Saturn in Libra

Saturn entered the sign of Libra on 21st July 2010, and will stay in this sign until October 2012. The chart is set for Saturn's grand entry into Libra, at 17.20 (when it was just one second into the sign) on 21.7.2010 in London.

Interesting chart with a Double Ambivalence figure dominating. The opposition in this figure includes Saturn conjunct Mars at the top of the chart and close to the MC, opposite Jupiter conjunct Uranus down at the bottom and close to the IC. This particular Double Ambivalence figure doesn't have a green quincunx as shown in the sample here, which means there is a more black/white, either/or flavour to this particular configuration. Saturn and Mars together make a formidable couple - determined, strong, fearless and the conjunction of these two planets always makes me think of Roman Centurion, a military leader. These two stay together for a short while until Mars moves on and away in early August. Jupiter/Uranus stay together for a bit longer, opposing Saturn and presenting challenges to the authority of this stickler of the solar system. Jupiter/Uranus could allow things to get out of hand; Saturn provides the checks and balances and helps in bringing some realism to bear.

What might be some of the manifestations of Saturn in Libra? We're already into times of tightening belts and being far more cautious with spending on luxuries. There is a touch of "make do and mend" about - fashion is not always to be followed slavishly and people are returning to vintage styles, searching charity shops for bargains and making/knitting their own.

If Libra stands for diplomacy and fair play, and Saturn for calling a spade a spade, then it's very interesting that British PM David Cameron has recently ruffled some foreign feathers by his plain, truthful speaking about two countries (Israel with reference to Palestine, and when in India, with reference to Pakistan). This is a refreshing change from the usual bland diplomacy. It's also interesting to learn that women's lib is undergoing a resurgence - fair and equal pay, recognition, treatment and consideration of women is still sadly lacking. Saturn in Libra ? Bring it on!

For more info on aspect patterns, visit the On Line Book shop.

The Planets go Hiking in Lion Country

I recently visited the Chisos mountains area of Big Bend National Park in the south of Texas where mountain lions (cougars) and black bears roam. This was the sign by the trail near the cabin where I was staying, and I read it carefully before setting off on a hike, especially as I'd heard that a lion had been seen chasing deer near the reception area the night before! I was hiking with a small group, in daylight, so the likelihood of seeing a lion was pretty small....nevertheless, Saturnian caution was advised. Here's the trail we were hiking along (note: plenty of undergrowth as cover for lions...)

And here's how I was reacting on that hike, very aware of the drives, characteristics and motivations of some of the planets:

Mercury - I was using my ears, listening out for any rustling sounds in the undergrowth and paying attention to all details around me, such as tracks on the ground.

Jupiter - my all-round peripheral sensory awareness was very alert, my senses were primed and I was aware that what I was doing contained an element of risk (but hang on, said my more rational Sun, it's broad daylight, lions usually hunt around dusk, or when it's dark. Never mind that, chipped in Saturn, remember you read an article earlier this year about someone being attacked by a cougar in broad daylight....).

Venus and Saturn were in cahoots for this hike, making sure that what I was wearing was practical and sensible - sensible clothing and shoes, sunhat, sun screen, bottle of water etc. - all tasteful of course...

Sun made the decision to go on this hike, with Mars tagging along to provide the energy and impetus to do so, keeping me going when walking uphill got a bit challenging in the heat, and staying on red alert for fight or flight if I did see a lion.

Did I see a lion? No. But it was interesting to observe my reactions to this situation and the feelings that went with them. The nearest I got up close and personal to the local wildlife was when a skunk crept up behind me in the dark and stood pretty close. And no, it didn't spray.

Sex, Money, Relationships and Scandal on the Fixed Cross

Have you noticed that many of the current scandals which have beset the British government of late have a strong theme of money, sex, relationships and possessions?

The recent exposure of MP's expenses claims comes to mind, with loud protestations from them that they were only following the rules and hadn't done anything wrong. Acknowledging that the rules may not have been clear, along with prompt repayment on the part of many MP's, there's also been an element of wanting to hang on to what possessions and privileges they have.

The current financial crisis and the dire situation with the banks which went into a tail spin last year is another example of Fixed Cross behaviour. Some bankers are STILL walking away with huge bonuses, while small businesses can't get the loans they need to keep them going and the banks will not lend.

The Fixed Cross in astrology is about hanging on tightly to what you already have. This is usually money and possessions, both personal and shared. The 2nd house, associated with the sign of Taurus, is about personal possessions - all the things you wouldn't want to give up because you've worked for them and they are yours. You want to hang on tight.

The 8th house, associated with the sign of Scorpio, is about shared, communal possessions - like paying tax (please note, any offshore tax evaders who may be reading this - we need your money and it's time to pay your whack if you use UK benefits when you come here but don't contribute to them). Shared possessions are for the benefit and good of all, like street lighting, bin collections, maintaining roads etc. The 8th house is also about large corporations (like banks, already mentioned).... and if you're beginning to wonder where the sex comes in, that's associated with Scorpio too, the sign which is supposedly the sexiest in the zodiac. Or so they say....

Recent scandals in the new coalition government have seen a manifestation of the Fixed Cross at work. The newly-appointed Chief Secretary to the Treasury, David Laws, has resigned because of accommodation expenses he claimed which were bound up with his relationship with someone he declared was not his partner, sexual or otherwise.

Enter then the relationships axis on the Fixed Cross. This is found in the 5th house, associated with the sign of Leo, and the 11th house, associated with the sign of Aquarius.

The Fixed Cross is the most difficult one to break away from and not be bound to, because to let go of what we own, what we have, what we are and who we like to associate with is one of the hardest challenges we can face. You can hear me talking about the 2nd and 8th houses here:

The Cameron/Clegg Coalition

At 09.33 on Wednesday 12th May 2010, in London, the new British Prime Minister, David Cameron, greeted the new deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, at the door of no. 10 Downing Street. Both men shooks hands for approximately 7 seconds, symbolically starting the coalition formed between the Liberal Democrat and Conservative parties. Data from the BBC and the chart is set up for this time.

And what an interesting chart it is. Dominated by a relatively rare aspect pattern - the Striving Figure - it has Jupiter conjunct Uranus on the MC at the highest point of the chart, opposite Saturn on the IC, at the foundation and anchor point. The orientation of the Striving Figure in the chart is vertical, not horizontal as shown in the diagram here, and it has Saturn on the IC at its apex. Spanning the 4/10 Individuality axis of the chart, the opposition acts like a backbone and the figure looks like a dart diving down into the collective. With Saturn at this apex point on the IC, its aim and goal and all it seeks to achieve is security and stability - exactly what Cameron and Clegg are saying their aim is for this country. I was astounded to see this chart when I set it up shortly after hearing the time of this historic and symbolic meeting on the steps of no. 10. The symbolism of this aspect pattern, together with the planets involved, has a rightness about it.

Jupiter/Uranus on the MC speak of change, opportunity and being open to that change and what it brings. They also speak of risk and uncertainty, moving on from the old, assured and tired ways of doing things, staying open to seeing the whole big picture, and the need to stay receptive to what is new and innovative. In short, a potentially exciting combination. The Striving Figure, which appears upside down in the chart, has its inverted "base" flanked by Moon/Mercury (good for communication and expressing feelings & needs) and Neptune (indicative of good will, which this coalition requires to hold in mind all the time).

What of the meaning of the Striving Figure itself? Here I quote from Aspect Pattern Astrology by Bruno & Louise Huber, available from the APA on-line Book Shop. The Hubers say of this pattern "The great sensitivity of the green aspects tends to weaken the "backbone"....for such a figure, salvation lies in using sensitivity and intelligence to strengthen the backbone and develop qualities to achieve goals....The green aspects mean receptivity to the needs of others. It is clear that this requires real self-scrutiny, but also the conversion of possible deep-seated feelings of inferiority into true humility and unselfishness. This is no easy task, but perhaps the highest goal that can be inspired to".
Our new government and leaders do not have an easy task ahead. Let's hope that the positive good will they have already expressed will prevail and guide them through the challenges ahead.

To learn much more about aspect patterns see the home study courses offered by the Astrological Psychology Association.

Nick Clegg's Birth Chart

I can't vouch for the absolute accuracy of the time of birth I've discovered for Nick Clegg (on the Astrological Association web site), but it's an advance on the noon time I set the chart for in a previous post, when no time of birth was known. I've checked out this time of birth alongside his current Age Progression, and it makes some sense. I'm giving it a go anyway.


Data is 7.1.1967 at 05:56, Chalfont St. Giles, UK.

In view of Clegg's current position as holder of the balance of power as he and the two other main UK political parties are in close discussion about whether or not they will form a coalition with the Liberal Democrats, I'm offering a swift run down on the main features in his chart.

Inner motivation is mutable/dynamic, able to adapt to changes, go with the flow, bend and be flexible.

Motivation by colour of aspects - a predominantly red/blue chart with a lack of green aspects. This contradicts his adaptable & flexible inner motivation. He may be hard to budge (no bad thing if he's driving a hard bargain for electoral reform) and will have quite firm either/or attitudes.

His chart is mainly "I" sided - a more private person but could also be self-aware. No bad thing in a politician.

He has insightful/inner resources in planets Venus, Jupiter and Saturn, which are all on Low Points. Saturn is opposite Uranus/Pluto which are conjunct and straddle the Low Point in the 9th House. These planets are all intercepted - no way out for them apart from via the planets they aspect , which are Neptune and Sun.

At the same time, and to balance these Low Point planets, he has the ability to come on strong with cuspal or near-cuspal planets Mercury, Mars and Neptune.

Mars appears most significant as the highest planet in the chart, right on the MC, and it's going to be working very hard at this point in time, fighting and taking what are hoped will be courageous moves to create something new for our dilapidated country and economy.

Using Age Progression with the birth time of 05:56, his Age Point is making a square to Mars on the MC and an opposition to his Capricorn Sun, forming an Efficiency triangle, which in itself is an aspect pattern about hard work, use of energy and achievement. Sun is conjunct cuspal Mercury, giving it an extra boost when negotiating. And never underestimate someone with a Capricorn Sun. They will explore all avenues of possibility before making a final decision, their risk assessment and damage limitation awareness is second to none, and they tend to be extremely reliable.

Let's hope that's true for Nick Clegg.