Transiting Mars Through Gemini

Transiting Mars goes on a long trek through Gemini from 20th August 2022 until the end of March 2023. President Zelenskyy's natal Ascendant and Boris Johnson's natal Sun are in Gemini, so this planetary influence will make a big impact on both of them. President Zelenskyy's natal Ascendant will be conjuncted three times by transiting Mars in Gemini. The final hit will take place in early March 2023. Interestingly, this is when many astrologers predict Putin's demise. We shall see..... Also, keep an eye on Donald Trump. Just saying.

So much that's present in our daily lives comes under the domain of Gemini: Communication, transport, electronic devices, commerce, education, information. The people we see: Neighbours, siblings, friends, colleagues. The places we go to: School, college, university, shops, train stations, the local garage and the equipment we use: Cars, computers, phones, any hand-held tools or gadgets. Having Mars there for seven months will bring a sense of aggravation to all of these. This planetary influence will make people argumentative and outspoken, and impatience could lead to ill-considered actions. 

Mars in Gemini is mentally assertive and competitive. Speaking forcefully or bluntly is a trait of this planetary effect which could bring tension with neighbours - and on the world stage 'neighbours' are countries which border each other. We already have trouble between Ukraine and its neighbour Russia, and China is on the brink of attacking its neighbour Taiwan. Will this escalate or will there be yet another threat somewhere else?

Impulsive decisions, or a lack of attention to detail may cause major problems. Over the next few months there will be a surge in communication output. But could the wrong decision be made, resulting in serious consequences? A cyber attack is one possibility. I'm getting a sense of communication in overdrive, or some sort of dramatic event affecting commerce,  telecommunications or the media. Words and information will be high in quantity but low in quality. There will be an abundance of disinformation and misinformation. Gemini also rules infrastructure: roads, railways and airports.

Sparks will fly, that's for sure!.A tendency to react - or overreact - to even the most constructive criticism will be taken as a personal insult under this planetary influence, making this a bad time for subtle negotiations. A lack of tact may provoke needless arguments or aggression. Social media will go into meltdown - as if it's not bad enough already - and is quite likely to become a virtual warzone. Be careful!

Mars will be retrograde in Gemini from 31st October 2022 until 13th January 2023 - bringing a sense of moving in the wrong direction. Mars symbolises focus, clarity and decisiveness but when retrogrades occur this trait is weakened. In the ambiguous sign of Gemini, the effect is compounded leading to duplicity, switching allegiances, mixed messages, confusion, or doubt. Normal rules might not apply in warfare because of Mars (the god of war) in retrograde. Could there be some sort of mutiny? Will the wrong targets be hit? Perhaps even a surrender?

On a personal level, if you are a *Sun sign Gemini, then over the next seven months, as transiting Mars conjuncts your natal Sun, you'll become much more competitive, compulsive and hot blooded. Full of energy, you'll have the desire to achieve more or be in charge of some important situation, whether this is in your personal life or your work. Be confident - but don't be aggressive. 

*If you want to know exactly when this will happen for you, just comment below this article with the day and month of your birthday. For example: 8th June. 

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.

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.

Valentines Day

Transiting Venus and Mars form a conjunction on 8th February for an unusually long period before finally parting company at the end of March. Combined with the emotional Moon in its own sign of Cancer for most of the day and moving into sensual Leo during the evening of the 14th, Valentines Day 2022 promises to be a very romantic one. Enjoy!