Saturn conjunct Agena - Serving the people's needs

This aspect is in force now as Agena sits at 24:00 degrees Scorpio. Saturn will get close to an exact conjunction before turning retrograde on 2nd March although they will stay in contact until 22nd March. Saturn will return to make a second conjunction in October later this year.

As you may know if you follow my blog, Agena is a star that sits in the constellation of Centaurus, the Centaur. The Greeks saw this star as representative of the tale of the two Centaurs, Chiron and Pholos. The story goes that Hercules who, after drinking too much wine, accidentally wounded Chiron thinking that he was under attack from them. Chiron was the immortal to the two Centaurs and so this injury condemned him to a life of pain and suffering. As Pholos was pulling out Hercules’ arrow from the foot of Chiron, he grazed himself with the tip of the arrow also causing a mortal wound. Pholos was able to die, and Chiron gave away his immortality to Prometheus so that he could die too. This star is thus tied to the idea of healing and the sacrifices you make in order to improve your situation or to encourage growth, either by yourself or collectively.

Now of course the Pluto opposition to Jupiter squared by Uranus which had precipitated the situation in Ukraine - outright power and control (Pluto) opposed by justice and international desires (Jupiter) being affected by a revolution of the masses (Uranus) has been the dominant aspect affecting our world in the past few weeks however Saturn now slowing to a stop and connecting with Agena is now coming along to correct the vacuum of power in that country. This connection brings the need for a common goal and an understanding of what is needed by the people combined with the sacrifices that Chiron in the story above depicts. There is a sense here of bringing together all the resources you have to make something lasting and potentially strong and out of it a leader of substance may emerge.

Saturn is the planet of administration and the formation in embattled Ukraine of a unity government is a perfect example of this conjunction and the healing properties that it can perform. In this sense you may have to collate what you have to curb the potential excesses and reckless behaviour that you may have been subject to under the very volatile skies above us. The next three or so weeks may also be a time of trying to be a bit more sensible. As Robson wrote many years ago about this conjunction about this conjunction it is time to be "shrewd and thoughtful" and to use the healing powers on offer to us.

Mars conjunct Spica - Setting out your stall for the future

This connection occurs at 24:03 degrees Libra and will last until 8th February 2014

Mars is slowing up now ahead of it's own retrograde period next month and it is spending an extended time on each star as a result. Mars is in the stars of the constellation of Virgo at this time and tomorrow it hits the bright star of Spica.

Spica is a lovely star that sits in the hand of the Virgin representing the wheat sheaf, the sign of the harvest. This is seen as a gift after all the hard labour exerted in preparing the crops to grow. This star highlights one's skills, talents and one's knowledge and the potential for brilliance, and any planet in your chart which links up with this star can indicate that you have gift within you that you can give to the world. Sometimes these show early in life, then again as you get older and wiser talents and abilities show up that you didn't realise that you had, especially if Spica sits on one's Descendant.

Mars's influence on this star gives a very individual and active feel and Vivian Robson says of this combination that it brings "popular social success, it may show good judgment and allow quick decisions or provoke violence in disputes or foolish actions".

I think this aspect will put a highlight on sport and physical activities, so appropriate that the Superbowl this year falls under it's gaze, the fight for justice and for equal rights (Mars is in the sign of Libra) will see people raising their voices and it is a good time to make plans and to set initiatives for yourself. Mars is starting to make a quindecile to Uranus, so the more violent, aggressive or accidental side of Mars may come out in the next week or two...

Venus conjunct Vega – Living the high life

This aspect is active now until 24th January and will occur again between 8th and 13th February, as Venus turns direct. It is exact at 15:30 degrees Capricorn.

This aspect is a truly lovely one between the planet of beauty and relationships and a star that is enchanting and mysterious. Vega is a stunning star in the constellation of Lyra, the harp. This star is one of the musical stars in the heavens and it contributes artistic talent at your fingers if it connects on an angle in your chart or on a personal planet. Vega itself is associated with Orpheus who the Greeks believed owned the Lyre in the skies. Orpheus was able to play beautiful music that could tame animals, so this star is not only associated with music but also representative of poetry, spells, magic and charisma. On a more negative note, the power of Vega can be used in a more unsavoury way in being able to con and deceive people. Elsbeth Ebertin mentions “Vega is supposed to give artistic talents especially for music and acting, but also a liking for good living. With eccentric artists, this may lead to a debauched life. Tied up with Venus, Vega is said to pave the way to riches and fame. However, if other influences play a part, this wealth may be lost again”

This is a very charismatic conjunction and this will be a few days where the arts, music and all kinds of creative activities can come to the fore. In a social sense those who can charm and create a buzz within the general population may stand up and rise in popularity and esteem, however there is the possibility that these people will also promise much but will eventually fail to deliver on what they claim they can achieve.

This is a time for living it up, for enjoying a glass of wine, eating good food, being creative and quite frankly enjoying yourself to the full. If you are out at a show or a social event, chances are that you will have a great time. Relationships should thrive in the second pass when Venus is direct, although you may spend a little more than you expect, so be wise to budget accordingly.

Jupiter conjunct Sirius - Feeling better and more optimistic, for now...

This connection is now active and lasts through until 22nd January 2014. It occurs at 14:17 degrees Cancer.

Sirius is the brightest star in the sky apart from our own Sun of course. Sitting in the constellation of large dog, Canis Major, Sirius is often known as the shining one or the scorcher. This star has always had a reputation for being associated with linking humble personal action which suddenly propels one into the spotlight for a brief moment of time. It is also connected to selfless actions taken in doing something sacred and worthy or in making a sacrifice for the betterment of people around you.

Jupiter is a very expansionist, beneficial and international influence and the combination of this bright star and the largest planet in the solar system will bring a ray of optimism which is much needed in these difficult times. Under this connection you can possibly achieve much more that you think is possible, especially if you are putting yourself out for other people and doing something out of the kindness of your own heart. This is a lovely couple of weeks at the start of this year which can bring some inspiration, creative impetus and an increased desire for physical activity and exploration. This is a favourable time for business and commerce in general and if you are involved in any kind of work or project that involves travel, faith/beliefs, publishing or legal work then you will likely do very well.

In the world this connection lands on the Greek Ascendant so maybe this is a time when the Greek economy will get some good news, mind you saying that the expansionist and reckless attitudes of the past will have been responsible for much of the waste and problems that this country suffered. The same can much be said of the United States in regard to spending and using resources way beyond it's means. This star is not called the scorcher for nothing, remember Greece got burnt big time and the US may feel the same way in the months to come as their financial woes finally come home to roost.

However for the moment, the US Sibly chart (4th July 1776) now receives this conjunction on the US natal Sun, so watch out for an optimistic mood in the White House, in the administration and in the country as a whole, especially as the people show willing and good spirit to help each other out to recover after the appalling weather and storms in the recent week.

Jupiter conjunct Canopus - Setting sail for pastures new.

This conjunction is active now until 14 January 2014. It occurs at 15:09 degrees Cancer

Jupiter is just moving into a conjunction with the fixed star Canopus, the star in the constellation Carinae, the Keel, which forms a part of the great southern ship of the skies, the Argo.The keel of a ship is the part which determines the direction it will go in. Canopus as suggests from this description was known as the navigator by the Egyptians. Canopus is also connected to the concept of time as well as strong leadership. Ptolemy said of the whole constellation of the Argo that it brings prosperity in trade and voyages, and strength of mind and spirit.

Jupiter in line with Canopus is a wonderfully exuberant connection and the idea of travel and exploration and the promotion of faith is very strong with this link up. As the new year starts up and with all the pressures of the cardinal cross and the potent new Moon at the beginning of 2014, I think that the progressive nature of going on a journey is something that we must all do, and when better to set out our intentions than right now?

Whatever your position, whether it be good or bad, the optimism and hope instilled in this conjunction is something we must all grab hold of. The thing is, rather than a physical journey, this is one of the mind as Jupiter is retrograde, so this conjunction is looking for you to change your ideas and your attitudes rather than actually starting something new and tangible. We can plan now and act when this aspect comes around again with Jupiter moving direct in late April.

So here's the plan. Raise the anchor, hoist the mainsail and set your course through the choppy waters of 2014. Make it an exciting journey everyone xxx

Neptune conjunct Fomalhaut - Fools rush in where angels fear to tread

This long term connection is now active and will extend through until 23rd February. It occurs at 04:03 degrees Pisces.

This is a very subtle but also intriguing conjunction that is returning again, it occurred previously last year between 23rd March and 3rd May and also between 12th June and 1st October as Neptune moved retrograde over it, so this is the 3rd and final pass.

The star Formalhaut sits in Piscis Australis, the constellation of the Southern fish. This is one of the Royal Persian stars, the watcher of the South and a star that has a really mystical and magical sense about it. This is a star of charisma and anyone who has a connection to this star must try to keep their feet firmly on the ground, otherwise they can become a fall from excessive pride, over optimism or just sheer arrogance. This is a deceptive influence, one of high idealism and sometimes of unfulfilled promise and dreams.

Neptune when it connects with this star heightens the already dreamy and mystical quality that it already has, and it heightens to possibility for self-deceptive and maybe rash behaviour in the pursuit of something completely unobtainable. Yes we can find inspiration through this magical connection, however unless our feet are firmly rooted on terra-firma we can drift of with our ideas, take foolish chances and worse still believe all the hype that surrounds us. What we think is real maybe but a pipe dream, a figment of our imagination. Being a Royal Persian star, this is an understated and powerful influence that can creep up on us without us noticing and dissolve and destroy all that we have been working towards. In the world around us many plans and grand schemes may be shelved because of lack of foresight and I have a feeling that the shady world of espionage and the issues of hidden secrets may rear it's ugly head again. One other thing, look out for dramas on water due to mistakes or complacency or incidents connected to gasses and other noxious substances.

Be careful what you believe in the next month and a half, and if you are going to commit yourself to a course of action make sure that everything is set in stone and you know exactly what you expect to get out of the deal. Rushing into something with your eyes wide shut and with your hopes high, believing that you will succeed without putting the work in or boasting about how well you are going to do before anything substantial has been achieved may end up in total and complete disaster...

Mars conjunct Vindemiatrix - Shaking the vine to gather the fruit

This connection is now active until 30th December and occurs at 10:08 degrees Libra

Mars is now moving through the stars of the constellation of Virgo and it is hooking up with Vindemiatrix. This star has two nicknames. The first is the "Grape Picker or Gatherer", of course connected to harvest time and the collection of grapes before pressing. This star does have connections to gathering and collecting, and often those with planet conjunctions to this star do have this trait in their personality for gathering things, collecting items and reaping what one has sown. The other nickname for Vindemiatrix is a bit more sinister, as it is known as the Widow Maker". Tradition says that one can lose one's partner or spouse in unfortunate circumstances if there is a connection to this star.

Mars does bring energy to this star and you may be very interested in gaining knowledge and bits of information now, finding out what is going on around you; this conjunction promotes research and getting to the truth. Mars is an aggressive influence as well and it increases the likelihood of conflict between those with different ideas, beliefs or cultures.

With Mars inconjunct to Chiron at the moment, square to Pluto and opposing Uranus, any disputes in your life could become nasty and very hurtful, especially if you are diametrically opposed to the ideas that someone else has. As for the "Widow Maker" tag, I don't think that this star realistically will see the death of a partner, but it could help facilitate the break up of a relationship, especially as Venus is retrograde and we are all naturally reviewing those partnerships we have in our lives...

Mars conjunct Diadem - Being unselfish and making sacrifices.

This connection is starting to come into contact right now and will last until 28th December 2013 - it occurs at 09.09 degrees Libra.

Mars the planet of force and action is now coming into contact with the star Diadem in the constellation of the woman's crown, Coma Berenices. This star is connected to feminine strength and the people who work quietly and patiently for the benefit of a group or a company without getting any recognition, an influence of sacrificing yourself on behalf of others.

Mars as it makes this exact connection will be forming a t-square with Pluto and Uranus and it joining this star says to me that somewhere in the world the little people or those who normally stay out of sight, the workers and the ordinary people will start to vent their anger and frustration against controls imposed against them. Women of note may be very much in the news now, those with power or those who oppose it. We may also find that intimate secrets might be exposed by this conjunction connected to the t-square, there could be accidents and rescues might occur too.

Christmas is a time of giving and receiving and this influence is one of giving without wanting to get anything back in return. If everyone did this, the world would be a much better place. At this wonderful and festive time of year, maybe this planet star connection is giving us a little reminder of what is really important...??

Saturn conjunct Zuben Eschamali – Taking necessary action to further your ambitions.

This conjunction is active from 14th December through until 3rd January 2014. It occurs at 19.34 degrees Scorpio.

Zuben Eschamali sits in the constellation of Libra the scales and is one of the stars in the Symplegades, the clashing rocks through which Jason and his ship the “Argo” had to sail through in the Quest for the Golden Fleece. This star is more self interested than it’s southern partner Zuben Elgenubi, representing the Southern Scale and it shows the qualities of helping and aiding social reform, but in a way that promotes your own self interest and improves your position in life, your power and maybe your financial position. Through the connection with Saturn we have ambition to further your aims. These two stars and the constellation of Libra itself were initially thought as an extension of the constellation of Scorpio, as the claws of the scorpion, and when the planets traverse this part of the universe it can be a perilous journey fraught with danger and hazards.

Mars conjunct the fixed star Alkes helps Iran strike a deal with the US.

Iran today signed a deal in Geneva with the US to halt the enrichment of Uranium for 6 months in exchange for financial help against the sanctions that it has been under for quite a while. This deal coincided with a link up in the sky between Mars the planet of aggression and positive action and one of the more fortunate stars in the night’s sky, Alkes.

Mars conjunct Zosma – Doing your bit to help those in need

This connection is starting to form and will be active until 5th November 2013. It occurs at 11:31 degrees Virgo.

Mars is now well into the sign of Virgo and the next star it makes contact with is Zosma, a star placed on the back of the great lion in the sky as part of the constellation of Leo.

Zosma is one of those stars which when contacted by the planets brings an element of suffering to bare or creates an atmosphere where victimisation can take place. This is a star of the common man, the one who tends to be on the wrong end of things, he who gets a raw deal or just has to live with regular disappointments in one manner or another. It can also indicate the carer or the one who helps those in need. Robson is pretty damning in his assessment of Zosma. He said it causes “benefit by disgrace, selfishness, egotism, immorality, meanness, melancholy, unhappiness of mind and fear of poison, and gives an unreasonable, shameless and egotistical nature”. This is not one the easiest stars in the heavens to deal with.

Mars is an aggressive influence as well as one that promotes action and so in connecting with Zosma it can indicate action taken to create victims through violence and harshness as well as taking the time to help people in trouble and those who have suffered at the hands of others. I seem to think of charities and those who do work quietly behind the scenes to relieve suffering. This combination is very tied to working in difficult circumstances, in harsh conditions for little thanks or recompense, so look for action by people who work in these kinds of circumstances. Charity givers and volunteers, the military forces, the police and public services, nurses, industrial workers – all these people and others who graft away for the betterment of others come under the auspices of Mars conjunct Zosma and are the type of people who will be motivated by this conjunction. For example, in Britain right now the fire fighters are going on strike, and this exactly fits the brief for Mars conjunct Zosma. They feel victimised, as they believe that their pension rights are going to be eroded by the British government.

In your life, you may be have to serve someone else now who is in trouble or needs help or you may be the one who is suffering at the hands of someone else. Don’t expect rewards for your actions now, as probably you won’t receive any at this time. Then again doing a good deed for someone else will help your self-esteem and maybe through your unselfish work and deeds you will build up some goodwill for when you need some help from someone in the future.

Venus conjunct Aculeus and Acumen – Being hurt by those closest to you.

These connections are starting to occur now and will last until 4th November 2013. The conjunction to Aculeus is at 25:56 degrees Sagittarius occurs over 31st Oct and 1st Nov, and the one to Acumen follows on during 3rd and 4th Nov at 28:55 degrees Sagittarius.

The stars Aculeus and Acumen are both stars to be found in the sting of the Scorpion in Scorpio. The sting of a scorpion is used for attack and this star brings attacks of a kind that tests your strength of character. Any connection with Aculeus suggests that you may have to face criticism of some sort that tests your resolve, or perhaps events will happen that cause you a type of hardship that you have to overcome. Life will not be easy, but you find a way to battle through. Acumen is very similar in nature and is linked to the wearing down process of one’s resistance to constant criticism and attacks on one’s credibility. Think of someone who snipes at you all the time, is annoying and does not shut up, and eventually you either give in just to get some peace, or you fight back to hold your own. Do you know what I mean by this and do you know people like this?

I combine these two stars together not only as they have similar meanings as but also as both of these two are part of nebulae, star clusters that have traditionally been linked to blindness and problems of seeing. Where as I am sure that actual eyesight may be compromised in those of you who have difficult connections to these stars, I like to think that the effect of nebulae are to cause a type of blindness that precludes one from seeing the truth of the situation.

Ok, Venus entering the sting of Scorpio and combining with these stars brings with it the influence of love and relationships to the table. There are many possibilities that may come out of these conjunctions. Maybe you are going to find that some painful words will be uttered or deeds will be carried out right now by a current or former lover or partner that will affect you and will  you to the core? Maybe the actions that happen now are going to hurt and wound and will test your patience and resolve? Maybe you or someone close to you will be totally blind to the truth, will not have a hold on reality and they will be deluded or unable to see that you don’t have the same feelings for them as they have for you?

I expect that matters surrounding love and emotions connected to these themes will be very much heightened in the next week, especially as we also have the Solar Eclipse on the 3rd November too. Also expect conflicts or tensions heightened over the matter of money and possessions, what you value and with whom you share these resources with.

This double conjunction is one where you will get stronger if you can adjust and cope with the difficulties that may come your way. You may have to take a different attitude, you might have to change tack and go in a new direction. You might have to leave someone behind as you forge ahead. It’s time to be true to your values even if they are different than the ones that others are expecting or want you to follow, and if you are then I think you will benefit greatly.

Mars conjunct Thuban – Protecting with all your might what you hold dear.

This connection is just forming and is active through until the end of 28th October 2013. It occurs at 7:39 degrees Virgo.

The star Thuban sits in the constellation of Draco, the dragon and for thousands of years this part of the sky has always been seen in terms of a snake, serpent or dragon, as is now the case. This constellation sits high in the northern skies and Thuban as a star never sets below the horizon, and thus the dragon in the skies also got the reputation of never sleeping. This constellation sits close to the pole star and is seen as protecting it, and as you may be aware, Dragons in legend guard treasure and jewels and that are sacred.

The basic premise of the star Draco then is to strongly guard that which is precious to you and also to hoard your own treasures and values, the things that are dear to your heart. Connected to active and forceful influence of Mars, this Dragon star in the skies becomes very defensive, and will strike back if the objects being protecting are threatened.

I ask you the question. Is there something precious that you desperately want for yourself, something that you want to control or have power over? Is there an idea that you jealously guard, is there a possession you have that you keep for yourself and you will never let anyone anywhere near? This weekend your protective instincts will be very strong and woe betide anyone who tried to take, steal, borrow or use anything that you rightly feel is yours. You also may feel or sense some fear that you will lose something precious.

In the world protectionism will be very strong now and the idea of defending what is yours. The spying row between the US and several prominent European states and leaders around the world is a classic example of Mars conjunct Thuban, as something precious and classified has been infiltrated and compromised, and the need to fight back and defend privacy and confidentiality will be very strong indeed. Watch out for international relations being very strained for a while to come. Countries will now start to be stronger at their borders, they will defend their rights and beliefs, and will act to strengthen and promote any good economic news that now comes out. 

Venus conjunct Ras Algethi – Bowing to a greater power.

This connection is active from 22nd October for a couple of days. It occurs at 16:21 degrees Sagittarius

Venus is now is approaching a two day link up with Ras Algethi, the brightest and most prominent star in the constellation of Hercules, the “Kneeling One” of the “Phantom”. If you know your mythology, Hercules had to endure 12 years of service to King Eurystheus, taking on whatever trials the king set for him to atone for slaying his own sons, after he had been driven crazy by Hera, one of the three sisters of Zeus. Hercules was loathed to serve the king, but he knew he could not let down his honour or father Zeus and thus he agreed to the terms that the king laid out. In reward for his service and the completion of his tasks, Hercules was promised and eventually given immortality. His constellation sits proudly in the Northern night sky close to the pole, portraying a figure kneeling in service.

This star is concerned with the natural world, a love of nature and caring about the planet, and a need for all to be in order and in balance. This star makes you feel as if you are a small cog in a much larger machine, it suggests submitting yourself to something greater than yourself, or even adoring someone who is more powerful and influential than you are. Ptolemy says of Ras Algethi, the bright star in the head of Hercules that “it gives strength of character, tenacity and fixity of purpose”. Ebertin says “in good aspect, this star brings good relations with women, but if badly aspected it will bring much irritation in dealing with them.”

I have a feeling of affinity and a relationship with the natural world here and looking after the state of the planet and I would not be surprised if environmental issues will be prominent while this aspect is effective, with the idea of finding a natural order or balance. You yourself might find that you have to bow to a greater power than yourself but you will do this without fighting against it as Venus is not really an aggressive influence on this star, the natural inclination is to submit to keep the peace. As Hercules kneels in service in the skies above us, so will you. This may well play out in the world as well as the powerful nations and leaders wield their influence over the weaker ones.

Jupiter conjunct Castor – Expressing a positive opinion.

This connection is active now and lasts until 2nd December 2013. It occurs at 20:26 degrees Cancer.

Jupiter is going to be spending a long time sitting conjunct to the star Castor in the constellation of Gemini as Jupiter is now slowing down to a halt before turning retrograde on 7th November. Castor is one of the stars in the constellation of the twins, Gemini. As you will know the two twins of Gemini were called Castor and Pollux and they were very much seen as opposite types of characters. Castor was a horseman in Greek mythology and representative of the bright morning star and Pollux was a boxer connected to the evening star and those thieves and people of the night who lived in the shadows. As you can see with these two stars we have a polarity of good versus evil, light versus dark, of moving forward and of holding back.

Castor as you can tell is the lighter of these two, the more optimistic influence in the constellation of Gemini. This constellation is very tied to communication and to the use of words and language and very often writers have a link between the star Castor (or Pollux) and one of their natal planets. I myself have Castor conjunct to my natal Mercury, and quite appropriately I love telling stories and sharing my ideas and thoughts through the written word. Indeed expressing ideas and exploring the meanings of things through research without resorting to looking into the darker side of life is a very appropriate way to explain the effect that this star has.

Now with Jupiter sitting here for an extended period, it's influence of optimism, expansion, speculation, of learning and teaching, of faith and its need for justice are combined with Castor. So how will this connection play out? I think that this is a great time for any kind of research that you wish to do, especially if it means that you learn something new and valuable not only about a specific subject but also about yourself too. This is a time for expressing what you believe in and telling others about it, this is a wonderful connection for writers and bloggers of all kinds. Certainly I think in my own case that I am going to be very busy in Astrological terms on my own blog here as well as on my my Facebook page.

Maybe this connection is good for taking a risk in expression an opinion and for spreading information, although there is a danger of legal ramifications if you say something too controversial. I wonder if any notable libel cases will start now? Maybe you can work out how to bring two separate entities together under the same roof under Jupiter conjunct Castor and in the world look out for countries, nations or leaders who have very differing philosophical views uniting under a common banner, idea or cause.

In the same regard, this is a time of negotiation and working out the middle ground between people, situations and things and maybe you will find the inspiration to sort out an intractable problem under this influence, especially once Jupiter stations and turns retrograde allowing you to go back over and review what has been done or said? If you are bold and believe in the risks that you are taking now then you can come out ultimately successful and richer in the way that you know yourself and relate to other people once this connection is completed.

Mars conjunct Regulus – A test of strength and resolve.

This connection is active now and is effective until 16th October 2013. It occurs at 00:01 degrees Virgo

Mars is now in contact with the Royal Persian star, Regulus, one of the most prominent and important stars in the night sky. Regulus known as the “Watcher of the North” sits at the heart of the constellation of Leo the Lion and is very much concerned with success through one’s honour and the way you act. With Regulus you must fight the good fight to achieve your aims and if you do so fairly and squarely then riches will follow, but you will face a nemesis who or which will test your resolve. The test here is one of not biting back when you are criticized or someone does something wrong to you. If you carry out any kind of retribution then in time all of what you have achieved will be lost.

Mars is the planet of action and force and you will have to take positive steps right now to proceed in the direction that you wish to go, so it really is time to take the bull by the horns. This is a great time for sports and games and for exerting one’s energy. Any action-based activity will be enjoyed and can provide you with fulfilment and enjoyment, especially as this aspect is applying. Once the exact connection is made and Mars moves into Virgo tomorrow, then you can focus on how you do thing and getting things precise and correct rather then putting on a show as Mars in Leo wants to do.

Now I said that there is a nemesis with any connection to Regulus and Mars’ nemesis this time around will be in the form of a nasty opposition to Neptune. This aspect saps your strength and your ability to act in an effective manner and it may also be working behind the scenes to thwart your best interests. Neptune will show deception and deceit towards you and will confuse things too and only if you can forgive and forget and not be provoked by what is working against you will you be able to make the very best that Mars conjunct Regulus can offer.

In the US, I feel a game of brinkmanship going on as the financial shutdown grinds through into a third week. Will President Obama keep his cool and not try to take out some kind of revenge of the Republicans who keep delaying and upsetting his desire to set a budget? This is his personal test right now especially with Regulus and Mars connection in his 7th house of one to one relationships and that of open enemies. I think that he will have to keep his dignity to get the agreements that he and the US so desire and need. If he does then he can move forward confidently. If he reacts in the wrong manner then great losses may befall him.

Venus conjunct Agena – Sacrificing today in order to benefit tomorrow.

This conjunction start to form on 1st October and will be active the next day too. It occurs at 23:59 degrees Scorpio.

Agena is the second star in Centaurus (the other is Toliman) and this constellation highlights the story of the Centaurs, Chiron & Pholos. The story goes that Hercules who, after drinking too much wine, accidentally wounded Chiron thinking that he was under attack from them. Chiron was the immortal to the two Centaurs and so this injury condemned him to a life of pain and suffering. As Pholos was pulling out Hercules’ arrow from the foot of Chiron, he grazed himself with the tip of the arrow also causing a mortal wound. Pholos was able to die, and Chiron gave away his immortality to Prometheus so that he could die too.

This star is thus tied to the idea of healing and the sacrifices you make in order to improve your situation or to encourage growth, either by yourself or collectively. Chiron gave away his everyday life and Agena empowers you to attend to those same routine things in life, so that you can attain success. This is a star where the mundane, everyday things in life are important.

With Venus joining up with Agena we certainly have a social side to this combination as she brings people together. The more materialistic element of Venus in giving up something, to gain far greater riches in the future does resonate with me as well. The other philosophers Ptolemy and Ebertein say that this star is beneficial, bringing honour, friendship, morality and health. Ebertein also says that when combined with Venus, this star has a really sensual side to it. Robson says of this combination that it is artistic and poetical, strongly passionate and encourages rash friendships with women!! Those sensual passions will be there especially tomorrow as Venus will also be in a tight square with Mars; this will be an actively creative day too.

This connection last occurred on 10th and 11th December last year and around the world on those days Mario Monti, the Italian Prime Minister was stepping down, the Maltese Government collapsed as a budget was thrown out by parliament and the Mali Government resigned en-mass too. There were strikes by health care workers in Madrid, airport workers in Germany and the UK government set out plans to legalise gay marriage.

You can see the themes of sacrifice and relationships through the world events last year, so I wonder what will happen this time? Will American law-makers hold out in the budget disagreement forcing a shutdown of many government services in the US, or will they back down at the last minute? I say they will find some sort of compromise for the greater good of all Americans. Here in the UK we have a Post Office strike looming and the Italian government is in crisis again. This is because Venus rules the Italian chart, and at this point in her cycle Venus squares the Italian natal Venus and opposes Pluto at the same time.

Venus enters the stars of Libra – Time to call for reform

Venus is now in conjunction with Zuben Elgenubi until 25th Sept 2013 and will go on to connect with Zuben Eschamali on 27th and 28th Sept 2013. Zuben Elgenubi sits at 15:16 degrees Scorpio and Zuben Eschamali is at 19:34 Scorpio.

Venus conjunct Acrux and Alphecca – Testing your priorities within relationships

These conjunctions are starting to form now and last a couple of days until 22nd September. They occur at 12:03 degrees Scorpio (Acrux) and 12:29 Scorpio (Alphecca).

This is a really fascinating set of connections that are coming up this weekend. Venus of course is the planet of relationships, of money, possessions and of love and connecting with these two different influences may be very enlightening. Acrux is a star in Crux the constellation of the Southern Cross and this star is very much connected to the material world, to money and the visible side of any partnership what you own. Any relationships seen under this influence are likely to be tinged by how much it is worth to the respective partners, what can you accrue and gain.

Alphecca on the other hand is a star in the Corona Borealis, the female crown or garland of flowers. Here one is often offered a chance for improvement or a rise in social status through luck or love, but it always comes at a cost. I have seen this star sitting conjunct someone’s Ascendant and I know this effect to be scarily accurate.
Venus here linking with these two stars accentuates the financial side of any social dealings, and I think that money and what is owned by who is going to be a bone of contention over the next couple of days. Issues of how much something is worth may crop up in your life and economic concerns may well dominate this weekend. You know money and love when they are intertwined can cause huge problems between people and Venus’ darker side may well be as a result of seeing love in purely financial terms rather than for what it should be, two people caring deeply and truly for one another. You may be tested by these issues over Saturday and Sunday.

There is one more completely different metaphor that is going to happen this weekend that absolutely encapsulated this conjunction. In Germany, Angela Merkel is set to win her 3rd election in a row. The planet Venus, one of the major female influences in the night skies is connecting with Acrux, a star of materialism and structure, and with Alphecca, a star representing the crown of a woman. The stars say that a female is going to gain power and glory and in Germany, Angela is going to be reaffirmed again as the most powerful woman in the world. The thing is, Alphecca says this comes at a price this time. I wonder what that might be?

Mars conjunct Dubhe – Bringing out the protective side of your nature

This conjunction comes into effect on 19th September lasting until 22nd September 2013. It occurs at 15:23 degrees Leo

Ursa Major or the great bear is one of the most noticeable constellations in the night sky and the main and brightest star found within it is Dubhe. Bears are not naturally aggressive animals unless they are provoked; indeed they will rarely attack unless they are protecting their offspring. In the norm, they are strong, persistent, patient, have tremendous endurance and they understand the rhythm of the seasons, hibernating during the harsh winters and making the most of the abundance of the spring and summer months. In the same manner, this star takes it’s lead from these qualities brings a quiet calm and patient approach to solving problems and a love and appreciation of nature too.