COVID-19

There probably aren't many astrologers who didn't foresee that 2020 was going to be an extremely tough year. This was because of the conjunction on 12th January between Saturn and Pluto, an influence so strong it was going to reverberate throughout the entire 12 months. These two astrological heavyweights represent power, control, world politics, the economy, and they also symbolise death. In astrology we observe cycles and when a major planetary aspect occurs - or is about to occur - we look to see when it happened previously and what the historical implications were. From that perspective, the politics, power and death scenario of the Saturn Pluto conjunction in Capricorn looked like a major catastrophe, possibly a war. We didn't comprehend for one minute that it would be a world-wide plague. However, the fight against coronavirus is a war.....

One thing had puzzled me since the coronavirus outbreak began. Why would we experience a global pandemic just because Saturn and Pluto were in conjunction? Don't get me wrong, this would have brought a major drama anyway, but these two planets are conjunct approximately every 34 years and although we have the usual political calamities, a new disease sweeping the planet isn't normally part of the equation. So, what's different this time around and why have our everyday lives been turned upside down so drastically? The answer lies not only with Saturn and Pluto, but also with two other major players in world events - Uranus and Neptune.

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Neptune is the planet which symbolises contagious diseases, contamination, infection, and the drugs we use to eradicate them. It rules the immune system - which, of course, due to the absence of both a vaccine and a cure, is the only thing we currently have to fight coronavirus. The influence of Neptune is all about the things we cannot touch or see, and it's also about going beyond physical boundaries. 

Neptune had to be implicated somehow. It couldn't just be sitting there doing nothing when everything it stands for was becoming a reality. So, what was the connection? Transiting Neptune has been situated in the sign of Pisces since 4th February 2012. When a planet is in a certain sign its influence becomes much more powerful and everything it symbolises is accentuated. Neptune rules Pisces, therefore it is at its strongest there. When Neptune was last in this sign, during the 1850s, millions of people died in a Cholera pandemic. But why now, in 2020, when Neptune has already been in Pisces for eight years? There has to have been a trigger, an aspect from another planet. There is, and that other planet is Uranus.

Situated in the sign of Taurus since 7th March 2019, Uranus symbolises sudden, shocking, unexpected and traumatic change which disrupts the status quo. This is the planet of anarchy and rebellion as it triggers social unrest and upheaval. So, what was the connection from Uranus to Neptune? 

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In September 1991, three suspected measles cases were reported among athletes from New Zealand participating in an international gymnastics competition in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. More than 60,000 people were potentially exposed to the virus, including athletes and coaches, trainers, and managers from 51 countries, as well as volunteers, staff; international media, families, employees; and spectators attending the competition. As a result, the subsequent epidemic which followed killed thousands of people that year. Throughout 1990, 1991 and 1992, transiting Uranus and Neptune were in conjunction. The conjunction is classified as a 'hard aspect'. 

In 2019, Uranus began to form a hard aspect to Neptune called a semi-square (45°). When this occurs, it triggers changing states of consciousness affecting most people through issues which embrace the whole world. There are many physical and world events associated with the semi-square aspect including earthquakes, hurricanes and epidemics. Uranus connected to Neptune almost always brings the threat of disease.

The semi-square aspect was at its strongest in December when the emergence of COVID-19 was announced. On 31st December 2019, the government in Wuhan, China confirmed that they were dealing with a new virus that had infected dozens of people. On this date, the Sun (drama, vitality) and Jupiter (travel across continents) were conjunct the South Node (loss). The Moon was in a semi-square aspect to Saturn and Pluto, and a few hours later it was conjunct Neptune. Mercury (medical matters) was conjunct Chiron (healing). On January 11th 2020, Chinese state media reported the first known death from an illness caused by the virus - on the day after a Lunar Eclipse, the day when transiting Uranus went direct after months of retrograde motion and the day before the only exact conjunction between Saturn and Pluto. There was no way coronavirus was not going to be a global event....

Right now, the coronavirus is winning and is a force to be reckoned with, but hopefully with sensible behaviour,.forward planning and a rational co-operative attitude we will overcome this period of uncertainty and fear. Yes, there will be deaths. Yes, there will be financial and political upheaval. But the human race has been here before. There have been countless plagues, natural disasters and wars throughout our history. We have survived before - and we will survive again. Saturn brings patience, perseverance, resilience and stoicism. Pluto brings willpower and the ability to rise above circumstances and situations. 

Under the effect of Uranus in Taurus, there's no doubt we have all been in a state of shock and forced to come down to earth, back to basics, putting value on everyday requirements like food and toilet paper, and abandoning our usual, sometimes obscenely extravagant lifestyles. We have more equality at the moment - everyone is in the same situation, facing the same threat, and having to take the same precautions. This planet's nickname 'The Great Awakener' encapsulates what is happening right now. We are being shown the error of our ways. We must change. 

Neptune has brought fear and confusion, but this is also the planet of compassion and sacrifice. It enables us to shift the focus of our lives from purely selfish concerns to a vision of the greater whole of which each of us is a part. There are very profound lessons to be learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, and if we accept this experience, our future - and the future of our planet - will be assured. If not, perhaps we have reached the point of no return. As a friend of mine said recently, "Reality just got more real." This is a challenge for the human race. Let's face it together and win the COVID-19 war. 

February 2020 - Leaping Ahead

February is the shortest month of the year and the only month with fewer than 30 days. It has 28 days in a normal year and 29 in a Leap Year. This is to keep the calendar year synchronised with the astronomical year because seasons and astronomical events do not repeat in a whole number of days. By inserting an additional day into the year, the anomaly can be corrected. Having only 28 days, February can sometimes pass without having any Full Moon. This last happened in 2018. 

February is a fascinating month. It was named Februarius by the Romans, from the Latin word for purification - februum - and they held a purification ritual named Februa on the 15th day of the month. January and February were the last two months to be added to the Roman calendar, circa 713 BC. At that time, each year officially began in March and there were only 10 months. Adding January and February increased it to twelve. I actually think the Romans had the right idea beginning the new year in spring, and of course, this coincided with the first sign of the Zodiac - Aries. The Spring Equinox is still considered by astrologers to be the 'Astrological New Year'. February remained the last month of the calendar year until circa 450 BC when the start of the year was moved to January.

As an astrologer, I'm often asked how being born on 29th February affects someone's chart. It doesn't actually make a lot of difference. The Sun on the 28th February is positioned at approximately 8° Pisces and the following day on 1st March it is 9° Pisces. In a year when the 29th is the final day of February, the Sun is at 9° Pisces and on the 1st March it's 10° Pisces. This change in astrological degree continues for about two years then gradually returns to its original position before jumping forward again at the next Leap Year. 

I'm also often asked another question by people who were born on 29th February: "When should I celebrate my birthday? Every four years, 28th February, or 1st March?" Some people think, for accuracy, they should only have a birthday every four years. I disagree. Technically, you were born on the last day of the month, so keep it simple and celebrate your birthday on the 28th February. 

Harry & Meghan - Update 2020

Harry and Meghan's Composite Chart (both natal charts combined as one) portrays them as a couple who will attain global influence. I never understood this when I first looked at the chart just before they married two years ago, After all, it's Harry's older brother William who is in direct line to the throne and who will, one day, along with his wife Catherine, become the head of the British Royal Family. But with everything that's been happening during the last couple of weeks, it's now becoming very clear what this chart means! There are many hard aspects, particularly squares an oppositions, and this indicates quite a few challenges but also the necessary determination to overcome them. These two will not be content to drift along - going with the flow is not an option.

With Venus, Mars, Juno and the Nodes all situated on World Points, Harry and Meghan could very well become major icons. A square aspect between Mercury and Jupiter hints at over-confidence, poor judgement or indiscretion, so a tell-all TV interview would probably not be a good idea and this planetary aspect also explains why they have taken to suing the media. They also have Saturn in conjunction with Pluto - which is currently being triggered by a square aspect from those same two planets in transit, so a big drama was to be expected. 

As a couple, Harry and Meghan are a very dynamic pair. With their Composite Ascendant in Aries - the sign of new beginnings -  they present a confident and enthusiastic image. They want to do things their way and they want to do them now. Living for the moment and not accepting any real responsibility can be a negative trait of this sign as it tends to be impulsive and spontaneous. Harry and Meghan will have to learn that knowing what they want is not enough, they need to consider the consequences too.

With the composite Sun in a square aspect to Uranus, this relationship is bound to be exciting, stimulating, and sometimes controversial. They are an unconventional couple in lots of ways, and being bound by traditional rules will have made them feel trapped and restless. With this planetary influence they will be determined to free themselves from limiting situations or ideas.

Harry and Meghan's Composite Moon is in the sign of Cancer and in sector four of the chart, so family is important to them both - although right now that's hard to believe since they have both alienated their loved ones. The family they have created themselves seems to be their priority - Archie and any future siblings he may have. This position of the  Moon indicates a very strong need for privacy and in opposition to the Midheaven, a definite clash with their public image, duties, etc. So, in their eyes, their private lives and their professional lives just do not mix. There can be no compromise. This opposition will be triggered by transiting Jupiter and Saturn at the end of this year, so expect big news in December 2020!

With the composite Moon in a square aspect to Saturn and Pluto, the relationship between Harry and Meghan is intensely emotional but a fear of losing one another could be a big issue in this partnership, particularly from Meghan's point of view. They will need to take care not to allow this feeling to undermine the trust and commitment they already have. this planetary combination shows that their relationship started suddenly and also uprooted one or both of them from their past. Obviously that refers to Meghan but now with the move to Canada, it's Harry too.

On a personal level, transiting Jupiter has just crossed Harry's natal Ascendant and will spend the next 12 months in sector one of his chart. This influence will bring more freedom to enjoy new experiences, to travel and explore foreign lands and cultures. So, it's no coincidence that he emigrated at this point in time. New people entering his life will make him feel positive and optimistic. The only problem is that this positive phase will only last until February 2021 - so what will happen after that?

However, the scene is not quite so rosy in Meghan's chart. Transiting Pluto began to oppose her natal Ascendant in March 2019. This is a long-term planetary influence which will continue until December 2022, bringing tremendous pressure, significant challenge and possible changes in her relationships - personal or professional. It's possible that Meghan may be affected by circumstances beyond her control that will cause a crisis in her relationships, or perhaps even bring them to an end. Official contracts and agreements will be very important during the next three years and she will have to beware of unfair tactics or manipulation in any potential business deals. There's a chance that she may have to contend with very assertive opponents, competitors, or rivals who will openly challenge her to the point of becoming involved in legal battles. 

It's clear from Harry and Meghan's Composite Chart that their decision to move to Canada was just the beginning. There's more to come - it's not over....

Phillip Schofield: Forecast

British television presenter Phillip Schofield was born on Sunday, 1st April 1962 at 2:00am in Oldham, Lancashire, England.

During the last few months, things have not all been a bed of roses for him as accusations of bullying have been flying around in the media. From what I can see in his chart, this situation is not going away any time soon.

Transiting Jupiter crossed Phillip's natal Ascendant - the most personal point in the chart -  in January 2019 and will remain in sector one of his chart until February 2020. This influence can bring optimism and good fortune but Jupiter also tends to magnify any area of the chart it contacts, and this is what has been happening to Phillip recently as he is being personally scrutinised and criticised. 

During January 2020 transiting Jupiter will be in a square aspect to Phillip's natal Sun. Basically this planetary influence will test his discipline and self-restraint. It will be important that he doesn't take anything for granted during this period, doesn't rely on luck, and knows when to stop. Overconfidence is a danger with this aspect as it encourages ego inflation and excessive pride. He will need to be careful not to act in an overbearing or superior manner, as this will antagonise certain people and might trigger conflict.

Transiting Jupiter will be in a square aspect to Phillip's natal Midheaven from March to November 2020. During this period he may try to achieve something of significance in connection to his work or career. He will not be content to continue along the same path, and his ambition will become more powerful than usual. Feeling capable of greater achievements and willing to work for them, this planetary influence will bring Phillip increased optimism and self-confidence, but he must be careful not to become overconfident. He will have to avoid taking on more than he can handle. 

With transiting Saturn approaching a square aspect to Phillip's natal Midheaven, he'll really be feeling the pressure in his professional life, particularly in connection to his public image. Transiting Saturn will square the Midheaven throughout January 2020 - and again in September and October 2020 - bringing difficult questions concerning his career and home life. Extra burdens on the domestic scene could take their toll on his work. He could also experience loneliness and a lack of emotional support, or he may feel betrayed or rejected by someone he trusts. All of this could lead to a crisis in confidence.

Transiting Neptune began to form a square aspect to Phillip's natal Ascendant in March 2019. Continuing until the end of January 2021, this planetary influence will bring some confusion and possible deception to his important relationships. Perhaps someone - or indeed more than one person - may try to talk him out of his plans. Whether their intentions are good or bad will not be immediately obvious. Being honest and transparent about his own thoughts and feelings will be important because others could easily get the wrong idea. This planetary combination tends to trigger self doubt, guilt, fear, or over-sensitivity. Also, because he might seem indecisive and vague, Phillip could be laid wide open to suspicion,  gossip, scandal, and deceit as others may be tempted to take advantage of his uncharacteristic lack of confidence.

Transiting Neptune has been in an opposition aspect to Phillip's natal Mars since early 2018. This planetary influence won't end until the beginning of March 2020. This planetary influence will have brought obstacles which have made him extremely frustrated, and he may have become disillusioned about his work or confused about where he's going and what he really wants.  He will need to avoid activity that involves anything potentially illegal and to be especially careful when dealing with contracts, agreements and partnerships. Trust and honesty will be important issues during the next few months.

Transiting Pluto began to square his Midheaven from November 2019 and will continue until early January 2022, Phillip's public image, career and status will reach a critical turning point during this period. As a result, he may feel the need to pursue other avenues rather than do what is practical, secure, and established. This long-term planetary influence could dramatically alter his life direction. Upheaval in his domestic environment will compound this effect and he may need to break with the past.

Merry Christmas - see you in 2020!

Nicola Sturgeon: Forecast - Part 3

The first three months of 2020 will be tough for Nicola. Not only are Jupiter, Saturn and Pluto transiting her Midheaven in a quincunx aspect, she also has her Progressed Moon square her Midheaven until the beginning of April. This indicates adverse publicity, loss of popularity and dashed hopes. There could also be upsetting changes within the home or family, as well as lowered vitality, possibly due to the stress and pressure of the circumstances surrounding her during this period. Her emotional situation will not be a good one under which to make career decisions, and any impulsive moves she makes might feel right at the time, but the repercussions will bring disappointment. 

With her Solar Arc Moon in opposition to Pluto throughout 2020 and into 2021, it may be easier than usual for Nicola to become involved in personal power struggles and pointless confrontations. Relationships will change in a fundamental way and there are will be major departures. In some form or other, Nicola will be saying 'goodbye'. This applies to her dealings with the public at large (particularly women) as well as to close personal ties with others. 

Nicola's Solar Arc Uranus will be in a square aspect to her natal Midheaven throughout 2020 and 2021 bringing a very exciting but equally upsetting phase in her career, as she will feel a powerful urge to free herself from restrictions. She will have a great need to express her independence which will become so immediate and urgent that she's likely to make changes, choices, or decisions that will seem extremely radical or shocking to other people. This will, in turn, create conflict with authority figures, colleagues, friends, and even her family, who may view her behaviour as irresponsible or disrespectful. Rebelling against the rules will be highly possible, as under this planetary influence, she won’t care what others think at all. 

Nicola's Solar Arc Ascendant in a square aspect to her natal Pluto throughout 2020 and 2021 will bring incredible intensity and the potential for drama in her interactions with other people. A significant relationship may undergo a major transformation that could change the direction of her life. Close one-to-one partnerships will go through great upheaval. Powerful forces will be at work behind the scenes for Nicola during the next couple of years and this period of time will bring significant challenges to the way her actions impact other people. Her ambition and drive to achieve personal recognition will be very strong which will bring equally strong opposition from others who will feel threatened by her forceful attitude. Charging ahead and being more focused, determined and stubborn than usual, she won’t tolerate interference from anyone, even though they may very well be on her side.

Under this planetary influence, Nicola will become more prone to obsessive behaviour and a lack of moderation, with an all-or-nothing approach to her work. She may be forced to overcome tremendous obstacles in order to achieve her ambitions. Whether or not she's successful will be determined by how she deals with other people, as she may be tempted to use coercive tactics in order to convince them of her sincerity. More frequent power struggles will occur as she asserts herself and she will need to beware of neglecting the bigger issues at stake as she pushes ahead with her own agenda. An increasing sense of personal power and self-confidence could be reflected as a change in her appearance, image, mannerisms, etc. The energy that’s affecting Nicola's personality during this period will also affect her physical body, and it's possible that she might experience problems with her health such as fatigue, allergies, etc.

With her Solar Arc Chiron in an opposition aspect to natal Neptune during 2020 and 2021, Nicola could experience major disillusionment and a sharp encounter with reality. This planetary influence will make it difficult for her to figure out what she really needs and she'll have to sort out her own emotional baggage. Feeling more vulnerable, she may become overwhelmed by her subconscious mind. Situations in which she will need to prove herself will arise and it's possible that she won't be seen in a particularly positive light. 

Nicola Sturgeon: Forecast - Part 2

The main theme in Nicola's chart for the next few years is: Change. BIG change. Three major transiting planets - Jupiter, Saturn and Pluto - will form a quincunx (an angle of 150°, often referred to as the inconjunct) aspect to a very important point in her natal chart  - the Midheaven. This point represents her public persona, her status and her professional image. This process started early in 2019 and will continue until the end of 2021. 

The quincunx aspect symbolises potential that is difficult to attain. A sort of misdirected energy flow which can't quite hit the target. For this reason the quincunx is a very awkward aspect to deal with. However, on the positive side, because it takes someone in a different and unexpected direction, the quincunx can sometimes herald new possibilities or alternative methods of achieving the original goal. One thing's for sure, during the next two years, Nicola's life will undergo a major transformation.

The three major transiting planets forming the quincunx aspects to Nicola's chart will bring a source of disappointment or aggravation. This will have a powerful effect on her status or identity. It indicates an unbalancing development in the position she holds on the world stage. During this period, Nicola will struggle mentally, becoming angry or obsessed and adopt a 'my way or the highway' attitude..

When under the influence of a quincunx, it's impossible to do something about the situation it creates because there is nothing straightforward in the circumstances surrounding it. It's like fighting an invisible enemy as there is no opportunity to 'face your foe'. Therefore, it is frequently found in people's charts when they are in some sort of trouble, struggling to overcome a worrying issue, or being undermined by other people. The areas of Nicola's chart affected by transiting Jupiter, Saturn and Pluto as they form their quincunx aspects are sector three and sector 10. This represents communication and publicity in all its forms -  letters, documents, emails, phone calls, conversations, etc. Also commerce, education, and the media. So, will her problems be created by leaked information? Or perhaps by a revelation in the news? Certainly, the quincunx aspect connects to analysis, scrutiny, criticism, subversive tactics and the unearthing of secrets, so there is a distinct possibility of scandal.

When someone has more than one quincunx aspect being made to their chart, especially involving Saturn or Pluto, there's an indication that stress might cause illness or trigger circumstances which can force a withdrawal from daily activities. This is the case with Nicola's chart during the next few years. Major quincunx aspects often show up whenever there is a crisis, or whenever someone is about to give up their normal schedules. 

The very first effects of quincunx activity began in February 2019 when transiting Pluto made contact with Nicola's Midheaven. It will continue, on and off, until the end of 2021. However, in January 2020, Pluto will be joined by Jupiter and Saturn and together they will bombard this highly personal point in her chart. She will find herself embarking on a new chapter in her life which will involve coming to terms with her responsibility to others, learning from the past and adjusting her attitude towards power. Whatever happens, 2020 will be a year that Nicola Sturgeon won't forget....