Thursday, December 22, 2011

The Astrology of 2012

The anticipation has built over years, maybe even decades, and now finally the year 2012 is here. “Is this the end of the world or civilisation as we know it?” It may be surprising to some that with such a focus on this particular twelve months, the coming year doesn’t really produce the earth shattering astrological configurations we’ve been led to expect. That’s not to say though that there’s nothing of significance being enacted in the heavens during 2012.

An Unfolding Story


A major part of an astrologers work is to study and translate the “story” that’s being told as the planets move through our skies making their aspects and alignments. An advantage the astrologer has through watching the “signs and portents” is that it becomes obvious there’s a continuous unfolding of events occurring in cycles and series that stretch out over differing periods of time. The Sun cycle takes about 365 days to complete, our measurement of a year. Our Moon has a 29.5 day cycle and this in turn has a larger pattern of about 19 solar years. Mars takes around two solar years, Jupiter twelve and so on. Pluto’s slow progress takes 248 years to complete one full turn. It’s from the idea that we are about to complete a very very long cycle that has given this year its apocalyptic status.
Much of the emphasis on 2012 comes from the Mayan long count calendar which covers a cycle of thousands of solar years. Calculations have suggested it will complete on 20 December 2012 with a new long count starting on 21st December. Others have claimed it ended on 28th October 2011. Although an Astrological event may take place at a specific time we experience the effect from the configuration of slow moving planets over several years. Within such huge eons of time an exact date becomes a minor issue and we are actually no more likely to notice anything tangible on those dates than we are at the Solstice or Equinox each year. What we are experiencing now though is the culmination of many cycles and the beginning of a new era. But as with the nature of time, it doesn’t all happen at once!


2008 -2011

The last few years have been dominated by several major configurations featuring planets in cardinal signs making stressful cross and T square formations, notably a series of five Saturn Uranus oppositions. From 2008 to 2011 we experienced a dramatic period of upheaval and a turning point for the majority of the world’s population in which the political, social, cultural, and economic challenges of the last decades reached a peak. Global financial, political and religious structures crumbled as systems of government failed the ordinary people they were meant to serve.

Uranus Square Pluto

By mid 2011, Uranus, planet of idealism and revolution had moved into Aries whilst Pluto, planet of destruction and renewal became firmly established in Capricorn.
The powerful effect of their interaction is seen in the great evolutionary upheaval they initiate amongst the various population groups around the world.
The influence of these outer planets on any of us as individuals depends on where they fall into our own birth chart.

These two heavyweights of transformation started to form a challenging square aspect during July 2011 and we got a taste of things to come. This volatile combination is the signature of the next few years.

The Uranian archetype is altruistic and wants unrestricted freedom of expression. It is innovative and breaks through the constraints of established order. Whilst in Pisces it was prey to self delusion and couldn’t grasp the truth amongst the smoke and mirrors. Now, and for the next seven years, it’s in feisty Aries and we have a call to action, confrontation too if necessary. It serves to overthrow complacency and disrupt the status quo. It may bring chaos and apparent anarchy which will be more difficult for some people than others, but this too happens regularly in cycles. It last occurred 84 years ago during the early 1930’s.
Pluto differs in its expression but also represents an archetype which ultimately works in the interests of our combined evolutionary development. Through the process of degeneration and decay something new can emerge. This is a principal of life and death and an ongoing cycle represented all around us. We often fear this undeniable force and attempt to control its effects but that only creates stress and often pain, emotional or physical. Eventually we all have to let go to a greater force. It has the effect of overthrowing personal agendas in favour of the “good of all”. The Pluto archetype is about a journey which somehow transforms us into something further along in our shared evolution. Whilst in Capricorn, Pluto will be at work on our structures, systems and organisations. Thus we see it working to undermine the control of governments, religion and the judicial systems. Everything that we have built up over time that has crystallised or fossilised, keeping us within its constraints, must now be broken down and rebuilt.

When the forces of Uranus and Pluto come together we can expect some rapid and comprehensive changes. The last powerful combination was during the 1960’s when there were mass demonstrations and social upheavals. There was a lot of experimenting with communal living, mind blowing drugs and anti establishment attitudes. Social norms were overthrown, rigid class divisions dissolved and the “modern” social era emerged.
This current square aspect is the first major challenge to the changes that came out of that social revolution. It first became exact during late June 2011 and will continue its influence until early 2016.
The challenge we have to face is rooted in our sense of individualism. There are serious questions to ask about our own personal integrity. It is rapidly becoming obvious throughout the world that those who we have entrusted with power are now exercising a very questionable authority. But it’s easy to see it in another person. During the coming years the spotlight will eventually turn inwards and we have to look at where we’re in conflict with our own standards of behaviour. If we want to have freedom from material restraints (Uranus) we have to be purged of self importance and become honourable (Pluto).The struggle will be acted out on many levels as we are forced to face ourselves. We have to question what is really true and appropriate and what have we blindly accepted as a convenient or comfortable assertion.
Human rights, individual freedom and choice will be confronted by those who desire to hold power. Suppression, force or manipulation is likely to be used in an attempt to achieve supremacy and we can choose to go along with it or not.
We can expect a build up of increasing pressure until sufficient power exists to crash through the established political, financial and religious structures and remove the outmoded ways of being, within them.
This time period will seem chaotic and disruptive but it is essential to clear away systems, governments and social divisions that no longer serve us. The next few years will be both exciting and confusing. We still don’t know exactly how things are going to take shape and there may have to be several changes before it settles into something workable. Focusing on personal integrity, core values and removing obstacles to social co-operation within your community will help keep you connected to something dependable.



Rare Occultation of Venus


Another completion takes place this summer echoing the theme of new beginnings. On 5th June Venus passes over the Sun at 15 degrees Gemini, in what’s known as an occultation. As with an eclipse the planet passes in front of the Sun and can be observed from earth, a phenomenon occurs in pairs about eight years apart approximately every 121 years. Previous occasions have been 1631, 1639, then 1761, 1769, followed by 1874, 1882. The first of the current phase was on June 8th 2004. This once in a lifetime event often coincides with a period of social and economic reformation and is the herald for a new set of personal and social values. The last few years has seen a shift in values of all kinds, personal yes, but also financial and with how we relate to physical resources like food, water and land use.


Venus, goddess of love and beauty and planet of attraction tells us about what we value. We have an innate desire to interact with others and to be attractive and desirable so we can “belong” to a social group, partner or family. She uses the energy of attraction to bring what we value to us through a kind of magnetism of likeness. When Venus joins with the Sun in such a spectacular way their energies are combined and it’s as if Venus becomes infused with the brilliance of the Suns power, like a light getting turned on, in a big way. It’s as if the Sun, our solar heart, is imparting its message through our social values. The expression “hearts desire” comes to mind with this symbolism and I would expect that whatever yours is, it will be magnified by this conjunction. If you want to know what your true hearts desire is then take time during this rare event to tune in and find out. In Mercury ruled Gemini the emphasis is on communications and making connections. We could see a change in the way we use social media this year. Venus also makes a square to Mars and this event will bring to light the methods used to get what we want and at what cost on a deeper personal level. Expect to experience a heartfelt reaching out to others in direct challenge to those who choose conflict as their form of communication.


Neptune in Pisces

The third major influence this year is Neptune starting a 13 year journey through its own sign, Pisces. It’s been in Aquarius since 1998 and made a temporary move into Pisces from April to July 2011 when we got a taste of its potential. Neptune is another of the evolutionary planets and acts to break down barriers and dissolve physical boundaries that divide us. The sign of Pisces is the last in the Zodiac cycle and represents the return to a spiritual state beyond material limitations. Its territory is the realm of dreams and mystical experience as well as chaos and disorder. At worst we will be prey to deception or a refusal to accept stark realities preferring to remain in a comfortable denial. Potentially though, we can expect a growing wave of compassion and upsurge in yearning for connection with our spiritual home. The principals of brotherly love and human kindness are easily characterized in this combination.


Inevitable Change

2012 is probably the year when we finally see that real and profound changes are taking place. It’s happening so fast now that we cant fail to notice. This is a necessary change because we’ve gone as far as we can down a particular path and the systemic problems are deep and entrenched. The very way people relate to each other will need to evolve before the transformation is complete. The next few years will teach us some hard lessons but humanity will survive. What’s happening now will teach us that individual survival is dependant on co-operating with each other, not opposing, or controlling, but through mutual respect. It will also become apparent as we re-organise our societies that everyone will need to take equal responsibility for the society we live in and it can no longer be delegated to someone else. Humanity is about to “grow up”.

“Become the person who you would like to have around if your well being depended on you” (Anonymous)

2012 The year ahead for Ireland

Using the 1949 chart for Ireland we can see that transiting Saturn opposes the Sun and Venus from late December 2011 until late September 2012. This is certainly going to make any financial progress hard work and we can’t expect the prospect of renewed prosperity, or regaining independence from higher authorities yet. Property prices are likely to continue to devalue. Saturn restricts and delays whatever it touches so any declaration of economic recovery can be dismissed as spin or misplaced optimism.

As Saturn passes through an area of Irelands chart which represents our outer image or political status it shows that national reputation and autonomy is compromised and we’ll see further restraints on the way the state can operate. The low points will come during late December 2011, late March and mid September.
Saturn’s job though is to make sure we have put down a solid foundation for building on in the future. It teaches us the hard way by making us face the sometimes stark reality we have been avoiding and we finally realise no one else is going to take the responsibility for our future.
During March and April there could be a serious disquiet and upheaval. We can expect to see strong opposition to the government and maybe even a sudden change in the ruling power or state. This influence emerges again in November around the time of the lunar eclipse so if we haven’t already seen changes in government then this might be the time.
Saturn moves into Scorpio in October and as the emphasis changes we could experience isolation from other countries and perhaps find that getting support from abroad is harder to achieve. We may find we have more firm restraints placed on us from abroad.
The Uranus Pluto square directly affects the area of the chart which represents Ireland’s economy and financial policy. It may take several years before we see the financial sector working in favour of the ordinary people. It is quite likely that the ruling government is at “war” with the people during this period.

This year we’ll experience increasing disparity between those who believe in taking and holding the power, wealth and control for their own personal enhancement and those who choose to share power and resources, contributing to the well being of others and trusting in them as a sustainable way of ensuring their own long term well being. Two very different approaches to taking care of oneself.

Friday, December 02, 2011

December Astrology Update

The month starts with a Venus and Mars theme. The planets of love and war are giving us a reminder about what we want in life and what’s really important and we might realise they aren’t the same thing. Venus in Capricorn has her feet on the ground and wants to achieve real, tangible results. As she briefly joins Pluto on the 1st you may see some hidden desires come to light or an exposure of true values and this could change your position or understanding. The next act in this little drama is on the 2nd as the truth seeking Sagittarian Sun makes a challenging square angle to Mars in critical Virgo. As the Sun’s rays illuminate conflicting desires the clash can spark an angry response. Then some kind of resolution occurs as peace seeking Venus makes a harmonious trine to impulsive Mars on the 5th making a mutually beneficial outcome possible. These scenarios may occur in your personal life or on the world stage and may not seem significant now but there is a bigger drama unfolding that will need the support of this good will and compromise as we head into next year.
The Full Moon is the first culmination of energies coming out of the last solar eclipse on 25th November. In Gemini it will highlight issues of communication and probably mis-information or attempts to withhold the truth. Look to all the media, internet, journalism, and public speeches as the serious flaws inherent within them become apparent. Coinciding with the Full Moon the unpredictable planet Uranus starts its forward motion once more having returned to the position it was in late March. Events of unrest or promises of change and reform from back then will re- surface and there’ll likely be reason to question what we thought, or were told, was true at the time.
Mercury is also playing his part in exposing a sham that we thought was a model of free speech and access to information. The messenger planet is retrograding in Sagittarius until the 14th and many deals, contracts, promises or negotiations made since the solar eclipse will have to be re-visited as they are unlikely to suit the new conditions or hold up in the light of our recent knowledge.
The New Moon in Capricorn on 24th starts a new lunar cycle and the potential for further restructuring of our social, political and financial systems. The Sun/Moon combination joins with the powerful undermining force of Pluto and makes a stressful square angle to radical Uranus. At the same time they receive a supportive trine from expansive Jupiter in Taurus which now begins its forward journey once more. This could set off a new cycle of inflation and debt and certainly put a focus on the value of money. At the same time the mood of the masses make it clear that despite the power lust of some there is a strong force towards redistributing the resources to benefit the majority.


The next Full Moon is at 19° Gemini on the 10th December at 2:38 pm and the next New Moon is at 3° Capricorn on the 24th December at 6:07 pm

Wednesday, November 02, 2011

Planet Update November 2011

After the Scorpio New Moon in October we celebrated Halloween and now in November we enter the darkest time of the year. Soon we can begin looking forward to the winter solstice and lengthening of days again.

With Mars the ‘action’ planet opposite ‘mysterious’ Neptune during the first week this month, it can feel like we are groping in the dark and things may not be what they seem so beware of deception and false information. The truth about events that have occurred in recent weeks may become clearer over time as Neptune returns to its forward motion on the 9th after four months in retrograde.

The Neptunian theme of illusions also characterises the partial Solar Eclipse on the 25th. Visible only from the extreme southern hemisphere this is the last of four Solar eclipses this year and will affect global events over the following several months. Traditional Astrology, which puts a strong emphasis on an eclipse chart for predicting the nature of world events, gives us many indications that this November event will be particularly significant.

As the Sun Moon conjunction moves into a challenging square angle to ‘passionate’ Mars whilst in a comfortable trine to ‘unpredictable’ Uranus, we can expect some kind of conflict to be triggered and a great deception is likely to be attempted by those who want to take advantage of the unfolding circumstances. Expect a lot of confusion to follow during the next few months. Peculiar or unusual events may happen but don’t believe everything you are being told or even what you think you are seeing. This lack of clarity and uncertainty could potentially bring despair if the personal disruption is particularly hard to cope with.

Meanwhile, ‘Freedom loving’ Uranus is positioned at zero degrees of Aries which is a critical point of the Zodiac and suggests a strong drive towards independence from restriction with many radical initiatives and new directions sparking conflicts of interest. The current unrest and dissatisfaction with financial inequality that’s being demonstrated around the world isn’t likely to go away for some time yet and may reach a new peak towards the months end.

The possibility of a stabilising influence comes from a grand trine in ‘reliable’ Earth signs involving Mars in Virgo, Pluto in Capricorn and Jupiter in Taurus. This could see a religious or faith based organisation combine with financial interests to propose a practical solution in an attempt to resolve current difficulties. At the same time there could be the emergence of a new spiritually motivated attitude towards both our personal resources and our social organisations that is actually grounded in reality rather than idealism.

It’s likely that another deal or treaty of some kind will be forced forward but with ‘slippery’ Mercury who rules over those affairs going into its retrograde motion on 24th there will be many more setbacks and attempts at deception before any agreement is reached and settled satisfactorily.


The next Full Moon is at 19° Taurus on the 10th November at 8:17pm and the next New Moon is at 3° Sagittarius on the 25th at 6:10am

Saturday, October 01, 2011

Planet Update October 2011

As this month’s lunar phase reaches its culmination during the Full Moon in Aries it’s in opposition to Saturn. The following day our “Greater Luminary” the Sun passes over the “Lord of Time” Saturn, in Libra. This Lunar phase began with September’s New Moon in Libra beginning a process of evaluation under the sign of the scales as we’re prompted to find a balance between our personal needs, Aries, and our Libran need for relationships. Physical limitations and responsibilities come under the Sun’s spotlight as it passes over Saturn and we have to face up to some bare truths. Saturn teaches about the practical realities of life. You get the clarification needed to make a realistic plan of action for the future and by now you probably know who is on your side, and who isn’t. This is a solid place to be as we launch into the next phase of the Jupiter Pluto cycle, started in December 2007 and continuing into 2020. I wrote in this column back then of the impending “global changes in our faith and understanding regarding religious and financial authorities”. I also explained that as Pluto moved into the sign of Capricorn it “ushers in earth-shaking transformations of political structures, and the death of old political parties which have outlived their usefulness. We will likely see the collapse of outdated and decadent regimes as new systems of government rise from the ashes. In the business world many upheavals will take place as new business strategies replace the old economic views and business practices”. This month we are a third of the way through this 12 year cycle and we should have fully realised the futility of waiting for the fix that returns life to “normal”. If we haven’t already started to build an alternative lifestyle this is the final turning point and time to get on with the important work of creating something sustainable from the ground up. On October 28th Jupiter in Taurus makes a trine aspect to Pluto in Capricorn. This is the second of three exact “hits” this year. The first was during early July, the third in March 2012. The energies are positive and always easy to work with under a trine aspect. It’s an important time for us as we make the shift into a new paradigm. Pluto stays in Capricorn until 2024 and signifies a new order emerging. The sign of the sea goat represents our ambition and struggle to reach great heights of accomplishment within the limiting structure of a material world. Pluto brings about forced breakdown which ultimately results in a breakthrough into something more appropriate. Until June 2012 the Jupitarian impulse towards expanding and enhancing, expresses itself with the no-nonsense Taurean qualities of determination and purpose. In harmony with the transformative qualities of Pluto this is the time to make plans based on the reality of our circumstances. The message from the planets is that the old system doesn’t work, we have the proof now, so lets get to work and ensure that we have the essential resources we need to construct the new and improved way of organising ourselves.


The next Full Moon is at 19°Aries on the 12th October at 3:06am and the New Moon is at 4° Scorpio on the 26th at 8:57pm

Saturday, September 03, 2011

Astrology Update September 2011

We start the month under the influence of the August 29th New Moon in Virgo. We can watch for the first glimpse of the slender crescent just after sunset if the skies are clear. Look for it above the horizon and just slightly to the left of where the sun set. The New Moon phase marks the beginning of the Lunar cycle which comes to its peak at the following Full Moon. This month it also falls in Virgo reinforcing the qualities of that sign. It’s a month for harvesting and reaping what we’ve sown as we move towards the vernal equinox on the 23rd. The last New Moon made a harmonious trine with both Pluto, the planet of transformation and Jupiter “the great benevolent” just as Jupiter slows to turn retrograde. It’s a time when we can make good progress in our journey towards greater understanding as Virgo lends us the qualities of discernment and refining, attention to detail, adaptability and determination. As Jupiter travels in retrograde until late December we internalise our urge towards expansion and superior knowledge and reflect on the greater meaning of recent events in our lives. The small but powerful Pluto which has been retrograde since early April turns to retread it’s steps through early Capricorn as it goes forward once more from the 16th. This release of energy might see a slow but deliberate change in the way we have been dealing with our “elephant in the room”. The reality of what was previously too painful or unacceptable to mention can no longer be ignored and has to be dealt with. We have though been on a journey and with these insights we now take a new approach and move into the final quarter of the year. The events in early August were a wake up call to what needs our urgent attention. Pluto came within one degree of the challenging square angle from Uranus which sets the theme for 2012 -2015. Pluto represents power struggles or control issues, taboo subjects as well as big business, corruption and dept. It also highlights the need to co-operate and share with another. It brings to light where we exert our personal will at the expense of others. The erratic planet Uranus encourages revolution and sometimes chaos as a means of breaking free from domination or erroneous values. The message from the planets show that we cannot continue to ignore what is creating stress in our lives. As we go through the next few years we will have to address situations where we’ve failed to take responsibility for our choices and use of resources or where we’ve offloaded the blame for our lack of physical well-being or inner peace on to someone else. This is a powerfully transformational period we’re entering and certainly not one to be afraid of.

Thursday, June 02, 2011

Planet Update June 2011

2011 began with the first of the year’s four solar eclipses. Almost six months later we have the second on 1st June followed by a Lunar eclipse on 15th. Eclipses always occur in Solar/Lunar pairs within two weeks of each other. The partial Solar Eclipse can only be observed from the very northerly latitudes of China, Siberia, Canada, Iceland and Scandinavia. The later stages of the total Lunar eclipse on the 15th should be visible from Ireland just after moonrise. The Solar Eclipse is always at New Moon, and the Lunar Eclipse at Full Moon. When the New or Full Moon coincides with a celestial position known as the Moons Nodes we have an eclipse. The Moon’s North and South Nodes are the points at which the path of the Moon crosses the ecliptic, or apparent path of the Sun, each day. Astrologically these Nodes indicate the direction of our collective evolution and its significance in our personal lives. So when an eclipse occurs we can expect world events that will potentially affect us all in some way, however for most people not directly. The effect of these events though will usually have a deep, significant or life altering impact for each of us on some level. How it affects us individually depends on where in out chart the Eclipses fall.
Eclipses mean new starts and changes and a chance to break with the past. With both this month’s eclipses emphasising Mercury ruled Gemini we can expect to hear lot of new information and ideas being shared whilst being reminded there are two sides to a story. Strongly supported by a favourable angle from Saturn in Libra we can create firm foundations on which to build our ideas. There may be political agreements proposed and attempts to settle new boundaries or sanctions. We may see opposing arguments and demonstrations and subsequent negotiations. These few weeks are an excellent time to move plans forward and communicate intentions. Networking, writing and discussions are all favoured. As Saturn turns direct in motion again on June 12 we can move ahead with enthusiasm on the changes initiated at the Solar eclipse. At the Lunar eclipse on 15th the Sun joins with Mercury in Gemini and we can set our minds to implementing our goals and aspirations with some genuine optimism for the future.

Monday, May 02, 2011

Astrology News May 2011

This month we see a sequence of striking astrological events. The faster moving “inner” planets, Mercury, Venus and Mars take turns in making significant aspects to Jupiter early in the month. They then go on to make strong connections to both Neptune and Pluto in mid May. The month starts with six planets in Aries continuing on with the feisty and confrontational scenarios of April. Five of those planets form a close group, within ten degrees of each other, which creates a very strong focus of energy known as a stellium. Jupiter, as the slowest moving of the group, provides the central theme. Also known as the “greater benefic”, it moves us towards becoming something bigger and better than we are now. It represents the adventurer, the opportunist, speculator, explorer, student, visionary and seeker of truth. As each of the faster moving planets catch up and overtake Jupiter, they start a new cycle which will take 1-2 years to fulfil. As Mercury makes contact it will bring new information and ideas, enhancing connections and communications. Venus attracts good things, social occasions and pleasant surroundings whilst Mars raises the energy to get things done and confront issues. Under the Aries influence this is the right time to initiate new projects and pioneer the next phase of your life. How it will affect an individual will depend on where all this activity takes place in a personal birth chart. As Mars, Mercury, and Venus in turn enter Taurus between 11th and 15th they make a sextile (sixty degree) angle to Neptune. This supportive aspect helps to bring about the positive and visionary side of Neptune and also acts to dissolve boundaries thus making it easier to access our dreams and intuition. The same three planets then move on to make a trine (120 degree) angle to Pluto during 19th and 20th May. This advantageous contact to the “Lord of the Underworld” brings things into the light in a favourable way. Use the time to focus your will power on achieving your deepest and heartfelt desires. There is no better time to practice a determined and unbending intent on getting what you want. Be sure it’s above reproach though as there is always a price to be paid with Pluto if you attempt to win at the expense of another.

Friday, April 01, 2011

April Astrology Update

The New Moon opposite Saturn sets the tone for this month whilst we get a strong dose of Aries energy to fire us up. This is going to feel like two very different forces at odds with each other and there will be plenty of frustration as a result. At New Moon both the Sun and Moon occupy the same Zodiac degree and on the 3rd they are sharing that space with expansive Jupiter. This new phase is the time to get things started and plan for the coming weeks. Jupiter exaggerates things and we could get carried away on a wave of optimism as we head off towards the “greener grass” even if it’s simply to have any experience of something beyond what we already know just for the sake of change. There are a total of six planets in feisty Aries this month. That forceful energy is all for new ventures and doesn’t linger to see what the drawbacks might be or look over its shoulder at the debris left in its wake. The impulsive warrior planet Mars enters its own sign, Aries on the 2nd and joins with erratic Uranus. This is another volatile combination that suggests the urge to break free of restraints is combined with force or aggression. The sixth planet in the mix is fast moving Mercury, now in retrograde motion until 23rd. As it travels backwards passing over Jupiter the Sun and Moon the messenger planet will bring news of the bold moves being taken and the inspiring ideas will spread like wildfire to those who are receptive. All this fresh momentum that is driving for change will be severely hampered by Saturn who is sitting in opposition in Libra. He is going to cause delays and setbacks as he puts the brakes on the impetuous planets in Aries. This is going to prove that what started as a decisive action is turning into a long and drawn out struggle against a mighty force. The influence of what has been in place over a considerable time is not to be underestimated and no amount of passionate rebellion or upsurge of energy is going to oust it without a struggle. We may have all the good intentions and an enthusiastic drive for change but this is going to be a long haul and deep seated and stubborn habits don’t give way that easily.

Wednesday, March 09, 2011

March Astrology News

The Moon begins its “New” phase in Pisces this month on the 4th. Along with the Sun three other planets are in that same sign putting a strong emphasis on all Piscean matters. As the last sign in the Zodiac, Pisces represents an end phase in the cycle. Its world is in a constant state of change and can seem disorganised and confused but this doesn’t mean that it’s less relevant. All physical matter has to change form to regenerate as something else. It’s an unavoidable theme of life and an essential process of demise and renewal. Pisces is the phase of disintegration in which identifiable forms dissolve into an amorphous state. This seeming chaos is necessary although to some quite unnerving. There are things beyond our control and outside our known world or “comfort zone”. We frequently fear what we don’t know or understand. The modern world often views chaos and disorder as a failure or breakdown in its system. Yet those familiar with the Piscean nature will be at ease. They know about a world which they can’t control and usually they don’t waste energy trying to make it any different to what it is. They “go with the flow” and trust in some higher order that’s beyond any apparent turmoil. With ever changing Mercury and combatant Mars in Pisces along with both the Sun and Moon as well as unpredictable Uranus, do try to remember this month that any lack of stability and order is an important transition phase. As the Sun reaches the vernal equinox on March 20 and enters Aries we mark the start of the new astrological year. This cardinal point is considered the most potent of all the 360 degrees in the Zodiac. This year the erratic planet Uranus is there, having just entered Aries on 12 March, where it transits until 2018. This sets the tone for the coming months, and ultimately the next several years. So what can we expect? The nature of Uranus is known by its unpredictability and ability to blow apart anything preconceived so you must expect the unexpected. In Aries, this will likely bring more conflicts, though not necessarily violent, as first steps are taken in attempts at establishing a new order. How this affects your personal life depends on where in your birth chart this critical Sun/Uranus conjunction falls. Astrological indicators tell of the current trends taking us into the next era. Although the signature of these times is one of revolution and upheaval we must remember that this is only because we just can’t continue along the same well trodden paths any more. When expansive and positive Jupiter opposes hard working, consolidating Saturn on March 28 we can begin to see some of the potential rewards to be gained from enduring adversity. This is the first of a series of beneficial Jupiter transits that we can look for ward to later this year.

Sunday, February 06, 2011

Astrology update February 2011

This month’s early New Moon on the 3rd is Chinese New Year. It also makes a conjunction to fiery Mars in Aquarius which gives rise to a forceful trend during the following lunar phase. We may already have experienced volatile situations as demands for new ideals are expressed during the first week of February. This Sun, Moon, Mars conjunction also includes the asteroid Ceres, named after the Goddess who represents agriculture and food crops. As the Moon waxes to Full during the first two weeks of February, it may bring to light the impending global food shortages and inevitable conflicts over essential resources. These issues along with our own domestic financial and personal struggles are a legacy of the Saturn opposite Uranus dynamic of the last few years. This month sees one of the major heralds of change occurring. The asteroid Chiron enters Pisces on the 8th for an eight year period. It last sojourned through this sign during the 1960’s. Chiron, discovered in 1977 takes the name of the centaur healer and represents the deep emotional, psychological or cultural scars that prevent us from fulfilling our potential. Chiron’s journey through our natal chart describes the recovery from these wounds. On a mundane level, Chiron in Pisces previously oversaw almost a decade of revolution which changed the aspirations of entire populations. The zodiac sign Pisces represents divine chaos or the absence of imposed order and definition. It dwells in the realm beyond materialism and draws its sense of self from mystical roots. Whilst Chiron was in Aquarius the emphasis has been on our social systems and discovering where there is a “healing” required within those structures. The next several years will inspire us to look beyond our physical existence for strength as we search for what will heal our ailing spirits.
Jupiter, growth and abundance, moves into a difficult square angle to Pluto, power and control, on the 25th. Expect to see a culmination of rising tensions. Situations will occur where conflicts of interest arise and agendas are at odds as one side wants to out do the other to gain advantage.
Uranus finally moves from Pisces into Aries early next month which marks an intensification of the critical dynamic of the next several years. This astrological sequence adds to the overall evolutionary pattern emerging during 2012 -2015 when revolutionary Uranus makes a challenging square to transformative Pluto. This occurs in the innovative Cardinal signs of Aries and Capricorn adding to the theme of a new era approaching.

The next Full Moon is at 29° Leo on 18 February at 8:36am and the next New Moon is at 14° Pisces on 4 March at 8:47pm

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Astrology January 2011

The potential for beneficial opportunities and great leaps forward were written in the sky with a partial Solar eclipse in Capricorn and the Jupiter Uranus conjunction in Pisces on 4 January. Astrologically the New Year got off to a flying start. The Capricorn theme of personal endeavour or duty and responsibility combined with an enthusiasm for change will be evident as the year unfolds. The full effects of an eclipse can take several weeks or months to materialise but are often triggered by a swift moving planet passing over the zodiac degree it was in at the time. The first possibility is when quicksilver messenger planet Mercury does so on the 23rd just after Jupiter enters the feisty sign of Aries. This could be the time to speak out against an affront to individual freedom or perhaps you get news of someone taking a stand in defiance against a perceived injustice. The Sun finally leaves the Capricorn sign of the sea goat just hours after it shines its full light on the Moon. The Full Moon represents a culmination and provides a release point, a letting go or time of completion and endings as we prepare to move into the next phase. Potentials that were set in motion during the previous New Moon can come to fruition. This is especially true now as it falls at 29 degrees of the nurturing sign of Cancer. The last degree of a sign is traditionally considered to be critical or a decisive turning point. At the same time the Moon, strong in her own sign makes a beneficial trine aspect to both abundant Jupiter and freedom loving Uranus. So we can expect some fresh starts or maybe even an unexpected turn of events which leads us in a new and positive direction. This maybe one of those “lucky accident” moments that unburdens us of something we didn’t know how to get out of on our own. The month ends as Capricorn’s ruling planet Saturn, turns to move backwards through Libra for the next several weeks. This is when we have the chance to revisit the responsibilities, ties and commitments we have made to others and reconsider or re-negotiate the terms so they are sustainable and can withstand the test of time.

Saturday, January 01, 2011

Astrology 2011

As we leave 2010 behind some of us may breathe a sigh of relief. It was a tough year all round. The tense cardinal T square that dominated the astrological pattern since 2008 has fulfilled its purpose. The financial, political and religious systems that we had in place have shown themselves to be broken, or at least in desperate need of an overhaul. Much of what we thought we were sure of in the world has to be redefined. We need to find new ways forward because going back isn’t an option. We start 2011 with an uncertain landscape. The astrology for this year reinforces the movement towards change and innovation with an absence of stressful aspects from the outer planets.

Jupiter, known as the great benefic, takes the leading role in the heavens this year. He represents our goals and aspirations, religion, philosophy, law, ideals and all that makes us bigger or better. The only negative side to the great planet is when under difficult planetary influences there is a tendency towards excess or too much of a good thing! This year though the theme is towards growth and increase in all that he touches. After a conjunction to Uranus in January, he makes a challenging square to Pluto in February, a difficult opposition to Saturn in March, an easy sextile to Neptune in June and a beneficial trine to Pluto in July and October. How these aspects affect you personally depends on where they fall in your own birth chart.

Using the 1949 chart (creation of the republic) for Ireland we see that this year the country is choosing or reaffirming its identity and path forward. This is a turning point, a time of transition and restructuring. Though the early year will be marked with changes, disruptions and adjustments as the months progress we can begin to see there are rewards for sacrifice, patience and perseverance.

A potent solar eclipse on January 4 marks the beginning of a 14 year cycle as it brings the expansive planet Jupiter together with innovative Uranus together in Pisces for the third and final conjunction. The previous two occasions last year were in June and September whilst making stressful aspects to Saturn and Pluto creating disruptive and volatile situations. Now in January we experience a harmonious trine to beneficial Venus instead. This is likely to highlight our true values with an urge to make a leap of faith or take a risk to achieve ‘being true to ourselves’. For Ireland as a whole this falls in the area of the chart which represents our communications especially amongst neighbours and kinfolk. It also makes a challenging aspect to Uranus in the chart which represents the people’s individuality and sense of freedom. This is a time for breaking out of old patterns, structures and routines and for discovering the uniqueness of the nation. Expect occasional periods of emotional excitability, unrest and instability. We will see more demonstrations which express the values of the country and an increase in radical activities which voice the desire for reform or revolution.

During February there is a need to look closely at the problems in the property market as Jupiter challenges Pluto on 25th and causes stresses in the global economy. Also with pressure from big finance the nation could feel the burden as Saturn opposes Ireland’s Sun. There may be a departure or break in leadership as politicians face up to individual responsibilities.
March is the time to get a shoulder behind the obstacle and give it a gentle shove. We are at another new cycle point indicating social and political change. On the 28th Jupiter is opposite Saturn which represents the established status quo. This half way mark in the great Jupiter Saturn cycle coincides with the Mars in Ireland’s chart. Successful action can be achieved if there is enough determination. This is an excellent business period, or time for initiating enterprises and starting new projects. It is also one of the best transits possible for making decisions and negotiating deals, just be sure to avoid the "get-rich-quick schemes". A strong and assertive effort to put ideals into action is called for.

During April or by the end of May we could well have taken that leap of faith. We certainly will have turned a corner and found new leadership. Also there is sense of invigoration as exciting potentials for enterprise emerge. Priorities are decided. Old contracts are torn up either metaphorically or literally and there seems to be hope on the horizon now. This is a quiet period astrologically but things are still happening in our daily lives and this is a chance to feel that some good work has been done.

June and July bring two more solar eclipses. On June 1 there is a positive aspect to Saturn which provides realism and stability and this is reflected in Ireland’s chart. On July1 the eclipse is followed on 7th by Jupiter making the first of three harmonious aspects to Pluto. This suggests the beginning of a phase in which a new style of business ventures or projects can prosper. These are likely to be successful when built on sound sustainable principles. During this time it is important to guard against any over speculation or false optimism. Non material gains are highlighted during these summer months with a reforming of social, spiritual and moral ideals.

Towards the end of July we may see some more unrest as the need to assert the individuality of the nation becomes an issue. There could be power struggles in several countries worldwide during August as the fight for control of resources reaches a peak. There maybe some hints of the issues we will have to face over the next few years as Uranus moves closer to making a difficult square aspect to Pluto. These undercurrents herald the movement towards a new social political balance globally.

The autumn months of the year don’t bring any major astrological events and the job of reforming our civil organisations continues. The mood is generally one of patience and perseverance with a good amount of constructive optimism thrown in. Ireland will continue to adjust to its new position in life and refine its vision for the future. Jupiter makes its third trine to Pluto on October 28 and the process of revitalising the social, financial and welfare systems towards their new potential has been firmly established.

The fourth solar eclipse of the year occurs in Sagittarius on November 25 and signals another ending of an era as it makes way for the next phase. Ireland has been through the first stages of re-inventing itself and has a clearer idea of the way forward. The next few years will see many other countries taking their own steps towards reclaiming their identity and integrity as the rebalancing process continues into 2012.