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AstroTwins Weekly Horoscopes – October 31st thru November 6th

2011-10-31T01:53:48Z

There’s plenty of weekend sizzle left to enjoy this Monday, as the sun, Mercury, and Venus team up in Scorpio for Halloween. Scant and sexy costumes are still perfectly sanctioned, but if that Jersey Shore getup isn’t office appropriate, fear not. Scorpio knows that seductive allure doesn’t have to come along with a ridiculously high [...]

Cosmic Dirt Horoscope: Monday, October 31, 2011, Sweets turn Sour, Venus square Neptune, Happy Halloween

2011-10-30T21:13:44Z

Although the skies can feel gloomy as Moon travels through Capricorn, we are urged to use our determination to work past inner doubts. Responsibilities and duties should be priority for inner security. Later, we become hungry for something that really isn’t quite there as Venus squares Neptune. What we have held onto tightly, manages to evaporate. Be mindful of thoughts and actions, just for today. Happy Halloween! The November Tarotscopes will be posted on the first of the month, but how did the October cards go for you? “Unless your heart, your soul, and your whole being are behind every decision you make, the words from your mouth will be empty, and each action will be meaningless. Truth and confidence are the roots of happiness.” Tarot insight: Three of Swords rx, Three of Wands: We’re acting out of fear.

Suzi Dronzek, intuitive astrologer, provides professional readings, Monday-Friday 10am-7pm EST, 1.50 per minute, MasterCard, Visa, Discover accepted. Call: 724-832-9283 or visit www.starcana.com ©1998-2011 starcana.com All rights reserved. Entertainment only 18+

Weekly Cosmic Tides – Astrology for the 31st October – 6th November 2011

2011-10-30T15:37:06Z

Monday 31st October Venus square Neptune. Venus is still in a conjunction to Mercury as she squares Neptune today bringing a tongue twister of a story. It’s a fairytale with a dark edge making me think of Pan’s Labyrinth, Company of Wolves and Edward Scissorhands all rolled into one. Not that it takes much for me to think of . . . → Read More: Weekly Cosmic Tides – Astrology for the 31st October – 6th November 2011

Saturn Square Sun Transit

2011-10-24T11:09:49Z

Saturn square Sun is one of the more challenging transits to deal with. It can represent a forced turning point where you feel pressured and burdened. It may feel like everything and everyone is against you during this tough time which can lead to feelings of isolation and discouragement. Basically you sense of purpose and your goals are being challenged by Saturn in the form of bosses, teachers, parents or the government. You will have to face this adversity with patience and persistence and keep struggling so they don’t get the better of you.

If your intentions and goals are just ones and in your best interest, then this testing period can refine those plans and strengthen your resolve once you deal with the challenges. If, in the face of the tests and restrictions you find that it really is too hard and can see no way of succeeding, then this is the time to cut your losses and conserve you energy, which is likely to be running low now anyway, a tactical retreat. Or this transit may signal something in between, where compromise and concessions need to be made on your part. Once this transit passes then your confidence and enthusiasm will grow again and you can start building new foundations with a better sense of purpose and more strength, having dealt with a very difficult phase of life.

Saturn Square Sun Dates

Decan 2 Cancer and Capricorn – October 2010 to October 2011.
Decan 3 Cancer and Capricorn – October 2011 to October 2012.
Decan 1 Leo and Aquarius – October 2012 to October 2013.
Decan 2 Leo and Aquarius – October 2013 to January 2014, and May to September 2014.

Transits > Saturn Transits > Saturn square Sun

The Astrologer Daily: October 30th, 2011

2011-10-30T06:43:00Z

By Kelli Fox, The Astrologer

Start your day slowly. There's a mood of confusion in the early hours, and it may be best to lay low. You'll be ready to get down to business in the afternoon, when the Moon moves into practical Capricorn. Tackle an ambitious project around the house, like cleaning the garage or organizing your office. There's more determination and motivation for following through on your plans. Just watch out for being overly rigid. The Moon squares off with 'expect the unexpected' Uranus later in the afternoon, and surprises could be in store. Circumstances could push you to find creative solutions and bend the rules. Be flexible and keep your sense of humor. It'll be easy to get back in the groove this evening, when the Moon harmonizes with generous Jupiter. The Sun is at 7 degrees Scorpio, the Moon is in Capricorn, Mercury is in Scorpio, Venus is in Scorpio and Mars is in Leo. With this combination of planetary energies try to: Read about great mystics and psychics. You could do that. Try not to: Take yourself so seriously, because nobody else does. Today's exact aspects and their keywords are: Moon Sextile Neptune: Subtle and Sweet Moon Square Uranus: ''Go Away' Glare Moon Trine Jupiter: Sentimental Journey Moon Conjunct Pluto: All Things Intense Moon Sextile Sun: The Seed Sprouts and Grows Jupiter, Uranus and Neptune are retrograde. Happy birthday to Gavin Rossdale, Ivanka Trump and Henry Winkler.

Syria Horoscope – Revolution 2011

2011-10-24T05:33:40Z

Syria looks next in line for a 2011 revolution with the government using “jets and tanks, sustaining fire with machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades” [CNN] on it’s own people. I’m going to look at two horoscopes which may describe what is happening with the protests in Syria, and whether or not the Assad regime will fall. The two charts are for the independence of Syria from France in 1944, and for beginning of the current Assad regime with a coup in 1970. The astrology does show the violence and links to terrorism with which Syria is associated, and also that the crisis is intensifying rapidly.

The two horoscopes are based on the research of the contemporary world expert on mundane astrology and national horoscopes, Nick Campion. The references at the bottom of this post will show the details. So the first chart is for Syrian Independence*. The rising star on the Ascendant is called Algorab which is linked to terrorist attacks. It was rising with Mercury when the first plane hit the Twin Towers.

Syria Horoscope – Independence

Mars conjunct Uranus, both retrograde point to explosive violence, protest and revolution. Both are on the fixed star Prima Hyadum in the Head of the Bull which gives “tears, sudden events, violence, fierceness. Striving for prestige leading to power politics leads to tremendous success in life if bridled, if not, failure and a fall from power. May exploit other human beings in quest of power.“

Peace is a struggle with Venus square Jupiter. Upcoming transits affect this as well as the Mars Uranus conjunction. This is especially strong on 6-7 November 2011 with a conjunction of Mercury and Venus opposite the Mars Uranus conjunction, plus Mars will be conjunct the Syrian Jupiter. This indicates increased rebellion and military action. Note also that the Syrian Jupiter in on the fixed star Adhafera in the Lion’s Mane, “ liquid explosives, liquid fire“. Longer term there is Pluto coming up to the Independence Sun in Late 2012 and into 2013 which can indicate a change at the top, as the Sun in a mundane chart is the supreme power and authority, the president.

Syria Horoscope – Assad Regime

The horoscope for the Assad Regime* is also very revealing. Moon conjunct Saturn is on the Descendant, opposite the rising Sun. In the mundane chart, the Moon represent the general public. The Descendant is allies but also the enemies of the regime, and we can see the the extreme polarity of the opposition across the horizon with both pro and anti government protests. The population in general though (Moon) is suppressed by authority of the Assad regime (Saturn). The Ascendant and the Sun represent the leader, waging war on the enemy within, his people.

Mercury conjunct Neptune is suspicion and deceit, lies and spying by the regime. These are the most negative examples of this conjunction, but it is a fair assumption given that they are square the Midheaven, also representing the leader and the public profile of the regime. Now we get to the juicy part as far as prediction goes. The star on the Midheaven is Regulus, the militant stat in the Heart of the Lion, associated with coups, attacks, assassinations, and downfall if power has been abused.

As I mentioned in a post about November 11 2011, both Chiron and Neptune are opposite Regulus at the moment. On that date, 11/11/11, Mars is conjunct Regulus, triggering the longer term Chiron Neptune conjunction. The bottom of the regime chart, the IC represents the foundations of the regime, the support at it’s base. This is being eroded by Neptune and Chiron, and Mars is about to trigger the violence and possible downfall associated with Regulus, which could well be karmic given the South Node is up there too.

The November 25 Solar Eclipse will keep the pressure on president Bashar al-Assad and his regime as it is conjunct the Mercury Neptune of the chart, square the Regulus Midheaven. So in summary, the longer term transits over the next year do point to regime change, and in the first two weeks of November 2011 there are strong indication of an escalation of violence and rebellion with immense pressure being applied which may lead to the downfall of the Assad regime.

*The Book of World Horoscopes, 2004, Nicholas Campion, p.311.
Independence: “the French finally agreed to transfer all the mandate powers to the Syrian Government on 1 January 1944…An actual time of 00:00 hrs would be consistent with the time for the transfer of mandate powers in other states“.
Assad Regime: “The regime was brought to power in a coup…at dawn on 13 November 1970“.

Mundane Astrology > Syria

Uranus-Neptune! Eustace Mullins discusses the New World Order (video)

2011-10-29T14:57:00Z

Moon sextile Ceres

2011-10-23T18:41:50Z

Moon sextile Ceres brings together two mother archetypes in a way that is incredibly fertile and nurturing, but there is a budding urgency and slight desperation about it. The mothering can be too cloying, sentimental and smothering. The reason for this overkill might just be because the subject has suffered great loses or poverty as a child and as a result they are eager to right those childhood wrongs in a big way. These people tend to be philanthropists and can attract great wealth. It’s like the universe seems to know they will do right by their fortune.

However if there are afflictions to Ceres, the drive may come from a less worthy place, it may come from a pathological need to be seen as saviour. Moon sextile Ceres needs so very much to be needed, so they make themselves indispensable by throwing money and lavishing affection to those they love. They make wonderful benefactors and want to feed the common people in any way they know how, which could be through actual food or the arts.

Moon Sextile Ceres Celebrities

Oprah Winfrey (17’) has this aspect in a minor grand trine with Venus. The sextile is a Venus aspect anyway so she is the utter epitome of Moon sextile Ceres. Oprah was born in poverty to a single mother, raped at age 9, pregnant at 14, then lost that child just after birth. The Ceres suffering and loss is very apparent here. She made famous the TV confessional, and public displays of emotions. (Moon). Oprah’s very strict grandmother seemed to have had the most profound influence on her early life, teaching her to read at the age of 3, taking her to church regularly and hitting her if she did not do household tasks. Oprah ran away from home at 13 after spending time with her birth mother who worked hard as a maid. Unfortunately the long hours put a strain on Oprah’s mothers ability to cope with her 3 kids and the instability of them having different fathers didn’t help. Oprah later stated she would never become a mother because of her inadequate mothering, but she acknowledged her grandmother had given her the necessary skills for the career that she later excelled at saying she “gave me a positive sense of myself” [1] You can’t get a better example of rags to riches than this. Oprah was once so poor she had to wear potato sacks and now she is a billionaire and one of the world’s most influential women.

Dennis Wilson (02’), Mike Barson (17’), Paul Newman(22’), Bloody Mary I of UK (30’), Julian Clary, Agatha Christie, Cary Grant, Heinrich Himmler, Catherine Zeta-Jones, George Orwell, Frida Khalo.

1. Mel Novit. “Oprah: Talk Show Dynamo Treats the Audience Like a Friend.” Syracuse Post-Standard, September 14, 1986, p. A9

Uranus Square Sun Transit

2011-10-23T12:54:27Z

The transit of Uranus square Sun is affecting Cancer and Capricorn from 2011 to 2019. The transit will last about a year or so and this is likely to be a time of disruption as Uranus tests you with unexpected changes which affect your routine and life in general. The change may come from within you especially if you feel you have not been able to live as you truly wish, being constrained by others or circumstance. Under this stress you will want to break free which may upset others as you are likely to act more impulsively than usually, more erratic and odd, but you are finding your own unique self expression which in the long run is very beneficial.

The rebellious nature of Uranus comes through strong with the square, and if you do buck the system you can probably expect some tough times and ego conflicts with bosses and others who want you to stay the same. This is a tricky transit to deal with because you are being forced to change in some way but in the process this causes stress and upsets, the buildup of tension can lead to rash and unpredictable actions. It can be a difficult time to settle down or maintain any stable continuity in your life, whether that be relationships, work or studies. The key to handling this period is to think outside the box, be flexible and be prepared to move on if you get signals that you are on the wrong path. Don’t stubbornly hold onto anything old that is breaking down just because it used to be so important to you. New opportunities will be presenting themselves, things you would not have expected.

People with Sun square Uranus in their natal charts do well achieving brilliance in creative self expression…of a different kind.

Uranus Square Sun Dates

Decan 3 Gemini and Sagittarius – April 2008 to March 2011
Decan 1 Cancer and Capricorn – March 2011 to May 2013, and October 2013 to February 2014
Decan 2 Cancer and Capricorn – May 2013 to October 2013, and February 2014 to April 2016.
Decan 3 Cancer and Capricorn – April 2016 to March 2019.

Transits > Uranus Transits > Uranus Square Sun

Saturn – Neptune Aspect: In Between Two Worlds

2011-10-28T04:14:18Z

A reader asked me to write about Saturn – Neptune aspect. Let’s begin by reviewing the keywords for both planets.

Key concepts for Saturn and Neptune

Saturn: Practicality, goals, ambition, real world accomplishment, maturity, necessary control, discipline.

Neptune: Dreams, vision, inspiration, transcendent experience, creativity, surrender, spirituality.

In Between Two Worlds

Someone whose horoscope highlights a Saturn – Neptune aspect may initially feel ungrounded, like she doesn’t quite belong fully in this world. She may be too dreamy to be 100% realistic, yet too practical to remain a dreamer all of her life.

The integration of key concepts above produces combinations such as: Practical dreamer; goals with vision; real world accomplishment using one’s creativity; spiritual discipline; dreams and visions are grounded in realistic terms. At best, Saturn’s contact with Neptune suggests a potential to bring into real world our transcendent vision.

Challenges with Saturn – Neptune Aspect

In general, people in creative professions such as art, music, TV or films seem to fare much better under Neptune influence, most likely because they’ve learned to open themselves to the Neptunian realm of creative vision. In addition, people who serve an idealistic cause, or those who pursue spiritual studies, may also learn to integrate the Neptunian archetype within themselves in satisfying ways.

For people without such creative or spiritual outlet, this aspect may become quite frustrating, since it tends to create dissatisfaction in the everyday work life. “I’m not happy with my job, but I don’t know what I’m supposed to be doing” might be a common feeling expressed by such individuals.

The key challenge in this aspect is that there needs to be a practical focus to exercise our idealistic/creative/spiritual energy. Escaping to entertainment does not satisfy the Saturn-half of this combination. Even a creative hobby needs to be somewhat challenging, and approached in a disciplined way. The sense of accomplishment is essential in satisfying the Saturn part of us (so that we don’t feel like we’re wasting our time.)

Summary

When Neptune is strongly aspected to Saturn (e.g. conjunction, square, quindecile or opposition), the ego is forced to surrender and open itself to the powerful emotions within our psyche. As Saturn (representing our ego) tends to build strong walls, this process of surrender (as expressed by the phrase “let go and let God”) can be quite difficult. Knowing both archetypes and consciously working to honor both of them, however, may go a long way in satisfying expression of this challenging aspect.

Do you have a Saturn-Neptune aspect in your natal or transit chart? Feel free to share your thoughts and experience through emails or comments.

Related posts (automatically generated):

Mercury square Mars opposite Neptune: Misguided, Angry Words

2011-10-28T09:07:40Z

By Kelli Fox, The Astrologer

Mercury at 23 degrees Scorpio forms a square to Mars at 23 degrees Leo. Mercury also forms a square to Neptune while Mars forms an opposition. This major configuration is known as a "Fixed T-square." Even if you’re usually a kind and gentle person, at this time you could also incredibly determined and strong-willed. Many might label you as stubborn, as you cling willfully to outmoded attitudes or refuse to be flexible when it comes to making adjustments of any sort. This rigidity hurts you more than it helps, particularly when there is no good reason for your stubbornness other than your own inflexibility. With the energy of Neptune your ideas and opinions may not always be realistic. At this time you may choose to take the hard road when the easy road would do just as well. Tempers could flare and arguments may erupt. Many people are irritable and prone to risky or rash behavior -- not dangerous, simply short-tempered. Some folks will pick a fight simply for the sake of fighting, and sometimes it really does feel good to raise our voices in indignation. Since it’s so easy to misread others’ signals during this time, it’s much better to ask questions and withhold judgment than to stomp off in anger. Explaining ourselves calmly also helps to alleviate this stressful energy. One thing’s for sure, though: We’ll move in fits and starts during this period, and very little will go smoothly. Communications flounder and concentration is difficult as our minds run off in all directions. We tend toward premature action, impatience and jumping to conclusions without all the facts. Laughing at ourselves will help diffuse this tension.

Jupiter Trine Sun Transit

2011-10-28T11:24:13Z

Jupiter trine Sun is a time of good feelings and well-being when you are likely to want to bask in the pleasures of doing nothing, because the normal challenges and strains of life seem to fade away. But because this is a lucky transit and boosts the ego and confidence levels, it is the perfect time to make the effort to get ahead while there is less likelihood of facing opposition or challenges. This is a fortunate transit but as with most trines, you do have be be conscious of the need to actually do something about it. Normally we only get off our butts because we are forced to do so under pressure from squares and oppositions.

Don’t let this time go to waste because there is a great opportunity to make money on investments and all sorts of financial deals. Your personal relationships can be enriched by your positive attitude and sociability, as can your own personal growth and self esteem. Group activities and creativity are favored, and this is also an ideal time for broaden your horizons and general knowledge through study and also long distance travels. A holiday sounds nice, but do remember that that along with the growth and happiness, Jupiter can also fatten from gorging on food, and get you ripped off your titties from gorging on your favorite poison.

You can get more of an idea of this transit by reading about people with natal Sun trine Jupiter like Prince William.

Jupiter Trine Sun Dates:

Decan 1 Virgo and Capricorn – June 5 2011 to March 15 2012.
Decan 2 Virgo and Capricorn – March 16 to April 30 2012.
Decan 3 Virgo and Capricorn – May 1 to June 11 2012.

Decan 1 Libra and Aquarius – June 12 to July 29 2012, and December 13 2012 to March 19 2013.
Decan 2 Libra and Aquarius – July 30 to December 12 2012, and March 20 to May 12 2013.
Decan 3 Libra and Aquarius – May 13 to June 25 2013.

Decan 1 Scorpio and Pisces – June 26 to August 10 2013.
Decan 2 Scorpio and Pisces – August 11 2013 to March 24 2014.
Decan 3 Scorpio and Pisces – March 25 to May 29 2014.

Transits > Jupiter Transits > Jupiter Trine Sun

Jupiter trine Pluto: The Truth

2011-10-28T13:04:19Z

By Kelli Fox, The Astrologer

Retrograde Jupiter at 5 degrees Taurus forms a trine to Pluto at 5 degrees Capricorn at 9:46 am PT. The Sun at 5 degrees Scorpio forms an opposition to Jupiter. The Sun is also forming a sextile to Pluto. At this time, personal ambition should take a back seat to the greater good. We should sign up for situations that will facilitate both while encouraging us to look at the deeper significance of our personal missions. This is a time of purification. We are totally on board with the changes we need to make to improve our lives. In fact, we can’t wait to get going! We see how something old could be radically improved. This is the perfect time to participate in a project to restore a local building, save a historical piece of architecture or rehabilitate a declining community. Recycling is a better use of resources than tearing things down and building anew. Even publicizing the event goes well, because all types of promotion, marketing, broadcasting and publishing are favored at this time. We seek the truth now and the search can be remarkable. We must beware, however, if we’re certain we’ve found it, because at that point we cease to be seekers and become fundamentalists. And then we’re in trouble! Money matters go well now. Luck and research combine for an excellent financial forecast.

If you have Jupiter trine Pluto as a natal aspect:

The surface just isn’t enough for you. No way. You’ve got a knack for going deeper, for seeing beyond the obvious to what’s underneath. You want to find the bottom line, the ultimate source, the core truth. And you’re good at it! You’ve a knack for research and investigation, knowing the correct questions and whom to ask. You follow vague scents and old leads to come up with answers that have evaded others for years. Repeated success in this realm has given you a deep self-assurance. This confidence enables you to aim high and gives you the willpower and ambition to get there. You’re probably dissatisfied with the status quo, and may be active in reforming what you see as social injustices. You could be active politically, even seeking positions of leadership, in order to advance your agenda and flex your muscle. You’ll be known for your moral character, as an upstanding citizen of the community. The idea of increasing your influence and expanding your position certainly appeals to you. You avoid being wasteful in every area of your life. You also like the concepts of composting or recycling -- the idea that useful products come from waste and decay. This process pleases you at a deep level.

Venus in Sagittarius, Mars in Taurus Compatibility

2011-10-28T17:32:39Z

When the Wanderer (Venus in Sagittarius) and the Homebody (Mars in Taurus) meet, they’ll have difficulties adjusting to each other’s rhythms. However, both partners share a lust for life that can help them create one of the most abundant relationships around.

Venus in Sagittarius is always looking for a new adventure. Dynamic and passionate, she brings the whole package to a relationship as she engages her partner on physical, spiritual and philosophical levels. She is the eternal optimist who buoys a relationship along through sheer force of will. Easily bored, she needs a lover who matches her enthusiasm or she will look elsewhere. Ms. Sag can be deliciously laid back (even careless) when things are going smoothly. But this will change if her partner ever challenges her beliefs. Venus in Sagittarius needs to be right and will zealously defend herself as she hammers her point home.

Mars in Taurus likes to take things slow. Deliberate and determined, he is a sensual lover who knows what he wants. He’s not shy but sees no need to rush forward and claim the object of his affection. Things move along at his pace or they don’t move at all. Mr. Taurus has caught some flack for being stodgy, and it’s true that he’s not a risk-taker. However, once committed he is the man to depend on. Mars in Taurus is happiest when providing for his partner and has a healthy appetite for all things physical.

These two will form a partnership based on sensual enjoyment. A shared appreciation for the outdoors plus the desire for more of everything will keep them happy. Venus in Sag will urge Taurus on and he won’t mind, initially. Difficulties will arise when Mars in Taurus is pushed past his comfort zone and Sagittarius realizes that he won’t be going on any adventures. He’ll be quite happy to walk in the woods, while she’ll want to hike Mt. Everest. She’ll keep pushing, Taurus will shut down, and Sagittarius will leave with a shrug of her shoulders.

This could be the ultimate feel-good relationship, but some serious adjustments will need to be made. Each sign will have to accept that their particular way of doing things is not the only way. Taurus can ground Sagittarius, helping her live in the moment and appreciate what she has. Sagittarius can open Taurus up, helping him see past his set routines. Together they can have more, but only if they give up a little of what they “know” is best.

View all the Venus-Mars combinations ››

Partial Solar Eclipse Nov. 25, 2011

2011-10-21T21:01:00Z

The Nov. 25 (GMT) partial solar eclipse falls at 2.37 Sagittarius

Solar eclipses of Saros 123 all occur at the Moon’s ascending node and the Moon moves southward with each eclipse. The series began with a partial eclipse in the northern hemisphere on 1074 Apr 29. The series will end with a partial eclipse in the southern hemisphere on 2318 May 31. The total duration of Saros series 123 is 1244.08 years.

From Mundane Charts

Part One: An Introduction to the 3rd House, Third House Astrology Series

2011-10-27T03:53:53Z

The third house is the house of everyday communication, siblings, close neighbours, co-workers, your immediate environment, short distance travel, short duration education, the lower mind, church, lower truths.

Mercury is related to how one thinks, speaks, communicates, what one likes to talk about, how one learns, short trips, letters, mail,… Read the rest

New Moon in Scorpio, October 26 2011

2011-10-26T10:33:02Z

The New Moon occurs when the Moon conjoins the Sun, beginning a new lunar cycle. Scorpio is the sign of emotional fearlessness and demands that we find pure and complete acceptance of ourselves at the deepest core of our being, so the Scorpio New Moon denotes a time of inner...

Read the full post here »

Steve Jobs and the US Midlife Crisis

2011-10-27T14:30:00Z

I don’t use an Apple computer, but there is one in our house. It looks good, it works well, but I prefer my regular Windows PC. I was a bit amazed at the outpouring of hero-worship when Steve Jobs, the Apple CEO, died a few weeks ago. I didn’t know what I thought, and I also knew that if I said anything critical, it would probably not go down well.

I remembered Obamania in 2008, when Barack Obama could do nothing wrong in the eyes of many otherwise intelligent, liberal leaning people all over the world. At the time I was told by one astrologer that my problem was having Saturn in Sagittarius, which meant that I was afraid of having faith! Actually, I think that Saturn in Sag has given me a long lesson in where to have faith and where not to have faith, and to always be critical.

Let’s be realistic about Steve Jobs: the man was on a mission to conquer the world with gadgets. And he was brilliant at it. This is understandable in a man in his 20s or 30s, but if he’s still doing it in his 50s, then somewhere he has got stuck. That sort of heroic mould belongs to young men (I won’t try and explore women’s psychology here, I wouldn’t know): they want to achieve something, they want to be recognised, they want to excel, and other people are probably going to get trampled on along the way. The actual value, in itself, of the thing they are achieving is secondary. It is the glamour of the thing, what it stands for, that matters. And how you go about achieving your end also tends to be of secondary value. Steve Jobs turned Apple into the USA’s biggest technology company, and he was also known for his anger, for humiliating and belittling people, and for putting his employees under a lot of pressure. Apple was known for not being a happy company. All this is classic young man warrior stuff, but in the body of a dying middle-aged man.
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It has been well-said that in the first half of life, men are ruled by Mars, and in the second half by Venus (and vice-versa, it is said, for women.) Mars is what I have already described. Venus is where you go hang on, what is this doing to me and the people around me? And what is the value, in itself, of the product? This changeover is part of the mid-life passage, which by no means all men go through.

It passes some by with no discernible side-effects, like Rupert Murdoch, for example, still trying to conquer the world in his eighties and still in good health. Some, like Bill Gates, change their values away from money and raw power and want to give back to society, which he is doing in a big way. He does have a Jupiter-Pluto conjunction, so will always want to do something big. But all the same, in trying to free the world from malaria – which is hard to fault – he seems to still be in thrall to the glamour (Neptune) and obligation (Saturn) of achievement, albeit in a less crude form. These things are not black and white.

And then there are others who receive the wake-up call but choose to ignore it. Like Steve Jobs. He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2003. It can be too easy to attribute someone’s diseases to what you criticise them for, what you don’t like about them. Sometimes cancer is just cancer. And maybe that’s all it was.

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But he was diagnosed as Uranus was starting to conjoin his Sun, and Pluto and Saturn were squaring his Ascendant. With this sort of concurrent demand for transformation, there has to be a connection. Because of our scientific culture, we tend to think in terms of simple cause and effect: Steve Jobs’ refusal to re-examine his life ‘caused’ his pancreatic cancer. But the relationship is synchronous, in the same way that astrology works on synchronicity, which Jung called an ‘acausal connecting principle.’ Two events with a symbolic relationship.

Astrology can help show these synchronous relationships, where one event is saying something about the other event. Not everything is synchronous, discernment is required. In Jobs’ case, not only do we have the transits, with their psychological, even metaphysical demands to awaken and re-examine; we also have medical astrology, in which Pluto and Virgo are associated with the pancreas, and Pluto was squaring Jobs’ Virgo Ascendant in 2003. Moreover, Jobs’ Sun was in the 6th House, affirming a general connection between his health and his realisation of his inner goals.

I suspect that Jobs was ruled by his Moon and Mars in Aries and that his Piscean Sun, which was unaspected, was used by the Moon and Mars for their own ends. Who was Steve Jobs apart from the companies he founded and built? It's hard to find out much about the man apart from his business career, suggesting an over-identification with that. It is possible to be fully and authentically identified with a project, if you are, say, an artist, but conquering the world with electronic gadgets? A Pisces Sun will eventually need quite different conditions than these to continue to move on and unfold.

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Apple itself was an expression of Jobs’ warrior cast of mind. Incorporated on 1st April 1976, it has Sun at 11 Aries in a Cardinal t-square with Mars and Pluto. Jobs’ Moon is at 7 Aries. This t-square is exceptionally dynamic. Uranus conjunct North Node makes it a mould breaker (Obama has this aspect in Leo), while the sign of Scorpio suggests issues to learn around money and power.

If a planet is unaspected, it can be hard for it to find expression, for the rest of the personality can put it to one side. It is interesting that Jobs was adopted. I knew someone who was adopted who also had an an unaspected Sun, and his life seemed to be for him a series of ‘important’ events that proved he existed. He was lacking a foundation. The nature of Apple is interesting in this respect, because it is not built on a stable product that can be developed over time, like say Microsoft or Google are. It is built on relentless innovation, the next big new thing. Jobs was always racing. What did he think would happen if he slowed down or stopped?

Jobs' Moon was also unaspected. The personal planet that was most joined up was Mars in Aries, which aspects 5 other planets. So one could say that it was Mars more than any other planet that ruled his life, subsuming both the Sun and the Moon to its desires and demands. The Moon, being in Aries, fitted well, but the poor old Sun in Pisces didn't have much chance. Jobs spoke about his life in terms of holding fast to what you want and going for it, and this is very Martian. As was his desire to conquer, to be the best, and his often unsavoury way of dealing with people.

Jobs was an American hero with a cult following. Don’t get me wrong, I admire the American ability to get things done and to re-invent itself and to think big. But you need something behind that, something you can come back to that is actually more important. Jobs heroic status in the US says a lot about that culture, that it is still adolescent. The US Neptune and Jobs’ Ascendant are both at 22 Virgo. He made technology (Virgo) sexy (Neptune).

I think America is starting to enter its mid-life crisis, which is a good thing, and Jobs may come to symbolise the end of an age – a golden age for some, depending on your perspective. Natally, the US has Sagittarius Rising and Sun conjunct Jupiter. Hence the expansiveness and optimism, but also the reluctance to grow up, to come down to earth, outside of all that futurism, and find who you are.

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When you enter the mid-life passage, things often stop working so well. This is happening to the US. It’s not just in a recession, which has happened before. China is at its door economically, threatening its pre-eminence, and that is new. It has had its credit rating lowered for the first time. It can no longer control the Middle East, the source of its energy, in the way that it has become used to. The US seems powerless in the face of Iran's nuclear ambitions. And the US progressed Saturn is, for the first time retrograde and starting to pick up speed, just as the US has experienced a Saturn Return. With Saturn, there is pressure to grow up, to move on to the next stage of life.

I have no desire to see America brought low, and America will remain wealthy and powerful for a long time yet. But its confidence is taking a knock and that is a good thing. Failure, or the perception of it, can bring out the best in people. And for America, its best may cease to mean economic and military eminence. What you’re looking for in the mid-life crisis is an ability to value things and people in themselves. With its Venus-Jupiter-Sun stellium in Cancer, America needs to learn to value itself for what it is, its own values and culture, regardless of its place in the world. You could say this is true of any country or individual, but with that stellium in Cancer, the US has a particularly rich and expansive home culture that, with the natal square to Saturn, has been undervalued.

Sun square to Saturn is a particularly difficult aspect when it comes to creating depth. With Sun square Pluto, for example, you will really suffer, or you may do something abominable, if you continue to seek power outside of yourself. But Saturn acts as a barrier that you cannot see through, a voice that tells you that reality lies 'out there' in position and prestige, and which may always seem to you a self-evident truth. You do not have the suffering of Pluto to make you question it, just the self-doubt of Saturn that keeps telling you your value lies in your achievement. It’s painful, but maybe not painful enough.

So the US will always have this niggling doubt about itself that it has been so good at covering up. This aspect is classically related to fathers and their achievement, or lack of it. The US grew out of, and rebelled against a burgeoning British Empire. It had something big to measure up to, and it succeeded many times over. But that niggle is still there. Look at the fascination with British Royalty, which says so much. When I do a chart, I focus on the major challenges. And in the US chart, Sun square Saturn stands out. The real measure of the US is not its ability to achieve, for that is a reactive pattern expressive of the Sun-Saturn aspect. The real measure will be when it can no longer be top dog – for China, with 4 times the population, will eventually beat it hands down. Will the US find another way of feeling at ease with itself? This is not easy for an individual, let alone a collective.

Astrological Insights for 28 October 2011

2011-10-27T15:00:41Z

Today expansive Jupiter trines Pluto, the second of three such harmonious alignments (the first in the series occurred on July 7, 2011 with March 13, 2012 being the next one). And with this there’s encouragement to be committed to unleashing our inner strength and personal power. Opportunities may readily manifest that make it easier to close one chapter and open another. It’s as if we have a greater sense of knowing–and a greater sense of faith–that everything will work itself out. That the Moon moves into philosophical and upbeat Sagittarius helps us more readily to connect to this vessel of faith and mission and engenders our ability to view things from a wider angle as we seek a bigger picture understanding.

The Sun connects in with this alignment. It opposes Jupiter reminding us that keeping open to a sense of expanded possibilities is important. While optimism and potential can be a good companion, just watch not to be caught up in the swell of overshooting goals and overpromising. If we can keep our eye on the horizon, envisioning what we want to create in our life, with the Sun also sextiling Pluto we can connect to deep resources of generative power that resides within.

With Mercury and Mars in a tense square, it may take some work to get our words and willpower on the same page. It’s important to focus on marshalling our communications as an ally for our achievements rather than having dialogues detour us from our goals.

Astro-Atlas*
4:49 am: Moon (Scorpio) square Neptune (Aquarius)
4:49 am: Moon void-of-course
7:45 am: Moon enters Sagittarius
8:08 am: Mercury (Scorpio) square Mars (Leo)
9:46 am: Jupiter (Taurus) trine Pluto (Capricorn)
9:57 am: Moon (Sagittarius) trine Uranus (Aries)
6:42 pm: Sun (Scorpio) opposite Jupiter (Taurus)
8:09 pm: Sun (Scorpio) sextile Pluto (Capricorn)

* all times are PDT

Nov. 10 Full Moon in Taurus

2011-11-08T05:11:00Z

The Nov. 10 Taurus Full Moon is another flash-point for the evolutionary revolution gaining momentum with the world transit of Uranus square Pluto, as this potent lunation aligns with the crucial midpoint of our times (Uranus/Pluto).

The Sun-Moon relationship mirrors the union of vital-creative spirit with the body and soul; the conscious and unconscious; leaders and the people they lead. Whereas, the Uranus-Pluto principle reflects the process of transformation- the collapse of the old order of things, the construction of the new. Revolution. (Reinhold Ebertin)

The Nov. 10 Taurus Full Moon at 18.05 Taurus = the transiting Uranus/Pluto (midpoint) at 18.19 Aquarius. (Deposed Libyan ruler Muammar Gaddafi met his demise with Mars = Uranus/Pluto on Oct. 20.) Ebertin says about the midpoint picture Sun = Uranus/Pluto, "The urge for independence and freedom, the tendency to make the highest demands on one's physical energy, strong emotional tensions. Over-excitement of the nerves, a breakdown, a catastrophe." And for Moon = Uranus/Pluto he has, "Intuition, restlessness, daring and audaciousness, ambition, determination. Bringing about changes by force."

From United States

As a fixed sign polarity, the confrontation between Taurus and Scorpio can be particularly entrenched and unyielding. Naturally associated with the 2nd/8th house axis, the inherent conflict on this axis revolves around issues of resources and ownership, values and possessions, both personal and shared. While Taurus prefers to stay within its own sphere of comfort and stability but tends to stagnancy- the opposing sign of Scorpio seeks to breaks down fixed structures in the interests of growth and new life, even if this involves crisis.

When all is considered, the Taurus Full Moon of Nov. 10 (the 2nd of 6 Full Moon's at the 18th degree of their respective signs) looks like a celestial flash-point for major world events. And it's not much of a stretch to see the New Moon's link with the Occupy Wall Street movement, on a mission to reform (Uranus) a corrupt financial system that has brought on a global recession and mass suffering. Not surprisingly, the Full Moon chart for Wall Street has the lunation axis lighting up the 2nd and 8th houses (the $ houses).

From United States

Occupy Wall Street on the Move, by Ralph Nader