Tuesday, 2 August 2016

Drama and Destiny

While you are learning astrology, you require the charts of real people to practise on, but you don't always want to use friends or family. So, celebrities are a very good alternative, mainly because after you've made predictions, you can 'monitor' what happens to them via the media. It's usually very straightforward - unless the celebrities you use are from the world of drama..... 

Many years ago, when I was still a student of astrology, I decided to do a forecast for a famous television actor. He had a very interesting chart, but something really worried me - there were indications that he would become aggressive, commit an act of violence, be arrested and go to jail. I was shocked. The prediction was for almost a year in advance, so as the months passed, I began to search newspapers and watch news programmes on TV - this was before the internet. When the year was almost up, still nothing had happened, but then one evening I was watching a drama on TV - and there he was! The character he was playing was very aggressive, and by the end of the story, he had been arrested, charged with a violent crime, and was on his way to prison. 

It was at that point that I suddenly realised something very important..... Actors spend a large amount of their time 'being' someone else, and when they do, whatever is happening in their astrological charts is 'lived out' or expressed through the character they are playing during that period.  In other words, the planetary energies taking place in an actor's chart are manifested in the form of dramatic art. So, for example, if I was doing a forecast for an actor and the planetary influences suggested that they would be involved in a dangerous situation, then it's highly likely that the 'dangerous situation' would appear on TV, film, or stage as part of the story. Of course, it's also possible that the danger could come directly into the actor's life from an actual source - falling scenery on stage, or an exploding spotlight, for example. This is a very curious situation that I'd never expected to encounter. Everyone experiences their current chart activity in various areas of life, including work, but for people whose career actually involves becoming another person, it seems as if they are living half of their existence in a parallel universe.

This phenomenon arose again recently when, through curiosity, I decided to glance at the chart of Harry Styles. I'd seen photos of him on the set of his new World War 2 movie 'Dunkirk'. His forecast chart for 2016 contains Solar Arc Mars square natal Pluto, and Annual Degree Projection Mars in opposition to natal Pluto. These planetary influences tend to bring explosive and destructive energy which can result in traumatic experiences. Acts of violence and the need to overcome difficult situations through sheer effort and willpower are also indicated by the effects of these planetary aspects. If I hadn't known about Harry's current activities, I would have been seriously worried about what might be about to happen to him. But, as he is living out this potentially destructive energy in a safe environment - i.e. a film set/studio - it should have minimum impact on his personal life.

Another curious scenario associated with actors and astrology is that the characters they portray always have a strong astrological connection to their own charts. Also, the character an actor is most associated with will be described in the actor's natal chart. For example, if you have read my astrological profile of British actor Aneurin Barnard, you will have seen this mentioned. If you haven't read it, this is what I said:

"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!"

It's a well-known fact among astrologers that any actor who has played - or will play - the role of the Timelord in the BBC sci-fi drama 'Doctor Who', always has strong astrological connections to the chart of the very first episode - which, of course, is the natal chart. I suspect this would also be true of the actors who have played 007 in the Bond movies. 

In a curious twist, the chart of a fictional character will also show their personality and destiny - even though that person is not real. A traumatic story in the BBC serial drama 'EastEnders' has just reached it's conclusion after more than two years. It involved the murder of a character called Lucy Beale who was killed by her 10-year old brother Bobby. The identity of the killer was not revealed until the first anniversary of Lucy's death. After two years of his family's vain attempts to keep him 'safe' and avoid seeing him being punished for the crime, Bobby was sent to prison a few weeks ago after confessing everything - murdering his sister, attacking and almost killing his friend, as well as his own step-mother. When Bobby Beale was in court he stated his date of birth - 22nd July 2003. That was all I needed to set up a chart (obviously it's very rare to get a birth time with a fictional character), and it was absolute dynamite! 

The character of Bobby Beale - brilliantly portrayed by talented young actor Eliot Carrington - is a Sun sign Cancerian which indicates that he is a very sensitive little boy who feels very deeply both his own emotions and those of the people around him. His Moon is in Taurus and shows that he needs security and comfort, and can be stubborn and obstinate. Mercury in an opposition aspect to Neptune reveals that Bobby is very clever but has a very troubled mind capable of serious deception. But the most interesting of all is the conjunction of Mars and Uranus. When someone has this planetary influence in their natal chart, it brings a high level of tension and impulsive urges. Wilful and undisciplined, this planetary aspect is potentially explosive.

When Bobby Beale killed his elder sister Lucy (she was 20 years old) the date of the murder was 18th April 2014. On that day, the transiting Sun was in a square aspect to Bobby's natal Sun. This tends to bring annoyance and irritation. Transiting Mars - planet of physical aggression - was in conjunction with natal Vesta, one of the asteroids which symbolises 'sisters'. Transiting Uranus - planet of sudden and unexpected events - was in opposition to Vesta. So, it showed in Bobby's chart that his sister would encounter a sudden, physical attack on that day. Add to that transiting Pluto - planet of crime and death - in a square aspect to Vesta, and a definite indication of potential murder is revealed.  

Also very interesting are the astrological connections between Bobby and his sister Lucy who was born on 9th December 1993. Bobby's Pluto is conjunct Lucy's Sun indicating power games. People with this planetary connection between them often have their lives changed on a very deep level - for better or worse. With his Uranus in a square to her Mercury, Bobby would have rebelled against Lucy and they had many arguments. Bobby's Mars in opposition to Lucy's Chiron suggests she would be physically wounded by him. And amazingly, Bobby's natal Mars is conjunct Lucy's natal Vesta - triggered on that fateful day by the transit of Mars in conjunction to Vesta in his natal chart. 

They say that 'truth is stranger than fiction' but when you combine them, that's the strangest of all.....

Monday, 30 May 2016

Donald Trump: Part 2 - What Now?

At the end of November 2015, transiting Jupiter began to form a square aspect to Donald Trump's natal Moon. Lasting until the beginning of August 2016, this has enhanced his sense of patriotism, bringing with it a concern with social justice. He has been easily outraged, self-righteous and intolerant under this planetary influence. However, when this aspect ends, he will need to adopt a different outlook in order to clear up any conflicts that have occurred during the past few months. Unfortunately, this planetary aspect has made him harshly critical, unfairly judgemental, and driven by his emotions. 

During the same period, transiting Jupiter has also been in a square aspect to Mr Trump's natal Sun. This influence tends to bring a lack of self-restraint. We've already seen him going overboard and in the coming months he will have to learn to control himself. He will also have to know when to stop. I get the feeling that by September his confidence may suffer a setback. Will this make him give up his ambition to become president? This planetary influence can sometimes trigger conflicts or legal problems. Over-confidence may lead to loss.

In mid-December 2015 transiting Saturn began to form a positive trine aspect to Donald Trump's natal Pluto. Lasting until the end of September 2016, this influence will have given him the ability to move towards fulfilling his ambitions. He has the capability to work harder than at almost any other time in his life. His level of self-assertion has made others realise that he is a shrewd operator. They know they have to take Donald Trump seriously. This planetary influence brings remarkable powers of endurance - but it ends in September. So, will Mr Trump be able to sustain the momentum until the election in November?

At the beginning of May 2016 transiting Uranus began to form a sextile aspect to Mr Trump's natal Sun. This planetary influence will continue until April 2017 and may bring him a sudden impulse to change course and improve his circumstances - but in what way? He could experience considerable unrest and inner tension, as well as unexpected setbacks. However, this planetary aspect mostly has a positive effect during which he will be seeking change and progress. Ever dramatic, forthright with his opinions, and showing leadership qualities, Mr Trump will promote himself as a supporter of the underdogs of society - or, at least, those he considers to be the underdogs of society.

By the end of May 2016 transiting Uranus will be square Mr Trump's natal Saturn. This aspect will last until the end of January 2018 and it will be a very testing time. Certain events will challenge his sense of order, discipline, duty, and his opinions about the world. He may encounter disruptions that will make it hard for him to understand what is going on. He could be forced to revise some of his ideas, and he might become frustrated by what he sees as unbearable restrictions. It's possible that Mr Trump may suddenly change his mind about something, and his actions will come as a surprise. This planetary influence will bring a lot of tension, and this could have consequences for his health. 

Since 2015, the Solar Arc Sun has been in conjunction with Donald Trump's natal Ascendant. This is about to reach its peak, but its effects will continue until 2018. This planetary influence will see Mr T strutting like a rooster and propelling himself even further into the spotlight. The Sun represents power, success, ambition, and the ego, and in this position could bring increased recognition and personal achievement. He will have the opportunity to promote himself - and his agenda - by demonstrating great confidence in his own abilities. The Solar Arc Sun is not only in conjunction with Mr Trump's natal Ascendant, but in 2017, it will also change signs. When this happens, there is likely to be a dramatic change in many areas of his life.


The Solar Arc Moon is in opposition to the natal Ascendant in Mr Trump's chart from now until 2019. This planetary influence could bring adverse publicity, loss of popularity, or dashed hopes. When the Progressed Moon hits the angles of the chart, emotional changes often arise. He may experience uncertainty about how to present himself, finding it hard to be completely honest. He may form a strong contact with a woman - but in what context, I'm not sure, although there could be some sort of emotional attraction.

Solar Arc Jupiter in a quincunx aspect to Donald Trump's natal Midheaven, Venus and Saturn, from now until late 2017, suggests some kind of loss. This planetary influence could indicate too much success and not knowing how to deal with it. It also suggests he may get what he wants but he'll have a huge price to pay. There is always something unbalanced with a quincunx aspect, so if he becomes President, will the level of power be too much for him to handle? It's possible that Mr Trump could overextend himself and take on more than he expected. Overindulgence and exhaustion may result from feeling too optimistic about his own abilities. Learning to fulfil his obligations without having an over-inflated sense of his own importance is the only way to success. However, I feel that he is now trapped into believing that only he can do a certain job, and he might very well end up having to prove it. If he gets to the White House, will 'President Trump' have bitten off more than he can chew?

With his Solar Arc Uranus in a square aspect to the natal Midheaven, from now until Spring 2017, Mr Trump may experience dramatic changes in status or reputation. This planetary influence will bring both excitement and upsets There are likely to be conflicts with authority figures who will view his behaviour as irresponsible or disrespectful. He could rebel against what others think and may even become more flamboyant. A complete career change or relocation is indicated by this planetary aspect. Impatience and a willingness to take bold risks could suddenly alter the entire course of Donald Trump's life...... But in what way?

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.