Ophiuchus - The 13th Sign?

NASA recently announced the existence of a 'new' zodiac constellation - Ophiuchus. This, they declared, meant that the zodiac actually contains 13 signs, not 12, and because of this, all the Sun sign dates would have to change in order to accomodate this revolutionary information.

Astro-sceptics rubbed their hands with glee as they anticipated the demise of astrology and astrologers now that science had discovered the 'truth'. Needless to say, social media went into meltdown and myself and other astrologers were trolled mercilessly by the usual scumbags who always emerge from the shadows at such times, taking it upon themselves to dish out the retribution they think we deserve. There also seemed to be mass hysteria from horoscope fans who were distraught that they were no longer who they thought they were, with cries of, "I'm a Scorpio, I don't want to be an Ophiuchus!" or "Now we have to choose our own star sign?!" I even had friends emailing me about it: "Saw this on Facebook, what are your thoughts?" So, here's the lowdown on Ophiuchus......

Ophiuchus is a constellation associated with the figure of Asclepius, a famous healer in Greek mythology. Its name means Serpent Bearer, and is represented by the symbol of a man, or sometimes, a woman snake handler: It can also be known by its Latin name - Serpentarius. Personality traits include: passion, jealousy, secrecy, and arrogance. With the need to be dominant and a taste for vengeance. Sound familiar? Of course, it does. These are the traits of Scorpio. The 12 signs of the Zodiac were specially chosen to represent human psychology and experience. The traits of Ophiuchus have always been naturally incorporated into, and merged with, the sign of Scorpio. There is no need for it to become a separate entity. Ophiuchus belongs to the Hercules family of constellations, including Aquila, Ara, Centaurus, Corona Australis, Corvus, Crater, Crux, Cygnus, Hercules, Hydra, Lupus, Lyra, Sagitta, Scutum, Sextans, Serpens, Triangulum Australe and Vulpecula. Ophiuchus is not, never has been and never will be a sign of the zodiac.

The 13th sign argument has been going on since the 1970s. The theory didn't stand up then and it still doesn't. Forty years of getting nowhere. You'd think that the people who perpetuate this myth would have got the message by now, but no, it appears regularly every few years. If you included every constellation which happens to touch or overlap the zodiac circle (ecliptic), there would be far more than 13 signs anyway. At the last count, I estimated at least 16. The point is, just because there is a huge choice, it doesn't mean you have to include everything. Being selective is the key to making something work efficiently. For example, when painting a picture, an artist doesn't use every colour on the palette, otherwise the image would be ruined. Similarly, when cooking a meal, you don't use every ingredient in the cupboard, you choose the ones that blend together to create the best result. 

Thousands of years ago, the ancient Babylonians made the decision to align the number of signs on the zodiac circle with the period of time it took the Sun to travel around it. Astrology is a complex mathematical system within a structured pattern whose beauty lies in its balance, symmetry, and synchronicity with the 12 months of the year, the four seasons (each of which lasts for three months and contains three zodiac signs) and the four elements: Fire, Earth, Air and Water. To add other signs into this would, quite frankly, f*ck the whole thing up. Also, if Ophiuchus were to be included and the other signs had to be shifted in order to accommodate it, then sitting as it does between Scorpio and Sagittarius, it would become the 9th sign. The final, and 12th sign of the zodiac is Pisces which would continue to be the final sign, and therefore it would become sign number 13. 

Ophiuchus is a real constellation, but it is not a zodiac sign. The 12-sign system that astrologers have been using for thousands of years works brilliantly. Changing it would be a disaster. How about 25 hours in a day? Or 10 days in a week? Maybe 14 months in a year? No? Didn't think so! As the old saying goes - "If it ain't broke, don't fix it!"

Ryan Molloy: Forecast - Part 2

Ryan's Solar Arc Mars is in a positive sextile aspect to his natal Uranus during 2020 and throughout 2021. This will be the perfect time to make changes in his life due to the extra initiative and inspiration generated by this planetary combination. Motivated by a need for greater freedom and independence, he'll be eager to go against what others expect as the next 18 months will provide an opportunity to do something completely different. He may be keen to reform, upgrade, or implement new techniques to improve the flow of his work. He'll enjoy stimulating conversations and will be open to other people's opinions and ideas. This planetary influence will give Ryan the assertiveness to shake off any inhibitions or doubts that he may have previously had, an he'll be less likely to worry about the consequences of stirring up controversy. He'll speak out more and won't be afraid to offend people.This means he can have exciting new experiences, gain the courage to free himself from certain obstacles, and express his true personality. 

Another fortunate influence for Ryan is Solar Arc Jupiter square his natal Sun. This is a long term aspect which starts in 2020, and continues throughout 2021 and 2022. He will be striving to become more successful during this period. Being in the spotlight over the next three years looks very likely and there could be some kind of award coming his way. This planetary influence can create tests and challenges but these will give him the push he needs to make great progress and to expand his horizons, try new things, and make more money. The trick will be to make sure he is not wasting his energy and talents, so channelling his creativity into fewer projects will be the key to success. Under this planetary influence he'll experience greater confidence and enjoy increased popularity.

In Ryan's Solar Arc chart Uranus will be conjunct his natal Mercury for the next three years. This longterm planetary influence will reshape his life throughout 2020, 2021 and 2022 and his mind will be stimulated like never before, with flashes of inspiration, an openness to radical ideas and a change in outlook. Communicating with the same people in the same way will feel stale and monotonous. His need for independence will increase, as will an irresistible urge to speak his mind about who he is, where he's going, and what he wants. He will be heading out on a new path of discovery and self-awareness.

The energy of Uranus and Mercury is all about communication, so when they combine forces as they are right now in Ryan's chart, messages, ideas and information will seem to come flying in from every angle. These may be surprising or shocking but they will open up new possibilities for progress. Anxiety could be an issue and he may feel mentally hyperactive under this influence. A new interest will captivate his mind and take up his attention during the next couple of years. Innovative technology, computers and broadcasting media such as radio, television and newspapers will play a vital role in Ryan's life. There's a good chance he will feel inspired to write more - and not just songs.

During the next three years, Ryan will encounter circumstances and events that are very different from his normal experiences. As a result, he may decide to make a sudden break from a situation that seemed satisfying in the past but no longer comes up to his expectations..His contact with other people will increase and he will become involved in more group activities. Friendships will also be important and his social circle will widen considerably.

Solar Arc Neptune will be in a square aspect to Ryan's natal Venus from 2021 to 2023. Under this planetary influence, it will important that he doesn't commit himself to agreements without double-checking all the details, as there may be an element of deception involved which could prevent him from being aware of the full facts. Ryan will display greater sensitivity to others over the next few years and is likely to become involved in good causes and charities. Everything that involves creative inspiration takes on more importance under the influence of Neptune and Venus, so therefore, music, art, photography, film-making, drama, fashion, etc will all play a bigger role. Whatever happens during 2020 and beyond, the next few years are about to open up a dynamic new chapter in Ryan's life. 

Ryan Molloy: Forecast - Part 1

From 14th August until 8th October 2020, transiting Mars will be in opposition to Ryan's natal Venus. Emotions will run high during this period and his sense of peace and contentment may be disturbed through some kind of confrontation. Certain individuals could trigger strong feelings and he may find the intensity difficult to handle. It's possible that he may have problems dealing with female business associates during this time which could also impact on his personal life. Ryan could also be on the receiving end of someone else’s irrational behaviour. He could find that he is more impatient and impulsive during the next couple of months and might become involved in a 'heart versus head' situation.

Since February 2019, transiting Neptune has been in a square aspect to Ryan's natal Saturn. This influence will continue until 5th January 2021, after which there will be a gradual easing of the stress this may have brought. Under this planetary influence, he may have found that his sense of security and self-confidence have been severely challenged. He may also have felt threatened by some sort of loss, perhaps because of  financial problems; or by a change in the structure of his career. In many ways, this major planetary combination has set the scene for what is to come in Ryan's life, as there will be many big changes during the next few years.

In January 2020, transiting Jupiter formed a conjunction to Ryan's natal Jupiter. This is called a Jupiter Return and it marks the beginning of a new 12-year cycle. The last time this happened was in January 2008 - just a month before he made his West End debut as Frankie Valli in Jersey Boys, a role which would propel him into the spotlight like never before. In March 2008, transiting Jupiter also formed a conjunction to Ryan's natal North Node, an influence which repeated in July and November and therefore making 2008 a very karmic and positive year in Ryan's life. 

In February 2020, transiting Jupiter formed a conjunction to Ryan's natal North Node once again, returning throughout July and August. This influence will bring circumstances which will affect his future and the next few years could turn out to be one of those periods which Ryan is likely to remember for the rest of his life. He may find himself searching for the ultimate truth to philosophical questions such as “Why am I here?”, "Am I doing the right thing?".This will be a time to discover his true destiny and decisions that he makes now will affect him for years to come. He achieved so much the last time this planetary influence occurred in 2008, I'm sure there will be more great opportunities ahead. However, this will not be an exact copy of 12 years ago and may involve doing something completely new which will bring public attention. I feel very strongly that this will involve writing or publishing, perhaps his autobiography. Sudden, instant success is often an effect of Jupiter conjunct the North Node and Ryan can expect a massive life change from 2020 onwards. 

In mid-May 2020 transiting Uranus began to form a positive trine aspect to Ryan's natal Jupiter. Continuing until mid-April 2021, this influence will bring unexpected lucky breaks and good fortune, as well as a sense of freedom and the ability to take on new experiences. He will feel more daring than usual and willing to take part in something out of the ordinary. This increased optimism may happen through a sudden opportunity for personal advancement or the easing of a restrictive, possibly worrying situation. However, because this is a long-term planetary influence covering a time period of 11 months, the effects could also be more subtle. For example, he may become interested in ways of thinking that may open up a different level of understanding, allowing him to escape from the normal routines of his life, through a gradual change in outlook. This period could also bring him new involvement with spiritual teachings, or other techniques of mind expansion. He will be open to radical new approaches and he may want to teach others what he has learned. This period in Ryan's life represents an enormous opportunity to broaden his horizons, meet new people and enjoy experiences that will make his life much more interesting and rewarding.

There are certain planetary aspects which occur very rarely in a person's life which some people never experience at all. One such aspect began for Ryan earlier this year when transiting Pluto began to form a square aspect to his natal Venus back in February. This long-term aspect will become exact during 2021 and continue to be a powerful influence throughout 2022, finally coming to an end in January 2023. The next three years could bring intense experiences through his contact with people who will have a profound influence upon him -  although perhaps not always in his best interests. Issues over control might emerge, so it may become necessary for Ryan to eliminate what - or who - is no longer relevant in his life. 

Between now and 2023, Ryan will no longer be able to keep any resentments he may have under wraps, and could, therefore, feel pushed to do and say things that may not be pleasant. This period will be about uncovering issues and perhaps secrets. Anyone who pushes the boundaries by trying to manipulate or take advantage of him in some way, will probably wish they hadn't, as he will be taking no prisoners. Something which has been brewing for a long time will come to a head. This square from Pluto may bring scenarios which will force him to confront his deepest feelings, fears or compulsions. I see a major reconstruction, or dismantling of something in Ryan's life and what is hidden beneath the surface - either literally or psychologically - may become exposed. 

Self-expression through some sort of creative or artistic project will be strong and I get the feeling that this might be provocative in some way, or display the darker side of human nature. Transiting Pluto square to his natal Venus will bring an element of exploration and experimentation into Ryan's life, including the discovery or development of previously unsuspected or hidden  talents - but will these be his own talents, or other people's?

Celebrating 7 Years in Blogland

Ephemeral Arc is 7 years old today.

As always, I'd like to say a big

THANK YOU

for all of your contributions which have

helped to make this blog such a success.

~Sue~

Ryan Molloy: Profile

Award winning British actor, singer and songwriter, Ryan Molloy was born on Tuesday, 21st November 1972, in North Shields, Tyne and Wear, England, UK. Unfortunately, I don't know his birth time.

As a Sun sign Scorpio, Ryan is strong, stubborn and determined. He is definitely someone who knows what he wants and has the willpower to achieve it. Intensely emotional, he is also extremely perceptive and will certainly know how to 'read' people. One of the key words associated with Scorpio is transformation and this will be a recurring theme in Ryan's life through external events and personal encounters. However, the biggest transformation will be through inner development and a deeper understanding of himself. Scorpio has very powerful intuition and is instinctively aware of the existence of forces beyond the physical. So, he will definitely have an interest in anything spiritual, or perhaps even paranormal. The natal Sun conjunct Neptune is a beautiful influence that many performers have in their charts. This gives Ryan a rich imagination, creative talent and an appreciation for all things artistic. 

The Moon changed signs (Taurus to Gemini) on the day Ryan was born, but without a birth time it's impossible to pinpoint the exact position. However, I can tell from his chart that the natal Moon is in an opposition aspect to Neptune, so he will be extremely sensitive, and because of this, he will require some sort of outlet which allows him to escape from everyday reality, as a heightened awareness of his surroundings and the people in it, may sometimes cause him to become emotionally overwhelmed.

Mercury in Sagittarius gives Ryan an interest in subjects which broaden the mind, such as religion, philosophy, and foreign cultures. He possesses great intellectual insight and is open-minded towards those who can teach him new ways to think, or to perceive the world around him. Mercury is in conjunction to Neptune and this planetary combination is often present in the charts of poets as it symbolises the inspiration to write and the ability to use words creatively which, in Ryan's case has manifested as songwriting. This planetary influence also shows his dedication to spiritual disciplines like yoga, meditation, etc. He will be open to exploring new ideas which could lead him down avenues of experience that he has never even thought of before.

His natal Mercury is in a sextile aspect to Pluto making Ryan a deep thinker and interested in some very serious subjects. He has an analytical mind that allows his powerful intuition to uncover the truth. This almost psychic ability combines with excellent planning and organisational skills to make him the perfect researcher. In fact, if he hadn't gone down the performing arts route, these talents could have led him to do well in careers such as psychology, counselling or even as some kind of investigator. His is probably very interested in other people's deepest and darkest secrets. He may have strong opinions and these might be controversial in some way, but he will have a fascination for unearthing anything hidden or even socially unacceptable. The ability to heal people and transform them on some level through his words is very powerful and he has a unique depth of understanding.

Ryan's natal Venus is situated in Libra and this indicates that he is someone who is naturally well-mannered, charming and knows how to conduct himself in all situations. He probably loves social gatherings and is attracted to the 'good life', aspiring to luxury and wealth. Venus is in a trine aspect to Saturn and also in a conjunction to Uranus. This planetary combination indicates the use of natural gifts to advance career and it symbolises great musical talent. Charismatic and definitely full of charm, Ryan has what it takes to achieve popularity. He has many friends and could be attracted to people who have an unusual outlook or have adopted an unconventional lifestyle.

Natal Mars in Scorpio is a very intense force in any chart and this influence will give Ryan an all-or-nothing attitude, making him tenacious with a ruthless pursuit of personal goals. He is physically, emotionally and psychologically strong, and will face adversity with great stamina and courage. He needs close emotional bonds with others both personally and professionally, but if someone betrays him, it's likely that he will find it hard to forgive and forget. A competitive spirit means that he will not give up easily, and this will have propelled him on to the path of success. He needs work that he's passionate about and which brings opportunities to explore the deeper and more complex issues of the human psyche. The greater the pressure, the more he will rise to the challenge.

With his natal Mars in a sextile aspect to Jupiter, Ryan likes to take action and get things done by using his initiative and is prepared to tackle anything with energy, enthusiasm, and optimism. Good timing and instincts make risk-taking one of his strong points and he is likely to have luck on his side in many situations. Ryan has a wish to help others and despite his talent and reputation, he is way too modest, although this may actually make him more popular and is just one reason why others are drawn to him.

Ryan's natal Jupiter is situated in the sign of Capricorn and in a square aspect to Pluto. This planetary influence indicates he has a powerful social conscience, and it's possible that, in later life, he could make a move into the world of politics. He has already attained major accomplishments and there will be many more achievements to come. With a desire to influence, and a tremendous level of understanding, he has great leadership potential. This planetary combination gives a powerful drive to succeed in any chosen field. 

His determination to succeed will be backed up by strong self-belief or a sense that he is destined to do something special with his life. Persistence and practice in gaining and perfecting his chosen skill will come naturally to Ryan, although he will have faced many tests and challenges in his quest for success, but it is through these life events that he will have acquired the necessary experience to withstand doubt and criticism. Jupiter represents faith, optimism and the ability to see the bigger picture. This will take Ryan higher and further than he can possibly imagine.

Mars In Aries - Bring It On!

Transiting Mars will enter the sign of Aries on 28th June 2020 for an unusually long period, lasting until 6th January 2021. Aries is the sign ruled by Mars, so this means that the influence of this planet will be very strong throughout the next six months. It will act as a trigger to the Saturn-Pluto conjunction which took place in January 2020. Interestingly, Mars was conjunct Pluto on 23rd March - the day that the UK officially went into lockdown and this will be the first major hard aspect between those planets since then.

Mars represents determination and the battle for survival - a very real concept in 2020 which we can now all identify with. It also symbolises the positive qualities which enhance our self-image and bring out the best in us, both as individuals and humanity as a whole  - initiative, courage, physical strength and stamina. These positive traits have been in evidence throughout 2020 in those who have served the public, not just in a professional capacity but also on a personal level. We have also witnessed these through the people who survived COVID-19 and the families of those who did not. 

So what can we expect from Mars in Aries during the next six months? Throughout most of this year, particularly during lockdown, we have been in a state of imposed passiveness, feeling powerless towards what is happening to us. This, in turn, whether we want to admit to it or not, has brought fear. Fear brings frustration and frustration incites rage. That became obvious recently with people rebelling against the lockdown rules. It has now evolved into mass protests and riots. Mars in Aries will enable us to focus our energy on action. What form this action takes will remain to be seen, but Mars is a trigger, a call to arms, and in any of the Fire Signs it is a very militaristic influence, prone to confrontation, and even war. Mars in its own sign of Aries will be particularly potent.

One of the major players at the start of the coronavirus pandemic is on its way back to the exact position it held in December 2019 when the existence of COVID-19 was announced. Pluto was at 22° Capricorn and will return to this degree from 18th August - 20th November 2020. During that time, it will be squared by Mars, particularly in August and October, and again in December. This will create an atmosphere of suppressed anger, resentment, and tension. Some other possible scenarios include:

1. A resurgence of the virus - the so-called 'Second Wave'.

2. An acceleration in the fight to control COVID-19 with an important announcement of a breakthrough. 

3. Social unrest. The energy of Mars in Aries is raw, impulsive and dives into situations head first. 

When I wrote my COVID-19 article, I said that most astrologers had not foreseen the pandemic, and instead, predicted economic, political upheaval and possibly a war. The Saturn-Pluto conjunction represents crises that come about as the normal established structures in society are challenged by the need for deep and fundamental changes in the system. Saturn-Pluto aspects tend to impose some kind of restriction on our freedom of movement. They bring hard times and harsh reality. We have already experienced this in the form of a global plague. The next six months, with Mars in Aries added to the mix, won't be easy, but we will make progress. We now know what we're up against and that will give us the courage to focus on a new future.

On a personal level, we will all feel the effects of transiting Mars through Aries. If you know your natal chart, you'll be able to see how this planetary influence will energise your life. However, for those of you who were born during the Aries period (21st March - 21st April) transiting Mars will be conjunct your natal Sun at some time from July 2020 to January 2021. 

Mars will sweep right through Aries from 28th June to 10th September but then will turn retrograde and move slowly back again. This means that all Aries Suns will be activated by Mars for a few days, but for some, the effect will last longer and make a bigger impact. This is especially true for anyone born in April on the dates below:

If your birthday is on 15th, 16th, 17th or 18th April, transiting Mars will be conjunct your natal Sun from 24th August until 28th September.

For birthdays on 11th, 12th, 13th or 14th April, Mars will conjunct your natal Sun from 4th to 15th October.

If you were born on 4th, 5th or 6th April, Mars will be in conjunction to your natal Sun from 4th to 25th November

Then, as Mars resumes direct motion throughout December 2020 there will be one final hit before it leaves Aries on 6th January 2021.

Transiting Mars aligning with your natal Aries Sun will make you feel very assertive, determined and full of confidence. Yes, more than usual! You will need to express yourself in some way by doing something. As a Sun Sign Aries, relaxation never comes easy to you at the best of times, so be particularly careful under this planetary influence because you will be more accident prone than usual due to extra energy and a tendency to take risks. You'll be keen to promote your own agenda and may initiate a new project that would otherwise seem too ambitious. Physical energy will be high and you’ll enjoy activities that are daring and adventurous. Being more impulsive than usual, you'll need to take more precautions when driving, using machinery, or participating in sport.

Your ego will be in overdrive during the next six months with a strong urge to get what you want regardless of what other people may think. This me-first attitude could cause arguments or conflict with others, so try to channel this energy surge constructively. Winning in any area of life and achieving your goals should go well so long as you remember not to trample over others in order to get what you want. 

Sit tight, it's going to be a wild ride.....

108 - At One With The Universe?

In yoga, the number 108 refers to spiritual completion. This is also the case in numerology, although not specifically 108, but any number whose digits add up to nine which is the end of each number cycle. This sacred number appears over and over again throughout history. At Stonehenge, the Sarsen Circle is 108 feet in diameter. During the era of the Mayans, the High Temple of Lamanai was erected at 108 feet tall - the same height as the Tikal temple in Guatemala. These temples, built to worship the gods and to entomb the souls of great leaders may have used this number to connect humanity to the Sun as a giver of life, which in ancient times would have been viewed not as a star but as a deity. 

In astrology, the number 108 also appears frequently. The distance from Earth to the Sun is approximately 108 times the diameter of the Sun itself. The distance between the Earth and the Moon is also about 108 times the diameter of the Moon. The Earth is said to have an astrological cycle of 2160 years (20 x 108) known as an Age. See my previous post 'The Age Of Aquarius'. In astrology, an angle of 108 degrees is called a Tridecile. When a circle (the zodiac) is divided equally by 10, each resulting angle is 36 degrees. A tridecile is 36 x 3 = 108 degrees. The 108° aspect is classed a minor aspect, not because it lacks power, but because these aspects - as well as other minor aspects - require extra calculation by the astrologer when analysing a chart. Unlike the major aspects, they are not immediately obvious, so do not have the at-a-glance impact. Therefore, unless specifically asked for, they are unlikely to be included in most chart analyses, being far too time-consuming. I have to admit, I have only recently started paying more attention to minor aspects but did use them in the past.

As an astrology student I remember being instructed on the mantra 'as above, so below'. The meaning is that we are all part of the universe and that whatever happens 'above' in the sky is reflected 'below' on Earth. Astrology puts us at the centre of this giant cosmic computer, and the modern interpretation of how astrology works is based on the symbiotic relationship between planet Earth and the Universe. Together, we move synchronistically like cogs and wheels inside a clock - always in motion, always connected. Just as the ocean tides ebb and flow to the rhythm and gravitational pull of the Sun and Moon, everything on Earth is tied in to the movement and relative positions of the planets. Often described as the Macrocosm and the Microcosm - the large universe and the small universe - we now know that, there is no above or below. The universe surrounds the Earth and influences everything upon it, just as the atmosphere controls the weather, only on a much larger scale. We are components in the same mechanism, life on Earth is life in the Universe.

So, what does it mean to have the Tridecile (108°) in your chart? Apparently, it indicates special gifts, superior intellect, a special talent for music, psychic ability, etc. This is a highly specialised aspect which possesses a very unique energy. When activated, it becomes involved with current circumstances or in situations that require interaction to bring awareness or expression. In other words, this aspect manifests in a very practical and tangible way, often leading to the person advancing in life through an event or experience by 'being in the right place at the right time' or meeting the right person. It truly has a serendipitous effect.

Throughout spiritual teachings this mystical number occurs time after time. Hindu deities have 108 names, and India is said to have 108 sacred sites. In China, some forms of Tai Chi have 108 moves. Many Buddhist temples have 108 steps representing the 108 steps to enlightenment, and in Japan, at Zen Buddhist temples, a bell chimes 108 times at the end of the year. The secrets of the Universe have yet to be revealed but through our spiritual understanding of 108, we just might be a little closer to finding the truth.