The Living Birth Chart - my new book

I'm delighted to announce the publication of my new book,
The Living Birth Chart

As a preview, I'm publishing a short extract from the book, which is available from today from the APA Book Shop, Amazon and other retailers.

This book is intended as a follow up to The Cosmic Egg Timer, where Richard Llewellyn and I gave an introduction to the Huber Method. Many of the topics covered in The Cosmic Egg Timer are revisited in greater depth, with an emphasis on working practically with the material presented, as well as working in a hands-on way with your own chart.

Here I share my own experience and understanding of this new astrological approach to psychology, based on twenty-seven years experience as an astrological counsellor, teacher, correspondence tutor, training facilitator and Principal Emeritus of the Astrological Psychology Association. The practical exercises and activities suggested for the reader have been tried and tested in live training seminars and workshops, and have brought deeper understanding to the people who have worked through them, together with a lot of insight, enjoyment and laughter, as they learned more about their birth charts and themselves along the way. I’ve included the kind of questions that students ask me about various aspects of the Huber Method, and I’ve aimed to respond in a manner similar to the replies I give when I’m teaching, either in a live session or when I’m tutoring by correspondence.

Astrological psychology was developed in Zurich, Switzerland in the early 1960’s by Swiss astrologers/psychologists Bruno and Louise Huber. Using their extensive understanding of astrology, psychology, the spiritual teachings of Alice Bailey and Roberto Assagioli’s Psychosynthesis, they succeeded in combining the very best of traditional astrology with modern growth psychology. Drawing these threads together, and basing their teaching on their own empirical research, the Huber Method evolved organically and is now used by thousands of practitioners and students of astrological astrology throughout the world. It provides a powerful tool for self-understanding and psychological/spiritual growth which is practical, easy to use and which can yield profound insights for the user.

It’s very clear to me that the best way to learn and understand astrology from a deep level is to make it come alive in ways that we can relate to. It’s all well and good to understand what Mars means on an intellectual level. We have a concept of what kind of energy Mars has, and how it might be expressed. But can you spot Mars in action and for real in your everyday life? Can you observe it at work in yourself and in the behaviour of others? Do you watch a TV programme, film or live interview and see Mars in action in some of the characters? If you can do that, then that’s what I call making your astrology come alive and be tangible and “for real”. When it becomes an integral part of your everyday life, then your astrology lives, and you do too, in a more consciously aware and responsible way.

The key feature of using astrological psychology as a tool for personal growth and self-awareness is that it places taking responsibility for ourselves, our own lives and what goes on in them, very firmly into our hands and our hands alone. It offers us choice, and once we’re aware that we can exercise this in our everyday lives, things are unlikely to ever be the same again. We will be in the driving rather than the passenger seat and the responsibility for which direction we take will be entirely ours.

This is a practical workbook, and the best way to gain the most from it is to work through the exercises using your own chart. The content is not intended as a course in the Huber Method of astrological psychology, but if the reader is already a student of APA they will hopefully find the content a useful supplement to the course material. Readers whose appetite is whetted and who want to know more about APA Courses in Astrological Psychology can click on the link. Courses for both personal interest and professional qualification are offered.

Regardless of whether you are a student or not, it is recommended that you have a notebook or loose leaf file to use alongside this workbook. You will certainly benefit from working on your own chart, and if you have a few other charts to work on - maybe those of family and friends - this will help expand and deepen your experience and understanding of using astrological psychology as well as making the learning journey through this book more interesting, insightful and rewarding.

The Armistice - 100 years on

The signing of the Armistice to end the First World War, also known as the Great War, took place in a railway carriage at Compiegne, France on 11.11.1918, at 11.00 am. Every year since, rememberance of those who died in this most bloody and dreadful war, and in all subsequent wars, has been made in Britain, Europe and further afield.

The chart is set up for the signing of the Armistice. The chart image is reminiscent of the zigzagging crossfire that took place across “No Man’s Land” on the battlefields and from the trenches. The chart shaping is predominantly Fixed - a lasting peace was hoped for but war again broke out in 1939 as the Age Point in this chart made an opposition to the Sun. The chart shows an emphasis on red/green aspects, indicating heightened sensitivity and awareness. Pluto is conjunct the descendant - the “You” side of the chart. This to me seems to symbolise the transition and transformation from the power, devastation and destruction of the war, but at the same time it also reminds me of the ultimate sacrifice made by so many in this truly appalling war. Pluto in Cancer is a reminder, too, that few families went untouched by the loss of loved ones, my own included. A whole generation of young men, and young women, too, who went to nurse at the Front, were lost or lost someone close to them.

Rememberance of the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Armistice is currently being featured, celebrated and remembered worldwide. 1918 - 2018 - one hundred years, but a drop in the ocean of time. In those years much has happened, and is still happening, to make us aware of the useless futility of war. Remember - yes, and with feeling, but don’t be complacent. Peace and compassion are always worth striving for.

A few personal comments. My Great Uncle Jim fought and died in the First World War. He was a Private in the Royal Marine Labour Corps and was the brother of my grandmother. Here is a letter he sent to her and my grandpa from Le Havre in December 1915, into which he’d inserted a photo of himself in uniform. He signs the letter “Your ever loving brother Jim”, and under his signature adds a note: “Let me know what little thing I can get the children from France”. The children were my dad and my aunt.

Private Jim Small died on 2nd August 1917, and is buried at Boulogne Eastern Cemetery in France. His grave is inscribed with his name, rank and regiment together with the inscription “Not ours but thy will be done”. Another symbolic reminder of Pluto.

Monty Python’s Flying Circus, John Cleese, Michael Palin and the need for a bit of laughter

I wrote this post back in 2008, amid the gloom of the banking crisis, when it felt as if a bit of light relief was needed. Have things improved since then? It's debateable. But the 6 remaining members of the Monty Python team have, in late 2013, announced they will be making a come back, and tickets for their scheduled show at the O2 Arena in London sold out in 43 seconds. The Pythons are back in the news, and oldies as they may be by now, the promise of their humour can still draw the crowds. Here's what I wrote in 2008, including a look at the charts of  John Cleese and Michael Palin.

Endless news reports about the credit crunch, failing banks, the global economy and now inflation send me hurrying urgently to find something to make me laugh. I found a page on the BBC website devoted to “What’s making you smile?” together with a jokes page. This one worked for me:

What do you call 12 investment bankers at the bottom of the ocean?

A good start.

And here's another one I've had by email:

What's the difference between a banker and a pigeon?

A pigeon can make a deposit on a Ferrari.

What’s making you laugh, smile, feel a bit better in the face of the current gloom? With Uranus opposite Saturn moving ever closer to exactitude on 4th November, perhaps we need to step away for a while from the heaviness of the Saturnian gloom and look for something to jolt us out of our stasis. We could simply look for some good news, but that’s not always easy to find. You’ll find it here at Positive News, which always provides a refreshing alternative view.

For this post I’ve opted to go back a few decades to Monty Python’s Flying Circus, the outrageously anarchic, satirical and often slapstick TV programme first broadcast by the BBC on 5.10.1969. I’ve set the chart for noon in the event of no actual time of “birth” and in London, from where it would have been transmitted.

What can we see in this chart?

• it’s very red/green in the aspects colour ratio - 4 red: 4 green: 6 blue - lots of reactive responses and plenty of ideas flowing

• there’s a Small Talent Triangle and a not-quite-complete Trapeze aspect pattern (for more on aspect patterns see Aspect Pattern Astrology and Aspect Patterns in Colour in Books tabs at top of page). These patterns indicate creativity and ideas, reflecting the motivation of the high ratio of green aspects

• the stellium of four planets in Libra and one in Virgo has an anarchic/transformative quality with Uranus (the anarchic humour) and Pluto (the cutting edge freshness and change of approach using intellectual and visual humour). In this stellium we also find OTT Jupiter conjunct the Sun and Mercury sits at the apex of the Small Talent triangle as the witty agent of delivery and communication.

I’m including the charts of two of the creators of Monty Python - John Cleese and Michael Palin - partly because they were my favourite “Pythons”, partly because they both went on to develop their careers in film and travel (Palin) and film, TV series and organisational training (Cleese), and partly because they both took part in the memorable “Dead Parrot” sketch . But more of that later.

John Cleese was born on 27.10.1939 at 03.15 in Weston-super-Mare. The aspect structure in his chart covers a large area, indicative of him being able to move into many areas of life. The image reminds me of his appearance in an episode of Monty Python where he worked for the Ministry of Silly Walks. He was seen on his way to work walking in an alarmingly eccentric way, and at the time this spawned a fair amount of imitation from uninhibited members of the public, usually when they’d had just enough drink to loosen their inhibitions.

The chart shaping/motivation is a mixture of fixity and flexibility, suggesting that Cleese best operates creatively within a defined framework. His character Basil Fawlty (who he created) in the brilliant TV series “Fawlty Towers” has something of this about him. Fawlty is mad, eccentric and unbearable, but only when his carefully constructed environment is upset by the unexpected. Cleese has a colour ratio of 5 red: 5 green: 4 blue; the excess red/green drive and motivation echoes that of the Python chart shown above. Outrageous, anarchic and creative Uranus sits on the Balance Point in the 9th house. It’s the highest planet in the chart, so is prominent, and on the Balance Point it gives the ability to work effectively and efficiently. This can be seen in Cleese’s script writing for both Monty Python and Fawlty Towers, along with his acting/performance.

Michael Palin was born on 5.5.1943 at 11.45 in Sheffield. His chart is very different in appearance, with a large, open area on the “You”/DC side and most planets on the more private AC side. Palin might feel vulnerable to the potentially invasive influences of others, preferring his own space, with the aspect structure clinging to the “I”/AC side of his chart. His chart has a restless flexibility to it; he won’t need structure in the same way that Cleese might, and his extensive travelogues for TV give a flavour of how he is able to adapt to new experiences. His colour ratio/motivation of 2 red: 2 green: 6 blue veers strongly to being laid back and relaxed. This comes across in his travel programmes; he seems a real “Mr. Nice” who you’d quite happily invite into your own home.


















As in Cleese’s and the Python chart, Palin’s Uranus is also prominent. Tightly conjunct Mercury, it’s in the stress area before the 11th house cusp, so has its sights set on 11th rather than 10th house matters. This means ideas, people of like mind and shared ideals will be of greater interest. With Python humour having a strong intellectual, satirical and anarchic streak, the 11th house focus for Uranus/Mercury in Palin’s chart not only fits, it pulls in his intercepted Moon. It offers the Moon - our sense of self through feelings, the inner child - a doorway into the world where some of these drives can be expressed, possibly in an outrageous and innovative way.

Cleese and Palin performed he Dead Parrot sketch together in a Monty Python episode. Here’s an extract, just to give you a taster and to take your attention off Saturn for a moment and give you the opportunity to enjoy something more Uranian. The scene is a pet shop. The characters are the customer, Mr. Praline, played by Cleese, and the shop owner played by Palin:

Mr. Praline: I wish to complain about this parrot, what I purchased not half an hour ago from this very boutique.
Owner : Oh yes, the, ah, the Norwegian Blue... What's, ah... W-what's wrong with it?
Mr. Praline : I'll tell you what's wrong with it, my lad. It's dead, that's what's wrong with it.
Owner : No, no, 'e's ah... he's resting.
Mr. Praline : Look, matey, I know a dead parrot when I see one, and I'm looking at one right now.
Owner : No no, h-he's not dead, he's, he's restin'!
Mr. Praline : Restin'?
Owner : Y-yeah, restin.' Remarkable bird, the Norwegian Blue, isn't it, eh? Beautiful plumage!
Mr. Praline : The plumage don't enter into it. It's stone dead!
Owner : Nononono, no, no! 'E's resting!
Mr. Praline : All right then, if he's resting, I'll wake him up! (shouting at the cage).'Ello, Polly! Mister Polly Parrot! I've got a lovely fresh cuttle fish for you if you wake up, Mr. Polly Parrot...(owner hits the cage)
Owner : There, he moved!
Mr. Praline : No, he didn't, that was you pushing the cage!

You can see the whole sketch by clicking here - enjoy!

The Saturn-Uranus opposition and the global economic crisis

On New Year’s Eve 2007 I posted a few thoughts about the possible forthcoming planetary influences in 2008, and said:

Capricorn has a strong line-up of planets, and Pluto enters this Sign at the end of January, slips back out into Sagittarius in mid-June, but returns at the end of November. Pluto in Capricorn may well bring about transformational changes in structures and forms, organisations and “earthy” practical matters. It may also herald changes in the way personal and global responsibilities are handled. I’m all for that, especially where financial systems and environmental issues are concerned. Saturn, currently in Virgo and set to stay in this Sign throughout 2008 will support, aid and abet by consolidating and making manifest responsible attention to detail and highlighting where duty and true service lies. Oh for a turn around from the “me first and s*d you” attitudes that are seen in many walks of life, towards a more caring and helpful world.

It’s now 1st October, and we are in the throes of global panic and crisis in the financial world. The air is thick with chickens coming come to roost after years of distasteful, disgraceful and inappropriate greed by the so-called Fat Cats. They have run out of their nine lives as far as many ordinary and justifiably angry people are concerned, and as news bulletins offer increasingly depressing news about an impending global depression, attention is focussed on tightening belts and making savings.

Saturn, master player in the qualities of restraint, restriction and taking responsibility is in Virgo. Opposite is Uranus in Pisces. The two planets reach exact opposition on 4th November - the day of the American Presidential election. Many other astrological bloggers are writing about this interesting coincidence. One astrologer I know has pointed out that Saturn/Uranus is symbolic of Republican stasis and the Obama-driven message of change.

In more general terms, Saturn in Virgo will not stand for any messing about. Things have to be done thoroughly and properly, with due care and attention to detail, making sure processes are pip-squeak clean. Nothing will be allowed to be swept away out of sight under the carpet because the carpets will all be taken up and the floor scrubbed clean. Watch out, you Fat Cats. Saturn in Virgo will focus attention on making savings, being more aware of the needs of others and taking greater responsibility, not just for ourselves but of others as well. As someone said to me today “We’ll all have to help each other”.

You can see my video about Saturn on my Astrochat channel on You Tube.

Uranus is surprisingly similar to Saturn in principle. Whereas Saturn seeks to keep things static and maintain the status quo, resisting change because security has been achieved, Uranus also seeks security. But it does so by bringing change, by tearing up the old and often outworn blueprints and drawing on creative, innovative new approaches which will provide security and stability at a different level and of a different kind to the outworn Saturnian version.

In general terms again, Uranus in Pisces suggests a whole lot of turbulence. Forget smooth, calm waters because these watery Piscean oceans are going to get decidedly choppy. If it comes to sinking or swimming, some new and innovative ideas are going to be needed to build the life rafts that will work, because the old kind are not going to work any more. Changes of thinking, of attitude and approach are needed, not a desperate clinging to the known, tried and tested.

I’m reminded of the famous Chinese saying “Crisis is danger and opportunity”. Saturn in Virgo will have an eye out for danger and how best to ride out the situation, leaving Uranus to the task of implementing new opportunities for regaining stability and security. Come the end of November, Pluto will be in Capricorn so don’t expect an easy ride here. Change is the name of the game.

A Virgo Line-up

It’s the Virgo month, so here’s a line-up of well-known Sun Virgos, past and present. Of course, it’s more than likely to be a neat, orderly line-up - they are Virgos after all! But just how “Virgo” are they? I thought it would be interesting to keep things simple and just look at

• How many planets they actually have in Virgo in addition to the Sun, and

• What the colour balance of red: green: blue aspects is in each chart, as this can give insights into the inner and often unconscious motivation of the individual.

I could find the time of birth of some of these Virgos but not all of them. As I wasn’t sure of the accuracy of the times I found (they weren’t rated/verified in any way) I decided to level the playing field and set up all the charts for noon. This puts those Virgo Suns right at the top of the chart. The orientation of the aspect structure is going to be inaccurate in most cases, but the balance of the aspect colours is more than likely to be correct.

Bearing in mind that the “ideal” balance and ratio of red: green: blue is 4 red: 2 green: 6 blue, and that red = action and doing, green = awareness and sensitivity and blue = stability and maintaining the status quo, here goes! You can read about colour balance and motivation in more depth and detail in my books Aspect Patterns in Colour and The Cosmic Egg Timer - see Books tabs at top of page.

Greta Garbo: Swedish film star, born 18.9.1905, Stockholm. Sun and Mercury in Virgo. 6 red: 2 green: 7 blue aspects. An excess of red “doing” energy there, perhaps offset by the 7 blue aspects, but maybe not much! Image:Terra Museum of American Art, Chicago

Jeremy Irons: British actor, born 19.9. 1948, Cowes, Isle of Wight. Sun and Saturn in Virgo. 5 red: 2 green: 6 blue aspects. Another actor with an excess of red “doing” energy. Virgos work hard at getting things right, perfect and just so! Image: movie.moldova.org














Sophia Loren: Italian film star, born 20.9 1934, Rome. Sun and Venus conjunct Neptune in Virgo. Venus/Neptune seems apt for a steamy, sexy film star! 4 red: 5 green: 5 blue aspects. An excess of green here means she could be very sensitive and touchy as well as changeable, perhaps having people in her surroundings trying to second guess her next move. Image: www.fest21.com















Twiggy: British supermodel, born 19.9.1949. Sun and Saturn in Virgo. 4 red: 1 green: 5 blue aspects. An excess of red, with a slight lack of green. Twiggy, iconic face of the Swinging Sixties, is still working as a model 40 years on. Image: www.dailymail.co.uk














Lauren Bacall: American film star, born 16.9.1924. Sun and Mercury in Virgo. 6 red: 4 green: 3 blue. A lot of red/green compared with her lack of blue aspects, so maybe touchy, driven, and finding it harder to rest and just “be”. Image: navcity.files.wordpress.com














Peter Sellers: British comedy actor and film star, born 8.9.1925, Southsea. Sun conjunct Mars in Virgo - how’s that for a hard-working perfectionist? 4 red: 3 green: 6 blue aspects. Sellers is perhaps best known for his role as the bumbling Inspector Clouseau in the “Pink Panther” films. A slight excess of green suggests heightened awareness and sensitivity. Image: blogs.sfweekly.com













Maurice Chevalier: French singer and entertainer, born 12.9.1888, Paris. Sun in Virgo. 3 red: 0 green: 5 blue aspects. Lacking in green he may have veered between the two opposite poles of “doing” and “being”, with little awareness that he was actually doing this. Image: www.musiqueenligne.com