Tuesday 13 February 2024

Alex Batty

Alex Batty, who went missing at the age of 11 on 30th September 2017 and subsequently reappeared six years later on 13th December 2023, after successfully fleeing his mother’s hippy lifestyle in France to be reunited with his beloved grandmother and legal guardian, is 18 years old today. He was born on Monday 13th February 2006 in Oldham, Lancashire, England. No birth time is available.

With his natal Sun in the sign of Aquarius, Alex is a an independent thinker. It came as no surprise to me that Alex was born under the sign of Aquarius as he had obviously avoided being manipulated by those (his mother and grandfather) who took him away from home. Aquarius people always manage to maintain their individuality no matter what circumstances they find themselves in. On top of that, they are extremely stubborn which means they refuse to be pushed around by others. Very useful if you need to avoid being sucked into someone else's fantasies. Having said that, this was no mean feat for this young man who was only 11 years old when this all began. 

Alex was born on, or close to, a Full Moon. This indicates an active mind and lively imagination. He will be well suited for leadership roles and will possess a real ability for public life. Alex is a free spirit, but at the same time he will have a need to work and to share his life with other people. Because of his interest for new ideas, he will enjoy studying science, technology and other subjects. He will always stand up for anyone who is not being treated fairly and I wouldn't be surprised if he gets involved in politics later in life.

With his natal Sun in a square aspect to Mars, Alex is courageous and strong-willed. When he is faced with a problem or an obstacle, he won’t run away from it or hide - he will meet challenges head-on. This planetary combination gives him the ability to fight for what he wants and needs. He is likely to seek an exciting career that will allow the expression of his natural enthusiasm and entrepreneurial spirit. When he stands up for his beliefs and values, he will inspire others to follow his lead.

The natal Sun square Jupiter in Alex's natal chart shows he is generous, helpful, and charitable. One day, he will influence many people and make a real impact as he will have the self confidence to promote himself and his ideas to a worldwide audience. He will be keen to take risks and to branch out into areas as yet unexplored. The ability to project into the future and to see the big picture, will bring the capacity to become prominent and succeed in life in a big way. 


In Alex's natal chart the Sun is in a sextile aspect to Pluto. This planetary combination indicates great creative potential as he is both perceptive and imaginative. Transforming himself through inner development will bring tremendous wealth.

Natal Mercury conjunct Uranus represents the mind of a genius. There is no doubt that Alex possesses amazing potential through originality, intuition and a forward-looking attitude. In the years to come he may develop an intellectual concern with humanitarian or social issues. His thoughts will be shaped by friends, organisations or groups of like-minded people and he will become a spokesperson for important causes. He is inventive, self-reliant and astute - qualities that will take him far on his journey through life.

With Venus in a positive sextile aspect to Jupiter in his natal chart, Alex is sociable and popular. Warm, friendly and with a fantastic sense of humour, he has a powerful philosophical outlook on life and and a strong sense of fair play and equality. People with this aspect often have musical or other creative talents. Writing is a definite possibility.

Natal Mars in the sign of Taurus brings Alex tremendous levels of endurance. Mars is the planet of anger and Taurus is the sign of quiet strength. As a result, he will try to avoid confrontation as much as possible. If he ever does get angry, he will make his feelings known in no uncertain manner. Mars in Taurus gives Alex tenacity, so if he wants something, he will work very hard to get it. And this is the reason he is back home where he belongs. 

Happy Birthday, Alex.

Thursday 1 February 2024

February - Leaping Forward

February is the shortest month of the year and the only month with fewer than 30 days. It has 28 days in a normal year and 29 in a Leap Year. This is to keep the calendar year synchronised with the astronomical year because seasons and astronomical events do not repeat in a whole number of days. By inserting an additional day into the year, the anomaly can be corrected. Having only 28 days, February can sometimes pass without having any Full Moon.

February is a fascinating month. It was named Februarius by the Romans, from the Latin word for purification - februum - and they held a purification ritual named Februa on the 15th day of the month. January and February were the last two months to be added to the Roman calendar, circa 713 BC. At that time, each year officially began in March and there were only 10 months. Adding January and February increased it to twelve. I actually think the Romans had the right idea beginning the new year in spring, and of course, this coincided with the first sign of the Zodiac - Aries. The Spring Equinox is still considered by astrologers to be the 'Astrological New Year'. February remained the last month of the calendar year until circa 450 BC when the start of the year was moved to January.

As an astrologer, I'm often asked how being born on 29th February affects someone's chart. It doesn't actually make a lot of difference. The Sun on the 28th February is positioned at approximately 8° Pisces and the following day on 1st March it is 9° Pisces. In a year when the 29th is the final day of February, the Sun is at 9° Pisces and on the 1st March it's 10° Pisces. This change in astrological degree continues for about two years then gradually returns to its original position before jumping forward again at the next Leap Year. 

I'm also often asked another question by people who were born on 29th February: "When should I celebrate my birthday? Every four years, 28th February, or 1st March?" Some people think, for accuracy, they should only have a birthday every four years. I disagree. Technically, you were born on the last day of the month, so keep it simple and celebrate your birthday on the 28th February. 

Friday 12 January 2024

2024 - Part 2

The big astrological theme of 2024 is the conjunction of Jupiter and Uranus, for the first time in 14 years, f
rom 9th April until 5th May 2024. When two planets conjunct each other it marks the beginning of something new as a conjunction is the initiation aspect. The planets are in the same degree of the zodiac and because of this their energies are combined to great effect. 

Jupiter and Uranus symbolise advanced communication, higher education and radical ideas. Sudden, unexpected breakthroughs or awakenings will occur which could prove to be very positive and beneficial. Something will develop very quickly which will lead to greater freedom and innovation. This planetary aspect is a prelude to both Jupiter entering Gemini in 2024 and Uranus transiting through Gemini from 2025 onwards when the implementation of breath-taking new technology will arrive.

The conjunction of transiting Jupiter with transiting Uranus takes place at 21° Taurus. This is the degree that Uranus occupied at the beginning of World War II. At the same time, transiting Pluto will be at 2° Aquarius - also triggering its WWII position at 2° Leo. The World War II chart is being re-activated and this is a common occurrence when a new war begins. I'm not saying to expect World War III  - although that is a possibility - but there could be a serious escalation in worldwide conflicts. Transiting Uranus is very prominent at the beginning and the end of wars, presumably because it represents people coming together for a specific purpose. The gathering of armies is a prime example. Jupiter rules treaties, borders between countries and the promotion of peace and diplomacy. Let's hope that is what we get.

During the same period as the Jupiter Uranus conjunction, transiting Mercury will be conjunct the North Node. All three are planets of intellect, movement and communication and the transiting North Node represents the collective destiny, the way forward for all of us. So it will be very interesting to see the message we receive during that period, the inventions we will make and the ideas we will come up with. Both Jupiter and Uranus symbolise truth, justice and mind-boggling discoveries. 

YOUR BIRTHDAY: If you were born between 9th April and 5th May the Jupiter Uranus conjunction will influence you for 12 months until your next birthday in 2025. This is a very dynamic planetary combination which will bring very pleasant surprises leading to success. Forming a connection with a certain group of people will result in happiness. Making an advantageous decision - which is more likely under this influence - will help you to resolve a problematic situation. Changing your direction will improve your circumstances.

From 22nd May to the 17th June 2024, Jupiter will be in a trine aspect to Pluto. This planetary combination symbolises the ability to uncover the truth. The truth about what? Or whom? I see the media being obsessed with someone during this period who might become excluded from society for some reason. Perhaps they will choose to live in exile, or maybe they will be imprisoned. 

From early April 2024, transiting Neptune will be in the final two degrees of Pisces and conjunct the Aries Point. This is 0° Aries, the very first degree of the entire zodiac and one of the World Points. In 2025, both Neptune and Saturn will not only be on this point but they will be conjunct each other. This year we will begin to get a taste of what's to come. 

One final note.... Remember the fuss about UFOs and cover-ups in 2023? Well, expect more from now on.

Monday 1 January 2024

2024 - Part 1

This year marks the beginning of a very important transition period with many, many changes taking place throughout 2024, 2025 and 2026. By 2027, the outlook for humanity will be very different. One of the reasons for this is that, in 2025, all of the major transiting planets will have changed signs, thus shifting their influence for the years to come. This process is starting in 2024.                                                                               
From 1st January until 8th April 2024, transiting Jupiter will be in a positive sextile aspect to transiting Saturn. This will be the first time these two planets have met each other in a major aspect since the Great Conjunction of December 2021. So, a harmonious connection which is likely to bring steady but sure advancement. This planetary combination favours conscientious, constructive and highly motivated people. Despite symbolising the opposite principles of freedom and restriction, expansion and contraction, abundance and austerity, etc, these two planets combine well and balance each other out. Therefore, the first three months of 2024 should appear calmer and more straight forward.

On 4th January, a new window of opportunity will begin for peace in Ukraine. This phase will continue until 13th February. During that period, transiting Mars will return for the first time to the exact degree it was in when the invasion began - 22° Capricorn. There are many more of these auspicious periods throughout 2024 and I'll be writing about them during the next few months. It's important to remember that these refer only to the war in Ukraine, or to wars in Europe - not war in general and not the current war in the Middle East. 

From the 16th - 26th January 2024, the transiting Sun will be in conjunction with transiting Pluto. This is a very powerful and dynamic planetary combination which could trigger quite a few upheavals. It is linked to events that bring about a major change of direction. Indulging in power games in order to become more influential and effective will be a danger during this period. Now, who might attempt such a thing? I think we have a few names in mind on that score. Whoever they are, they will be at risk of overestimating their strength, and powerful, external forces may appear which will obstruct their path. Dealings with others on the world stage will be very intense.

YOUR BIRTHDAY: If your birthday is on 20th, 21st or 22nd January, this Pluto transit will conjunct your natal Sun and bring major life-changing experiences over the next two years. You will become more ambitious and determined to achieve your goals under this planetary effect. With an awareness of your own personal power, you may re-evaluate exactly how you can use it to express your individuality. Discovering and following your true vocation or path in life is highly likely. This planetary influence will increase the need to 'up your game' and push you towards being the person you are destined to become. 

Transiting Venus and Mars will conjunct each other from 17th February until 2nd March and then again from 20th April to 5th May 2024. Interestingly, there is no Venus Retrograde during 2024. When a planet goes into retrograde motion, its influence tends to be weakened, so Venus will be on full strength throughout 2024 and therefore all Venus themes should be enhanced. Mars has no retrograde motion until December 2024 so, like Venus, it will be relatively unrestricted throughout the year. In Mundane Astrology (global events) and on a bigger scale as Venus rules the arts, entertainment, music, fashion and culture. It is associated with both peace and with war, and particularly in negotiations leading to peace. Which is exactly what the world needs.

YOUR BIRTHDAY: Born between 17th February and 2nd March? Or 20th April and 5th May? If so, this planetary conjunction will influence your life for 12 months until your next birthday in 2025. Venus and Mars generally symbolise affairs of the heart - as well as the social life, physical activity, artistic pursuits and money. It will bring passion into your life. You could feel more emotionally compulsive and become prone to 'love at first sight' encounters. Don't say you haven't been warned.....

Coming up in Part 2: New discoveries will be made - and the truth will be revealed......

Friday 24 November 2023

Doctor Who - 60 Years

The first episode of British sci-fi drama series 'Doctor Who' was broadcast on Saturday 23rd November 1963 at 5:15pm by the BBC in London. An instant hit with the viewers, it quickly became a national institution which ran for 26 series before being cancelled in 1989. Then, like the Timelord himself, the drama was resurrected on 26th March 2005, becoming more popular than ever. 

When Doctor Who began, the Sun had just moved into the 'travel and adventure' sign of Sagittarius, and indeed, this is highly appropriate, as the Doctor's adventures include travelling over vast distances (very Sagittarian) both in time and space. Sagittarius also symbolises people from faraway places, and of course, the Doctor is an alien from another planet whose enemies are also aliens. This Sagittarian influence is further enhanced by the fact that this sign contains more planets than any other in the Doctor Who chart. 

The Doctor Who Moon is in the sign of Aquarius - perfect for a futuristic drama! Aquarius represents everything scientific and electronic, and the Doctor's exploits are positively saturated in scientific data and electronic devices. In many ways, the Doctor is actually a scientist. However, Aquarius is also the sign of humanitarianism and philanthropy, and this too is a major theme of each episode. The Doctor is one of life's 'good guys', he literally wants to save the Universe. This Moon sign brings logical thinking, combined with a powerful imagination, and prophetic insight. 

The Doctor Who Ascendant in Gemini is very intriguing. Gemini is a Dual Sign, and so many things connected to the Timelord symbolise this theme of duality. The Doctor himself has two hearts, and he never acts alone, always having a partner by his side. Also, the very first episode was actually broadcast twice, due to rescheduling because of the media coverage surrounding the assassination of President Kennedy the previous day. This Ascendant imbues the Timelord with eloquent speech and fast thinking. In fact, the Doctor is a lightning-quick communicator who often talks his way out of danger! 

Click to enlarge

There are several mysteries associated with the Doctor. Why is he called 'Doctor', for example? Maybe to make people trust him. One of his key phrases when he rushes to help someone in danger is "I'm the doctor" which immediately puts people at their ease. Incidentally, this phrase is often followed by a question from the other person "Doctor who?" - hence the title of the show - to which the Doctor maintains a dignified silence, or replies "Just the Doctor". But, astrologically, it's interesting to see that most of the planets are situated in sector six of the chart - the sector which rules 'medical practitioners'. One of these planets is Mercury in the sign of Sagittarius. So, this character is knowledgeable, insightful, scientific, and will go to great lengths to save humanity. 

Another conundrum is the regeneration process which takes place when the current actor in the role of The Doctor decides to leave. This is how the regeneration idea came about - a way of guaranteeing the show's continuation even if the main actor is no longer there. The Bond movies also use the same technique. However, could there be more to it? With so much emphasis in the chart being placed in Sagittarius, is it possible that the Doctor is symbolic of a religious saviour? Could the regeneration process he goes through be symbolic of immortality - he is over 900 years old but never dies. Or could it represent reincarnation? Interestingly, the Moon, Saturn and Midheaven of the Doctor Who chart are all situated in sector eight - recycling, regenerating, transforming, rising like a phoenix, resurrection.. 


A really interesting area of the Doctor Who chart involves a conjunction between Saturn and the Midheaven, making Saturn the most elevated planet in the chart. Saturn is the planet which rules old age and time - and is often referred to as 'The Lord of Time'.- Timelord. People with a strongly placed Saturn in their charts often study science, mathematics and history - three subjects in which the Doctor excels. Also, Saturn rules people who have titles. So, instead of their surname being preceded by Mr, Mrs, Miss or Ms, they will have Lord, Lady, Sir, President, Professor...... or Doctor. One other curious thing: Saturn represents authority - and what guise does the TARDIS take - a Police Box. 

There are so many interesting statistics associated with Doctor Who. For example, three of the actors portraying the Timelord have been born under the sign of Aries - Peter Davison, David Tennant, and the current doctor, Peter Capaldi. Fascinatingly, eight of the 13 actors who have played the role of  the Doctor have had the names of saints - Patrick, Thomas, Peter (twice) Paul, Christopher, David, and Matthew. One third of the actors have had first names beginning with the letter 'P'. 

Now,, this ground-breaking sci-fi drama just goes from strength to strength. Long may it continue. Happy 60th Birthday, to Britain's favourite philosopher, visionary and hero - Doctor Who!


Tuesday 31 October 2023

Michael Kitchen

Actor and television producer Michael Kitchen was born on Sunday, 31st October 1948, in Leicester, England, UK. No birth time available.

As a Sun sign Scorpio, Michael will feel intense emotions, even if he doesn't show them. He may find it hard to trust others as he fears betrayal. Should that happen, it will be difficult for him to forgive or forget. However, his sense of devotion means that he cares deeply for those who have proved their loyalty.

With plenty of willpower, as Scorpio is one of the fixed signs of the zodiac (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius) he will be extremely stubborn. He will always have known what he wants from life and then set out to get it when the moment is just right. If something is worth having, it's worth waiting for.

With his natal Sun in a sextile aspect to Saturn, Michael is reliable, patient and dedicated. Not afraid of hard work and responsibility, his success is in no small way down to his own talent, ambition and effort. He is someone that others feel they can rely upon and he is definitely a trusted person to confide in. 

In Michael's natal chart, Mercury is situated in the sign of Libra. This indicates that he is good at making decisions by weighing up all options and reaching a balanced viewpoint. He is very sociable and enjoys the company of his close circle of friends. With a sparkling love of words, he communicates easily and is a very sympathetic listener. Sensitive and kind, he has an elusive magnetism which makes others feel special in his presence. 

Natal Mercury in a sextile aspect to Jupiter and Pluto gives Michael a fertile mind and a wonderful sense of humour. He has an eagerness for information and is never short of constructive ideas. It's likely he has an interest in subjects such as psychology or mysticism. His intuition and perception are razor-sharp and he will want to learn what makes people tick, why they behave the way they do and how they are likely to react in any given situation. This would be of great benefit to him as an actor. 

Michael's natal Venus is not only conjunct a World Point, it it also the apex planet of a T-square configuration. This involves an opposition aspect between Jupiter and Uranus, both squared by Venus. In any chart, the apex planet becomes the dominant influence, therefore, Michael's suave and sophisticated image, his beautiful voice, as well as his acting and musical talent are all from within the realms of Venus. 

With his natal Mars in the sign of Sagittarius, Michael is probably quite competitive and has a love of contests whether they be professional, intellectual or physical. He is honest and direct, he will say exactly what he thinks and probably relishes a good debate. This planetary combination also symbolises a love of adventure, discovery and exploration.

Mars is in a square aspect to Saturn in Michael's natal chart and this shows that he has probably faced more obstacles than most during his life. It's possible that he was - and to some extent still is - quite shy. At times, he may even have considered giving up on reaching his goals but with patience,and perseverance,as his strong points, significant achievements ultimately paved the way for much deserved recognition. 


Mars sextile Neptune in Michael's natal chart shows that he has a rich imagination and powerful emotions. He is intriguing to others and they will want to know more about him as he leaves a lasting impression on everyone he meets. He sees every side of a situation and won’t jump to conclusions or take anything at face value. In fact, his instincts and intuition are second to none and with his heightened sense of perception, he won't be fooled by anyone.

In Michael's natal chart, Mars is in a very positive trine aspect to Pluto making him passionate, determined and focused. With a natural tendency to investigate anything mysterious, hidden, buried, or controversial, the darker side of life will fascinate him. 

Michael's natal Uranus is on a World Point at 0° Cancer. This influence symbolises someone who has broken away from the expectations and traditions of their background. There is definitely a rebellious streak in him. He will be very private about personal matters and his home life will be a sanctuary of peace and freedom although possibly a little unorthodox. 

Michael has a natural magnetism that will make him impossible to ignore. According to his fans, he is "hypnotic"; "alluring" and "mesmerising". The perfect description.