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.

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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.

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. 

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.

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.

Aneurin Barnard

Award-winning actor and singer, Aneurin Barnard was born on Friday, 8th May 1987 in Ogwr, Mid Glamorgan, Wales. I don't have his time of birth, so his horoscope will be less than 50% complete.                    

Born with the Sun in the sign of Taurus, and the Moon in Virgo, Aneurin is hard-working, down to earth and modest. Determined, patient and perhaps a bit stubborn, he knows what he wants and has probably always been aware of his innate talents. Although he needs to be emotionally fulfilled by his work, he could have a tendency to allow his head to rule his heart. In his early years, he may have been shy and perhaps this led him to keep his feelings hidden, but his natural creativity will allow him to express himself emotionally through acting and singing. Aneurin is honest, trustworthy, warm-hearted and kind.

 

The Sun in conjunction with Mercury in Aneurin's natal chart shows him to be very intelligent and he enjoys meeting people and discussing various subjects. A good conversation means a lot to him as he has a great need to share his ideas and opinions. However, sometimes he may not listen to other people's views as much as he should. Having said that, he has great skill in commanding attention. Communication comes easy for him, and he expresses himself well. This planetary influence - as well as having the Sun in Taurus and Mars in Gemini - imbues Aneurin with excellent vocal ability. This is evident in his work as an actor - he is extremely proficient at enhancing his performance by using different accents - and also in his beautiful singing voice.

 

With Venus in the sign of Aries, Aneurin is liked because he is genuine, not because he has to rely on fake charm - although he is naturally charming - and superficial behaviour. He is socially dynamic, refined, and needs harmonious surroundings. Sometimes he will be over-accommodating for the sake of peace. He has a competitive instinct, especially in matters of love, and can be prone to impulsive attractions. Venus is in a sextile aspect to Mars and shows that he gets on well with others and has many friends who love him because he makes everyone feel good about themselves, treating them with respect and affection. Aneurin hates any kind of conflict - peace, love, harmony and friendship are vitally important to him..

 

Venus in conjunction with Jupiter indicates that Aneurin is a genuinely warm, generous and affectionate young man. He is faithful to his friends and loved ones, and is an inspiration to many people. This planetary aspect suggests an abundance of wealth, so he will definitely enjoy comfort and all the good things in life - if not now, then in his later years. Love, kindness and understanding are all indicated by this planetary combination. Aneurin would be excellent in public relations, working with young people or as a counsellor. His warm personality will make him popular with almost everybody and they will respect and respond to his honesty. If there's one thing that Aneurin hates it's insincerity.

 

A trine between Venus and Saturn in Aneurin's natal chart reveals that he may be reserved about showing his affections until he's sure a person is worthwhile. Once committed, he will be totally loyal and loving, and he is more willing than most people to dedicate his time and energy to a relationship. Being in a large group of people could make him feel intimidated - he will be at his best in a one-to-one situation. This aspect shows that he has good judgement about people. It's no surprise that he is such a talented actor and singer, as Venus trine Saturn indicates a love of - and success in - music, writing, poetry, painting, and almost any of the arts. 

 

Mars in the sign of Gemini gives Aneurin superior communication skills. This planetary position is often found in the charts of journalists, reporters, and broadcasters. This is the hallmark of dynamic dialogue and is a powerful indication of acting ability. It shows that he has a charming voice that people can listen to for hours. I feel that he may be attracted to languages, and of course he is already bilingual, speaking both his native Welsh as well as English. He's a natural storyteller - acting is a form of storytelling and is the reason he's such a brilliant actor. I definitely see great writing talent in Aneurin's chart. He is young in mind, body and spirit and probably has a great affinity with children.

 Mars is in an opposition aspect to Saturn in Aneurin's natal chart. This is really interesting for many reasons - particularly as it is also present in the birth chart of King Richard III, whom Aneurin so beautifully portrayed in the TV drama 'The White Queen'. I have come across this phenomenon frequently when studying the charts of actors. Particularly if the role they play involves the portrayal of a real person, the actor's chart resonates with that person's own chart. In Richard's chart, Mars is in a Fire Sign opposite Saturn in an Air Sign - in Aneurin's chart Mars is in an Air Sign opposite Saturn in a Fire Sign. A mirror image of the same elements with exactly the same planetary aspect. Not only that - Richard's Saturn is located at 20 degrees, and so is Aneurin's!

 

So what does this mean? With Richard III this planetary influence symbolised his disability - scoliosis, curvature of the spine. Medically, Saturn rules anything to do with bones. But this planetary aspect also gave him great courage, endurance and the ability to deal with the harsh realities of life. Obviously, I don't know Aneurin's medical history, but psychologically this planetary influence provides stamina and determination. Emotionally, there could be repressed anger, and a person with this aspect can feel weighed down by some kind of responsibility. Mars in aspect to Saturn can sometimes be an indication of holding in emotions and feelings of resentment from the past. Usually something in childhood that caused them to feel vulnerable or frightened. If this is true for Aneurin, then it's possible he may still occasionally experience a feeling of inferiority, but his past experiences will also give him great strength of character.