The Age Of Aquarius - Part 2

When The Beatles shot to fame in 1962, they weren't just propelled into the spotlight by the Age of Aquarius influence but also because of an astrological phenomenon called The Six Year Cycle. This is a planetary configuration which occurs every six years and involves aspects between Jupiter and Uranus. It triggers sudden and stratospheric fame for certain people in the worlds of show business, sport and science. 

In the Age of Aquarius chart for February 1962 Jupiter and Uranus were not in aspect to each other but by October of that year, they had formed an opposition. The Beatles were not the only ones to benefit from this, it also heralded the arrival of many other iconic musical performers such as the Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan, not to mention the very first James Bond film 'Dr No', starring the late Sean Connery, who himself - along with the Bond movie franchise - attained iconic status.

By 1967 the Age of Aquarius was well up and running and ready to party! This year was destined to go down in history as 'The Summer Of Love' - mainly due to the social influences going on in the USA at that time - and launched the Hippie Movement, Flower Power, etc. However, it was because of the emergence of ‘British Invasion’ groups like The Beatles, that music truly began its revolutionary changes and one Beatles album in particular became the turning point in music that inspired other musicians to experiment with new sounds. 

During the first few years of their unparalleled success, The Beatles were releasing on average two albums per year and a new single every three months. However, by late Spring 1967, there had been no new Beatles albums for almost 10 months. Then, on 1st June of that year, they released Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band - an album which would revolutionise music, culture and art. The album cover was an art form in itself, and it became the first rock album to win the Album Of The Year Grammy Award. The Summer Of Love was inspired by Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band and reinvented pop LPs. It’s no coincidence that 1967 was the first year in which albums outsold singles. So, why 1967, and what were the astrological triggers? 

At this time the Natal Composite chart of John Lennon and Paul McCartney was also being activated in a very dynamic way. Transiting Jupiter was in a trine aspect to their Natal Composite Midheaven bringing the achievement of major goals. Transiting Saturn was squaring their Natal Composite Venus resulting in serious recognition for their talent and followed by awards. However, it's the transits of 1st June 1967 to the Progressed Composite chart of Lennon and McCartney that really showed the boost they experienced that Summer. With the transiting Sun conjunct their Progressed Composite Jupiter there was increased vitality and lucky opportunities. 

Transiting Venus in a square to their Progressed Composite Midheaven brought the perfect opportunity to expose their work to the wider public. With increased confidence and charisma they were able to make a huge impression which in turn propelled them towards initiating new developments, growth and expansion in their professional lives.

Transiting Uranus conjunct Progressed Composite Mars and North Node brought important changes in their situation that allowed more opportunities for creative expression and individuality in their work. They became capable of unusual achievements that set them apart from the rest of their peers and competitors by being willing to experiment in ways that others had not considered. In a word, The Beatles were: Revolutionary

The Age Of Aquarius - Part 1

The Age of Aquarius is something that astrologers have debated, discussed and argued about for decades because they could never agree as to when exactly it would begin. An astrological age is based on the motion of the Earth, known as the Precession of the Equinoxes because the position of the zodiac that the Sun occupies on the Spring Equinox moves backwards by one degree every 72 years. 

This means that every 2,150 years, the Sun’s position at the time of the Equinox has moved into a new constellation on the zodiac circle. As this process happens gradually, it's hard to pinpoint the exact moment of changeover. However, many astrologers consider the 20th century to be the pivotal era - in particular the 1960s, and specifically the year 1962 when an extremely rare planetary configuration appeared which contributed so much energy from Aquarius that it seemed to kick-start the new age. 

On 5th February 1962, there were SEVEN planets - Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn - situated in the sign of Aquarius. Mars and Saturn were conjunct each other at the beginning of the sign and the other five had formed a very rare configuration called a Grand Conjunction in the middle degrees. Not only that, but the Sun and Moon had formed an Eclipse and the South Node was also a part of this group. This was the first line up of it's kind since 1821 - except there were only four planets involved back then and they weren't in Aquarius. The cumulative effect of this 7-planet line up was to exert an influence so strong that it reverberated through the rest of the decade, into the 1970s and beyond. The Aquarian energy flowed and the changes that took place were phenomenal.

In October 1962, an up and coming young band called The Beatles had their first hit with the song 'Love Me Do'. Driven by the combined creative talents of John Lennon and Paul McCartney, they were destined to become one of the greatest bands the world had ever known. The Aquarian line-up of February 1962 resonated strongly with the charts of Lennon and McCartney. The 7-planet line-up was situated in the 5th house of Paul McCartney's natal chart - the area which symbolises creative energy, performing and being in the spotlight. The February North Node was conjunct his natal Moon, indicating popularity and tuning into the public mood, being in the zeitgeist. Also, the Mars Saturn conjunction was opposite his Mars Pluto conjunction. 

Five of the Aquarian planets were in a positive trine aspect to John Lennon's natal Sun - again a very creative influence. Also, the Mars Saturn conjunction of February 1962 was aligned with his natal Moon Pluto opposition. This brought a very profound emotional and passionate energy. All of these planetary influences resonated deeply with Paul and John and led to an extraordinary phenomenon five years later called 'The Summer Of Love'.....

Half A Million Hits

 

2026: August - The Eclipses

The SOLAR ECLIPSE on 12th August 2026 takes place at 20° Leo. This will act as yet another trigger for the 'Four Fours' configuration through two aspects: the Semi-square and the Sesquiquadrate. The Semi-square is an aspect of 45 degrees and the Sesquiquadrate is 135 degrees. 

Unlike other hard aspects which often trigger explosive situations, the semi-square and the sesquiquadrate influence is more subtle. The tension it creates acts as a catalyst to move forward. In a global scenario it symbolises where leaders and the public find themselves continually at odds. This tension can manifest as volatile or destructive behaviour such as sudden strikes, protests, or aggressive maneuvers. These aspects force integration of opposing political, economic, or social agendas. Unresolved historical conflicts, or deeply ingrained public attitudes that are difficult to break could fester beneath the surface. Global leaders may be pushed into making difficult choices. 

The Lunar Eclipse on 28th August 2026 takes place at 4° Pisces. This is another trigger for the 'Four Fours' as it squares Uranus which is part of the Double Sextile along with Neptune and Pluto. .

Many high profile public figures will be affected by both eclipses. Strangely, President Trump isn't one of them, but his Vice President J D Vance is, with the Solar Eclipse in a square aspect to both his natal Mars and Midheaven. This will brings a powerful clash between his personal ambitions and the duties he is obliged to perform. His career and public reputation could reach a turning point. The Lunar Eclipse will square his Nodal Axis triggering moments of high tension where a choice must be made.

The Princess of Wales - if her birthtime is correct -:will have the Solar Eclipse conjunct her natal Ascendant bringing a major personal reset that will shift her identity, physical presence, and how the world perceives her.

With the Lunar Eclipse square her natal Uranus she .may feel unusually erratic, restless, or over-sensitive, experiencing sudden mood swings or a deep sense that her current routine is suffocating. Circumstances beyond her control might force a sudden break from familiar routines, living situations, or relationships.

Meanwhile, King Charles III will experience the Solar Eclipse in a square aspect to his natal Sun and the Lunar Eclipse opposite his Saturn. This could trigger a major wake-up call that will bring hidden issues to a head. There may a dilemma between how he feels and his external duties.

Prince Harry:will have the Solar Eclipse in a square to his natal Moon introducing a turning point regarding his home, family dynamics, living arrangements, or significant shifts in his emotional wellbeing. The Lunar Eclipse opposite his Mercury and Juno may make him feel mentally restless, anxious, or hyper-sensitive to what others say, leading to temporary misunderstandings. This heralds an intense period where his emotional needs will clash head-on with his long-term commitments. 

President Putin's natal Pluto and Nodal Axis will be aspected by the Eclipses forcing him to face external situations that will challenge his sense of control and power.

The influence of both Eclipses will last for at least six months, so by February 2027, we should be able to see what has evolved..

Mark King - Part 1

During the summer of 1986, there was a song I played over and over again: 'Lessons In Love' by Level 42. Recently, I was reminiscing about that period in my life 40 years ago which was a time of self-discovery and definitely a coming-of-age year. That song became part of the soundtrack of my life and I've been a Level 42 fan ever since.

Singer, songwriter, lead vocalist and bassist of the band Level 42, Mark King was born on Monday, 20th October 1958 in Cowes, Isle Of Wight, UK. Birth time unavailable.

With his Sun in Libra, Mark is diplomatic, warm and friendly.  His natal Sun is conjunct Venus, giving him the ability to make others like him. He is very charming, open to meeting new people and will always make time for a conversation or a friendly chat. Making other people happy will make him happy - and that includes showcasing his musical talent.

Mark's Sun is in a sextile aspect to Saturn in his natal chart. With a steady, self-assured pursuit of his goals, this planetary combination indicates patience and reliability as well as dedication. It's through this well organised approach that he has achieved so much success, as his enormous staying power and strong work ethic have ensured unlimited professional respect. 

Although we don't have a birth time for Mark, the Moon didn't change signs on the day he was born, therefore we can definitely say he has his natal Moon in Aquarius. With this Moon sign, he will need emotional space and freedom. Later in life, he may experience some sort of radical transformation. With a powerful sense of moral duty, kindness and compassion, he will also be keen to support others in need. Many famous people have the Moon in Aquarius and they all tend to be outstanding - and unique - in some way.

Mark's natal Moon is in a square aspect to Jupiter in his birth chart. On the positive side, this planetary influence brings great optimism. However, it also brings a clash between the need to be at home and close to his family and the need to satisfy his spirit of adventure. Sentimental about the past, he has a strong sense of family and will seek to create a comfortable environment for his loved ones.

Mark King's natal chart - click to enlarge

Mark's natal Mercury is in the sign of Scorpio and is part of an astrological configuration called a Stellium. This is a group of three or more planets in a single zodiac sign - in this case Mercury, Jupiter and Neptune which are not only in the same sign but in a triple conjunction. So, a very profound astrological influence that combines intense emotional depth - he feels much more than he shows on the surface - and boundless imagination. Mark is deeply intuitive and has tremendous willpower and self-discipline.

With Mercury, Jupiter and Neptune in Scorpio, Mark will think deeply, speak with great insight, and have natural talent for anything he decides to do. He will learn valuable lessons through dramatic life experiences. He has great empathy, and an almost clairvoyant ability to read people and situations. He has a strong need to articulate his thoughts, feelings and emotions through art, writing, or musical expression. 

Mercury is sextile Pluto in Mark's natal chart and this represents laser-like perception. It shows he has a natural gift for investigation, with great psychological insight. He will notice the things other people miss, such as subtle shifts in body language, sensing what isn't being said by reading between the lines, and hidden motives. He will have a great ability for in-depth research. 

Mark's natal Venus is in its own sign of Libra - perfect for a musician. Naturally sociable, he will enjoy gatherings with family and friends. With Venus in a sextile aspect to Saturn, Mark will be good with money, rarely making impulse buys. He will much prefer investments that grow slowly over time. Not easily fooled by flattery, he has a realistic view of himself, building his confidence and public reputation through hard work and perseverance. 

In Mark's natal chart, Venus is also in a sextile aspect to Uranus which signifies harmony and creativity. He is open-minded and progressive with a taste for the unusual. This planetary combination produces brilliant and innovative talent. He will be keen to experiment with new ideas and is not afraid of anything quirky or unconventional. He is accepting of other people with a non-judgmental approach, so it's likely that he has a very diverse group of friends and may be drawn to people that are 'off-the-wall' in some way.

In his natal chart, Mark's Venus is conjunct the North Node - the point of 'future direction' - bringing the experience of karmic, serendipitous and fated connections. Everyone he has ever met will have played a crucial role in pushing him forwards on his life path. Music was never intended to be just a hobby or pastime for Mark. It was always going to be his destiny.

Level 42 released their self-titled debut album on 1st August 1981, so it gives me great pleasure to publish this article today, on the 45th anniversary of that momentous occasion. Some people don't just succeed; they redefine what is possible with a rare combination of innate brilliance and relentless dedication, inspiring everyone around them. Everytime Mark King performs, he provides a masterclass for those who aspire to a career in music while mesmerising everyone with his unique talent.

Part 2 coming soon....

The 'Four Fours' - Reactivation

Important aspects or configurations in astrology don't just influence us while they are present on a certain date. They are constantly reactivated by other transiting planets throughout the months and years ahead - particularly by the Sun, Mars and the New or Full Moon. 

The 'Four Fours' configuration which peaked on 20th July will be reactivated on 27th July by the transiting Sun which will conjunct Jupiter, oppose Pluto, trine Neptune and sextile Uranus. This influence will shift the focus towards economic growth and international diplomacy. Expect sudden progress, or an important announcement. 

Also on the 27th July, the transiting North Node will change signs, moving from Pisces into Aquarius. The North Node - and its opposite point the South Node - change signs every 18.6 months, redirecting our focus to different areas of life, and presenting new opportunities for radical change. When it moves into Aquarius, we will be directed towards innovation and forward-thinking.

On the 29th July, the Full Moon will conjunct Pluto, sextile Neptune, trine Uranus and oppose Jupiter. Together, they will bring deeply buried matters to the surface. This planetary combination can highlight power struggles among leaders and sudden change in public mood. The Full Moon will strip away superficial illusions and therefore corruption, taboo subjects, and previously hidden financial or political schemes could be made public. There might be a surprising piece of good news.

Blog Birthday - 13 Today

It's 13 years since Ephemeral Arc began.

Thank you for your continued support

and for helping to make this blog 

such a success.