The Mars, Uranus, North Node Conjunction

Starting a few weeks ago and becoming exact on the 1st and 2nd of August, re-activated from 8th - 13th August by the Full Moon in Aquarius, before easing off in the following weeks, there will be a triple conjunction comprising Mars, Uranus and the North Node situated at 18° in the sign of Taurus. 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. 

The last time transiting Mars was in conjunction to Uranus in Taurus was on 18th January 2021. This took place 12 days after the storming of the Capitol, two days before the Inauguration of President Biden and on the day Twitter banned Donald Trump from its platform. This was also the day after opposition politician and activist Alexei Navalny was arrested upon his return to Russia.

The last time Mars made a conjunction to the North Node was at the end of March 2021. At that time, Facebook blocked the account of Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro for spreading fake news related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The grounded container ship 'Ever Given' was refloated and towed north, allowing the Suez Canal to reopen. More than 350 ships were waiting to pass through. 

Of course, given the current circumstances, this planetary aspect will also be connected to the war in Ukraine.Transiting Saturn was situated at 18° Aquarius on 24th February 2022, so therefore, it becomes part of the official War Chart. Everything has a starting point including events like the invasion of Ukraine. This means that when transiting Uranus is positioned at 18° Taurus from now, on and off, until May 2023, it will be in a square aspect to the 'war chart' Saturn, which means the war itself will be affected by this planetary influence. But how and in what way? War is not a static situation, it is continually changing and evolving. With the influence of Mars, Uranus and the Nodes in hard aspect to Saturn, we can expect some significant - and possibly shocking - developments. It will be a particularly tense period in the days around the Full Moon on 11th August. 

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 (18) will be strongly affected by this influence. On the political world stage, I've already mentioned the War Chart but this also includes:Ukraine itself, it's leader President Zelenskyy, Boris Johnson (even though he has resigned), President Macron, Putin, President Biden, the UK, USA, Russia, Canada and Poland. President Zelenskyy gets the most hits from this planetary influence which is not really surprising as he is currently the most high-profile person on the planet. The list is endless and the ones I've mentioned are only the countries and leaders I've had time to analyse. Look out for controversy surrounding other people in the public eye too as I'm sure there will be interesting stories about certain celebrities.

On the positive side, 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. Another interesting perspective of this triple conjunction is in connection to the entertainment industry. Mars rules ambition, confidence and drive. Uranus rules glamour and the North Node represents the zeitgeist - i.e. being in the right place at the right time and tuning in to what the public wants. Add to that the fact that this aspect is situated in Taurus, the sign of talent, I think we could see a phenomenal new performer emerging. Equally, this person could appear from the science community or the sporting arena. However, their identity will probably not be revealed until later this year when transiting Jupiter makes its next conjunction to 0° Aries. 

Astrology provides the ability to understand the past, analyse the present, and anticipate the future. Throughout the first half of 2022, we have been in turmoil and the second half will be just as dramatic. The only difference - and it's a very important difference - is that because of our experience during the last six months, we have the information and knowledge we need to deal with any new problems that are thrown at us. As the old but very true saying goes: "Forewarned is forearmed". With astrology, we can be prepared. For better or for worse, the next few weeks will be potentially explosive for all of us.

President Zelenskyy - Part 3

At the moment, President Zelenskyy is experiencing some uplifting energy from transiting Jupiter in a positive sextile aspect to his natal Sun. This planetary influence began in June and will continue until the end of September 2022 with a final burst in late January 2023. Interactions with other people during this period will bring a positive attitude and fresh perspective, inspiring him with a renewed sense of faith in what’s possible. 

When the invasion of Ukraine began, transiting Saturn was at 18° Aquarius, in opposition to President Zelenskyy's natal Moon and about to make an exact conjunction to his Midheaven. It has since moved away from these aspects but is now on its way back and will again oppose his Moon and conjunct his Midheaven from the end of August 2022 until January 2023. 

The Moon signifies a person's instinctive, emotional response to their environment, so when transiting Saturn went into a headlong confrontation with his natal Moon back in February, President Zelenskyy will have felt extremely vulnerable as this planetary combination tends to bring worry, pessimism and a fear of failure. He may feel like this again, particularly during October and November 2022. However, this time it will be accompanied by transiting Uranus in a square to his natal Moon bringing emotional turmoil and extreme tension. This transit from Uranus started in June 2022 and will continue until mid May 2023. 

So a new and disruptive planetary influence from transiting Uranus is being added to the mix, affecting both President Zelenskyy's private life and how he is seen by the public. Could his public image be damaged in some way? Or will he perhaps be prevented from communicating because of security issues such as computer hacking? He is a prolific broadcaster, publishing several video messages every day on various social media platforms, attending virtual meetings and giving speeches. This is a vital part of his mission to stay connected to the world at large and to make everyone aware of what is happening in Ukraine.

In the meantime, there is another dramatic influence to deal with. Approaching in late July and reaching its peak on the 1st and 2nd of August 2022, transiting Mars, Uranus and the North Node will form a Stellium, joining forces in a powerful triple conjunction at 18° Taurus. This will form a square aspect to his natal Moon and Midheaven, an opposition aspect to his natal Uranus and a quincunx to his natal Neptune and Pluto. As this planetary influence will take place in House 11 of his natal chart, it will probably affect his alliances with those who support him. The 11th rules friends, allies, groups, teams, associations and organisations. Could there be a problem in connection to the UN, NATO, or the EU? Perhaps the problem will be closer to home and involve his own government in some way? The aspects being made to his natal planets will bring much upset and anger involving hasty decisions, disputes and conflict. The atmosphere will be tense and there will also be a high risk of accidents during this period. 

On 20th August 2022, transiting Mars will enter Gemini for an extraordinarily long journey lasting seven months. During this period because of direct, stationary and retrograde phases, it will move back and forth through the 12th House and into the 1st House of President Zelenskyy's natal chart. Mars transiting the 12th can bring health problems. He may need more sleep, or feel disorientated. Mars is the planet of confidence and physical energy but in the 12th all of that is depleted. When Mars enters the 1st house on 4th October, he will feel a surge of vitality and optimism which will last until 23rd November, after which Mars will move back into his 12th and again, he will feel drained. It won't re-enter his 1st House properly until 6th March 2023.

In astrology, the 12th house is a very misunderstood area of the chart with many 'astrologers' wrongly claiming that it is all about misfortune. This is mainly because the 12th is strongly connected to Karma. But, just like all the other houses in a chart, the 12th has both positive and negative attributes. With transiting Mars in his 12th House from 20th August - 4th October, President Zelenskyy might need to keep a low profile for a while. This could be at his own instigation or it may be forced upon him by circumstances. I've already mentioned in a previous paragraph that he could be prevented from communicating for some reason, so are these two situations connected? Certainly, on the world stage, Mars in Gemini will bring the risk of cyber attacks and if that happens the president would become a prime target.

Another indication of Mars in the 12th House is 'covert operations'. Although President Zelenskyy informs his citizens - and the rest of the world - about what is happening in Ukraine, most of what he knows will be kept under wraps. All political leaders are obliged to do this for security reasons. As a member of the secret services once said, "If you tell your friends, you tell your enemies." So, there is a lot of action going on behind the scenes that only the president and those he trusts the most will be aware of. A key phrase associated with house 12 is: Potential, planning and preparation. I think something is being planned and prepared over the next few months, the potential of which is yet to be revealed.....

Transiting Mars will be a very positive influence for President Zelenskyy when it first enters Gemini, sextiling his natal Mars, Sun and Venus until 4th September. When he won the presidential election on 21st April 2019, Mars was at 14° Gemini. Transiting Mars will hover over this degree from the 12th - 21st September, again in mid December and for a final hit in the second half of February 2023. Will there be some sort of threat or challenge to his presidency?

For the first four days of October transiting Mars will be trine President Zelenskyy's natal Midheaven. It will then conjunct his natal Ascendant until 9th October. Mars goes retrograde on 31st October, conjuncting his Ascendant again on 23rd November, before forming a trine aspect to his Midheaven again on the 26th. It will then be back in House 12 until 6th March 2023 when it will enter the 1st House for the final time until its return on 20th July 2024.

When transiting Mars is in a trine aspect to his natal Midheaven, President Zelenskyy will feel increased motivation, initiative, and self-belief. Working in high-pressure situations will be stimulating and he will know instinctively when, or if, to take risks. He will take decisive actions calculated to bring tangible results.

With transiting Mars in conjunction to his natal Ascendant, President Zelenskyy will feel increasingly strong and courageous. However, this may provoke aggressive responses, ending in confrontation. He could experience a lot of anger and resentment - either directed towards others or from others. He should focus this energy towards achieving his goals as success will be more likely under this planetary influence than at any other period.

_______________________________________________

Apologies for so many paragraphs and slightly rambling descriptions, but there is just so much to say it's hard to condense it. President Zelenskyy - Part 4 will be published in January 2023. 

Ephemeral Arc - 9th Anniversary

Ephemeral Arc began 9 years ago today

and as I enter my 10th year

of being an astrology blogger

I'd like to say a big 

THANK YOU

to all my readers and to everyone

who has supported me

since 2013

~ Sue

Boris Johnson

Today, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced his resignation.There's no doubt that Boris Johnson, like many other people at the top of their game and in a position of great status and authority, is extremely stubborn. In fact, an above average number of current world leaders have this trait in their natal charts: President Biden, President Macron, President Zelenskyy and more. Being stubborn is often perceived as something negative when it's actually the opposite. It provides tenacity - the ability to hold on, stand your ground, dig your heels in and refuse to be swayed by anyone or anything. It's this quality that has enabled all of the above people to reach their goals. Without tenacity, we would never have heard of them.

Transiting Pluto is currently in opposition to his Solar Arc Mars. When aspects are made to planets by transit, etc, they don't just trigger situations and circumstances, they also trigger psychological and emotional changes. This particular planetary influence in Boris' chart is not only bringing a destructive phase into his life by way of others baying for his blood, it has also given him great courage and the determination to fight back.

Yesterday, transiting Mars entered the sign of Taurus and for the next few days it is in an opposition aspect to Boris' natal Moon, bringing out his fiery emotions, strong will and fighting spirit. Tempers run high with this planetary combination and there will be intense emotional reactions, disagreements and grievances. Transiting Mars conjunct Saturn and opposite Uranus in his Solar Arc chart indicates his efforts were blocked by circumstances beyond his control and his normal routines are being disrupted. Rebellion is rife.

However, if you think this is the end for Boris, think again. His premiership may be over but we have not heard the last of him yet. Not by a long chalk.

[More to come....]

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 show 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.

In the second half of 1967, as transiting Jupiter passed through the sign of Leo, it formed an opposition to its original position in the Age Of Aquarius chart of 1962. This is called the half return, meaning that a planet is halfway through its cycle. Interestingly, every time transiting Jupiter makes a full return to its position in the Age Of Aquarius chart there are major musical events or large gatherings connected to love, philanthropy, humanitarianism. 

In 1973 when Jupiter had returned to Aquarius, a little known musical event took place called The Summer Jam on 28 July at the Watkins Glen Grand Prix Raceway, New York. The festival attracted approximately 600,000 visitors and entered the pages of the Guinness Book of World Records as the festival with the biggest audience at the time. Often referred to as the “Forgotten Woodstock", this event had only three bands perform: The Grateful Dead, The Band, and the Allman Brothers Band. Although the event was planned to last for just one day, thousands of concertgoers arrived at the venue and the target of the organizers was achieved with a bigger audience than the one at Woodstock, turning the festival into a major success story. 

On the next Age Of Aquarius Jupiter Return in 1985 the world saw a phenomenon called Live Aid. This took place in several locations around the world but primarily in London on Saturday 13th July. Live Aid was a benefit concert held to raise funds for relief of the 1983–1985 famine in Ethiopia. It was one of the largest satellite link-ups and television broadcasts of all time; reaching an estimated audience of 1.9 billion, in 150 nations, watched by nearly 40 percent of the world population. 

Jupiter also made a return to its Age Of Aquarius position in 1997, thirty years after the Summer Of Love, and again, crowds gathered to show love, but this time was different. The event was the funeral of Diana, Princess Of Wales which resonated deeply with the Age Of Aquarius chart. Diana was born seven months before February 1962 but her birth chart formed strong connections with the Aquarius chart. Diana's natal Jupiter was conjunct the Age Of Aquarius Saturn and her natal North Node was conjunct the Age Of Aquarius Uranus.

The next Jupiter Return took place in 2009 but I have no idea what happened that year in connection to large social gatherings. Perhaps you can help me on this one? There was a Jupiter return to the Age of Aquarius chart in 2021 but because of Covid restrictions, nothing connected to large social gatherings happened. The next Jupiter trigger - a half-return - will occur in September 2026, and continue through a large chunk of 2027. What this will bring is going to very interesting indeed.