A Nebulous Time Leads to an Almighty Explosion (8th House Composite)

The title of this blog sounds like a Sabian Symbol, or something you would find in a fortune cookie. The transit of Mercury in Virgo opposite Neptune in Pisces has been an interesting one. I also had transiting Mercury opposite my Mars in Aquarius at 29 degrees. Mercury-Mars transits are often present around the days we have arguments, heated debates and feel more hot-headed than usual. I had a double dose of Mercury-Neptune and Mercury-Mars. On Friday I received a letter from the debt management company that we have been trying to obtain help from. However, it turns out they are bunch of scammers and are only preying on those in vulnerable (Neptune) debt situations to make more money for themselves.

My partner signed up with them to apply for an IVA and we paid upfront costs of over 250 pounds. We waited three months for them to process the application and get the situation resolved. In the meantime they were taking further payments from my partner’s account to pay our creditors. But they haven’t paid any of our loans or credit and have kept the money. I had my doubts about the company from the very beginning, but my partner was desperate to sort something out. In the end the application failed and we didn’t get any upfront costs returned. My partner said the initial payment was non-refundable. I looked up online, and found out that you can apply for an IVA for free and without paying any upfront costs if the application fails, and so I asked him why he never looked into the matter further before agreeing?

I told him to phone the company up and get our further 225 pounds returned that was taken from his account. He phoned the company and they talked him into a deal of applying for a debt management plan that would only cost him 75 pounds a month. Since we are so strapped for cash, he agreed. We received the application pack on Friday, and when I opened the letter (Mercury) was furious (Mars) to see this new deal they were offering us. We had to pay costs of 300 pounds spread over two months (“admin costs”), and out of the 75 pounds towards our creditors we pay them 35 pounds, and it would take about 30 years to pay off our debts. I was absolutely fuming (expressed some colourful language) and said that they can go jump off a cliff. I demanded my partner phone them up and ask for our further costs of 225 pounds to be paid back to us and to tell them we will not be signing up for any arrangement with them.

He phoned them and explained we will not be paying these fees and requested that our money be refunded. The company –Express Debt Solutions- told us that we wouldn’t have to pay the initial payment after already paying 250 pounds for “administration costs” with the IVA. It was a standard letter sent out to all customers, but since everybody is paying such a high amount of money for “admin” costs, then why are we getting automated letters? He asked me what we wanted to do, and I told him I am not signing with them and I want the money back. He went back and told them that we would not be applying for their debt management plan and to give us back the money. However, they said it was not possible and there is a cooling off period of 14 days which has expired. Therefore we would not receive any money back. I had boiled at this point and was ranting and raving in the background, and asked if they managed to sleep well at night with a clear conscious, because they are no better than a street robber. Only they dress it up with nice letter-heads, and’ pseudo’ professional customer service.

My partner was far too polite on the phone to them, and that really got me angry. I asked why he never got annoyed, and he said that he can’t see the point and has basically given up. We got into a heated argument, and it was the worse we have ever had. I told him he was too gullible and easily mislead (Mercury-Neptune) and he got mad because I was blaming him. Tempers flared, things got broken, and I threatened to leave for good, but we did eventually calm down. He exploded in a terrible temper, but I got the blame for winding him up, and he told me he reacted so badly because he has buried the stress for so long. The whole situation was made worse because we had run out of money for food and with no refund from the company it only impounded the experience. It has been a difficult and long weekend.

I have let him take care of the finances since we moved into the new house. In the last house I had the financial control and paid all the bills and had the responsibility for everything coming and going out. However, with a change in situation it meant that it switched over and he was now responsible for looking after the finances. Ideally we should be working together, and I have now offered to come back in and help handle the money issues. I just let him get on with the finances, but it’s something he needs more support with. I got used to handling money on a tight budget when I lived by myself in a house for two years, but then I am also a Sun-Saturn personality and tough lessons of self-sufficiency and learning to do it alone has always confronted me. I don’t get to take the easy route in life and my purpose (Sun) is to confront and overcome obstacles in order to be a success, even if that means working twice as hard as everybody else. The Sun rules the men in our lives and I keep learning the hard-way that I have to self-manage and control my own life, and I can’t depend on others. I have my north node in the 1st (self, independence, and individuality) house conjunct Saturn rising in Virgo. Maybe inside I keep expecting the men in my life to be the backbone (Sun-Saturn) and to manage the situation, but it’s a role that’s beginning to fall back heavily on my shoulders, and probably where it has to belong. I am very much Saturn in the relationship and his Sun conjuncts my Saturn on the Ascendant.

Anything in our relationship that is too hot to handle tends to get buried until it erupts and explodes, but we entered a relationship that contains a full 8th house in the composite chart, and perhaps we have sealed a certain fate for ourselves. The 8th house is the house of eruptions, crises, debt and everything else that accumulates in intensity and makes life difficult. I don’t know whether the relationship itself can “survive” an 8th house composite chart, and such an emotional battering. I feel bad for thinking we could escape the troubles of this house if we just parted ways. We can't escape our birth chart, but what choice do we have with relationships? Though maybe this is bowing down to the challenge of the relationship itself because it’s testing our practical, emotional and physical resources to the limit. I often joke on the blog about the 8th house being the house of taxes on the most mundane of levels, but this really is the house that taxes us the most on all levels - emotional and physical. I know they say what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, but this house has taken the relationship through the emotional grinder of life. In the 8th house things get so out of control fast that you are clinging on for dear life to the nearest bit of security you can find. The 8th house is the most ‘testing’ in every sense of the word, and it’s the most life changing, transforming and altering experience you can go through.

Sorry for the rant today, and normal astrology proceedings will continue next time.

The Astrology Blog List

I have updated the look of the The Astrology Blog List and it includes a sidebar with recently updated blogs. If your looking for new astrology material to read it's a nice place to drop by. I hope you like purple, because that is the new colour scheme. Anyway if your stuck for something to read on a lazy Sunday, check out more astrology blogs.

Venus-Neptune Aspects: The Trouble with Aphrodite

I was editing an old post about angular Venus in the natal chart and it got me thinking about relationships in general and Venus aspects. The trouble with Aphrodite is that she describes an archetype within us that is deeply attracted to certain other planetary archetypes. This isn’t a wholly negative thing, but when Venus forms hard aspects in the natal chart we sometimes have to live out the more troubled side of Venus in relation to those planets. Venus is the planet of relationships and responds to what we find attractive, valuable and lovable in others.

Take for example the Venus square Neptune aspect that shows up in Pamela Anderson’s, Whitney Houston’s and Tina Turner’s horoscope. All of these women have been involved in violent and abusive relationships. The men have usually been in the music business and have been involved in drink or drugs. Neptune is a significator in the horoscope for creativity, and also addiction and escapism. When you think of Venus-Neptune aspects in the chart you tend to think of a soul-mate connection, and a love that knows no boundaries; a deep and compassionate meeting of two people. However, Neptune in the horoscope also reveals where we are lacking in boundaries, and when connected to Venus it reveals itself in relationships.

The saviour/martyr archetype of Neptune is lived out through the attraction to unstable men who need some form of rescuing. Neptune has a powerful need in relationships for redemption, and has a natural empathy and compassion for lovers (Venus), but the difficult side of this contact is allowing themselves to be victimised. All the archetypal themes of sacrifice and suffering and powerlessness of Neptune permeates into the image of the loved one. The relationship may be wrapped around images of victimisation and redemption, and with Neptune there is a powerful need for emotional unity in relationships and this can be the central principle to attracting a relationship that is deeply addictive and suffocating at the same time.

Neptune describes our longing for perfection and divine connection and so it makes me wonder why some Venus-Neptune's end up in the most imperfect of relationships. Venus-Neptune can romanticise even the most unromantic of situations and all this is aided by Neptune’s longing, and intrinsic need to be loved. Neptune also casts delusions, denial and deception, and is most resistant to concrete definitions and analytical observations. Neptune represents our place of salvation from life and in connection to Venus this is often found through a partner.

Venus-Neptune in the natal chart needs to be armed with a life-jacket when swimming the depths of the ocean with a significant other, but there is nothing like drowning even in the sweetest of our sorrows. Poetry and music and art all express such longing, bliss and disappointment so beautifully, and they wouldn’t be felt in exactly the same way without Neptune. Not all Venus-Neptune relationships are difficult and some are blissfully happy, and have found a soul-mate and feel complete in a partnership. Neptune is capable of great sacrifice and devotion in a relationship. Venus-Neptune relationships can experience states of ecstasy and are highly addictive, but there is also the ‘come down’  that has to be faced when the person has realised the partner is mortal just like everybody else.

When Neptune is involved in relationships this is the place we tend to be the victim, taken advantage of, drained of money and sympathy, held in bondage through sympathy and made to feel obligated to others by a sense of guilt for others’ sins. In Neptune's relationships we may find a woman who stays in a violent relationship, supports the drug addict or stays with a sick partner. Whether this is through a sense of obligation or guilt is difficult to determine, and it could be motivated through pure compassion and sensitivity to another's pain.

Mars in Pisces

Mars in Pisces expresses their energy, will and desires in gentle, dreamy and unconscious ways. The physical energy of Mars in water is sensitive and strongly influenced by the emotional atmosphere of the environment. They find it hard to define personal aspirations or assert personal needs, and their energy is unifying and channelled into serving others, and they enjoy fighting for the underdog. Mars here usually has difficulty in being aggressive, and sometimes there is the tendency to be too influenced by others, and at others times there’s a tendency to wander through life with no goals.

Mars in Pisces can easily lose direction and this can result in a scattering of energies. They need inspiration in order to do anything, and ordinary tasks need to be infused with a sense of meaning. Wherever Mars is placed is where they like to lose themselves in whatever they do, whether in a relationship, work, or a cause. Otherwise they are prone to floating and fluctuating in an unmotivated state. The energy of Mars can be evasive, and hard to get hold of. There is a kind of passive resistance, and they would rather flow into a situation than face it directly. Sometimes they don’t always understand why they do things, and when they lose enthusiasm they tend to swim around in circles.

Mars in Pisces is best expressed through the imagination and creative projects, and their strengths include being charitable, receptive and intuitive. Psychology motivates them, as does anything creative or mysterious. A sensitivity to colour, tone and rhythm may draw them to painting, poetry, film, music and other artistic endeavours. Alternatively more energetic movements that are involved in dancing and water sports are also things they can thrive on.

Sexually speaking Mars in Pisces seeks a union, a total merging, and they have the ability to lose themselves in another. They can be attracted to men who are ‘needy’, wounded or perhaps they need a sensitive type of lover. Sometimes they get involved with dependent partners who are physically or emotionally ill, and they tend to be attuned to their sense of sadness and disappointment. They get what they want through subtle and indirect means, and relationships are fused with romance, mystery and fantasy. Men may have artistic/musical ability, and find strength in their sensitivity and emotionalism.

Mars in Pisces can be likened to the angler who baits and casts the line, and then sits and waits, ready to accept what Life's current will bring. Yet strong emotional undercurrents are influencing their actions. So they need to discover what these are if they are to avoid being tugged this way and that, which in turn can compromise their ability to assert themselves. The resentments or regrets that build up as a result of this can lead to unconscious ways of expressing anger or desire, such as sarcasm or secret liaisons. By Lyn Birkbeck

A degree of focus and discipline is needed; otherwise they easily drift off course. It tends to be a common placement for those addicted to drink and drugs, and also alcohol related violence. Mars-Neptune in aspect is a much stronger signification for this type of drunken rage. The individual may end up on the receiving end of such behaviour. Mars here can simply let go and lose everything. Sometimes Mars in angered by all the cruelty in the world, and this leads them to feeling helpless and powerless to do anything. Mars here works best when working towards the achievement of higher, greater goals.

The Aries Character - The First Sign of the Zodiac

By Rebecca Brent

Passion is never a problem for Aries. Nor is self-assertion. Nor is being downright pushy and tromping on toes if that gets a job done. Aries is long on initiative and ambition, notoriously short on tact -- and few will apologize for that. Whoever first said, "Lead, follow or get out of the way," was an Aries through and through. (Only what he meant was "I'm gonna lead. The rest of you follow. And God help whoever doesn't get out of the way.")

Aries people go directly for their goals. They don't mean to be offensive; it just happens that way sometimes. And they don't pour much oil on troubled waters when they tell complainers, "I've got places to go and things to do. Build a bridge -- and get over it."

Aries folks are among the fools who rush in where angels fear to tread, but they can take care of themselves in a scrape. In mythology, Ares (yes, that's how to spell the proper name) was a warrior. So are the citizens of this sign. They are brave and brash, quick to defend themselves and their beliefs. They sometimes start a row just for the excitement, and no one would ever call them bashful. (Well, no one in his right mind anyway ... and never a second time.) They stir things up, get things going, and know how to "start something" if confrontation will clear the air.

If ever you need someone to watch your back, back you up, or stand shoulder to shoulder with you and not back down for nuthin' ... find your Aries friends and tell 'em what you're up against. You'll have your own private army in no time.

Aries often leads because he knows how to push his way to the head of the pack. Aries souls are not easy to domesticate. They've got too much adventurous spirit to waste time tending the home fires (or hiding their lights under a bushel). And no matter how tame they seem at first, there's a bit of the brawler and street-fighter in every one.

Yes, they are good at starting things. They're not so great at finishing them. They like novelty, challenge, and something a little bit tough to sink their teeth into. But once the task, pastime, or interest is "easy" they get bored and move on. They're like that with people, too. They're extremely loyal friends, but they have their own definition of friendship -- which doesn't include much touchy-feely sentiment, "sensitivity," or constantly being in each other's hair. They can rival any Aquarius when it comes to independence, and if you can tolerate that ... and the fact that they're often a little too forceful to be considered, well, "polite" ... you'll get along fine.

Aries is aggressive, competitive, and willing to follow its dreams ... alone if need be. Aries is notoriously energetic, but also terribly self-centered. It wants what it wants now. Aries loves to win, and will try things that scare the whey out of more timid souls. But Aries wants to win fairly or lose in an honest contest. It pushes to try harder and go farther, but only when afflicted does it want to win at any cost.

Aries folks are pioneers ... tackling formidable challenges or opponents, exploring territories where there are no maps, where the law of the wild is the law of the land, building new lives from sheer gutsiness and necessity -- going "where no man has gone before." (William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy are both Aries ... born four days apart.)

Armed with enterprise (sorry, I couldn't resist) and enthusiasm, they look unflinchingly at new conditions, new starts, and the formidable task of building whatever they need from their own labor, vision, and the resources at hand. They have remarkable self-confidence, the vigor to do "whatever it takes" to succeed, and the daring to take a risk and turn a passing opportunity into the chance of a lifetime.

They have a flashpoint temper, legendary impatience, and they believe persistence is the key to success. They persevere against the odds, and don't take kindly to interference at all. True, they achieve a lot; but they can be tactless, bullying, argumentative, and defiant. With them, temper and temperamental go hand in hand. They fire off fast when they get angry, but fortunately they simmer down quickly, too. We can all give thanks for that!

(c) 2007 Rebecca Brents, All rights reserved.

About the Author

Rebecca Brents writes on a wide variety of spiritual and new age subjects, including astrology, tarot, feng shui, alternative health, metaphysics, and self-improvement. She publishes the extensive online new age Ezine, The Enchanted Sprite on her website: Enchanted Spirit, and offers numerous online new age lectures and new age classes in these various fields. She also provides astrology readings, tarot readings, and personal consultations through The Enchanted Spirit Metaphysical Source Shop. Stop by and subscribe to her free new age ezine, New Age-New Horizons.

Improved Search

I have just added a new search button to the right hand side menu. It has improved on the last one which was only showing one result on the page, and was pretty bad. I tested this new search button and it can find what I am looking for on the blog. Hopefully it's a lot better for you. The labels at the bottom of the page are pretty well defined for topics, but search is better for all those smaller pieces of information on aspects, placements and other general subjects.

Moon-Saturn Transits

When Saturn transits the Moon by conjunction, square or opposition this period may be quite challenging on the emotional level. Saturn aspecting the Moon can be somewhat depressing, and there is almost always a feeling of isolation. This transit is about learning how much strength and self-sufficiency we really have, and to help us learn these lessons we could be prone to feeling lonely, isolated and neglected by loved ones. Our need for security forces us into sobering introspection, and this may be a time of hypersensitivity, feeling low, and in a permanent heavy mood.

We may not be feeling very confident right now, and feel deeply insecure, hurt and resentful. Others may respond by withdrawing their emotional support, but we may not be able to accept the love and support of loved ones, family members and friends. We feel misunderstood and isolated from the world, and there may be excessive worries, fears and a negative attitude and sense that no one out there understands or cares about our needs. Love relationships may separate under these transits, or there could be parental separations, and it signifies a time in our lives where we are asked to let the inner child grow up on an emotional level, and realise that others cannot always provide the warmth, security and comfort that we need. The sense of rejection, negative criticism or feeling that others have failed us, force us to learn that we only really have ourselves to depend upon in this world. Moon-Saturn transits involve painful lessons of emotional self-sufficiency, and we have to learn to operate as an independent individual, but his doesn’t mean that we don’t need other people, all human beings long for emotional companionship.

We feel more emotionally inhibited and shy than usual and may not be able to let down our emotional defences. Moon-Saturn transits may also represent more responsibility for a parent, and this may be a time to face the degree of emotional dependency we possess, and obstacles, frustration and a generally depressing time involving our mother may also arise. The home life may have more responsibilities, and increased domestic burdens, and problems may surface in our personal life causing great unhappiness. We could be feeling very under the weather and below par at the moment, and need plenty of rest, food, care and nourishment. Women from the past may re-enter the life, and sometimes relationships with older women are formed. We generally feel burdened in our close relationships, and feel that we are carrying all the emotional burdens and responsibility alone. However, during this time we may discover new emotional strengths and resources that we didn't even know we had.

We even may feel like an abandoned child under Moon-Saturn transits, and have nowhere to turn for support. Others are not responding to our needs, and we find it harder to recognise the support which is given. We have to discover how to look after ourselves, and maintain a mature attitude by learning to become more practical, organised and disciplined in our personal life. This is the ideal phase in life to define our emotions, and face a period of emotional restructuring, self-reflection and reorganisation.

The Psychic and the Sceptic

I am doubtful whether or not we can pick between a psychic’s chart and a Sceptic’s, but enough of the scepticism.

One chart is of a man who is the head of the Sceptic society, he is very strong in the area of communications and has authored many books, has a teaching post at a university and lectures internationally. His specialized subjects are the History of Science, Psychology (I always thought psychology was unscientific, but there you go) and maths. The Sceptic has authored books about why people believe in the supernatural, and he has written books on cycling (marathon cyclist).

The goal of his society is to debunk anything they consider non-scientific. Astrology isn’t rejected, but he wants hard evidence that it actually works, and feels astrological personality descriptions are too vague and could apply to anyone. The Sceptic chases after those who claim to be able to talk to the dead, and go after grieving families.

The other chart belongs to a Psychic, and he is a noted parapsychology researcher, and practices spiritual channelling, and entering into a trance. The area of Communications is also strong in his chart; he is the author and editor of a psychic magazine. His unique abilities have touched many people, and they have reported amazing insights and forecasted changes in their lives. The Psychic has also written many books about dream work, prophecies and incredible coincidences. He has undergone vigorous testing and breakthroughs in psychic phenomena.

Take a look at the two charts posted below and when you are ready click on the show/hide button to reveal the answer.

VISIBLE CONTENT HERE

Chart One belongs to the Sceptic Michael Shermer and he has a strong Mercury rising in his chart. Whenever there are planets on an angle we can read any interpretation of the planet in that particular angular house, but amplify its meaning. Mercury rising shows a powerful need to communicate and get his ideas across to others, and others may view him as an analytical person. There is a pronounced need to talk or communicate.

Mercury is in Libra and he has the ability to see both sides of an issue, and he has a fair amount of social finesse. He would make an excellent mediator, and negotiator, or a public relations person. Mercury in Libra is square to Mars in Capricorn and this is what I would call an “ambitious mind”. Libra and Capricorn are more cool and calculated in their critical assessments. Mercury-Mars shows a fiery need to communicate, argue and aggressiveness in discussions. They make convincing speakers and have a forceful intellect.

Shermer also engages in debates on topics pertaining to pseudoscience and religion, in which he promulgates the need for scientific skepticism, expresses his views on those topics from that perspective.

Mercury likes to get others opinions (Libra) on the subject, and there is a strong need to be respected (Capricorn) in his area of expertise. There might be some conflict between Mars in Capricorn’s forceful authority and Mercury in Libra’s need to be fair and balanced

So we are left with the legacy of two types of thinking errors: Type 1 Error: believing a falsehood and Type 2 Error: rejecting a truth. ... Believers in UFOs, alien abductions, ESP, and psychic phenomena have committed a Type 1 Error in thinking: they are believing a falsehood. ... It's not that these folks are ignorant or uninformed; they are intelligent but misinformed. Their thinking has gone wrong.
— Michael Shermer, Why People Believe Weird Things, 1997, 2002, Introduction

The Jupiter-Uranus conjunction in Cancer in the 10th house indicates his worldly knowledge (Jupiter) of Science (Uranus) and in Cancer revealing a familiarity on the history of the subject. He needs to make a large contribution to society and to feel he has made a difference in the world (10th house). He likes to nourish others growth and has written books for children on how to understand math and Science.

The Moon in Capricorn shows a deeply entrenched, serious and responsible person, and he has probably learned about self-sufficiency from a young age. The Moon in the 4th house has a strong attachment to his heritage, past, and family traditions. The Sun and Moon are in trine showing harmony between his sharp analytical mind, efficiency and developing skills and his emotional need to build solid foundations, and ability to work towards his goals.

Pluto in the 11th house has an aversion to some groups and societies (psychic ones), but his main goal is to be involved in social change.

Chart Two belongs to Psychic Alan Vaughn; he has the Sun rising in Capricorn in the 12th house and wants to be seen as a respected individual, and he has lots of self-discipline. The Sun conjunct Jupiter aspect gives him more self-confidence and belief. Jupiter in the 12th house often wants to benefit charitable organisations, and help others in some way.

Vaughn created the non-profit foundation now known as the Intuition Network.

Mercury is also in the 1st house of this chart in Capricorn, showing a serious and naturally doubting mind, and he likes to convey disciplined thinking. He would like to be an authority in his chosen subject.

Mercury s square Uranus suggests an unconventional thinker, and someone capable of making unique discoveries, and this energy speeds up his mental processes, and shows an interest in science, research, computers and new theories. Often their thinking goes against normal long-held traditional thoughts.

He has contributed to key research and significant breakthroughs in psychic testing and controlled studies, leading to a software package, "Psychic Reward.

Mercury forms a trine to Neptune in the occult 8th house of the dead. He is open and receptive to subjects which defy rational explanation, such as psychic phenomena, mental telepathy, metaphysic and they can teach these subjects to others. Neptune in the 8th house may naturally develop an interest in the supernatural, psychic phenomena, or occult subjects. Some of these individuals do report strange experiences with “ghosts”, the astral plane or death. Demi Moore has Sun-Neptune conjunct in her 8th house and I think this is a major factor to why she got the leading role in the film “Ghost”. Demi also had a stepfather who committed suicide.

Mercury is opposite Pluto (natural ruler of the 8th house) showing someone who is always probing beneath the surface, and they may be interested in researching taboo subjects, human psyche, hidden, mysterious, esoteric or occult subjects. They also have the power to convince people by sheer powerful convictions.

The angular Moon in Cancer in the 7th house reveals a powerful sensitiveness and receptiveness to others, and the ability to understand the unspoken needs and feelings of others. Cancer is often known as a psychic sign, and this placement may indicate powerful female relationships.

Chart One and Two Below - Click to Enlarge

Amy Winehouse Dead: Club 27

Amy Winehouse died yesterday of a suspected drug overdose at her London home. The 27 year old had fought a long and publicized battle against drugs and alcohol. Amy joins the astrological Saturn Return club of musicians who have all died at the same age. You can read in this article about the Lunar and Saturn Return.

Astrologically Amy had Sun conjunct Mercury square Neptune, and when it came to her music she had the ability and the craft (Virgo) to produce something creative, inspired and artistic (Neptune). A strong Neptune chart is often enormously imaginative, and Virgo has a fine eye for detail and is efficient in their work, and takes pride in doing a job well. When she is on top form she was praised for her craft and skill at making music. However, Virgo's can also be very self-critical as well, and being such a perfectionist is hard work up against Neptune’s chaotic world. Neptune floods her personal consciousness and along with being deeply inspiring in her creative work, it can also keep her unfocused, ungrounded and drifting along in an addictive lifestyle.

Sun-Neptune is an extremely sensitive and imaginative aspect, and she can get lost in her dreams and fantasies, but the downside of this aspect is the reluctance to face reality and the powerful need to avoid and escape life. Neptune struggles in life with staying “sober” and she even resisted her record company’s attempt to put her into rehab. Winehouse also struggled with depression, eating disorders, and self-cutting. I believe the Saturn conjunct Pluto natal aspect in her horoscope is aspecting an angle of her chart powerfully (but without a birth time this is uncertain). I would definitely put in a vote for some heavy Scorpio, 8th house and Pluto energy in her chart. Scorpionic qualities are clearly seen in her appearance and music. Astrologically the Saturn-Pluto aspect attempts to break down boundaries, and much of what has been suppressed in her personality or kept buried erupts into consciousness. When the aspect is in transit it often occurs at the time of death, loss of security, and deep depression, and natally these were common themes in her life. Saturn-Pluto aspects also reveal a deep resourcefulness, self-will and powerful personality, but they usually have to face some kind of change or crisis in life to get to this point.

Amy also had Saturn in Scorpio (Pluto’s sign) and there are often early betrayals or humiliation at the hands of those she depends on. She might have found out about the taboos in life the hard way. Defence mechanisms involve deep suspicion, pride, and the need for the absolute possession of loved ones, sometimes Saturn in Scorpio longs for emotional dominance over others. There is a deep fear of being emotionally vulnerable, so trusting others and letting themselves be known in an intimate way can be difficult. Saturn-Pluto can dig in their heels and resist change, and refuse to go the rehab. Saturn-Pluto is self-destructive, and this aspect usually deals with handling a difficult blockage in the personality.

Without a birth time it is difficult to see where the transits are apsecting. In Amy’s chart she had a benign aspect of transiting Uranus trine her natal Jupiter-Uranus conjunction in Sagittarius. This transit is usually a positive one, indicating a sudden change in beliefs, unexpected opportunities, surprise gains. We usually feel an exciting sense of what the future could hold, and it denotes a phase of growth and expansion. We want to stretch ourselves across our normal boundaries, and it’s an over the hills and faraway kind of energy, and a sudden need to be free, and explore life further. In some chart’s it has indicated breaking free from people, situations, and circumstances that have made us feel trapped. It can be an exciting time, not knowing what is in store for us. Perhaps for Amy it indicated a spiritual freedom and lightness, indicated by death. Howard Sasportas says that when these two planets are in powerful aspect, we don’t come back the same person – if we come back at all. Transiting Neptune was also square the Jupiter-Uranus conjunction. The Jupiter-Neptune transit is also linked to experiences that give meaning to our lives, and we can easily become disillusioned under such transits, and we make great sacrifices, and there is a tendency to over-do things. Traditional astrology books warn of being misguided, impracticality, and a clouded vision.

I will be interested to hear the autopsy results, to help put these transits into the right perspective, and nothing has been confirmed about a possible drug overdose. Police reports have stated there appears to be no foul play, and her death seems to be accidental.

Venus-Saturn Transits: Learning about Love and Self-Value

With the transiting conjunction, square or opposition of Saturn to Venus, relationships may be difficult right now, and this may be a testing period in terms of our values and definitions of love. We may experience complications in our primary love relationships, and are probably not feeling at our most confident. There are often feelings of depression and loss of self-esteem. We may be receiving a lack of love and affection and have the painful feeling that we are unattractive or unlovable, and may consciously or unconsciously expect the ones we love to reject, criticise or ignore us because we are not feeling very secure inside.

During Venus-Saturn transits we may be undergoing a difficult time with a partner, for reasons such as financial constrictions or work difficulties, and he may be working long hours. Additional responsibilities may be taken on in the relationship, creating extra burdens, making the bond feel heavy, and lacking in its usual light-heartedness. A partner may be acting selfish, cold and rejecting our needs for closeness. There is a lack of warmth and emotional support at this difficult time. This might be a period of painful separation, our social life may suffer, and we feel more lonely, isolated and withdrawn than usual. We may find that our own expression of love and affection has slowly cooled, and we experience some sexual inhibition, defensiveness and shyness.

Through-out this period we face some aching feelings about the flaws and challenges of a relationship. Relationships are hard work right now, and our definitions of personal values are changing, and being redefined as we look more seriously at the deeper basis for the relationship. Through our own feelings of insecurity we have to be careful that we don’t desperately search for someone to alleviate these feelings of unlovability, and we may choose someone who enjoys us being insecure and vulnerable. We need to get serious about our love life or marriage, but we might have to deal with disappointment, feelings of unattractiveness, and re-examine and redefine our self-worth. It is at these times that our relationships our examined far more critically, and failings in the relationship or in ourselves, are more apparent. The bonds that are real and solid will not break in our life, and we may be asked to work harder.

With transiting Saturn sextile or trine Venus we may feel more secure in our relationships, and benefit from older people in our lives. We may even choose a partner who is significantly older for us; both Catherine Zeta Jones (Venus-Saturn) and Celine Dion (Sun-Saturn) have chosen to be with men who are much older. We appreciate more traditional forms of beauty right now, and if we have been careless and impractical with money, now is the time to learn how to be more practical and realistic where finances are concerned. Sometimes a person from our past resurfaces and wants to form a relationship once again. During this time we can create a solid ground for emotional commitments, and use this time to assess what we want from a relationship and what we have to give. Learn about love and self-value, and come out of this period having a real understanding of limitations and the hard work it takes to sustain a relationship over the long-haul.

Moon-Uranus Transits: Emotional Breakdown, Breakup, Breakthrough

With the transiting conjunction, square or opposition of Uranus to the Moon emotional tension may disturb our life, and we may need to struggle to break free of old patterns. The Moon is concerned with our domestic life, emotions and feelings, and the manner in which we instinctively respond to others. Frustration with existing relationships can happen or we sense that some forthcoming explosion or unpredictable upheaval is coming and it makes us feel anxious and uneasy. Our home life may meet with change or disruption, and we may move house, divorce or separate from a partner. The Moon rules the mother in astrology and she may be going through a time of change, separation and disruption in her own life. There may be a sudden retirement or move of residence.

• We might experience some unstable and turbulent feelings, and this can be particularly disturbing if we are used to our emotional security The emotions can be erratic and the moods fluctuating, and it can be a time when our public image is altered. We may fear that we are having a personal breakdown, and losing all control over our conscious selves, and there may be some emotional shocks in store. Some of our emotional behaviour will surprise and upset others. The prospect of change, separation or disturbance to our life may fill us with anxiety and negative fears about the future. Moon-Uranus transits tend to turn our world upside down. We are psychologically undergoing a process of emotional separation, and venturing out in something new and untried.
• Men may attract women who are unconventional, strange, and different form the norm. His partner/wife may be affected by moodiness, emotional volatility, and acting strange and unpredictable. The female in our life may be acting out this inner urge for greater freedom, and making changes to old and limiting circumstances blocking her way to future growth.
• Our inbuilt emotional patterns are likely to be challenged, and we may have to break free of some of the emotional responses that we have now outgrown. On a profound level this may be necessary for our growth and development. We are challenged to learn greater emotional independence, and to move beyond our old ways of interacting with others. We want to break out of situations that are limiting or constricting us. We need to be careful not to change too many of our existing structures because we are feeling more restless and getting “itchy feet” during this period. We are changing old habits and routines, and trying to free ourselves from old and restricting emotional responses.
• With the transiting conjunction, sextile or trine of Uranus to the Moon we may be waking up to greater emotional freedom, and making changes for the better in our lives. We might have a positive breakthrough in the relationship with our mother. Even under difficult transits the changes happening in our lives may not cause such upheaval, but we are asked to change on an inner level, and the prospect of any change at this time fill us with exhilaration and excitement. We might be looking forward to a house move, new job, enter a new relationship that is full of future possibilities. We may redecorate and shift things around at home.
• We may feel tremendous inner freedom, and are emotionally excited at the prospect of discovering who we are on a feeling level. We are craving stimulation. The people that enter our lives and the events that occur may only be there for a short time, and act like catalysts who open the door to greater freedom, change and reinvention.

Sun-Jupiter Progressed Aspects

When the progressed Sun forms an aspect to Jupiter we are likely to feel full of hope and confidence right now. Sun-Jupiter progressions can manifest physically and intellectually, and at this time we may feel the need to express our solar qualities more fully. This is a phase in our lives where we are asked to believe in ourselves and our capabilities. We might want to create a better life for ourselves and the future. We need to realize that we are not limited by the circumstance of our life, and we need to follow and pursue our goals.

Under the softer Sun progressed Jupiter aspects we are not going to express ourselves in an overly excessive or naïve way. Our aspirations and dreams for the future are in harmony. We may encounter beneficial opportunities, and benefit from receiving the support from others around us. We enjoy philosophical pursuits, religion and spirituality, and our intuition is working well. We feel more generous and open hearted, and there is an optimistic quality about us, and a more tolerant and giving spirit. This may be a time we win rewards, gain scholarships, and realize our greater potential. There can be a promotion, financial gain and increased social approval.

Under challenging Sun-Jupiter progressions we may exaggerate our sense of self-importance, and tactlessness may be a problem. There may be increased restlessness, and they may feel a conflict between the self and need to expand. We have to be careful of investments, gaining weight, and heart trouble. There is also a tendency to self-indulge during this progression, and particularly with food and drink.

We may find ourselves travelling abroad, taking a university course, and expressing an interest in other cultures and foreign affairs. We may even find ourselves dealing with legal matters, or involve ourselves in writing and publishing. The development of greater courage and strength help us to make more of our future. We make relationships now based on intellectual or spiritual affinity and they have some influence over our future growth, and development. We may feel the bounty of life’s general goodness and an opening of the heavens right now.

Sun-Venus Progressed Aspects

When the Sun and Venus form a progressed aspect to one another our developing individuality has now come into conflict with long held ideas and preconceptions about love, and a stronger, more definite set of personal values will be established. Under hard Sun-Venus progressed aspects we leave behind relationships and values which we have outgrown. We may blame our unhappiness on a loved one, but not realise that something has shifted inside of us. A partner may be seeking affection elsewhere, and extremes of anger and jealousy may be provoked. Jealousy may be a major issue at the moment, because one of the ways we might have to face this split between our identity and inner values is through a love triangle. We ourselves may be torn between two people, and the issue of rivalry enters our life during this period.

If our marriage has been under stress, it may separate at this time as we are striving towards great self-definition, and reintroducing harmony into our lives. Marriage or becoming attached is also often signified, indicating the personal self-moving into a relationship and combining our sense of self with another person’s set of values, ethics and beliefs. The birth of children, an artistic career, or businesses are other experiences in the course of this progression in life, and serves to illuminate something in ourselves that which we might need to develop. Perhaps this means developing a greater sense of self-worth, and recognition of our personal talents, and resources.

We may find satisfaction through accumulated assets and financial power, and there will be a stronger drive to achieve materially. Hard progressed aspects of the Sun to Venus may indicate excessive materialism, self-indulgence, laziness, or weight gain. We may have to watch for health problems with kidneys, lower back and gall bladder. A powerful drive towards social activities and developing artistic projects is highlighted during this time. Any good aspect between the progressed Sun and Natal Venus is a positive indicator for a love relationship. The Sun-Venus connection stimulates warm and affectionate feelings, and there is a strong need to have love in our life, and there is a willingness to make compromises, ensuring that we find the best support from our relationships.

The Dark of the Soul: Psychopathology in the Horoscope

The Dark of the Soul - Psychopathology in the Horoscope, written by astrologer Liz Greene is a compelling read, but its subject matter may be uncomfortable for some people to deal with. The author discusses the horoscopes of the dark, destructive and terrifyingly cold individuals in our society. A clinical picture of the psychopath is painted describing some of the elements and traits we should expect to find. The list of psychopathic characteristics include – charm, grandiose sense of self-worth, low boredom threshold, pathological lying, conning, lack of remorse, lack of empathy, parasitic lifestyle, lack of self-control, lack of relatedness, and failure to accept responsibility,

A lack of remorse is considered the most important characteristic on the list, and she explains that psychopaths do not act out of vengeance, but there is often a displaced vengeance at work. Remorse is usually linked with the ability to feel what another person feels. Greene believes it is this blankness and inner void, which is so terrifying. She also makes the point about the elements, and says that having a strong water chart does not always indicate that you are an empathetic person, and does not describe if we have the ability to feel. Water dominates many of the psychopathic charts, and another surprising connection to psychopaths is made to a strong Venus is in the horoscope, and this is linked with a need to be social, liked, feel pleasure, and relationships are often critical for these people, but if something else in the chart suggest rejection and humiliation, things turn disturbing.

We all need others and we all fear abandonment. It is absoluteness of the psychopathic fear that is so destructive, and there is no conscious awareness of it…The psychopath is not aware of feeling fear. Yet the fear is so deep and all-consuming that everything is dominated by it. All behavioural patterns, whether psychotic or not, serve some inner goal, conscious or unconscious. The psychopath’s characteristic promiscuity serves as a protection against abandonment. If one is always hopping from one bed to another, casually exploiting sexual partners but never feeling attached to any of them, one never runs the risk of being vulnerable. Power over others is a highly effective weapon against the threat of abandonment. Why should an individual disconnect from feelings? Because when we need we are vulnerable, and we might be humiliated or abandoned.

Chart examples include the Oklahoma bomber, Charles Manson, Slobodan Milosevic, Myra Hindley, Dunblane Killer, Michael Jackson and more. The author explores the symbolism of the crime through the astrological aspects and placements by observing the brutal murder of pregnant Sharon Tate by Manson, and attributing this to his Moon-Pluto opposition and internal hatred for his own mother. The Oklahoma Bomber's Moon in Pisces 12th house (sensitivity to the collective) opposite the explosive and generational aspect of Uranus-Pluto. The feelings of being smothered (Pluto) and cut off (Uranus) from affection in early childhood and the general unstableness of such a connection in his birth chart is examined. The emotional responses are so intense in the Moon-Pluto individual that it becomes virtually impossible to react to anything in a bland and superficial way. It is thought by criminal investigators that the psychopath leaves a special “signature” which reflects something about their unique psychology, and astrologers may be able to discern these signs through the astrological chart.

The book explores from an astrological perspective, the extreme psychological states of such individuals, and through he use of psychology and astrology we may come closer to understanding human behaviour. The most shocking part of the book is the astrological case study of the Dunblane killer. I found this challenging to read and it brought to light society’s scapegoating tendencies, but it is such an horrific crime to discuss. The massacre of young schoolchildren and their teacher is something that will stay in the minds of people forever. Liz Greene points out that it is often the “Plutonian” child who is “different”, the “black sheep” of the family. To conclude,  if you ever get the chance to read The Dark of the Soul there are plenty more insights and riveting explanations on the psychology and astrology of the psychopath, and we may be no closer to really understanding them, but this book takes us nearer to rationalizing why some people react with such cold brutality to their fellow human beings.

Mars in Leo

Mars in Leo expresses itself with strength of purpose, magnetism and vitality. The individual’s energies are confident, exuberant and dramatic, and their strengths include leadership ability, and strong willpower. Whatever these people do they like to put their own personal style onto it, and they see themselves as a natural leader, and others believe strongly in their sense of importance and are inspired to follow.

Mars here never holds grudges, and they put their heart out energetically, and nothing short of the best will do. They are ambitious people, proud and honourable, and expect the same worthy behaviour from others. When Mars here gets angry it usually comes out in self-centredness and a hot temper, and it is typically displayed in a dramatic scene. They hate to do things in a mediocre way, or fuss about with the details. There may be some difficulty with Mars here in recognising the wishes, needs and viewpoints of others. The individual may be too forceful when imposing his or her will on situations which call for greater flexibility and cooperation, and work best when left to run the show, and they enjoy being in charge and entertaining.

Mars in Leo needs to find outlets for their strong creative energy, there is such an intense desire and motivation to express themselves in the house placement of Mars in the chart. They compete for centre stage in order to assure that they will be acknowledged, but get angry when they are criticised and rejected, and deeply fear the possibility of humiliation. In the face of poor reviews they feel that they must put on a better performance to win the approval of others and prove they are better than anyone else. They are highly energised by images of themselves as the creator or performer, and desire excellence and can’t bear anything they produce to be sub-standard. Possessing an innate sense of the dramatic, they are completely unselfconscious.

Above all they like to project an image of self-confidence, self-sufficiency and be noticed immediately. Excessive pride is one of the pitfalls of this placement and the inability to accept criticism even if it meant in the best way. They hate to feel small and belittled and their pride often spurs them into battle. Mars in Leo is highly creative, and has plenty of energy, determination and self-esteem. These people need to keep believing in themselves no matter what the critics say, but they do have to be wary of boasting. They are extremely generous, good natured and optimistic, and a child-like enthusiasm endears them to many. Mars in Leo needs to be seen to shine and excel, and they have excellent organisational qualities. The house where Mars is placed represents the sphere where creative actualisation will take place.

Women with Mars in Leo are often attracted to men who are larger than life, self-expressive and who embody all the lionly qualities of loyalty, vision and heroism. The men exude strength and will-power and always fight for their honour. There is sometimes an overbearing manner and need to dominate others. They have fixed and passionate desires, and a strong sex drive, are usually ardent lovers, but are also capable of jealousy and possessiveness. They may like to show off a partner, and be seen with someone who they can be proud of.

Jupiter in Leo

Jupiter in Leo renews faith in life through developing new avenues of expression. A philosophical approach to life and learning involves developing a greater understanding of the spirit of uniqueness. The meaning of life may also be linked in giving creative expression to the self. They may find significance in the creative act of children, or pleasure and romance. Prosperous areas are usually found in creativity, entertainment, offspring and recreation

Many with this position work well over others, and perhaps gain power and reputation, taking pride in their creative and intellectual achievements. The positive aspects of Jupiter in Leo are their warm-heartedness, kindness and optimism in the sphere of life where Jupiter is found. They may want to gain some kind of distinction, fame or reputation here. Jupiter in Leo represents an over-generous personality, and usually this position is called fortunate, and often brings success. Jupiter in Leo offers them the opportunity to develop a dignified, self-confident and optimistic nature, with strong leadership abilities.

Creative work is often a source of deeper meaning and a journey of self-discovery, and the individual may experience a strong sense of personal destiny. Any planets in Leo usually like to take the lead and growth and development is achieved through displays of confidence. There is something of the dramatic displayed here, but some kind of status is needed for them to reinforce a feeling of being distinctive. Jupiter in Leo attracts good fortune when they are generous of heart; inspire confidence in those around them, and express their light and warmth to all people. Winning the love and appreciation of others helps them feel that have fulfilled a sense of purpose and meaning in life. Jupiter’s position by house often shows where possible success, prosperity and rapid development are likely to take place. Jupiter represents the part of ourselves that we can share with society at large. The celebration of individual essence and the ability to grow involves ‘knowing thyself’, and expressing the creative will.

Octomom

I was quite curious to see Nadya Suleman’s chart, known as Octomom by the media. This woman came to public attention when she gave birth to octuplets, and she was assisted to such high re-productiveness by her doctor who was struck off the list after the case made the news. Natalie already had six young children, and she began IVF treatments when she was 21 years old.

Astrologically Natalie was born with a Sun-Saturn conjunction in the sign of motherhood, Cancer. The Sun in the chart is what gives us a sense of meaning and direction in life. The Sun wakes us up every day, and gives us the strength to keep moving towards our desired purpose. Cancer is a feminine sign ruled by the Moon, and is associated with the breasts and stomach, and one of the key phrases for Cancer is I feel. Cancerians are best known for their attachment to home; they are strongly attached to their mother, and tend to be nurturing parents themselves. Natalie has made a career (Saturn) out of being a mother (Cancer). However, Saturn in Cancer has a fear of the depths of emotional attachments, or the confines of family, and may feel over-burdened, and also feel heavy and depressive moods.

Sometimes starting a family with Saturn here is done for compulsive reasons, and underneath there may be a real sense of insecurity and awkwardness around the sense of emotional dependency and feelings of safety. I think it’s safe to say the heavier burden (Saturn) of family responsibilities and parenthood are here. Sue Tompkins links this placement with a form of imprisonment in the family, and the author also says this can be the hallmark of a dutiful parent or merely anxieties about the family – fears of losing the family or worries about individual members. Nadya has lived with her mother in a small three bedroomed house, and her parents filed for bankruptcy in 2008, citing nearly 1 million in liabilities. Sulemans’ father said he would return to work in order to financially support his family. The mother has been a support and critic in Nadia’s life and so there may be a sense here of feeling unsupported on an emotional level, and the public hasn’t been welcoming. Wherever Saturn is in our natal charts is we have to work harder to prove ourselves.

Often Cancerians enjoy being part of a large family, and there is a very powerful need in Natalie for a sense of belonging, and they are often dominated by their feelings. The Sun-Saturn conjunction in cancer may have been driven by a fear of loneliness, isolation and insecurity to create such a large family. Octomom starting having IVF treatment at the age of 21 years, and this is a time we experience our second Saturn square to birth Saturn. This juncture in our lives represents a social separation – a movement out into the larger world, and a time when a decision must be made about future direction. The second Saturn square brings up many unresolved issues to the surface concerning our family background and expectations. Many people leave home at this time, get married, and look for a career, or begin having children.

I have watched Nadya in interviews a couple of times, and she talks super-fast, she is not exactly a mute sign of Cancer. However, this is because Mercury is in its own sign of Gemini and they are often great talkers, and Mercury forms an exact trine to Uranus. The Mercury-Uranus aspect tends to speed up the mental processes and so she can come across as articulate and bright.

Jupiter in 12th House

When Jupiter is in the 12th house it is usually expressed as a full imagination, and yearning towards some kind of spiritual goal. They enjoy exploring the inner world of solitude, alones and privacy. Jupiter is traditionally at home in the 12th house and expands the unlimited realm of the unconscious, and so there is need for growth, and social activity in the sphere of ‘selfless-service. These individuals dream of a better future, and there is a broadness and expansiveness of their spiritual acceptance, but some astrologers have equated this placement with an unhealthy amount of faith in God. . From time to time there are lofty and unrealistic expectations for the collective that are ungrounded and they may expect too much.

Jupiter here is searching for the meaning and purpose behind every experience, and they are usually good at seeing the larger patterns behind life. There is a deep faith in the benevolence and significance of life. Jupiter in the 12th house individuals are opened to something greater than themselves through music, art, poetry. A 12th house Jupiter represents an inner sense of generosity, blessing optimism and enthusiasm for the future, and this placement frequently signifies somebody who benefits all forms of charity work. Many will find fulfilment working in places of confinement – hospitals, prisons, and places of healing, or sometimes is it through charitable organisations and education.

The twelfth house is the house of sacrifice, and often planets here are motivated to act for the wider collective, and to offer something beyond them. Selfless giving inspires them and altruistic love through sacrifice and charity work is what gives them a sense of meaning. Some believe that service will lead them towards god, but there can also be personal gains through service work, as long as there is some discrimination applied, otherwise there is the danger of being swept away by their beliefs, and they are inclined to give too much. The traits for self-undoing which are always found with any planet in the 12th house may be a secret need to gamble, overindulge in alcohol or drugs, manic behaviour, or hypocrisy.

A sense of inner faith can become a great inspiration for others that help them to keep moving forward in life. The placement of Jupiter in the 12th house is also believed to attract inner allies to help them along the way, and many feel a large sense of protection from some unseen hand, by some kind of spiritual guide or secret guardian angel helping them along the way. It believed that some form of help always arrives just on time and when things seem hopeless and bleak for the individual. Jupiter here seeks to grow inwardly, and this placement is linked to prophetic dreams, psychic visions, and they often enjoy exploring the imaginable realm of dreams and symbols.

A 12th house Jupiter may be influenced by religious or philosophical beliefs, and these are not usually the types who subscribe to a strict, organised kind of religion. Joy and meaning in life is often found in places many people find uncomfortable, so solitude, loneliness and isolation are areas where Jupiter needs to retreat in order to rejuvenate their positivity. Happiness is found in silence and they find hope after withdrawal from the outside world. This is sometimes the placement of the gifted counsellor, healer or psychic helping others through difficult times.

Mars in Libra

Those with Mars in Libra channel their energies into socializing, diplomacy and mediating. Their strengths include fairness and the ability to compromise, and cooperativeness. The difficulty lies in an inability to be decisive and independent, but this is only because they have a strong sense of fairness. Sometimes they behave in ways they think others want them to, and they may also demand that others act fairly. The self-assertiveness is moderated and this sometimes creates a backlog of frustration that may suddenly surface in extreme anger.

Mars in Libra often finds themselves torn between two choices of action, and this can reflect an inner conflict of asserting their own need for independence and being supportive of others. The Mars principle describes how we set about getting what we want. The Libra standard is about our relationships with others, and how to balance our desires. Mars placed in Libra acts in a way that accommodates others’ wishes, and the pursuit of goals is civilized, so there may be some difficulty in expressing anger or engaging in competition. The tendency here is to think too much before acting, and this is because they can usually see both sides of every issue.

Aggression in any form seems threatening and they don’t deal well with confrontations, arguments, and physical combat. They will always seek ways to work with others rather than against them. Mars here is motivated by the desire for justice, and is happiest in fields where they can fight for truth, beauty and principles and against ugliness, injustice, and dishonesty. Mars in Libra is good at fighting for other people's rights, but usually not for their own.

Mars channels most of its energy into partnerships or group activities, and they initiate social interaction, and their initiative is usually inspired by approval and feedback. Mars desires harmony in their relationships, and they often achieve their goals by collaborating and joining forces with others. Mars in Libra is objective, detached and impartial. Libra’s fair and unemotional approach could enable them to be a good judge, manager, or diplomat. The individual may have great skills in getting others to do what they want, but they usually have the knack for pleasing both sides. Mars in Libra is the clever strategist and always considers the other person’s move.

Art is another area where they might focus their energy, and they may also be motivated by music, fashion, or literature. In relationships they are not pushy or forceful, and once they decide they want someone, they make a continuous effort at bringing the union together. Mars in Libra has a strong need to always do things in a partnership or with others. For women they are usually attracted to men with traditional good looks, or they are intelligent, gentle and artistic, and sometimes an early partnership or marriage is indicated.

Mute Signs: Including Other Speech and Communication Difficulties

Older astrological textbooks use the term: Mute or even dumb to describe the water signs (Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces). It I said that when Mercury is afflicted in one of these signs, it results in quietness, difficulty in speaking, or even speech impediment. The designation mute was probably given because these creatures are “mute”. The signs are also referred to as reptilian signs as they rule the signs that make no audible sound.

Mercury in the 12th house is another placement that is often associated with some form of communication difficulties or suffer from feelings of not being heard, misunderstood, and a powerfully sensitive mind. The silent Twins Jennifer and June Gibbons, have Mercury in the 12th house trining Pluto and a Moon-Neptune conjunction in Scorpio. The twins socially withdrew from the outer world and would only speak to each other, turning to crime as teenagers they were eventually institutionalised in prison.

I am not a believer that communication challenges cannot be overcome, and some of our greatest astrological ‘afflictions’ may become one of our greatest strengths in later years, but only if we are willing to put in the effort to improve our Mercurial areas. Mercury in a water sign challenged by Saturn is said to cause stammering, and in Lewis Carroll’s (writer) chart he has Mercury in Saturn’s sign (Capricorn) forming a square to Pluto (ruler of Scorpio). I think this may have caused a fear and blockage in the area of social commination, but his strength lay in his ability to write children’s books like Alice in Wonderland. King Charles the I of Scotland and Ireland was said to suffer from a stammer as a child, he has Mercury in Sagittarius square Neptune in the 12th house, but he also has Saturn in the 3rd house (Mercury’s house) in Scorpio’s sign. This is very mistrusting and defensive sign in communication.

Einstein was considered a slow developer as a child and his parents feared he was mentally retarded. His teachers would say he would never amount to anything because of such slow development. Einstein has Mercury conjunct Saturn and so a delay (Saturn) in speech (Mercury) would not be the most uncommon thing to find in these people. I have noticed Mercury-Saturn individuals often have this problem with authority figures, parents, teachers or guardians who somehow make them feel less than adequate in the area of learning and communication. The examples of writers and Einstein’s proves the case that “afflicted" Mercury’s have nothing to do with the state of a person’s intelligence, and many astrologers argue over whether intelligence can be seen in the natal chart. The only thing we can assess is the style and mode of communication of an individual, and we do not know the person’s level of learning, or whether they have a speech impediment.

Mercury-Uranus has often been seen in the charts of those with Tourette’s syndrome, and this would be the right kind of astrological symbol to apply to this condition because it affects the neurological system, wiring of the brain and is characterised by sudden outbursts and vocalisations (Uranus) poor volume control, and the compulsion to swear and use unacceptable swear words, shocking (Uranus) others who don’t understand the individual’s medical condition. Saturn is the planet we associate with holding back, delaying and also what society terms as acceptable. Whereas Uranus is rebellious, truth seeking and unpredictable in behaviour.

The winner of Big Brother 7 in 2006 was a Tourette’s sufferer and he has his natal Mercury in Pisces square Uranus. The condition describes Uranus’s uncontrollable movements like tics, sudden jerking, blinking, lip smacking, arm flailing, and hissing. There are so many speech impediments and communication difficulties that could be attributed to the different planets and signs, and this is an area worthy of further study. The argument of psychological and physical ailments is also a powerfully charged issue amongst psychologists and doctors. However, even astrologers deal with what we might term “psychic” inborn patterns in the natal chart.

I have Mercury in Pisces square its ruler Neptune, and I was quiet in school, and other children used to tease me for being mute. The teachers can be just as bad and if we don’t all conform, and are not chatting all the time or outgoing in personality we are perceived as different. This is why astrology is so much needed in society so that we can understand different forms of communication and learning styles. It is also essential that we understand our children from their natal charts. Astrology clearly dictates that we are not all made of the same “stuff”.

One child at my school even said I would make a good a “sign” language teacher, and he wasn’t far wrong (winks), but astrology probably isn’t the sign language that he had in mind. As a young child I had hearing problems, but they completely cleared up. I attended many a speech therapy session at the doctors, along with more hearing tests, and got off a few classes (grins). It was never anything serious, and I could hear perfectly well after a minor operation on my ears. Maybe Mercury-Neptune children are trying to “tune out” the world in some strange sense. Pisces has a way of only communicating with the world of fantasy, imagination, and dreams. Astrologer Liz Greene linked Mercury-Neptune to a form of autism where little or no communication passes form the child to the outside world, and no outside influence impinges on the child’s inner world. The author believes we all have elements of autism within us where the lines of communication have broken down.

Mars-Neptune Transits - Sensitive Actions

When Neptune transits Mars our actions feel inspired and we find ourselves needing to be involved in worthy causes. Our actions are also more sensitised, and sometimes confusing, unclear and mystifying. Neptune has a dissolving or clouding effect on mars and so our energy may feel lethargic and we may be unsure of what action to take.

When transiting Mars conjuncts natal Mars, our strength, assertiveness and will power lessen and we may feel quite powerless to defend ourselves. Any form of addictive substance is best avoided at these times, and may perpetuate the problem. There is great difficult in motivating ourselves, and getting the ball rolling. The transit is more difficult for those types of people who are used to being assertive, going after what they want in a direct manner and who enjoy taking action. We feel adrift in life and it might become harder to achieve our desired goals, it may also be a time we have to give up what we want, and sacrifice something in life which we usually put so much energy into. This can easily lead to anger and frustration when we are not getting what we are fighting for, but under difficult transits we have more difficulty in actualizing our goals at this time.

Mars is the planet of anger and signifies a planetary nature in all of us that can reach breaking point and snap, when we feel angry under a Neptune transit to Mars all sorts of unconscious rage is directed or misdirected, rises to the surface. The force of such a tidal wave of anger may take us by surprise, and we may have to sift through all our feelings about how we assert ourselves, and perhaps let others walk over us. Actions taken are usually guided by the unconscious, and the unspoken rage of many need to be heard, and if we have managed to keep a lid on all our unexpressed anger, the lid is forced open and all the contents our out. Mars in difficult aspect with Neptune represents the desire to get what we want and the needing to please others, so there are two dynamically opposite forces at work during this transit. We are often made to feel aware of our weaknesses around our Mars profile, and need to examine what happens when we assert ourselves and do others feel threatened or for a more watery Mars does it strike up a fear of separation.

It is often thought that operations are more dangerous around this time, and we have to be careful with anaesthesia, and things may just generally not go the way we planned, or we might get an incorrect diagnosis. Toxins, poisons and unnatural substances needs to be avoided by the body. Mars is a sexual planet and so we have to be extra cautious about the signals that are sent and received by the men in our lives. If we are male then this might be a time where our sexual fantasises need to be acted out. Women have to be on guard against sexual violation and assault, and this is because Neptune loosens our sexual boundaries and attracts others more easily. I had a friend with this aspect who often attracted unwanted sexual attention. As Mars is a male planet, look out for deceptive and manipulative type of men around this period, they might be experiencing disturbing psychological or physical ailments, or perhaps even going through an intense creative period. They may be using addictive substances, and avoiding facing issues in their lives that they should be dealing with.

Under positive aspects we might take sex to a higher plane, but then many a sex addict has been born with this configuration so learn to set some boundaries. We need to respect other people’s boundaries as much as they should respect ours. Alternatively Neptune may decrease the sex drive and we may not enjoy the physical act of love making, and feel our sexual drive has lessened. The best way to utilize this energy is to be as straightforward as possible in all dealings, but also to allow ourselves time to adjust to this new energy. This is fantastic time for actively getting involved with dance, music and art, and photography. Our creations our more inspired and our creativity is heightened. We need to look at what best serves others and how we can use our Mars to help champion our causes. We also have to be careful that we are not misguided in the causes that we are advocating, and putting our energy into something that proves least helpful. We may be highly driven by altruistic and spiritual goals, and it may temporarily blind us. Usually we want to help and if we haven’t taken action before, this could be a time we get involved with our favourite charity.

Transits: Changing Fortunes - Pop Quiz

I was looking back at old posts and came across this one about transits and significant changes in a person’s life. I detailed in this post that there are around ten to twenty major events that occur in an individual's life-span. I was looking back at some past events and thinking about the transits happening at these points in time, and this is something everyone should do. It really helps us learn about the meaning of transits and what actually happened when they unfolded in our lives. We can also look back in retrospect, and this is usually the best time to gain insights into our developing selves. In this specific post I also discussed beginning new chapters and closing old ones, and I believe it is our ability to grow with change that really separates us from those who remain stagnant, fixated on the past, and refusing to look to the future.

I have also been thinking about the changing fortunes in a person’s life in general, and this is probably due to the Jupiter trine Pluto transit we currently have in the sky in the signs of Taurus and Capricorn and they are both trining my Virgo Ascendant. Take a look at this older post I have written on the Lot of Fortune. I have always felt Jupiter and Pluto relate to our changing fortunes, and this is not neglecting Saturn which is said to be an indicator of limitations and ‘bad luck’. Saturn is also a signification for a time in our lives when we make permanent and rewarding changes, and we make an attempt to create greater security. Jupiter in astrology means wealth, luck and growth, and similarly Pluto also means wealth (usually hidden), evolution, but Pluto also relates to bankruptcy, and this can be on a material, emotional or physical level, representing a time where we feel losses of all kinds.

Remember in an earlier post I commented on the changing fortunes of Darren Rowse from Problogger; he is already a lucky person anyway (Sun trine Jupiter), and has made great success and income in the blogging world. Nonetheless, when transiting Pluto moved to conjunct his natal Jupiter his fortunes changed dramatically, and for the better. There was increased wealth during this time, and his financial advisor had thought he robbed a bank.

It’s now time for a pop quiz to assess the changing fortunes of two individuals. Here are the two charts below, and one chart belongs to a missing person presumed dead after crashing her car into a snow bank on a highway. The reason for her disappearance is confusing, mystifying, and remains unsolved. The lady in question had a good education, family, friends and boyfriend. The day she went missing she emailed her teachers to say she had family troubles, and would be away for a few days, withdrawing money from her account for the trip. The other chart belongs to a lady who won the lottery, but the winning ticket was controversial and led to court cases and finally settlement. The individual found the winning slip in a pile of other discarded tickets. First take a look at the two charts below including transits and decide which chart belongs to the missing person, and which chart belongs to the lottery winner. When you are ready, click the button below to reveal the answer.

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Chart one is the lottery winner, and at the time of finding the winning ticket, transiting Jupiter (luck, opportunity, blessing) was conjunct her natal Ascendant, and beginning a transit to her natal Moon in Cancer. We can feel (Moon) luckier and there is an emotionally wealthy and abundant feeling under these transits. We feel that our personal life improves, and sometimes there is a sense of personal riches. We are usually in a good and generous mood, and our domestic life feels pleasant. Transiting Jupiter also formed a square to natal Pluto and this is an aspect I would associate with fortunes swinging significantly. It can indicate major losses or gains and there was some trouble and conflict connected with winning such a large amount of money (Jupiter-Pluto). I mentioned in a previous post that Jupiter-Pluto transits may also bring legal (Jupiter) trouble (Pluto).

Transiting Jupiter was still in orb and trine to natal Uranus, and this is another signification of fortunes changing for the better, and can indicate sudden (Uranus) windfalls (Jupiter). Transiting Saturn trined Pluto and this can signify a period of resourcefulness, self-control, and sustained regenerative ability. Natally we might also consider Jupiter at the 29th degree of Taurus (critical degree) in this lady’s natal chart conjunct the part of fortune. Astrologer Carol Rushman says this on the critical degrees of Taurus.

"I have seen millionaires with planets at 27, 28, 29 in all of the signs, but most often they are in earth or water signs. I have seen 29 Taurus or Scorpio also indicate bankruptcy. These two signs can go to either extreme, great wealth or financial disaster."

Transiting Uranus at 28 degrees was also squaring Jupiter and the part of fortune when her financial fortunes changed.

Chart Two is the horoscope of the missing woman, at the time of her disappearance she had transiting Jupiter trine the Sun in Taurus and in the house of money (2nd) and this could be viewed as a time of material gain, luck in life, and opportunity, so this one aspect may have thrown you in the analysis of the two charts. The lady did draw out some funds from her bank and took some possessions with her on the trip.

However, there were some difficult transits at play, and transiting Saturn was square to her Moon-Mars conjunction. Mars-Saturn is often found in transit with car delays, serious accidents, violence, or times of enormous frustration, depression, and a feeling of being restricted and blocked. An individual under such a transit may feel overstressed and burdened by too much responsibility. Transiting Uranus square Mercury can show rebellious thinking, disrupted journeys, and sudden changes in our plans. Transiting Neptune is in the 12th house of confusion, strange happenings and weird events in an exact square to her Sun (self). Neptune transits represent confusing times in our lives, and also rules strange disappearances. The lady was definitely entering a “nebulous period”, and you can read more about Sun-Neptune Transits in this post.

Transiting Pluto is also forming a conjunction to the mid-heaven revealing a major change in life direction, and it was approaching a square to natal Venus in Pisces rising, signifying change in her personal values, relationships and fortunes (Venus the lesser benific). Natally she has a full 7th house with Saturn-Pluto in the 7th and Jupiter-Pluto conjunct there as well, and this represents her changing fortunes and struggles in relationships and meetings with others in general.

Chart 1 and 2 Below - Click charts to expand.

Venus-Neptune Transits: The Perfect Relationship

When Neptune transits Venus we experience Neptune through our values, relationships, and possessions. The urge to be in a relationship is strong, and we may be drawn to a partner who is sensitive, romantic, and dreamy. Alternatively, Neptunian compassion and even pity motivate our choices in love at this time, and we could wind up with people who drain us emotionally and even financially. We may be swept off our feet by someone, and seek a soul mate union which transcends ordinary and physical emotional needs. There is often the tendency to over idealize partners during this time, and while it may be magical, it can also be deceptively enchanting. Neptune has a penchant of not seeing clearly the planetary principle it touches, and so coming down to earth from these kinds of relationships is difficult. Yet, we may genuinely fall in love during this period in our lives, and feel that we have really met ‘the one’ and a special soul mate to share our life with.

• When Neptune transits over Venus we long to experience the richest, most fulfilling and sublime love. We are incredibly empathetic towards a lover, spouse or new interest. However, we may be completely intoxicated by love for this person that we cannot always see them objectively. The transit often coincides with walking into relationships and not clearly seeing what we are entering into, our family and friends will have the objectivity to see what is really happening, but as far as we are concerned, everything is rosy. We may believe that we have found perfection, but when the enchantment has passed, we will need to come to terms with a real human being, and may risk disillusionment if we believed they were perfect.
• In love matters we do have to be careful about being gullible and open to deception, and we may be so inspired by someone that we lose our sense of judgement and usual discrimination. If we have entered a tricky and complex relationship during this period, once the transit ends we may come out of it reeling with a hangover, and feeling bitterly disappointed by it all. The happiness we thought we were experiencing was just an illusion, and we may even kick ourselves for not seeing it sooner. Our feelings may contain a strongly self-sacrificial energy right now. We might easily fall for Neptune types in relationships, and so a partner may be unstable, weak, destitute, highly dependent and needy, or abuses alcohol and drugs. We might even be attracted to losers or victims and of people who just can’t get their life together, and need us to rescue them.We won't always feel the need to disregard our own feelings and needs. Under Neptune's transit to Venus our ideals of love and human relationship by self abnegation, spirtiual values, and it may feel good to be taken out of ourselves.
• The notion of the perfect partner is difficult to let go, but sooner or later we may realize that we were the one making all the sacrifices and adjustments in the partnership. Our longing for a soul-mate at this time lies behind such a compulsive need for a relationship. This can lead to feeling bitterly disillusioned, but this may be a lesson in disguise, and it will allow us to look at our values differently and realize that external people and objects are not always dependable, and we need to find our inner resources to cope, and not allow others to use the things we place our highest value upon. We may regert giving away so much of our needs, resources and boundaries. We can’t be all things to all people and make impossible relationships so try and keep things in balance right now.
• Venus-Neptune transits sometimes involve secret and clandestine affairs, and we fall in love with someone who is simply unavailable to us, emotionally and/or physically. Usually after the initial feelings of desperate longing have passed we are left feeling frustrated by the whole thing. We end up fantasising about the relationship rather than seeing the one that really exists. The reality may be much different than we imagined or were led to believe because were so desperate for love. We may have to examine why we desperately wanted love, affection and happiness, and why we thought a relationship could fulfill all of our desires. The transit often brings emotional pain and difficulties, and suffering in relationships. We also have to be careful not to over-indulge in the pleasurable side of life, there can be a profound experience of unity with a partner, and we do everything we can to please them.
• We are more sensitized to objects and beauty, and feel more tender and loving. Music is an excellent outlet, and we excel in all creative endeavors. We need to infuse life with a sense of beauty and harmony, and we feel quite mystical and deeply compassionate. Such an opening of the heart may inspire us to be extremely responsive to music, poetry and art. If we are involved in creative work at this time we bring depth and universality to anything we create, as well as increasing our sensitivity to images, sound, beauty and relationships.