarns one of marriage and/or partnership disruption, especially so as the same planet is opposite (challenging aspect) the harmony seeking Sun and Venus in Libra in his first house; Pluto is directly threatening potential termination, if one is not careful.
I would also imagine that personal relationship issues, such as those indicated by this Sun and Venus opposite Pluto, would have also threatened his career, and also the stability of home and family life: Exalted Jupiter in Cancer is in itself an overall indication of good fortune in family concerns, but maybe serious relationships, such as marriage, constituted a threat.
To Marry, or not to Marry
It is easy to say in retrospect, of course, but would it have been advisable for him not to have married? Did the conventions of the day ‘force’ him into doing what every one else did? He was, after all, quite a conservative in many ways.
Equally, we have the presence of the other two outer planets, Uranus and Neptune in the 5th house of children, speculation and creativity. The potential to have ‘problems’ with offspring are indicated here; Uranus can turn things upside down with sudden, unexpected events; Neptune confuses issues, although no one could have envisaged the tragedy that befell his young family. And whilst controlling Saturn forms a loose positive trine aspect with Uranus, which might have lessened the impact of the rebellious planet, the potential negativity of Uranus would still be there.
I found Saint-Saëns the most fascinating character to study. I have to say that I really like him; I am sure he would have been most agreeable to meet, to talk to, to be simply be around.
Most of all, we can all still enjoy the quality of his compositions.
Ciscography 