Understanding the Future

Lyn Birkbeck's, "Understanding the Future" is about the upcoming transits from now until 2020. Here is what it says on the back of the book and it will you give you an idea of what the book is about:

" Hold on tight - the next dozen years are set to be the most momentous of our lives. Humanity stands at a crossroads between a continuous descent into dark materialism and the spiritual path back to the light. And a great cosmic event is forcing this elemental choice upon us - now.

Understanding the future reveals the great Pluto-Uranus alignments of the past, from the period of Roman history convulsed by the slave revolt of Spartacus to the most recent wave, in the 1960's, which ushered in an era of unprecedented cultural and technological revolution."

The author makes some predictions of what may happen in the upcoming years through these energy shifts. Lyn Birckbeck, firmly believes that these times can be harnessed constructively. Major Saturn/Pluto transits are discussed as he takes a look back at history. He has found that this particular contact seems to coincide at the time of major earthquakes. And only recently, earthquakes hit both Haiti and Chile, during our current Saturn-Pluto phase.

" Saturn is the ground we stand upon; Pluto, the Lord of the Underworld, is underground. When they come into collision during Major Storms, this can manifest as government versus guerrilla/insurgent, or in a literal way as geophysical upheavals - mainly earthquakes. As you will find throughout this book, Major Storms involving any of the planets can stress the actual physical state of the planet Earth, but it would seem that Saturn/Pluto, by virtue of what they represent, are particularly 'responsible' for earthquakes and the like."

The Uranus/Pluto square may bring an increase in mental illness, anti-social feelings and increasing health problems. Outrageous forms of art and music surfacing which express this deep, intense revolutionary period. Technological advances and exciting discoveries. However, past innovations may have a downside and serious side effects begin to show. Internet crisis, political changes/shocks and nuclear accidents, rise in gangs, violence, are other possible events.Check it out if you can and see what the future holds.

The Breakdown of a Marriage Sun/Saturn/Pluto

A Marriage Collapses

It appears Cheryl Cole's marriage is finally over. Everybody is left wondering why it took so long to leave her cheating husband. Yet again, he has been caught out cheating, and has been sending sexual text messages. It is the final straw for the X Factor star, and she has announced her separation from the footballer and asked the press to respect their privacy during this difficult time. Cheryl was born under the sign of Cancer (cardinal sign) and the current Saturn-Pluto cardinal square has landed on her natal Sun and has set off an extremely tense time. Transiting Saturn is sometimes a separation aspect, it can show a time when a relationship is viewed realistically and more responsibilities and hard work is indicated in the marriage. Sun/Saturn often shows separation from a male figure. Obama had Saturn opposite his natal Sun when his father left the family home. Britney Spears split with Justin Timberlake under transiting Saturn opposite Sun. Michael Jackson formed a relationship with Quincy Jones (music manager) under T.Saturn conjunct Sun.

Sun-Pluto represents some upcoming power struggles and divorce is not easy. Ashley has said he wants Cheryl back and is willing to undergo sex addiction counselling. Often Sun-Pluto can represent a male dealing with addictions, and other obsessive compulsions. Ashley is not likely to allow the split to be easy and he will have a hard time letting go. Sun-Pluto can show a time when we have power struggles with a husband, father or other important male figure (Sun). Cheryl's self-image (Sun) is undergoing a massive upheaval, and the pop star's old identity is destroyed/torn down and she will have to rebuild and learn some tough lessons about reclaiming personal power. Another celeb under this Saturn-Pluto square is Tiger Woods (Sun in Cardinal Capricorn). We saw him recently on television with public apologies and astrologically he is undergoing the exact same identity crisis as Cheryl Cole, while restructuring/building his life on firmer foundations. The last time. I was under a Sun-Saturn-Pluto transit was when I met my abusive partner, and it wasn't until the transit had finished that the relationship was terminated. It was a difficult time of control, power, defences, anxiety about the future, manipulation, jealousy, and threats to security and self-image. A difficult and hard working road ahead for Cheryl Cole.

Bully Brown

I was wondering what was happening in Gordon Brown's chart, for the recent nasty bullying allegations. Transiting Pluto is conjunct his Capricorn M.C right now. Its time for the dirt on Gordon to be uncovered. We are leaving no stone unturned with this transit of Pluto in Capricorn, bosses, M.Ps, banks are all in the firing line.  The tenth house rules reputation and this transit can damage (Pluto) his image in the eyes of the world. Transiting Pluto is square his M.C ruler Saturn in Libra. This suggests some difficult power struggles in his career (10th), there is a political campaign going on, and his opponents will try and blacken (Pluto) his public image. He is the new poster boy for this transit, it is highlighted powerfully in his chart.

Brown has Aries rising with ruler Mars-opposite Saturn, and his aggression/assertiveness (Mars) is related to the planet of authority, discipline and structure (Saturn). Mars-Saturn is an aspect notorious for a temper, but in some maps it can appear as "no temper" at all, but Saturn often masks deep inferiority and unexpressed rage. Mercury (communication) is opposite Pluto (abuse, control, penetrative) and these people powerfully express thoughts and ideas in communication. They can be stubborn and opinionated, and the aspect is fixed (Aquarius-Leo) he may dominate a conversation, and especially concerning politics (Mercury in Aquarius). Communication may be overbearing, forceful and creates conflicts. Another trait often associated with Mercury-Pluto is Sarcasm, he may use this as a subtle way of criticizing. Mercury-Pluto is an investigative aspect and one that probes deeply, and in its most positive form these people can change negative mental attitudes and heal mental blocks, and the way Mercury-Pluto writes/communicates has a profound impact on people.

Transiting Uranus is also conjunct Venus/Mars in 12th house, and there is dramatic changes happening in his partnerships right now, behind the scenes. Mars-Uranus is a rebellious combination, and explosive anger may have been an occurrence. The 12th house rules the subconscious, and inner psychological exploration, and whats hidden. The main issue is whether or not he is treating people as equals (Saturn in Libra) or whether he is abusing his power (Pluto in Capricorn conjunct M.C). The issue is nothing new, and most people have heard about his "terrible temper". The bullying claims could be just a nasty rumour (Mercury-Pluto) and the victimisation claims could be blown way of proportion (Jupiter in Pisces). With Mercury-Pluto you could be the investigator or investigated, it is often a two way street in astrology.

My partner had transiting Saturn conjunct his Pluto in 10th house, and soon enough he was coming home complaining about his "tyrant boss" at work. The transit can work in reverse and if you are the boss under this transit, its YOU that could be accused of being a bully. Whatever the case, it highlights the issue of bullying in the workplace, and whether employees are being treated fairly. I have kindly put him in my "Gangsters and Thugs" category. I should wait until a verdict, but the topic is about bullies, so for administration purposes this is where he is filed in my filing cabinet :-p.

Natal Chart/Transits

Holographic Transits

Sit back, relax and enjoy an astrological lecture. If you have the time; the good thing about the Internet, is that you can reschedule the lecture for when you are ready to watch.

Obama Transits

Obama's Parents Spilt/Divorce:

Transiting Saturn in 12th house Opposite Sun in 6th, and transiting Uranus in 7th house square Moon in  4th house.

Obama’s father left the home, and the whole of his security foundations were changed substantially at this time. Uranus square Moon often means a change in environment, home, and a powerful need for emotional freedom. The Moon in 4th house represents the father and Moon the mother. Obama is still young, Saturn in the 12th house natally, may represent a “missing father” or an ill father, he may even be in prison, and there can be other problems which cocr that loosen the connection with a physical father, and the parent is hard to “hold of”. Obama in a interview says he has pieced together who is father was through memories of his mother's and grandparent's, he said that his father is a myth to him. In the book, Surviving Saturn's Return, Saturn in 12th house is explained further, " To really know who you are on the deepest level, you must analyze the image present in your own psyche by looking into dreams, art or other spontaneous images arising from the unconscious. Jung taught that dreams are magnified manifestations in image form of energies in the body in conflict with each other. And Marion Woodman succinctly describes dreams  as "photographs of the psyche as taken from the perspective of the unconscious". We have to decipher the language of our dreams to see what the unconscious is really trying to tell us. Again, with Saturn here, introspective work such as dream analysis is the life-line". Obama, articulated his thoughts in "Dreams of my Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance. Astrologically Saturn represents authority, definition, tangible lessons and reality meets the invisible, untangible, lost fragments of the twelfth house. Often Saturn represents separation and Sun-Saturn can show separation from a male figure in life (Sun).

Mother Remarries/Relocates

Mom's new student partner is recalled to his country when a new political leader, recalls all students studying abroad back. Movement and change. Transiting Saturn trine Sun, and Uranus conjunct Mars in 7th.

The mother remarries under Saturn trine Sun, and a dramatic change in relationships (7th), when new political power (Mars-Uranus) shook up the family and they moved.

Returned to Live with Grandparents

Obama stayed on at school, until graduation. Transiting Saturn conjunct Moon in 4th house.

Saturn-Moon over the 4th house represents older/mature (Saturn) relatives/people. It is interesting to see this more permanent and stable (Saturn in Taurus) move appear at this point in time.

Attended College and transferred to University.

Transiting Jupiter conjunct Mercury in Leo 6th house.

Jupiter-Mercury transits often represent learning situations, colleges, travelling, university, or any type of higher learning which broadens (Jupiter) the mind (Mercury).

Father Dies in Automobile Accident.

 Pluto in 8th square Saturn in 12th. Uranus in 10th house opposite Moon in 4th forming a mutable t-square to 7th house Pluto.

Obama lost his father with the transit of Saturn and Pluto (Planets of death) through the 8th house of shared resources, death, emotional eruptions, crisis, deep change and fated events. Transiting Pluto squared his natal Saturn in the 12th house, and the father who he hadn’t seen for years, the invisible force (12th) in his life now passed. According to Carol Rushman, Predictive Astrology,“There can be a death in your environment. A definition of your personal power will be realized". Howard Sasportas, in Gods of Change, says, " During this transit, it is also possible that some of us may experience the death of someone close to us. One way or another, we may be asked to look death squarely in the face. Death is an inextricable part of life - to deny it is to deny life. We shouldn’t forget that Pluto has the power not only to destroy life, but to create it as well. Like Inanna, who is condemned to death in Ereshkigals realm, this transit also carries with it the possibility that we may rise again, reborn and transformed". This change is also reflected on the parental axis, with transiting Uranus on the M.C in Scorpio, opposite his natal Moon and setting of his natal Moon-Pluto aspect. The change, represents an emotional (Moon) shock (Uranus) in the family. If you  are looking for powerful changes in life you need to examine Uranus and Pluto in transit, they bring change even against resistant forces (Saturn).

Cupid's Arrow strikes - Obama meets Michelle.

Transiting Uranus opposite natal Venus, and transiting Pluto square Sun.

Aww a political (Uranus in 11th house) love affair (Venus in 5th) . A future political couple ready to revolutionize is born. Obama was under a heavy transit to his natal Sun with Pluto in his 9th house square his Sun in 6th house, Carol Rushman calls this a time when an obsessive love affair controls the life. An obsession with a creative project, and his whole self-image was on a course of transformation. A pretty powerful attraction in my estimation was happening now, the work of fate that would be life-altering. And power struggles at this time.

The Marriage:

Transiting Saturn conjunct Asc. Transiting Jupiter conjunct Pluto in 7th house of partnerships.

The marriage occurred with Saturn on asc, which is interesting for permanent commitment in a relationship. I got a mortgage under the same transit; it seems we sign our self away and make a big commitment. Usually long-term commitments are made under Saturn. Obama it appears is easily influenced by the stars, shown by the Jupiter transit in his 7th house conjuncting Pluto in Virgo. According to Carol Rushman, “Even the most confirmed bachelor will think about marriage under this transit". And Jupiter to Pluto is a good time for investments, I guess he was banking on a wife for his future, and these two became powerful partners.

Mother's Death:

Transiting Saturn opposite Mars, Uranus conjunct Jupiter in Aquarius 12th trine Moon. Transiting Neptune conjunct Saturn in 12th house. Transiting Pluto conjunct M.C opposite natal Moon in 4th house.

 

Transiting Saturn opposite Mars represents the relationship axis and shows immense frustration, limitations, and anger now. Transiting Uranus conjunct Jupiter in 12th house, represents freedom and the conjunction trined the Moon, perhaps it was a release from her illness. Transiting Neptune conjuncts Saturn in the 12th representing the illness. The prominent aspect for death of his Mother was transiting Pluto conjunct his Midheaven, opposite his Moon in 4th house. The parental axis is stimulated and Pluto rules, death, fate, endings. The Moon rules Mother, nurturing and emotions. It was a difficult time for Obama, depressing, frustrating and letting go of his mother.

Daughters Birth

First Daughter: Transiting Uranus opposite Sun, and transiting Pluto trine Sun.

Obama had he same aspect I did, Uranus-Sun, when I had my first child. The aspect in transit means a new relationship or child. Changes in the life of children and men in life. Positive and empowering feelings around becoming a father (Sun-Pluto).

Second Daughter: Saturn conjunct Moon in 4th house.

The second child heralds more responsibility, same aspect he had when he moved in with his grandparents.

President

Transiting Jupiter conjunct Saturn in Capricorn. Transiting Jupiter trine Mars. Saturn-Pluto in 7th. Uranus opposite Mars. Pluto Opposite Venus.

Career opportunity and climbing the social ladder (Jupiter and Saturn are the social planets representing society). Jupiter rules opportunity and the Capricorn energy is definitely a boost (Jupiter) to social image and achievements. Jupiter trine Mars works equally well for confidence and personal work relationships (Mars in 7th Virgo). It can represent social stepping stones. A difficult Saturn-Pluto aspect to his natal Moon from 7th-4th could show the death of his grandmother at this stage. Pluto had just entered cardinal Capricorn, meaning a change in government. In Liz Greene’s book - Astrology of Fate, "The black man and the wolf are typically Plutonian symbols. In Jungs view, the black man and the wolf are images of the unconscious itself". Pluto’s move into 0 (new seeds planted) in Capricorn represented massive social change with the first black man elected as President, the face of government changed. Interesting, how, Obama's transiting Pluto in the 11th house, could mean jealousy and resentful feelings from friends and rival political groups. Howard Sasportas says of Pluto in the 11th house, “This could prompt us to join groups that serve evolution of society and the well being of those treated unfairly". Obama's whole political campaign was focused on “change”. Pluto was opposite his natal Venus, meaning profound change in marriage and close bonds. The Presidency is a massive change and involved his powerful social role in society; (Venus- Pluto in 11th) love and the face of the marriage most definitely changed. Obama was powerfully (Pluto) persuasive (Venus) at this time.

Amy Bishop

Amy Bishop, a biology professor, is charged with shooting three of her colleagues. The reasons for her actions are still unclear, one possible motive was that she was turned down for a permanent position, and that she expected to get a bad evaluation. However, she has also been suspected of murdering her brother, and sending a letter bomb to the University. 

Amy's natal chart shows the element of earth and mutable to be powerful, she has Mars, Uranus and Pluto in Virgo. Amy has a practical nature, and Virgo has an obsession with details, and shows a systematic worker, there is a self-willed and rebellious nature (Mars-Uranus), she is highly original, intensely focused personality. The configuration mirrors Diana Princess of Wales, and I remembered her chart being discussed in Inner Planets by Howard Sasportas and Liz Greene, Diana's configuration involved her 8th house. Amy has the same tense pattern, but without a birth time the house placement/s is unknown. We can see that this is a potentially explosive energy, and Johnny Depp (self-cutter, some violent outbursts) and Brooke Shields (clinical depression) also have this configuration.

According to Liz Greene "Mars in Virgo will not "sell out" in order to achieve a goal; there is a quality of integrity in the expression of one's competitive instincts, a willingness to work for what one gets. On the minus side, there is likely to be a certain lack of spontaneity, since so much self containment limits the expression of Mars fiery side. Amy must also contend with a "rogue" Mars in Virgo, a powerful fighting spirit which will not compromise itself, flanked by two outer planets, which suggest a frustration of martial energy by collective principles of "right" behaviour (Uranus) and the unconscious effects of a difficult family history (Pluto).

Uranus interferes with Mar's essential instinctual mode of operation, demanding she acts according to ideal principles rather than personal desires. This can be extremely positive since it gives Mars a brain, which he ordinarily lacks, and there is also a capacity for reflection and a broader viewpoint. Mars directs its energy towards humanitarian goals, but if she cannot get the right balance, there is likely a price to pay.

With Mars-Pluto, she cannot undo the past or eradicate whatever scars she might carry from it. Putting Mars together with Pluto in a creative way requires a certain amount of honest confrontation with that family background and the ways it has shaped her. Otherwise she might feel constantly thwarted by survival needs of the group around her, and may project the frustrations of her childhood on to whatever family she forms in adult life. The great intensity and urgency of the Mars-Uranus-Pluto reflect the possibility of tremendous character formation, if she stands up to the tempering process to which life will subject her, she will be a social force to be reckoned with."

Of course, these two women are very different, and Diana didn't gun down any members of the royal family, even if she may have wanted to at times! Diana faced a huge amount of destructive (Mars-Pluto) criticism (Virgo). It has been claimed that Amy never got the position of tenure, and she saw a list of names voting her out, and Virgo is the ruler of lists! One website covering the story wondered why she acted out her rage so self-destructively; he needs to look up her astrology chart!

Love and Death

Maria Pia Labianca’s dead body was found on the 27th February 1999, the autopsy revealed that she was killed by suffocation and was pregnant. Maria had an appointment for an abortion clinic, her ex boyfriend Giovanni Pupilla was questioned by police. Giovanni Confessed to the murder of young Maria in a fit of jealousy and with the help of his younger brother, he hid the body.

As you know, I have been looking into crimes of passion on my blog, and seeing what astrological patterns can be found. Venus-Pluto was top on the list for this type of obsessional love. It doesn’t take an astro-scientist to work out that the planet of love combined with the lord of the underworld, will force love into some deep territory. However, one aspect only reveals one thread of an individual story and there are many, other elements that need to be looked at in the realm of love, jealousy, obsession and murder.

I will look at the two charts natally, and I will summarize different elements in their horoscopes and especially the relationship area. However, in a relationship we bring our WHOLE selves and not just our Venus or Mars. Maria Pia Libiana’s natal chart shows a highly cardinal nature, she is Capricorn rising and by first impression she is reserved by nature, conscientious and self-disciplined. Maria’s ruling planet is Saturn in Virgo in the 8th house (conjunct cusp), this describes a heavy and depressed tone to the personality, and deep critical analysis of fears and anxieties, perhaps this placement along with Pluto in the 9th house prompted her into the psychology course, she was learning to master this area of her own life, and if she lived, she could have perhaps helped others.

With Saturn in the 8th house, there is deep anxiety about opening up emotionally, sexually. Saturn here can describe a feeling of isolation fear and anxiety around intimacy; there is a powerful need to order her 8th house of compulsions, obsessions and shared resources. With Saturn in the 8th house according to Sherene Schostak and Stephanie Iris, in Surviving Saturn’s Return.

“If you were born into this lesson, you are a woman who understands pain -probably oceans full of it. Women born into this lesson seem set up for pain, so much so that time comes when they simply offer up heir wrists for slashing, because why expect anything better. Often this signature is found in the charts of those who have a lot of death in their lives. The pain is deeply felt and even studied.”

Mars in Gemini 5th shows a curiosity around sexual matters, quarrels in love, and it can show a strong dramatic element to her personality, and this is true, for Maria loved to dance. The two greatest passions in her life were psychology and dance. The 5th house rules children and romance along with hobbies and self expression, and in traditional astrology this placement often warned of danger against children, or a feisty and “warlike” child. Traditional astrology is less psychologically inclined and so much fear can be created around such a statement. However, Mars in Gemini in the 5th house can show an excitable nature in love and romance, and it can show a sudden (Mars) pregnancy.

This placement of Mars may show the gift of quick wit, and pursuing mental pursuits (Gemini). However, the fun and lighter side of her personality is squared by her deeply analytical Saturn. A 5th-8th house square involving Mars and Saturn is a difficult combination to combine involving matters of the heart and soul, and the crisis surrounding her pregnancy (5th) and abortion (8th). Mars also represents dangerous weapons and after Maria was strangled, she was stabbed through the heart (5th house), some astrologers link a 5th house Mars with potential heart-attacks. Mars-Saturn in a woman’s horoscope can show a violent harsh man; Carol Rushman (Predictive Astrology) warns women about dating when they have a natal Mars-Saturn or Mars-Pluto in their horoscope.

The Moon in Aries in Mercury’s house (3rd) also adds a passionate need to communicate. The Moon’s here shows an independent nature that responds quickly, it is another symbol for sudden and quick pregnancy. Moon in Aries in the 3rd house can be quick to talk about feelings, and the Moon is square to her responsible and reserved ascendant in Capricorn, she may quickly discuss how she feels before her Capricorn Ascendant has time to structure and organize. Maria’s Sun in cancer in the 7th house seeks security in relationships, and she has quite a good chart for working with the public. The Sun in the 7th wants to shed light upon relationships. Others are an important aspect of her personality, and the Sun squares her 9th house Pluto, and this represents a woman with deep beliefs and compulsive need to know the deeper truths of reality. The knowledge one seeks out can be related to a planet in the 9th house, and Pluto rules the underworld and the darker/transformational aspects of psychology.

Maria’s need for security in relationship is threatened by a continual crisis and her experience of continual ego and death rebirths; Pluto in 9th house also poses a deep moral test with her catholic background, she would have deeply questioned her beliefs with the abortion. The aspect shows the need for self-transformation in relationships, and with religion, learning, and seeking knowledge. Sun-Pluto represents the type of male (Sun) a woman may be attracted to, Pluto shows a possible controlling, domineering, manipulating man, he has his compulsions/addictions to fight. Maria can become involved in a power struggle with a man. Read an earlier explanation of this aspect here. Venus in Cancer square Pluto shows obsession and fated encounters in love. The values of Venus were in the process of transformation, and she needed to find what sustains her inner relationship with herself. Until, this is discovered she can become involved in the darker dimensions of love, and deep insecurity in love (Cancer) can create turbulent emotional scenes in the relationship.

Giovanni’s natal chart is fixed, and he also has some mercurial Virgo planets suggesting a character that is fixed on his state of mind, Aquarius rising often shows a friendly progressive approach to life. Saturn in Leo in the 6th house conjunct 7th house cusp is all about pride and authority, and need to be in control. Giovanni can have strong organizational and leadership abilities. With this placement there can be a fear of chaos and compulsive organization of the immediate environment. Now he is in prison he is faced with the endless and boring routine of jail. Saturn in 6th house can become extremely frustrated in their routines. Saturn shows where we can become frustrated, limited and imprisoned.

Sun in Leo in the7th house shows loyalty in relationships, and with his Mercury-Mars conjunction in Virgo/7th house, he may have an argumentative, negative and critical nature in relationships. There is a need here to analyze everything and also aggression and drive in partnerships. Pluto is in Libra in the 8th house, and compulsions, obsession, abuse, death and sex in relationships are common themes. Giovanni is learning how to balance power in a relationship. According to Jeff Green the Evolutionary Journey of the Soul, "these individuals are dealing with all forms of power and powerlessness. Pluto in 8th house individual is drawn to death, sex, rituals of all kinds, experiences considered taboo, relationships, money, status, a system or body of knowledge. Many 8th houses Pluto’s have a subconscious death wish. There can be an attraction to psychology too with this placement.

In relationships compulsion may be the basis of the attraction, and in extreme cases violence can occur. One or both persons will have unconscious memories of being hurt, abused, manipulated, used and then abandoned. The need to get back is powerful, and creates irrational behavior that is vindictive - it’s like the playing of old tapes. These individuals over invest themselves in a relationship and ultimately are too dependent on their partner. Giovanni was learning lessons of self-reliance and identifying his own resources".

Giovanni said that after killing Maria, he knew she would always belong with him now. Next time, I will review the synastry, composite chart, transits to both natal and composite chart, and look at all the planetary energy that was unfolding when this tragic event occured.

Maria's Natal

Giovanni's Natal

Crime of Passion

I had a look at a case involving an affair, which ended in death for the man who had been carrying on with a married man's wife. Here are the details of the case below by wikipedia:

"Philip Barton Key was a United States Attorney for the District of Columbia.He is most famous for having been shot and killed by the man whom he cuckolded, Daniel Sickles. Sickles defended himself by adopting a defense of temporary insanity, the first time the defense had been used in the United States.

Born in Georgetown in Washington, D.C., Key was the son of Francis Scott Key and the great-nephew of Philip Barton Key. He was also a nephew of Chief Justice Roger B. Taney. He married Ellen Swan, the daughter of a Baltimore attorney, on November 18, 1845. Allegedly the handsomest man in Washington and by 1859 a widower with four children, Key was known to be flirtatious with many women.

In 1859, Congressman Daniel Sickles shot and killed Phillip Barton Key, for having conducted a public affair with his wife Teresa Bagioli Sickles. Some time in the spring of 1858, Teresa Sickles began an affair with Key.Sickles had accused his much-younger wife several times during their five-year marriage of adultery, but she had repeatedly denied it to his satisfaction. But then Sickles received an anonymous note on February 26, 1859, informing him of his wife's liaison with Key. He confronted his wife, who confessed to the affair.Sickles then made his wife write out her confession on paper. Sickles saw Key sitting on a bench outside the Sickles home on February 27, 1859, signalling to Teresa, and confronted him. Sickles rished outside into Lafayette Square, cried "Key, you scoundrel, you have dishonored my home; you must die", and with a single pistol repeatedly shot the unarmed Key, who died. Key was taken into the nearby Tayloe House, where he died moments later.

Sickles was acquitted on the basis of temporary insanity, a crime of passion, in one of the most controversial trials of the 19th century. Sickles' attorney later became a powerful rival Secretary of War Edwin Stanton. Years later, while attending the theater in New York City, Sickles was aware of the presence of Key's son James Key in the audience, and both men kept watching each other throughout the performance. But nothing happened".

Astrology

At the time of this murder, transiting Saturn was moving through Leo and formed a tense square with transiting Pluto in Taurus, a fixed configuration which involves defending one's honour (Saturn in Leo). Pluto in Taurus relates to possessions, hidden sensuality, property, along with self-worth and stability. Saturn/Pluto is an inflexible pairing and these planets share some commonality with the need for control and power, and when these two figures meet the issues surrounding them become dominant in the psyche of man and his world. Pluto has the effect of destroying all known forms of security and protection (Saturn). And this dominant energy was overhead in the sky the night Sickle took a gun and shot the man who had been acting dishonourably with his wife. Saturn/Pluto formed a t- square to Sickles Jupiter in Aquarius, and this pattern affected his ethical morals and a confrontation with his beliefs and worldview. It can represent great mistrust and his previous worldview goes down like a lead balloon. It can represent a time of being confronted by a moral dilemma (Saturn). Daniel Sickles has a natal Venus in Libra square Mars in Cancer - this aspect can bring quarrel in love or even a romantic triangle, read more about Venus/Mars here. This link is to a synastry contact rather than natal, but many of the themes still apply. With Sickle's natal aspect he has an idealised and romanticised image of love (Venus) however domestic quarrels upset and threaten the security of the bond (Mars in cancer).

I noticed transiting Pluto was slowly leaving an opposition to Sickle's natal Venus in Libra. At the time of the killing it was 7 degrees away from natal Venus. For most of his five year marriage he had his suspicions (Pluto) of a love affair (Venus-Mars), and he unconsciously believed his wife was having an affair, his mistrust heightened and he questioned his young bride about the possibility of her playing away from home. Mrs Sickle's brushed his accusations away, until fate revealed what was happening. The death of the love rival cultivated the end of the affair and the Venus-Pluto contact. His rival Philip Key was under a transit from Jupiter in Gemini forming a hard aspect to Saturn in Pisces. It was a letter sent to Mr Sickles, which uncovered his deceit.

The transits are not powerful for his death, and without a birth time no aspects to Key's angles are shown. However, transiting Mars was conjunct his Sun/Mercury in Aries on the day of the shooting. This can represent a sudden quarrel and act of violence. Natally he had a stellium in Aries with Venus the planet of love placed in Aries. Both men had Sun square Mars in their nativities, and Mr Key with his Sun in Aries (ruled by Mars) and Sickles with Sun in Libra (ruled by Venus) I guess all is fair in love and war!! The synastry between these two men show a tight Venus square Mars aspect. Sickles Mars in cancer forms a square to Key's Venus in Aries, a battle over love. I am still exploring synastry between people who meet instantly and the contact ends in violence/death. It's not like they have had much time to bond. However, the issues concerning their brief meeting are powerful. Sickle's Saturn conjuncts Key's Pluto and he represented a threat to Sickle's security. Here is brief extract of this contact in synastry, by Liz Greene, Saturn a New Look at an old Devil:

"Something is usually destroyed in the Saturnian as a result of this confrontation. He may find it is necessary to completely re-evaluate himself and understand his own defensiveness because his defences are useless against Pluto's energy. The person's who's Pluto is involved will usually initiate the end of a phase of life and the beginning of a new one for the Saturnian person. Pluto thrives on this kind of confrontation".

Unfortunately the birth details of the woman in the middle of all this drama could not be found. I have concentrated on transits and some of the synastry between the two men involved. I do have a set of accurate birth times involving a crime of passion. A third party is not involved, but the natal charts, synastry and composite can all be analysed. It will be a good exercise for me, it stretches my astrological brain muscles, and it will be interesting to explore more themes on this topic.

Jealousy and Possessiveness

All the water signs: Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces, can be possessive and jealous and it's tied up primarily with emotional attachment. Pisces is probably the less jealous of the other two and generally feel empathy and compassion for a lot of people. Taurus is another sign that is known for it's need to possess physically (earth), and has a deep need to feel secure. Possessiveness derives from insecurity and therefore triggers the need to maintain (fixed) stability. Taurus can be extremely territorial around a partner, and sees her/her as a belonging, and expects total loyalty and fidelity and is unable to abide anything else. Rage can be triggered in an a Taurean if a partner has committed infidelity.

Scorpio has long been known for morbid jealousy, arising from his deep suspicions, the 8th sign of the zodiac fears abandonment and emotional betrayal and he needs to form close bonds with a select few. Another sign known for its jealousy, is Leo. The king of the beasts hates betrayal of any kind and takes it as a personal insult. The least jealous in the horoscope are Air signs, but according to C.E.O Carter "Libra appears to be jealous because they need to be liked. Mirror, mirror on the wall who's the fairest of them all!" It would never turn into the real pathological jealousy of the other signs, and has much to do with likability. All the fixed signs possess fixated natures and find it hard letting go of a loved possession, emotions, loved ones and ideals. However, the sign of Aquarius (Air) needs freedom, friendship and space and can hold others at a distance. Perhaps Aquarius would find it hard letting go as friends and he wants to maintain the relationship in this way.

Quotes on Jealousy by various authors:

"This is a Scorpio emotion in it's true form, though there are allied conditions that closely resemble it in their outward manifestation. For example, the kind which usually vents itself in complaints that "it's not fair"!" and which is based on Libra afflictions. There is also a Leo condition, based on the sense of offended dignity, a Cancerian form deriving from the possessive instinct and so forth."

Leo's jealousy by Liz Greene:

"Of course, he needs something in exchange for all that loyalty. For one thing, he needs loyalty in return. Leo, male or female, is a jealous cat, and won't tolerate smaller fry pursuing his chosen mate. he can be very obvious and not a little rude about insulting or removing challengers. In a way he enjoys the contest, provided he's on safe ground, since this kind of knightly combat suits his image. We he endure is betrayal, which is deeply wounding and rarely forgiven. Leo has a naive heart, and a wonderfully soaring idealism. Betrayal of trust is truly horrific to him. Where Capricorn expects it and Scorpio suspects it constantly, Leo simply can't believe it".

"Cancer, a sign of intense feeling needs, has a strong tendency to live through loved ones. Eternal fidelity. Cancer is a possessive sign - as possessive as Scorpio is traditionally. But Cancer is more subtle about it".

"Cancer is as capable of intense passion as Scorpio. But because it is a more vulnerable sign, Cancer tends to be more discriminating about where that passion is expressed. And very slow to commit it, because trust is terribly important for all the water signs."

 

"Many Cancers will remain uncommitted because of the gruelling experience a separation would entail. The disruption of the nest is a true trauma for Cancer, even if he deeply longs for freedom."

 

"Cancer will rarely make the decision to go. First of all emotional confrontation is too terrifying. Secondly other people's opinions are too terrifying, they would much rather become quietly, progressively unpleasant until your the one to throw him out. Then he doesn't have to feel guilty."

"Betrayal of trust goes deep with water signs. Rationally they may excuse it. Emotionally, they never do".