Sunday, 8 May 2016

Donald Trump: Part 1 - Born To Rule?

Donald John Trump was born on Friday, 14th June 1946 at 10:54am in Jamaica Estates, Queens, New York, USA.

The Sun in the sign of Gemini gives Mr Trump a talent for communication. Gemini's are compulsive talkers, texters and Tweeters. However sometimes, as we've seen, they say so much it's hard for them not to occasionally end up offending people. Their words are more quantity than quality - but they also have a 'silver tongue' and are able to talk their way in or out of any situation, and are experts at convincing others that they are right. Mentally agile and inquisitive, Mr Trump is a very intelligent man. The Sun in sector 10 of his birth chart shows that he has a need to be taken seriously in connection with his work, or to be seen as authoritative in some way. Mr Trump is dependent upon the outer trappings of success, i.e. money and fame, and one or both of his parents will have been powerful or ambitious. 

The Sun is in opposition to the Moon in Mr Trump's natal chart. He was born approximately two hours before the Full Moon - which also just happened to be a Lunar Eclipse. This is not uncommon in the birth charts of very wealthy and influential people. Having the Sun in an opposition aspect to the Moon will make him somewhat highly strung and argumentative. He may find it difficult to change his habits, and there could also be a constant need to attempt to overcome family patterns of behaviour. Inner tension and conflict is highly likely. With his natal Sun in a positive trine aspect to Jupiter, Mr Trump has very high expectations. He is optimistic, generous, and indulgent. But also boastful and showy. This planetary influence can bring misplaced idealism - he has dreams, but are they realistic?

With the Sun conjunct Uranus in Mr Trump's natal chart he is eccentric, stubborn and unorthodox. Anarchy and rebellion come naturally to him - Donald Trump seeks change and he wants progress. He is dramatic, and at times, overpowering. He has charisma and a magnetism which draws people to listen to him, and his zest for what he believes in is the reason for his popularity. The Sun is in conjunction with the North Node in Mr Trump's chart, and this shows that his ego and pride are tied to his security needs. He will feel at his most confident when he's on stage or at the centre of attention. He needs praise and admiration.  

Mr Trump's natal Moon is in the sign of Sagittarius. Many people with this Moon position have foreign connections - they either become migrants or they are the descendants of migrants. In the case of Mr Trump, he is the son of a Scottish mother. The Moon in Sagittarius shows a strong emotional attachment to childhood moral values. His emotional responses reveal a child-like 'innocence' and he seems to lack objectivity. In sector four of his natal chart the Moon indicates a powerful sense of belonging within the family. However, childhood patterns or issues may re-emerge in later life. Interestingly, in Mundane Astrology, Sagittarius represents the USA and sector four symbolises patriotic ideals. Mr Trump may be many things, but no-one could accuse him of not being a proud and patriotic citizen.

The Moon is in a positive trine aspect to Mars in Mr Trump's natal chart. This shows that he enjoys vigorously good health and has endless energy. He's strong-willed, courageous and isn't afraid to say exactly what he thinks. He is highly restless and loves to travel. The Moon is conjunct the South Node which indicates emotional vulnerability, and he may have felt a lack of unconditional love. It's possible that Mr Trump has a deep fear of being dependent upon others. The Moon in an opposition aspect to Uranus could make him prone to stress.and difficult to live with. 

Donald Trump's natal Ascendant is in the sign of Leo which is all about pride and ego. People with this rising sign tend to be brash, confident, bossy, opinionated and stubborn. What they want most is to be noticed, admired and to dominate everyone around them. Self-promotion comes easy with Leo rising, and basically it brings the need to be centre stage. Mr Trump is a performer. He loves drama and theatrics - no matter where he is, or in what context. If he was in a circus, he'd be the ringmaster. The desire to shine and to stand out as an individual will be ever present. He wants to achieve at the highest level possible and to be seen as a bighearted, generous, and honourable person. No-one could accuse Mr Trump of being boring - he definitely has a larger-than-life personality. He radiates self-confidence and he seeks fame, but taken too far, this could make him deeply unpopular. By trying too hard to get what he wants, he could end up ruining his chances of success. He feels the urge to make his mark and leave some kind of historical legacy. He does possess natural leadership qualities and is already in a position of authority. To some people he may seem assertive and enthusiastic, but to others he will be perceived as aggressive and overbearing.  

The most outstanding feature in Donald Trump's natal chart is the degree of his Leo Ascendant which is in exact conjunction to the fixed star Regulus. This elevates the whole chart and energises his destiny with great power.  People with this influence in their chart tend to become extremely famous. The fixed star Regulus is often known as the 'Heart of the Lion', and its name literally means 'the star of kings,'. It is associated with royalty and people in positions of power – independent, outspoken, and wealthy. Born leaders. When the Ascendant is conjunct Regulus it brings tremendous influence over other people, amazing success and great honour, but it also has a very negative side too - trouble, scandal, disease, and sometimes violence.


Mercury in the sign of Cancer gives Donald Trump a very good memory and a great head for business. His thoughts tend to be shaped by emotional responses, and he is susceptible to what others think. In sector 11, Mercury shows that he has an intellectual concern with humanitarian or social issues. He thrives when in a group of like-minded people, and Mercury in this position brings the ability to be a group spokesperson. Mercury in a square aspect to Neptune indicates that despite his outer image, Mr Trump is a worrier. However, this aspect also shows a tendency towards dishonesty and deceit, even if he may only be deceiving himself. Mercury square Eris suggests that he can't really trust anyone - especially his friends and associates. He is changeable and flamboyant. Mercury in a square aspect to Neptune can also symbolise a lack of self-belief..... Yes, I know what you're thinking. But it's important to remember that Donald Trump is a Gemini with Leo rising, therefore much of his outer personality is a performance, it's his public image. Gemini people, just like their sign, always have two faces - so in private, he's probably a different person.

With his natal Venus in the sign of Cancer, Mr Trump will be highly protective of his partners and children. Financial and domestic security will be be vitally important to him. He may be moody and hyper-sensitive, but he can also be compassionate. With Venus in sector 11 of his chart, he has many acquaintances, although not necessarily close friends. He possibly has a tendency to keep people at a distance, and will feel 'tied down' in relationships. Venus is in a conjunction with Saturn indicating a strong sense of duty, but perhaps sacrificing emotional connections for professional ambition. 

Natal Mars in the sign of Leo is a very energetic and dynamic influence. It gives Mr Trump a love of sport, and amazing vitality - his enthusiasm knows no bounds. Tirelessly and consistently enterprising, he has the ability to uplift and inspire other people. He has a passion for speculation - definitely not someone who is afraid to take risks. With his natal Mars situated in sector 12 of his chart, Mr Trump may have trouble discriminating between his own and other people's aims. In other words, he will expect those around him to conform to his wishes and won't understand why they don't share his interests. This position of Mars can be very self-destructive. Mars in a square aspect to the Midheaven shows determination, fierce ambition and a love of challenge. Mr Trump has excellent organisational skills, but his hasty attitude may bring many disputes and conflicts.

Jupiter is in a very positive trine aspect to Uranus in Donald Trump's natal chart. This planetary influence gives him tremendous leaderships qualities, radical thinking, and unconventional beliefs. He is wilful, dogmatic, argumentative and outspoken - but above all, he is lucky.



Tuesday, 19 January 2016

Unaspected Planets

In an astrological reading we talk a lot about aspects. These are the angular connections between planets and points in the chart. There are several major aspects: the conjunction (0 degrees); the sextile (60 degrees); the square (90 degrees); the trine (120 degrees); the quincunx (150 degrees) and the opposition (180 degrees). There are also minor aspects such as the semi-sextile (30 degrees) and many more obscure aspects including the semi-square (45 degrees) and the sesquiquadrate (135 degrees). However, if your chart contains a planet which does not form any major aspects to any other planet or point, it is classed as an unaspected planet.

Not having any aspects is quite rare, so before you analyse an unaspected planet in your chart, you must first make sure that it really doesn't form any major connections to anything else. All aspects have a few degrees on either side to allow an aspect to take place without being exact. This is called an Orb. In a natal chart, the maximum allowable orb is seven degrees, although some astrologers use a narrower or wider orb. So, for example, if your natal Sun is positioned at 6 Aquarius, any planet at any degree from 29 Capricorn to 13 Aquarius will be in conjunction with your Sun. 

A person with unaspected Sun will have a strong emphasis on self expression and leadership, as well as a strong need for ego recognition.

An unaspected Moon suggests emotional disconnection from parents, and in later life, from other people. On the positive side, there may be a need to express a caring attitude or behaviour in order to connect with other people.

Unaspected Mercury tends to emphasise an over-active mind, which could result in non-stop talking, thinking, or worrying.  If  this energy is focused in a productive way, the person will be imbued with impressive mental and communication skills.

Venus without aspects emphasises emotional expression in relationships – either as emotional drama, or an ability to care deeply for others. However, because Venus also represents possessions and money, the person may have great talent for becoming financially successful. There may also be an emphasis on being admired and appreciated.

Unaspected Mars is powerful and potentially dangerous. Directing your energy positively might be a problem, especially anger. A special talent for sport is also indicated.

Jupiter with no major aspects suggests an interest in philosophy, education and higher learning.

Unaspected Saturn tends to show problems connected to the father, and a very powerful sense of ambition. A lack of support from the parents may result in excessive self-discipline to compensate for emotional insecurity. 

Natal Uranus with no aspects shows an intensified need for individuality, and a talent for invention and science.

Unaspected Neptune is very rare but when it occurs there is usually heightened sensitivity - including ESP - and a strongly idealistic outlook.

Pluto without major aspects suggests prominence, power and influence. A special ability to investigate anything hidden or secret is often present.

It's important to remember that any planet with no aspects is out on its own. It's energy is more powerful because it's not being influenced by any other planets. Therefore, if it can be used in a very positive, productive way, it could become your strongest asset.

Friday, 1 January 2016

How Did You Discover This Blog?

☆☆☆ Happy New Year ☆☆☆
I'm always amazed by the number of page views
and comments my blog has attracted, particularly
during the last two years. So, I'm intrigued to
know how you first found me. Google, Twitter,
a general internet search, etc. I'd love to hear
your story.

Monday, 9 November 2015

The Cosmic Clock: Generational Transits

Earlier this year it was announced that Britain's oldest person had died at the astonishingly grand age of 114 years! Ethel Lang was the last person living in the UK who was born during the reign of Queen Victoria. Born on 27th May 1900, Ethel - and others of past generations - are a fascinating astrological study. Every generation has a different planetary signature depending upon the positions of certain major planets during a particular year, decade, or even century. The outer planets - Uranus, Neptune and Pluto - move so slowly, their influence covers a long period of time and a large group of people. 

Ethel's natal chart is very interesting as her generational planets are situated in signs of the zodiac that we astrologers don't see in people's charts today. She was born with both Neptune and Pluto in the sign of Gemini, and Pluto was also in opposition to Uranus. During the mid-sixties Pluto was in conjunction with Uranus, and the babies being born right now are under the influence of Pluto square Uranus. The generations born when these two major planets are in hard aspect to each other have an underlying urge to transform their environment. They initiate rapid change in a big - and possibly traumatic - way, often through social upheaval which indirectly impacts the personal circumstances of individuals. Political and social rebellion, as well as revolutionary scientific ideas are hallmarks of these Uranus Pluto connections. So, won't it be interesting to see what develops from this in the future when today's Uranus square Pluto babies become adults!


There are particular aspects which occur between major planets at certain intervals. For 
example, Jupiter and Saturn form a conjunction to each other every 20 years. Uranus and Neptune are in conjunction every 170 years, and so on. Another way in which the major planets influence generations is by the aspects made from a major planet to itself at certain stages in an individual's life. For example, Jupiter moves through the entire zodiac circle every 12 years, so when we reach the ages of 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, etc, it will be back where it started in the year we were born. This phenomenon is called the Jupiter Return. With Saturn, we don't experience our First Return phase until we are around the age of 29. As far as Uranus is concerned, we have to live until around the age of 84 for a First Return to take place.


However, it's not only major planet Returns which are relevant as we gradually move through life. The Return is a conjunction made by the planet to itself, but there are other aspects being made too. For example, when you are approximately 21 - 22 years old, you will experience a square aspect from transiting Uranus to your natal Uranus. This planetary influence brings the need to break away from adolescence and become a fully-fledged, independent adult. Maybe this is the origin of the traditional 21st birthday celebration and being given the 'key to the door'. It was a symbol of freedom, becoming a person in your own right, and your parents respecting you as an equal.


However, when transiting Uranus is in opposition to your natal Uranus, it's a different story. This happens around the age of 42 and again the main theme is freedom, doing your own thing, living how you want to live - but this time it can cause untold damage. This is The Mid-life Crisis. Also, around the same age transiting Neptune will be in a square to your natal Neptune. Again, this turns people against responsibility, and reality becomes dimmed by fantasy. Everything we have in our lives somehow seems to be without purpose. Life feels 'unreal' - we don't know who we are anymore. 


A lot of people in their early forties go through some kind of sudden urge to become the person they've always wanted to be. What they have spent years building up - marriage, children, career, and social reputation - is no longer satisfying. They want more excitement, and affairs are often the method they choose to channel their need for thrills. Some won't even want a partner at all and will decide to completely give up on their marriage. Others might stay with their family but ditch their career instead. Of course, once this planetary influence has passed, there may be many regrets.



Once you're in your mid-fifties, you'll move from the rough seas of your early forties, and find yourself drifting in calmer waters. Around the the age of 55, both Uranus and Neptune will be in a positive trine aspect to their natal positions. These planetary influences can also bring the decision to make certain changes in your life - but in a pleasant, harmonious way. You might choose to take early retirement in order to spend more time with your family or on your hobbies. You'll also learn what you need to make your life really fulfilling. Many people who give up their career during their mid-fifties choose instead to do voluntary work. These planetary influences bring tremendous compassion and a sense of philanthropy. Whatever age or stage you're at, astrology will set the scene throughout your cycle of life.

Wednesday, 1 July 2015

Venus and Jupiter

Today sees the beginning of a very special planetary alignment. Venus in conjunction with Jupiter. Nothing particularly unusual about that, you may think, but because Venus is now about to move into a phase of retrograde motion, there will be not one, not two - but three conjunctions between these planets this year on 1st July, 4th, 5th & 6th August, and the final contact will be on 26th October. On a personal level, if you were born on - or close to - any of these dates, the Venus Jupiter conjunction will affect your chart for the next 12 months after your birthday, bringing love, happiness and prosperity into your life. Also, if your birthday is on, or around, 15th August, 22nd August or 8th September, this wonderful aspect will be in conjunction with your natal Sun - but only for a couple of days. 

So, if your birthday falls on any of these dates, make sure you do something to attract this positive, loving and indulgent planetary energy. It would be a great time to propose - Venus and Jupiter both symbolise marriage. It's also a perfect opportunity to buy something luxurious or extravagant for yourself or someone special. Venus and Jupiter are also connected to fertility - so perhaps, for some of you, this will mark the beginning of something very special indeed.....

In Mundane Astrology (the astrological analysis of world events) Venus represents decision-making, financial matters, diplomatic relations, war and peace. Jupiter represents religion, morality, foreign countries and cultures, and international laws. It does seem that there will be concentrated attempts to ease conflict and regain balance in an out-of-control global situation. However, there are some hard aspects from other planets - including a square from Saturn and a conjunction from Mars - to this otherwise benign and positive planetary influence, and these could bring a breakdown in peace initiatives during August, followed by military action by November. But, having said that, Venus and Jupiter bring tremendous hope, so perhaps there will be a turning point by the end of 2015. 


Wednesday, 24 June 2015

Sheridan Smith

Award-winning and multi-talented actress, Sheridan Smith OBE was born on Thursday, 25th June 1981 in Epworth, England. I don't know her time of birth, so this horoscope will be less detailed than normal.            
On the day Sheridan was born the Sun was in the sign of Cancer, so she is definitely in touch with her feelings and emotions. Instinctive, sentimental but with a tough exterior, this is one shrewd lady! Sometimes she may be too sensitive but she will do anything to protect those she loves. She has very strong family ties and places great value on her childhood memories. The Sun is in conjunction with Mercury in her natal chart, giving her an independent mind. She is mentally alert and very talkative with a fantastic sense of humour. The Sun in a square aspect to both Jupiter and Saturn gives Sheridan high expectations. She is a very reliable and honest person who has great optimism, patience and dedication.

Sheridan's Moon is in the sign of Aries. The Moon in this position brings fiery emotions, hasty reactions and perhaps a short-fused temper, but her anger will just as quickly burn out. With a sense of heightened perception, she will have the unique ability to tune in to her immediate surroundings and be able to detect the emotional 'atmosphere'. She is very intolerant of people who try to interfere with her life or invade her privacy. Strong-willed and direct, Sheridan has tremendous courage and a fighting spirit, but she is also very kind and warm-hearted.
 
Mercury and Mars in Gemini makes Sheridan a fun person to be with. Articulate and witty, she has a logical, versatile mind. If you need advice or someone to cheer you up, she is the perfect choice. She is good at problem-solving and has razor-sharp perception. Sometimes she may be too impulsive and say things she shouldn't. Mercury in opposition to Neptune in her natal chart indicates that she has a rich imagination and is very creative. However, I get the feeling that she occasionally struggles with unnecessary worry and a lack of self-belief.
 
With her natal Venus in the sign of Cancer, Sheridan is compassion personified. Her home is definitely where her heart is and domestic harmony is vitally important to her as it's where she feels most secure and content. It's possible that she has an interest in history and ancestry. Venus in a trine aspect to Uranus emphasises her creative talents and gives her tremendous charisma. Romantic, and naturally affectionate, she has many friends. However, Venus in a square aspect to Pluto in Sheridan's natal chart suggests a tumultuous love life with many emotional upheavals. This planetary combination indicates that she is someone who is deeply passionate and devoted in relationships.

Thursday, 11 June 2015

House Of The Rising Sun

In October 2014 I published an article entitled 'War Of The Worlds: Astrology versus Astronomy' about the way in which astronomers are constantly deriding astrologers and mocking astrology. A few months ago, I came across a piece written by a famous astrologer who, like myself and many others, is a fully-trained professional astrologer. However, unlike some of us, she's a big advocate of Sun Sign horoscopes. As you'll see from this blog, I promote Real Astrology. So, in this article, I'll be writing about how astrologers can be 'at war' with each other....

Unless we have a family member or a close friend who is a practising astrologer, most of us have our first encounter with horoscopes through the media - internet, magazines, newspapers, etc. For most people it's just a fun activity, but for some, it fires our curiosity and enthusiasm for learning more about how astrology really works.That's how it was for me many years ago. When I was a teenager, I became curious about astrology after reading a weekly Sun Sign horoscope page in a well-known women's magazine. I was lucky, because the horoscopes were written by a professional astrologer - and not just some random journalist (which used to be a common practice). But the best bit was that she also had a section devoted to real astrology at the bottom of the page. In it, she explained how astrology worked and what it was all about. This information was like gold-dust for me and I used to save everything she wrote. Although it took a few years before I finally decided to actually study astrology, the small but tantalising pieces of astrological insight provided by this amazing astrologer were what really planted the seed of inspiration in my mind. The Sun Sign horoscopes on their own probably would not have had the same effect. 

In her article, the astrologer who advocates Sun Sign Astrology argues that Sun Sign horoscopes are just as important as real astrology. I disagree. Although this branch of astrology has made the subject popular with the general public, it has also diminished it. Sun Sign horoscopes are a poor imitation of the real thing and give people totally the wrong idea about what astrology is. Imagine going into a top Italian restaurant and being served spaghetti hoops from a can. You would want - and expect - genuine, Italian cuisine expertly cooked by a professional chef, wouldn't you? This is the difference between Sun Sign astrology and Real Astrology - one is cheap, instant and doesn't take much effort to produce.The other is personally prepared just for you. Is a can of spaghetti hoops an accurate representation of Italian cuisine? No. Neither is Sun Sign astrology an accurate representation of Real Astrology.

So why do professional astrologers write Sun Sign horoscopes if it gives astrology a bad name? Well, the Sun Sign astrologer hits the nail on the head when she tells us how much she earns every year. £70,000. Yes - seventy thousand pounds. And that is what she gets from the various magazines she writes horoscopes for. Ten times what she earns from doing real horoscopes for individual private clients. This is the reason why some astrologers have sold astrology down the river - to make a fast buck. Easy money. As I've said in this blog before, I only charge for face-to-face personal astrology readings. Any private horoscopes I do for people online are free. I hope this never happens, but maybe one day I will also be tempted into doing simple Sun Sign horoscopes for a large financial reward. For now, however, I will continue to practise and promote Real Astrology.