Putin versus Zelenskyy

Today is Vladimir Putin's 70th birthday. Allegedly. He lies about everything else, so he is possibly also lying about his date of birth. However, we astrologers can only accept the information that we're given, so if Putin really was born on this date, here is how he interacts astrologically with President Zelenskyy.

Although both Putin and Zelenskyy have their natal Suns in Libra and Aquarius, they are not in any way, compatible. These two men could never have seen eye to eye in any situation and may well have been adversaries in whatever way their paths had crossed. Unfortunately, as the leaders of their respective nations, the threat takes on a whole new significance.

Putin's Sun is conjunct Zelenskyy's Pluto. Change on a deep level will occur under the influence of this planetary combination - but at what cost? This aspect is a tough one in any synastry connection but when the two people involved are already potential enemies in positions of great authority, it brings many upheavals as well as fanatical and obsessive attitudes. As we have seen, one of these men has a power complex, is extremely ruthless and is not above tyranny. This Sun Pluto aspect is often linked to events that bring about a major change of direction in the lives of the people who are under its influence. There's a strong feeling of inevitability and definite power struggles. Both the Sun and Pluto like to feel in control of situations, which leads to both people trying to maintain the upper hand. There’s potential for abuse and mutual destruction. Both are extremely stubborn: Putin won't give up and Zelenskyy won't back down.

Putin's Mars is opposite Zelenskyy's Jupiter. By combining their energies they could reach a compromise and the irony of this aspect between Putin and Zelenskyy is that it is a great influence for settling disputes. On the negative side, this planetary effect brings losses through lack of restraint and the consequences of taking ill-judged risks. Resistance to restrictions can lead to conflict. 

I have a friend who, like me, has been an astrologer for a very long time. Professional astrologers tend to branch out into various methods and techniques, finding exactly what works best for them. My friend has a very down-to-earth approach and one of his regular sayings is, "Never ignore the symbolism". What he means is that it's not always necessary to dive into the deepest meanings of planetary aspects because the literal appearance also provides relevant information. In the Synastry between Putin and Zelenskyy, Putin's natal Mars is conjunct Zelenskyy's natal Ceres. Mars symbolises aggresson, weapons and war. Ceres symbolises the land, crops, fields, agriculture and the environment. Ukraine is known as 'The Bread Basket Of Europe' because of it's fertile plains. The literal symbolism is: Putin's war on Zelenskyy's land. 

Putin's Saturn in a square aspect to Zelenskyy's Mercury indicates serious, negative attitudes and a generally uncommunicative atmosphere. This connection is literally all gloom and doom. Perhaps both of them are too single-minded and stubborn. Either way, there are many obstacles to overcome. 

Putin's Saturn is conjunct Zelenskyy's Pluto. Sound familiar? Yes, Saturn conjunct Pluto - the same influence of January 2020 when the Covid Pandemic began. This planetary aspect indicates that Putin feels threatened by Zelenskyy who wants to distance himself from Putin and all he represents. It also symbolises great hardship. Interestingly, this planetary combination is due to appear again during the next few years as transiting Pluto will be conjunct Saturn in the Ukraine national chart from 2023 onwards. 

With Putin's Uranus in opposition to Zelenskyy's Mercury, it indicates that they would stimulate each other to question and challenge accepted beliefs and attitudes. But would Putin deliberately take the opposite view just for the sake of it? Putin's Pluto in opposition to Zelenskyy's Midheaven - the deepest point in Zelenskyy's chart - shows him to be an agent of either transformation or destruction.

There's a lot of karma, fate and destiny between the charts of Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy. One of these is Putin's natal North Node conjunct Zelenskyy's Midheaven. Bizarrely, there is the potential to collaborate and join forces - although I think that opportunity has never actually happened and never will. Interestingly, this karmic influence tends to.thrust someone in a direction that advances their public and professional image. This is certainly true of President Zelenskyy who went from relative obscurity to being a global icon virtually overnight. He does not particularly enjoy the role of authoritarian war leader but is not afraid to demand the freedom he wants for Ukraine.  

Phillip & Holly - What Lies Beneath?

There's no doubt that Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby are the best of friends. Her natal Sun is conjunct his natal Moon, he has Mercury and Mars in Pisces and so does she. Her Sun is sextile his Venus, and his Sun is sextile her Venus. All very harmonious and exactly what you wou would want - or expect - to see in two people who are very close.

However, this is not, as appearances would have you believe, a sugary-sweet cosmic connection. There are dark undertones to this partnership with Phillip's Sun in an opposition aspect to Holly's natal Jupiter Saturn conjunction. This can symbolise difficulty in tolerating differences in each other, such as opinions, outlook, lifestyle, etc. A lot of patience and self-discipline will be required to reach a compromise. 

Holly's natal Mercury Mars conjunction in opposition to Phillip's Pluto indicates certain patterns of thinking may clash and will have to be faced head on. There is some sort of unconscious power struggle going on between these two and they both have a need to prove themselves right. Interestingly, there's a sexual component to this aspect which often sustains a relationship despite the fermenting hostility between the two people involved. The problem with this partnership is that Phillip is gay, so there is no sexual attraction to prevent the emotions between them turning into a battlefield. It will be important that they both learn to accept the other's points of view - but have they, or is there simmering resentment lurking beneath the surface? 

Holly's Venus is quincunx Phillip's Pluto and his Venus is opposite her Pluto which suggests there may be a certain amount of coercion involved. Her Nodal Axis is squared by his Neptune which suggests guilt, regret, or betrayal. There's also a hint of sacrifice - but who is suppressing their true ambition and who is making them feel as if they have to?

With Holly's natal Pluto conjunct Phillip''s natal Midheaven, these two are on some sort of power trip. This is a very symbiotic connection as both of them will have seen their careers rise to great success. If one of them decides to leave, there will be a definite power struggle and a ruthlessness of epic proportions. This planetary influence tends to bring stratospheric gains followed by a calamitous fall in popularity.

Coming soon..... Queue-gate and Beyond

Queen Elizabeth II - RIP

 

My Top Tips For Astrology Beginners - Part 2

TAKE THE CIRCULAR ROUTE

In my first article - My Top Tips for Astrology Beginners - Part 1:

Link: 

https://ephemeralarc.blogspot.com/2020/05/my-top-tips-for-astrology-beginners.html

I wrote this:

"Get to know what an astrology chart really looks like. I know this sounds silly but you have to be able to identify every detail in every chart you'll ever encounter as a professional astrologer, so it's important to become comfortable and efficient with the actual layout. The chart is, in effect, a map of space and time with you (or whoever you're studying) at the centre. The more up-close-and -personal you can be with this map, the better. Don't just skim the surface, absorb every detail - the signs, houses, planets, aspects, degrees, etc. In astrology, everything is relevant."

 

What I have come to realise since then is that this advice was far from silly as many amateur astrologers don't actually have a clue what an astrology chart really looks like. Reading social media comments from people who are trying to learn astrology and are posting messages such as, "I don't have an 8th house!" and then seeing the 'chart' which turns out to be nothing more than a list of numbers and symbols. This is NOT an astrology chart and you won't learn anything from it. You must use a round chart - it's called the Zodiac Circle for a reason. That's how the signs are arranged and that's how the planets move - in a circle. A proper chart illustrates the actual positions of the signs, houses and the planets within them. It also shows the angular relationships between those planets, i.e the aspects. Please be wary of astrology apps as that is where these lists come from. It's garbage. 

This is an astrology chart

This is not an astrology chart

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE

Memorising the associations of the signs, houses and planets is a fundamental part your astrological study. They each symbolise people, places, objects, feelings, etc. A good way of testing yourself is to choose a random letter of the alphabet and name one thing connected to each zodiac sign which begins with that particular letter. So, for example, choose the letter C for meanings of the planets and you may end up with something like this:

Sun = Creativity

Moon = Compassion

Mercury = Communication

Venus = Comfort

Mars = Courage

Jupiter = Community

Saturn = Control

Uranus = Chaos

Neptune = Confusion

Pluto = Corruption

Obviously you could do this by using any word beginning with any letter but this method  makes it more difficult and therefore really focuses your mind on what you know. Memorising astrological information is crucial to becoming a professional astrologer. I know this seems like a pointless chore, but just as with any other subject, the more you practise, the more you'll learn. Eventually, if someone asks a question such as "What does Moon in Pisces mean?", you'll be ready with an answer. Knowledge is power.

FIND A MENTOR

Not an easy task, I know, but if you can find someone who is already a well established genuine astrologer and is willing to give you advice, then please accept the opportunity. Remember, although it seems like a good idea to look for astrologers online, be careful who you trust. There are many fake astrologers out there. Avoid  those who want you to pay for their expertise - being a mentor is not the same as being a teacher and does not take up too much of any astrologer's time, so there's no reason for them to request payment. If they won't answer your question for free, ask someone else. In case you're wondering - yes, I'm available. 

Diana

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. 

Boris Johnson - Part 2

With Solar Arc Jupiter in a sextile aspect to Boris' natal Pluto, there was a danger of squandering potential success by using unscrupulous means. Conflict with authority, inflated sense of self-importance and traumatic losses are all indicated. Jupiter is also in a square aspect to his natal Ascendant bringing difficulty in reconciling the need for freedom with obligations to others. Both of these planetary influences will continue until 2024. 

Solar Arc Jupiter began to form a conjunction to Boris natal Midheaven this year. This aspect will be exact in 2023 and will continue throughout 2024 before ending in 2025. Although Jupiter is often seen to have a beneficial effect, it's actual function is to accentuate and amplify. Therefore, it often acts as a destructive influence by producing over-confidence leading to downfall. Former UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher had this same influence - by transit - when she was forced to resign. 

With Solar Arc Saturn in opposition to his natal Moon until 2024, Boris will be reassessing past deeds and seeing himself in a more realistic light. This planetary influence will be very difficult for him emotionally. He will need to feel a sense of inner fulfillment in his work, but during this period he may experience conflict between the demands of his career, activities in the outside world, and his need for personal happiness. This planetary combination will bring a time of perspective during which he may need to make some adjustments to the organisation of his life. 

There are many aspects involving Uranus in Boris' chart this year, so it was no surprise that there would be a few sudden and shocking developments. Uranus brings change - whether you want it or not - and has a 'flip-over' effect turning a current situation on its head to suddenly become the opposite way around. This is exactly what has happened to Boris as his Solar Arc Uranus has been in conjunction to his natal Moon since 2020 and will continue until 2023, bringing unpredictable, disruptive but liberating experiences. He may not feel positive about his current situation right now but as the months roll by, he will realise that he has been set free from a restrictive environment. 

Boris' Solar Arc Ascendant will be in a square aspect to his natal Uranus until 2024 bringing a highly energetic but frustrating couple of years during which he will fight very hard to assert his independence and personal freedom. He'll be unwilling to conform to the expectations of other people and will be restless, impatient and impulsive when dealing with them. He will want to present himself as a unique individual and as a result he may act in outrageous ways. Relocation is likely too - and I don't just mean moving out of Number 10. There will be a lot more surprises to come during the next two years.