DNA Profiling: 40 Years

On Monday, 10th September 1984 at 9:05am Professor Alec Jeffreys (born 9th January 1950) developed the technique of genetic fingerprinting in the Department of Genetics at the University of Leicester. Now known as DNA Profiling, his groundbreaking discovery has revolutionised our lives.

When Genetic Fingerprinting - so-called because like fingerprints, our DNA is unique to each of us - was discovered, the Sun was in Virgo, the sign of analysis, scrutiny and precision, barely two hours after a Full Moon in Pisces. This sign symbolises unlimited possibilities and things we cannot touch or see. This includes the microscopic world. Things which exist at the molecular level, atoms, particles, etc.

The Full Moon aspect is squared by Mars thus forming a configuration called a T-Square. In astrology the Sun represents the father and the Moon represents the mother - the very people who pass on their DNA to us via conception. The Moon rules bodily fluids and Mars rules blood. Until the potential of DNA was fully realised, blood groups were the only way to attempt proof of paternity.

The Moon was in a very positive trine aspect to the Midheaven indicating that this would influence the public in a very positive way. You'll know what that means if, like me, you have sent your DNA to a genealogy website and discovered ancestors and living relatives you never knew you had. 

Mercury was at the very beginning of Virgo and in a T-Square to the Nodal Axis, as well as in a trine aspect to Jupiter and a sextile to Pluto. This position of Mercury indicates that a very positive medical breakthrough was taking place on that day. Mercury was also in a hidden trine aspect to Neptune indicating that this would be connected to the microscopic world..

The Ascendant was in Libra with the chart ruler Venus also in Libra conjunct the actual degree. It also formed a sextile to Uranus. Venus and Libra symbolise how we connect to others - the basic principle of DNA profiling - and in a positive sextile aspect to Uranus, the planet of innovation. 

The DNA Profiling discovery chart

Mars is conjunct Uranus in the DNA chart and this planetary combination has a very positive side as pioneering, scientific breakthroughs often take place when Mars and Uranus line up. This is because they both symbolise innovation, technology, discovery, new beginnings and looking to the future. They are the planets of initiative, enterprise and radical new concepts. What happened on 10th September 1984 was the epitome of that Mars Uranus definition. 

Neptune conjunct a World Point (0° Cap) Neptune rules particles, atoms, molecules, the pieces of something that make up the whole. This includes DNA. Being on a World Point indicates something very important in connection to what has often been referred to as 'inner space' which, until the invention of the microscope (c.1590) had remained hidden and mysterious. 

ALEC JEFFREYS

A DNA 'barcode'

In the year of Alec Jeffreys' momentous discovery, Uranus in his Annual Degree Projection chart was conjunct a World Point at 0° Capricorn forming an opposition aspect to his natal Uranus. This planetary influence tends to bring an urgent feeling of needing to make something out of your life and I wouldn't be surprised if this is what spurred him on in his quest. The Uranus opposition is often a peak time in a person's life - reaching a pinnacle in their career and elevating their status. When Uranus conjuncts a World Point it highlights creativity and genius through your career which manifests on the world stage. In turn, this brings success, recognition, popularity, or even cult status. It is a particularly beneficial influence for science and technology.

With his Solar Arc Nodal Axis beginning to form a square aspect to his natal Pluto, the year 1984 was always going to be a pivotal one for Alec Jeffreys. The Nodes represent the past and the future while Pluto rules genetics. This is exactly what his discovery achieved - it brought the basic essence of life itself from its origins and propelled it into the future.

In the year 1984, Alec Jeffreys' Solar Arc Uranus began to form an opposition aspect to his natal Jupiter. Uranus is the planet of revelations, as well as revolutionary discoveries and inventions. Jupiter symbolises exploration, new information, and exposing the truth. Together, they awakened Professor Jeffreys to a whole new level of reality. 

DNA Profiling is a forensic technique used in criminal investigations. It is also used in paternity testing,and in genealogical and medical research, as well as in the study of animals and plants. DNA Profiling has been of benefit to us all in so many fascinating ways. It has changed our perception of life itself and the world is so much better for it. In my opinion, it is a miracle of modern science.

War In Ukraine: The Conclusion - Part 2

Last year, on Ukraine's Independence Day, I discussed the astrological indicators for the possible end to the war. I also promised more information in Part 2 without intending it to be 12 months later. However, due to a deluge of astrological work off-line and personal issues to deal with, it was delayed. So, here we are at last.

When attempting to discover patterns and cycles for the end of any war, it's vitally important to study the chart for the date when the war began. World War II started on 1st Sept 1939 and the Russia-Ukraine war started on 24th Feb 2022: Of all the wars I've researched, World War II is the one that resonates the most with the Russia-Ukraine War. 

At the start of World War II the transiting Sun was in the sign of Virgo. At the start of the Russia-Ukraine war, the transiting Sun was in Pisces, exactly opposite. So, both Suns were in Mutable signs.

For both wars the transiting Moon was in a Fire sign and in hard aspect to Jupiter.

Mercury was square Uranus

Venus was in the element of Earth

Mars was in Capricorn: 24° for WWII and 22° for the Ukraine War, With both in aspect to Neptune.

Saturn was in a Fixed sign for both wars..

For the start of both wars transiting Uranus was in Taurus: 21° for WW2 and 11° for Ukraine.

Neptune was at 22° Virgo at the start of WWII and exactly opposite at 22° Pisces for the war in Ukraine.

The Nodes were in Scorpio-Taurus for WWII and in Taurus-Scorpio for the Russia-Ukraine war. 

THE URANUS FACTOR

Throughout my research into the astrology of war, something interesting arose involving Uranus. In 83% of the wars I studied, Uranus was positioned in a Fixed Sign at the start of the conflict - with 60% of those positions being in Taurus. 

When the Crimean War began in 1853, transiting Uranus was at 11° Taurus. When the Russia-Ukraine War began in 2022, transiting Uranus was also at 11° Taurus. When Putin illegally annexed Crimea in 2014, transiting Uranus was at 11° Aries. When World War II began in 1939, transiting Uranus was at 21° Taurus and when it ended in 1945, transiting Uranus was at 11° Gemini.

What is it about 11 degrees and why do the majority of wars start under the influence of a Fixed sign Uranus? This is something I have yet to discover. 

When a new war begins, transiting Uranus frequently re-activates a previous war position..For example, when the First World War ended, transiting Uranus was at 23° Aquarius. When the Second World War began transiting Uranus was in a square aspect to it, at 21° Taurus. When WWI began, Uranus was at 10° Aquarius, activating Uranus at 11° Taurus in the Crimean War chart. When the Russia-Ukraine War began, Uranus was at 11° Taurus - again, forming a hard aspect to both WWI and the Crimean War. 

D-DAY

On 6th June 2024, the world commemorated the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings and the allied heroes who stormed the beaches of Normandy, France. D-Day was a very important pivotal event which drastically changed the course of World War II and ultimately led to its end in Europe 11 months later. This fact alone strongly suggests that a similar initiative is exactly what is required to bring the Ukraine war to a close. But how? Warfare in the 21st Century is very different to 80 years ago and although there has been a 'boots-on-the-ground' approach to the Russian invasion, much of the action is executed via modern technology such as drones. 

As I write this, Ukraine has, for the first time since the war began two and a half years ago, crossed the border into Russia and initiated a counter-attack. Could this ultimately lead to a ceasefire? A peace treaty? Victory for Ukraine? One thing is for sure, Russia's downfall is imminent and will most likely occur in 2026. The question is: Will it take place before or after Ukraine wins? 

There are many dates coming up which indicate the potential end to this war and the first one is due on 22nd January 2025. Watch and wait.....

Blog Birthday - 11 Years

 

Ephemeral Arc is 11 years old today!

THANK YOU

for making it such a success

~ Sue

Donald Trump

Back in 2022, transiting Mars, Uranus and the North Node formed a conjunction in the sign of Taurus. Now, two years later, from 12th July - 20th July 2024, Mars is conjunct Uranus again - only this time they will be joined by the Fixed Star Algol. Fixed stars are not actually static but they move so slowly - 1 degree every 72 years - that they appear to barely move at all. Algol is associated with danger and violence and is often referred to as 'The Demon Star'. However, it is also 'The Star Of Spirit' and brings great courage too.

This planetary combination has a very positive side as pioneering, scientific breakthroughs often take place when Mars and Uranus line up. This is because they both symbolise innovation, technology, discovery, new beginnings and looking to the future. They are the planets of initiative, enterprise and radical new concepts.

However, on the world stage, unexpected and dramatic events are likely to occur, particularly in connection to food, finance and territory, including natural disasters like earthquakes, landslides, avalanches, lightning strikes or volcanic eruptions. Because this planetary aspect is taking place in a Fixed Sign, it means that anyone - or anything - with planets in those signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius) particularly if they are on, or close to, the relevant degree (26°) will be strongly affected by this influence. 

Donald Trump is a prime example. With his natal Mars currently being squared by the transiting Mars Uranus conjunction and also conjunct his natal Midheaven, it was almost certain that he would be involved in some sort of dramatic event. Many astrologers describe the Midheaven as being connected to career, but the Midheaven is actually the point which represents public image. It is also the point in the chart which symbolises 'things that happen to you'. Therefore, Mars and Uranus conjunct Donald Trump's Midheaven was an indication of something potentially violent happening out of the blue. 

This is not the first time that Donald Trump has been adversely influenced by transiting Mars in conjunction to Uranus in Taurus. This planetary aspect took place on 18th January 2021 - which was 12 days after the storming of the Capitol, two days before the Inauguration of President Biden and on the day that Twitter banned Donald Trump from its platform. 

The last time Mars was conjunct Uranus - in August 2022 - Donald Trump's Florida mansion was raided by the FBI. A very turbulent week lies ahead.

Sir Andy Murray OBE

British tennis champion Sir Andy Murray OBE was born on Friday 15th May 1987 at 2:10pm in Glasgow, Scotland, UK.

With his natal Sun in the sign of Taurus, Andy is strong and determined both physically and psychologically. He's a hard worker, and he has lots of talent. The Sun in sector nine of his natal chart shows that he is deep thinking and sincere with strong moral values. The Sun is in a square aspect to the Vertex in Andy's natal chart indicating that he may have negative ideas about people in positions of authority. Perhaps this is borne out of a sense of insecurity or shyness. However, he has the ability to attain great status in his own right, and the drive to overcome any obstacles that stand in his way. 

The Moon in Sagittarius shows a strong emotional attachment to his childhood. Andy has high ideals and tremendous optimism. He is extremely intuitive and probably follows his gut instinct a lot of the time. He has the ability to tune in to - and accurately gauge - public opinion. With the Moon in this sign, he was born to travel and have many foreign connections. He lived abroad when he was younger, and may do so again in the future. Situated in Sagittarius and sector four, the Moon is part of a Stellium configuration including Saturn and Uranus. This shows that Andy can sometimes feel uncomfortable when he's forced to act according to the demands of other people or because of the rules of social convention. He hates pomp and ceremony, preferring to be casual and to feel unrestrained. Andy has a total of four planets and one asteroid in sector four of his natal chart. This indicates that his home and family are of the utmost importance. He needs to create a home that can be his personal sanctuary. 

The Moon is in conjunction with both natal Saturn and Uranus symbolising powerful concentration, and a dedication to duty. Self-denial will not have been a problem for Andy. Sometimes highly strung, he will let go emotionally after previously detaching. In a trine to natal Venus, the Moon brings an ease of social graces, and he is very diplomatic and well-mannered. Very supportive of those around him - including his fellow tennis players - he probably doesn't realise quite how popular he is. This young man is extremely modest and self-effacing. The Moon in opposition to Mars shows that he is harshly critical of himself. Although he can be irritable and short-tempered, he is very warm-hearted. Strong-willed, ambitious, and courageous, Andy has a true fighting spirit.

Andy's Ascendant is in Virgo - the sign of precision. This is excellent for someone who needs to have powerful co-ordination in his everyday routine and especially in his career. Extremely skillful and with a sense of perfectionism, care and attention to detail, Andy has a willingness to practise in order to improve. With this rising sign, it has probably taken a long time for him to get used to all the attention he now attracts. Unassuming and shy in new situations, people and public events will have been a very nerve-wracking experience for him. 

With Mercury, his ruling planet, in Gemini, Andy can process information at lightning speed - extremely useful in his profession. He has an abundance of nervous energy and restlessness which will be released by physical activity. Clever, witty, and with excellent hand-eye co-ordination, Andy is, in many ways, a textbook example of Mercury in Gemini. In the 9th sector of the natal chart, Mercury shows that he enjoys sharing his opinions and ideas. It would bring him great pleasure in knowing that something he has done has inspired others to take action, or make changes in their lives. As Mercury is the most elevated planet in Andy's natal chart, I would expect him to attain even greater success after his tennis career has ended through teaching and coaching, writing, interviews, and some very successful commercial ventures.

Venus in the sign of Aries gives Andy his competitive instinct. The thing that's struck me most about his chart is how different he is in private to the way he tends to be perceived by the public. This position of Venus indicates someone who is socially dynamic, rather good at flirting, and prone to instant, impulsive attractions. Venus in sector eight shows intensity in romantic relationships, so casual encounters would be a definite no-no. He will give everything in love and will be totally devoted. Andy has great passion - and not just for tennis.... Venus is in a sextile aspect to Mars and a trine to Uranus in the natal chart. This reveals that he is warm, affectionate, and charismatic. He may also have creative talents which he has yet to discover.

In Andy's natal chart, Mars is situated in the sign of Gemini. This makes him very energetic and when he gets wound up he lets off steam using words - particularly colourful language on the tennis court. Direct and clear when it comes to communicating, he probably loves a good debate. This position of Mars indicates strong arms and hands - no surprises there! Mars in sector 10 of the natal chart shows easy success from a young age. Andy knew from childhood that, in order to achieve his ambitions, he would have to work very hard, and that's exactly what he did. With Mars in an opposition aspect to Saturn, Andy is a perfectionist who is probably never completely satisfied with his own achievements - even though they are outstanding. He sets very high standards for himself. Capable of great self-control and self-denial he can be a hard task master, expecting far too much of himself. Sometimes he may even doubt his own talent and ability. Anger and frustration could be a problem for him too.

Mars is also in an opposition to Uranus in Andy's natal chart and this shows that he was destined to stand out in some way - he's a leader, not a follower. However, a tendency to be stubborn could occasionally hamper his progress and cause unnecessary delays or obstacles. Although he can be very temperamental and impatient, he will tend to get over things quickly. Being highly-strung, he may find it difficult to slow down, pace himself, or relax. Mars in opposition to both Saturn and Uranus carries a high risk of accident and injury. Fiercely individualistic, independent, self-willed and intolerant of restrictions, he may also be extremely rebellious at times. With his abundance of energy, he requires a lot of personal freedom to do things in his own way and at his own pace. 

Strictly Come Dancing: 20 Years

BBC talent show Strictly Come Dancing first started on 15th May 2004 in London, England. Although I actually watched the very first show all those years ago, I cannot recall what time it began and I've been unable to find that particular piece of information. However, I do know that it was broadcast at primetime on a Saturday evening, so that means it began sometime between 6pm and 9pm. This narrows down the potential rising sign to either Libra or Scorpio and pinpoints the Moon's position as 16° - 17° Aries. In the chart below, I've split the difference and gone for a 7:30pm starting time. (Your comments on this would be very much appreciated)

The Sun was in Taurus, the sign of music and talent, so perfect for a dance contest. However, Taurus is also the sign of bewitching earthy sensuality. The Strictly Sun is in a conjunction to the fixed star Capulus, a combination which brings endurance, determination, and an ability to focus energy. Definitely qualities that are required by the dancers! The Capulus influence also brings the ability to achieve a prominent position in any field of expertise, and indicates success in dealing with the public. So, no prizes for guessing why Strictly Come Dancing has been so popular for the last 20 years!

With both the Moon and Mercury in Aries - and Mercury in a sextile aspect to Venus - it was obvious that the show would be an immediate hit with the viewers. But Mercury is also in a square to Chiron which represents teaching - a vital part of the show - and also symbolises 'forbidden love'. Could this hint at the numerous affairs that have taken place within the show?

Throughout the history of the show there have been many rumours - and confirmations - of affairs taking place between the professional dancers and their celebrity partners, and also of relationships ending. Occurring well above the law of averages, this phenomenon has become known as 'The Strictly Curse'. But do curses exist and if so, can we see a 'curse' in the astrological chart? Astrological charts contain positive and negative energies. When these are triggered by other planets - transits, progressions, or the planets from another person's chart - positive or negative experiences tend to occur. If we define the word curse as the manifestation of negative energy, then it should be possible to find that influence in an astrological chart. 

Venus in an opposition aspect to Pluto in the Strictly chart indicates the discovery of hidden talents - which is what this show was designed for - but also upheavals in love, emotional intensity and sexual desire. Of course, Venus also rules music and dancing, and combined with Pluto the whole concept becomes much deeper and more complex with hidden undercurrents of unrequited lust. Cue the Strictly Curse!

In the Strictly Come Dancing chart Mars is in conjunction with Saturn. This planetary combination really puts the STRICT into STRICTLY! Participating in this show is something of an endurance test, and you really feel the need to prove yourself. There's physical suffering - mostly due to exhaustion and unaccustomed exercise - as well as the risk of potential injury. This show is extremely hard work. Discipline, perseverance, and a strong survival instinct are required to stave off the frustration felt by many of the contestants - and possibly the pro-dancers too. Mars in aspect to Saturn gives strong determination and sustained effort in the pursuit of goals. The creative energy of Mars is positively influenced by Saturn’s strong work ethic. Because this aspect is very authoritative, being judged, standing under a spotlight, and listening to that 'boom, boom, boom' music of the potential dance-off, are all symbolised by this planetary influence.

Mars in a trine aspect to Uranus shows the high physical energy required by both the contestants and professional dancers. This planetary combination indicates an exciting, adventurous experience with the unexpected opportunity for overnight success. This is very true for many of the celebrities who take part in Strictly. Although they are already famous for their own brand of entertainment, they often go on to achieve so much more after the contest has ended. Strictly is a high-octane show whose mass popularity propels even mediocre celebrities into media superstars.

Pluto in an opposition aspect to Lilith is a really big indicator of something that could symbolise the 'Strictly Curse'. Pluto represents transformation and within the context of Strictly Come Dancing we see this being manifested as celebrity contestants who have never danced before emerging as confident performers. Many of the female contestants describe the whole experience as a process of liberation, allowing them to freely express their sexuality (symbolised by Lilith) in a positive way. Primitive instincts which are normally suppressed because they are socially undesirable can be released 'safely' through dance. However, when spilling over into real life, they can result in negative behaviour such as compulsions, obsessions, jealousy or secret affairs.

CURRENT DILEMMA

At the moment, Strictly Come Dancing is once more embroiled in controversy. This time it's accusations towards a professional dancer from his former celebrity partners who claim he bullied them. As there is an internal investigation going on right now, I won't be commenting on the details of who is involved or if the allegations are true or not, but the SCD chart is rather stressed at the moment. One example is Solar Arc Pluto currently in an opposition aspect to the Strictly chart Saturn. This planetary combination indicates hard times through threats and distancing. It shows a lack of compassion and a hard-hearted attitude which can be very destructive. This Saturn-Pluto influence is compounded by transiting Saturn which is  approaching a square aspect to Strictly's natal Pluto. This will ease off during the rest of 2024 only to come back for an exact hit in March 2025. Other planetary influences right now include transiting Uranus conjunct the Strictly natal Sun. This indicates considerable unrest, inner tension and unexpected setbacks. 

What Is Love?

Nowadays, whenever the word 'love' is mentioned, most people automatically think about romance or sex. But love has several meanings, and one of the things you learn when you begin to study astrology is the many ways in which people express affection. The concept of love has been analysed for centuries, and still no-one can say for sure what it is. From my years of experience analysing charts here's my take on this complex subject.

There are many different varieties of love: passionate love - the kind that sends you out of your mind and is called being 'in love'. Joie de vivre - the love of life. That feeling you get when you're healthy and happy, and you don't need anyone else to make you feel that way. Cool, platonic love - the kind you feel towards, and from, your friends. Then there's the natural, instinctive love you feel for your family. And ethereal love - if you're religious, you'll know how this feels. But, even if you're not religious, you can still experience this by being spiritually aware.

Although love itself is intangible, there are quite a few regulations surrounding it. For example, with romantic/sexual love you can, under the normal rules of society, only have one partner at a time. But with platonic love, you can have as many friends as you want. Maybe that's one of the reasons why platonic relationships often last much longer than romantic ones. Friendship is a no-strings attachment. A sexual relationship is all-or-nothing. The concept of love is confusing at times because different people have different views about it. Love is often a collection of different feelings: admiration, respect, passion, desire, etc.

I often see really interesting love connections when I'm analysing people's charts. One thing I'm often asked about is the theory of soulmates. Do they exist - and if they do, does that mean that reincarnation also exists? After all, this is the basic premise for 'soulmates' - people coming back from beyond the grave to reunite with each other on earth. Bizarrely enough, astrology definitely seems to back up this theory. The Lunar Nodes are said to represent karma and past lives, so does Neptune and the 12th house. 

There is also something astrologers call Polarity, which in chart comparison between two people, indicates a strong relationship. It's found in more than 80% of marriages and other committed, long-term partnerships. Polarity occurs when a highly personal planet or point in one person's chart is in opposition - polarised - to a personal planet or point in the other. The points and planets used for this are the Sun, Moon, and Ascendant. Any combination is relevant: Sun opposite Sun, Moon opposite Moon, Sun opposite Ascendant, etc. 

However, one of the most interesting connections of all occurs when the Ascendant/Descendant axis of one chart is exactly in line with the Nodal Axis of the other. This indicates that the two people involved may have known each other in a past life, and when they were 'reunited' by meeting for the first time, they will have experienced an instant and powerful rapport. If you believe in reincarnation they're soulmates, although I must admit I'm still not sure whether I believe in it or not.... Whatever it all means, the Nodes are a very powerful force in synastry connections.