Spirit of Idealism in the USA

It's fascinating to observe the patterns and passions erupting, from a variety of perspectives, during this long election season in the USA. The conundrum I puzzle over a lot these days: sidereal versus tropical zodiac, nags me regularly as I browse news articles.

There's an interesting phenomenon occurring in the USA now. On first thought it seemed to me to be classic Uranus in Aquarius, which would have to relate to the sidereal zodiac, Uranus is now in tropical Pisces. "Change", a keyword of Uranus and Aquarius, is the buzzword of the moment here. American youth has suddenly become avidly interested in politics, passionately supporting their almost messianic hero, presidential candidate Barack Obama, whose message encapsulates Aquarian ideals.

The movement towards Aquarian ideals isn't only for the youth of the USA. Those left unmoved by Obama's oratory and celebrity endorsements are enthusiastically supporting an equally determined Hillary Clinton, who passionately demands change from the way the country has been run for the last 7 years. Even the old-fashioned Republican party has taken a wee step towards more Aquarian thinking by supporting John McCain, who, though still something of a warrior, is considerably more humanitarian (Aquarian) in his views on some fronts than his party would traditionally have been.

Uranus in sidereal Aquarius initially seems like a good fit, but because we currently have Neptune in tropical Aquarius and Uranus in tropical Pisces the two planets are in what astrologers call "mutual reception", each is in the home sign of the other. Astrologer Robert Wilkinson says (here) that mutual reception "is a very strong influence. It is as though the two planets feed each other, and grow stronger, for good or ill, in their ability to dominate those affairs in the chart." Using the sidereal zodiac, Neptune currently lies in Capricorn, mutual reception with Uranus is absent.

It's not a clear-cut choice to decide which fits the situation better, sidereal or tropical zodiac. It could be argued that Uranus in sidereal Aquarius is a good match for events in the USA, it could also be proposed that Neptune's influence is involved. In a paragraph above I used the word "messianic" quite automatically, and only later, when searching for information in my books, noticed that Grant Lewi, when describing Neptune in Aquarius in his book "Astrology for the Millions" said
"There is a tendency to messianic feelings of social and economic reconstruction, perhaps an inclination towards dubious methods of accomplishing worthwhile goals (an "end justifies the means attitude")".

Rosa Brooks' article "A National Mood Swing", in the Los Angeles Times discusses the current phenomenon (see here)
In conclusion, she writes:

"It’s far too soon to say if the newfound spirit of idealism that’s sending voters (including many independents) to the Democratic primaries in record numbers will endure, paving the way for an era of energized new social movements and reforms. But I’d bet that we really have turned a page. On the Republican side too, there’s a palpable desire for a candidate who doesn’t fit into a rigid ideological box, one who can tap into and reflect our best instincts instead of our most craven fears.

Whether the idealistic yearning for change endures probably has little to do with who wins and who loses the Democratic nomination (or even the White House). Losses can galvanize social movements just as much as victories, and whoever wins the White House will be president of an America different from the one that greeted Bush’s inaugurations in 2001 and 2005. It will be a more hopeful, less partisan nation, one united in its rueful awareness of the ways the Bush presidency went wrong, a nation more ready to pull its socks up and get to work to put things right."

Conclusion: Tropical zodiac may describe this particular situation more exactly than sidereal, depending on one's viewpoint, but sidereal would still describe it well enough.

Astrology aside, the hope in the hearts of everyone is surely that the phenomenon occurring here survives the election, then grows and blossoms, so the world and the planet itself will benefit.

Craig Ferguson, US Citizen.

On his "Late Late Show" this week, Scottish-born Craig Ferguson announced that on Friday 1 February he finally became a US citizen. A short film clip showed him taking the Oath of Allegiance, hand on heart. ("Oh, when will it be my turn?" she whines.) Also this week it was announced that he will host the White House Correspondents' Dinner, and be seated next to President Bush at the top table. Isn't this a classic example of being quick to "get your feet under the table"! (Article here).

John Townley's interpretation of Craig's natal chart can be found HERE. I decided to take a quick look at a sidereal version. This is one case (the first so far) where the tropical chart seems clearly to be a much better match, and there are no good planetary "compensations" here to muddy the water. Mars and Venus are in sidereal Taurus, with the Sun, which remains in Taurus in both zodiac versions, but in sidereal it's earlier, at just 1 degree.

We watch Craig's monlogue, though not his interviews, regularly. He displays strong Gemini traits. Before I knew his birthdate I'd earmarked him as Gemini Sun or ascendant. His tropical Sun is in Taurus, but Mercury and Venus are in Gemini. I just don't see him as triple Taurus with no Gemini present at all.

As an experiment, I used my software to relocate Craig's natal chart (17 May 1962), which is calculated for Glasgow, Scotland, to California where he's lived for many years. If my software is correct his relocated ascendant falls in Cancer, which doesn't strike me as very appropriate. I'm curious as to the source of his birth time. We Brits tend not to be in possession of this important information, unless our parents are astrologers or of a stangely meticulous strain. Both Astrotheme and John Townley have a time of 6.10pm though, so I assume it's valid. His Scorpio Moon and Neptune have moved out of first, into fourth house, better for a more serene inner personality, but troublesome for homelife. He often mentions that he's been divorced twice, but I don't know whether that was in the USA or UK. Relocated Sun, Mercury and Venus are in 11th house, a communicative Air house - excellent position for his profession of comedian, presenter and occasional author. His talent definitely seems to have blossomed since moving to the USA, there's no denying that.

On 1st February, when Craig attended the Oath Ceremony in Pomona, California, Mars was transiting conjunct his natal Venus, Saturn hovered over natal Pluto, and Moon in Sagittarius transited his relocated Vertex - a Moon of destiny!

More interesting though, transiting Uranus, planet of change, in Pisces has been shuffling back and forth over his natal Jupiter (laws and legal matters) since April 2007 - he almost certainly sent in his application for citizenship within that timespan. Craig's natal Jupiter at 9 Pisces is just 3 degrees from my own at 6 Pisces, meaning that transiting Uranus has hovered over both my natal Jupiter and his during the same recent period, and we are two British born individuals who have been, or are still, engaged in applying for US citizenship. Coincidence?

Craig is unlikely to ever cast his eyes over this blog, he has said, more than once, that he has no interest in astrology. I'll add my congratulations anyway, for his managing to successfully navigate the murky waters of USCIS, and come out the other side smiling. No doubt he had a lawyer at the wheel, expertly steering him around and beyond the obstacles and consequent frustrations which are still part of my own trip to the same destination.

Eclipse Snippets

In my own life history I've found that the changes astrologers connect with eclipses tend to occur when an eclipse falls close to, or opposite, the lunar nodes in my natal chart. Uranus, my Sun's ruling planet, conjuncts South Node of the Moon, which no doubt accounts for this. I'm not expecting anything untoward from the eclipses in Aquarius, this year and next. If I'm still around blogland next January I'll report back on this, because the eclipse in 2009 falls exactly on my natal Sun, the day before my birthday!

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"Understanding Eclipses", by Eric Francis is one of the best articles I've read on the topic of eclipses.

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The solar eclipse tomorrow, 7 February, occurs at 17.56 Aquarius (tropical) and 24 Capricorn (sidereal). I'm wondering whether upcoming primary elections in the USA later this month and in March are in line for a shot of eclipse magic, even though the eclipse won't be visible here in the USA, it's something worth keeping in mind. The much heralded "tidal wave" of support for Barack Obama didn't quite materialise in time for "Super Tuesday". Results turned out much as expected prior to the inflated expectations of an over-excited media. They like to drum up a good story, don't they? But there is still time for that tidal wave to roll in, I guess. This eclipse falls in avant garde, "time for a change" Aquarius in the tropical zodiac, but establishment-related, "business as usual" Capricorn sidereally - I shall watch events closely!

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John Denver wrote, and sang, a song called "Eclipse" - here it is in a video I've put together:

"Super Tuesday"

It's "Super Tuesday" in the USA, the day when a big group of primary elections, in 24 states, takes place. Whilst a clear result is unlikely after these events, their outcome could hint at the eventual choice of nominees who will fight for the presidency in the November election. So, it's day capable of producing results which could reverberate for many years.

I feel like a child watching the Pied Piper, whose enchanting music leads my peers off on a journey to who knows where. I feel that way for two reasons: first I'm not yet a US citizen so can't vote, I'll accompany my husband to the polling station and just watch. Secondly, I feel apart from the veritable tsunami of support for Barack Obama. I don't understand why, because I felt real passionate enthusiasm for Dennis Kucinich and John Edwards, before their withdrawal from the race. I must admit that it worries me some. Obama should be the natural progression for an Edwards supporter.

Yesterday I looked at my own natal chart and Obama's (tropical) and saw possible astrological explanations - My natal Pluto at 00 Leo is very close to his Mercury at 01 Leo, and My natal Mercury is 3 degrees from his Saturn. Pluto/Mercury, Mercury/Saturn - perhaps there's a symbolic blockage there ? I do admire him and his message, find it inspiring, up to a point - but somehow it just doesn't strike the right note in relation to an imminent presidency. Perhaps I'm on the wrong wavelength, perhaps it's because I'm English and don't understand 'Muricans.

There are many and varied astrological factors involved in this election process, they have been put under the astrological microscope by experts from many angles, it has become very confusing to this onlooker! It's also a ridiculously long campaign, which further adds to the confusion.

I now find myself inexplicably leaning towards Hillary Clinton. She seems much better equipped to deal with malevolent attacks from the other side, which are bound to hurtle towards whoever is the Democratic nominee, during the run-up to the general election in November.

There's still a long way to travel, the going so far has been easy, all has been relatively civilised. Once nominees are chosen the games will begin in earnest. A Democratic candidate who is not strong enough, shrewd enough or fast enough on their feet to deal with the oncoming personal and professional onslaughts might upset natural balance and ensure that the USA has another Republican president for the next four years. That is something I'd hate to countenance, and something I suspect the USA would regret, and the rest of the civilised world would despise.

A combined "ticket" with Hillary Clinton president and Barack Obama vice president would feel right. I'd tune into that wavelength with no difficulty at all, especially if Joe Biden were to be Secretary of State, and John Edwards Attorney General - what an inspiring team that could make! But what do I know, I'm a foreigner and a socialist (European style) to boot - and that's what a lot of Americans would do to a socialist! Boot her/him!

Eras of Pluto, Tropical & Sidereal (Part 2)

Continuing Saturday's theme - a very brief survey of Pluto's eras using sidereal positions compared with tropical, as assessed by Adrian Ross Duncan HERE (extracts in italics, my contributions in blue.) Last week I reached tropical Virgo/sidereal Leo, and continue starting with tropical Libra and sidereal Virgo.

TROPICAL
"For those to whom marriage was sacred, Pluto had a very special surprise when in transited Libra from 1971 to 1983/4. Aesthetics and femininity were transformed, as bras were burned, and equal rights insisted on. Roles were reversed as men renounced masculinity, and women demonstrated that they could manage very well without the opposite sex. Men loved men, and women loved women – leaving the Pluto in Libra children to ponder about love and relationships... and to create the single culture of today. This was the era of MAD – mutually assured destruction – the nuclear balance of power between the Soviet Union and USA . "

SIDEREAL
Sidereally Pluto was in Virgo for much of the same period as above, actual sidereal period was nearer to 1969 - 1980. The overall feel of that era certainly included the beginnings of equality for women and gays in Europe and the USA. Britain had its first woman Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher. Virgo is represented traditionally by a female figure, so symbolically there is a correspondence here, in the slowly moving transformation relating to gender equality and perception. There was an energy crisis, too, requiring restrictions and rationing, and in Britain strikes cost millions of working days. In the USA Richard Nixon rose and fell ignominiously, perhaps causing a transformation in the way Americans were to view their leaders in future years - more critically, with less passivity. The aftermath of the Vietnam war left many injured, mentally and physically. These instances equate more to transformation in Virgo's realms of economy, critical reaction and health concerns than to Libran diplomacy, and emphasis on relationships, in my view. And the beginnings of environmental awareness arose in this era - in 1970 the first Earth Day was celebrated - in keeping with Virgo, an Earth sign.


TROPICAL
"After so much sexual experimentation, Pluto in Scorpio from 1983 to 1995 brought the spectre of AIDS. Now even the most natural act in the world could result in death. Back in its home sign, Pluto focussed paranoia on sex itself, and this led to a drastic change in sexual habits, not least in a new openness amongst governments regarding sexual health. Condoms were everywhere. Economically this was the time of the yuppie, of junk bonds and how to get rich by screwing others – happy times for Reaganites and Thatcherites. Banks crashed, then merged to create huge financial entities."

SIDEREAL
Roughly the same era (give or take a few years at each end) is covered by sidereal Libra.
Fall of the Berlin Wall, Tiananmen Square protests of 1989 in China, a gradual transition into the computer age, the Reagan era in the USA. These could all connect to Libra rather than Scorpio, in my view. Libra, an Air sign, symbolised by the scales, representing balance, a striving for justice, love of peace. Libra is an Air sign, with mental focus, aiding transition into an increasingly computerised era. Pluto in Libra could be seen to relate to all of these.


TROPICAL
"Pluto in Sagittarius from 1995 to 2008 has of course evoked the spectre of international terror and religious fundamentalism. As a mutable sign Sagittarius creates polarity, and today we have the idea of a war of civilizations. The root cause of terror is probably injustice, which Pluto in Sagittarius seeks to redress by its own methods, but the terror of Muslim extremists is also about fighting the Great Satan of America, and the sexual flagrancy and material indulgence of the West... a last-ditch attempt to save an outdated worldview."

SIDEREAL
Not exactly the same period - actually around 1993 to 2006, Pluto lay in sidereal Scorpio. The over-riding aspect of this period, from where we stand at present - not very far away - was terrorism, as mentioned in the tropical assessment, terrorism and the Iraq war/occupation. For me terrorism equates more to the passion and fixedness of Scorpio, ruled by Mars and Pluto, than the extremes and expansiveness of Sagittarius, ruled by benign Jupiter. Let's not forget that Pluto is very much at home in Scorpio. It's possible to view this from both perspectives, and actually, I think we are much too close at present to see the picture clearly.
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Making this exercise doubly interesting, we now watch the future unfold with tropical astrologers considering that Pluto is moving into Capricorn right around now. Sidereally Pluto moved into Sagittarius many months ago, at the end of 2006. The next ten years could provide an answer to this zodiac conundrum more clearly than any previous era has been able to do.

Sunday Scraps: poem, pic, tarot tale.

"In Starry Skies" by Sterling Bunch

In starry skies, long years ago,
I found my Science.
Heart aglow I watched each night unfold a maze
Of mystic suns and worlds ablaze,
That spoke: "Know us and wiser grow."

And with each season's ebb and flow,
My soul with faltering steps and slow,
Still wanders up far-glimmering ways,
In starry skies.

Nor do I heed Life's gaudy show,
But onward, upward I shall go,
Until new star-lands meet my gaze,
And where, perhaps in after days,
I'll learn the things I long to know
In starry skies.


PIC
Last weekend, on my birthday, we visited Wichita Falls, a city just over the Red River, in Texas. On the way home we saw this lovely mural on the wall of an abandoned building - I couldn't resist a photo-call with a feathered friend. (Click to enlarge)



TAROT TALE
While waiting for the bath to fill a few nights ago I picked up my tarot deck, shuffled it and held a question in my mind: "Who will be the next president of the USA?" I cut the deck and took three cards.

Two of Coins. Ten of Swords. Ten of Coins.

Hmmmm. I'd hoped for something easy such as Queen of Swords or King of Coins! OK then... well....Two of Coins represents the choice, the picture on the card shows a person juggling with two symbols. Ten of Swords is a card I'd prefer not to have seen, but it was there. It probably means some kind of serious difficulty arising, or one that has arisen in the past for whoever is to be president - I came to this conclusion because of the third card. Let's consider Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama and John McCain, who seem to be the likely contenders at this point. All three could be said to have difficulties connected with their past history - Ms Clinton's nasty experience when her husband's philanderings and disgrace hit the headlines. Mr McCain's imprisonment during the Vietnam war. Mr Obama hasn't anything personally disastrous that I know of in his past, but his African/American ancestors certainly did. The third card, Ten of Coins, traditionally is thought to indicate success and gain through family or inheritance. I don't see any connection to McCain here, and only loosely to Obama if we look on a presidency as an inheritance/repayment due on his African/American background. Ms Clinton is often accused of being part of a "dynasty", the Clinton and Bush families having dominated politics in the USA for so long. Were she to be victorious, her presidency might be seen as a gain through family/background.

From a broader perspective, and considering the three cards as past, present, and future, my interpretation would be that a sideways step was made in the past which has proved disastrous, but whatever happens in the future will be for the best, and the country will prosper again.

The very next morning though, I read that John Edwards had withdrawn his candidacy. Perhaps that Ten of Swords could have been a hint about his withdrawal and my disappointment. The tarot can be very enigmatic.

Eras of Pluto, Tropical & Sidereal

Reaching a clear conclusion about whether the sidereal or tropical zodiac is more accurate isn't easy. Using natal charts as a yardstick seems not to provide sufficient difference, in most cases, when the whole chart is considered. Using mundane astrology (how the world at large is affected) and the outermost planets is another method worth trying. Pluto is farthest from us, it completes a cycle of all signs in around 248 years, so this is a good planet upon which to focus to get a birdseye view of its years in each zodiac sign.

Numerous astrologers have written about the various tropical "eras" of Pluto. There's a concise assessment by Adrian Ross Duncan HERE, for quick reference. Let's see how I fare, using the sidereal zodiac. Will it be wildly off mark? Something to keep in mind is that Uranus and Neptune also have their relevance, and their cycles and signs vary from Pluto's. This is capable of muddying the water - nevertheless it's still an interesting experiment.

(My dates are not exact, to the month, because I don't have a sidereal ephemeris for reference, and my mathematical ability is negligible!)

Using extracts from Adrian Ross Duncan's article (in italics) as a guide, I've added my own contribution, using the sidereal zodiac, in blue.

TROPICAL
"The Pluto in Cancer period, from 1913 (just prior to World War 1) to 1939 (as World War 2 started) brought the upheaval of hierarchies and families, as a great levelling factor transformed society. Men in Europe were slaughtered in their millions in the initial phase of this transit, elevating the role of women and preparing the ground for the beginning of political equality. Similarly the privileged classes lost much of their influence – no more so of course than in Russia , where they were eradicated."

SIDEREAL
Pluto in sidereal Gemini covers the years between (approx.) 1908 to 1934 - most of the same midle-ground as above, with adjustment at start and finish. Without contradicting any of Mr. Duncan's tropical assessment, we could say that during the period of Pluto in sidereal Gemini, communication blossomed and was transformed in every way, from economical mass reproduction of magazines, illustration, and books, to the rise and mass production of the automobile, a very important development, enabling wider travel and, consequently, transforming communication and life in general..

This is rather like looking into a multiple mirror in a clothing store's changing room - look straight ahead and you see one view, turn to a miror at the side or behind, and see a different version, equally valid.

So, on we go:

TROPICAL
"Pluto in Leo from 1939 to 1957/8 brought the rise of the superpower, based on the destructive power of the bomb. Schoolchildren practised hiding under their desks, as the spectre of intercontinental ballistic missiles brought the possibility of destruction to each individual on earth. On the other hand this was the time when colonial powers lost their power, as individual countries asserted their right to be independent. The Pluto in Leo generation is obsessed with youth and self-indulgence. This first generation to grow up under the shadow of the bomb was the first to confront the fact that humanity really could be destroyed, that Armageddon could be a reality, and therefore they seized life with all their power."

SIDEREAL
Pluto in sidereal Cancer covers the years between 1934 to 1954/5, again the same middle-ground with adjustment at both ends. World War 2 is the most important, transforming event and is included in both eras. I could argue that during this time Pluto radically transformed the home (Cancer). Children were left without fathers for years, sometimes for ever. As Mr.Duncan mentioned, children "hid under desks". The whole population of my homeland, Britain, hid at some point during the war in bomb shelters. Hiding in fear under a tough protective layer brings Cancer the Crab clearly to mind! There was an abiding fear that life in the home would be forever transformed in a disastrous way, stripped of freedom and all warmth. Because of heroic action by military forces from Britain, Europe and the USA , mercifully this didn't happen. Towards the end of this period, home-life resumed for those lucky enough to have survived. For most, wherever they lived, a transformation of some kind had occurred.



TROPICAL
"Pluto in Virgo from 1957 to 1971/2 brought the transformation of work, medicine, agriculture and the service industry. With the introduction of the first computerised robots, employees performing nightmarish tasks in heavy industry were released (into traumatic unemployment) and service industries began their rise. Farms became automated, pigs and chickens became production units, so we could have egg and bacon every day. The Pill enabled women to gain control over their biology – sex was on the rise, but, for the first time, birth rates started falling. Pluto has its own medical solution to the so-called population explosion."

SIDEREAL
I find that Pluto in sidereal Leo from around 1954/5 to the end of the 1960s much better describes the period than Pluto in tropical Virgo. It was as though the sun (Leo) had begun to shine once again after the dark years of fear, depression and war. The youth of Europe and America found a voice, and in the 1960s we heard it loud and clear. The hippie era seems now almost like a stage musical (very Leo), the fashions and fads, even the long manes of hair common at that time seem to me to fit Leo's image far better than Virgo's.


I'll not venture further today, but intend to finish the journey after the weekend. Thus far, I think an argument could be made for both tropical and sidereal viewpoints. I suppose one could cherry-pick items from any era to support almost any argument though, and there's the problem of mixed influences from Uranus and Neptune to consider. It's a matter of how we each see the overall flavour of a particular, well-defined era.

Clinton v. Obama - Horses for Courses.

One of my forlorn hopes finally sank this week. John Edwards withdrew as a candidate in the presidential election. From an article in the New York Times


“Having the first serious African-American running against the first serious female — it’s a hard story to get into,” Mr. Moylan (campaign advisor) said. “There was an alignment of the stars this year, and it wasn’t for us.”

The "alignment of the stars", if not for John Edwards must be in favour of one of the remaining candidates. Many professional astrologers have made predictions on this score, so I'm not about to add my astrological two pennyworth on the basis of transits, progressions or whatever. After the USA has had 8 years of Republican presidency, I'd say that natural balance dictates a Democrat should be the next president. Any kind of catastrophe occurring before November could possibly set natural balance awry, but in the absence of such, Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama should be moving into the White House in January 2009 - just before a solar eclipse in Aquarius. A nice herald for changes of more humanitarian flavour!

After writing this post, I watched last night's TV debate between the two Democratic candidates, came away impressed, and with the same opinion as stated below.


Comparing the tropical and sidereal versions of their natal charts, a thumbnail astro-sketch of these two candidates reflects a slight shift of emphasis, according to zodiac used.





Ms Clinton : Sun&Mercury= Scorpio/Libra, Moon = Pisces/ Aquarius. (More detail in yesterday's blog post).

Mr Obama : Sun&Mercury = Leo/Cancer, Moon probably in Taurus either way.
Mr Obama's chart is funnel shaped with Jupiter and Saturn forming the funnel opposing Mercury - whichever zodiac is used this remains the same, with emphasis on either Cancer/Capricorn axis or Leo/Aquarius. Because Mercury is involved I think this may relate to his obvious talent for oratory. Expansive Jupiter and restrictive Saturn hold equal weight as "funnel", and could connect symbolically to his stated objective of bringing the two Americas, the wealthy and the poverty-stricken, closer together.

If I had to choose between these two, who should be be next president of the USA, purely on the basis of natal charts, I'd choose Hillary Clinton, in spite of all the ra-ra-ra currently in the air about Obama, and in spite of the fact that she has not been a favourite of mine so far. I seem fated to support underdogs. At the moment all roads seem to lead to Obama.

Whether tropical or sidereal zodiac is used, Hillary Clinton has the strength, passion and doggedness of Scorpio, talent for diplomacy and mental skills of Libra, with underneath it all still, a compassionate side. Strength, diplomacy, doggedness, and political clout will be sorely needed to confont the really serious difficulties which await the new president of the USA.

Mr. Obama is obvious presidential material, he has charisma and star quality, but in my opinion he's not exactly right for the job at this point in history. Perhaps next time around will be a better time for him, after the worst of the mess, left by the current administration, has been cleared away by those who understand how to deal with it, how to play hardball to get the right results. This may not always be noble and squeaky clean, but in difficult circumstances it's the only way to get things done.

Horses for courses! - An old horse racing expression meaning that some horses race better on certain tracks than on others. Applied to people, it means choosing the person ideally suited for the particular job in question.

Sticking with a horsey metaphor, I think the USA now needs a workhorse, strong, trained, resilient, thick skinned and familiar with the territory:



Perhaps, at some point in the future, a person more akin to this talented beauty will prove to be more appropriate as president:

After last night's debate I decided that if either of these two candidates is president by the time I get to be a citizen of the USA, I shall be able to swear an oath of allegiance with confidence and pride.

An old book by Llewellyn George

When out of town last weekend we explored a couple of big antique shops. On casually inspecting some shelves filled with books, but finding little of interest, I pushed one heavy old tome aside and found another smaller volume hiding beneath it. "Student Chart Reader of Horoscope Indications" by Llewellyn George, published in 1934, hardcover, somewhat battered and bruised, spine supported by sticky tape.

"This one's for me", thought I, ignoring a rather inflated price tag and concentrating on a notice which declared "20% off all books".

It's the first sample I've seen of the work of astrologer Llewellyn George. He was born in Wales, but at some point emigrated to the United States. A Memorial with a link to his natal chart can be seen HERE. I note that he had Sun in Leo with Uranus close to the ascendant. Astrologer C.E.O. Carter also had Uranus close to ascendant, very apt as Uranus is said to rule astrology.

The book I bought is a straightforward text book offering interpretations of planetary positions in signs and houses, and in aspect, also some information on progressed horoscopes. I find Mr George's interpretations quite gentle and diplomatic. For instance, his take on Sun in Aquarius:


"In Aquarius the Sun gives a quiet, patient, determined, unobtrusive and faithful nature, as a rule. The Aquarian is refined, pleasant, friendly, generous, charitable, dignified and humanitarian; fond of art, music, scenery and literature; cautious, steady, intelligent, intuitive, discriminative, concentrative, studious, thoughtful and philosophical. Good reasoner, practical as well as theoretical; strong likes and dislikes and often with very radical and advanced ideas; is cheerful, sincere and honest, easily influenced by kindness, slow to anger, but will not be driven; loves liberty and is fond of occult research."

I'll take that, thank you very much, sir ! (Preening and forgetting all about the sidereal zodiac and its charms for the moment!)

Mr George was much kinder than Grant Lewi, whose work I admire, but who scared me off initially by his negative take on Sun Aquarians with Aries Moon - I swear he'd had a nasty experience with one of these natives at a tender and impressive age!

It's interesting to note that Mr Llewellyn pointed out:
"At the present time, March 1934, very little is yet known of Pluto's influence upon human affairs.......There will be no new immediate effect except to stimulate investigation as to its influence upon the human, animal vegetable and mineral kingdoms. The stranger may have been recently discovered but it has not just arrived. It has long been circling its orbit just as the other planets. But when man arrived at the place in his unfoldment where he could think and believe there were bodies beyond his sight, he also acquired the skill to find them. That does not mean however that he suddenly becomes capable of registering and manifesting the influence of its rays".

The idea of planetary "rays" has been mainly discredited I think, in today's astrology world, but I like it. I wouldn't ever completely discount the idea of a causal relationship to account for at least some of the factors we can see working with the aid of astrology. "Rays" may be a clumsy description, but it'll do for now.

I enjoy the writing of 20th century astrologers C.E.O. Carter, Carl Payne Tobey, Grant Lewi, and now Lleywellyn George. This is not to say there's anything wrong with contemporary astrology authors, but I feel somehow very comfortable with the astrologers of yesteryear. Maybe it's because, at heart I'm just an old fashioned gal!

Experimenting Sidereally

Yesterday's post, concerning the sidereal and tropical zodiacs, calls for a little experimentation. The natal chart of one who could well be the next president of the USA, Hillary Clinton, may be a good subject. It's unfortunate that there's a question mark over her time of birth: 8am, 8 pm or neither? I'll use 8am for this purpose, keeping in mind that it's not necessarily correct.

Hillary Clinton, born 26 October, 1947, Chicago, Illinois (using 8am birthtime, and sidereal zodiac). Click on it to enlarge.

For the tropical version of Ms Clinton's chart,see AstroFutureTrends HERE

Did I ever see Hillary Clinton as a (tropical) quadruple Scorpio? I didn't - not really. Sidereally Ms Clinton would have three planets and ascendant in Libra instead of Scorpio, and Jupiter in Scorpio rather than Sagittarius. Her Saturn, Pluto and Mars in tropical Leo would be in Cancer sidereally. Tropical Pisces Moon becomes Aquarius Moon sidereally.

I like that sidereal Aquarius Moon for her, better than tropical Pisces - but the softness of a Pisces Moon is transferred to the stellium in Cancer - Saturn, Pluto and Mars - three planets with hard reputations. Were this a male's natal chart I'd say the tropical Leo positions fit better. As it is the chart of a female, albeit a female in the spotlight of the public stage, I think the planets in Cancer, softened slightly, may be appropriate. Hillary Clinton can hold her own with the most determined male politician, but her experience as a mother and a daughter has to provide a very different base from that of her male colleagues. I understand that in her past career she has often championed children, and the underprivileged. She fought to improve the health care system in the USA some years ago, long before many politicians saw it as being an important issue. There has to be a deep-seated compassion there, well-hidden by a tough exterior.

Sidereal Libra Sun, ascendant, Mercury and Venus replace the passionate, sexy tropical Scorpio planets. Jupiter in sidereal Scorpio retains passion and determination, but Libra the diplomat takes center stage. Some say that Libra can be a flip-flop, indecisive sign. Hillary Clinton appears to be very decisive, and one who can think on her feet when under attack, but she always remains cool and diplomatic. Aquarius Moon trines Mercury/Venus in Libra, indicating an easy, sharp intelligence, and quick-thinking mind. Whilst not the epitome of charm, as in textbook Libra , she does seem to be well-liked by many politicians who know her personally - politicians of both stripes.

As mere onlookers at her performance on the public stage, we cannot hope to know what kind of a woman she really is - I suspect that predominantly Libra may be a closer match than predominantly Scorpio. Would a quadruple Scorpio have stayed with her husband after being publicly humiliated? Not in my book. Do I rest my case? No, but this is food for thought.

The 2 Zodiacs

Now and again I experience a "crisis of faith" with regard to the tropical zodiac. Writing about Aquarius recently spun me into one such mini-crisis. I see so much Capricorn in Aquarius.

Very briefly, the tropical zodiac is around 23 degrees adrift (ahead) of the ancient sidereal zodiac which is calculated in relation to the constellations. The tropical zodiac is calculated mathematically, in relation to the seasons, with vernal equinox point always at 0 Aries. Precession of the equinoxes has meant that the tropical zodiac no longer aligns with sidereal (calculated by the stars), as it would have done long ago, in the third century AD.

My interest is primarily natal charts, but I can't ignore the fact that if we used the sidereal zodiac, Pluto has not just moved into Capricorn, it moved into sidereal Sagittarius towards the end of 2006, after years of traversing sidereal Scorpio. Hmmmm - I wonder! And sidereally Saturn is in Leo, not Virgo. Uranus in sidereal Aquarius, and Neptune getting towards the end of sidereal Capricorn. We become so used to tropical values that it's hard to get the head around another perspective. But what if sidereal is the correct perspective? Are we squinting, tropically, our vision slightly blurred?

The sidereal zodiac is that used by most Indian and other Eastern astrologers, but the complete system they use, Vedic or Jyotish, is quite different from the commonly used western system. However, there are a few western astrologers who use the sidereal zodiac while keeping largely to the western system. I don't see anything wrong with this, though some folk comment that "you can't mix the two".



A transcription of an interview with western sidereal astrologer Kenneth Bowser, reported by Colleen Mauro in The Mountain Astrologer around 3 years ago provides much food for thought, especially this paragraph:

"Q: Some people say sidereal astrology is best for the timing of events but that tropical astrology better describes trait characteristics. Do you agree?

No, I strongly disagree. My view, and I’m sure I speak for the western sidereal community on this, is that you can’t have it both ways. The matter is basic: if you have competing propositions, it’s possible for one to be right and the other wrong, or they can both be wrong but they can’t both be right. There is no question but that sidereal astrology is very effective for events because it disposes of the timing problems associated with precession. The problem is how to make somebody like Dick Cheney, our current vice president, into both a sidereal Capricorn, and a tropical Aquarian. Can he be seen as liberal, bohemian, egalitarian, humanitarian, counter-culture oriented or a rebel? I don’t see it. It’s like saying that someone could simultaneously be primarily liberal and primarily conservative or simultaneously primarily emotional and primarily intellectual. My experience is that you don’t get two diametrically opposite persons, in terms of character, in the same body.
A tropicalist and a siderealist with similar experience in the art, who both understand the intrinsic natures of the planets, will tend to say much the same thing about planet combinations. The parting of the ways comes when someone who has the sun in tropical Aquarius but sidereal Capricorn is evaluated according to what those positions mean to a tropicalist and a siderealist. The contrasts are pretty sharp.
Another glaring issue that bowls over former tropicalists who make the leap to the sidereal zodiac is how the dignities and debilities come alive in a sidereal context. Astrology is mostly a matter of reading character and I submit that to do that, the tropical and sidereal twain cannot meet. "

I have pondered on Dick Cheney's natal chart too, (HERE), comparing it with my own. Of course, using the sidereal zodiac we'd both have Sun in Capricorn. But, with sidereal as with tropical it's no use looking simply at the Sun's natal position. We have to consider the whole chart. In doing so, and comparing charts for the same person using the two zodiacs, it often turns out that a kind of planetary musical chairs takes place, the same signs being emphasised, but by different planets. This makes it very difficult to decide which zodiac works better.

I have often been puzzled by the charts of some people I've known well, and felt sure the Sun sign was "wrong". There can be a variety of reasons for this, the sidereal/tropical zodiac question is but one of many. There's the controversial matter of sign cusps - whether planets in the very early or last degrees of a sign take on some of the qualities of the previous or following sign. Or perhaps the reason could be connected with the strength of the rising sign, Moon sign, or a stellium in a different sign from the Sun.

In future I'll look at any chart I study with the sidereal zodiac in mind, as well as the topical, and shall note how often one fits better, equally well, or how many times sidereal just doesn't seem to fit at all.

Because sidereal positons are around 23 degrees behind tropical, any planet or point which lies beyond 23 degrees of a sign will remain in the same sign as tropical, but any planet earlier than 23 degrees will move into the previous sign. To avoid fiddly calculations, a natal chart calculated sidereally can be obtained, free, HERE.

In my own case, and that of my husband, sidereal versions of our charts are an equally good fit, perhaps even better, than the tropical versions, but we both have "splash" pattern charts, so most of the same signs remain emphasised. I've experimented with some of the charts I've saved, and have not yet found one where I'd say that sidereal feels totally wrong. The reason may be because of the still relatively small difference of 23 degrees between the two. Venus and/or Mercury are often found in the sidereal (tropically previous) sign, retaining some focus there. In centuries to come, when sidereal and tropical move much further apart (if man survives) it may be a different story.

Case still open, jury still out!

Isaac Pitman and "Greatness"

I taught myself Pitman shorthand when a teenager, but never became truly proficient. I did use what I learned, along with my own abbreviations, to make quick notes or take dictation. Amazingly, I still remember a lot of the basic principles. I stumbled upon information about Mr. Pitman which is interesting, and involves some astrology.

Isaac Pitman's father cast his son's horoscope at birth, but later abandoned his faith in the "celestial science". Born 4 January in 1813, Trowbridge, Wiltshire, England, Isaac Pitman was to develop a system of phonetic shorthand which, in future years, was to become the most used system in Britain and second most popular in the USA, after being introduced on that side of the Atlantic by Isaac's younger brother, Benjamin.

In a biography written by Alfred Baker, published in 1908 (at Google Books) the author tells us that Isaac's father Samuel, a highly intelligent, self-educated man had made "a thorough study of astronomy, and acquired the skill necessary to calculate eclipses and other celestial phenomena. The imaginary science of astrology was largely cultivated in his time, and he was a diligent student of Ebenezer Sibly's erudite quarto volume, " A New and Complete Illustration of the Celestial Science of Astrology." As each of his children was born he cast the infant's horoscope, which was duly inscribed in the family Bible. ""

Additional copy of the horoscopes of both parents and children was also made by him, and has been preserved in the family. In the case of his son Isaac, the horoscope did not indicate in any way his future greatness as a shorthand inventor, and possibly this was one of the reasons which led Pitman pere in later years to abandon his faith in the 'celestial science.' "



That chart indicates Libra rising at 17*, which means Isaac must have been born less than an hour after midnight - around 12.44am Here's a modern version.



I doubt that a natal chart could "indicate future greatness", the achievement of which depends on much more than astrology. The popular perception of greatness - renown and fame, depends on being in the right place at the right time and connected to the right contacts and opportunities.

I wonder why Samuel Pitman didn't think Jupiter in Leo (10th house) not that far from midheaven might be a sign of, at least, fame? Jupiter could be said to be (almost) the funnel planet in a chart pattern, it's not closely opposite the Moon in the last degrees of Capricorn, but near enough. I'd have liked to see Moon just into Aquarius - I wonder if Samuel did record the time of birth accurately enough?

Even if 'greatness' wasn't apparent to his father from Isaac's natal chart, a good example of Capricorn/Saturn characteristics can be seen, using a couple of extracts from Isaac's biography by Alfred Baker.

I fail to understand why Samuel abandoned his faith in astrology.

Sun, Moon Saturn and Mercury all in Capricorn, Mars, strong in Scorpio sextiles his Capricorn Sun and powerful Saturn in its own sign of Capricorn - here's a combination of hard work, and boundless energy. Doesn't the following describe it well?

Isaac's younger brother, Benn, says, " Isaac in his youth was of a diligent and studious habit. He was of a sensitive nature, inclined to be thoughtful, regarding life and its duties as matters of grave concern." His elder brother, Jacob, observes, " Isaac never had any of that rollicking nonsense about him peculiar to most of us boys, nor do I remember his ever stopping on his way from school to play, but home directly he went, either to his books or to his work."

Further examples:

(Isaac)" begged his father to allow him to return to school and resume his lessons, but the latter did not see his way to accede to his son's request. He advised Isaac to continue his studies at home, and indeed provided the means for doing so. Although the office hours were from six in the morning to six at night, the young clerk found time for systematic study. He and his brother Jacob rose at four each morning, and devoted nearly two hours to their books, till they left home to begin the duties of the day, and in the evening they gave one or two hours to study."

Isaac had difficulty with pronounciation, though familiar with words' meanings -

"With characteristic energy and thoroughness, he set himself a task, which to most persons would be little less than repulsive, and which probably few have undertaken. He carefully read through Walker's Dictionary, with the double object of extending his knowledge of words, and of correcting his errors in orthoepy. The words which he thus discovered that he had mentally mispronounced were copied out with their proper diacritic symbols of pronunciation. They numbered about two thousand, and their correct pronunciation had to be fixed in the memory by repetition... This reading of Walker was made at about the age of seventeen. He read through the book a second time, with the same object."


What dedication, and determination!

Knighted in 1894, Sir Isaac Pitman died 8 days after his birthday in 1897. There's greatness for you - his Dad was quite wrong!

For anyone who has never seen Pitman shorthand here's an example:

"Hard to be Humble" birthdays.

Happy Birthday(Sunday 27th), to Keith Olbermann, American news anchor and political commentator; US Chief Justice John Roberts; British medium, Derek Acorah; billionaire Mohamed al Fayed (father of ill-fated Dodi, companion of Princess Di when they both died).
Also.... to little ol' me!

A very mixed bag. I could also add a few more, who have gone before, such as Lewis Carroll, Jerome Kern, and Mozart. Concentrating on the living, though - a few interesting tidbits:

Billionaire Mohamed al Fayed has his Aquarian Sun closely conjunct Saturn. Mercury and Venus are in Capricorn, and Uranus in Aries. Aquarius' modern ruler fires his Sun, and Aquarius' traditional ruler drives his business skills, which must be considerable. Two other personal planets in Capricorn (ruled by Saturn)connect to his talent for business and making money. (Born 27 Jan. 1933, Alexandria, Egypt)

US Chief Justice John Roberts has Sun and Mercury in Aquarius, with Aquarius' modern ruler Uranus conjunct Jupiter in Cancer. Jupiter is traditionally connected with law, and government. Incidentally, with his natal Moon almost certainly in Pisces, Sun in humanitarian Aquarius, and that conjunction in sensitive Cancer , I'd say Chief Justice Roberts is a compassionate man, it's good to see such a person occupying that lofty position.(27 Jan. 1955, Buffalo, New York)

Derek Acorah, a well-known British medium, isn't well-known to me, but I have read a little about him. He has Sun Jupiter/Venus in Aquarius, Uranus in Cancer. I'm not sure where to look for any psychic ability, but I notice that mystical Neptune, in Libra, trines the Venus/Jupiter conjunction in Aquarius. Saturn in Virgo trines Mercury in Capricorn - a very down to earth combination. Perhaps Neptune lies close to one of the angles, but without time of birth it's not possible to know that.(27 January1950, Liverpool UK)

Keith Olbermann's chart was featured in an earlier blog post HERE.




I'm the odd one out - I have only Sun in Aquarius, the four named individuals have at least one additional planet there.




Oh!.......... I forgot my (almost) astrological twin, Brugh Joy MD. (See here)

In common with Chief Justice Roberts (though very loosely), I worked for the government (UK) in a department which dealt with aspects of the law (I have natal Jupiter close to midheaven). In common with Mr Acorah and Brugh Joy I'm interested (though not talented) in psychic and mystical subjects ( Neptune trine Mercury). The only thing I have in common with Keith Olbermann is Mercury in Capricorn - and a lively interest in politics. With regard to Mohamed al Fayed, again Mercury in Capricorn in common, but, it's interesting, as our birthdays are on the same day, that his son, Dodi died exactly two weeks after my mother died in August 1997, while Uranus retrograded within 2 degrees of our natal Suns.

Bad Temper ?

Back in the 20th century, British astrologer C.E.0. Carter wrote the "Encyclopaedia of Psychological Astrology". It was reprinted many times between 1924 and 1976. The author lists, in alphabetical order, many and varied psychological traits, spanning "Ability" to "Youthfulness". Mr. Carter describes astrological configurations which he found often present in people who exhibited certain traits.

Under the heading "Temper", Mr Carter has this to say:

"Temper must be judged from the rising sign, Mercury, and the general appearance of the horoscope. The usual characteristics of the signs when rising are:

Aries (rising) ....... Easily angered and then often go to great lengths.

Taurus (rising).......Not readily moved, but may when aroused become furious.

Gemini (rising)...Not bad tempered, but can be "waspish" and malicious.

Cancer (rising)...Not easily angered, though soon hurt. Timid.

Leo (rising)......Often hot tempered, though affectionate.

Virgo (rising)....Temper is usually controlled and seldom violent. Often uses "the retort courteous". Tends to shun conditions that are liable to upset it.

Libra (rising)....Seldom the first to quarrel. Easily appeased.

Scorpio (rising)....Hot-tempered, especially when its affections are touched. Implacable and rarely forgets.

Sagittarius (rising)...Good tempered.

Capricorn (rising)....The temper is generally cold, and the tongue controlled.

Aquarius (rising)...Courteous.

Pisces(rising)...Good tempered.

In cardinal signs the temper is usually sharp; in mutable nagging, and in fixed, sudden and violent. The above remarks apply, of course, to ordinary everyday persons. Mercury and to a somewhat less extent the Lights or ascendant afflicted by malefics usually corrupts the temper. Fiery signs are usually the most explosive. Mars afflicted by Uranus in Fire generally causes bad temper, and Mars and Saturn are also often evil. On the other hand, Venus conjunct Mercury, the Lights or ascendant will usually cause the moods to be harmonious and equable. Jupiter in similar circumstances, inclines to good spirits and bodily health.

It must not be forgotten how often a bad temper is really the direct result of some functional disorder, such as liver trouble or nervous derangement.

Often the signs of good and bad temper are contradictory and in such cases a person's disposition will vary."

I have Cancer rising, natally. That description is accurate for me, though I'm no longer timid, I probably was though, back in the mists of time. Obtuse is a better description these days!

HWK (the husband) has Leo rising. He has been known to flare up, but temper comes and goes very quickly. He also has Mercury conjunct Saturn, and a tendency to use sarcasm as a defence, rather than frequent hot temper.

Sun/Uranus in Scorpio & The Lobotomist.

A reader left a comment on yesterday's post and kindly asked for my "comments on a very interesting chart. It is of one Walter Freeman born 11/14/1895.He is the Dr. that introduced and promoted lobotomy as a treatment for insanity across the US at the early half of last century.I watched a fascinating program on his life on PBS this past weekend.Do google him,research and share! "

Thank you for providing the idea for this post!

I didn't see the PBS show about Walter Freeman, but via Google I've collected a brief outline of his career, and a few indications about his personality.

The PBS programme was based on a biography of Walter Freeman, "The Lobotomist" written by Jack El Hai. The book's title expands to: "The Lobotomist: A Maverick Medical Genius and his Tragic Quest to Rid the World of Mental Illness". A review HERE describes the book: " gripping as a medical thriller, The Lobotomist examines the motivations of a man whose personality combined brilliance with arrogance, compassion with egotism, and determination with stubbornness. The result is an unforgettable portrait of a physician who permanently shaped the lives of his patients, as well as the course of medical history. "

Among other reviews and comments, Dr Freeman is described as "part genius, part maniac", "a monster", "a criminal", as well as "probably a compassionate man motivated by humanitarian reasons. But people have a way of acting horribly in the name of compassion and humanity".

Passing readers who need a little more detail about Walter Freeman's practices will find more HERE about his ways with an ice pick.

This is Walter Freeman's natal chart, drawn up for 12 noon. I've been unable to find a time of birth - it's a pity, his ascendant and midheaven could have told us a lot more.



I hesitate to judge a man who lived in a completely different medical and social environment from that which we know today. I doubt that he was a monster, or a criminal. Rather, from his chart, I suspect he was a man obsessed by his mission, so much so that all common sense had up and left! He refused to refrain from performing further operations, even when results proved to be poor. Obsession can be one of Scorpio's traits, as can a persistent stubbornness (being a Fixed sign) and in this case these traits were well-multiplied.

A multiple Scorpio personality: 5 planets in Scorpio with a possibility of Moon being there too, had the Dr. been born from 9pm onwards. Significantly, Scorpio is thought by astrologers to rule surgery.

Even more significant than the Scorpio cluster though, to my eye, is the fact that Sun and Uranus are conjunct(less than 2 degrees), and Mars and Saturn are conjunct (less than one degree).

Two words used to describe Walter Freeman from the snippets above, "maverick" and "genius" are often applied to those with Uranus prominent in their natal charts. Being conjunct natal Sun is almost as prominent as could be - I'd not be at all surprised to find these two close to one of the angles, but without a time of birth it's impossible to say.

The other conjunction in Scorpio, Mars/Saturn, may be an indication of the seemingly unfeeling, aggressive, almost inhumane approach this man seemed to have had to his patients. Yet his actions were rooted in compassion - he was always trying to help, of that I feel sure. Compassion, driven by this Fixed Water element, came clad in an iron fist!

Jupiter in Leo squares some of the Scorpio planets, in particular the Mars/Saturn conjunction. Here is the challenge, with drive enough to accept it. However, Jupiter inclines to excess, and excess here proved to be the doctor's downfall. Robert Pelletier, in his book "Planets in Aspect", says with regard to this square, that it can indicate a potential to be accident prone because of a reckless disregard for safety measures. The doctor surely did play recklessly with patients' lives and wellbeing, not to mention his own reputation !

A final thought: Walter Freeman's natal chart shows no planets in Earth signs. No grounding. I mentioned earlier in this post, that he seemed like a man so obsessed by his mission that everyday common sense had up and left. Perhaps it was never there in the first place. What was there was a potential for genius (Uranus conjuct natal Sun). He was in many ways, a man before his time, stuggling to do things for which the world was not ready, and medical science not yet prepared.

Real-life, non-textbook Aquarians

I'm going to attempt to illustrate a remark in last Saturday's post - the comment that I've long wondered whether textbooks have Aquarius slightly wrong. Well, maybe not all textbooks, nor for everyone, but wrong for some age groups.

The position of a Sun sign's ruler is likely to modify the way the Sun sign manifests. I suspect that such modification is most easily identifiable in the case of Aquarius and its modern ruler, Uranus.

Uranus, moves very slowly, taking a long human lifetime(around 84 years) to make full circle of the zodiac. (Even Aquarius' traditional ruler, Saturn, is the slowest mover of the inner planets, but I'll ignore that for now, to avoid confusion.)

While Uranus is traversing each zodiac sign, a very wide swath of Aquarius-born folk will be be affected. Rulers of most other Sun signs cover the full zodiac in fairly quick order. There are millions of Sun Geminis with Gemini's ruler, Mercury in Capricorn, for instance, but they are not all of the same age group, they're scattered. The same applies to almost all other rulers of Sun signs.

I can confidently say that any Sun Aquarian who went to school when I did had their Sun's ruler in Taurus, and consequently were a similar variety of Aquarius. This would not be so for most other Sun signs. Pisces and Scorpio may experience similar effects - their modern rulers, Neptune and Pluto are also very slow moving.

An additional thought - Saturn, Aquarius' traditional ruler, may still figure quite heavily in the makeup of Aquarius, and more especially when Uranus, the modern ruler, is in an Earth sign.

So... some real-life examples which I see as support for the above. A few Aquarians I have known and loved. All these were born between 23 January and 8 February.

First, my father. I have enough of his birth data to know that from him I inherited Sun Aquarius, Mercury in Capricorn and Saturn in Aries. He was a master baker first and foremost. He and my mother spent their lives running their own small businesses, first a bakery and shop, later a small hotel, a cafe, a fruit shop, and latterly sub-Post Offices. They were an Airy pair (Aquarius/Libra) with itchy feet, loved to move house and location, and had a variety of talents. Was my Dad in any way typical of Aquarius ? Not the textbook kind. He had Sun and Venus in Aquarius, but in many ways he seemed more like Capricorn. He worked very hard and long hours to keep the businesses going, especially the bakery. He was very good at what he did, a perfectionist when it came to bread-making. People came from miles around to buy his bread and baked goods. He was in no way rebellious, or revolutionary, he was quite predictable. Very easy going, kindly, liked and respected by everyone, and absolutely devoted to my mother, and to me. (URANUS IN CAPRICORN).


Second non-textbook Aquarius, a close schoolfriend from around age 9 to 16 (on the right). She was born one week after me. She had a talent for drawing and painting and went on to Art School, while I attended Grammar School. She abandoned hopes of a career in art early on though, left home to work in the south of England as a children's nanny, after taking training. She soon married, settled down, had two children, and never did return to the north of England. After many years out of touch we located each other again just last year. Sadly her husband died in 2005. She still paints, knows nothing of computers, and still lives where she moved after marriage.

Is she typical of Aquarius? Again, not really. Both she and I had a great need for freedom and a devout wish to leave the small market town where we grew up. We both did by age 18. No clear sign of textbook Aquarius, other than that need for freedom.(URANUS IN TAURUS).


Third non-textbook Aquarian was my very first boyfriend, around age 15 or 16. He was born two days before me, but either in the previous year or two years before. A farmer's son, very quiet and shy, and an only child (like me). We "courted" for two years. He decided to ask if we should get engaged..... at which point it was I who did the Aquarian thing and fled. I could never see myself as a farmer's wife.

Was he typically Aquarian? Definitely not. Least typical of any so far. He was a sweet, good natured lad, very easy going (like my Dad). But I can't think of a single textbook Aquarian trait he had. Perhaps he developed some in later life. He married the girl he befriended after me, and still lives in the same place as when he was a boy. (URANUS IN TAURUS).


Fourth, my cousin (my father's sister's son), born four days before me, same year. He's had a very varied career, including teaching, draftsman, and member of the police force. He, like my friend and I, left the small market town early on, to find a future. He is very intelligent, not at all outgoing, a little old fashioned in many ways. He won't have anything to do with computers, though he used them at work, but he loves playing bridge. Interestingly, our lives have followed similar time-lines regarding marriage, divorce, deaths, and caring for ailing loved ones. I see a little of both Aquarius and Capricorn in my cousin - heavily weighted towards Capricorn.
(URANUS IN TAURUS).


Lastly, Uncle Ted, my father's brother. His birthday was 4 days after mine, he was a couple of years younger than my Dad, always my favourite uncle. He served in the RAF (Royal Air Force) during the war, and worked for the airforce in civilian capacity afterwards. He was great fun, witty and lively. Probably the most Aquarian of all those mentioned.
(URANUS IN AQUARIUS).


Another Sun Aquarian I've met more recently, is my husband's younger daughter. She is the most like a textbook Aquarian I've ever encountered. She, in common with most of those above, left her home base at an early age to find her future. Her birthday is the day before mine, but obviously she's of a different generation from me, or any of my friends and relatives listed above.
(URANUS IN LEO).

As for yours truly, it's impossible to say how others see me, but I believe I'm a little like my cousin, but with the Capricorn/Aquarius mix reversed - a bit more Aquarius than Capricorn for me - or so I like to think.

Conclusion: The only common traits I can detect, in most of the Sun Aquarians above (and myself), is a fair amount of versatility and a need for freedom and variety - all very appropriate for an Air sign. None of the rebellious, inventive, eccentricity. No cold unemotional approach (unless you count shyness as such).

It seems to me though, that Sun Aquarians born when Uranus lay in Taurus or Capricorn are the most unlikely to match textbook descriptions, and may better match Capricorn in many respects. Sun Aquarians with Uranus in Virgo, the third Earth sign, are an unknown quantity to me. It would be interesting to compare them with other age groups who have Uranus in an Earth sign.

In an attempt to keep this as clear as possible, the very important part played by ascendants, angles, Moons, houses etc. in birth charts has been put aside for the purpose of this post. In most cases, due to lack of birth times, I don't know the details anyway.

Now.....my head hurts!

May as well try to rope the Moon.....

I read recently about a virus prevalent in Britain which causes "projectile vomiting", well HWK and I have a variation of this - "projectile whingeing". It was brought on by being summoned to travel again to Oklahoma City, in potentially wintry weather, for USCIS to re-take my fingerprints. This is in connection with my application for citizenship. I had fingerprints taken already, on 17 December, but it appears the FBI couldn't read them satisfactorily, so I am to report at 9am, 22nd January for a re-take. They must already have at least three other sets on file from previous visa processes. Sigh.

22 January is the date of Full Moon in Leo, it's a few degrees away from opposing my natal Sun. Mars is still retrograde, Mercury is about to turn retrograde close to my natal Sun. I guess I shouldn't be surprised that things are not progressing smoothly.

Putting whingeing on hold for a moment, trying to be optimistic, I might consider this Full Moon to represent a culmination of the delays I've been experiencing since July, in connection with my citizenship application. From here on, perhaps all will be plain sailing.

I'll be back in blogland on Wednesday, all being well.