President Zelenskyy - Part 2

Transiting Saturn began to conjunct President Zelenskyy's natal Midheaven and trine his natal Ascendant the day before the war started. It will ease off during May, June and July before gaining power again in August and will continue until mid-January 2023. This has brought, and will continue to bring, difficult challenges, pessimistic thoughts and self-doubt. Certainly for the first few weeks of the war, he probably felt somewhat unsupported. Zoom calls kept him in contact with other leaders around the world but basically he must have felt very distanced from those who could provide assistance. In recent weeks, that situation has altered and now he receives regular face-to-face visits from those leaders who travel to Kyiv for important discussions. Saturn in aspect to the Midheaven and Ascendant will bring progress but it will be slow, steady and gradual.

The Midheaven represents the public persona and professional image, so it's no surprise that with Saturn conjunct that particular point in President Zelenskyy's chart, his public image has changed drastically over the last 12 weeks. Gone is the fresh-faced, youthful-looking, ebullient man. His demeanor is now - quite understandably - serious, and he appears to have aged 10 years since February. This is the influence of Saturn which symbolises increased maturity and the tremendous weight of responsibility, both of which he has had to adapt to since this war began. Saturn also rules people in authority, people who have titles and people who wear uniforms. As his title is not just 'President' but also 'Supreme Commander In Chief', his current image could not be more reflective of what is happening in his chart. If the war had not occurred, this Saturn transit still would have, so some other event would have brought the same effect of increased pressure on his leadership. None of us knows exactly what we are capable of until fate tests us. President Zelenskyy has more than passed this test, he has exceeded everyone's expectations. 

Transiting Uranus began to form a trine aspect to natal Mercury in mid-March 2022. Lasting until early April 2023, under this planetary influence, President Zelenskyy's mind will be much more restless and active and he will need a healthy outlet for his increased nervous energy. He'll have more contact with other people during this time, and may become involved in group activities or working with organizations that propose new political or humanitarian objectives. He may initiate partnerships with people who offer a different perspective or new information. Under this planetary influence he will definitely know who his true allies are.

On 31st March 2022, transiting Jupiter entered President Zelenskyy's 10th house where it will reside until 13th April 2023. Jupiter in the 10th house is a very fortunate position bringing increased status and professional success, so it's no wonder that he has become a global icon  Authority figures and influential people will continue to be supportive thanks to his integrity and honesty. The more willing he is to put himself in the spotlight, the more positive the reaction. During this period - or soon after it ends - he is likely to receive some sort of recognition for what he has accomplished. As there have been reports of the Nobel Peace Prize and even an honorary knighthood on the horizon, does this indicate that the war will be over by then? 

Transiting Jupiter on its journey through Aries will form a trine aspect to President Zelenskyy's natal Mars three times from May until December 2022. It will also be in a sextile aspect to his natal Sun and Venus. These positive influences should ease the pressure on him to some extent. When transiting Jupiter is trine natal Mars, it will bring increased energy, optimism and self-confidence. He will want to move forward, overcome difficulties and above all to win. He will continue to project himself well on the world stage. Under this planetary influence, he will feel very sure of his decisions which will help him to convince others. He will experience more freedom of action and this will create many new opportunities. 

For all of us between the ages of 38 and 45, certain major transiting planets begin to make challenging aspects to their natal positions. This heralds what is known as 'The Mid-Life Crisis'. One of these is transiting Neptune square natal Neptune which President Zelenskyy experienced throughout 2019 - the year he won the presidential election. Realising an unfulfilled ambition is one of the influences of this planetary aspect, as is building an entirely different life structure and this could involve making sacrifices to help other people.

Another key 'Mid-Life Crisis' aspect which is about to take place in President Zelenskyy's chart is transiting Uranus opposite natal Uranus which begins now and continues until May 2023 and the main theme of this influence is freedom, doing your own thing, living how you want to live. A lot of people go through some kind of sudden urge to become the person they've always wanted to be. What they have spent years creating and consolidating - marriage, children, career, and social reputation - is no longer satisfying. How this planetary effect will play out in President Zelenskyy's life during the next 12 months will remain to be seen. 

Mercury Retrograde - Don't Panic!

Mercury goes into retrograde motion three times every year, and it began a new phase on the 10th May which will continue until 3rd June. It doesn't actually move backwards, of course, but gives the appearance of going in reverse from the perspective of our position in the Solar System. However, this optical illusion frequently brings problems in connection with the affairs ruled by Mercury.

Mercury retrograde does seem to affect us all in one way or another. This is because, of all the planets, Mercury is the one which is connected to so many of our everyday routines. Phones, computers, transport, talking, reading, writing, etc. It's the planet of communication and commerce. So, when Mercury changes direction things go haywire! Phones malfunction, computers crash, vehicles break down. Exchanging information becomes dodgy too - letters get lost in the mail, or maybe you send the wrong email or text message to the wrong person. Say something, and it's more likely than usual that other people will misinterpret your words, or the meaning behind them. It's equally likely that you will take other people the wrong way too. Be careful what you say, read and write under this Mercury influence. 

So, how can we 'survive' this period without going crazy? After all, in the 21st century, when we rely on electronic gadgets more than ever before, a broken phone or a wonky computer tends to spell disaster for most people. Well, to ease the pressure, it's important to realise that Mercury Retrograde can actually be a good thing. It's all about reviewing your situation. 

Imagine that you're driving along a road. This is symbolic of Mercury moving forwards. Now imagine slowing down, stopping, then doing a u-turn and driving back along the same road in the opposite direction. This is the real effect of Mercury retrograde. It's not about going backwards - it's about retracing your journey and taking another look at where you've been. Then, you can reassess your progress and decide whether or not you're actually on the right road.  

In essence, Mercury - or any retrograde planet - is not about beginning anything. It's advisable, if possible, not to start anything new under this influence, and particularly with Mercury, don't sign any important contracts or documents. Mercury retrograde is not about starting anew, it's about re-doing - or at least re-thinking - what has already begun. It gives us the opportunity to stop and consider where we're going and what we're trying to achieve. A second chance to do the right thing. And that's why it can be a very positive influence.

Bold Moves Ahead?

The Cosmic Arc pattern

On Monday 2nd May 2022 all 10 astrological planets will be positioned in just six zodiac signs. Not only that but these are consecutive signs from Capricorn to Gemini. They include:

• Pluto in Capricorn
• Saturn in Aquarius
• Mars, Jupiter and Neptune in Pisces
• Venus in Aries
• The Sun and Uranus in Taurus
• The Moon and Mercury in Gemini. 

The entire collection of astrological planets all contained within fewer than 130 degrees of the zodiac circle. This pattern is so rare it doesn't even have a name. I'm going to refer to it as the Cosmic Arc. A very interesting line-up - but what will it bring?

There are some very positive aspects being made within this configuration with the majority of them being sextiles. The Sextile aspect brings planets together for a single purpose or cause that usually involves some level of co-operation and empathy. It signifies ease of communication and valuable opportunities. With the Moon conjunct Mercury and both in sextile to Venus, as well as Venus conjunct a World Point - the first of three transiting planets to hit 0.00° Aries during May - and conjunct Jupiter, there will be many debates, discussions and diplomacy. Reason and common sense should hopefully prevail and there will be the chance to air and work out any grievances. However, as the Sun is in conjunction to Uranus, expect an atmosphere of unpredictability, confrontations, emotional outbursts and fanatical views. One thing is for sure - the media will probably be going into overdrive

Also happening in May will be Jupiter's entry into the sign of Aries on Tuesday 10th and remaining there until 16th May 2023. All of the Cardinal signs contain special degrees known as World Points, sometimes called Cardinal Points. The World Points are situated at 0° Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn. In fact, Jupiter conjuncts the Aries World Point three times during 2022 with the final hit taking place on 20th December. The Cardinal Points of the zodiac are like universal angles, so on a global scale, a transiting planet conjuncting these points has a powerful effect upon world events. 

This planetary influence will bring someone on to the world stage who will inspire others through leading by example. It could be that this person is, at the moment, unknown to the public. On the other hand, we already have someone in the public spotlight who fits this description perfectly. You know who I'm talking about. Jupiter in Aries will bring social, moral, legal and spiritual issues to the fore. It will be important to avoid exaggerated optimism but nevertheless, there will be definite signs of hope. The planet of justice and triumph in the sign of new beginnings. Dare we dream of peace?

On 24th May transiting Mars also enters Aries. This is the sign ruled by Mars which means that the influence of this planet will be very strong throughout the following six weeks. From 25th May to 4th June Mars will be in conjunction with Jupiter. This will a good time to settle disputes but only if the tendency towards arrogance is suppressed. Mars in Aries represents determination and the battle for survival as well as initiative, courage, physical strength and stamina. These positive traits have been in stark evidence throughout the last 66 days as the Ukrainian people have fought to save their country. 

The last time Mars moved through Aries was almost two years ago in June 2020 when the world was still in lockdown because of Covid-19. That was an unusually lengthy journey for Mars, lasting six months. I wrote about it in the blog with reference to what it might mean for the virus, correctly predicting the Second Wave, an important announcement of a breakthrough (vaccine) and also social unrest. It was a different kind of war then but it was still a war. This planetary influence of Mars in Aries will bring much the same effect, only this time it will be within the context of the war in Ukraine. 

Mars in Aries will focus our energy on action. What form this action takes will remain to be seen, but Mars acts as a trigger, a call to arms, and in any of the Fire Signs it is a very militaristic influence, so could there be a more direct approach to ending the war in Ukraine? We are all aware of the reluctance by NATO to become fully involved in the fight against Russia - and with good reason, as there is a definite risk of World War III . However, what would it actually take for the West to grab the bull by the horns and call Putin's bluff? How bad does the current situation in Ukraine have to become before decisive action is forthcoming? The assistance being given to Ukraine is truly remarkable but it can only do so much. 

As always, Mars in its own sign of Aries will be particularly potent. In fact, because transiting Mars was exactly conjunct the Saturn-Pluto conjunction of 2020 when this war began on 24th February, I have no doubt that, if the Covid Pandemic had not happened under the first influence of Mars, Putin would probably have invaded Ukraine two years ago. Just like WWI which began with military conflict and was followed by a global pandemic, this time it's the other way around. During its transit of Aries, Mars will once again, just as in 2020 and February 2022, re-trigger the Saturn-Pluto conjunction at 22° Capricorn - from 22nd to 29th June - bringing a surge of energy and the need to get things done. However, Mars in Aries is a very volatile influence which can result in unusually forceful or hasty reactions. 

There is potential for positive progress but we need compromise, not confrontation. The next major Mars influence is when it conjuncts Uranus in Taurus from 29th July to 4th August. However, the biggest influence from Mars will be its very long seven month trek through the sign of Gemini, starting on 20th August 2022 and continuing until 25th March 2023. There's a lot more to come and I'll provide a full analysis in July.