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.