Robin Williams

Robin Williams’ generous soul touched millions of people, through comedy and drama, he was the quintessential Leonine performer who drew upon a great emotional depth and understanding of the human condition.

These qualities are strongly reflected by the many watery placements in his horoscope, a Cancer Sun with a grand trine in water between Mars-Uranus, Scorpio rising and a Pisces Moon. Here is his empathy and great sensitivity, reflected in one instance by his character in the “Its not your fault” scene from Good Will Hunting – http://youtu.be/UYa6gbDcx18. His Pisces Moon was also the source of his years of struggle with addiction.

Capricorn New Moon: A Taste of 2014
A happy new year on this auspicious Capricorn new moon, January 1, 2014!

This new moon is an harbinger of the year to come. New Year is always a good time to reflect upon the year that was and the year that will be. Two-faced Janus, the god of doorways, beginnings and transitions, looks backward and forward.

We reflect upon the year’s achievements in the sign of Capricorn, the mountain top of material and spiritual achievement. We ponder our failures and make new year’s resolutions; we resolve to rectify wrongs and renew our ‘vows’. Reflect, resolve, renew – and relinquish regret. It’s not unlike the process that the soul goes through when passing into the afterlife. Capricorn is one of the signs of death, of completion, yet the doorway into renewed life, hence Janus and January.

The pattern in the new moon horoscope involves an intense configuration with Mars in Libra opposing Uranus in Aries, squaring Sun, Moon, Mercury and Pluto, all in close conjunction in Capricorn. If Jupiter in Cancer is included in the picture, there is a wide grand cross that will come into exact orb in late April 2014. (There will be a deeper analysis of this configuration in the forthcoming Capricorn full moon newsletter.)

This pattern brings more sharply into focus the ongoing square-dance between Pluto and Uranus, a transformative opportunity that is being repeated for the first time since the 1930’s.

Capricorn is a sign of initiation into the mysteries and its ruler Saturn, currently in Scorpio, ensures that humanity will have to raise its game in 2014. Individually and collectively we will all be required to tread the burning ground of the lower self, yet also ‘stand our ground’, claiming the new territory of the greater Self that we have ‘captured’.

This will be achieved through honest self-reflection and an utter ruthlessness at rooting out all that impedes our progress individually – and in the groups with whom we are associated. The stars guarantee this reward for our requisite labour. Already there is turmoil in many nations, from Egypt to Thailand, Ukraine to Bangladesh, Sudan to Syria, as the struggle unfolds for freedom from repressive power systems and governments. There will be much more of the same in 2014, including all the Western democracies and what is not working within them.

The next two years will be an extremely difficult period for the world as it seeks to overcome centuries of inertia and crystallisation. The resistance to these opportunities for change are so deep-seated, you can almost hear the wheels of the great cycles of Pisces and Aquarius, grinding and groaning during this cuspal period.  The imminent grand cross of Uranus-Pluto, Jupiter-Mars in cardinal signs, dominates 2014 and will be breaking up the past like never before, indicating a kind of crucifixion for humanity, as it faces more directly, the planetary Dweller on the Threshold.

The various themes of money and its fairer redistribution, critical environmental and agricultural concerns, nuclear weapons in the Middle East and/or nuclear accidents such as Fukushima, may all reach critical mass in 2014.

Mars in Libra will be a positive driving force as the god of war in the sign of peace, unrelenting in peace negotiations, regime change and détente. (Think Nelson Mandela and the Dalai Lama, both with Mars in Libra.)

Yet Mars’ square to Pluto and opposite Uranus is highly volatile. If not handled correctly, these extraordinarily powerful forces will burst out in unpredictable ways around the planet, like the recent massive train explosion a couple of days ago in North Dakota.

The people of the world need courage to face these daunting possibilities, to counter any fear that may arise. How we set an example in our communities will go a long way to alleviating crises.

As the old paradigm crumbles, we continue to work at the new paradigm emerging, applying the Aquarian values of co-operation and universal brotherhood, to inspire others to live courageously and in service to their fellow humanity. Make no mistake, there will be no dull moments in 2014!

Capricorn and Christmas
On Christmas day Jesus-Christ is celebrated as the Sun God (and the Son of God), who has reached into the depths of matter during the Capricorn solstice and reborn to the increasing light, or ‘raised from the dead to life’.

Spirit has incarnated into matter and matter has been raised into spirit. Easter or Aries, is a sign of beginnings and what has been initiated or conceived then, completes its gestation nine months later in Capricorn; beginnings in Aries find perfection in Capricorn, the tenth sign – the number of perfection. Jesus’ ‘real’ date of birth (for which there are several), shows a Virgo Sun (‘born of the Virgin’) closely conjunct Pluto the destroyer. (‘I come not to bring peace but a sword’)

His revolutionary Aquarian Moon square Mars and Neptune in Scorpio hints at his future Chohanship of the mars-ial Sixth Ray, demonstrated by his violent clearing of money-lenders from the temple. Jesus transfiguration experience on the Capricorn mountain is symbolic of the Third Initiation, whilst his crucifixion experience was the Fourth Initiation, also known as the Great Renunciation.

“It has been occultly said that a vision of these powers and their many weaving lines (seen as rivers and streams of light) is given to the initiate from the mountain top of Capricorn, once that summit has been reached. It is at the Transfiguration initiation that this vision appears before the eyes of the astounded disciple.

The great experiences upon the various mountain tops as related in the Bible have all to do with Capricorn. Moses, the Lawgiver on Mount Sinai, is Saturn in Capricorn imposing the law of karma [ten commandments] upon the people …

The Mount of Transfiguration in the New Testament is Venus in Capricorn when love and mind and will meet in the person of the Christ, and “He was transfigured” before all men. At the same time, He received the vision of the Father and of what He had to do as He “went up to Jerusalem,” the place of death and likewise the city of peace.

This Jerusalem is Pisces. In Aquarius, Christ put His disciples in touch with the “man, bearing a pitcher of water,” Aquarius, and in the upper room introduced them to union and unity under the symbolism of the communion feast. For that feast, humanity is today preparing, as we saw when studying the last constellation.

The astrological significance of the New Testament is as yet little understood. Christ [not Jesus] was born in Capricorn, fulfilled the law under Saturn, initiated the era of intelligent brotherhood under Venus and is the perfect example of the Capricornian initiate who becomes the world Server in Aquarius, and the world Saviour in Pisces, thus completing the round of the zodiac and able to say triumphantly in Pisces, “It is finished.””

Pope Francis
I wanted to include Pope Francis in my recent Sagittarian newsletter, as he is an example of a deep Sagittarian philosopher, but his brother-at-arms and co-worker for humanity, Nelson Mandela, took up all the space. It’s interesting to note that Mandela was a Sagittarius rising with a Cancer sun, whilst Pope Francis is Cancer rising with a Sagittarian sun. Both had/have an acute awareness of higher principles and a deep nurturing love for their fellow wo-man.

Francis’ recent pronouncements have had much influence around the world. If we consider the Divine Trinity reflected in our earthly Politics (1 Will-Power), Religion (2 Love-Wisdom) and Business/Science (3 Active-Intelligence), Pope Francis and his enunciated principles stand as a buffer between the 1st and 3rd aspects; between corporations (3rd) and politics (1st); as a moral resistance to the corporatisation of politics.

His Moon is in revolutionary Aquarius and he looks set to be a great reformer of the Catholic Church. Francis has Cancer rising, his soul purpose, so beautifully demonstrated in his genuine loving compassion for all. There will be a profile on him in my forthcoming newsletter for the Sagittarian full moon period in just under two weeks.

The Pope’s frank (perhaps he will be dubbed Pope Frank!), and forthright denunciation of much that is wrong with the world today, is courageous and inspiring. The world will see and hear a lot more of him because his Mercury in Capricorn is under the influence of the Uranus-Pluto square for all of 2014.

Transiting Pluto conjunct his Mercury will lend great power and persuasiveness to all his communications, whilst revolutionary Uranus (ruler of his humanitarian Aquarian moon), and transiting square to his Mercury, will create a point of tension that promotes the expression of radical ideas.

Progressed Moon in Sagittarius is also going over his sun next year, whilst his progressed Sun nears a conjunction to his Saturn in Pisces – where the themes of forgiveness and loving understanding will be further emphasised in all his relations.

Peter O’Toole
“I will not be a common man. I will stir the smooth sands of monotony. I do not crave security. I wish to hazard my soul to opportunity.”

A classic Leo Sun (and Moon), O’Toole was a born actor, portraying in one of his most famous roles fellow Leo, T.E. Lawrence, in “Lawrence of Arabia”. Lawrence had Moon in Sagittarius, a major placement in his horoscope that reveals his adventurous nature, but also a deep philosophical perspective, reflected in his “Seven Pillars of Wisdom”.

One often finds close synastry between the charts of actors and those they portray, and in O’Toole’s case, his Pallas-Athena sits on Lawrence’s Moon. T.E. Lawrence has a similar quote to O’Toole’s, in quite the Sagittarian vein:

“All men dream, but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds wake in the day to find that it was vanity: but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act their dream with open eyes, to make it possible.”

Mars in Virgo, Sun in Scorpio
It promises to be an interesting month whilst the Sun transits through Scorpio on its annual round. This year the Scorpio expression is modified by the fact that its exoteric and esoteric ruler Mars, is placed in Virgo, plus its other co-ruler Pluto, is placed in Capricorn. Both Scorpio and Capricorn are signs of great testing and initiation and the fact their respective rulers Saturn and Pluto, are in mutual reception to one another, strengthens the relation between these two signs.

Exoterically, Mars in Virgo has several attributes, such as:

1. The capacity for careful planning, exactitude and perfectionism.
2. Crafting, creating, building, the artisan.
3. Fussiness, irritability, nervousness, mentally critical.
4. A one-pointed focus on physical health and healing, in mentally demanding tasks.
Speaking more esoterically however, Mars in Virgo represents,

1. The “quickening” of the spiritual life.
2. High devotion and idealism (even zealotry)- with this sixth ray planet in a sixth ray sign.
3. Virgo’s glyph is triple, representing the integration of all aspects of the personality, mental, emotional and physical. Mars rules the solar plexus chakra, seat of the emotional body, hence that aspect of personality integration may find more focus, particularly whilst the Sun transits through emotionally intense, Mars-ruled Scorpio.

Currently, with Mars in Virgo aspecting several planets in Scorpio, themes of Virgoan purification and Scorpionic purging will be brought into close relationship. There might be a tug-of-war in the astral body between celibacy or satiation, love and hate, friends and enemies, depression and elation, nurturement or abandonment, restraint or indulgence; yet also an unremitting dedication to tread the Way. Here the theme of choosing the Middle Way is symbolic – Libra rules this choice between the opposites, and is placed between Virgo and Scorpio.

The fourth ray of harmony through conflict pours through Scorpio and one of its co-rulers is the Moon, also esoteric ruler of Virgo. Mars brings about awareness of war in the lower nature but is also the great warrior who reorients and transforms that conflict into aspiration – where the solar plexus forces are raised and redeemed in the fiery chalice of the heart. This is why Mars is the personality and soul ruler of Scorpio, he is Hercules triumphant in battle, the daily Kurukshetra.

The new moon in Scorpio around November 3, will certainly be a highlight, as Mars will be in the Saturn-ruled decanate of Virgo, hence lending much self-discipline; it will be in exact sextile to Sun and Moon, which are also conjunct Mercury, Node and Saturn in Scorpio. May your battle be victorious!

Mercury in Scorpio: The Deep Sea Diver (Part I)  (Oct 1, 2013)
Transiting Mercury has just entered Scorpio and will there for a couple of months, due to its retrograde and direct motion. This is a time for deep reflection and probing the depths of one’s own unconscious, for psychological healing.

Mercury in Scorpio can be likened to the deep sea diver in the old-fashioned diving helmet, who works alone upon the ocean floor, a long way from the surface. The oxygen hose that reaches to the surface is the lifeline, the umbilical cord, or the antahkarana – or bridge of consciousness from the world below to the world above.

The diver is a rich metaphor for exploring the hidden-most depths of one’s being whether it is in the emotional body (Scorpio-water), the psyche (soul) or the shadow nature. Hence this period is an opportunity for psychotherapy – confronting and healing what lurks in the hidden areas of consciousness. Mercury in Scorpio can bring confrontational incidents into one’s life, such as:

1. Attracting others who bring an awareness of unconscious issues and drives.
2. Power struggles with others or within oneself – psychologically, psychically or even physically.
3. Boundary and control issues. Fear and paranoia. Deception.
4. The misuse of speech – Mercury in Scorpio can be devastatingly destructive in communication.
5. Exposing hidden motives in oneself and others.

These few points can arise for the following reasons:
1. Mercury is the ruler of the fourth ray of Harmony through Conflict (also the ray of Art and Beauty).
2. The fourth ray is the only ray passing through Scorpio, ruled by Mars the god of war and Pluto, Lord of the Underworld. It is the ray that rules over Humanity in general.
3. In Esoteric Astrology, Mercury is the ‘hierarchical ruler’ of Scorpio, whose, …”true significance will not be understood until the consciousness of individual … is planetary in its scope and grasp …”(EA359).

Mercury in Scorpio has many talents:
1. An ability for probing the arcane, the esoteric, that which is hidden.
2. A knack for seeing through deception, ‘x-ray vision’.
3. A tough and shrewd negotiator.
4. An in-depth counsellor.
5. A very persuasive communicator, an orator.

Mercury in Scorpio: US Shutdown (Part II)
Trickster Mercury has his fingerprints all over the latest debacle in the USA, continuing its influence as late as November 26. The following Mercurial events have occurred:

1. The day of the US Shutdown (October 1), was the start of the “pre-shadow” or slow-down phase before Mercury turns retrograde proper on October 21.

2. In the USA horoscope on October 1, transiting Mercury was conjunct progressed Saturn at 3 Scorpio. The restraining influence of Saturn upon Mercury is a bit like Mercury retrograde anyway, and Saturn rules the USA’s second house of money.

3. In The Republican’s horoscope, progressed Mercury at 3 Leo is exactly square to Mercury-Saturn in the USA chart.

4. The core retrograde period will be from October 21 to November 7, where it resumes direct motion – at virtually the same degree it started the pre-shadow phase – at 3 Scorpio.

5. The post-shadow phase lasts until November 26, indicating an ‘at latest’ date for resolution.

Transiting Mars in Leo over the two pole star Pointers
During this current full moon period, it is interesting to note the action of Mars – still transiting through Leo, stimulating the lower will in the solar plexus centre which Mars rules.

On its two-year cycle, it is about to conjoin the star Dubhe (15Leo23), now and until Sept 21; it is the pointer nearest the pole star, Polaris. Some following snippets from Esoteric Astrology by Alice Bailey on the significance of these two pointer stars:

“The Pointer nearest to the Pole Star is expressive of a lower aspect of the will, which—in speaking of humanity—we call self-will.” (EA196) …. “this Pointer and the energy emanating from it guides humanity upon the involutionary path, and is constantly active in its influence upon the man who is still upon the Mutable Cross.” – (EA196)

Then by Sept 27, transiting Mars will conjunct the pointer furthest from the pole star, Merak:

“The Pointer furthest from the Pole Star in the constellation of the Great Bear. This is, esoterically speaking, a great reservoir or focal point for divine energy, carrying out God’s purpose.(EA196)

“Then the energy of the Pointer furthest from the Pole Star begins to make its presence felt and a sense of right direction or guidance is registered by the disciple upon the Path, and such guidance (when followed) leads man nearer to the Hierarchy.”

Mercury in Libra and Obama’s Shift to Diplomacy
Obama’s change of tack – to explore a diplomatic solution for the Syrian crisis is mostly down to Mercury entering Libra, just as its ruler Venus was departing Libra. Venus prepared the way and passed the baton to Mercury. Mercury is the negotiator and Libra is the peacemaker.

Obama’s progressed Sun in early Libra was transited yesterday by Mercury, occurring around the 9/11 anniversary, uncannily the birthday of Bashar Al Assad. Obama’s progressed Mercury is also in late Libra – it’s going to be an interesting month when the Sun goes into Libra in the next couple of weeks.

Decision is another Libran quality, as is endless procrastination – Libra’s shadow. When the scales are balanced, then a decision can be made with the ‘judicial mind’. May we hold ALL world leaders in the light, so that they are guided to make the right decisions.

Mars Leaves Cancer and Enters Leo
When the planet of passion meets the sign of passion, there is certainly a recipe for fireworks – not necessarily as pretty lights in the sky! In esoteric astrology, Mars rules the solar plexus centre, seat of the astral body.

The transit of the God of War through the previous emotionally sensitive sign of Cancer was challenging, in terms of stirring up very deep feelings; it is the place of Mars’ ‘fall’ – hence it can be characterised by angry frustration, intense moodiness, domestic disputes, devotion to loved ones etc. But also in the world in general, as Cancer is a sign of mass consciousness, for example feelings stirred up over a possible Western-led invasion of Syria.

Mars is a ‘non-sacred’ planet and therefore its transit in any sign highlights the unresolved dualities that we all harbour. In Leo, Mars tends to be forceful and aggressive, highly egotistical, competitive, energetic and creative; it gives leadership and confidence as well as strong sexual urges, jealousy, possessiveness, argumentativeness and a forceful, dominating lower ego. Mars in Leo can be the drama queen par excellence, riveted firmly at the centre of their little universe.

Many of these descriptions are indicative of Mars’ dominance of the solar plexus centre, the home of the ‘animal brain’ and kama-manas or ‘desire-mind’.

Indeed, emotional attachments to ways of thinking may become starkly revealed during this time. Hence, for those cultivating awareness and consciousness in their lives, beware the tendency to fall in thrall of the beast of personality during this Mars in Leo transit (until Oct 15).

Whether that is getting steamed up in traffic or on the supermarket queue, the key is vigilance and the cultivation of the Aquarian polarity, where lies a sense of greater needs beyond the little self. The tendency for a me-first, ‘I have entitlement’ attitude is marked with Mars in Leo.

The evolutionary journey demands that we shift from polarisation in the lower centres, to functioning in the higher centres; from the blinded personality to the illumined soul; individual soul purpose working and functioning through an integrated personality.

Mars creates an acute awareness of what is unresolved within the three-fold personality, particularly in the biggest battleground for most, the astral body. Mars transiting through Leo offers an opportunity because the transfer of energy involves the solar plexus (Mars) to the heart (Leo). From fear to love, conditionality to unconditionality, self-centredness to selflessness, Leo to Aquarius.

The point of least resistance for most of humanity however, is to stay in the solar plexus because that is the status quo, it is known, it is the home of the concrete mind, impatience and reactivity and personal selfishness, not the clarity of higher thought or the patience of a loving heart. A good visualisation to employ during this period (that can be done anywhere), is to see the angst and conflict in the solar plexus rising up to meet the purifying fires within the heart’s chalice. Resist the temptation to immediately react or force situations and defend the little ego; give pause for reflective thought and use the devotional forces of warrior Mars on behalf of the Higher Self.

Egypt’s Current Crisis: July 9-10 Critical Days
Using Egypt’s 1953 horoscope with the Sun in Gemini, we witness again the liberating influences of Jupiter as it transited Egypt’s Sun in this past two weeks. Gemini certainly reflects the split between various political factions, between the people and government. This next week will be absolutely critical, as there are several influences that could create even further explosiveness and violence:

1. Transiting Mars on its two-year cycle is within orb of Egypt’s Sun in Gemini, exact by July 10.
2. On July 10, transiting Jupiter, on its twelve-year cycle, will have reached the exact conjunction of Egypt’s natal Mars.
3. Mars is the ruler of Egypt’s fiery Aries ascendant, its soul purpose if you will. Mars’ natal placement in Cancer is extremely sensitive and reactionary, hence its stimulation by Jupiter will be potent to say the least. God of war Mars also rules Islam – like Christianity, it is a militant religion.
4. July 10 also sees the annual transits of the Sun and Mercury falling on Uranus (revolution).

The situation is dangerous, partly because of the mob violence mentality that feeds off the drama and excitement. According to some groups, so far over 90 women have been raped or sexually assaulted during demonstrations.

It illustrates that despite a craving for freedom and change, some of Egypt’s most entrenched attitudes are coming to the surface. In the bigger picture, Egypt’s destabilisation is destablising for the entire Middle East. There is the danger of the situation escalating beyond Egypt, through foreign forces taking advantage of the situation and pushing their agendas.

Edward Snowden: Gemini Whistleblower (Part I)
During the annual cycle of Gemini with ongoing revelations about the NSA and covert monitoring of the USA (world) population, it’s heartening to see the person who leaked the information to the media, reveal himself. Edward Snowden has displayed great courage placing himself in a similar situation as others such as Julian Assange and Bradley Manning.

From Wiki: “Daniel Ellsberg, the whistleblower and leaker of the top-secret Pentagon Papers in 1971, stated in an interview with CNN that he thought Snowden had done an “incalculable” service to his country and that his leaks might prevent America from becoming a surveillance state. He said Snowden had acted with the same sort of courage and patriotism as a soldier in battle.[35] In an op-ed the following morning, Ellsberg added that “there has not been in American history a more important leak than Edward Snowden’s release of NSA material – and that includes the Pentagon Papers, for which I was responsible 40 years ago.”[36]”

Snowden was born (time unknown) with his Sun in the last degree of Gemini, trine to Pluto-Saturn in Libra, giving him a strong sense of fairness and justice. The Sun is also opposite Neptune, creating high idealism. He has Chiron, Mercury and Mars also in Gemini, opposing Jupiter-Uranus in Sagittarius, fuelling a strong sense of the truth.

With these factors, plus his Moon in Scorpio, he has an ideal horoscope for a spy and that is what he was doing, spying for the NSA. But now this spy has put himself out in the cold, at the mercy of various global forces. His outing of NSA and then of himself has provided a healthy counterbalance to the ongoing justifications and lies of those in power.

 

Horoscope of the Bilderberg Group: Greater Transparency Emerging?
Currently in their annual conference retreat, and with more publicity emerging every year, the Bilderberg horoscope is worth a look. According to Wiki, the Bilderberg Group was established on May 29, 1954. Birth time unknown, but 9 am seems a reasonable time for the conference beginning. This yields Leo rising perfectly reflecting this group’s elitist power, wealth and influence – that includes monarchy, industrialists, academics, politicians and bankers.

Yet paradoxically as a Leo rising, the lion has not emerged from its secretive lair. The reason for this is that Saturn is in Scorpio (secrets) square the Leo ascendant. It is interesting to note that this entity is just emerging from its second Saturn return, hence the natal square of Saturn/Ascendant is being activated.

Coincidentally, the progressed Sun is in Leo, about to move over the rising sign in the next 18 months – from the twelfth house of secrets. When the combination of both these movements is considered, then a greater transparency may emerge, due to public pressure. But Saturn in Scorpio square a Leo ascendant can also be the worst control freak and ruthless power monger – is there room for this entity to evolve and transform, or will it stay stuck in its ways?

Today Jupiter in Gemini transits the natal Mercury in Gemini, amplifying the note of right communication – paradoxically in the face of a complete lockdown at the hotel meeting place. In the next few weeks, the Bilderberg Group will go through its 12-year Jupiter (in Cancer) return cycle – at the same time that the 27 year cycle of the progressed Moon comes around to conjoin natal Jupiter. On the astrological face of it, Jupiter in Cancer can be vastly generous or incredibly greedy – it’s all about underlying motive isn’t it?

USA’s Mars and the Gemini New Moon
With recent revelations about the NSA’s intrusion into Americans’ emails, facebook etc (like we didn’t know already!), it is interesting to note that this Gemini new moon falls on Mars in the 1776 USA horoscope. I have commented at length on the troublesome nature of the USA Mars in Gemini (see my book, “Destiny of the Races and Nations”).

Gemini rules all kinds of media and especially deceptive media, reflected by Mars’ natal square to Neptune in USA’s chart. Hence this natal pattern will get a work out for a while, whilst claims and counter claims are made, with the outcome that the truth may be severely compromised – no surprise either! Just to give these matters a further stimulus, the two-yearly cycle of Mars comes around for the Mars return in USA’s chart, in the next few weeks, by the end of June. From my book,

“Mars in Gemini in the seventh house is about aggressiveness in relationships, and how Americans have met whatever stood in the way of her Sagittarian expansiveness. However, it also about spirited, energetic dialogue and communication, loves a good argument. As Mars squares Neptune in the ninth house, there is a great challenge for America to discriminate clearly between its high idealism and a tendency to myth making.

The glamours of the movie industry and music, addictive substances, emotional psychism and religious cults, are all up for review with this aspect. The American media, with its excesses and exaggerations, is another prime example of how truth is compromised. Another manifestation of Mars square Neptune is the sharp intellect of Virgo and ninth/seventh house themes around legal matters. Litigation and craftily calculated documents deceive…

Mars in the seventh house spoils for a fight in many of its relationships; particularly with foreign nations around issues of religion, if we consider Neptune in the ninth house to which it is square.

With the square of Mars to Neptune, both co-rulers of the solar plexus, herein we see one of the major challenges of this entity, America: that of emotionalism, sentimentality, over-reactivity etc. Gemini is one of the most reactive signs in the zodiac, because of an extreme sensitivity and impressibility from its environment, which prompts continual reaction and response.

Therefore, Mars in Gemini is one of USA’s worst liabilities. Mars rules firearms, and nowhere else in the world do so many people own guns and use them indiscriminately. Gemini is well known for its lack of discrimination. Mars in the seventh house is America’s shadow or ‘Dweller’, and brings into awareness that which needs redeeming. It is easy to not recognise this, projecting it upon all her relationships with foreign countries.” (“Destiny of the Races and Nations” – by Phillip Lindsay)

Mars in Taurus
Been feeling a little in the wars emotionally lately? Mars leaves Taurus tonight (May 31, 2013), the god of war in the fourth ray sign of conflict:

“Mars is in detriment in this sign. Its activity adds constantly to the naturally warlike nature of Taurus … It “adds to the glamour and confusion and yet holds within itself hope for the struggling man.”” [EA401]

And any planet in the last degrees of a sign tend to bring its full force to bear. If you are a Mars-ruled person by zodiac sign, then you may feel this conflict more than most. It all depends upon how much of a rein one has on Mars, a most unruly planet, especially because it rules the solar plexus chakra, seat of the astral or emotional body.

Water Moons and Boundaries
As the Moon moves into Pisces for the next few days, one is reminded of the need for awareness of personal boundaries for water moons – physical and psychic. Very broadly and somewhat superficially speaking, a Pisces Moon is blissfully unaware that they have transgressed someone else’s boundary or that theirs has been invaded.

A Scorpio moon is usually more exorcisive with its Mars-Pluto rulership. Cancer can be extremely subtle and manipulative. Both water and the Moon are connected to the astral body, the unconscious and the instinctual nature, which, if not under control by the mind, creates problems with boundaries in human relationships.

Of course, everyone is at a different stage of unfoldment, so what holds true for one person and their moon position may not even be on the radar for someone else. Once the ‘lunar elementals’ have been ‘tamed’ and transcended, the planet ‘veiled’ by the Moon starts to come into greater expression – Uranus, Neptune of Vulcan, depending upon several factors. Does anyone know where I can get some ‘elemental tamer’, at the health food shop perhaps? LOL!

Bear in mind that there are still a few weeks to go, of the Sun moving through Gemini. Hence many opportunities to resolve the pairs of opposites through rightly relating; opportunities of resolving conflict – personally, racially, culturally. Particularly so with the exoteric and esoteric rulers of Gemini – Mercury and Venus – in their own sign – conjunct Jupiter in Gemini – displaying as a lovely star triangle in the west every evening lately. Jupiter is the ruler of the love-wisdom ray and Gemini is one of the most powerful conduits for the second ray – le coeur conquers!

Great Britain: Gemini Soul
It is pertinent to remember during this Gemini full moon festival that Britain is a Gemini soul and also conditioned by the second ray of love-wisdom at the soul level. Jupiter, ruler of the second ray of love-wisdom, is currently transiting through Gemini for the first time in twelve years, hence there is a great opportunity during this full moon period to invoke Britain’s soul, whether you live there or not. This is particularly pertinent in view of hideous events in the past day or two, holding the still centre, soothing some of the friction and pain. Bear in mind also, that whatever its personality force demonstrates (Taurus), the soul force of this nation has been responsible for bringing about the democratic system (much abused of course!) and the synthesis of all races, cultures and religions. That is of course, a work in progress!

Gemini: Social Media, Misinformation and Monsanto
With a T-square to Neptune by Sun-Moon at this Gemini solar festival, there is great potential for all sorts of erroneous interpretations, propaganda perpetuation and lack of discrimination. This is occurring already on social media, where big baddy Monsanto has become the whipping boy for many groups; perhaps this is somewhat disproportionate as are also many other well known companies engaged in the same nefarious activities. Unfortunately there is a lot of mis-information in social media where sources and facts are not being checked, creating fear and hysteria – thereby having the opposite effect and empowering these kind of companies.

This is part of a worrying trend occurring on Facebook and other social media. For example, people do not even check who wants to friend them, when there is no details given about the friender. Why would you friend someone who has so little information about themselves, that they are virtually a ghost? This lack of discrimination is very Geminian and will be greatly exaggerated over this full moon period.

Many see ‘virtual online life’ as separate from ‘real life’ – hence different rules. Wouldn’t they want to be applying the principles of real life relationships to their online life – if they want to maintain any consistency and avoid living dualistically? Hence, the insidiousness of some of these online attitudes and the way they seep over into ‘real life’, thereby weakening human relationships. This duality of online life versus real life, should resolve into ‘one life’ or ‘all life’.

Monsanto is a Sagittarian Sun and has a one-pointed aim that demonstrates completely selfish, lower Sagittarian attitudes – fanatical and tunnel-visioned – corporate jihadists. There are five planets in Capricorn, indicating enormous money and business prowess. The Moon is in Cancer – food, nurturing and mother Earth. Aquarius is rising if the midday chart is considered, given that there is no birth time. Aquarius in its lower expression reflects the plethora of selfishly oriented groups (corporations) who are the shadow of the emerging Aquarian cycle.

This full moon period of Gemini sees the Sun-Moon opposition straddling Monsanto’s Sun, whilst Neptune T-squares. The potential for even greater lying propaganda and confusion around this company is big. Both Neptune and Pisces are related to mass consciousness and maya in their lower expression, and to the greatest spiritual principles in their highest expression. With this kind of aspect, we are not going to see the expression of the latter by Monsanto. We might see the people have an opportunity to reclaim their power but the point of least resistance may well be confusing propaganda and deceit.

Saturn is powerfully placed in its own sign Capricorn in the Monsanto horoscope. Currently the Pluto-Uranus square is activating Saturn’s propensity for control, manipulation and dominance. This will remain in orb until 2015, through all the remaining squares of Pluto-Uranus. Mars in Capricorn also reflects Monsanto’s extraordinary material ambitions and is currently being squared by progressed midheaven in Aries, increasing its penchant for aggressive ruthlessness.

Monsanto is a microcosm of the selfish, global corporate culture that the Uranus-Pluto square is bringing to a head: Complete domination by corporations and banks on the one hand, or their toppling by social action, civil disobedience and the subjective building of new paradigms. And so these ensuing squares will hold the world in great tension for the next couple of years, grinding us all in the mill of transformation and awakening.

An Ominous Sign? Oklahoma Tornado
The third of the seven Uranus-Pluto squares occurred yesterday, precisely as a massive tornado ripped through Moore, OK killing dozens of people. Jupiter (the giant) in Gemini (air/wind) dominates the midheaven of the event chart and the astro-cartographic lines pass close by on the Oklahoma map. The power and size of the tornado was nature at its most awesome (Pluto), striking suddenly (Uranus). Gemini ruler Mercury was in aspect to both Pluto and Uranus.

If this is taken as a global symbol for this third phase of the Uranus-Pluto squares over the next couple of years, then the world is in for some turmoil. A lot of things are just not shifting and it may take some tornado-like events, not necessarily natural disasters, that will bring this change. If chaos tries to prevail, let us hope we can maintain the calm of the central eye.

North Korea
The Virgo Sun is square to Jupiter in Sagittarius, and can give an inflated and exaggerated sense of self, extreme egotism and a bombastic nature. This is further compounded by Jupiter’s conjunction to the Moon in Sagittarius, creating a fanatical adherence to personal beliefs, and a one-pointed zealousness.

Taurus-Scorpio
While the Sun is still passing through Taurus, the forces of conflict are strong, from two perspectives. One, the fact that the fourth ray of harmony through conflict is the only ray that passes through Taurus and its opposite Scorpio. Two, the Scorpio polarity is ruled by Mars, lord of conflict, especially in the astral body.

From one point of view and very broadly speaking, Taurus represents our aspiration to the light of understanding (under the watchful eye of the Mother of Illumination), whilst Scorpio represents the darkness of experience in our lower consciousness and unredeemed aspects of our nature. Whilst transiting Saturn is going through Scorpio, this play between light and shadow is even further intensified – it can be quite a tough and arid experience.

The newly acquired light from the Taurus full moon has now to be integrated and this is what causes conflict with the existing status quo in the conscious seeker’s system. This battle between the pairs of opposites is symbolised by Taurus-Scorpio, light and dark, masculine-feminine – all duality seeking synthesis.

“Constantly in this sign comes the emphasis upon struggle. It is a cosmic, planetary and individual struggle, for desire-will underlies the manifested activities of the Logos, the planetary Life and of man and also of all forms in nature. It is the struggle of that which is deeply hidden in darkness to reach the light of day; it is the struggle of the hidden soul to dominate and control the outer form, the struggle to transmute desire into aspiration and aspiration into the will to achieve. It is the struggle to attain the goal which an increasing light reveals.” (EA401)

J.S. Bach (31 March 1685)
With Aries rising and Sun in Aries, J.S. Bach was a prodigious pioneer in classical music, one of the greatest composers of all time. His Moon-Neptune conjunction in Aquarius-Pisces reflected his great sensitivity and ability to bring through impressions from the higher spheres.

Likewise Mercury in Pisces (the soul ruler of Aries) with its close conjunction to Venus in Pisces – there is a messenger of beauty! Saturn in Virgo speaks to his meticulousness, especially with the trine to Uranus in Taurus, there is the seventh ray and Bach’s reputation for reorganising music.

He was born close to the start of a seventh ray cycle in 1675 (along with Handel) and vastly influenced the intellectuality of German people with its highly inspired genius, profundity and mathematical exactness. Like his country, Bach was no doubt a fourth ray soul – the ray of music – emerging from the genius of the nation.

The second ray of love-wisdom was also present – expressing itself through Jupiter in Libra – opposite his Aries placements. This Aries-Libra axis in Bach’s chart must have played a large part in his development of counterpoint.

Catholic Church and New Pope
At the end of the Piscean Age, at the new moon of Pisces with seven planets in this sign, the most Piscean of the old religions, the Catholic Church, will vote for a new Pope. They are hoping that this will happen by Tuesday, the day of the new moon. I wonder if they have consulted the stars (quite likely!) on this one, or if they realise that Mercury is still retrograde until March 18? Either way, the vote could be delayed that long, or the choice of Pope may create some real problems. And they have enough problems at the moment, particularly along the lines of sexual abuse. Celibacy was certainly an ideal that many could not live up to and this worked itself out in worst way possible through the abuse of the vulnerable and the young.

The Catholic Church is a first ray soul, ruled by Vulcan and Pluto. Pluto has certainly been a factor here, as soul ruler of Pisces, breaking down all the double-standards within the church, bringing to the surface all that has been festering for too long. Saturn in Pluto-ruled Scorpio is also aiding and abetting this intense and unrelenting process. Perhaps the thunderbolt that hurtled onto St Peter’s basilica hours after Pope Benedict resigned, is a portent from Vulcan and the forging of a new direction.

Pierre Teilhard de Chardin
The current crop of planets in Taurus, brings to mind the chart of Teilhard de Chardin, who had a stellium of seven planets in Taurus. He was (from Wiki),

“a French philosopher and Jesuit priest who trained as a paleontologist and geologist and took part in the discovery of Peking Man and Piltdown Man. He conceived the idea of the Omega Point (a maximum level of complexity and consciousness towards which he believed the universe was evolving) and developed the concept of Noosphere – the “sphere of human thought” – some saying that this was a prediction of the world wide web. His primary book, The Phenomenon of Man, set forth a sweeping account of the unfolding of the cosmos.” His Taurus placements reflect his great thirst for knowledge and wisdom, whilst his Gemini rising soul purpose was ideally placed to disseminate that brilliant light.

J. M. W. Turner
Taurus is all about BEAUTY. The 4th ray of Beauty and Art pours through Taurus and this energy is distributed by Venus, traditionally the goddess of beauty. Esoterically, Venus is (amongst many things), the light bringer, son of the morning, heralding the daily return of the solar logos. Taurus ‘Guards the secret of light and confers illumination…’. “J. M. W.” Turner, was a British Romantic landscape painter, a controversial figure in his day, commonly known as “the painter of light”.