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.

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.