Full Moon in Cancer – Foreshadowing a deeper and more intense change

I don't know about you and in your life, but the last few days have seemed to me to be pretty intense. We have just been through a very difficult moment as Mercury stationed retrograde while activating the big aspect of 2021, the Saturn square to Uranus. This brought back issues from 2021 into focus, and forced us to face matters that we were responsible for, maybe for difficult positions that we had put ourselves in previously? Both Mercury and Venus are now retrograde for pretty much the rest of this month, and we likely find ourselves to be in some kind of roll back situation until they both turn direct – first Venus on 29th January followed by Mercury on 4th February. These will dredge up situations linked to previous decisions and rules activated by the Mercury station, and we may have to deal with previous social contacts or maybe financial issues affected by Venus. All these will have to be considered and reviewed by the end of the month.

This Week in Astrology - 26th July until 1st August 2021 – Flexibility

This week begins rather quietly, and there will be no new aspects on either Monday or Tuesday, and it's only in mid-week when the action will begin. This will see Mercury which has been moving through emotional Cancer shift into brash and bold Leo early on Wednesday 28th July. As it does so, it will immediately pick up on an inconjunct aspect to Jupiter, and here we may have an issue of being too forthright for our own good, before suddenly realising that we have rather overstepped the mark. It is possible that we may have to retract what we say, or express our ideas and feelings in more measured terms. Decisions we make in the heat of the moment we may come to regret, and the landscape will change further later on in the day, as Jupiter moves out of Pisces and back into Aquarius. What started out as a good idea, may end up being a total misjudgement, so be prepared to make last minute changes, if needs be. If you are making a trip today, watch out for unexpected delays, or things going wrong en-route.

This Week In Astrology - 12th until 18th July 2021 – Love Is In The Air

 

There's a warm feeling abut the coming week in the heavens above us, and we start off in a hugely philosophical mood with Mercury in humanistic Cancer making a trine to Jupiter in Pisces. This is a day of huge emotion and joy, both of tears of happiness and disappointment, and whichever side of the coin we find ourselves on, we will be able to learn lessons from all of those feelings surrounding us. There is a wide outreach surrounding the energy today, and we will understand that we can aspire to more and to go further than we have done. Big plans come out of Jupiter trine Mercury.

The New Moon in Cancer on 10th July 2021 - Togetherness

We have just come through a New Moon in Cancer in the early hours this morning, so this is a lunation focused on emotion, caring, compassion and aimed at the circle of loved ones around us. I sense that it will foster a real sense of togetherness. This is also a New Moon where we will be looking to protect and secure what we have achieved not only in a personal sense but also on a wider more national level too. New Moons promote new starts and beginnings and if things have been a little rocky recently, then this new Moon will give a chance to start again, bring forward new initiatives and to make the sacrifices necessary to heal problems of the past.

This Week in Astrology - 5th until 11th July 2021 – Venus Takes The Spotlight

Hi everyone. The coming week in Astro terms is sort of a mirror image of last week, in so much as one of the inner planets enters the Saturn Uranus square to turn up the heat. Last week it was Mars in the mix, and this week Venus will be the star of the show.

Britney Spears – Freedom on the way?

In an empassioned plea to the court, Britney Spears yesterday stated her case to be released from a conservatorship that she has been living under for the past 13 years. She has been effectively controlled by her father because she was judged to be unable to look after herself in the past. Now she has gone to court to get those impositions revoked.

The Full Moon in Cancer on 30th December 2020 – Making plans for the New Year

There's going to be a full Moon on the 30th December at 8 degrees in the sign of Cancer, a reminder that the Capricorn Cancer influence of the past 2 to 3 years has not quite finished yet. As you will know Cancer is a sign of nurturing, security, family and the past, and this lunation will highlight these themes as we get the end of a most difficult year, and look forward with hope that 2021 will be a little bit better.

Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha – Fated by Uranus, Venus and a Full Moon

I have always wanted to show you the stunning effects of Astrology over the years and the tragic death of Thai businessman, Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha in a fiery helicopter crash last night is testament to the power of the subject I study.

You may not have heard of Vichai, but in his native Thailand and in the UK in the city of Leicester, he was totally revered. A self made businessman, Vichai was the 5th richest man in Thailand, making his fortune through the Duty Free company King Power. If you have ever been travelling, no doubt you will have noticed duty free bags emblazoned with the logo of his company. He bought out a football team in the United Kingdom, Leicester City, and Leicester started an incredible run of success that lead to a fairy-tale victory in the English Premier League. Little Leicester stunned the world in winning the most revered league title in world soccer. Their success captured global attention, and the team paraded the trophy in front of a million people in Bangkok. This man was a philanthropist, a family man and universally loved.

Last night after a match at Leicester's King Power Stadium, the private helicopter of the club owner landed on the pitch as it always did. As it took off with Vichai and his daughter on board, something went catastrophically wrong, the helicopter stalled in the air and came crashing down in a fireball in the club car park behind the stadium. There was no chance for anyone on board.

Trump Watch – What's up next for 45?

It's been a long while since I looked at the 45^th President of the United States and for us Astrologers he is fascinating simply because so much happens while he's around. As someone born with a Sun Uranus conjunction, he courts controversy and disruption, and that's how he will always operate. Uranus in Gemini is almost schizophrenic in nature – I mean the planet of disruption in the sign of the trickster??!? My wife is a Gemini and she blows hot and cold and you will see all 4 seasons in one day from her, so heavens alone what it must be like to work alongside the erstwhile President? Anyway, back to matters in hand and I will (if I have time) have a look at his chart periodically to see what is on the horizon for him.

Saturn square Chiron – Finding a solution to deep seated problems

We are approaching the final connection in a series of three as Saturn in Sagittarius moves forward to form a square aspect with Chiron in Pisces, the planet of restriction, loss and hard lessons learned making a tension riddled and difficult square to Chiron,the planet of wounds and subsequent healing. Just from those two descriptions you can probably see the effects of this square coming into being on November 2nd 2017. The previous exact hits were over the Christmas holidays last year on 28th December and there was a second link up on 30th April at 27.19 degrees Sagittarius/Pisces. This one is exact at 24.27 degrees of the same signs.

Saturn square Chiron - Time to go with the tide

 

We are approaching the 2nd connection in a series of three as Chiron in Pisces moves forward to form a square aspect with Saturn in Sagittarius, the planet of wounds and subsequent healing making a tension riddled and difficult square to Saturn, the planet of restriction, loss and hard lessons learned. Just from those two descriptions you can probably see the effects of this square coming into being. The next exact hit (the first one was over the Christmas holidays on 28th December) occurs on 30th April at 27.19 degrees Sagittarius/Pisces, although the effects of it will already be starting to make themselves evident, as this square is now just over 2 degrees from being exact and continuing day on day to close in. There is an extra complication in all this too, as Venus retrograde joins in the mix from mid April onwards.

George W Bush - From President to compassionate artist.

 

Hi everyone. My Astrological topic this morning is a very warming and heartfelt one, the budding artist that is former President of the United States, George W Bush. He has issued through a book several paintings of war veterans who lost limbs and suffered life threatening injuries, ones who went into battle under his leadership.

Venus conjunct Alderamin – The king calls for unity.

 

This morning (2nd March 2017) we are just one day from Venus turning retrograde and she turns right on an important fixed star, Alderamin in the constellation of Cephus, the king. If you regularly read the stuff on my page, you'll know that Mars passed over this star about a week and a half ago and I described it as a strong and yet gentle star that is interested in harmony and equality, no matter your gender, belief or sexual orientation. The king has to rule for all his subjects in a strong but fair manner, and that is what this star ultimately represents.

Now Venus is spending a considerable few days on Alderamin as she comes to a halt. She first connected with it last weekend and finally breaks contact in retrograde motion on 10th March. As you will have seen a couple of days ago, Venus pacifies the King, and by the "King" I mean the leader of the free world. Have you noticed how President Trump was much more gentle and controlled when he spoke to the American congress just two days ago? Such a change to the day when he took office, and I believe that this influence was one holding sway over Trump as he called for unity between Democrats and Republicans. That's so very typical of how Alderamin works.

Now, Venus turning retrograde on this star is very significant, as it means a turn around for the King, something is going to switch or change around him, something connected to Venus. An old issue rears it's ugly head perhaps, something linked to his personal values? A relationship that occurred in the past being brought into the open? Matters of finances or his handling of money being reviewed? A switch in his social values (unlikely)? Will he be more or less diplomatic than he has been? This is for sure - the King and his handling of the Presidency so far will start to be reviewed and assessed, the relationships he has made and the ones he is cultivating. Has he achieved what he promised, has he reneged on anything?

Society will be watching and making a judgement on his performance, and by the end of Venus retrograde on 14th April, we will have some kind of initial verdict on him and his team.

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Venus Retrograde in 2017

In the early days of next month, Venus stops and begins a retrograde period. These don't happen so often, every year and a half in fact, so Venus retrograde is in no way in the public consciousness as Mercury retrograde which occurs three times a year.

Venus conjunct Betelgeuse and Polaris - Making important relationships and going in the right direction.

Venus conjunct Betelgeuse and Polaris - Making important relationships and going in the right direction.

This aspect is active tomorrow and lasts until Friday 18th July at 28.46 and 28.57 degrees Gemini.

Do you feel the energy and the positivity that is flooding in now? As Mars and the North Node leave the star Arcturus behind, Venus moves onto the final degree of Gemini and connects with Betelgeuse in Orion and Polaris, the pole star in Ursa Minor, the little bear. This is a fabulous set of connections for making significant and beneficial relationships. I don't get truly positive unless there is a reason to do so, but now the people to meet and connect with will provide you with opportunities to expand your lives and to bless you with potential success.

Betelgeuse is one of the luckiest stars in the skies sitting in the shoulder of Orion. George Noonan said about Betelgeuse that " the star is indicative of great fortune, martial honours and "kingly" attributes". There is on downside though. He also said that "war and carnage are presaged by Betelgeuse" and I fear that in the West Bank and Israel, this connection will precede nasty events connected to a relationship that is once again turning sour.

Polaris is a star used by sailors and explorers to determine which direction one is going, and thus this star as links to path finding and guiding us. I think the people we meet with on these two days will help us along the route of life that we want to go and maybe should be going. You may also get instruction or advise about how to use your money and possessions in the best way possible. This double connection I see as a good time to sort out financial arrangements and to make agreements with those who will help you in the future. One thing to note as well about this aspect. Venus is a planet of style and beauty and with the very focused nature of Polaris going in one direction, you may get bogged down for a day or two into an argument of style over substance.

Venus conjunct Capella & Phact – Let your inhibitions fly away.

This double conjunction is active now until Sunday 13th July and occurs at 22.03 and 22.22 degrees Gemini 

Today tomorrow and early Sunday, Venus is moving along to connect with the stars Capella in the constellation of Auriga, the charioteer and also with Phact, a star in the constellation of Columba, the Dove.These are two quite active and fun stars and of course the Dove is a bird of peace and joy, so the happy, creative and loving side of Venus is more likely to come out. The Dove holds an olive branch in her beak to this is also a star of exploration and taking a risk or two. Capella is a star of freedom of movement and it has an independent spirit about it.

I get the feeling that this weekend will be one where you can really cut loose, enjoy being with loved ones and friends and it may be a good idea to plan a trip and go to somewhere you have never been before. Venus is the planet of money and I can see it being one where it may be free spending as well.

With Venus being in a trine to Mars if you are single and these planets connect up with your personal ones, your Moon or your Sun this could be a great time to be on the lookout for love. With the independent side of these stars prominent, if your relationship is on rocky ground, then the trine could precipitate argument or a separation as one of you goes wandering. To try and smooth things over, might you have to hold out your own olive branch??

Either way with a full Moon on Saturday and this connection active, emotions will be running high. Make the most of them…

Venus conjunct Bellatrix – Act on what you believe today leaving the consequences for tomorrow.

This connection is active now and lasting through today 10th July 2014 for the next day and a half. It occurs at 21.09 degrees Gemini.

This is an interesting combination as Bellatrix is a star in the constellation of Orion that does have a successful side to it, but with the achievement comes problems in the form of vulnerability and exposing where you are lacking in ability and confidence. This star is also one of strength, bravery and courage but there does always seem to be a down side to any gains that you make and reversals in fortune can often follow. There can be a tendency to fight for lost causes if this star is prominent in your chart. It is connected to femininity and is nicknamed the" Amazon Star" in homage to strong women. Thomas Hood mentioned that “women born under the stars of Orion and especially of Bellatrix shall have mighty tongues!!”

The connection to Venus as normal brings connections to love, relationships and what we value into the equation. With this conjunction we may fight for what we love and value now but ultimately whatever we gain today we may lose later on. Might the person you adore see your weaknesses now and take advantage of them in the fullness of time? Robson seems to agree with me on this when he said about this connection that it created “much suffering through love affairs owing to unrestrained feelings”. Elsbeth Ebertin stated that this star brought the “reckless aggressiveness of a belligerent daredevil” and “it also would lead to advancement and success, but those who succeed always would have to allow for being surrounded with envy and hatred”. With this star you have to take the rough with the smooth.

What to make of this connection then? Well with Venus in a trine to Mars at this time as well, I feel today is going to be a passionate day where one will want to show one’s feelings on any situation, whether it be in a romantic sense or over what you value, either personally or socially. Your actions and words may put across the message that you want to voice, but you may have to pay a price in the future that the decisions that you make today. I suggest you do what you think is right and you let your feelings clearly known, as it is better to be honest with yourself than to betray what really is in your heart.

Venus conjunct Rigel - Rising emotions through deeds and actions.

This conjunction is starting to build and will last from now until Tuesday 8th July at 17:02 degrees Gemini.

Venus is now approaching one of the most prominent stars in the constellation of Orion, Rigel, a star that lies in the foot of the warrior in the skies. Rigel also sits at the end of the constellation of Eridanus, the river. This star does have a rather chaotic and independent side to it but it is also highly regarded by the star gazers of the past. Robson said it was one that brought "benevolence, honour, riches, happiness, glory, renown and inventive or mechanical ability". Rigel also bring the potential for educating or informing and instructing people and is tied to teaching and education.

Venus is the planet of relationships and I have a feeling that our actions and words will be most important in informing our partners and they will teach them a lot of our current intentions, be they good ones or bad ones. I say actions, as Venus will be trine to Mars in Libra, ruled by Venus so there is a strong connection here that will be tightening and strengthening as this aspect connects up and gets closer. Remember that emotions are heightened as these two planets link up in a trine, and love and hate are closely linked. Will there be a love in, or will there be all out fights and will arguments ensue? Venus rising in her "Lucifer" stage before the Sun will be in a more feisty mood than you might think !!

Bernadette Brady things there are social implications brought forward by this conjunction and there may be a lack of respect for social conventions or rules and pretty much anything can go ahead. With Venus making a sextile to Uranus, the planet of shocks and rebellion over the next few days as well, on this occasion her interpretation may be quite appropriate. I think we will be in for an interesting couple of days when nothing is quite certain, breaking rules may be tempting and love and relationships will have many amazing highs and depressing lows...

Venus conjunct Alcyone - Seeing just one side of the story.

This conjunction will be active on 23rd and 24th June at 0:22 degrees Gemini.

The star Alcyone is one of the most prominent ones in the night sky, the most visible of the stars in the nebula of the Pleiades which sits in the constellation of Taurus the Bull. This cluster of stars known as the 7 sisters marked the month when prayers were said for the dead and so they have always had a darker side of life attributed to them, as they always rose at sunset around All Hallow's Eve, the time we now call Halloween. Alcyone as a star represents the third eye, it has insightful, mystical and visionary properties but also a tough, ruthless judgmental and angry side to it too. Nebulae are often connected to blindness if the connections to them are difficult, but not in the literal sense. One can be blind to a possibility too, narrow minded and unable to see an alternative.

Venus is the planet of money, relationships and beauty and in our charts it plays out the function of the things we are most attracted to. With this combination now active we may be harsh or judgmental on the one we love at this time, so be careful to rock the boat in relations to the one you love, it will be easy to be oblivious to everything going on around you and for you to only see your side of the story. The same kind of situations may crop up in regard to things you own or your own personal security. My tip for you is to try and put yourself in someone else's shoes for the days that this aspect is active to appreciate what your other half wants and needs. Robson says of this nebula that it brings "immoral values, strong passions, disgrace through women, sickness, loss of fortune" although the old fashioned astrologers were always more fatalistic in their approach to looking at things.

In the wider world, I fear that social situations may become a little one sided in the way that people are seeing things, in essence blinded to the truth and this of course can cause divisions and anger. Tears and sorrow have always accompanied connections to Alcyone often surrounding matters of life and death and somewhere in the world (my instincts go out to the missing Israeli teenagers in the West Bank) I think you will find social mourning as a result of the loss of someone dear or loved.

Venus conjunct Menkar - Tapping the social conscience

This connection is active on the 9th and 10th June at 14.31 degrees Taurus.

Ah Menkar, the star sitting in the constellation of the great sea monster of the deep oceans, Cetus the Whale. Our fair maiden of the skies is moving into much choppier waters in the next couple of days. Menkar and Cetus represent the consciousness of the human race, those deep forces that hidden away guide people to act as one, for better or for ill. When you get a group of individuals together there will be bickering and argument and often they will not all agree to go in the same direction, but there is safety in numbers.

Think of a shoal of fish swirling in the seas, a flock of birds, a swarm of bees. When they move in tandem it is a beautiful sight, however when they go off in different directions, you can see panic, chaos and mayhem. The nature of Menkar when it connects with a natal or transiting planets to translate and to understand the movements of the collective, to tap into it's motivations although, of course this is not an easy thing to do especially if the group is spread or divided.

Venus is a social planet and her role I think is to challenge collective relationships, their customs and their values. Robson says of this connection that it brings about "strong and uncontrolled passions, jealousy, domestic disharmony and temporary separation" and you may find that international relations take a turn for the worse under this conjunction. Countries who were neighbours, and I am thinking of Russia and Ukraine might start to separate and go their own directions. In your lives if you have personal or relationship planets close to 15 degrees then you might find that your relationships may come under some strain as well. There may be issues of finances or possessions and "who owns what" that come under duress in your lives. Of course if you are creative, and Venus is the planet of beauty, you may make or design something that is appreciated by all who live near or far away. As I said, linking into what others think and want is the lesson of the next couple of days. Either you will get it right and you will benefit enormously, or you will get it wrong, and then all hell will break loose.

By the way, a prime example with Venus conjunct this star is Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of Facebook. He tapped into the collective need for relationships and to share information, and he has made a mint out of it...