Candidates Part II

Yesterday I looked at an early-20th century astrologer's interpretation of the Sun, ascendant and Moon positions in the natal chart of Senator Hillary Clinton. Next up is the candidate many suspect will be our next president - but not before a couple of hard fights, first against Senator Clinton for the Democratic nomination, then for the presidency of the USA, against the Republican party's nominee, still to be decided, but probably John McCain.

Let's take a look at what astrologer Llewellyn George had to say about the placements of Sun, ascendant and Moon in Senator Obama's natal chart.

SENATOR BARACK OBAMA

August 4 1961 Honolulu, Hawaii 1.06pm (time uncertain)
See chart at AstroFutureTrends

SUN in Leo
"In Leo the Sun gives an active mind, good nature, generosity, many friends. Is a natural leader, ambitious, independent, determined, persistent, industrious, honest and very conscientious; philosophical, philanthropic. Quickly angered but quickly appeased. Has a sunny disposition, is frank, oputspoken, candid, forceful and greatly appreciates affection in which he is usually ardent and sincere. Magnetic, intuitive and inventive; fond of children, sports, drama, honors and high office."

ASCENDANT Scorpio (if time of birth is correct)
Note - This is the same interpretation as for Hillary Clinton's ascendant -
"Reserved, tenacious, determined and secretive, somewhat inclined to be suspicious or skeptical and stingingly sarcastic. They are quick-witted, quick in speech and action, alert, forceful and positive. They are often blunt, brusque and seemingly fond of contest; nevertheless they make staunch and splendid friends. They possess grit and enterprise that will enable them to reach high attainments. They accomplish their purposes by subtlety and strength of will, or by force if necessary. They have mechanical skill and much constructive (or destructive) quality. They enjoy travel, are fond of investigating mysteries and things occult. Although appreciating luxury, can be very frugal and exonomical. They are natural detectives, sheriffs, bailiffs, chemists.....gifted for accomplishing things requiring muscular skill or aggressive enterprise. Motive-vital temperament.
Mental tendencies:
Quick, keen, shrewd, critical, penetrating mind and keen judgment. Strong will and determination; self-reliant, bold, fixed views. A subtle mind, hard to influence, not easily imposed upon, willful, courageous, energetic and active when interested but at other times indolent. Sarcastic or impulsive and very angry when provoked."

MOON in Gemini at 00degrees if birth time is correct.

"This location of the Moon gives the subject an agreeable, warm-hearted, sympathetic, humane, progressive and ingenious nature, with the capacity of being very reserved in some matters, but fluent concerning local or national affairs. Strengthens and enlivens the intellect, inclines to literature and gains pleasure from books or scientific pursuits. Gives an active body and a versatile, receptive mind, responsive to new ideas and capable of following artistic, literary or professional occupations.

Dislikes quarreling and warfare. Subject to many changes and some journeys. Through lack of caution or prudence apt to be drawn into embarrassing or difficult positions."


It's interesting that, provided these birth times are correct, Senator Clinton and Senator Obama share a Scorpio ascendant. The interpretation does seem to fit them equally well. Senator Obama's Sun brings more warmth and likeability to his personality, Senator Clinton, on the surface, is a more determined, potentially aggressive, and driven character, yet Pisces Moon tells a different story about her inner self.

The differences can be seen at work "in the flesh", quite easily. And it's a moot point who is better fitted for the specific job in question. Choice is a matter of personal taste, judgement and the viewer's own astrology.

Tomorrow, a look at Republican Senator John McCain.

Candidates - Part I

Political spin is in the air non-stop here in the USA these days. My interest is kept alive by the hope that I'll be able to vote in the presidential election, if called to interview, then oath ceremony, and become a US citizen by early fall.

There are a lot of conflicting messages going the rounds on-line, on TV, in newspapers. There's also plenty of downright nastiness aimed at one or other of the candidates. I'm already tired of that part, so have decided to go back to astrology basics as a way of shutting out the noise, prejudice and other people's viewpoints.

A thumbnail astrological sketch of each candidate is as good a starting point as any. It's amazing that even using the most basic and simple parts of astrology, I can still see it working.

I'm using an old book, "Student Chart Reader of Horoscope Indicators" by Llewellyn George, published in 1934, written by a British born astrologer who emigrated to the USA. Expert interpretations of the candidates' charts by professional astrologers have been carried out already, but this impartial exercise, using textbook interpretations from long ago, unconnected with current affairs, will help clear and focus my own mind, and may be of interest to anyone who is unfamiliar with Llewellyn George's work.

Brief interpretations for Sun, Ascendant and Moon positions, the big three in any natal chart, will be copied exactly as they appear in the book. Other planets, houses and aspects are not part of this thumbnail experiment. Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama and John McCain are the likely contenders, I'll cover them over the next three days.

Ladies first -



SENATOR HILLARY CLINTON
October 26 1947, Chicago, Illinois. 8.02am
Natal chart available at AstroFutureTrends

SUN Scorpio
"In Scorpio the Sun gives strong characteristics and shrewd, keen judgment. The Scorpion native is critical, suspicious, skeptical but enterprising, reserved, tenacious, determined and secretive. Fond of luxuries but economical and calculating; restless, energetic, fond of travel especially on water and admires grandeur in nature. Attends to own affairs in business but in matters of duty may make trouble for others. In speech plain, blunt, sarcastic and forceful; in politics or law very aggresseive. At best, original, scientific, sagacious, daring and creative, capable of much success through bold enterprise. Fine engineers, contractors, surgeons, chemists, detectives, and sheriffs are born in this sign."

ASCENDANT
If 8.02 am is correct time of birth (uncertain)- -Scorpio rising

"Reserved, tenacious, determined and secretive, somewhat inclined to be suspicious or skeptical and stingingly sarcastic. They are quick-witted, quick in speech and action, alert, forceful and positive. They are often blunt, brusque and seemingly fond of contest; nevertheless they make staunch and splendid friends. They possess grit and enterprise that will enable them to reach high attainments. They accomplish their purposes by subtlety and strength of will, or by force if necessary. They have mechanical skill and much constructive (or destructive) quality. They enjoy travel, are fond of investigating mysteries and things occult. Although appreciating luxury, can be very frugal and economical. They are natural detectives, sheriffs, bailiffs, chemists.....gifted for accomplishing things requiring muscular skill or aggressive enterprise. Motive-vital temperament."
"Mental tendencies:
Quick, keen, shrewd, critical, penetrating mind and keen judgment. Strong will and determination; self-reliant, bold, fixed views. A subtle mind, hard to influence, not easily imposed upon, willful, courageous, energetic and active when interested but at other times indolent. Sarcastic or impulsive and very angry when provoked."

MOON in Pisces
( This is going to be the Hillary Clinton we do not see on the public stage!)

"Kind, benevolent, retiring, sympathetic, fond of luxury, comfort, diversity, change, beauty and harmony. Meets with many misfortunes and obstacles which tend to make the native feel irresolute, inert, downhearted and easily discouraged at times. It gives a taste for reading and keen perception of romance, having a powerful and fruitful imagination. As a speaker, writer or composer is copious, fluent, earnest and very correct in details.

Inconstancy is indicated in love affairs; generally has a hard time saving money. If the Sun also is in a watery sign or watery sign ascending the native is likely to grow corpulent.

With the Moon in this location the native is often very receptive, mediumistic or inspirational and responsive to psychic conditions generally. Suffers both physically and mentally through adverse environment, uncongenial surroundings and misunderstanding."

I see that as being a fairly accurate overview. There are many qualities described which would prove invaluable in the fights and difficulties the next US president is bound to face after the inauguration in January 2009.

It'll be Barack Obama's turn tomorrow.

Heretical Thoughts

When comparing tropical and sidereal versions of a natal chart, I've found that often both provide a reasonably accurate interpretation, yet there are around 24 degrees difference between the two zodiac systems.

What if, in both versions of the zodiac, the division into 12 signs, passed to us by ancient astrologers is just too detailed and precise to fit real-life living breathing mortals in the 21st century ?

All the widely used astrological systems stick to the 12 classical sign divisions, Aries through Pisces, apart from Uranian astrology and Harmonics, both of which ignore signs completely and concentrate only on planets. I've found that there's proof enough that the signs have value, but I do get the feeling that there is much more "wiggle room" between them than has always been assumed.

An astrolger, I can't remember the name, once pointed out that "there are no walls in space", how true that is! A longish "blending in" phase between each cusp would result in a more complex system for sure, but one which would follow the rules of nature more nearly. Nature doesn't move abruptly, from one situation or stage, to another, it does so gradually. Even in the case of what seem to us to be abrupt events - earthquakes, hurricanes and such, the causal factors have gradually built up over a period of time, sometimes centuries, sometimes days, but never instantly - on/off.

Any blending-in phase would need to be too long to account for the 24 degrees of difference between tropical and sidereal, using a zodiac of 12 signs. I wonder whether anybody has ever experimented with, say, seven or eight signs, re-interpreting them, using traditional meanings in a subtly different mix.

I've always accepted that astrology is a natural phenomenon, so these thoughts fit my own perception. People who look on astrology as a mathematical phenomenon, or in the realm of the spiritual or metaphysical, or those who stick firmly to the system of the ancients, would not find this view tolerable, I realise that.

Just thinking (heretically)!

"Heresy is another word for freedom of thought"(Graham Greene)

Still on the subject of change, but in an entirely different arena, a question which some may consider equally heretical.

A large part of the population of the USA seems passionate for change, hope, peace and unity, as evidenced by their unbridled enthusiasm for Barack Obama, his promises and policies. How is it, then, that Dennis Kucinich, who offered a Department of Peace, single payer health care plan and other goodies was almost totally ignored by these same people? John Edwards was similarly ignored. He promised to move the country away from the corporate stranglehold in which it now finds itself, which would have been a much bigger and better change than anything Obama envisages. A strange inconsistency here methinks. Neptune in Aquarius & Uranus in Pisces showing perhaps? Fog, illusion, delusion, confusion in the realm of change, and change in the realm of fog, illusion, delusion....

Just wondering!

Almost a Cosmic Order for Obama?

While searching the archives for something else, one of my posts from early last year seemed to jump off the page and yell at me. Mercury is still retrograde for a couple more days, so it's an appropriate time to do a bloggy backtrack. What attracted my eye was an excerpt from Jan Morris's article in UK's Guardian newspaper dated 14 February 2007. Re-reading it now, it seems almost prophetic. Why? Two words Barack Obama.

I've re-arranged and slightly edited the original post, placing the article extract at the beginning, with details about Jan Morris and her astrology following. I've also added a natal chart which didn't appear in the original post last year.

********************

Jan Morris, America & Astrology

Jan Morris, a remarkable woman, British, historian, novelist, traveller and author of some 40 books, wrote a piece about America in the UK's "Guardian" in February of 2007

Quoting the final paragraphs:

"The Great Republic(USA) is great still, full still of decent clever people trying to be good. Even now, it is as free as can be expected, and its democracy is fundamentally honest and robust. It laughs at itself, criticises itself and dislikes itself just as much as we do.

All it needs is someone with a key to unlock that Idea again, and I hope it will be that next president, whoever it is, even now gearing up for the election. Please God, may it be a poetic president. Inspiration has been the true engine of American success, and all its greatest presidents have been people with a divine spark. The dullards may have been efficient, respected or influential, but the Jeffersons and the Roosevelts, the Lincolns and the Kennedys have all been, in their different ways, artists.

So may it be a president with the key of original inspiration who can release the Idea from its occlusion. All the ingredients are still there, after all - the kindness, the imagination, the merriment, the will, the talent, the energy, the goddam orneriness, the plain goodness - all there waiting to burst out once more and bring us back our America, blessed and blessing too."

***************************************************
JAN MORRIS

Born a male, "James", on 2 October 1926 in Clevedon, Somerset, England. In 1949 James Morris married and over the next years fathered five children. In 1972 he underwent a sex change operation in Casablanca and became Jan.

Jan Morris has led an amazingly eventful life, both before and after her transformation - see BBC profile



Her natal chart (set for 12 noon as no time of birth available) shows a Grand Fixed Cross , involving Saturn/Mars in Scorpio/Taurus, and Jupiter/Neptune&(Moon?) in Aquarius/Leo. There's another opposition between Uranus in Pisces and Venus in Virgo. All these aspects point to challenge - fairly intense challenge too as it turned out! The chart does contain some good aspects for an author. Mercury(communication) in Libra is trine Jupiter(publishing planet) in Aquarius, and semisextile disciplined Saturn in Scorpio.

The period around her sex change operation, say between 1970 and 1974, must have been an extraordinarily difficult few years of radical transformation. Uranus conjoined her Sun, and Pluto conjoined her Venus in 1970. Pluto conjoined her Sun in 1974. It would be interesting to know her ascendant.

From her profile, it appears that Jan Morris has certainly lived a life eventful enough for two characters! On the subject of gender she has said:
"To me gender is not physical at all, but is altogether insubstantial. It is soul, perhaps, it is talent, it is taste, it is environment, it is how one feels, it is light and shade, it is inner music"

American Idol Junkies

I've infected HeWhoKnows(the husband) with my own enthusiasm for musical talent shows. I was a great fan of several such programmes on British TV, when I arrived this side of the pond the beat went on, taking a previously oblivious HWK with it. If nothing else, Idol is a welcome break from that other manic contest going on currently in the USA !

Idol 2008 has been in full audition mode for a few weeks and has now reached the stage where numbers have finally been whittled down to 24, in preparation for viewer voting.

There are no birth dates available yet, so contestants' astrology is going to be sparse until later in the series. The positions of slower moving planets could have some bearing on the type of singer a TV audience might favour, over the 3 or four months to come. Pluto and Jupiter will be in Capricorn, with Saturn in Virgo, giving a somewhat Earthy feel for the duration of the contest. I'm wondering if viewers might prefer one of the older contestants this year, Capricorn favours maturity, Saturn in Virgo has a no-frills down to Earth feel too.

Jordin Sparks, last season's winner, was one of the youngest contestants in the 2007 shows. This year there are still some talented young teens around, but those in the late 20s age group might be aided by the more Earthy astrological atmosphere. During the 2007 contest we had Pluto and Jupiter in Sagittarius, with Saturn in Leo, both Fire signs. A different atmosphere prevails for 2008.

Uranus and Neptune in Pisces and Aquarius respectively, remain in mutual reception , as they were throughout last year's contest. This combination should aid creativity for those most sensitive to the influence, depending on individual natal charts.

These are names of stand-out singers we'll be watching for as the season progresses, culled from Michael Giltz's article HERE.

"Michael Johns (age 28) -- the raspy voiced dude who sang "Bohemian Rhapsody," which was another terrible idea (I thought) until he delivered a really confident rendition.

Syesha Mercado -- very cute contestant who struggled all week with a hoarse voice. She nailed Aretha's "Chain Of Fools" to say the least and also looks like a lock for the final 12.

David Archuleta -- the 16 year old Tiger Beat cover boy of the future (and by future I mean three months from now). Totally adorable in an aw shucks way. How can you not like someone who talks about "that tingly feeling" he gets when an audition goes well. All the judges want to adopt him and so will all of America. He sang "Heaven" by Bryan Adams, which I thought would be too old and slow for him but he sang it confidently."

Valentine

With Venus, Jupiter and Pluto in Capricorn, and Saturn in Virgo, Valentine's Day this year is likely to have a pretty down to Earth feel about it. Moon and Mars in Gemini, with Mercury in Aquarius ought to lighten things up though.

To celebrate the day, we're intending drive up Mount Scott, in the nearby Wichita Mountains. Then we'll visit a wildlife refuge close by the mountains, an appropriately earthy venue, and a trip we had to postpone from Christmas Day when we both had the 'flu.

To further mark Valentine's Day, in time honoured fashion, a home-made offering to readers who find themselves here, by accident or design. Thank you for your visit.

All you need is....

Valentine's Day comes around again tomorrow. The day used to have a peculiar feel for me. My long-ago first husband was called Valentino, after the saint who gave this day its name. The marriage was the complete antithesis of anything connected with "his day". I'm happy to report that I learned some lessons and became a better picker. Two good 'uns out of three ain't bad!

My old stand-by "Encyclopedia of Psychological Astrology", by British astrologer of the 20th century, C.E.O. Carter, is now rapidly falling apart, but before I administer sticky-tape, a search for his take on that elusive commodity LOVE:

Mr Carter had this to say:-

"LOVE. I have been gently criticized for omitting to mention this emotion in former editions. Perhaps the reason was that the word is used in so many senses as to be almost valueless.

It seems, however, that Love always implies an attachment to something or somebody and a desire to enjoy its, his or her presence and this is equally true whether the object is, perhaps, a house or country or a person. In a word, Love produces or seeks to produce happiness through association with something or somebody and so comes naturally under Venus, Libra and the 7th house. If these are well configured, the attachment fulfils its promise and does produce happiness; if otherwise, only sorrow and disappointment result.

A second characteristic of Love is that it seeks to benefit the object of its affection even to the extent of great personal danger or self-denial. This would appear to be a matter mainly of the Sun, and it is indeed true that Leo is a great lover and in the good types ready to give much to the beloved in affection and service.

Sexual love or desire I should place chiefly under the Sun; but it seems likely that several planetary values might enter into this condition, according to the underlying motives in particular cases. For example, the flirt desires to exercise power over a man, whilst an instinct to hold and possess may be stronger in a man than the anticipation of actual physical enjoyment. And so on."

Mr. Carter's views are a little behind the times for the 21st century, with regard to his last thought. In these days of equal opportunity, flirts come in all three genders, and the idea that man's best aim is "holding and possessing" left the building long ago. I'm sure, though, that Mr Carter was spot on with the astrology.

In my own case, Mercury is the only resident of 7th house trining Neptune, squaring Moon and semi-sextiling Venus. The square to Moon from Mercury in 7th may be the reason for a remark in the first astrologer's interpretation I ever bought, back in the 1970s. The astrologer informed me that I may find that romantic associations end in disappointment (or words to that effect). I'd already been there and done that, by then. An unfortunate pattern doesn't need to repeat itself though. There were a few more, non-binding, bad choices and consequent minor disappointments, but I became a little more aware with each one. When it came to making serious long-term commitments, the pattern didn't repeat itself. The mildly helpful aspect of Mercury to Venus probably helped.

Marcus Aurelius, that wise old Roman Emperor and philosopher had some good advice on the topic of love:

"Accept the things to which fate binds you, and love the people with whom fate brings you together, but do so with all your heart."

Astro-retro Fashions ? - No, no, no!

Judy Licht's article "The Frill of It All" alerted me to an upcoming fashion trend of which we are unaware, here in the sticks of deepest Oklahoma. Not that it'll affect the way we women dress in these parts, but it's interesting that fashion is trying (allegedly)to hark back to looks embraced in the 1950s and early 1960s.

From Judy Licht's article:
"Another Fashion Week here in New York, another frenzy. But hidden in all the hairspray, hubbub and hilarious air kisses are clues not only to what we'll be wearing next season, but what that says about us as a society right now, what we're feeling, and where we may be heading. Fashion historians have long known that clothes are just as accurate a barometer of the culture for which they're created as any political or literary histories.

O.K...So what are they saying this time???? Everybody is craving comfort clothes. No, not the soft stuff you wear on the weekends. We mean the kind that reminds everyone of the late fifties and the early sixties, the last time, it seems, when everything was truly right with the world. The last age of innocence. With an economy that seems scary, but still a bit of an enigma; an election that for the first time in decades seems to be providing an unknown factor (i.e., choices), everyone wants it to be simple again. ..................... great trilby hats and slim single breasted suits for men..they've embraced the sheaths, the full skirts, swing coats and sweaters that screamed oh so subtle under-the-girdled-sex, for-women."

Oh dear! I well remember the circular skirts, and the hobbling sheaths which required contortionist-like skills for the wearer to be able to sit down at all, nevemind elegantly. And the required matching shoes, gloves and handbag. Not that again, please!

"Simple", the author said. Simple it ain't. Trust me, I'm old enough to know from experience!

Anyway, back to astrology - two of the outer planets, thought to influence the collective: Uranus (change, inventiveness, novelty) and Neptune (imagination, creativity, dreams) - correspond with the ingredients involved in fashion trends.

Using tropical zodiac, and covering the period mentioned in Judy Licht's article, from early 1950s to 1956 Uranus was in Cancer, Neptune in Libra. From 1957 to 1962 Uranus was in Leo, Neptune in Scorpio.

The fifties followed a decade of grinding restrictions affecting almost everything, including clothing in Europe and, to a lesser extent in the USA. In Britain people were allocated "clothing coupons" a form of rationing. When World War 2 was over, the fashion industry re-grouped, and by 1950 it seemed like party-time for them.

Uranus moving from comfortable, homely Cancer into more extrovert and showy Leo, and Neptune slipping from elegant Libra to passionate Scorpio heralded some style changes during the later part of the period in question.

Circular skirts and easy little dresses, (a la Doris Day) characterise the easy, homely "apple-pie" phase, of Cancer/Libra, followed by Audrey Hepburn's and Jackie Kennedy's sleeker, more sophisticated looks during the phase of Leo/Scorpio.










"Sweaters and under-the-girdled sex", said Judy Licht...she obviously hasn't experienced the reality, which had more in common with suits of armour and chastity belts!



Currently Uranus is in Pisces and Neptune in Aquarius. I'm surprised that fashion needs to look backward for inspiration during this astrological atmosphere. Neptune and Aquarius in mutual reception (in each other's ruling sign) ought to be breeding creativity of the highest kind.

Why would fashionistas want to look back to this era? It's a mystery. Perhaps the designers promoting these looks have heavy retrograde influence in their natal charts. Some clients and customers may fall in love with these looks, but I suspect it will be a short-lived affair. It's definitely not for me - I'll parody Amy Winehouse:

They’re tryin to make me go to the fifties
I said no, no, no!

Astrology & The Healing Blues

On Saturday evening I was introduced to a genre of music of which I'd not previously taken much heed - The Blues. Janiva Magness was the featured performer at our local theatre. She has a wonderful, strong voice and is a great performer - she reminded me a little of Tina Turner, with shades of Janis Joplin. Her birth data is elusive, it's a pity, for her story is interesting. She has had much sadness and many obstacles in her life, and found refuge in singing the blues at an early age. She mentioned several times during the evening that she holds a deep belief that music is healing - especially blues music.

There's a YouTube interview with Janiva with some details of her lifestory HERE.

Here she sings a heart-wrenching song "You Were Never Mine" .
Not all blues are as melancholy as this - they can also be bitchy, sexy and downright naughty!

Blues music is such a well defined genre, I wondered if some of its best known stars might have something in common astrologically. As Ed Kopp wrote in "A Brief History of the Blues" :

"When you think of the blues, you think about misfortune, betrayal and regret. You lose your job, you get the blues. Your mate falls out of love with you, you get the blues. Your dog dies, you get the blues.

While blues lyrics often deal with personal adversity, the music itself goes far beyond self-pity. The blues is also about overcoming hard luck, saying what you feel, ridding yourself of frustration, letting your hair down, and simply having fun. The best blues is visceral, cathartic, and starkly emotional. From unbridled joy to deep sadness, no form of music communicates more genuine emotion.

The blues has deep roots in American history, particularly African-American history. The blues originated on Southern plantations in the 19th Century. Its inventors were slaves, ex-slaves and the descendants of slaves - African-American sharecroppers who sang as they toiled in the cotton and vegetable fields. It's generally accepted that the music evolved from African spirituals, African chants, work songs, field hollers, rural fife and drum music, revivalist hymns, and country dance music."

What astrological factors does that bring to mind? Saturn aspects, mainly with Mercury (communication - which includes singing). Saturn says angst, difficult times, barriers.... next, some emotional depth - Moon and its aspects, Water signs, perhaps a lot of negative (Yin) polarity.(Wikipedia: "Yin "shady place, cloudy, overcast; the dark element: it is passive, dark, feminine, negative, downward-seeking, consuming and corresponds to the night.")

I picked the first three names HWK (my husband) suggested as quintessential blues singers - B.B. King, Robert Johnson, and Muddy Waters, and looked at their natal charts. No times of birth are available for any of them, which severely limits any search for Moon aspects and house positions, so I looked mainly for Saturn aspects, Water, and polarity in their charts.

B.B. King, born 16 September 1925, Itta Bena, Mississippi.





Saturn sextiles Mercury and possibly Moon, (which could be anywhere from 1 to 12 Virgo). Jupiter trines Mercury. There's a loose Grand Trine in Water linking Pluto, Uranus and Saturn. Negative polarity dominates positive 9 to 1!


Robert Johnson, born 8 May, 1911, Hazlehurst, Mississippi.





Saturn conjunct Mercury and 7 degrees from Sun, Saturn opposes Jupiter and sextiles Mars.Moon would be in Virgo and possibly in trine to Sun/Mercury/Saturn if born before 10pm.Grand Trine in Water, Jupiter/Mars/Neptune. Negative polarity dominates positive 8 to 2.

Muddy Waters born 4 April 1915 , Rolling Fork, Mississippi. (Note: Wikipedia's stated birth year, 1913, for Muddy Waters should be 1915 according to the above linked bio.)






Saturn squares Mercury/Mars. Moon in Sagittarius (degree uncertain) might well oppose Saturn in Gemini.
Water predominates, negative beats positive polarity 6 to 4. Stellium in Watery Pisces.

Conclusion: Saturn aspects Mercury in all three charts. Negative (Yin) polarity dominates in all cases. The element of Water is a big factor in all three charts, via Grand Trine or stellium.

The blues these men sing, or sang, are traditional in style, Janiva Magness' blues are a more contemporary version, but still with the same key ingredients.

One of my husband's photographs from Saturday night (click to enlarge):

Rotten-Day Aquarians

During the past few months I've resurrected sections from a little book called "You Were Born on a Rotten Day" by Jim Critchfield and Jerry Hopkins. I found the book in a secondhand shop last summer. (This book is not to be confused with a more recent publication of similar title - this one was first publshed in 1969). A little more about the two authors HERE.

Maybe I'm jaded, but it seems to me that, sign by sign, the entries are becoming less and less funny. The book was a clumsy attempt to spoof astrology columns. It doesn't work, it's just not clever enough. I think it IS one of the first books ever to attempt astrological humour though, so in a way it's a piece of history. Standards have changed over the ensuing 40 years, it's hard to put oneself into the minds of book-buying American public back then, and impossible to imagine writing of this standard being published today.

Readers seeking a laugh via the authors' take on "Aquarius" would be treated to these revelations:

"Aquarius is the water sign(???)and people born under it are all wet. These people love the sea and all waters everywhere, often becoming stowaways or lifeguards of low moral character. Some of the more dedicated Aquarians often swim upstream to spawn.

Aquarians are eccentric and will not follow the crowd, thus giving rise to the large number of Aquarian servicemen who jump out of landing barges and swim back to the Mother Ship. As a result Aquarius is known in some circles as "The Sign of the Chicken".

If you are an Aquarius, you attract others to you for advice. This is very bad since you lack wisdom and probably had to cheat to make it through the third grade. However you can expect disappointment, pain, frustration and other erotic things.

You are so close with a buck it's incredible. It is advisable to marry a poor person who was born on Christmas Day so you'll just have to buy one all-purpose gift a year. Better yet, why not just have yourself committed and let the State take care of you?

Your lucky number is 3554664958674928. Watch for it everywhere. "

And under the heading "A Typical Miserable Aquarian Month", examples of funny (?) forecasts:

"27th: You've been leading a dog's life. Stay off the furniture.

28th: A handsome man may wink at you today. (If you're a man, don't wink back).

29th: Wherever you go today, be sure to take your clavicle.

30th: Stop building castles in the air. They'll only attract more pigeons."

Mercifully, later in the 20th century and in the 21st, astrological humour improved by leaps and bounds.

George Clooney, Messenger of Peace.

I read recently, (here), that George Clooney has been appointed a United Nations Messenger of Peace.
There's an article on George and his astrology at Astrodatabank , with natal chart, followed by a string of comments. Interestingly, some of the comments relate to his chart from the sidereal perspective, as well as tropical. Copies of both charts are available. The sidereal version is in square format, but easy to follow. For a passing reader who has any interest in comparing the tropical and sidereal zodiacs in connection with the interpretation of natal charts, the comments are a useful read.

Tropical zodiac dictates that George Clooney has Sun and Mercury in Taurus, Pisces rising. Moon and Saturn in Capricorn, Jupiter in Aquarius. Venus in Aries, Mars at 0* Leo. Generationally Uranus Leo, Pluto Virgo, Neptune Scorpio.

Not even the most expert astrologer in the world, really knows for certain how the signs, planets and houses "work" or what their precise effect is. If one asserts adamantly that one or other zodiac is correct, evidence to support that theory is usually quite easily found. Clearing the mind completely of prejudice or preference isn't easy. I have to keep in mind that both zodiacs cannot be correct, I can't pick and choose a different one for each individual just because it fits them better. In the end, it's going to be a matter of which zodiac is more correct, in a majority of cases.

I naturally lean immediately towards tropical because that's what I've taught myself and read about over many years, and yet here, I find that I marginally prefer the sidereal positions for George Clooney. Sidereal gives him Aquarius rising, Sun in Aries. Aries seems to me to be a doer. George definitely walks the talk. His stunning good looks and acting ability, (not to mention that mischievous twinkle in his eye) mean that he could rest on his laurels - but he doesn't, he's driven to do more.

Taurus is a fixed and stubborn sign, pleasant, but not a big doer or initiator, Taurus Sun and Mercury seem like a bad fit for George. Tropical Pisces rising could describe his compassion for the underprivileged, but Aquarius, the humanitarian sign rising, describes him more clearly, and again Aquarius is another "doing" kind of sign, rather than the dreaming one - Pisces.




My usual difficulty arises when comparing the two charts. There are factors which can be seen as alternatives - Mars in tropical Leo indicates a fiery fighter, that factor transfers to his Sun and Mercury in sidereal Aries. Venus in tropical Aries becomes Venus in sidereal Pisces, so the softness and compassion seen in his tropical Pisces ascendant remains in the picture...these swap-overs really do muddy the water.

Overall, it's "swings and roundabouts" - a shortened version of an old fairground proverb "What you lose on the swings you gain on the roundabouts". Things balance out - if fairground operatives had a poor day financially on the swings, it was likely they'd have done well on the roundabouts.

Disentangling the threads to make a definite call on which zodiac gives more accurate results most of the time isn't a job for an amateur, but I'm going to keep trying, the prospect intrigues me.

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!

****************

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

****************

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!

******************

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.
...............................................

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.