Ephemeral Arc: 10th Anniversary

Ephemeral Arc is 10 years old today! In 2013, I considered setting up a website dedicated to astrology as I'd been an astrologer for 17 years by then and felt that I should have some sort of online presence. However, not really having a clue how to go about such a task and given the fact that my astrological website wouldn't have any commercial function, I finally decided to start a blog instead. This took shape on 23rd July 2013 with my very first post, entitled 'The Royal Baby: New Heir To The Throne' to mark the birth of Prince George, who was born the day before.

Coming up with a name for the blog wasn't easy as many of my ideas were already in use. I eventually settled on Ephemeral Arc which means 'daily curve' - the path taken by the Sun across the sky every day. This was important and relevant, as it was - and still is - my mission to promote real astrology and not Sun Sign horoscopes. 

Real astrology does not place the population of planet Earth into 12 segments of the zodiac circle - it defines each and every one of us as a unique individual by the analysis of our personal birth charts. That's the reason I'm so stubbornly passionate about spreading the word. I want people to take this subject seriously, respect genuine astrologers who have studied hard and who work hard, and to realise that astrology is not a superstitious fantasy, but something which, if used correctly, is a tremendous asset to us all.  

The last 10 years of blogging have not always been a smooth ride and not without problems and unexpected setbacks but I love interacting with my readers - and you know you can ask me anything at all about astrology. I am proud of my work on here and I know you appreciate it too. So, here's to the next 10 years of Ephemeral Arc and many thanks for your loyal support.

~ Sue x

France On Fire

The France national chart is a very volatile one. The Sun is on a World Point, making the country a very important global influence. Jupiter is in  opposition to Saturn, both in the stubborn Fixed Signs of Scorpio and Taurus, indicating a tug-of-war between restraint and freedom. But the real showstopper is a Fixed T-Square comprising an opposition of Uranus and Pluto, both squared by Mars.

Right now - and for some time to come - the Jupiter Saturn opposition is being squared by transiting Pluto. This brings a fanatical, wasteful, self-destructive and militant attitude, as you can see from the current riots taking place across the country. Ultimately, resulting in severe losses and physical and financial hardship.

Meanwhile, the Fixed T-Square of Mars, Uranus and Pluto is being triggered by transiting Uranus in Taurus - exactly the same position it was in at the start of World War II. This planetary influence indicates tremendous tension which explodes violently. Again, this will continue for a long time - until May 2025 - with periods of reasonable calm followed by explosive outbursts of anger.

The Solar Arc Sun is also triggering the T-Square at the moment by squaring Uranus and Pluto bringing anarchy and upheaval until 2029. This will become more aggravated as it moves closer to an opposition with the national chart Mars. Turbulent times lie ahead combined with an uncompromising attitude, stirring up opposition and in the mood to do battle.. 

With the Solar Arc Moon in opposition to the France national chart Ascendant until 2026, there will be much emotional discord and over-reaction. In a national chart, the Moon symbolises the population, the people who live in that country. It represents what the citizens want and to whom, or what, they give their approval. Social unrest will not end for good anytime soon.

The President of France, Emmanuel Macron, has had transiting Pluto criss-crossing over his natal Ascendant at 28°.Capricorn since the start of 2022. This influence brings dramatic changes and drastic upheavals amid power struggles. Right now Pluto is in retrograde motion and moving back towards this point for one final hit from the end of July 2023 until mid-December 2023. It won't be fully over until November 2024. A tough time ahead.

The End Of War

Given the unfolding drama yesterday - Wagner versus Putin - people were understandably optimistic about Putin's reign coming to an end. That doesn't necessarily coincide with the Russia-Ukraine War coming to an end as his successor could be just as - or even more - tyrannical.

Astrologers know that whenever transiting Saturn conjuncts transiting Neptune, the current social, financial and political structure of Russia collapses - and is forced to alter/ change/ regenerate/ re-evaluate. The next transiting Saturn-Neptune conjunction will occur in 2025. This process has already begun, there's no doubt about it. But, for now, we must be patient.

Transiting Mercury (communication, media) is currently in a square aspect to Neptune in the War Chart. This indicates mixed messages and misinformation. Was the 'mutiny' by the Wagner Group all that it seemed? No. Is was probably a stunt, or a propaganda exercise.

Transiting Mars is in a quincunx (inconjunct) aspect to the War Chart Mars, indicating that the action is being deflected in some way. Now that the Wagner Group has been relocated to Belarus, it is now closer to Kyiv and away from the main battle zone. 

Astrology is not only useful for analysing current situations in order to gain insight into what's really going on, it also provides a timeframe for future events or opportunities. For more than a year I've been researching the astrology of war in an attempt to find a likely date for the end of the war in Ukraine. It hasn't been easy, to say the least, but it has been fascinating. 

To cut a very long story short, I have discovered a series of planetary periods which indicate the potential for ending this war. These have been derived from other major conflicts centred in Europe, including World War I and World War II. I don't want to say too much just yet but from mid-August to mid-October 2023, there will definitely be a window of opportunity for peace. It's not the only one as these periods occur in cycles, but it is a very optimistic phase, particularly in the first half of October. 

More details in a few weeks.

Transiting Venus In Leo

On 5th June 2023, transiting Venus will enter the sign of Leo and stay there for four months until 9th October 2023. A normal Venus transit is only four weeks, so we are in for a treat. I'm not saying that all of our problems will disappear - they won't - but this will be a pleasurable interlude during a year of uncertainty.

This gift from the Cosmos will bring out the best of both the sign and the planet, with feelings of joy, love and optimism. This is a warm-hearted, expressive and extravagant position. Venus rules issues connected to women, art, music and fashion.

The sign of Leo rules theatres, places of amusement and entertainment, show business and sport  It also rules grand buildings such as palaces, castles, stately homes and embassies. It is therefore also connected with people in 'high society' including royalty, the aristocracy. and ambassadors.The national birth-rate, pregnancy and children are also ruled by this sign. Both Venus and Leo represent fertility, so if you are trying to get pregnant, this planetary influence could be useful. 

Venus in Leo is loving and generous. Pride, energy, creativity and passion are hallmarks of this sign. This combination indicates celebrations. Take advantage of this long Venus transit through Leo by becoming more creative. If you have always wanted to be an artist, start painting. Join a local drama group if acting is your dream. Above all, get out more, socialise and have fun. 

The creative potential of this Venus in Leo period will be phenomenal. Expect a surge in art and design, particularly in the fashion world. Luxury items are ruled by Leo and with Venus in the mix, these trends will be driven by women, and aimed at women. So, jewellery, gold, make-up and perfume will take centre stage with bold, dramatic and glamorous new looks - and probably scents too!

Peace and diplomatic matters are indicated by Venus in Leo, so could there be a breakthrough and possible negotiations regarding the war? It's interesting that Leo rules sunflowers - the national flower of Ukraine. As my old friend says, "Never ignore symbolism". 

Have a lovely Summer x

King Charles III

His Majesty King Charles III was born Prince Charles Philip Arthur George on Sunday 14th November 1948 at 9:14pm in London, England , UK.

The King has his natal Sun in the sign of Scorpio, his Moon in Taurus and his Ascendant in Leo, so extremely stubborn and very tenacious. People born under the influence of the Fixed Signs always have a vested interest in the future. This is very evident from Charles' ecological connections. Long before it became 'trendy' to be green, he had been environmentally friendly for decades, ahead of the curve and leading the way. 

His natal Sun in Scorpio and the 4th house indicates early struggles against the family background and a difficult relationship with his father. Although King Charles seems outwardly tough and shrewd, he is very emotional and sentimental. Extremely intuitive, he is also nurturing and protective of those he cares about. The Sun in a square aspect to Pluto indicates that he will often have power struggles with other influential people and authority figures. 

With his natal Moon in Taurus and the 9th house, King Charles is down-to-earth, practical and values stability. He remains calm in a crisis and like his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, he has tremendous stoicism. As the Moon is the ruling planet of his natal 12th house and situated in the 9th, it's easy to see how this manifests as a spiritual affinity with the customs and cultures of foreign lands.

The Moon opposite Mercury in his natal chart shows that the King is full of common sense, and is very perceptive with excellent language skills. Quick witted and humorous, he comes across as a normally quiet and introspective person but will become very talkative and entertaining in the presence of others. The Moon opposite Mercury brings conflict between thoughts and feelings, or logic and intuition. His heart may say one thing, but his head will say another. This inability to find inner balance could, at times, make him very sensitive and anxious,

With his natal Moon in a trine aspect to Saturn, the King is loyal and down-to-earth. This positive planetary combination indicates a strong sense of duty. Conversely, his Moon in a sextile aspect to Uranus shows that he is original, unorthodox, progressive and offbeat. He is a curious blend of old and modern, ancient and futuristic, traditional and unconventional. 

King Charles Natal Chart [click  to enlarge]

The King's natal Moon is conjunct the North Node. For someone destined to have a life in the public eye, this is an excellent combination. The Moon symbolises the people, the population, society at large and the North Node represents the zeitgeist. He has an intuitive feeling for what people want and is very sensitive to his public reputation.

There will be a Lunar Eclipse in Scorpio on 5th May - the day before the Coronation of King Charles III. He was born under this influence but in reverse - Sun in Scorpio, Moon in Taurus. Major royal occasions such as births, marriages and coronations take place on, or around, the date of an eclipse. This eclipse takes place on trigger degrees which activate  the World Points. These are situated from 13° - 18° of the Fixed Signs, and on this occasion, 14° Taurus and Scorpio. Therefore, the Lunar Eclipse will not only have an important effect globally but also personally, as the King has three planets positioned at World Points and his natal Pluto also on a trigger degree at 16 Leo. A very powerful influence.

The King will also have a Nodal Return in the week leading up to his Coronation and these nodes will be square the position of the nodes on the Coronation day of HM Queen Elizabeth II. An interesting case of one person's fate intersecting with another. Significant moments of inevitability are marked by Nodal Returns and they are associated with powerful events and feelings that herald a turning point in personal destiny. Charles' destiny. is being fulfilled. This was meant to be.

President Zelenskyy - Upcoming Eclipses

When astrologers want to make a forecast for a world leader, we have to study not only their natal chart and the aspects being made to it from transits, solar arcs, etc, we also have to incorporate other data into our astrological analysis too by using Political Term Charts. These are the dates on which the current leader won the election that made them the president or prime minister and subsequent elections that bring forth a new term as leader. 

Volodymyr Zelenskyy won the presidential election in Ukraine on 21st April 2019. Twenty-nine days later, on 20th May 2019, he was inaugurated as the President of Ukraine. So, when we look to see what's coming up for him, we must analyse him on a personal level and also as a political leader.

On 20th April 2023 there will be a Solar Eclipse at 29°.Aries. As with all eclipses that fall on, or close to, a birthday or anniversary date, the effect will last for the next 12 months. This Solar Eclipse will conjunct the Election Chart Sun, Uranus and Descendant, leading to a significant event or change. Although, at first this may not be welcomed as a positive development, in time it will be perceived as a blessing in disguise. The President will somehow be removed from a situation that has run its course. The truth will be exposed and something which has been hidden or ignored will be brought to the surface. 

The fight continues but there's an indication that authority figures will step down or be overthrown. The President may feel isolated during the next few months and might have to re-assess who his true friends and supporters really are. There will be tension in a close partnership and a clash of opinions with a friend or colleague. Someone will leave. This will be a challenging time. 

President Zelenskyy Election Win
[click to enlarge]

The Solar Eclipse is located in the 6th House of the Election Chart and will bring issues related to daily routine, work and health. The nature of the President's work, the working environment and people he employs will all be affected. There could be a change of appearance, identity, or location, perhaps in response to something from the outside world.

The following Lunar Eclipse on 5th May 2023 will be in the 7th House and will form a square aspect to the Election Chart Midheaven. Again, the theme will be those the President considers to be allies or adversaries. Additionally, it will have an effect upon  partnerships, contracts and agreements. The focus will also be on anyone who represents or collaborates with him. There will be opposition and a possible change of direction.

During the next 12 months, President Zelenskyy will somehow be propelled into the spotlight in much the same way as he was on election night. That was his night of victory - will this be his year of victory? 

President Zelenskyy - Upcoming Transits

Transiting Saturn has been in opposition to President Zelensky's natal Saturn from late March 2023, and will be again from mid-October until early December 2023. This aspect - the Saturn Half-Return - happens to everyone around the age of 45 as part of the Saturn cycle. The opposition aspect represents a dilemma or decision, bringing an extremely significant and very challenging phase, but through it, he will experience a renewed sense of purpose. 

Transiting Uranus will square the President's natal Midheaven from 24th April 2023 - 12th May 2024 bringing a period of uncertainty, unpredictability and change of direction. On a personal level, he may begin to question his position in the world, what he ultimately wants for himself and his family, and because of this, he may begin to reassess his goals. 

During this planetary influence, President Zelenskyy will want the freedom to make personal decisions and choices, but current circumstances - and the events happening over the next few months - will make that very difficult. The changes and disruption to his career and professional status could start to bring a deeper sense of insecurity and might also affect his loved ones too, leading to restlessness, anger and frustration. As a result, he may resort to impulsive actions and sudden life-altering moves. The best option will be to adapt to these changes and use them as opportunities that will eventually bring greater freedom in the future. Otherwise, he may be tempted to accept the offer of 'a ride' and leave Ukraine after all.

Transiting Pluto began to oppose President Zelenskyy's natal Mars:in March 2022. It will gain traction during 2023, be on full power throughout 2024, before easing off in 2025 and finally fading away in 2026. During this period of time - which spans several years - he will feel an increased surge of determination. This will demand his full attention and is not without problems and frustrations. However, he is capable of a great amount of hard work and although he might suffer from exhaustion, he will be unwilling to slow down. The President may find that he has to deal with another person's anger which may be connected to professional partnerships or negotiations and contracts. The potential for coercion or intimidation is very high and he should be more vigilant than ever in avoiding dangerous situations.  

Mars is the ruling planet of President Zelenskyy's natal 11th house, so therefore, it represents friends, groups, allies, the gathering of people for a common purpose. With transiting Pluto opposing it, does this suggest a possible change of heart by those who are supporting him? In his natal chart, Mars is situated in the 2nd House which represents stability and security, so this planetary influence could increase the threats to his safety.

Intense conflict is indicated by this planetary combination but whatever formidable opponents President Zelenskyy encounters, he will demonstrate considerable strength in asserting himself. Important issues may reach a critical point but, true to form, he will not fail to stand up for what is right. His willingness to persist unrelentingly to overcome the most challenging obstacles will continue to inspire the world. Compromise may be difficult but there can be no success without sacrifice. He will continue to demonstrate strong leadership and remain in full command. He knows what he wants and this planetary influence will provide him with the courage and the perseverance to achieve it.