An astrological commentary on current events.
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(Copyright:- The Daze 2008 -All rights reserved, National chart data from The Book of World Horoscopes, All times quoted are GMT, Tropical Zodiac used throughout.)
Eclipse Predictions by Fred Espenak. Sky and Telescope Magazine.
BBC News UK Earthquake page CNN News.
Media services. Astroworld US Marjorie Orr
George Bush in 2008 David Cameron in 2008 Gordon Brown in 2008
January 2008
Tuesday January 1st 2008
2007 ended with scores of people being killed across Kenya after violence blamed on the disputed presidential election.
Yesterday Pakistan's election body delayed a ruling on whether to go ahead with January elections, after Benazir Bhutto's death
The US and Japan expressed disappointment that N Korea looks set to miss a year-end nuclear deadline.
Today the year starts in New Year party spirit, the Moon in Libra making very slow and easy aspects.
Wednesday January 2nd 2008
Diplomatic pressure mounts on Kenya's leaders to end violence over the country's disputed presidential election
Kenya
Kenya received full independence from Great Britain at 00:00 GMT on 12th December 1963. The Kenyan independence chart is a well balanced, inspirational, earthy, essentially and constructive nativity.
The current troubles may have been triggered by the recent Full Moon on Dec. 24th 2007 which was opposite Kenya's natal Mars in Capricorn, and by the previous New Moon which was conjunct Kenya's natal Sagittarius Sun.
Jupiter currently in Capricorn, by transit, is conjunct both Kenya's natal Mars and Mercury in January 2008. Jupiter is also conjunct natal Venus in Feb, July, and Oct 2008. Uranus is square Kenya's natal Sun three times in 2008, March, October and December.
Kenya's independence chart has a progressed Moon currently in Gemini, she goes 'gibbous' in July 2008 and reaches progressed Full Moon in Dec. 2011. Kenya's previous progressed Full Moon (1982) and New Moon (1997) were eclipses so it might be said that in the long run the current cycle is as not as powerful as the times already seen in this nation's short life.
Pakistan's election body says a 8 January poll "looks impossible" but the decision will be made on Wednesday.
Smoking bans and fines come into effect in bars and restaurants in much of Germany and all of France.
On Dec.. 31st around 0110 UTC, something exploded just behind the sun's eastern limb. The blast unleashed a solar flare and hurled a bright CME into space. These events may signal the impending return of large sunspot 978, which has spent the past two weeks transiting the far side of the sun. www.spaceweather.com
Today the very slowly waning Moon, now past last quarter in Libra , trines Mars in Gemini, is void from 00:34 GMT, and enters Scorpio 01:33 GMT.
The Moon with her Node and Mars then form a planetary kite pattern, with a watery grand trine on the backbone of the current Mars Pluto opposition. The pattern peaks around 05:30 GMT.
Mars opposes Pluto 22:34 GMT, eased by the Lunar Node over the next few days. This is the second time that this opposition has occurred during the course of the current Mars retrograde motion. The first was on September 20th 2007, the last will be on March 7th 2008. (Around the time of the first opposition, Uganda declared a state of emergency in the worst flood-affected areas of the country as humanitarian workers tried to reach villages that have been cut off by water).
Earth in perihelion 23:51 GMT
Thursday January 3rd 2008
Yesterday both sides in Kenya's disputed poll accused the other of violence amid diplomatic efforts to curb the crisis. Kenya's opposition leader insists a banned rally will go ahead, despite pleas for an end to post-election unrest.
Elections originally scheduled for 8 January in Pakistan will now take place on 18 February, (with Mercury stationary about to turn direct) polling officials say. Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf says a British team will help investigate the death of Benazir Bhutto.
The US justice department is to launch a criminal inquiry into the CIA's wiping of interrogation tapes.
A volcano has erupted in southern Chile, leading to some 150 people being evacuated from the immediate area. The Llaima volcano, about 650 km (400 miles) south of the capital, Santiago, produced a huge column of smoke, and threw out lava and ash.
Oil has traded at $100 a barrel for the first time. Violence in Nigeria, Algeria and Pakistan, the weak US dollar and the threat of cold weather have all raised prices after the new year break.
In the UK yesterday patients were moved after a serious fire breaks out at one of Europe's leading cancer hospitals in west London.
Today the Moon reaching apogee 08:04 GMT slowly wanes away in Scorpio. Venus is applying to a sobering square aspect to Saturn this coming weekend but the Sun is at the same time applying in sextile to Uranus, adding something out of the ordinary to confound the skeptics!
Friday January 4th 2008
Yesterday Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki said that he is ready to talk to opposition rivals, but only after the unrest ends.
Thousands of Benazir Bhutto supporters face riot charges after unrest in Pakistan, her party says.
The US presidential contest starts in Iowa, with Republican and Democratic races too close to call.
It was reported yesterday that astronomers have discovered a newborn planet in a solar system that is still in the process of forming - the first example of this ever found. The planet has nearly 10 times the mass of our Jupiter; and it circles TW Hydrae, a nearby young star which is only eight to 10 million years old. The planet orbits the star with a period of 3.56 days at a distance of about six million km (four million miles), inside the inner rim of the system's dusty disc. TW Hydrae is situated about 182 light-years away in the constellation Hydra.
Sky and Telescope
Today the slow and old Moon, sextile Mercury 00:31 GMT and becomes void of course at that time, hits her balsamic phase 28 degrees Scorpio 11:08 GMT, then enters Sagittarius 14:14 GMT, joining Venus and Pluto in that sign.
The Quadrantid meteor shower peaks. This is a short but strong display. Up to 100 meteors per hour might be seen after midnight on the 4th.
There is some brave and optimistic cheer to be found on this Friday night, but the Moon is old, Mercury is appearing to slow down, Venus is facing some heavy duty aspects ahead and Mars is opposite Pluto. This is mighty and mean. Take care, take courage.
Saturday January 5th 2008
At least 180,000 people have been displaced by unrest after last week's disputed Kenyan election, say UN officials.
US presidential hopefuls head to New Hampshire a day after the Iowa result threw the nominating races wide open. Democratic candidate Barack Obama and Republican Mike Huckabee emerged victorious there in the first contest of the 2008 US presidential election. For a good astrological review of the candidates try the link below.
Majorie Orr's passing thoughts on US Presidential Election.
Solar physicists have been waiting for the appearance of a reversed-polarity sunspot to signal the start of the next solar cycle. The wait is over. A magnetically reversed, high-latitude sunspot emerged yesterday: It marks the beginning of Solar Cycle 24 and the sun's slow ascent back to Solar Maximum. Spaceweather.com
This is very much an 'old moon weekend'. Don't expect too much in the way of enchantment!
The slow, old but accelerating Moon is conjunct Venus in Sagittarius at 03:20 GMT.
The Moon moves on to square Saturn and Uranus during the day.
A lunar occultation of Antares occurs today at 10:09 GMT visible from South America. Lunar occultations of Antares occur every month from Dec.. 2004 to Feb. 2010. There are none then till July 2023.
The Sun is about to sextile Uranus, Venus is squaring Saturn, the Moon is badly besieged, all in all not an easy day.
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Sunday January 6th 2008
We are now half way through the astrological month of Capricorn.
The Sun sextile Uranus 12:10 GMT. Practical inventiveness is to the fore as this day starts.
Venus squares Saturn 13:39 GMT and will go on to square Uranus next Saturday. Venus is truly under pressure now and in the week ahead. Somber and sober responses can be expected today.
The old Moon in Sagittarius opposes Mars 21:35 GMT
Hell of a weekend!
Monday January 7th 2008
Yesterday international monitors said that Georgia's election, which President Saakashvili seems to have won, was democratic.
Pakistan's President Musharraf said Benazir Bhutto may have been shot dead, contradicting official accounts.
Iraqi soldiers were among eight killed by a suicide bomber in Baghdad in an attack during Army Day celebrations.
A powerful earthquake hit Greece, shaking buildings and waking people from their sleep. Greek geologists said the quake - measuring 6.5 - was centred 120km (75 miles) south-west of Athens in the southern Peloponnese region. But it was very deep, 51km underground, and there were no early reports of casualties or damage. Reports say the quake was felt over much of Greece, which is the most earthquake-prone country in Europe. The earthquake struck at 0514 GMT - 0714 local time - while many people were still asleep.
Today the ancient slow moving Moon is conjunct Pluto in Sagittarius and is void of course at 00:28 GMT. She accelerates into Capricorn 01:43 GMT joining Jupiter, Mercury and the Sun. She is conjunct Jupiter (5 degree separation) at 10:27 GMT.
The Sun and the old Moon are in Capricorn. Tough as old boots and just as interesting, quite an apt day to return to work after Yuletide festivities.
Tuesday January 8th 2008
Yesterday it was reported that Iranian boats had harassed three US navy ships at the weekend with a threat to blow them up.
Kenya's President Mwai Kibaki invited opposition rival Raila Odinga for talks over disputed elections.
A former Taleban commander who switched sides was made governor of the Afghan town of Musa Qala.
Chad warplanes have bombed two villages in Sudan's Darfur province, leaving six people dead, according to the UN.
Today Mercury enters Aquarius 04:40 GMT and will reside in this sign for over two months. This period will be a very eventful time astrologically for the planet Mercury.
There is a lunar occultation of Mercury in Aquarius tomorrow. Mercury is conjunct Neptune within 17 minutes of arc at 21 degrees Aquarius on Jan 23rd just after the next Full Moon. Mercury turns retrograde on January 28th at 24 degrees Aquarius (just before attempting to make an airy trine with Mars), once more returning into the bosom of Neptune on Feb 3rd. Inferior conjunction of Mercury occurs on Feb. 6th. Mercury turns direct on the 19th Feb. at 8 degrees Aquarius. Mercury is conjunct Venus (1.2 degrees orb) on 26th Feb. at 11 degrees Aquarius. Mercury and Venus remain within 3 degrees of each other for over a month from that time. Another lunar occultation of Mercury (the second of 5 in 2008) occurs at 14 degrees Aquarius on March 5th. Mercury is again for a final third time, aligned to Neptune (within a degree this time) at 23 degrees Aquarius on March 9th. Mercury enters new territory on March 11th and finally leaves Aquarius hand in hand with Venus on March 14th.
The upshot on all of these is that from just five days from now we would be ill advised to begin or to launch new enterprises for the period right up to March 11th. The whole period is certainly a seeding ground for new 'future oriented' ideas. It is a period of vision. 'Independent thought' is favoured. During the period there will be so many modulations to the astrological energy of Mercury, about turns, twists of fate and fine tuning that the period is best regarded as a think tank.
With all this is mind we now face today's New Moon in Capricorn.
New Moon 18 degrees Capricorn 11:38 GMT.
This lunation is the ultimate New Moon before a Annular Solar Eclipse on February 7th 2008. With the passing of today's New Moon we are once again in an eclipse season. This 'pre-eclipse' New Moon makes a solitary separating sextile aspect to Uranus which suggests a rather low key lunation not however without some hope and inspiration for the future.
At this time Mars is still opposite Pluto and Venus is currently in a mutable T-square relationship with Saturn and Uranus. Jupiter is applying in trine aspect to Saturn, a good strong point in all of this. We are living in a very violent and problematic period right now. The impulse of this New Moon is to formulate and establish new international policy to respond to recent and future trouble spots. In more personal matters it is a matter of shielding and nurturing inner strength.
At the exact moment of this New Moon, both the Sun and Moon are rising over Panama, they are culminating exactly over Bern, Turin and Nice and are setting over NE India and Nepal. Jupiter rises at Washington DC, Pluto rises at Chicago, Saturn is conjunct the local MC of San Francisco. Saturn rises over Tokyo, Neptune sets at Shanghai and Beijing. Neptune in on the MC over Kenya and both Jupiter and Pluto culminate over Pakistan.
The Moon is void from the moment of New Moon and remains that way for nearly 24 hours.
Wednesday January 9th 2008
Yesterday the day of a new Moon (and a new wave sweeping America?) voters were streaming into polling stations in the key New Hampshire USA presidential primary, fuelling expectations of a record turnout. The state secretary, predicted that at least half a million people will cast their ballots. At the time of writing the first votes counted, and opinion polls, put Barack Obama and John McCain ahead in their respective races.
Today the tiny baby Moon enters Aquarius at 11:13 GMT (after a lengthy void of course period) and makes nice aspects over the next couple of days whilst there.
This new born baby moon is very closely aligned to Mercury (third of a degree) at 15:39 GMT. This alignment is visible as a lunar occultation of Mercury at 15:31 GMT observable from South America and Southwest Africa. This is the first of 5 lunar occultations of Mercury this year, Jan 9th, March 5th, Aug 1st, Sept 30th and Dec. 29th.
Venus is having an astrologically rough time in Sagittarius right now. Hardly having time to recover from her square with Saturn last Sunday, (the day of the Iran/US naval skirmish), she is now applying in square aspect to Uranus on Saturday. (Expect further unsettling events). Then she goes on to oppose Mars on January 20th and conjoin with Pluto on January 24th.
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Thursday January 10th 2008
Yesterday US President Bush said he is ready to pressure Middle East peace negotiators, as he made his first visit to Israel.
New Hampshire primary wins by John McCain and Hillary Clinton now leave the race for the White House wide open.
Heavy snow and bitterly cold weather have caused scores of deaths and major disruption in parts of Iran, Afghanistan, Central Asia and Pakistan. Some areas have seen snow for the first time in years, with people struggling to keep warm in sub-zero temperatures amid power shortages.
The young and tender Moon waxes and accelerates in Aquarius.
(Yesterday there was a lunar occultation of Mercury and tomorrow there is a lunar occultation of Neptune. Days like today, mid way between lunar occultations, can be important. The '9 11' Twin Towers episode occurred midway between lunar occultations of Jupiter and Saturn).
Friday January 11th 2008
Yesterday President Bush said Israel must cede occupied Arab land so a viable Palestinian state can be created.
Federal Reserve chief Ben Bernanke said that the outlook for the US economy in 2008 has worsened. His comments in Washington come after leading investment banks warned that the US was heading for a recession
Today the young Moon aligns to Neptune in Aquarius. An occultation occurs at 01:17 GMT for observers in Tasmania and New Zealand. This is the 8th of a monthly series of 20 occultations of Neptune at the current time. Geocentric conjunction is at 01:31 GMT.
The Moon sextile Pluto 17:52 GMT and becomes 'void of course' for 52 minutes, just enough to get 'in gear' for the weekend ahead. She enters Pisces (unnoticed) at 18:44 GMT.
The weekend ahead is dominated by Venus in square aspect to Uranus tomorrow. This aspect can invoke bizarre and unusual circumstances. Couple this with the moon in Pisces and you have a tendency for individuals to be swept along by errant mass emotion and by the will of the crowd. An inevitable 'impressionism' and 'absorption' is upon us.
Saturday January 12th 2008
The young but accelerating and waxing Moon reaches her crescent phase 6 degrees Pisces 06:23 GMT.
Life is a stage to project one's dreams.
The Moon, the Earth and Saturn are linearly aligned (within a degree) at 09:20 GMT. A critical start to the day.
Jupiter at 5 degrees Capricorn makes a 'one off' waning semi-square (45 degrees) to Neptune today at 11:57 GMT. This particular aspect is the forerunner to the conjunction of these two planets in Aquarius which occurs three times during May, June and December (21st) 2009.
(Jupiter was last conjunct Neptune on January 9th 1997 in late Capricorn. The 13 year planetary cycle which started then, hit first quarter phase in 1999, reached its peak opposition in 2003, its last quarter phase was early 2006, and today it has reached its balsamic phase). The meaning and purpose of this planetary cycle manifests essentially in religious, musical and artistic phenomena. Today we maybe gain a glimpse of future fashion and future artistic creation.
Venus in Sagittarius squares Uranus in Pisces 17:23 GMT. A kinky (at best) and or unsettling (at worst) vibration.
The Moon, the Earth and Uranus align (within 3 degrees this time) at 23:12 GMT. A potentially shattering ending to the day.
Sunday January 13th 2008
A dream boat Sunday on choppy seas.
Today continues in the same vein as yesterday.
Around 21:00 GMT the Moon forms a mutable T-square with Mars and Pluto. This one seems to spell mania.
The Pisces moon squares Pluto and becomes void at 23:41 GMT. She hurtles into Aries 43 minutes later. A 'different' day is on the cards for tomorrow.
Monday January 14th 2008
Yesterday President Bush called on allies to confront Iran "before it's too late", in a keynote speech in the Gulf region.
Scientific news reported that a giant hydrogen gas cloud will create new stars when it hits our galaxy in 20-40 million years' time.
State of the skies:-The Sun today is at 24 degrees Capricorn. The Sun enters Aquarius on Sunday. There are 66 days to the vernal equinox There is an eclipse of the Sun in 24 days time.
The accelerating and waxing Moon approaching her first quarter phase enters Aries 00:24 GMT. She forms a 'finger of fate' pattern with Mercury and Saturn around 18:34 GMT today. The next Full Moon a week tomorrow inaugurates the new eclipse season. There is a total eclipse of the Moon in 38 days time.
Mercury appears as a decelerating 'evening star' in Aquarius. Mercury is conjunct Neptune within 17 minutes of arc at 21 degrees Aquarius on Jan 23rd just after the next Full Moon. He turns retrograde on January 28th at 24 degrees Aquarius. Today Mercury is at the point in the zodiac he will return to during his forthcoming retrograde motion.
Venus is a morning star in Sagittarius. Venus is having an astrologically rough time right now. On Sunday January 20th 2008 Venus in Sagittarius opposes Mars in Gemini. Venus is conjunct Pluto at the very end of Sagittarius on January 24th 2008 and enters Capricorn later that day. She then applies in conjunction to Jupiter. Today Venus is eighteen degrees from this brilliant morning sky conjunction with Jupiter at the start of February. The pair are closest together on the morning of Friday February 1st, with Venus about half a degree (about the diameter of the Full Moon) to the north of Jupiter. This will be a wondrous sight in the pre dawn skies at the end of January.
Mars is still retrograde in Gemini. He turns direct on January 30th. On March 4th 2008 he renters Cancer. He is never more than 6 degrees of celestial longitude from opposing Pluto over the coming weeks. The whole of the next two months is coloured by potential 'seething anger' and 'potential violence' there in the background. On March 7th Mars opposes Pluto (for the last time). During mid March Mars sextile Saturn (last time), and on April 4th Mars enters new zodiac territory at 13 degrees Cancer. On April 24th Mars opposes Jupiter (for the last time).
Jupiter trines Saturn next Monday, a much healthier situation. This is the 3rd of 5 such aspects (1st March 16th 2007, 2nd May 6th 2007, 3rd January 21st 2008, 4th September 8th 2008, final blast Nov 21st 2008).
Pluto first enters Capricorn on January 26th. More to follow on this momentous ingress.
The main astrological happening of the week ahead as the Moon grows to fullness, is the opposition of Venus and Mars next weekend. There is a very real challenge to the status quo here. The markets may be jittery and some dynamics (and fireworks) can be expected in all human relationships, especially between men and women.
Tuesday January 15th 2008
Yesterday under a 'bold and daring' crescent Moon in Aries, four heavily armed Taleban fighters attacked the Serena hotel in the Afghan capital, Kabul, the main hotel there for international visitors.
The diplomatic dispute between Russia and the UK intensified as Britain defied an order to close down cultural offices.
Israeli and Palestinian negotiators held what are described as positive talks on the most intractable issues.
The International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent said that more rain could be "catastrophic" for flood-hit Mozambique and nearby countries, Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Nasa's Mercury Messenger probe became the first spacecraft since 1975 to visit the innermost planet.
Today the fast moving and accelerating Moon reaches first quarter 19:47 GMT at 25 Aries.
The Sun and the Moon are in cardinal signs. This day 'generates' situations. The astrological weather is best described by the phrases 'go out and get it', 'shoot first talk later', and 'seize the day'.
Wednesday January 16th 2008
Yesterday Kenya's opposition won a key vote in parliament as bitter clashes marred the body's first meeting since disputed polls.
Eighteen Palestinians, including 13 militants, died in an Israeli raid in the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip.
European and US shares fell sharply as poor economic and corporate news added to fears of a US recession.
Today the fast moving Moon starting the day in Aries trines Pluto and is void at 03:40 GMT.
She enters Taurus 04:13 GMT, and forms a constructive earthy grand trine with Saturn and Jupiter between 15:00 and 18:00 GMT. Solid vision.
This day, and the one that follows, have a steadier, more conservative and traditional astrological flavour than the first part of this working week. It will be interesting to see how the value of shares on the world money markets responds to today's earthy triangle in the skies.
Thursday January 17th 2008
Yesterday we saw the brutal side of the moon influence in Taurus as Kenyan police fired tear gas and bullets at opposition activists defying a ban on election protests.
Hundreds of militants overran an army fort in north-west Pakistan, killing or kidnapping many troops.
UK foreign secretary David Miliband warned Russia that "intimidation" of British Council officials is "completely unacceptable". The council is "deeply concerned" about its staff's safety after its employees were interviewed by security services and a director was detained by police.
The "darkest ever" substance known to science has been made in a US laboratory. The material was created from carbon nanotubes - sheets of carbon just one atom thick rolled up into cylinders. Researchers say it is the closest thing yet to the ideal black material, which absorbs light perfectly at all angles and over all wavelengths. The discovery is expected to have applications in the fields of electronics and solar energy.
Global shares fell yesterday amid growing fears of a recession in the US economy, and slowing corporate profit growth. The Dow Jones index however was rising as the day ended.
Today the fast Moon increasing in light and motion is in Taurus.
This waxing nearly gibbous Moon skims the northern fringe of the Pleiades around 6:30 to 9:30 a.m. EST Friday morning for skywatchers in North America. for the northern U.S. and Canada.
Friday January 18th 2008
Yesterday Opposition leader Raila Odinga said the police have turned Kenya into "killing fields of the innocent".
A bomber attacked an Iraqi mosque as Shias marked the festival of Ashura, killing at least eight people,
In the UK a passenger plane crash-landed short of a runway at Heathrow Airport, ripping off part of its undercarriage. All 136 passengers and 16 crew escaped from the British Airways flight BA038 from Beijing. The incident happened on the south runway at 1242 GMT, as Prime Minister Gordon Brown was due to leave Heathrow for China and India. His flight was delayed because of the incident.
Today the very fast moving Moon trines the Sun at 02:06 GMT and is void of course before entering Gemini at 06:30 GMT. From this moment the astrological weather modulates to 'divergence' and 'diversion'. The day becomes busier and faster moving. There is restlessness and multiplicity today.
Venus is about to oppose Mars in the skies of earth. A note of challenge and conflict is sounded today for the weekend ahead. This aspect evokes a very real 'dynamic' in all human relationships, it is exact on Sunday, but its presence may well be felt today.
- Saturday January 19th 2008
Yesterday at least 15 people were killed in clashes between police and members of an Shia cult in southern Iraq
Kenya's opposition vowed to boycott government-linked firms as a final day of protests claims at least five lives.
President George W Bush called on Congress to pass measures worth $145bn to shore up the US economy.
"Discoveries are at hand!" So say members of the MESSENGER science team after 500 megabytes of data have been safely downloaded to Earth following the spacecraft's Jan. 14th flyby of Mercury. www.spaceweather.com
Today is the last day of the astrological month of Capricorn and there are now a lot of astrological 'waves' about to break, things are building up to a series of climaxes.
Venus is about to oppose Mars. This opposition peaks tomorrow. It symbolises a challenge in all human relationships. Venus then moves on to a conjunction with Pluto on Thursday, this one rings out the music of the transforming power of love. If this is not enough Venus then begins to apply to a a visibly splendorous conjunction with Jupiter in Capricorn, shining brightly in the morning skies of Earth, at month's end.
Mercury is approaching a near alignment with Neptune in Aquarius. This occurs on Wednesday. Vision, imagination, magic, wonderment, illusion, deception, glamour, all of these experiences are on the cards.
The Moon reaches her gibbous phase today at 04:48 GMT at 13 degrees Gemini. The majestic procession to the candlemass Full moon can then begin. She is perigee 08:30 GMT today and is full on Tuesday.
The Moon opposes Venus at 23:14 GMT and occults Mars shortly after this today.
The Moon is conjunct Mars (within 1.2 degrees) at 23:36 GMT. This is visible in north Siberia and the arctic as a lunar occultation of Mars, one of four this year, Jan 19th, April 12th, May 10th and June 8th.
Standby and be alert. This is powerful astrological chemistry. After a rather low key start to 2008, events and new experiences are about to occur.
Sunday January 20th 2008
Venus in Sagittarius opposes Mars in Gemini 03:11 GMT.
The Moon opposes Pluto 07:47 GMT, becomes void and enters Cancer at 08:06 GMT.
The Sun enters Aquarius at 16:44 GMT joining Chiron, Mercury, Neptune and the lunar node in that sign and a new astrological month commences.
Monday January 21st 2008
The weekend witneessed the main power plant in Gaza shutting down due to fuel shortages caused by Israel's border closures. Large parts of Zimbabwe are reported to also be without electricity after a major power failure on Saturday night.
The US presidential race saw important wins for John McCain in South Carolina and Hillary Clinton in Nevada. Serbians went to the polls in presidential elections, as tensions rose over the future status of Kosovo.
Cubans have also begun voting to elect a new National Assembly or parliament.
We are now in first full day of the astrological month of Aquarius, and we are 60 days from the Vernal Equinox. With the passing of tomorrows extrovert Full Moon in Leo we are in an eclipse season. The time right now is 'astrologically special'. Over the next few days as well as the Moon being full Mercury is conjunct Neptune in Aquarius and Venus is conjunct Pluto in Sagittarius.
Adding a supreamly positive chord to all of this, Jupiter trines Saturn at 09:14 GMT today for the third time. (1st March 16th 2007, 2nd May 6th 2007, 3rd January 21st 2008, 4th September 8th 2008, final blast Nov 21st 2008).
Toda the swollen bellied, fast moving Moon is nearly full and in Cancer. She trines Uranus and becomes void at 10:57 GMT.
Today is pregnant with lunar energy. Tensions and emotions are high.
An important few days are upon us.
The week ahead sees Mercury slowing to a an apparent standstill prior to his retrograde motion starting next week.
Mars is also slowing to an apparent standstill prior to him turning direct in motion next week.
The cycle of the seasons and the year is changing, the wheel of destiny is turning.
Light a love candle tonight.
Tuesday January 22nd 2008
Yesterday world stock indexes, including the UK's FTSE 100, posted their biggest falls since 11 September, 2001. The intensity of the current astrological 'weather' coupled with yesterday's 'let's all worry about money' moon in Cancer vibration was responded to by frantic share selling.
Discoveries are at hand!" That's what members of the MESSENGER science team are saying after their spacecraft flew past Mercury on Jan. 14th at a distance of only 124 miles. The historic flyby netted 500 megabytes of data (now safely downloaded to Earth) and more than 1200 photos covering nearly six million square miles of previously unseen terrain.
Today the Moon starting the day void of course in Cancer, enters Leo 10:21 GMT. The 'Candlemass' Full Moon peaks some 3 hours later.
Once it gets going this is very much a full fun packed day. Lots of energy, drama, colour, theatre and courage are there for the experiencing. Enjoy the day if you can..
Full Moon 13:36 GMT 2 degrees Leo
Mercury is conjunct Neptune. Venus is conjunct Pluto. Mars opposes Venus and Pluto and trines Mercury and Neptune. The flavour of the time of this lunation is visionary and dynamic. The skies are infused with vision from the Mercury Neptune conjunction and with the transformation power of love from the Venus Pluto conjunction.
This 'Candlemass' Full Moon at the moment of her climax rises at Tehran. We could expect some sort of crisis occurring there over the next few weeks
Mars rises and Venus sets over the UK. Mercury and Neptune culminate over the UK.
This Full Moon could also signify an important time for the UK.
This Full Moon is the ultimate before the Total Lunar Eclipse on February 21st 2008 in Virgo. We are now into an eclipse season. This means that there are changes ahead.
This Full Moon directly falls on the natal Jupiter of David Cameron, and the UK (1801) National Chart. It also hits the natal Saturn of Bill Clinton, the natal Uranus of Bill Gates, the natal Moon of William Hague, the natal Mercury of Obama Barack and the natal Mars of Paul MaCartney.
After the event the full moon goes on to occult the star Upsilon Leo for UK observers approximately 20:49 to 21:34 GMT
Wednesday January 23rd 2008
The Full Moon has now climaxed and is now in her 'hung over' waning phase. In the wake of her climax Mercury is conjunct Neptune within 17 minutes of arc at 01:16 GMT at 21 degrees Aquarius. This near alignment fine tunes the energy of yesterdays full moon and represents an important moment to be followed by another important day.
Yesterday the United States Federal Reserve cut interest rates to 3.5%, as it tried to avoid recession in the world's biggest economy. It came after huge declines in shares across Asia and Europe on Monday, with London's benchmark FTSE 100 suffering its biggest one day fall since the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001, gripped by fears of a US recession.
Also yesterday Egyptian guards fired into the air to disperse Palestinians at the Gaza border as the UN meets to discuss the crisis.
Today continues in a resplendent manner although the edge of previous days has now been remove with the passing of the Full Moon. Remember however that Venus is about to be in conjunction to Pluto in Sagittarius and this aspect can renew rekindle and initiate many experiences involving both love adventures and money matters. These days continue to be astrologically strong.
The (GMT) day ends with the Moon, the Earth and Neptune aligning within a degree of exact linearity at 22:50 GMT.
Thursday January 24th 2008
Yesterday Egypt said it would not use force to return Palestinians who crossed from Gaza after the border was breached.
US and European stocks fell, with the UK's FTSE 100 index slumping as much as 3.9%, on global economic worries.
A peace pact was signed in Goma in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo by the government and armed groups.
An estimated 22,500 police officers marched in London in protest at the way their pay rise has been handled
Today the Moon, the Earth and Mercury align within a third of a degree of exact linearity at 00:14 GMT. This near exact alignment sharply focuses thought word and deed.
Venus is conjunct Pluto at the very end of Sagittarius at 06:56 GMT. This conjunction initiates a new cycle of love and change. We are now in the foot falls of a new eclipse season, change is now of the essence.
Venus so moved by the encounter enters Capricorn at 08:06 GMT joining Jupiter in that sign.
Venus will be in Capricorn until February 17th as a 'morning star'. Her residence in this sign is a healthy one. She makes a positive trine aspect to Saturn on January 30th, she is in conjunction with Jupiter on Feb 1st and she sextile Uranus on Feb 7th. Venus in Capricorn invokes commitment and stability in love and in financial matters. Her residence in Capricorn is brief but it is a time to consider the 'value' of both possessions and partnerships.
The Moon still 'hung over' from her full moon climax in Leo trines Pluto and is void at 14:44 GMT
A lunar occultation of the 'royal star' Regulus occurs around this time today. This is the 15th of 20 monthly lunar occultations of this star. After the last one on June 20th 2008 at the South Pole there are none then till Nov 21st 2016.
The Moon enters Virgo 14:49 GMT and starts to apply in conjunction to Saturn. The lunar energy modulates to a more refined state.
The recreation drama and flamboyant quality of the last few days is replaced by practicality, common sense, seriousness and efficient methodology form 14:49 GMT.
Friday January 25th 2008
Yesterday Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi resigned after losing a confidence vote in the Senate.
French bank Societe Generale said it had uncovered a huge fraud by a Paris-based trader, who has been suspended.
Kenya's president and main rival met for the first time since last month's disputed presidential poll.
A US team reported how it built in the lab the entire set of genetic instructions needed to drive a bacterial cell.
US shares closed higher as investors welcome a deal in Washington for a $150m economic stimulus plan.
In the UK Peter Hain resigned from his cabinet jobs after his deputy leader campaign donations are referred to police.
Venus is approaching a conjunction with Jupiter in Capricorn. This occurs one week from today.
In the last week of January and the first week of February the two brightest planets, Venus and Jupiter, will be close together in the morning pre-dawn sky, forming a spectacular double. The two are closest together on the morning Friday February 1st, with Venus about half a degree (about the diameter of the Full Moon to the north of Jupiter).
Today starts with the Moon in conjunction with Saturn in Virgo within 3 degrees at 04:14 GMT.
This day continues with a precise and methodical atmosphere. Hair splitting and refinement are to the fore.
Today and tomorrow are work oriented and well suited to good planning and severe pruning. Thrift, economy and moderation rule the roost.
Saturday January 26th 2008
Pluto first enters Capricorn 03:45 to 04:22 GMT today, joining Venus and Jupiter in that sign.
Pluto will be in Capricorn till 2024 AD. However he will appear to swing back into Sagittarius from June 2008 only to re-enter Capricorn in November 2008.
This planetary ingress symbolises one really enormous astrological process at work in the world starting today. It's effect will be minuscule at first, hardly noticeable. Yet the outcomes and the transformationary energy unleashed to work out within the biosphere will bring world changing consequences.
The process of Pluto in Capricorn is one of reformation and reorientation. Pluto's (small but indomitable ice rock dwarf planet) principal is expressed as undiluted power, raw power, bereft of direction or moral standpoint. Capricorn's (horny steadfast sure footed surviving mountain goat) principal is expressed as physical endurance and structure, put them together and the resultant mixture is an overwhelmingly real and potent energy invoking change in governments, societies, and individuals.
What is going to occur over the ensuing 16 years is a tough and resolute adaptation in all structures of human society to meteoric changes of our human life on earth. Pluto in Capricorn is not visionary or inspired, it is instead ground root responses 'earthed' in practical structure.
Expect transformations in the structures of society, the institutions, the establishments, and the power centers.
Pluto enters Capricorn for the first time in 247 years. The last time Pluto was in Capricorn was during the U.S. revolutionary war. (Pluto was opposite this point, at 0° Cancer, during 1912-1915.) Mountain Astrologer.
Some small contemplation at breakfast this morning would be fitting to this important ingress.
The decelerating Moon today reaches disseminating phase 04:44 GMT 21 degrees Virgo.
The Moon squares Virgo and is void at 11:33 GMT.
This day is largely void. Jobs of service, repair, and selection are well suited.
tomorrow is however in contrast much more relaxed and convivial.
The Moon enters Libra 22:36 GMT, squaring both Pluto and Venus before sunrise tomorrow (GMT).
Sunday January 27th 2008
The Moon decelerates and wanes in Libra.
The Sun and Moon together with Neptune, Mars and Mercury are now in air signs. This is a very good day to socialize and simply communicate. If you followed the advice by working during Friday and Saturday then today is great for extreme laziness (with a fanciful edge).
Monday January 28th 2008
Yesterday at least nine people died as fresh fighting erupted in Kenya, this time in the town of Naivasha.
Israel said it will resume fuel supplies to Gaza, 10 days after stopping shipments in response to rocket attacks.
US presidential hopeful Barack Obama secured a decisive win in the South Carolina primary election, as he bids to be the Democratic Party's candidate.
An 800-foot-wide chunk of rock will pass less than a half million miles from Earth on the night of Monday-Tuesday, Jan. 28-29. And because asteroid 2007 TU24 is crossing the far-northern sky, it will be visible all night at mid-northern latitudes. Visit Sky and Telescope
State of the skies:- The Sun today is at 8 degrees Aquarius. We are 52 days from the Vernal Equinox. We are now in an eclipse season with an annular eclipse of the Sun in 10 days time and a Total Eclipse of the Moon a further two week after that.
Today the decelerating and waning Moon in Libra is approaching her last quarter phase this week and she forms a fairly loose airy grand trine with Mars, Mercury and Neptune from 16:00 to 22:00 GMT. Today is excellent for communication matters.
Three planets are currently in Capricorn and three are also in Aquarius.
Mercury in Aquarius, shining as an 'evening star' turns retrograde today at 20:30 GMT, once more moving into the bosom of Neptune and being in conjunction with him for the second time in 10 days on Saturday.
Venus is also approaching a visually stunning 'morning sky' conjunction with Jupiter in Capricorn. She is positively aspected with Saturn on Wednesday but the conjunction with Jupiter on February 1st dominates the week ahead.
Mars in Gemini at last turns direct on Wednesday in Gemini.
Jupiter is in positive trine aspect to Saturn.
Pluto is starting to find his feet in Capricorn.
Today the Libran Moon trines Mars in Gemini and is void at 21:48 GMT.
Tuesday January 29th 2008
Yesterday police struggled to impose order in Kenya as riots and standoffs continued in Naivasha and other towns.
Five US soldiers were killed when their patrol was hit by a roadside bomb in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul.
Asteroid 2007 TU24 is approaching Earth and NASA radars have measured its size and shape: 250 meters wide and lopsided. There's no danger of a collision, but on today the space rock will be close enough (1.4 lunar distances) to photograph through small telescopes as it speeds through the constellation Cassiopeia glowing like a 10th magnitude star. (See yesterday's star map)
The Moon enters Scorpio 09:35 GMT and slowly moves towards her Last Quarter phase. The Sun and Moon together with Mercury and Neptune are in Fixed signs.
Mercury is now retrograde and we are in an eclipse season. Venus drawing close to her alignment with Jupiter on Friday, today is in waxing earthy trine relationship with Saturn. This is a steadying day to make clear (at least to yourself) personal resolution for the days and years ahead. These are not times to initiate action. Many changes of heart and mind will be revealed in the days and weeks ahead.
Wednesday January 30th 2008
Yesterday the former UN chief opened new talks between Kenya's government and opposition, to try to end mounting violence. Kenya appears to be the major trouble spot in the world at the moment. The Annular Solar Eclipse next week hits the country's natal Saturn.
The heaviest snow in decades is continuing to cause chaos across China ahead of the busy Lunar New Year holiday, state media report.
Today Venus in Capricorn trines Saturn in Virgo at 02:19 GMT. There is solid love here.
The very slow moving Moon reaches last quarter phase 05:04 GMT at 10 degrees Scorpio. This point in time represents a crisis in consciousness prior to the new 'solar impulse' of the Annular Solar Eclipse one week tomorrow.
The slow Scorpio Moon today draws out deep and intense behaviour patterns and thought processes.
Mercury is retrograde. The 'pull' of the universal mind draws our consideration towards its source. Willful action and power plays are strongly in evidence. Life is very much a battlefield today and tomorrow.
Mars at last turns direct 22:17 GMT and heads towards the future.
Thursday January 31st 2008
Sky and Telescope
A flyby by a Nasa unmanned space probe has revealed evidence of "widespread" volcanism on the planet Mercury.
Today the Moon is at apogee in the midst of Scorpio (slowest all month) at 04:19 GMT.
She squares the Neptune Mercury conjunction by 08:35 GMT and is void of course for nearly 14 hours.
Bleak and seemingly God Forsaken, this day crawls on with savagery. Mercury retrograding will bring on delays and cancellations, the deepening eclipse season will bring on inevitable change. Venus conjunct Jupiter brings on new commitments.
At the end of the (GMT) day the Moon enters Sagittarius at 22:08 GMT.
A welcome change at last, more optimism may follow, arrows of truth rain on us all.
February 2008
February 2008 starts with the Sun, retrograde Mercury and Neptune in Aquarius and with Venus, Jupiter and Pluto in Capricorn. Mars quintiles Saturn, and Venus is about to conjunct Jupiter who is trine Saturn.
In early February two brilliant worlds Venus and Jupiter appear close together, low in the southeast at dawn. They're joined by the crescent Moon on the 4th. During the month Jupiter moves up and away from Venus, which is joined by Mercury at month's end.
February is an eclipse month. Two eclipses follow, one, an Annular Solar Eclipse, in Aquarius, visible only from the Antarctic, on Thursday 7th, and a more powerful Total Lunar Eclipse in Virgo and conjunct Saturn, visible from Europe and the Americas, on February 21st.
Friday February 1st 2008
Yesterday a senior al-Qaeda leader in Afghanistan, Abu Laith al-Libi was killed.
California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger endorsed John McCain as Republican candidate for US president.
The first consignment of seeds bound for the "doomsday vault" on Svalbard arrived in Norway.
Mercury is retrograding right now and it is no shock therefore to read about disturbances and interruptions to Internet services in south Asia and the Middle East continuing after undersea cable damage. In the UK HM Revenue and Customs extended the self assessment deadline after problems with its online service.
Today at 11:34 GMT Venus is conjunct Jupiter within 36 minutes of arc at 10 degrees Capricorn.
The Sagittarian Moon is square Saturn at the time.
A lunar occultation of Antares occurs today around 18:11 GMT visible from the tip of South America. Lunar occultations of Antares occur every month from Dec.. 2004 to Feb. 2010. There are none then till July 2023.
This day is a spirited affair. The woes of the past couple of days may have given way to a broader optimism, but these are pre-eclipse days with a retrograding Mercury and a potentially confusing conjunction of Mercury and Neptune looming tomorrow. The Venus Jupiter conjunction in Capricorn this morning invokes solid commitment, 'to death us do part' kind of thing.
Enjoy your day.
Saturday February 2nd 2007
Mercury is retrograding into another conjunction with Neptune. This conjunction peaks shortly after midnight (GMT) tonight. This is the second of three conjunctions of these two planets this season. The first conjunction which occurred on January 23rd coincided with the UK's FTSE 100 index slumping nearly 4% on global economic worries.
The Moon with 'nothing left to loose', wanes in Sagittarius making a wide opposition to Mars at 22:21 GMT and then becomes void of course.
This is a another spirited day, good for sport and adventure.
Sunday February 3rd 2008
Sky and Telescope
Around 00:48 GMT the Moon Mars opposition is eased by the Lunar Node.
At 00:56 GMT Mercury retrogrades into the bosom of Neptune at 21 degrees Aquarius.
Moon reaches balsamic phase 29 degrees Sagittarius 07:37 GMT.
Her slow pathway to Solar Eclipse on Thursday is now set made clear. The balsamic, prophetic vision is available to all.
The old Moon enters Capricorn 09:52 GMT and is conjunct Pluto in that sign for the first time in around 248 years at 10:21 GMT today.
This day is eminently rooted in practicality and earthy consideration.
Monday February 4th 2008
The view from Australia
http://www.astrovisuals.com.au/Events_files/image003.jpg
Chadian forces used tanks and helicopter gunships over the past weekend to fight rebels besieging the capital's presidential palace.
At least 30 were killed and more than 300 hurt in a series of quakes in Africa's Great Lakes region.
The two most powerful occurred hours apart in the Democratic Republic of Congo and neighboring Rwanda, with magnitudes of 6.0 and 5.0 respectively. The first earthquake hit yesterday February 3rd 2008 at about 0935 (0735 GMT), 20 km (12 miles from Bukavu). The second quake came just under three-and-a-half hours later, slightly closer to the town but in Rwandan territory. It was followed by two lesser tremors.
State of the skies today:- The Sun is at 15 degrees Aquarius. At 11:03 GMT today we stand midway between the December Solstice and the Vernal Equinox in March. In the northern hemisphere 'Stirring' is beginning, in the southern hemisphere Summer is ending. The year is turning. This is an important seasonal and calendar point in time. We are deep within an eclipse season right now with an Annular Solar Eclipse occurring on Thursday and a Total Lunar Eclipse occurring two weeks later on February 21st.
The waning and accelerating Moon is today conjunct Jupiter at 06:26 GMT at 11 degrees Capricorn. The Moon then is conjunct Venus at 12:30 GMT at 14 degrees Capricorn. She is unimpeded then as she approaches her eclipse with the Sun on Thursday. The way is clear. Finally she sextiles Uranus at 18:20 GMT and becomes void of course.
Mercury is currently a retrograding evening planet in Aquarius and is in Inferior Conjunction with the Sun on Wednesday. Mercury will resume direct motion on February 19th.
Venus is a 'morning star' in Capricorn. She enters Aquarius on 17th February.
Mars is now direct in motion in Gemini and reenters Cancer one calendar month from today on March 4th.
Five planets are currently in Earth signs, four planets are in Air, only one resides in Water and there are no planets in Fire. This all adds up to a very 'empirical' backdrop to the astrological weather right now.
Tuesday February 5th 2008
Photographer Robert B Slobins
Yesterday started with this beautiful celestial triangle gracing the pre-dawn skies of Earth. The day that followed saw civilians pouring out of the Chad capital, as the UN Security Council urged member states to help the government.
US presidential candidates were campaigning furiously as the key contests of today's 'Super Tuesday' approached.
Former UN chief called for a South African-style truth and reconciliation commission to help end Kenya's crisis.
Today the moving slow but accelerating old Moon, void of course for most of the day in Capricorn, enters Aquarius 19:10 GMT.
This is another potentially tough and pragmatic day. There is nothing to do but to work through it. The atmosphere clears a little as the pre-eclipse Moon enters Aquarius, joining the Sun, Mercury and Neptune in that sign. There is then a glimpse of the future, of a better way, on offer.
Wednesday February 6th 2008
The results and the implications of 'Super Tuesday' force themselves on the future.
Today is the day before an eclipse. The Moon applies to the Sun and to Mercury.
The ancient accelerating Moon approaching eclipse with the Sun 'fades out' in Aquarius.
Inferior conjunction of Mercury occurs at 18:19 GMT.
Symbolically this a day of seed ideas. This is a seminal day in time, one of prophetic wisdom geared to a new tomorrow. Don't act or initiate. Allow new thoughts, ideas and experiences manifest in their own time.
As the day ends Venus applies in sextile aspect to Uranus awakening new values.
Thursday February 7th 2008
Wecome to the Daze.
On this eclipse day the Sun, Mercury and the Moon lie within 1 degree of celestial longitude only 5 degrees from Neptune.
The Moon is conjunct Mercury at 17 degrees Aquarius at 02:18 GMT.
Venus sextiles Uranus 02:23 GMT
There will be a partial solar eclipse today over New Zealand, Antarctica and parts of Australia. Anyone in the area with a solar telescope can watch the mountainous lunar limb glide across the Sun's fiery surface while crescent-shaped sunbeams dance at their feet--a marvelous experience. The highlight of the eclipse occurs along an Antarctic "path of annularity" where the Sun and Moon combine to produce a vivid ring of fire. www.spaceweather.com
Annular Eclipse of the Sun at 18 degrees Aquarius
Central eclipse 03-55 GMT
The 'ring of fire' visible only from Antarctica.
The Astrology of the eclipse.
At the time of this eclipse the Sun and Moon in Aquarius are conjunct Mercury, Chiron and Neptune. the eclipse is trine Mars. The astrological energy associated with this time has a focus on humanitarian ideals, the future, and scientific understanding.
The Astronomy and timings of the eclipse.
Penumbra first contact 01:38:29 (GMT hh:mm:ss)
First umbral contact 03:19:44
Full umbral contact 03:28:47
Central eclipse 03:55
End of full umbral contact 04:21:55
Last umbral contact 04:30:51
Last penumbral contact 06:11:53
The Saros Series of the eclipse.
Today's eclipse is member 60 of the 71 eclipses which make up Saros Series 121. This series is in its old age. The series started on April 25th in the year 944 AD. The chart of the central eclipse moment for this first eclipse in the series is displayed below.
Astrological chart for Saros Solar 121.
This chart is dominated by a planetary kite involving a fire triangle of Mars, Jupiter and Neptune and an exact Venus Mars opposition. The eclipse is conjunct a retrograde Mercury (like today's), and Saturn is conjunct Uranus. This Saros has a solid pioneering energy. This Saros wants to fly.
The Saros Series 'went Total' in the year 1070, the longest Total eclipse was in 1629 and the last Total eclipse in the series was in 1809. The previous eclipses in the Saros were Jan 26th 1990, Jan 16th 1972, Jan 5th 1954 and Dec. 14th 1917. Recent eclipses may have a connection with air crashes, storms and national independence struggles. After today's event there are only two more annular eclipses in the Saros. The next eclipse in the Saros is on Feb. 17th 2026. The series ends in 2206.
The Astrocartography of the eclipse.
At the moment of central eclipse today. The Sun and Moon rise at Baghdad and Mecca. The two bodies culminate over the Philippines, NE China and western Australia. They are at lower culmination 'under' Newfoundland.
Pluto in Capricorn rises at Toulouse, Cologne and Bremen and is on the IC at Denver,
Jupiter in Capricorn rises at Belgrade and is at lower culmination at Minneapolis.
Venus in Capricorn rises Bucharest.
Mars recently direct in motion in Gemini is in the IC at Kabul and sets at Prague and Munich.
Uranus sets at San Francisco.
Astrological contacts of the Eclipse.
This eclipse is conjunct Gordon Brown's natal Mercury (and opposite his natal Pluto).
It is conjunct the natal Venus of the UK chart, the natal Saturn (sadly very appropriately) of the Kenya chart.
It is conjunct the Mercury MC conjunction of the UK Labour party. It is conjunct Putin's natal Lunar Node, and the natal Mars of Condoleezza Rice.
It is exactly conjunct the natal MC of the Chad national chart, the natal Uranus of the Netherlands, the natal Saturns of Malaysia, Zanzibar and Singapore, the natal Mars of Mexico, and the natal Sun of Grenada.
At London the eclipse is well placed, but Uranus squares the local ascendant.
After the eclipse is over the Moon goes on to form a lunar occultation of Neptune in Aquarius around 10:32 GMT for observers in the Malvinas, southern South Africa and the Indian ocean. This is the 9th of a monthly series of 20 occultations of Neptune at the current time.
The Moon then goes on to make an airy waning trine aspect with Mars and is void of course from 15:51 GMT.
We are now in the 'Eclipse Fortnight' with a Total eclipse of the Moon in two weeks time.
How do these eclipses affect you personally? Sign up to Astrotexts by Michael Harwood.
Friday February 8th 2008
Pakistani police yesterday arrested two suspects in connection with the assassination of former prime minister and leading opposition figure Benazir Bhutto,
Chad's president claimed his government was in control of the entire country Wednesday, speaking to journalists for the first time since rebels tried to remove him from power.
Holograms could soon be helping monitor surgical procedures after a faster way to make the 3D images is discovered. The journal Nature reported yesterday the breakthrough by US researchers who developed a novel material in which holographs can be created in minutes. The images that the material can capture are almost as sharp as those broadcast on US television. The polymer can also be made into large screens opening up many more possible uses for the 3D images. Astrologers will quickly see the essential 'Uranus in Pisces' (high technology, image and impression) symbolism of this news story.
Today the young accelerating Moon slips silently into Pisces at 01:47 GMT.
A dreamy couple of days are ahead of us.
At 13:09 GMT the Moon, the Earth and Saturn are within a degree of exact linear alignment.
The day that ensues sees the Moon making a benevolent aspect to Jupiter.
The night following witnesses the Moon applying in conjunction to Uranus.
We are now deeply into the eclipse fortnight. The astrological ether is very sensitive to all thoughts, actions and deeds. A major reshaping of fate and fortune is underway.
Saturday February 9th 2008
The Moon is conjunct Uranus at 17 degrees Pisces at 07:50 GMT.
The day drifts dreams and absorbs a multitude of new impressions.
The Moon in Pisces squares Mars in Gemini and is void from 21:06 GMT.. From this point in time a tendency for escapism and 'herd mentality' may be in evidence.
Sunday February 10th 2008
The Moon rams into Aries 06:18 GMT.
A newer urgency is invoked.
The young faster moving Moon hits crescent phase 17:41 GMT at 6 degrees Aries.
All day the Sun applies in his annual conjunction to Neptune.
This is the great dream, the big vision. There is a move to push forward today.
Monday February 11th 2008
Barack Obama is closing the gap on Hillary Clinton in the race to become the Democrats' presidential candidate.
Europe needs convincing that Nato's Afghan mission is part of a wider war on terror, says the US defence secretary.
At least 12,000 refugees flee from Sudan to Chad after attacks on Darfur villages, according to the UN.
In the UK the Archbishop of Canterbury's comments about Sharia law have come under attack from his predecessor
State of the skies:- The Sun today is at 22 degrees Aquarius and is conjunct Neptune at 02:04 GMT. There are 8 days remaining of the astrological month of Aquarius and there are 38 days to the Vernal Equinox. We are very deeply immersed in an eclipse fortnight with a powerful Total Lunar Eclipse on Feb. 21st.
The fast moving Moon waxes and accelerates in Aries.
Mercury is a retrograding 'morning star' in Aquarius. He turns direct in motion on Feb. 19th at 8 degrees Aquarius.
We are in a time period when new ideas and thoughts ripple upwards into our consciousness. To be in harmony with this 'season of the mind' is to refrain from initiating major plans and changes for a few more weeks.
Venus is also a 'morning star' but is still in Capricorn. Affections and values are currently 'establishment driven'. Venus enters Aquarius on Feb. 17th. Social and relationship matters then turn a little 'experimental'.
Mars is now moving in direct motion in Gemini. He is once again applying to an opposition with Pluto which peaks on March 7th three days after he (Mars) enters Cancer. The month ahead will be increasingly influenced by this very violent planetary combination which grows stronger day by day.
The week that follows is considerably coloured by the approaching Total Lunar Eclipse a week on Thursday, but is 'essentially quiet' astrologically speaking. The major aspect of the week ahead is a an invigorating trine aspect between the Sun and Mars on Thursday.
With such a lot of Aquarian energy right now we can regard these days right now as very 'future oriented'.
Tuesday February 12th 2008
Yesterday the Pentagon announced charges against six Guantanamo Bay inmates over the 9/11 attacks.
Pakistan's ambassador to Afghanistan has gone missing near the border and is feared kidnapped.
Paintings by Cezanne, Degas, Van Gogh and Monet worth $160m have been stolen from a Zurich museum.
Today the fast moving Moon starting the (GMT) day in Aries sextiles Mars 01:01 GMT and becomes void. She enters Taurus 09:35 GMT and accelerates towards her first quarter phase.
Today and tomorrow become very steady and resolute days.
Wednesday February 13th
Fighting in the volatile Sudanese region of Darfur has sparked a another wave of refugees into Chad and left a Red Cross employee dead, according to international agencies
East Timor declared a 48-hour state of emergency on Tuesday one day after assassination attempts on President Jose Ramos-Horta and Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao.
Averting what could have been another gas crisis across Europe, Russia and Ukraine have fixed a price on natural gas for 2008 while Kiev has promised to pay its 2007 gas debts. However Russia also said it may target missiles at Ukraine if it joins Nato and deploys the US missile defence shield.
Today the very fast moving Moon waxes in Taurus towards her first quarter phase and towards a Total Lunar Eclipse in eight days time. Today the Moon makes mainly easy aspects.
Thursday February 14th 2008
Thousands are gathering in Beirut to mark ex-PM Hariri's death, just miles from a Hezbollah commander's funeral.
China says it regrets Steven Spielberg's decision to resign as an Olympics adviser over the Darfur conflict. Today the Moon is at perigee (closest to Earth) 01:08 GMT.
The Moon reaches first quarter 03:35 GMT 25 degrees Taurus.
The Moon trines Venus and is void at 05:06 GMT
The Moon enters Gemini 12:20 GMT
The Sun trines Mars 16:39 GMT
Friday February 15th 2008
Scientists are no nearer finding a vaccine against HIV after more than 20 years of research, a top expert has said.
Yesterday a gunman opened fire on students, killing five, at a university near Chicago, then shoots himself.
Australia has vowed to help safeguard democracy in East Timor after attacks on the president and prime minister
Today the Moon waxes and decelerates in Gemini applying to a conjunction with Mars which hits early tomorrow.
Saturday February 16th 2008
The Moon is conjunct Mars within a couple of degrees at 07:49 GMT at 26 degrees Gemini. Today is a day to get up, move and be done by the time the Moon enters Cancer this PM (GMT).
The Moon trines the Sun at 10:18 GMT and is void. She enters Cancer 15:13 GMT and immediately opposes Pluto.
From this time the emotional and 'homing instinct' power of the Moon takes over. You can sense the oncoming storm of next Thursday's Total Lunar Eclipse. The evening has a caring, protective, and very defensive atmosphere. There is a looming violent edge to proceedings.
Sunday February 17th 2008
Mars is now starting to strongly apply again to his opposition to Pluto.
Venus enters Aquarius joining the Sun Mercury Neptune and the Lunar node in that sign.
Moon gibbous phase 13:57 GMT 13 degrees Cancer, trines Uranus 21:14 GMT and becomes void 21.14 GMT.
Monday February 18th 2008
Kosovo's parliament yesterday unanimously endorsed a declaration of independence from Serbia, in an historic session. The declaration, read by Prime Minister Hashim Thaci, said Kosovo would be a democratic country that respected the rights of all ethnic communities. Independence was declared in PRISTINA, Kosovo
at 15:23 Local Time?
A suicide bomb killed at least 80 people in the Afghan city of Kandahar in seemingly the deadliest attack since 2001
Incumbent Tassos Papadopoulos was knocked out of presidential elections in Greek-controlled Cyprus.
Security is high in Pakistan as voters gear up for crucial parliamentary elections overshadowed by violence and fears of rigging.
Machines will achieve human level artificial intelligence by 2029, a leading US inventor predicts.
State of the skies:- Today is the last day of the astrological month of Aquarius. The Sun enters Pisces 06:50 GMT tomorrow. There are 31 days to the Vernal Equinox.
Today the Sun, Venus, Mercury and Neptune are in Aquarius. Jupiter and Pluto are in Capricorn. No planet is in a Fire sign right now, although the Moon enters Leo tonight).
The waxing and decelerating gibbous Moon spends most of today void of course in Cancer but enters Leo 18:52 GMT. There is a Total Lunar Eclipse on Thursday 21st February in Virgo which is conjunct Saturn. The three days ahead will witness a powerful intensity of emotion and experience as this eclipse approaches.
Mercury is a 'morning star' in Aquarius about to resume direct motion tomorrow. Mercury next turns retrograde on May 26th.
Venus is also a 'morning star' in Aquarius some seven degrees behind Mercury in the zodiac. She reaches a slow moving Mercury on February 26th. The pair remain within 3 degrees of longitude through most of March. Mercury finally catches up with her in the morning skies on March 24th in Pisces. The story does not end there for these two. Venus again catches up with Mercury (and the Sun) at 17 degrees Gemini on June 7th. Mercury overtakes her once more in evening skies on Aug. 21st in Virgo but Venus wins the year by finally overtaking Mercury again in evening skies, this time in Libra, on September 15th 2008. That is their last conjunction in 2008.
Mars is now picking up apparent speed in Gemini. He is once again applying to an opposition with Pluto which peaks on March 7th three days after he (Mars) enters Cancer. The next three weeks will be increasingly influenced by this very violent planetary combination which grows stronger day by day.
We are very deeply in an eclipse season right now. Feel the pressure increase as the Total Lunar Eclipse approaches.
Tuesday February 19th 2008
Yesterday recognition of Kosovan independence gained momentum with the US and EU nations pledging support.
Ballot counting was under way in Pakistan after a key election which it is hoped will help end the country's crisis.
A bomb in Afghanistan reportedly killed 35 civilians and injures many people, three of them Nato troops.
The main news item in the UK is that the Northern Rock bank is to be nationalised as a temporary measure.
Today Mercury is stationary turning direct 02:50 at 8 degrees Aquarius.
The Sun enters Pisces 06:50 GMT and a new astrological month begins.
The Moon, the Earth and Mercury are within half a degree of exact linear alignment at 09:27 GMT. this is the first of two pre-eclipse alignments. The other occurs tomorrow.
The Sun sextiles Pluto 22:45 GMT.
The Moon decelerates and waxes, almost reluctant to face the fiercesome Total Lunar Eclipse on Thursday.
Wednesday February 20th 2008
The news that Fidel Castro is stepping down as president after almost 50 years in power was the leading world news item yesterday.
The party of Pakistan's late former PM Benazir Bhutto - the biggest winner in Monday's election - says it is ready to form a coalition with the PML-N party.
Kosovo Serbs set two border crossings ablaze to protest against Kosovo's independence declaration.
Today is the day before a Total Lunar Eclipse. Karmic forces are very strong.
The Moon, the Earth and Neptune are within a degree of exact linear alignment around 09:50, the second of these pre-eclipse alignments which are not unusual at these times.
The Moon (having sextiled Mars at 17:53 and become void of course) pulls together a 'mystic rectangle' with the Sun, Mars and Pluto around 20:00 GMT today.
The tides are rising in our hearts and minds with the oncoming Total Lunar Eclipse. So far we have witnessed Kosovo and Cuba as the centres of change and energy at the current time. There may well be more to come in the hours and days ahead.
Thursday Feb. 21st 2008
Welcome to The Daze.
Yesterday Benazir Bhutto's widower ruled himself out as prime minister despite his party's success in Pakistan's election.
Barack Obama won the Wisconsin and Hawaii Democratic races, building on his lead over Hillary Clinton.
Thousands of people in Paraguay have been queuing for vaccines against yellow fever, after the first outbreak of the disease in 30 years.
On this day of Total Lunar Eclipse there is a pre-eclipse lunar occultation of the 'royal star' Regulus GMT today. This is the 16th of 20 monthly lunar occultations of this star. After the last one on June 20th 2008 at the south pole there are none till Nov 21st 2016.
The Moon enters Virgo 00:07 GMT and approaches a Total lunar Eclipse.
Total Lunar Eclipse (conjunct Saturn)
at 2 degrees Virgo 03-26 GMT
visible from Europe, America and west Africa.
Total Lunar Eclipse. Central Eclipse. Set for London UK.
The totally eclipsed Moon is separating from a trine aspect to Pluto and applying to a conjunction with Saturn.
The lesson of this powerful eclipse is a hard one. There is however great spiritual opportunity at this time.
Jupiter is sextile Uranus. Some of the positive energy of this season relates to this aspect which promotes conservation and invokes great artistic creations.
Mars opposes Pluto. There is a strong and very definite violent edge to this eclipse very much attributable to this aspect. Great care is advised in all undertakings.
Mercury is in conjunction with Venus in Aquarius. Thoughts, values, insights and instincts are very much 'future oriented'.
The planets at this time are mainly in Earth and Air signs. There are no planets in a Fire sign. An empirical and practical vibration pervades the days. There is a need for a little charisma. Today may well be perceived as a very tense and critical affair.
Timings of the Eclipse.(hh:mm:ss) GMT
Penumbral Eclipse starts 00:36:35 GMT
Umbral Eclipse starts 01:43:19 GMT
Total Eclipse starts 03:01:10 GMT
Central Eclipse 03:26:05 GMT
Total Eclipse ends 03:50:57 GMT
Umbra Eclipse ends 05:08:47 GMT
Penumbral Eclipse ends 06:15:39 GMT
Today's eclipse is conjunct Saturn. we can expect serious events to be occurring around this time.
Lunar Saros 133
Astrological chart for lunar Saros 133.
The 'family of eclipses' or Saros Series to which today's eclipse belong is Lunar Saros 133. The first eclipse of the series occurred on 13th May 1557 with a central eclipse time of 09:52 GMT. The chart for this moment is shown above. This Saros is a very dynamic one. Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Pluto are arranged in hexagonal pattern. Mercury is conjunct Venus in Taurus.
The series ends on 29th June 2819 AD.
Today's eclipse is the 26th of 71 eclipses. The series 'went total' in 1917. Today's eclipse is the 6th of 21 Total Eclipses. The series peaks with its longest Total Eclipse in the year 2170 AD. Previous eclipses in the Saros were on Feb. 9th 1990, (Nelson Mandella released 2 days later), Jan 30th 1972, (The exact date of Bloody Sunday in Northern Ireland), Jan 19th 1954, (First Nuclear Powered Submarine launched), Jan 8th 1936, (Completion of the world's first all glass building completed in Ohio, Dec 28th 1917, (Woodrow Wilson passed the Federal Possession and Control Act in order to make rail transport more efficient for the war effort). The next two in the series are on March 3rd 2026 and March 13th 2044.
This Saros Series seems to have a connection with civil rights and with the technology and transport of the military.
Astrological contacts of the eclipse.
Today's eclipse directly hits the natal Venus/Saturn conjunction of Gerry Adams (and the natal Mercury of Bertie Ahern). It hits the ascendants of Dick Cheyney and Michael Portillo, the lunar node of George Clooney and Robert Mugabe. It hits the natal Uranus of Johnny Depp, the natal Mars of Bob Geldof, the natal Jupiter of Julia Robert and the natal Pluto of both Madonna and the Iraq Republic chart.
The contacts today's eclipse makes with National horoscopes are the natal Sun in Uruguay and the Nato chart, the Venus in the Chad chart, the Mars in the Dominican Republic chart, the Jupiter in the Sudan chart, the Uranus in the Trinidad and Tabago chart and the Pluto in the Arab Federation chart and in the EEC chart.
The next Total Lunar Eclipse is on December 21st 2010. Stay tuned to The Daze
After the eclipse is over today, the Moon is conjunct Saturn 09:56 GMT at 5 degrees Virgo. This is a very serious and thought provoking time.
The day continues in an acutely tense and testy manner. It is now very much a time to 'pick up the threads' and 'work and repair on what has been spoilt'. Today is a busy day with a practical edge.
Friday February 22nd 2008
The Total Lunar Eclipse on Thursday Feb. 21st 2008 will most likely be remembered by astrological historians as being connected to the declaration of independence by Kosovo. Serbs yesterday set fire to the US embassy in Belgrade in protest.
As the eclipse was actually taking place the US Navy successfully hit their malfunctioning spy satellite 'USA 193' with a missile on the other side of the world over the Pacific Ocean. The strike occurred at 10:26 p.m. EST on Feb. 20th.
In the wake of the eclipse two positive news stories have emerged. Pakistan's two main opposition parties have agreed to form a coalition government after a strong election showing, and Ex-UN chief Kofi Annan has announced considerable progress in talks between Kenya's government and opposition aimed at ending the political crisis.
The effects for good or ill are not yet over. The effects of eclipses hold sway for three months or more but the immediate days before and after the eclipse are the most sensitive to the effects. We are still very much in this special time.
The 'final cut' in the form of a post-eclipse alignment, occurs today as the Moon, the Earth and this time Uranus, align within a degree of exact linearity around 08:44 GMT between the signs Virgo and Pisces.
Still a very critical time for all events. This has been a shattering week astrologically speaking and there is no real let up just yet.
This evening sees the 'wounded Moon' applying in harsh square aspect to Mars in Gemini.
Saturday February 23rd 2008
The Virgo Moon 'heady and hung over' squares Mars and becomes void at 02:15 GMT.
She (more gracefully) sails into Libra 07:45 GMT but is immediately involved in a dissociate T-square with Mars and Pluto. Once this lunar aspect is over the 'lunar situation' eases somewhat today.
The Sun however is today applying to his annual opposition to Saturn, emphatically reinforcing the events of the past few days with quite serious overtones.
This weekend does you may be pleased to read offer the possibility of a more relaxed atmosphere.
Sunday February 24th 2008
The Sun opposes Saturn 09:48 GMT
The Moon hits disseminating phase 23:51 GMT 21 degrees Libra, and starts to pull us out of another eclipse season.
Again this day is conducive to social gatherings and general relaxation.
Monday February 25th 2008
Yesterday at least 40 people were killed and scores more injured by a suicide bomber targeting Shia pilgrims in Iraq.
Cuba's National Assembly is choosing a new head of state, with Raul Castro tipped to succeed brother Fidel.
Pakistan has blocked access to the popular YouTube website because of content deemed offensive to Islam.
Japan yesterday launched a satellite designed to enable super high-speed data transmission in remote areas.
State of the skies:- The Sun today is at 6 degrees Pisces. There are 24 days to the vernal equinox.
The very slow moving Moon still dizzy in post eclipse imbalance wanes and decelerates in Libra. Around 13:30 GMT today the Moon forms an airy grand trine with Mars and the Lunar Node. Five minutes later she actually trines Mars and is void of course from that moment. She enters Scorpio 18:06 GMT.
Mercury and Venus are 'morning stars' in Aquarius aligning tomorrow. The pair remain within 3 degrees of longitude through most of March. Mercury finally catches up with her in the morning skies on March 24th in Pisces. The story does not end there for these two. Venus again catches up with Mercury (and the Sun) at 17 degrees Gemini on June 7th. Mercury overtakes her once more in evening skies on Aug. 21st in Virgo but Venus wins the year by finally overtaking Mercury again in evening skies, this time in Libra, on September 15th 2008. That is their last conjunction in 2008.
Mars is in Gemini. He is once again applying to an opposition with Pluto which peaks on March 7th three days after he (Mars) enters Cancer. The next two weeks will be increasingly influenced by this very violent planetary combination which grows stronger day by day.
We are now pulling out of the recent eclipse season. The week ahead however is astrologically quiet. We can rely Mercury and Venus to entertain us as they cruise together through morning skies and approach a mutual conjunction with Neptune on March 7th to 9th 2008 preceded by three lunar occultations on March 5th, the next astrological wave ahead.
Tuesday February 26th 2008
Yesterday the director of the UN's World Food Programme stated that the Programme may have to ration aid to the world's poorest because of rising prices and lack of funds.
The Turkish army said it has killed 41 more Kurdish rebels in the most recent clashes of its incursion in north Iraq.
Mercury and Venus are calling the shots right now. Closely aligned in Aquarius and remaining close for a month these two heavenly bodies offer a merry heady mixture of inspiration, vision and experimentation. Heart and mind can operate in union right now. Take a chance, exert your choice of option, taste and try so to speak.
In keep with the innovation on offer because of this planetary contact the New York Philharmonic orchestra yesterday arrived in North Korea, for a remarkable display of cultural diplomacy
Today the Moon and the Sun are in water signs. A more emotional 'atmosphere' prevails. The day harbors an intensity of feeling. The slow moving, waning Scorpio Moon squares both Venus at 16:17 GMT and Mercury at 16:22 GMT.
Mercury is conjunct Venus (1.2 degrees orb) 17:52 GMT at 11 degrees Aquarius. These 'merry two' remain within 3 degrees for a month. Venus and Mercury appear closest together Wednesday morning. As dawn brightens, use binoculars to spot Mercury just 1.2° above bright Venus very low over the east-southeast horizon; see the illustration below. Best time to look: about 45 to 30 minutes before sunrise.
Wednesday February 27th 2008
Yesterday talks to resolve Kenya's post-election crisis were suspended because of a lack of progress, mediator Kofi Annan said.
A Nigerian tribunal dismissed both petitions asking for President Umaru Yar'Adua's election to be re-run.
Baghdad condemned Turkey's incursion into northern Iraq and demands an immediate troop withdrawal.
US presidential candidate Barack Obama has been endorsed by one of his former rivals for the Democratic nomination, Sen Christopher Dodd. Mr Dodd said Mr Obama was "ready to be president" and called for party unity.
Leading dignitaries attended the opening ceremony of a 'doomsday' seed vault deep inside an Arctic mountain.
Today is another essentially emotional day. Watch out for the hidden agendas. Expect willfulness, cunning and power plays.
The very slow moving Scorpio Moon squares Neptune at 15:54 GMT and becomes void of course for the rest of the (GMT) day.
Thursday February 28th 2008
Yesterday four hostages were set free by Colombian Farc rebels, in a deal brokered by the Venezuelan president.
Russia said it may support more UN sanctions against Iran if it does not stop some nuclear activity.
The biggest earthquake in the UK for nearly 25 years shook homes across large parts of the country. People in Newcastle, Yorkshire, London, Cumbria, the Midlands, Norfolk and also parts of Wales, felt the tremor at 00:56 GMT. The local space chart, set for the exact time of the earthquake at the epicenter is shown below.
I have included this chart because it shows the fact that Pluto in Capricorn is almost due East at the epicenter and Uranus in Pisces is almost due North.
Globally Mars applies in opposition to Pluto by zodiac longitude, this is an aspect of violence. The Uranus Neptune midpoint is conjunct Saturn. The Sun opposes Saturn. Mercury and Venus are closely aligned in Aquarius which seems to alleviate the forces at work. No one was seriously hurt by this earthquake.
Locally the positions of Uranus and Pluto do seem to focus the violent global planetary potentials to the vicinity of the eastern UK. This is a long way however from being a 'forecastable' event using these techniques.
Check out the UK Earthquake Page for recent UK seismic events viewed from an astrological perspective.
Today the Moon is at apogee (slowest all month) at 01:19 GMT and enters Sagittarius at 06:23 GMT. She then slowly drags herself towards her last quarter phase which occurs tomorrow. The Sun and Moon are in mutable signs today and tomorrow and most of Saturday (together with Mars and Saturn). There is change and movement in the air.
Friday February 29th 2008
Yesterday Kenya's rival leaders signed a power-sharing deal mediated by Kofi Annan to end the country's post-election crisis
Four Palestinian children were killed in an Israeli air strike in the northern Gaza Strip.
Today the Moon reaches last quarter phase at 02:19 GMT at 10 degrees Sagittarius.
A lunar occultation of Antares occurs today at 02:31 GMT visible from the southern oceans. Lunar occultations of Antares occur every month from Dec. 2004 to Feb. 2010. There are none then till July 2023
The Sagittarian Moon sextiles the Mercury and Venus conjunction around Noon GMT invoking optimism and frivolity around that time, a real 'happy hour', and then moves on to square Uranus at 19:01 GMT.
This day and the evening invoke us to pull out of our shells, strike into new experience and adventure, and sample new emotions.
Check out the UK Earthquake Page for recent UK seismic events viewed from an astrological perspective.
March 2008
March 2008 starts with Mercury, Venus, Neptune and the Lunar Node in Aquarius. Mars is opposite Pluto.
Mercury and Venus remain within 3 degrees of each other all month.
In early March the crescent Moon passes Jupiter on the 2nd and 3rd, and parks itself next to Venus and Mercury on the 5th. During the afternoon of the 5th, the thin lunar crescent occults (hides) Venus for viewers in central Canada and most of the United States. It's a daytime event, so you would need a telescope to see it.
Saturday March 1st 2008
The slowly waning but accelerating Moon in Sagittarius sextiles Neptune in the small hours (GMT), and continues to apply in weak and ineffective opposition to Mars.
The Moon opposes Mars 16:54 and becomes void.
She enters Capricorn 18:33 GMT and is conjunct Pluto 20:18 GMT.
The remainder of the weekend witnesses the 'ground in energy' of the Moon in Capricorn
Sunday March 2nd 2008
The Moon wanes and accelerates in Capricorn making reasonable aspects today and applying to a conjunction with Jupiter. This is potentially a wholesome and hearty Sunday but of course the Moon in Capricorn does have the tendency to bring out the worst in some people. Nevertheless this could be a very constructive day.
Monday March 3rd 2008
Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas has suspended contact with Israel in protest at an assault on Gaza which has killed about 100 people. The suspension came amid angry demonstrations in Gaza and clashes with Israeli troops in the West Bank. Israeli PM Ehud Olmert vowed to carry on the assault, which came in response to militant rocket attacks on Israel. The violence intensified on Saturday, when nearly 70 people were killed in one of Gaza's bloodiest days in years.
Yesterday Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez ordered tanks to the border with Colombia after it kills a rebel Farc commander.
Kremlin favourite Dmitry Medvedev will win Russia's presidential election easily, exit polls suggest.
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad received a warm welcome in Baghdad on the first ever visit to Iraq by an Iranian president. The visit marks the culmination of a process of normalisation between the two countries after the long war they fought in the 1980s.
State of the skies:- Today the Sun is at 13 degrees Pisces. There are 17 days remaining to the Vernal Equinox.
We are now pulling out of the recent eclipse season, a fact signaled by the New Moon on Friday of this week.
The slow but accelerating Moon today is conjunct Jupiter 01:44 GMT at 16 degrees Capricorn. She sextiles Uranus 06:16 GMT and is void of course for the rest of the day.
Mercury and Venus are 'morning stars' and closely aligned in Aquarius. The pair remain within 3 degrees of longitude through most of March. Venus leads the way. Mercury finally catches up with her in the morning skies on March 24th in Pisces. The story does not end there for these two. Venus again catches up with Mercury (and the Sun) at 17 degrees Gemini on June 7th. Mercury overtakes her once more in evening skies on Aug. 21st in Virgo but Venus wins the year by finally overtaking Mercury again in evening skies, this time in Libra, on September 15th 2008. That is their last conjunction in 2008.
There are lunar occultations of Mercury and Venus and Neptune on Wednesday. Venus is conjunct Neptune on Friday.
Mercury is now 'up to speed' after his recent retrograde motion. Now is a good time to consider beginning new enterprises especially after the New Moon on Friday.
Mars has one more day in Gemini and then enters Cancer tomorrow. Mars is applying to a seriously sinister opposition to Pluto which peaks early on Friday. The potential for violent outcomes in human affairs is strongly indicated in the week ahead although Saturn eases the opposition and offers a 'work out' solution to problems before they get too severe.
Within the outer body orbits Jupiter is sextile Uranus and Saturn is trine Pluto conferring a largely positive aura on current affairs.
This week is 'astrologically rippling'. With the triple lunar occultations on Wednesday, and then the New Moon (conjunct Uranus) on Friday accompanied by Venus conjunct Neptune and Mars opposite Pluto we can expect lots of fun.
Tuesday March 4th 2008
The UN Security Council yesterday voted to impose a third round of sanctions on Iran over its nuclear programme.
The big medical news at the moment is that skin secretions from a South American "shrinking" frog could be used to treat type 2 diabetes, researchers say.
The old waning Moon reaches balsamic phase 02:20 GMT 29 degrees Capricorn.
The Moon enters Aquarius 04:25 GMT joining Mercury, Venus. Neptune and the Lunar Node in that sign.
Mars re-enters Cancer 10:01 GMT. He is in opposition to Pluto on Friday of this week. A potentially violent and accident prone planetary vibration. He then applies in a constructive sextile aspect to Saturn which peaks on March 14th. He receives (very pleasant) watery trine aspects from Venus on March 16th and from Mercury on March 18th. Mars squares the Sun on March 30th. He enters new territory (following his recent retrograde motion) on April 4th receives a square aspect from Mercury on April 18th and opposes Jupiter on April 24th. Mars leaves Cancer and enters Leo on May 9th. The whole period is characterized by 'defensive and protective' activity. This placement is good for thrift and circumspection and for domestic projects. 'Home and garden' go with a real swing.
Today is the day before a rare 'triple lunar occultation'. The Moon, Venus, Mercury and Neptune are 'huddled together' in Aquarius. Something has to show, something has to give.
Wednesday March 5th 2008
Today is a very special day in the world of astronomy and astrology.
Wednesday, March 5th begins with a beautiful display of planets: Mercury, Venus and the slender crescent Moon will gather in a tight knot beneath the bright gaze of Jupiter. The quartet are easy to see (look southeast) as they beam through the rosy glow of dawn. The show continues even after sunrise. In broad daylight, Venus and the crescent Moon will converge until there is only a sliver of blue sky between them
Three lunar occultations occur today in tropical Aquarius!
A lunar occultation of Mercury is observable today at 14-01 GMT, at 14 degrees Aquarius, from South America and Northwest Africa. This is the 2nd of 5 lunar occultations of Mercury this year, Jan 9th, March 5th, Aug 1st, Sept 30th and Dec. 29th.
The next two occultations today are both observable from south California and west Mexico. A lunar occultation of Venus visible from the Pacific and central USA occurs today at 19:20 GMT, this is the first of 2 this year, the other is on Dec. 1st.
A lunar occultation of Neptune in Aquarius occurs at 21:40 GMT for observers in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific. This is the 10th of a monthly series of 20 occultations of Neptune at the current time. The remaining 10 are all in the northern hemisphere.
The Moon is void after 21:47 GMT.
Thursday March 6th 2008
On the day the Moon occulted Mercury, January 9th this year, New Hampshire primary wins by Hillary Clinton opened up the race for the White House. The same thing happened yesterday, the day of the second lunar occultation of Mercury this year. The Democrats once again grabbed the headlines with another Hillary Clinton comeback, throwing her party's race wide open once again. Mrs. Clinton won in Rhode Island and in the much larger state of Ohio (which has an uncanny knack of voting for candidates who go on to be president) - and above all, she won the popular vote in Texas. The final occultation of Mercury this year is on August 1st.
Also yesterday George W Bush backed John McCain, who had sealed the Republican nomination to run for US president.
Thousands of Venezuelan troops took up position on Colombia's border,
In the UK MPs threw out a call to hold a UK-wide referendum on whether to ratify the EU's Lisbon Treaty.
Today the fast moving old Moon enters Pisces at 10:54 GMT today joining the Sun and Uranus in that sign.
Today is a deeply subliminal affair. Impressionability and remoteness are to the fore. however this is not a benign day, Mars is about to oppose Pluto, this aspect which has been building up for a few weeks, peaks tomorrow morning (GMT). There is a wave of violence and danger in the process of breaking. At the same time a rich and mystical blending of 'value' and 'dissolution' is ringing out, as symbolised by a tight conjunction of Venus and Neptune some nine hours before the Mars Pluto opposition peaks. This one speaks volumes in the financial world and in the personal sphere of romantic love.
Friday March 7th 2008
Yesterday as the Mars Pluto opposition built to its peak at least eight people were killed by a Palestinian gunman at a Jewish seminary in West Jerusalem.
At least 54 people died as two bombs explode in a shopping area in Baghdad, security officials say.
Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega broke diplomatic ties with Colombia over its raid into Ecuador.
Today Venus is conjunct Neptune (within 35 minutes of arc) at 23 degrees Aquarius at 00:03 GMT.
Mars opposes Pluto 09:00 GMT. In the wake of these very powerful planetary aspects a New Moon follows.
New Moon 18 degrees Pisces 17:15 GMT
This the first New Moon following the Annular Solar Eclipse on Feb 7th 2008.
This New Moon is in Pisces, is in conjunction with Uranus, and is sextile Jupiter. This New Moon will invoke surprising changes. Mars opposes Pluto, Venus and Mercury are conjunct Neptune, Saturn trines Pluto, Jupiter sextiles Uranus. This lunation is dynamic. The energy 'set up' at the last solar eclipse is now released in un-looked for ways. The time is important and vibrant.
At the moment of New Moon the Sun and Moon (and Uranus) are on the local MC of Washington DC, Ottawa, Medellin and Lima.
They are setting at Stuttgart and Capetown, and are on the IC of Lanzhu and Singapore.
The Mars Pluto opposition, tight in the skies at this time are aligned to Bucharest and Manila.
Venus and Neptune align to New Mexico.
The New Moon is closely conjunct the natal Uranus of Robert Mugabe and the natal Jupiter of Gordon Brown.
After the New Moon moment, the 'new born' Moon is conjunct Uranus at 19 degrees Pisces at 19:05 GMT and becomes void of course for some 19 hours.
Saturday March 8th 2008
The (GMT) day starts with the young Moon void of course in Pisces. The period upto 14:34 GMT is dreamy and subliminal. Things quickly change and pick up when she enters Aries at this time.
The weekend from this moment becomes more urgent and impulsive.
Around 16:30 GMT the Moon forms a cardinal T-square with Mars and Pluto. This is the danger point in the current 'atmosphere'. Flare ups, frayed tempers and sheer aggression could be expected around this time.
The Sun is conjunct Uranus 20:19 GMT adding an 'extraordinary' hue to the day. Something will wake us up.
It is the time for Mercury to align to Neptune now, (Venus did this on Friday). These are both inspirational and confusing planetary vibrations. Its as if whirlpools are occurring in the fabric of time right now. Strange, powerful and uncertain experiences are taking place.
Sunday March 9th 2008
Mercury is aligned to Neptune (within a degree) at 23 degrees Aquarius at 08:53 GMT.
The Moon continues to wax in Aries. The day has a brazen potential. There is a competitive, challenging, stimulating and provoking quality.
Monday March 10th 2008
The leaders of the two parties that won Pakistan's elections sign an agreement on a coalition government.
Israeli PM Ehud Olmert has backed a plan to build up to 750 new homes in a Jewish settlement in the West Bank.
Europe's new orbital cargo ship was launched from French Guiana on a mission to resupply the space station. The Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) is the biggest and most complex spacecraft Europe has ever tried to put in orbit. The 20-tonne unmanned freighter left the Kourou spaceport at 0403 GMT on Sunday, riding atop an Ariane 5 rocket.
State of the skies:- Today the Sun is at 20 degrees Pisces. There are only ten days to the Vernal Equinox.
The young Moon is today rapidly waxing towards her crescent phase, starting the day in Aries. She sextiles Neptune, Mercury and finally Venus at 11:10 GMT and then becomes void of course. She enters Taurus 16:15 GMT, and reaches perigee (fastest all month) at 21:49 GMT. Around 22:15 GMT the Moon is arrayed in a fearsome 'planetary kite pattern' with Pluto, Mars and Saturn.
Mercury and Venus are both 'morning stars' in Aquarius. Only three degrees separate them all month. Venus swims into Pisces on Wednesday of this week, Mercury follows her on Friday.
Mars in now in Cancer and makes a 'heavy duty' practical and industrious sextile to Saturn on Friday . This is a real good week to 'get things sorted'.
The week ahead is colored quite considerably by a 'mystic rectangle' planetary pattern built around the oppositions of Mars and Pluto and of Venus, Mercury, the lunar node and Neptune opposite Saturn. This 'picture' lasts for five days starting on Wednesday. This is a powerful affair. Expect a multitude of events and experiences this week.
Today starts with a rush but modulates into something a little more serious.
Tuesday March 11th 2008
Yesterday, 'a low news day' saw five US soldiers killed by a suicide bomb in Baghdad, in one of the deadliest attacks on US troops there in months.
The price of crude oil hit an all-time high for the fifth time in six trading sessions. New York sweet light crude touched a new high of $108.21 a barrel, before edging down to trade at $107.93.
Today the very fast moving Moon reaches her crescent phase 01:57 GMT at 6 degrees Taurus.
She trines Jupiter and sextiles Uranus as midnight (GMT) approaches.
Today and tomorrow sees the 'potentially inert' combination of a Pisces Sun and Taurean Moon, providing a deep rooted and generally passive astrological backdrop to events and experiences. With Mars applying in sextile to Saturn this week there is an air of industry and power. These really are days to bring about realistic solutions to problems.
Wednesday March 12th 2008
Central banks around the world plan another set of co-ordinated action to ease financial market woes.
At least 24 people die in two bomb attacks - one at a key police building - in Pakistan's city of Lahore.
A tiny chemical "brain" which could one day control swarms of nano-machines is invented in Japan. Writing in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, scientists say it could also be used to boost the processing power of future computers. Many experts have high hopes for nano-machines in treating disease.
Today the Moon continues on her speedy journey through Taurus. This is another steady and rather passive sort of day, right up to 17:55 GMT. After that moment things will inevitably change.
A powerful and slightly menacing 'mystic rectangle' based upon the Mars Pluto opposition and Saturn opposing Venus, Mercury, and Neptune is hanging in the skies from today. This planetary picture holds command in the skies for the next five days and will in my estimation generate a lot of events. The combination of these planets is challenging and demanding to say the least. These are, all of a sudden, very serious and important times.
The fast moving but now decelerating Moon squares Venus 17:27 GMT and becomes void of course.
The Moon enters Gemini 17:55 GMT. This lunar ingress is the herald of change and notification of further change to come.
Venus enters Pisces 22:51 GMT toady, joining the Sun and Uranus in that sign, and deliciously beckons Mercury to follow her, which he does on Friday. Venus sails, swims and slips through the sign of the fishes for only 25 days. Venus is opposed by Saturn on Saturday 15th March and is trined by Mars the next day. Mercury catches up with Venus on Monday 24th March (Easter Monday). On 28th March Venus is conjunct Uranus and sextile Jupiter. Venus leaves Pisces and enters Aries on April 6th. The next 25 days hold a Pandora's box of temptations, love adventures, imaginative and exotic experiences and deeply emotional and mystical feelings. This is a rich time to be young and in love (or not so young and in love). It is a time to follow your dreams.
Thursday March 13th 2008
Yesterday Nasa directed its Cassini spacecraft to make an ultra-close pass of the Saturnian moon Enceladus. The flyby took the probe through the plumes of icy particles emanating from the enigmatic cracks at the south pole dubbed the "tiger stripes". The cause of this activity has developed into the big scientific question of the flagship mission. The pass will allow Cassini instruments to directly sample the plume particles. This should help scientists address the tantalising issue of whether there is an ocean under Enceladus' icy crust.
On Earth we had another 'low news day'.
Today is day two of the mystic rectangle of planets in the skies of earth, mentioned yesterday.
The decelerating Moon waxes in Gemini towards her first quarter phase. The Sun, The Moon, Venus, Saturn and Uranus are now in mutable signs. This situation will not last for long but change, movement, mediation and modulation are now the very essence of the times we are living through.
Lots of conversation ensues today.
Friday March 14th 2008
Yesterday the Chaldean Catholic archbishop of the Iraqi city of Mosul who was kidnapped last month was found dead.
Chinese officials admitted that Tibetan monks have been protesting in the city of Lhasa this week
The price of gold hit new heights, trading at $1,000 an ounce for the first time, spurred by a weak US dollar.
Today is day three of the mystic rectangle. (See the note from Wednesday).
The Moon reaches her first quarter phase at 10:47 GMT 24 degrees Gemini. She trines Mercury 20:34 GMT and becomes void for only 4 minutes. She enters Cancer 20:38 GMT, and applies in conjunction to Mars.
The Sun and the Moon are then in watery signs, (together with Mars, Uranus and Venus). The superficial almost 'vampish' chatter of the last two days is now superseded by more urgent emotional concerns.
Press on there is work to do.
Mars sextiles Saturn 21:25 GMT, lending a hand to constructive and practical ends.
Mercury chases Venus into Pisces 22:46 GMT.
The weekend ahead sees Venus opposing Saturn and then moving on to trine Mars.
There is something big going on.
Saturday March 15th 2008
The Moon is conjunct Mars 03:04 GMT (within 1.66 degrees at 4 degrees Cancer), and adds her power to the mystic rectangle of planets in operation now for four days.
Mercury bathed in Piscean water sextiles Pluto in Capricorn 17:08 GMT.
Venus also in Pisces opposes Saturn in Virgo at 20:17 GMT (3 degree orb).
Today is astrologically intense. There are basically two things going off, one is a penetrative even telepathic potential to 'suss out' positive situations and solutions, the other is a harnessing and formalising of affection and value. This all amounts to a test and a challenge of a day.
Harmony can and does win out as the (GMT) day ends.
Sunday March 16th 2008
Day five of the mystic rectangle.
Venus in Pisces trines Mars in Cancer 08:21 GMT. A loving breakfast is the way to make the best of this aspect. This is the 'true love and affection' aspect. May it truly colour your whole day.
The Moon in Cancer trines the Sun and is void from 18:58 GMT
Monday March 17th 2008
The major world news item dominating newsreels over the past few days (coinciding with a 'mystic rectangle' hanging in the skies of earth over the entire period) is the Tibetan protests against Chinese rule which have spread to another part of China, after days of demonstrations and violence in Tibet's main city, Lhasa. Clashes between Tibetan protesters and police in Aba, Sichuan province, saw a police station and cars attacked. Rights groups said several people had been killed in the clashes, though this could not be verified. The violence came after exiled Tibetan leaders said a Chinese crackdown had killed at least 80 people in Lhasa.
At least 16 people have been killed in a missile strike near Pakistan's northern border, state television says.
Conservative candidates in Iran's general election have retained control of parliament, while reformists did marginally well.
State of the skies:-The Sun today is at 27 degrees Pisces. The Vernal Equinox is on Thursday.
Currently the Sun, Mercury, Venus and Uranus are in Pisces.
The decelerating but waxing Moon enters Leo 01:04 GMT. She reaches gibbous phase 23:59 GMT 13 degrees Leo. The Moon is full in Libra on Friday of this week. The approaching Full Moon forms a cardinal grand cross with Mars and Pluto drawing a final measure of blood from the Mars Pluto opposition which has been casting a violent hue on world 'colours' recently. The Full Moon on Friday is a very dangerous affair.
Mercury, a morning 'star' in Pisces opposes Saturn within 4 degrees at 21:48 GMT today and trines Mars tomorrow.
Venus also a morning 'star' in Pisces recovering from amorous overtures from Mars yesterday gladly submits, and continues closely following Mercury. Only two degrees separate these two today and the situation continues for rest of the month.
Mars is in Cancer and the next aspect he makes is a square to the Sun on March 30th.
Today is the final day of the mystic rectangle which has been dominating the skies over the past five days.
The week ahead will witness a climaxing Full Moon on Friday and the Spring Equinox in the North and the Autumn Equinox in the South on Thursday.
Stay tuned to the Daze for the duration.
Tuesday March 18th 2008
Yesterday stock markets across the globe slumped in reaction to the emergency rescue of the USA bank Bear Stearns. The dollar hit another record low against the Euro amid continued fears over the state of the US economy. These economic downturns occurred as Mercury and Venus conjunct in Pisces are opposite Saturn in Virgo. Actually Saturn's ingress in Virgo on September 2nd last year coincided with the start of the financial crises occurring during the last few seasons. Pluto's ingress into Capricorn in January of this year has only made matters worse.
A female suicide bomber killed at least 42 people in the Iraqi city of Karbala, home to Shia Muslim shrines. Violence continues almost every day. Mars in Cancer opposing Pluto in Capricorn really doesn't do much to stem the tide.
Today Mercury trines Mars at 11:38 GMT as the gibbous Moon in Leo decelerates and waxes.
This aspect sheds a more positive astrological light on the first half of the (GMT) day.
Neptune, the Earth and the Moon are aligned within 0.75 of a degree at 18:39 GMT between the tropical signs of Leo and Aquarius. The Moon is void from this time.
No let up, no compromise, no release, as the Moon applies to an occultation of Regulus as the day ends.
Wednesday March 19th 2008
Yesterday the US central bank announced another deep cut in interest rates to calm nervous markets.
The Dalai Lama called for violence in Tibet to end and rejected China's claims he masterminded the unrest.
Afghan security forces sealed off the country's main high-security prison after days of unrest there.
A lunar occultation of the 'royal star' Regulus GMT occurs today around 07:30 GMT. This is the 17th of 20 monthly lunar occultations of this star. After the last one on June 20th 2008 at the south pole there are none till Nov 21st 2016.
The Moon enters Virgo 07:25 GMT and begins her monthly application to a conjunction with Saturn.
The Moon is conjunct Saturn at 13:33 GMT at 3 degrees Virgo.
The Moon opposes Mercury and Venus at 20:29 and 23:32 GMT respectively.
Today the Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Saturn and Uranus are in mutable signs. There is an atmosphere of anticipation and possibly agitation. All things are now 'on the move' and in flux. Today is the last day of Pisces, the day before the Vernal Equinox, a sort of 'tropical zodiac New years Eve'.
Tomorrow we have ignition and a renewal.
Thursday March 20th 2008
A carbon-containing molecule has been detected for the first time on a planet outside our Solar System. The organic compound methane was found in the atmosphere of a planet orbiting a star some 63 light years away. Water has also been found in its atmosphere, but scientists say the planet is far too hot to support life. The discovery, unveiled in the journal Nature yesterday, is an important step towards exploring new worlds that might be more hospitable to life, they say. Methane, made up of carbon and hydrogen, is the simplest possible organic compound.
Vernal equinox 05:49:23 GMT
The Vernal Equinox occurs today at 05:49 GMT as the Sun crosses the equator. Spring officially begins in the northern hemisphere and Autumn starts in the south. All over the world there are 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of night. The Sun 'enters' the tropical zodiac sign of Aries the Ram.
As the Sun bursts into Aries it is Sunrise over Belgium, France, Algeria and central west Africa. The rising Sun and the setting nearly full moon straddle the cities of Amsterdam, Brussels, and Marseilles. It is shortly to be local noon at Lhasa. Mars and Pluto focus in on Katmandu and Calcutta. Over the UK in the pre-dawn skies Uranus, Mercury and Venus rise as Saturn and the Moon set.
The planets at this time are mainly in earth and water signs with a distinct lack of planets in fire and air signs. Venus and Mercury are closely conjunct in Pisces, the Sun squares Pluto in Capricorn and Jupiter sextiles Uranus.
The slow gibbous Moon in Virgo applies in earthy trine to Jupiter in Capricorn.
This equinox is a very fertile affair with a degree of receptivity and capture. The moment however is an omen of a difficult transition, particularly so with the equinox Sun square Pluto. There is a critical poignancy to this day with the astrological energy tense and pregnant with the nearly Full Moon in Virgo preparing to make a near linear alignment with the Earth and Neptune later in the day. Nevertheless this is a day of holy celebration as are the intervening hours between the Equinox moment and the Full Moon climax tomorrow.
After the equinox moment the Moon opposes Uranus (within 1.25 degrees of alignment) at 19:29 GMT. The Moon is void of course for some 20 hours from this moment
Friday March 21st 2008
An astrologically difficult day follows as the full moon crashes in virulent climax.
The Sun squares Pluto 08:35 GMT invoking all manner of battles of will and power.
The Moon starting the day void of course and very tensely placed in Virgo decelerates almost reluctantly towards her full phase. The day correspondingly hobbles along in critical footfalls. The Moon enters Libra 15:45 GMT and immediately applies in square aspect to Pluto exact at 17:53 GMT.
The Moon has a very difficult voyage through Libra over the next two and a half days.
Full Moon 2 degrees Libra 18:41 GMT
This Full Moon is the first one following the Total Lunar Eclipse in Virgo on February 21st 2008, and the 5th full moon before the Partial Lunar Eclipse in Aquarius on August 16th 2008
The Full Moon is tightly square Pluto. In fact the Sun, Moon, Mars and Pluto form a very powerful cardinal grand cross as this lunation climaxes. This Full Moon represents an astrological generator of energy and events. This one is powerfully and dangerously dynamic.
At the exact moment of Full Moon the Moon is rising over western Scotland, north west Spain, eastern Portugal and the extreme north west of Africa. Pluto is almost exactly rising at Lhasa Tibet, the Moon sets over South Island New Zealand and the Moon is exactly on the local MC of Kanpur in India and is on the local IC of Mexico City where it is local Noon.
The ongoing Mercury Venus conjunction 'hits' San Diego and Melbourne. Mars is on the local MC of the UK and he 'hits' Madrid.
The zodiac degree area which this full moon occupies, closely aligns and affects the all important MC in the USA (Sibly) chart and the natal Uranus of the UK (1801 chart). It hits the natal Saturn of Gordon Brown, the natal Sun of actor Michael Douglas and musician Bruce Springsteen. It may hit the ascendant David Cameron and the natal Moon of 'Madeline' the English child who disappeared from Portugal. (However both of the birth times of these last two subjects are uncertain).
After the Full Moon moment is over the Moon applies in square aspect to Mars.
Do take care tonight.
Saturday March 22nd 2008
The 'hung over Moon' in Libra squares Mars at 04:15 GMT and continues to sail dangerous airs in Libra all day long.
Mercury is catching up Venus. The two planets having been in close conjunction all month are aligned within a degree on Monday.
Sunday, March 23rd 2008
Early Easter. Easter Sunday is defined as the first Sunday after the "Ecclesiastical Full Moon" (the Church's approximation of when a Full Moon will occur, generally within a day of the actual Full Moon) after March 20th, which was the date fixed by the Church as Equinox in 325 AD. In 2008, Full Moon occurs two days after March 20th, with Easter Sunday the next day. This will be the earliest Easter Sunday since 1913; the next time Easter falls on March 23rd will be 2160. The earliest possible Easter Sunday is March 22nd, this last occurred in 1818, and next in 2285.
The still 'hung over' Full Moon squares Jupiter at 04:35 GMT and then mercifully starts to apply in trine aspect to Neptune which occurs at 12:42 GMT The Moon is void from that moment.
Monday March 24th 2008
Yesterday many people died in a day of suicide attacks, shootings and rocket strikes across Iraq.
Final preparations were taking place in Greece for the lighting of the Olympic flame for the Beijing games. Cloudy skies meant the flame could not be lit in the traditional way - using the Sun's rays - at the final dress rehearsal on yesterday. If the weather fails to play its part in the ceremony on Monday, a back-up flame will be used to light the torch that will be carried to China. Activists say the ceremony will trigger protests over Tibet and other issues.
Gamma ray burst. (Spaceweather.com)
March 21, 2008: A powerful gamma ray burst detected March 19th by NASA's Swift satellite has shattered the record for the most distant object that could be seen with the naked eye.
"It was a whopper," says Swift principal investigator Neil Gehrels of NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. "This blows away every gamma ray burst we've seen so far."
Swift's Burst Alert Telescope picked up the burst at 2:12 a.m. EDT on March 19, 2008, and pinpointed the coordinates in the constellation Bootes. Telescopes in space and on the ground quickly moved to observe the afterglow. The burst was named GRB 080319B and registered between 5 and 6 on the visual magnitude scale used by astronomers. (A magnitude 6 star is the dimmest visible to the human eye; magnitude 5 is almost three times brighter.)Later that evening, the Very Large Telescope in Chile and the Hobby-Eberly Telescope in Texas measured the burst's redshift at 0.94. A redshift is a measure of the distance to an object. A redshift of 0.94 translates into a distance of 7.5 billion light years, meaning the explosion took place 7.5 billion years ago, a time when the universe was less than half its current age and Earth had yet to form. This is more than halfway across the visible universe.
The date of the Big Bang? The amount of dark matter? The nature of cosmic inflation? These things and more are refined by new results from the WMAP cosmology probe. Here's a full roundup. http://www.skyandtelescope.com/news/16457156.html
State of the skies:- Today the Sun is at 4 degrees Aries. There are 86 days to the solstice.
The very slow moving, decelerating and waning Moon enters Scorpio 02:07 GMT and commences to make a series of favorable aspects over the next couple of days. This lunar 'situation' is something of a relief after the problems of the last few days. (The next New Moon is on Sunday April 6th in Aries, and is placed square a looming opposition of Mars and Jupiter. More challenges are to come. Neptune and the Lunar Node exactly rise at London at the moment of this New Moon).
Mercury is today conjunct Venus (within a degree) at 14 degrees Pisces at 01:29 GMT. Both of these 'morning star' planets will sextile Jupiter and make a conjunction with Uranus during this week. Mercury does this on Thursday, Venus on Friday.
Mars pulls on through Cancer. The next aspect he makes is a square to the Sun on March 30th
Jupiter in Capricorn sextiles Uranus in Pisces on Saturday throwing a measure of 'comfortable optimism' onto proceedings.
The quality of the week ahead is seriously directed by Mercury (on Thursday) and Venus (on Frioday) making conjunction with Uranus in Pisces. This is indicative of a degree of excitement and even wonder this week.
Tuesday March 25th 2008
With NASA's high-energy Swift observatory in orbit, cosmic gamma-ray bursts just keep setting new records. The most powerful one yet in fact, the most violent event ever seen in the universe flashed into view on the morning of March 19th. While Swift caught it from orbit, ground-based cameras on the hunt for gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) saw a flare of visible light from the burst that peaked around magnitude 5.6. www.skypub.com
Yesterday New Pakistani PM Yusuf Raza Gillani said he will order the release of all judges detained under emergency rule.
The top US general in Iraq said he has evidence Iran was behind Sunday's attack on Baghdad's Green Zone.
The Olympic torch was lit in Greece, in a ceremony briefly disrupted by pro-Tibet demonstrators.
Around 3:00 a.m. on March 19, 2008, Hawaii's Kilauea volcano erupted explosively for the first time since 1924.
Today the very slow moving Moon in Scorpio trines Mercury and Venus 09:00 GMT and then goes on to make favourable aspects with Jupiter and Uranus up to 17:14 GMT.
The later part of the GMT day is not so conducive to peace and clarity.
The Moon reaches disseminating phase 20 degrees Scorpio 19:03 GMT
Wednesday March 26th 2008
Yesterday thousands of Iraqi troops battled with rival Shia in Basra, as clashes spread to other parts of the country.
French President Nicolas Sarkozy said he has not ruled out boycotting the opening of the Olympics.
Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe has threatened to force businesses to cut prices ahead of the 29 March elections. Prices have again shot up after Mr. Mugabe awarded huge pay rises to teachers and civil servants last month.
Today the very slow moving and still decelerating Moon is square Neptune and becomes void of course at 00:37 GMT
She enters Sagittarius 14:12 GMT and reaches apogee (slowest all month) at 20:18 GMT.
From 14:12 GMT the Sun and Moon are in fire signs. (Mercury, Venus, Mars and Uranus in water, Jupiter, Pluto and Saturn in Earth, Neptune in Air).
This day starts in 'lunar void of course' mode, but spirits pick up dramatically with the ingress of the moon into Sagittarius. Coupled with the prospect of Mercury being conjunct Uranus tomorrow, the day ends on potential excitement and a degree of fortitude and optimism.
Thursday March 27th 2008
A lunar occultation of Antares occurs today at 10:20 GMT visible from the tip of South America. Lunar occultations of Antares occur every month from Dec. 2004 to Feb. 2010. There are none then till July 2023.
Mercury in Pisces sextiles Jupiter in Capricorn at 18:57 GMT
Mercury is conjunct Uranus (within 1.7 degrees) at 20:18 GMT.
Venus will be conjunct Uranus tomorrow.
Friday March 28th 2008
Tibetan monks yesterday disrupted a tour by the first foreign journalists to visit Lhasa since protests erupted.
The US said it killed four militants in an air strike in Iraq on Thursday morning, but Iraqi sources say dozens of people were killed. The southern Iraqi city of Basra saw a third day of heavy fighting between Iraqi forces and Shia militias.
French President Nicolas Sarkozy held talks with Gordon Brown on nuclear energy, on the second and final day of his state visit to the UK.
Zimbabwe's president warned opposition supporters not to protest if they lose elections this Saturday.
A jawbone and teeth found in Spain are from one of the oldest known humans in Europe, scientists say.
Today The Moon in Sagittarius squares Venus, Uranus and Mercury at 04:14 GMT, 06:06 GMT and 07:42 GMT respectively.
The Moon sextiles Neptune and becomes void 13:22 GMT
Venus sextile Jupiter 22:54 GMT.
Venus is conjunct Uranus (within 0.7 degrees) at 20 degrees Pisces at 22:58 GMT, electric lady land, and an electric flash of the collective anima will be evident tonight.
Saturday March 29th 2008
Jupiter sextile Uranus 00:13 GMT. This pleasant outer body aspect occurs three times in 2008 (today, May 21st Nov 13th) and is the forerunner to the triple conjunction of Jupiter and Uranus on the Pisces Aries border in 2010.
The Moon enters Capricorn 02:44 GMT and is conjunct Pluto 05:01 GMT.
This day is a practical and pragmatic affair.
The Moon reaches Cardinal Last Quarter phase at 21:48 GMT at 10 degrees Capricorn.
Tonight and tomorrow, Mars shines within 0.3° of 3rd-magnitude Epsilon Geminorum (a star that Mars spectacularly occulted 32 years ago!).
Sunday March 30th 2008
Voting has ended in Zimbabwe, where President Robert Mugabe faces a strong challenge from the opposition.
Not the easiest of days.
Around 00:30 GMT the Moon forms a cardinal T-square with the Sun and last quarter Moon.
The Sun in Aries is square Mars in Cancer at 07:21 GMT.
The Moon is conjunct Jupiter at 20 degrees Capricorn (within 3 degrees) at 18:16 GMT
Monday March 31st 2008
State of the skies:- The Sun today is at 11 degrees Aries. There are 79 days to the solstice.
The slowly waning but accelerating Moon, now past her last quarter phase, starts the day in Capricorn, sextiles Mercury at 04:55 GMT, becomes void and enters Aquarius 13:35 GMT. The Moon is New next Sunday.
Mercury and Venus are still within 3 degrees of each other in Pisces shining as 'morning stars'. Mercury leads the way now entering Aries on Wednesday and squaring Pluto on Thursday. Venus enters Aries on Sunday.
Mars is in Cancer and enters 'new territory' at 13 degrees Cancer on Friday of this week.
Mars is now starting to build up to an opposition to Jupiter which peaks on April 24th.
April 2008
After an 'astrologically quiet' start to the month, April 2008 evolves into an 'astrologically vibrant' period as the two weeks lead up to the Walpurgis Full Moon on Sunday April 20th. Mars opposing Jupiter on April 24th sets things into overdrive.
Saturn and Pluto are trine in earth signs. This pair form earthy grand trines with Mercury and the Sun around the Full Moon, and with Venus as the month ends, both ensuring a rich menu of personal practical and social opportunities. Read on, constant reader..
Tuesday April 1st 2008
Zimbabwe is standing on a "precipice" as official results from Saturday's general election start to trickle in, the opposition has said. The world awaits developments. Jupiter is today exactly square natal Pluto in the Zimbabwe National Chart. Robert Mugabe has transiting Saturn on his natal lunar node and Uranus is square his natal Mars.
The US Treasury yesterday revealed the biggest blueprint to overhaul the regulation of the financial sector since the 1930
The first dig inside the ring at Stonehenge in more than four decades hopes finally to resolve its mysteries.
Today the Moon wanes and accelerates in Aquarius on this 'astrologically very quiet' day.
Wednesday April 2nd 2008
Pluto turns retrograde 05:58 GMT at 1 degree Capricorn
A lunar occultation of Neptune at 23 degrees Aquarius occurs 09:15 GMT for observers in south America, much of Africa and the Middle East. This is the 11th of a monthly series of 20 occultations of Neptune at the current time. The Moon is void of course from this moment.
Mercury enters Aries 17:45 GMT. He resides in this sign until April 17th, undergoing a difficult and rapid transit of the sign. He squares Pluto on April 3rd, squares Mars on April 10th and squares Jupiter on April 14th. He is in superior conjunction with the Sun at 27 degrees Aries on April 16th. As he rushes into Taurus the next day both he and the Sun start to form an earthy grand trine with Saturn and Pluto.
Mercury is retrograde in Gemini from May 26th to June 19th 2008.
Moon balsamic phase 28 degrees Aquarius 18:02 GMT, enters Pisces 20:56.
Thursday April 3rd 2008
President Robert Mugabe's party has lost its majority in parliament, official results show. Mr Mugabe's Zanu-PF party has so far taken 94 of the 210 seats, while opposition parties have won 105, the Zimbabwe Election Commission says. At the time of writing confusion, as to the future of the country, still reigns.
Morgan Tsvangirai has risen from working in a mine to becoming one of the most important political figures in Zimbabwe - even if his dreams of becoming president remain elusive. In the last week he has experienced Uranus exactly transiting his natal Sun. In the months ahead his progressed Venus will be conjunct his progressed Jupiter, and he has a series of other seriously important planetary conjunctions.
Irish prime minister Bertie Ahern announced he is stepping down from the post in May. Ahern has transiting Saturn conjunct his natal Mercury right now and during the last couple of weeks has had Uranus opposite his natal Sun.
Scientists have found a distant embryonic planet outside the Solar System that could be less than 2,000 years old.
Today at 01:07 GMT the accelerating Moon in Pisces opposes Saturn but is eased by Pluto.
Mercury, newly arrived in Aries, squares Pluto 08:53 GMT.
Friday April 4th 2008
Yesterday Nato member states said they will endorse controversial US plans for a missile defence shield based in Europe.
Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe is ready to contest a run-off presidential election, a ruling party spokesman said.
Greek and Turkish Cypriots reopened Ledra Street in the divided capital of Nicosia amid a new push for reunification.
Today Mars enters 'new territory' at 13 degrees Cancer after his recent period retrograde motion. There is much that is new, now, to be acted upon.
The rapidly waning old Moon is conjunct Uranus 07:53 GMT at 20 degrees Pisces and then accelerates on and is conjunct Venus at 28 degrees Pisces at 21:44 GMT. The Moon is void from that point in time.
The (GMT) day ends in drifts and dreams.
Saturday April 5th 2008
The very old and fast and accelerating Moon enters Aries 00:28 GMT joining Mercury and the Sun in that sign.
The very 'ancient' Moon is conjunct Mercury at 5 degrees Aries at 08:26 GMT.
Today is the day of the old Moon in Aries.
Amid the competitions, the urges and surges of today there is a vision of a new tomorrow.
The Sun, the old Moon and Mercury are in Aries invoking challenge and impulse.
Sunday April 6th 2008
New Moon 17 degrees Aries 03:56 GMT.
The New Moon is square Mars and Jupiter.
This is the second New Moon following the Annular Solar Eclipse on Feb 7th 2008, and the 4th before the Total Solar Eclipse which occurs on August 1st, (the Chinese Olympics Eclipse).
At the moment of today's New Moon, the Moon is rising on the eastern border of Zimbabwe, and is rising over eastern Europe, eastern Libya and southern Scandinavia.
Mars in Cancer is very nearly exactly on the local IC of Harare.
The Sun and the Moon are on the local MC of Shanghai, Taipei, Manila and western Australia.
Neptune and the lunar Node rise at London UK.
The Sun and the Moon are on the local IC of Buenos Aries and the Falkland Isles.
Saturn is on the local MC of Mexico City. Jupiter is about to culminate at Moscow.
This New Moon falls on the natal Ascendant of Gordon Brown and the natal Jupiter of Morgan Tsvangirai of Zimbabwe.
Shortly after the New Moon, Venus enters Aries at 05:36 GMT joining the Sun, the Moon and Mercury in that sign. Venus spends the rest of the month of April in Aries. She squares Pluto tomorrow. From April 21st to 25th she squares both Mars and Jupiter arrayed in tight cardinal T-square. After sextiling Neptune on April 25th she enters Taurus on April 30th forming at that time an earthy grand trine with Saturn and Pluto.
Today's New Moon is coloured somewhat by the imminent square of Venus in Aries to Pluto in Capricorn. There can be something difficult and unwholesome about this aspect which can invoke manifestations and experiences of the seedier side of life. Nevertheless today in its bosom holds many secrets and initiations.
These are days which are future oriented, experiences and ideas are new and vital, the time is urgent.
The 'tiny new baby' but very fast moving Moon sextiles Neptune and is void of course 15:02 GMT.
Expect little after this moment. With the looming Venus Pluto square it could be rather a 'dark' night.
Monday April 7th 2008
Zimbabwean President Mugabe's party yesterday demanded poll results be delayed and recounted.
George Bush and Vladimir Putin signed a basic agreement on bilateral ties, without a breakthrough on differences.
Twenty people were reported killed in clashes in Baghdad between US forces and a Shia militia.
Renewed violence broke out in a Tibetan area of western China, with reports of several injuries. Xinhua news agency said rioters attacked government offices in Garze, Sichuan province, on Thursday evening, leaving one official seriously hurt. Tibetan exile groups say security forces fired on crowds of civilians, killing at least eight people. The violence comes weeks after unrest swept through Tibetan areas and Beijing responded with a security crackdown. In the UK arrests were made as pro-Tibet protesters and police scuffled along the Olympic torch route in London.
Flooding in north-eastern Brazil has killed at least 15 people and driven tens of thousands from their homes, civil defence officials have said. The victims drowned when the River Paraiba burst its banks and the walls of a medium-sized dam cracked in the normally arid state of Paraiba.
State of the skies:-The Sun is at 18 degrees Aries today. The Sun squares Jupiter on Thursday. There are 72 days to the Solstice
The very fast moving New Moon (yesterday) enters Taurus 01:20 and forms an earthy grand trine with Pluto and Saturn around 04:40 GMT The Moon is closest to Earth and fastest moving all month (at perigee) 19:40 GMT. The Moon occults he Pleiades tomorrow and Mars next Saturday.
Mercury is a 'morning star' rapidly moving through Aries and making a square aspect with Mars on Thursday and then going on to square Jupiter on Sunday.
Venus also a 'morning star' in Aries squares Pluto in Capricorn 03:46 GMT
Mars in Cancer, Jupiter in Capricorn and Mercury in Aries form a loose cardinal T-square from Wednesday of this week which extends right up to next Monday. Some 'spur of the moment' ideas and thought forms may be wide of the mark over that period. This is not a good time for accuracy and correct estimation. The 'astrologically quiet' start to April is superseded by this oncoming wave of challenging 'cardinal energy' later in the week.
Tuesday April 8th 2008
Yesterday French security officials cut short the Paris leg of the Olympic torch relay in the face of anti-China protests.
Nine Iraqis were killed and 65 others wounded in clashes lasting into Monday morning as U.S. and Iraqi forces took on Shiite militia members in Baghdad's Sadr City.
Princess Diana and Dodi Fayed were unlawfully killed due to the actions of paparazzi and driver Henri Paul, a jury has found.
Astronomers have discovered a planetary system orbiting a distant star which looks much like our own. They found two planets that were close matches for Jupiter and Saturn orbiting a star about half the size of our Sun. Martin Dominik, from St Andrews University in the UK, said the finding suggested systems like our own could be much more common than we thought. And he told a major meeting that astronomers were on the brink of finding many more of them.
The crescent Moon sneaks up on the Pleiades. During the evening of April 8th, observers in eastern North America are treated to a beautiful occultation of some members of the Pleiades Star Cluster by a thin crescent Moon. Three evenings later, sky gazers in western North America can see the first-quarter Moon pass a mere 1/4 degree above Mars.
The three-day-old Moon is always sublime thick enough to see easily but thin enough to be otherworldly. On the 8th the crescent is unusually high at dusk and right next to the Pleiades, the sky's finest naked-eye star cluster. Normally the Moon overpowers nearby stars, but not when it's this thin. Lucky viewers in eastern Canada and the northeastern US even get to see the Moon occult (cover) some of the northern Pleiades, starting around 9:45 p.m. EDT. The Moon's leading limb will be well lit by earthshine but still dim enough that it will be easy to watch the stars wink out.
Eastern Ontario is ideally placed, with the occultations starting when the Moon is high in a fully dark sky. Farther east, the Moon sets while occultations are still in progress. In the southern US the Moon passes north of the Pleiades, and on the West Coast, the closest approach takes place in broad daylight. But whether you see the Moon inside the Pleiades or just near them, it will be a magnificent sight. Sky and Telescope
The Moon in Taurus is conjunct the Moon/Jupiter midpoint at 11:00 GMT sextiling both. She goes on to square Neptune at 15:13 GMT and becomes void of course.
Today is very much a 'steady as she goes' sort of day.
Wednesday April 9th 2008
Yesterday the top US military leader in Iraq calls for troop withdrawals to be suspended to protect improved security.
Zimbabwe's opposition said its supporters have been attacked around the country since last month's poll.
The Olympic flame relay arrived in California amid heightened security, as it faces further protests.
Today the Moon enters Gemini 01:27 GMT and reaches her crescent phase 09:24 GMT at 5 degrees Gemini.
There is a bit of a buzz today coinciding with the Moon's ingress into Gemini.
From today and right up to next Monday, Mercury in Aries forms a loose wide cardinal T-square with Mars in Cancer and Jupiter in Capricorn. Caution in all decision making and action taking is advised during today and over the following five days.
Thursday April 10th 2008
Yesterday the IMF warned that the US economy is heading for a recession that will reverberate around the globe.
Gordon Brown said that he will not attend the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics. Streets were sealed off in San Francisco as police tried to provide a smooth passage for the Olympic torch.
At least seven people were reported dead following a raid by Palestinian militants near an Israeli border crossing.
Archaeologists carrying out an excavation at Stonehenge say they have broken through to a layer that may finally explain why the site was built. The team has reached sockets that once held bluestones - smaller stones, most now missing or uprooted, which formed the site's original structure. The researchers believe that the bluestones could reveal that Stonehenge was once a place of healing.
We are now in the midst of a mildly difficult astrological situation. After a reasonably quiet start to the month of April the planets are starting to arrange themselves into a bit of an uncomfortable situation. Mercury, Mars and Jupiter are in a wide cardinal T-square configuration. This picture generates tension which can manifest in actions and judgments being wide of the mark.
A particularly 'testy' couple of planetary aspects occur today.
This day has an awkward potential with bickering and blundering likely. The waxing Moon in Gemini adds a certain restlessness to proceedings.
The Aries Sun squares Jupiter in Capricorn 14:11 GMT.
Mercury in Aries squares Mars in Cancer 17:14 GMT. Mind and muscle are certainly not in harmony today.
Friday April 11th 2008
Yesterday it was reported that Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe and opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai will attend an emergency regional summit.
The US president said he will freeze the withdrawal of troops from Iraq, as requested by a top general.
The biggest US airline canceled 900 more flights, as hundreds of planes stay grounded amid safety concerns.
People in Nepal have completed voting in elections that will decide the future direction of the country. The polls are for an assembly that is expected to re-write Nepal's constitution and abolish its monarchy.
Today the Moon enters Cancer 02:43 GMT and starts to apply to a very close conjunction with Mars which occurs tomorrow (Saturday) morning (GMT) and to her first quarter phase which occurs later in that day.
Today is essentially emotional. There is an undercurrent of worrying misjudgment,feelings of insecurity and manifestations of ill advised strategy, all because of the ongoing cardinal planetary T-square involving Mercury, Mars and Jupiter. This T-square lasts till Monday.
The looming lunar occultation of Mars tomorrow morning colours Friday night with an aura of urgent expectancy.
Saturday April 12th 2008
The Moon is conjunct Mars at 16 degrees Cancer. This is visible in the north Atlantic and central Norway at 05:36 GMT as a lunar occultation of Mars, one of four this year, Jan 19th, April 12th, May 10th and June 8th.
This powerful conjunction is opposite Jupiter in Capricorn square Mercury in Aries and (happily) trine Uranus in Pisces. This cardinal cross dominates the day.
Take care.
The Moon reaches Cardinal first quarter phase 18:33 GMT at 23 degrees Cancer and becomes void of course.
Sunday April 13th 2008
The Moon enters Leo 06:29 GMT. The Sun and Moon are then both in Fire signs (together with Mercury and Venus). This is a sporting and enterprising day full of colour and drama.
The Sun in Aries is sextile Neptune in Aquarius at 07:31 GMT
Mercury squares Jupiter 17:49 GMT. Urgent hasty and competitive urges may arise today and severely cloud judgments.
Monday April 14th 2008
Yesterday Kenya's president announced a new power-sharing cabinet to end the nation's long-running political crisis.
Zimbabwe's opposition said it will mount a legal challenge against plans to recount 23 contested poll results.
Nepal's Maoist party did far better than expected as results for a new constituent assembly were declared.
Italians went to the polls in the first of two days of elections for a new parliament and prime minister.
State of the sky:-The Sun today reaches 25 degrees Aries, and resides in that sign with Venus and Mercury. There are 65 days to the Solstice, and the astrological month of Taurus begins on Saturday April 19th.
The planets are arrayed in a 'locomotive' arrangement in the skies. There is a lot of 'planetary momentum' currently. This is resulting in a lot of new experiences and developments.
The decelerating Moon waxing in the sign of Leo makes no major aspects today but forms a 'finger of fate' with Jupiter and Uranus around 21:30 GMT. The Moon slowly waxes to the Full phase this week and is exactly Full on Sunday 20th April at 10:36 GMT. This slow waxing to the full dominates and colours the week ahead.
Mercury a 'morning star' on the far side of the Sun and moving away from the Earth in Aries sextiles Neptune in Aquarius at 22:10 GMT today. Mercury is at superior conjunction with the Sun on Wednesday and enters Taurus on Thursday at 10:26 GMT.
Venus is also a 'morning star' in Aries. Personal matters are hot and urgent right now. Love kindles.
Mars in Cancer continues to apply in opposition to Jupiter in Capricorn which peaks on April 24th. Before that he makes a watery trine aspect with Uranus in Pisces on April 22nd. There is a growing tendency to excessive actions this week. The best way is to direct the Martian energy into invention and into new avenues of expression. Try something different this week.
Tuesday April 15th 2008
Yesterday Zimbabwe's High Court rejected an opposition legal bid to force the release of the presidential election results.
Centre-right leader Silvio Berlusconi looked set to win Italy's elections, early projections suggested.
Beijing's building sites will close three weeks before the Olympics to help clear the city's skies of pollution.
Today a tight Moon Neptune opposition (01:35 GMT) aligns within a half of a degree. The resulting confusion is eased by Mercury.
The Moon trines the Sun 04:57 GMT and becomes void of course for just over 8 hours.
Lunar occultation of the 'royal star' Regulus GMT occurs today around 13:00 GMT, visible from Antarctic regions. This is the 18th of 20 monthly lunar occultations of this star. After the last one on June 20th 2008 at the south pole there are none till Nov 21st 2016.
The waxing Moon enters Virgo 13:07 GMT. She is conjunct Saturn at 2 degrees Virgo at 16:45 GMT
The mood of this day changes with the lunar ingress. What starts off an essentially self centred atmosphere modulates to 'aggressive precision'. The Moon conjunct Saturn in Virgo is always serious and sets the tone for the next couple of days. With a powerfully dynamic full moon occurring on Sunday the next few days with most probably witness an increase in tension.
Wednesday April 16th 2008
Yesterday more than 70 people were killed in blasts at three cities in Iraq, in one of the deadliest days there for many weeks.
Zimbabwe's opposition leader said he could take part in a presidential run-off vote if it is free and fair.
Dozens died when an aircraft carrying about 80 people ploughs into buildings in Goma in the east of DR Congo.
Today Mercury is at Superior conjunction with the Sun at 27 degrees Aries at 07:24 GMT. This alignment can be considered to represent a 'Full Mercury' symbolising the illuminated mind and a climax in understanding and thinking. This occurs three times a year. From this point in time Mercury becomes an 'evening star', setting after the Sun in the evening and representing a mentality which is retrospective in nature.
The Moon reaches gibbous phase 11:24 GMT 12 degrees Virgo. The glorious procession to Sunday's very dynamic full moon is then fully underway. Emotional tension will now be seen to increase in correspondence to the approaching full moon.
Today we may well experience exactitude and discernment in action. Method, common sense and practicality win out.
Thursday April 17th
Thousands of guests welcomed Pope Benedict XVI (81 years old yesterday) to the White House for his meeting with President Bush. Gordon Brown was also in town.
An Israeli air strike reportedly killed 11 Palestinians in Gaza after a Hamas attack which left three soldiers dead.
After a call to general strike Zimbabwe's opposition says more than 50 supporters were held, while doctors say scores had been beaten.
The US space agency (Nasa) has extended the international Cassini-Huygens mission by two years.
Mercury and the Sun are now forming an earthy grand trine with Saturn and Pluto which extends for the next eight days. At the same time Mars is opposing Jupiter. The Moon is approaching the full moon climax. All in all this adds up to a tumultuous few days ahead.
The Moon at 21 degrees Virgo forms a 'mystic rectangle' with Jupiter, Uranus and Mars around 05:00 GMT.
The Moon trines Jupiter and is void from 06:00 GMT for nearly 16 hours. The day is largely 'void'.
Mercury enters Taurus 21:07 GMT today and resides in there for 39 days. His residence in this sign is favorable. Mercury trines Pluto and Saturn tomorrow, an earthy grand triangle which invigorates thinking and solid vision, very powerful stuff indeed. Mercury sextiles Uranus and trines Jupiter on April 28th, more favorably auspicious vibrations, and squares Neptune and sextiles Mars on April 29th. The next 39 days will be characterised by fixed, realistic, conservative, pragmatic yet fertile thinking based on hind sight. This is not a visionary period, it is a reflective period. Mature thinking will be evident.
Mercury enters Gemini on May 2nd and starts to slow down turning retrograde on May 26th at 21 Gemini. make hay while the sun shines.
The decelerating heavily gibbous Moon enters Libra 22:11 GMT and encounters difficult aspects over the next two days.
Friday April 18th
Today is the last full day of the astrological month of Aries.
The Moon, waxing to the full and now in Libra, sails in difficult airs today and tomorrow, she is poorly aspected during her voyage through Libra. This is indicative of universal emotional difficulties ahead.
Mercury however is very well aspected during this same period, indicating solid, sound and very steady thinking. 'Follow your head and not your heart right now' is the best advice.
Mercury in Taurus trines Pluto in Capricorn at 09:21 GMT and trines Saturn in Virgo at 18:11 GMT
There is yet another planetary picture starting to form in the skies of earth. Its influence starting from today takes us through the full moon period at the weekend and right into the middle of next week. Venus in Aries is starting to build to a waxing cardinal T-square with the looming Mars Jupiter opposition. This is not exactly the best configuration for social harmony. It is difficult and dynamic and it adds extra power and energy to the current period.
The heavily waxing Moon in Libra approaches her full phase. The potential for tonight is a socially intense situation.
Saturday April 19th
The nearly Full, slow moving Moon forms a cardinal T-square with Venus and Mars during the period 05:00 GMT till Noon GMT. This period could be beset with difficulty and challenge.
Take the bull by the horns!
The Sun enters Taurus 16:51 GMT and a new astrological month begins on the climaxing wave of a powerful full moon which peaks tomorrow.
The Moon bruised after recent hours trines Neptune 20:55 GMT and is void. The days ends well.
Sunday April 20th 2008
The burgeoning Full Moon moving slowly enters Scorpio 09:02 GMT.
Full Moon 1 degree Scorpio 10:26 GMT
This 'Walpurgis' Full Moon is the second Full Moon following the Total Lunar Eclipse of Feb 21st 2008 and the fourth one preceding the Partial Lunar Eclipse on August 16th 2008.
This is the first of two consecutive full moons in Scorpio this year. (We get an intense double dose).
This Full Moon forms a mighty 'planetary kite pattern' with Saturn and Pluto, Mercury and the Sun.
Mercury, Mars and Neptune form 3 points of a pentagon.
At the moment of Full Moon the Moon rises at Shanghai is on the local MC of Honolulu and on the local IC of Warsaw. It is Moonset over the great lakes of North America and Buenos Aries.
The Mars Jupiter opposition aligns to Madrid, Jakarta, Saigon, Ulan Bator, Port au Prince and Montreal.
Saturn is rising at Moscow.
This full moon hits the natal Sun of Hilary Clinton (within 2 degrees), the natal Pluto of Prince Harry. the natal Neptune of Osama Bin Laden, the natal Saturn of Robert Mugabe, and the natal Mercury of Condoleezza Rice.
This is a very powerful and transforming Full Moon. There is a remarkable lot of astrological energy associated with this time. Change is at hand.
After the full moon has climaxed, the Sun goes on trines Pluto 18:53 GMT.
Monday April 21st 2008
Yesterday the Pope prayed for peace and the victims of the 9/11 attacks as he visits Ground Zero at the end of his US trip
Zimbabwe's opposition urged African leaders and the UN to stop the "war" there following disputed polls.
China urged its citizens to be calm and rational as anti-Western protests continue across the country.
US Democratic rivals Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama have been seeking to rally support ahead of a key primary election in Pennsylvania. Polls have given Mrs Clinton a lead over Mr Obama in Tuesday's contest.
State of the skies:- The Sun today reaches 2 degrees Taurus and is trine Saturn at 13:05 GMT. There are 58 days to the Summer Solstice in the northern hemisphere.
The still very full Moon slowly wanes and recovers in Scorpio. The next New Moon (on May 5th 2008) is midway between Solar Eclipses.
Mercury is now technically an 'evening star' in Taurus. Mercury is retrograde in Gemini from May 26th to June 19th 2008.
Venus is a 'morning star' in Aries and about to follow in the footsteps of Mercury by forming a Cardinal T-square with Mars and Jupiter this week.
Mars opposes Jupiter over the next few days and Venus squares them both. This cardinal T-square dominates the skies up to 25th April. Mars is also trine Uranus (exact tomorrow.)
Earth is entering a stream of debris from Comet Thatcher, the source of the annual Lyrid meteor shower. Unfortunately this year's display will be curtailed by bright moonlight; forecasters expect no more than 5 to 10 meteors per hour when the shower peaks on April 21st and 22nd. The only hope for more is a Lyrid outburst, which sometimes happens when Earth passes through a dense clump of debris.
Tuesday April 22nd 2008
Yesterday former Roman Catholic bishop Fernando Lugo won Paraguay's presidential election, ending more than six decades of rule by the Colorado Party.
A Russian fighter jet shot down an unmanned reconnaissance aircraft over the troubled Georgian region of Abkhazia.
In the UK Gordon Brown met Labour MPs to outline plans to help those worst hit by the abolition of the 10p tax rate. A bit of a back bench revolt is going on here.
The very slow moving and still decelerating Moon forms a watery grand trine with Mars and Uranus around midnight. This develops into a 'planetary kite' around the ongoing Mars Jupiter opposition around 04:00 GMT.
The Moon squares Neptune and is void from 08:55 GMT. The Moon then remains void of course for over 12 hours.
Mars trines Uranus 14:48 GMT and this opens up many new avenues of expression, but the major planetary pattern of the week is Mars opposite Jupiter on Thursday, both squared by Venus tomorrow. A drama in the sphere of personal relationships is almost inevitable this week..
The Moon enters Sagittarius 21:08 GMT.
Wednesday April 23rd 2008
Yesterday Hillary Clinton issued a stark warning to Iran, as Democrats in Pennsylvania voted to choose between her and Barack Obama to run for president. She said the US would attack, and could "obliterate" Iran, if it launched a nuclear strike on Israel. Is this outburst indicative of a subject who had last weekend's full moon directly fall on her Scorpio Sun?
The head of the UN World Food Programme said urgent action is required to stimulate food production and help the poor cope with soaring food prices.
US and UK forces targeted Shia militiamen in the southern Iraqi city of Basra,
There are 100 days to the Total Solar Eclipse in Leo which occurs on August 1st 2008. This eclipse is the so called 'Chinese Olympics Eclipse' because its path passes through China some 7 days before the games commence.
Today and tomorrow are the climax of the current and ongoing (for 3 more days) Mars, Venus, Jupiter cardinal T-square. There is error, misjudgment and over reaction at work here.
Moon apogee (slowest all month) at 09:34 GMT
A lunar occultation of Antares occurs today at 17:13 GMT visible from south Australia and new Zealand. Lunar occultations of Antares occur every month from Dec. 2004 to Feb. 2010. There are none then till July 2023
Venus in Aries squares Mars in Cancer 18:07 GMT. Troubles in human relationships are indicative of this aspect. Also beware of over spending today.
Thursday April 24th 2008
The race for the Democratic Party U.S. presidential nomination has taken a fresh turn after Hillary Clinton re-ignited her White House bid with a decisive win over frontrunner Barack Obama in Pennsylvania.
Yesterday Sri Lanka's army says it has seen its heaviest casualties in months during fierce clashes in northern Sri Lanka.
An estimated 300,000 people may have died as a result of the Darfur conflict, the UN head of humanitarian affairs John Holmes said..
World oil prices are now hovering near $120 a barrel.
Today Venus in Aries squares Jupiter in Capricorn at 01:36 GMT.
The Moon reaches disseminating phase 20 degrees Sagittarius 13:01 GMT.
Mars opposes Jupiter (last time of 3 over the last couple of seasons) at 22 degrees Cancer/Capricorn at 13:24 GMT.
Today all is a bit wayward and 'over the top'. Exaggeration, over consumption, over estimation are apparent.
The Moon is sextile Neptune and is void of course from 21:39 GMT.
Friday April 25th 2008
Zimbabwe's opposition leader won the disputed March 29 presidential election, the top U.S. envoy to Africa announced on Thursday,
CIA officials yesterday briefed Congress on what they say is evidence that North Korea helped Syria build a nuclear reactor.
The hornéd Moon (to shine by night) enters Capricorn 09:48 GMT.
The Sun, the Moon, Mercury, Saturn, Jupiter and Pluto are in Earth signs.
This day is eminently practical, 'solid', realistic and set in stone. Things started today if well planed should last.
The Moon is conjunct Pluto 11:50 GMT
Venus sextiles Neptune 16:34 GMT adding just a touch of idealism to proceedings.
The cardinal T-square of the previous week is all but dissolving away. The Moon however has different intentions and will from Capricorn over the next 36 hours pull it together one final time and stamp her mark on events as she approaches her Last Quarter Phase on Monday.
Saturday April 26th 2008
The Moon slowly accelerates and wanes in Capricorn. The 'earthy' vibration discussed yesterday continues unabated. The day is wonderfully full of 'grounded in energy'. Good planning and proper provision are essential for success today.
Sunday April 27th 2008
This is a difficult day.
The Moon is conjunct Jupiter at 22 degrees Capricorn 06:01 GMT.
She opposes Mars in late Cancer at 08:37 GMT and squares Venus in late Aries at 14:19 GMT. The Moon is then void.
She enters Aquarius 21:28 GMT and approaches her last quarter phase.
Monday April 28th 2008
Afghan President Hamid Karzai yesterday escaped unharmed as gunfire broke out at a military ceremony in Kabul.
A female suicide car bomber attacked an Iraqi security forces' checkpoint in eastern Baghdad on Sunday, killing three people, military officials said. The bombing came as fighting in the capital's Sadr City neighborhood killed at least seven Shiite militants.
A recount of Zimbabwe's disputed legislative seats has confirmed the opposition party's control of parliament and should be completed Monday, allowing the release of results from last month's presidential election, state media reported.
In the UK additional supplies of fuel are due to begin arriving in Scotland to cope with the Grangemouth strike at the end of its first day. More than 1,000 staff at Scotland's only oil refinery walked out for 48-hours on Sunday amid a pensions row.
State of the sky:- The Sun today reaches 9 degrees Taurus. After today there are 51 days to the Summer Solstice in the northern hemisphere.
The slow moving but accelerating Moon today reaches her (fixed) last quarter phase at 9 degrees Aquarius at 14:13. GMT. The Moon is New in Taurus one week from today. This New Moon will be midway in time between solar eclipses. It looks to be a favourable lunation despite the fact that at the moment of this next New Moon, Saturn will rise at London.
Mercury now technically an 'evening star' in Taurus, and is very busy, astrologically speaking, at the moment. He sextiles Uranus today at 02:36 GMT and trines Jupiter 13:41 GMT. Tomorrow he squares Neptune and sextiles Mars. Today and tomorrow will witness important developments. Mercury decelerates into Gemini on Friday of this week. Mercury turns retrograde on May 26th.
Venus is a 'morning star in Aries. She enters Taurus on Wednesday and immediately forms a very earthy grand trine with Pluto and Saturn. A serious engagement and a formal commitment is forthcoming this week.
Mars is in Cancer until May 9th when he finally moves into Leo. On May 10th he will be occulted by the crescent Moon, an important astronomical and astrological event. This occultation will be focused on Europe and the UK.
Tuesday April 29th 2008
The strange story gripping news tabloids around the world currently is about an Austrian who has confessed to imprisoning his daughter in a cellar since Aug. 28th 1984 and fathering her seven children. This story broke over last weekend.
Yesterday Zimbabwe's rival opposition factions said they have reunited, declaring they have a majority in parliament.
At least seven people, including four young children, were killed by an Israeli missile strike in northern Gaza.
At least 70 people were killed and 400 injured, many of them seriously, after two trains collided at dawn in eastern China, state media have said. It happened at 0443 local time (2043 GMT on Sunday) at a bend in the tracks in the suburbs of Zibo, about 70km (43 miles) east of the provincial capital Jinan.
Thirty-eight Shia militia fighters have been killed in two days of fierce clashes in the Iraqi capital Baghdad, the US military has said.
Amid all this mainly horrible news we hear the 'good ending story' of an 18-year-old whose sight was failing has had his vision improved in a pioneering operation using gene therapy.
Today Mercury in Taurus squares Neptune in Aquarius 01:11 GMT.
After a confusing start to the (GMT) day the hours proceed with a detached fixity. Feathers unruffled, minds not inclined to change.
A lunar occultation of Neptune at 24 degrees Aquarius occurs 19:27 GMT for observers in the East Indies, the north pacific and in north Australia. This is the 12th of a monthly series of 20 occultations of Neptune at the current time.
Mercury sextiles Mars in Cancer 22:20 GMT conferring an injection of impetus of mind and muscle as the (GMT) day ends.
Wednesday April 30th 2008
Yesterday it was announced that DNA evidence supports an Austrian's confession that he fathered six of his daughter's children.
The UN's Ban Ki-moon announced a new task force will tackle the crisis triggered by soaring global food prices.
More than 180 opposition activists were released without charge in Zimbabwe, as two people were found dead.
At least 28 militants were killed during battles in the Sadr City area of Baghdad, the US military has said.
The trial of Iraq's former deputy prime minister Tariq Aziz over the deaths of a group of merchants in 1992 opened in Baghdad.
Today the Moon in Aquarius sextiles Venus and is void of course from 05:25 GMT.
She slips into Pisces 06:11 GMT.
The fixed detachment of the last couple of days then changes to rapt involvement and impressionability.
As the Moon opposes Saturn today at 09:16 GMT (to within 1.25 degrees of exact linearity) she draws together a planetary kite' based on an (almost) earthy grand trine involving Venus in late Aries Saturn in Virgo and Pluto in Capricorn.
The day continues with an emphasis on 'empathy' and 'following'.
Venus wants more, she enters her garden, which is the sign Taurus, at 13:35 GMT and April 2008 ends.
Venus will be in her own sign of Taurus only until May 25th.
May 2008
Thursday May 1st 2008
Yesterday Nato said Russia's troop build-up in Georgia's two breakaway regions risks escalating tension in the area.
More than 400 people have been killed in fighting over the last month between Shia gunmen and US and Iraqi forces, hospital officials in Baghdad say
The Austrian man accused of keeping his daughter in a cellar for 24 years, refused to explain his acts.
The BBC hears that rising rates of child health issues in Afghanistan may be linked to depleted uranium weapons.
Magician David Blaine broke a world record by holding his breath for more than 17 minutes on a live TV show.
Astrologically speaking May 2008 starts with a singing out of an earthy grand trine in the skies of Earth involving Venus in Taurus, Saturn in Virgo and Pluto in Capricorn. This 'picture' has been building up over the last few days and reaches its climax loud and true today.
Venus in Taurus trines Pluto in Capricorn 07:46 GMT
The Moon is conjunct Uranus within 3 degrees at 21 degrees Pisces at 20:14 GMT.
Venus trines Saturn in Virgo 22:21 GMT.
Today could be a really special celebration day.
Friday May 2nd 2008
On Thursday at least 30 people were killed in a double suicide bomb attack in the northern Iraqi province of Diyala. The violence in that country seems unending.
Details of a new kind of electronic device, which could make chips smaller, was outlined by scientists.
Today the Moon reaches balsamic phase 06:09 GMT at 27 degrees Pisces and then sextiles Mercury in Taurus at 09:35 becoming void at that time.
She enters Aries 10:51 GMT (squaring Pluto 12:24 GMT) and plunges the day into bullish and rampant urges.
This is a time to get out of town fast, spread out to mellower quarters.
Mercury, appearing now to start to decelerate, enters Gemini 20:00 GMT. Mercury will reside in Gemini until July 10th, a lengthy stay. This is because Mercury will turn retrograde at 21 degrees of the sign on May 26th. He will be in Inferior Conjunction with the Sun at 17 degrees Gemini on June 6th and turn direct again at 13 degrees Gemini on June 19th. The whole period up to July 10th is a seeding ground for ideas and a diverse experience of rapid and multitudinous communications.
Mercury squares Saturn tomorrow evening (GMT) which casts a brief shadow on proceedings. We have until May 13th (when Mercury appears to slow down to less than a degree per day) to complete current business. Starting new ventures after this point is ill advised.
Saturday May 3rd 2008
The old Moon wanes, burns out, and accelerates in Aries.
This is an old moon day of spontaneity. Spur of the moment decisions are likely.
Saturn turns direct at 2 degrees Virgo 01:34 GMT
Mercury in Gemini squares Saturn in Virgo 19:51 GMT invoking some tough talking.
Sunday May 4th 2008
The Moon starting the day in Aries squares Mars (still in Cancer) at 07:16 GMT and is void of course. She 'enters' Taurus 11:58 and makes nice aspects while in that sign over the next couple of days.
At 22:22 GMT the Moon is conjunct Venus at 5 degrees Taurus pulling together Venus, Saturn Pluto for one last earth grand trine blast.
The stage is then set for tomorrow's New Moon in Taurus.
Monday May 5th 2008
At 11:44 GMT today the Sun stands at 15 degrees Taurus, and we are midpoint in time between the Vernal Equinox and the Summer Solstice. Thirty five minutes later is the moment of today's New Moon.
New Moon 15 degrees Taurus 12:19 GMT
Today's New Moon in Taurus falls midway in time between the Annular Solar Eclipse on February 7th 2008 and the total Solar Eclipse on August 1st 2008. The 'matured' Saros (121) energy of the former eclipse now starts to give way to the climatic Saros (126) energy of the August 1st 2008 (Chinese Olympic Games) eclipse.
Today's eclipse is at a karmic point of balance between the two eclipses.
The New Moon is tightly quintile Mars in Cancer, sextile Uranus and trine Jupiter in Capricorn.
At the exact moment of New Moon, the Sun and Moon are culminating over Dublin, the Portugal Spain border, Rabat and north western Africa. It is Moonrise at Seattle. It is Moonset at Dakar and at Ulan Bator and the Sun and Moon are at lower culmination at Wellington New Zealand. Saturn in Virgo is rising over the UK and at lower culmination at New York.
At this time Jupiter is sextile Uranus, Saturn trines Pluto and Mercury squares Saturn.
Today's New Moon is a well placed favourable lunation. With six planets in Earth signs and none in Fire signs right now we have a very conservative traditional even placid vibration on our hands.
The New Moon falls directly on the natal Suns of Tony Blair and George Clooney (both these subjects have a birthday tomorrow). It falls close to David Cameron's Lunar Node and the natal Pluto of the UK conservative party. The New Moon hits the natal Mars of Madonna.
Tuesday May 6th 2008
A number of significant events have occurred in the few days running up to Yesterday's New Moon.
On Saturday (time unknown) more than 10,000 people were killed in a devastating cyclone that hit western Burma Foreign Minister Nyan Win has said on state TV. He said his government was ready to accept international assistance, and aid shipments are now being prepared. Thousands of survivors of Cyclone Nargis are lacking shelter, drinking water, power and communications, but in many regions help has not yet arrived. Five regions in which 24 million people live have been declared disaster zones.
Examining the Burma National horoscope, currently the Burmese natal Saturn at 22 degrees Leo is in 'finger of fate' or 'yod' configuration with transiting Uranus at degrees 22 degrees Pisces and Jupiter at 22 degrees Capricorn.
Prior to this in the UK on Friday morning (GMT) Gordon Brown's Labour Party suffered its worst electoral performance for at least 40 years in the English and Welsh local elections. Labour had a net loss of 331 seats and their projected share of the vote at 24% was the lowest recorded and left them in third place. Nick Clegg's Lib Dems were in second place with 25% of the vote and made a net gain of 34 councillors, but their share of the vote was down 1% on 2007, when Sir Menzies Campbell was leader, and 4% down on when these seats were fought in 2004. The big winners are undoubtedly the Conservatives. Their share of the vote, 44%, put them 20% ahead of Labour and they gained 256 more councillors. And to cap off what David Cameron called a "big moment" Boris Johnson defeated Ken Livingstone in the London mayoral election.
Yesterday's New Moon was conjunct the natal Lunar Node of David Cameron and conjunct the natal Pluto of the UK Conservative Party.
In June and July 2008 Uranus is conjunct Gordon's natal Mars. (This occurs again in March 2009). This is the singularly most important planetary event for Gordon in 2008-early 2009. It will be followed by Uranus taking on his natal Venus during 2009. This Uranus transit of such personal planets in Gordon's Brown chart will undoubtedly have a profound effect on his life and immensely colour his time in power over the next two years.
Today the infant new Moon in Taurus is perigee (fastest all month) at 03:08 GMT.
The Moon sextiles Mars and is void of course from 08:22 GMT. She enters Gemini 11:18 GMT.
The fast moving Moon is conjunct a slow moving Mercury at 3 degrees Gemini at 21:32 GMT.
If you've never knowingly seen Mercury, the evening of May 6th is the time to try. About 45 minutes after sunset, this elusive little planet appears low in the west-northwest, just below the thin crescent Moon.
Wednesday May 7th 2008
Burma's death toll has risen to more than 22,000 after a cyclone hit the country on Saturday, state media say.
In case you missed the comment yesterday. The current Jupiter Uranus sextile in the skies is forming a 'finger of fate' planetary picture with the natal Saturn in the Burma national horoscope. In addition at the exact moment of the New Moon on April 6th 2008 at 16 degrees Aries (opposite the natal Burmese Moon), Uranus was on the local MC of Burma and about to culminate at Rangoon. At the exact moment of Spring Equinox on March 20th this year the equinox Sun was exactly culminating at the part of the country first hit by the cyclone last Saturday.
Today the tender New Moon rapidly waxes in Gemini. There is not a lot of planetary activity today. This is a breeze of a day.
Thursday May 8th 2008
Tuesday night, sky watchers around the world enjoyed a lovely conjunction of the crescent Moon and Mercury (in tropical Gemini). As soon as the sun went down, the duo popped out of the darkening western twilight:
Hours after this conjunction foreign aid began to arrive in cyclone-ravaged Burma, but complaints remain that access to aid workers is being denied.
Also following the conjunction Barack Obama scored a clear win in North Carolina, as Hillary Clinton claims a slim victory in Indiana's primary. Mars 'enters' tropical Leo on Friday, Obama's Sun sign. This ingress may well give him a big surge.
In Moscow Mr Medvedev won a landslide victory in the polls, and yesterday's inauguration capped his sharp ascendance from obscurity. Mr Putin is now set to become prime minister, and in that role will continue to wield substantial power.
Also yesterday it was reported that the genetic blueprint of one of the world's strangest mammals - the duck-billed platypus - has been deciphered.
Today the fast moving Moon trines Neptune and is void in Gemini from 01:37 GMT, entering Cancer 11:03 GMT opposing Pluto, sextiling Saturn and reaching crescent phase 16:40 GMT 3 degrees Cancer.
Today the astrological vibration is very certainly (after 11:03 GMT) 'home-cooking'. There is a traditional, domestic, tempering spirit at work in the ether. Financial considerations may well also be paramount.
Friday May 9th 2008
Yesterday the UN said it was disappointed at Burma's slow progress in allowing access to victims of last weekend's cyclone.
Armed clashes erupted as the leader of Hezbollah accused the Lebanese government of a "declaration of war".
Some 40,000 farm workers and their families have fled their homes in Zimbabwe poll violence, a union said.
There have been reports of further activity in the Chaiten volcano in Chile, which began erupting on Friday May 2nd 2008 for the first time in some 9,000 years.
Today the Moon rapidly waxes in Cancer. The domestic and economical vibration initiated yesterday continues.
Jupiter appears stationary turning retrograde at 22 degrees Capricorn at 11:18 GMT.
Mars enters Leo, at long last, at 20:20 GMT today. Mars will be in Leo until July 1st 2008. The weeks ahead are blessed with a colorful and uncompromising hue to all activity. This period is 'big time'. There is razzmatazz. Pull out the stopper! The most important astronomical event during his residence in Leo is an occultation of Mars by the Moon tomorrow. Mars opposes Neptune on June 21st 2008, the day of Summer Solstice, and trines Pluto on 30th June. After leaving Leo, Mars is conjunct Saturn at 5 degrees Virgo on July 10th 2008.
This evening (GMT) is essentially an instinctive and 'clingy' affair.
Saturday May 10th 2008
The fast Moon in Cancer opposes Jupiter in Capricorn at 00:07 GMT and is void of course.
She enters Leo 13:11 GMT.
The Moon occults Mars at the very start of Leo (visible in the daytime telescopically from the UK, Europe and Indo China). The times of this important telescope daylight occultation 'centered' on the UK are from around 12:15 GMT to 13:05 GMT (for mid UK). The occultation is observable from Europe and Indo China. Geocentric conjunction is 13:46 GMT. The Moon is zodiacally conjunct Mars (within 1.2 degrees) at 13:51 GMT. This is one of four this year, Jan 19th, April 12th, May 10th and June 8th.
This particular occultation will be very difficult to observe even with a telescope, so I am told by astronomers. It remains very much a 'felt but not seen' astronomical event. Nevertheless from an astrological standpoint it remains very important. We watch the news with especial interest.
Sunday May 11th 2008
The Moon decelerates and waxes in Leo towards her fixed first quarter phase.
A resplendent Sunday is in store. An excellent astrological vibration for children fills the biosphere. Specialize in having fun.
Monday May 12th 2008
Over the past weekend Sudan accused Chad of helping Darfur rebels to attack Khartoum and said it is breaking diplomatic ties.
Lebanese troops were deployed in Tripoli to end fierce fighting between Hezbollah allies and government supporters.
Burmese cyclone survivors face a massive crisis unless they are urgently delivered aid, leading agencies warned.
Tornadoes and severe storms swept across the central part of the United States, causing destruction and killing at least 18 people. A tornado severely damaged the north-eastern Oklahoma town of Picher before hitting the Missouri town of Seneca 15 miles (24km) away. At least six people died in Picher and a total of 12 in Missouri. An emergencies official in Picher said a 24-street area of the town had been "virtually destroyed".
All of these news reports embody the symbolism of the Moon and Mars in Leo.
State of the skies:- The Sun today is at 22 degrees Taurus. There are 38 days to the Summer Solstice in the northern hemisphere. The Sun sextile Uranus at 04:33 GMT. The Sun trines Jupiter 17:30 GMT.
The decelerating and waxing Moon reaches first quarter 22 degrees Leo 03:48 GMT. A 'finger of fate' pattern involving the Moon, Jupiter and Uranus occurs this morning centered around 05:00 GMT. The Moon, the Earth and Neptune are linearly aligned within a quarter of a degree at 08:10 GMT. The Moon is then void of course. The Moon enters Virgo 18:49 GMT
A Lunar occultation of the 'royal star' Regulus GMT occurs today at this time . This is the 19th of 20 monthly lunar occultations of this star. After the last one on June 20th 2008 at the South Pole there are none till Nov 21st 2016.
The next Full Moon is one week tomorrow. It is the second of the year in Scorpio. It is potentially a troublesome event squaring Saturn and Neptune. London UK is directly focused as Pluto culminates and Uranus rises at the exact moment of full Moon.
Mercury is an evening star and is appearing to slow down. He will turn retrograde at 21 degrees of Gemini on May 26th. He will be in Inferior Conjunction with the Sun at 17 degrees Gemini on June 6th and turn direct again at 13 degrees Gemini on June 19th. The whole period up to July 10th is a seeding ground for ideas and a diverse experience of rapid and multitudinous communications. From today we would be advised to hold back on important plans and transactions ideally until the end of July.
Venus a 'morning star' in Taurus until May 24th. She is in Superior Conjunction with the Sun on June 9th. After this time and for the rest of the year Venus will be an 'evening star'.
Mars is now in Leo. Mars opposes Neptune on June 21st 2008, the day of Summer Solstice, and trines Pluto on 30th June. After leaving Leo on July 1st 2008, Mars is conjunct Saturn at 5 degrees Virgo on July 10th 2008.
Tuesday May 13th 2008
A powerful earthquake has killed at least 8,500 people in China's south-western Sichuan province, up to 5,000 of them in just one county. Many more are feared killed and injured in other parts of the country after the 7.8-magnitude quake struck at 1428 local time (0628 GMT). At least 50 bodies have been recovered from the rubble of a school where an estimated 900 students were buried. President Hu Jintao has urged "all-out" efforts to rescue victims. The epicentre of the earthquake was about 92km (57 miles) from Chengdu, Sichuan's provincial capital.
Globally at the time the quake occurred Uranus was conjunct the Mercury Pluto midpoint and the Sun Jupiter midpoint. A 'finger of fate' pattern involving the Moon, Jupiter and Uranus occurred at 05:00 GMT some 78 minutes before the quake and the Moon, the Earth and Neptune were linearly aligned within a quarter of a degree at 08:10 GMT some 90 minutes after the event. The Moon was almost exactly conjunct her south node.
Locally at the moment the quake struck Mercury was culminating the local MC at the epicentre. Mars was due East, Jupiter, Chiron Neptune and the Lunar Node were due West. (We often find equatorial contacts in these charts). The Saturn/ Uranus midpoint was on the local MC. Uranus was on the Pluto / MC midpoint.
At the exact time of the last New Moon, on May 5th, Saturn was approaching the local MC of the epicentre.
This Earthquake occurred at a brittle and a busy time. Earthquakes are not uncommon in this part of the world as can be seen from the map below, but our hearts go out to all those affected by this disaster.
Today the Moon waxes and decelerates in Virgo. We have a painstaking and very practical couple of days on our hands. The devil is in the detail.
Wednesday May 14th 2008
The main world news yesterday focused on the search and rescue operation under way in China after the massive earthquake.
At least 60 people were killed after a series of bomb blasts in the historic city of Jaipur in western India
The UN urged the setting up of an air or sea corridor to channel aid to the victims of the cyclone in Burma.
Microsoft launched a free tool that allows amateur star-gazers to explore the universe from their computers.
In the UK the chancellor announces a change in tax allowances which means all basic rate taxpayers gain £120 this year
On May 12th, at 0805:55 GMT (that's less than 2 hours after the China earthquake) a brilliant green fireball (probably meteoritic) flew over eastern New Mexico and lit up the ground like a full Moon. http://www.heliotown.com/Fireballs_May_12_2008_Ashcraft.html
Today a planetary kite forms around noon GMT involving the Sun in Taurus, Jupiter in Capricorn, the Moon in Virgo and Uranus in Pisces. This is a seriously productive time if the energy is handled with care.
The Sun squares Neptune 15:51 GMT
The Moon in Virgo trines the Sun and is void of course from 16:39 GMT for nearly 24 hours.
This day is apt to throw up confusion. We could get lost in the detail and not see the wood for the trees.
Thursday May 15th 2008
Nearly 15,000 people have died and 25,000 are still trapped in the earthquake that hit China, official media said yesterday.
Burma's military rules are beefing up security to keep foreigners out of the areas affected by Cyclone Nargis.
Scientists are preparing for "seven minutes of terror" as a Nasa spacecraft makes a nail-biting descent to the surface of Mars. The Phoenix lander will begin its plunge through the Martian atmosphere on 25 May (GMT) as it attempts to land in the planet's polar north. The craft needs to perform a series of challenging maneuvers along the way. It then begins a three-month mission to investigate Mars' geological history and potential habitability.
Today after a prolonged period of 'lunar void of course' the Moon finally enters Libra at 03:48 GMT immediately squaring Pluto.
After an essentially industrious couple of days the atmosphere modulates to a more social and atheistic nature.
The tensions associated with a looming full moon are however beginning to bite.
Friday May 16th 2008
China's government fears more than 50,000 people may have died in the Sichuan earthquake, state media said yesterday.
At least 100 people were killed in an oil pipeline explosion in the Nigeria's city of Lagos.
Today the Moon reaches her gibbous phase at 11 degrees Libra at 00:22 GMT. The procession towards Tuesday's Full Moon then seriously begins. The pressures associated with the approaching full moon are today and tonight focused on relationships.
The weekend ahead is tumultuous one with the major astrological focus on the struggle for essentials and for luxury.
Saturday May 17th 2008
The Moon in Libra trines Neptune and is void of course from 03:30 GMT
The Moon enters Scorpio 15:00 GMT and the day becomes really intense and powerful.
Venus in Taurus however is making some pretty favourable aspects over the weekend.
The evening may have an unusual format in store. Run with it.
Sunday May 18th 2008
A richly intense and potentially luxurious day.
Venus in Taurus sextile Uranus in Pisces 11:23 GMT
Venus trines Jupiter in Capricorn at 15:18 GMT
Monday May 19th 2008
Yesterday China announced three days of mourning for the victims of the quake and the Olympic torch relay will be suspended
The leader of Burma's military junta met victims of the country's devastating cyclone for the first time. UK minister Lord Malloch-Brown said cyclone aid is moving, but relief agencies want much more to be done.
At least 12 people have been killed in Johannesburg since Friday in a wave of violence against immigrants,
State of the skies:- Today is the last full day of the astrological month of Taurus. The Sun enters Gemini tomorrow. We are then 30 days from the Summer Solstice in the northern hemisphere.
The very slow moving Moon in Scorpio is very nearly full. Today The Moon today forms a fixed T-square with Venus in Taurus and Neptune in Aquarius from 13:00 to 16:00 GMT.
We are poised midway in time between eclipse seasons.
Mercury is an evening star, appearing to slow down and is approaching his retrograde phase. He will turn retrograde at 21 degrees of Gemini on May 26th. He will be in Inferior Conjunction with the Sun at 17 degrees Gemini on June 6th and will turn direct again at 13 degrees Gemini on June 19th. The whole period up to July 10th is a seeding ground for ideas and a diverse experience of rapid and multitudinous communications. We are advised to hold back on important plans and transactions ideally until the end of July.
Venus is still astrologically a 'morning star' in Taurus until May 24th when she enters Gemini. She is however closely aligned on the far side of the Sun to the Sun and will be in Superior Conjunction with the Sun on June 9th. After this time and for the rest of the year Venus will be an 'evening star'.
Mars is now in Leo. On May 22nd this evening the red planet Mars glides across the northern edge of the Beehive Star Cluster. Mars opposes Neptune on June 21st 2008, the day of Summer Solstice, and trines Pluto on 30th June. After leaving Leo on July 1st 2008, Mars is conjunct Saturn at 5 degrees Virgo on July 10th 2008.
Jupiter sextiles Uranus this week.
Tonight is the night of an intense Full Moon. Once consummated, events and experiences move on quickly. The Moon and the Sun both change signs tomorrow inaugurating many changes this week which is concluded by Venus changing signs on Saturday.
Tuesday May 20th 2008
Yesterday Venezuela denounced what it says was a violation of its airspace by a US military aircraft at the weekend.
Burma declared three days of mourning for victims of Cyclone Nargis - 17 days after the deadly storm struck.
Some 6,000 people have fled a wave of attacks on foreigners in South Africa leaving at least 22 dead.
The world's most powerful laser has heated matter to 10 million Celsius, hotter than the surface of the Sun. The Vulcan laser concentrated energy equivalent to 100 times the world's electricity production into a spot just a few millionths of a metre across. Writing in the New Journal of Physics, scientists said they could create the conditions for fractions of a second. The experiments demonstrated concepts which could be key to building a future nuclear fusion reactor. The UK has proposed an even more powerful laser facility, known as Hiper (High Power laser Energy Research), which will study the feasibility of laser fusion as a potential future energy source.
In the UK an MP's attempt to stop scientists from carrying out research using hybrid human-animal embryos was defeated.
Full Moon 29 degrees Scorpio 02:12 GMT
This is second consecutive Full Moon in Scorpio this year. It is an intense and difficult affair. the Moon is applying to a square with Saturn.
This Full Moon is midway in time between the Total Lunar Eclipse on February 21st 2008 and the prolonged Partial Lunar Eclipse on August 16th 2008. The dynamic energy of Lunar Saros 133 to which the former eclipse belongs today gives way to the younger Saros energy of Lunar Saros 138 to which the August eclipse belongs. We are at a point of karmic balance Reap as you sow.
At this time Jupiter is sextile Uranus, and Venus is square Neptune. Saturn trines Pluto.
This Full Moon forms a difficult dissociate fixed/mutable cross with the Sun, Saturn and Neptune. The element Earth dominates all astrological charts at this time.
At the moment of Full Moon the Moon is rising over central USA. It is Moon set over Lebanon, Turkey and Eastern Europe. The Moon is on the local MC of Rei cliff Brazil and is at lower culmination at Melbourne. Pluto culminates over the UK and Uranus rises. Mars rises at Manila, Pluto sets at Delhi, Mars is at lower culmination at Moscow and at Nairobi. The Sun rises at Stockholm.
This Full Moon hits the natal Moon of the (possible) chart of Osama Bin Laden and is very close to the natal Jupiter of Hilary Clinton.
The Moon is void of course from the moment of Full Moon.
The Moon enters Sagittarius 03:20 GMT and is at apogee 14:26 GMT
The Sun enters Gemini 16:01 GMT and a new astrological month begins.
Finally a lunar occultation of Antares occurs today at 23:22 GMT visible from the tip of South Africa and the east of South America. Lunar occultations of Antares occur every month from Dec. 2004 to Feb. 2010. There are none then till July 2023
Wednesday May 21st 2008
And as a warm-up, on the evening of May 19th in easternmost America and May 20th in westernmost Europe and Africa, stargazers can watch Mars pass a hair's-breadth north of the 5th-magnitude star Eta Cancri.
Today is the first full day of the astrological month of Gemini.
The very slow moving Moon still 'hung over' from its full phase yesterday is today waning and accelerating in Sagittarius. The Sun and Moon (together with Mercury Saturn and Uranus) are now in mutable signs. We are now in a more flexible and a more changeable astrological environment.
The Moon opposes Mercury at 21:02 and applies in square aspect to Uranus as the (GMT) day ends.
Jupiter is sextile Uranus today at 18:07 GMT. This is the second of three such aspects between these two planets this year. The first was on March 29th and the last one will be on Nov 13th, and they are forerunners to the triple conjunction of Jupiter and Uranus on the Pisces Aries border in 2010. The March 29th sextile coincided with the Zimbabwe election. As astrologers we can regard the influence of this aspect favorable. Jupiter enters Aquarius on January 5th 2009.
Tonight offers a rare treat for sky watchers in Europe, Africa, and on the east coast of the Americas. For about 18 minutes, Jupiter will look as if all four moons have disappeared! In reality, a good sharp look should show Europa and especially its shadow crossing the planet's disk. Ganymede is hidden behind the disk, and both Io and Callisto are eclipsed in Jupiter's shadow to the planet's west.
The moonless event begins at 3:50 Universal Time on the 22nd, with three moons already out of view as Io slips into eclipse. At 4:08 UT, Ganymede emerges into view along Jupiter's southwestern limb.
These "Jupiter without satellite" events happen about 20 times per century, according to astronomical calculator Jean Meeus, and another one occurs next year: on September 3, 2009. At that time Jupiter will be high up in the sky for the Americas and the moons' disappearance will last nearly 2 hours!
On May 22-23 the Sun-Pleiades-Venus triangle will shrink in width to only 5 degrees.
Comet Boattini
Serious comet chasers, people who track faint comets with telescopes and binoculars have been aware of Comet C/2007 W1 (Boattini) for quite a while. It was forecast to become quite bright for a telescopic comet, 6th or perhaps even 5th magnitude, making it visible without optical aid to skilled observers at dark sites.
So far, Boattini has exceeded the brightness predictions by more than a full magnitude. If it keeps behaving like this , and that's a very big if! , it could become quite prominent in July.
Right now, unfortunately, the comet is fairly deep in the southern sky, making it a difficult target from mid-northern latitudes. The best sightings have been from the Southern Hemisphere, where it's already visible without optical aid under ideal conditions. Sky and Telescope.
Thursday May 22nd 2008
South Africa's president yesterday approved the deployment of the army after recent attacks kill more than 20 foreigners.
Today The slow moving but now accelerating Moon in Sagittarius sextiles Neptune and is 'void of course' from 04:20 GMT for nearly 12 hours.
The Moon enters Capricorn 15:57 GMT and is conjunct Pluto 17:01 GMT. She then moves on to make easier aspects.
The Sun however will have none of it and squares Saturn 18:26 GMT.
This is a difficult day. Shallow dissatisfaction abounds.
This evening the red planet Mars glides across the northern edge of the Beehive Star Cluster.
There appears to be a 'quiet news period' on the world stage at the moment.
However there is a very strange 'crop circle' report from Holland. Try this link. http://www.cropcircleconnector.com/inter2008/dutch/nieuwvennep/NieuwVennep2008.html
Friday May 23rd 2008
The Red Planet travels through one of the biggest and brightest star clusters in the sky from May 21st to the 24th.
Yesterday South African soldiers were deployed for the first time to quell attacks on foreigners, as thousands are fleeing the country.
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon toured Burma's cyclone-devastated Irrawaddy Delta to urge more aid for survivors.
Oil prices surged through $135 a barrel as weekly US oil stocks figures showed an unexpected fall.
Today the waning and slow moving (but accelerating) Moon in Capricorn makes no aspects but simply applies to a conjunction with Jupiter which is consummated tomorrow.
Today really will feel like a lot of hard work at times. Plan for some serious relaxation if possible.
The weekend and week ahead look astrologically quiet. Mercury this weekend appears to be slowing to a standstill and Venus tomorrow moves from Taurus to Gemini, otherwise there are no major astrological events.
Saturday May 24th 2008
This day has a bit of a reactionary edge to it.
The Moon reaches disseminating phase 18 degrees Capricorn 04:52 GMT and is conjunct Jupiter at 22 degrees Capricorn at 12:04 GMT. She sextiles Uranus and is void from 12:26 GMT.
During the lengthy void of course period Venus enters Gemini 22:52 GMT.
Venus will pass right through tropical Gemini and leave on June 18th 2008. This whiz of a love journey involves Venus being in Superior Conjunction with the June at 19 degrees Gemini on June 9th. Prior to that she squares Saturn on May 26th and sextiles a lusty Mars in Leo on June 6th. After superior conjunction and shining as an evening star (Venus Hesperus), she squares Uranus on June 12th, (very saucy), trines Neptune on June 13th, (very artistic), and opposes Pluto, (very dramatic), as she leaves Gemini and enters Cancer on June 18th. This is a real love roller coaster. The next 25 days (despite the tempering warnings of Venus square Saturn on Monday, putting a bit of a damper on this weekend) are geared to new and diverse experiences in sociality and sexuality. 'Come on join the joy ride'.
Sunday May 25th 2008
The Moon enters Aquarius 03:52 GMT. The Sun and Moon together with Mercury, Venus and Neptune are now in air signs. The focus today and tomorrow is on communication.
Today will feel 'freer' than the last couple of days.
Scientists are preparing for "seven minutes of terror" as a Nasa spacecraft makes a nail-biting descent to the surface of Mars. The Phoenix lander will begin its plunge through the Martian atmosphere on 25 May (GMT) as it attempts to land in the planet's polar north. The craft needs to perform a series of challenging maneuvers along the way. It then begins a three-month mission to investigate Mars' geological history and potential habitability.
Monday May 26th 2008
China's Sichuan province is preparing for heavy rains which threaten relief efforts for victims of the earthquake.
International donors are putting Burma under renewed pressure to grant access to the areas devastated by Cyclone Nargis.
Lebanon's parliament is expected to elect a new president, ending months of political deadlock.
In the UK senior Labour figures are rallying round Gordon Brown as pressure mounts after the Crewe by-election loss.
State of the skies:- The Sun today reaches 6 degrees Gemini. There are then 24 days to the Summer Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere.
The Moon waning and accelerating in Aquarius applies all day to Neptune which she occults at 03:13 GMT tomorrow. She reaches Last Quarter Phase in Pisces on Wednesday. The next New Moon, a vibrant affair, is conjunct Venus and Mercury in Gemini, and occurs one week tomorrow.
Mercury turns retrograde today at 21 degrees Gemini at 15:42 GMT. He will be in Inferior Conjunction with the Sun at 17 degrees Gemini on June 6th and will turn direct again at 13 degrees Gemini on June 19th. The whole period up to July 10th is a seeding ground for ideas and a diverse experience of rapid and multitudinous communications. During the retrograde period we can expect the usual delays, communication breakdowns and the changing of minds we seem to get at these times. We are advised to hold back on important plans and transactions ideally until the end of July.
Venus now in Gemini squares Saturn in Virgo at 17:11 GMT. This aspect may well put a bit of a damper on today but it will soon pass. Venus is now approaching Superior Conjunction with the Sun (a sort of 'Full Venus') on June 9th. After this time and for the rest of the year Venus will be an 'evening star'.
Mars is in Leo. Mars opposes Neptune on June 21st 2008, the day of Summer Solstice, and trines Pluto on 30th June. After leaving Leo on July 1st 2008, Mars is conjunct Saturn at 5 degrees Virgo on July 10th 2008.
Neptune also turns retrograde today at 24 degrees Aquarius at 11:40 GMT as if sensing and 'warming' to the occultation by the Moon tomorrow.
Tuesday May 27th 2008
Yesterday the UN nuclear watchdog said it believes Iran is still withholding information on its nuclear programme.
At least eight people did in a bombing on a packed Sri Lankan commuter train on the outskirts of Colombo.
The number of deaths in a wave of violence against foreigners in South Africa reached 56, with 650 injured.
Nasa's Phoenix lander set down in the far north of Mars and sent back pictures of a barren landscape.
Today a lunar occultation of Neptune in Aquarius occurs 03:13 GMT for observers in the northern half of Africa, the Middle East and Russia. (Zodiac conjunction 02:49 GMT). This is the 13th of a monthly series of 20 occultations of Neptune at the current time. The Moon is then void until she enters Pisces 13:39 GMT.
With her ingress into Pisces both she, the Sun, newly retrograding Mercury, Venus (approaching superior conjunction), Saturn and Uranus are in mutable signs. There is much movement in the astrological ether. This 'feel' will extend through today and tomorrow. Go with the flow is the best advice.
The Moon, the Sun and Saturn are linearly aligned (within a degree) at 17:46 GMT between the signs of Pisces and Virgo.
Wednesday May 28th 2008
Yesterday two further aftershocks destroyed 420,000 homes in the Chinese area hit by the recent quake, state media said.
Burma's ruling junta has renewed pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi's house arrest.
In the UK lorry drivers angry at the rising cost of fuel drove to London and along the M4 in Wales in protests.
Nasa says its Phoenix spacecraft is in good health after landing on Mars.
A solar wind stream is heading for Earth and it could spark a mild geomagnetic storm when it arrives on May 28th or 29th. High-latitude sky watchers should be alert for auroras
Today the Moon reaches mutable last quarter phase at 7 degrees Pisces 02:58 GMT.
This day is astrologically quiet. There are no lunar or planetary aspects today.
Nevertheless the ether is full of movement, transmission and emotional ripples.
This one is subliminal and otherworldly. Strange fish. Just keep moving.
All day long the Moon accelerates and wanes, applying to a conjunction with Uranus early tomorrow (GMT).
Thursday May 29th 2008
The Moon is conjunct Uranus 06:23 GMT at 22 degrees Pisces and is then void for 19.5 hours.
The Moon enters Aries 19:53 GMT initiating a primal burst of expressive energy. Take stock.
Friday May 30th 2008
The waning and accelerating fast moving Moon in Aries is now past the last quarter and makes easy aspects today.
Saturday May 31st 2008
Nepal became a republic on Wednesday night after 240 years of rule by the Shah dynasty. Demonstrators celebrating the abolition of the centuries-old monarchy in have clashed with police near the royal palace in the capital, Kathmandu.
Fuel protests triggered by rising oil prices have spread to more countries across Europe, with strikes by fishermen.
The head of the CIA says al-Qaeda is essentially defeated in Iraq and Saudi Arabia, and on the defensive elsewhere.
Envoys from 26 Latin American and Caribbean countries met in Caracus on Friday to discuss the rising cost of food and draw up a united policy for the region.
A strong earthquake measuring 6.1 has hit southern Iceland, 50km (30 miles) from the capital, Reykjavik. In the town of Selfoss, near the epicentre, buildings were damaged and up to 20 people needed treatment for minor injuries, reports say. Residents in the capital felt buildings shake and aftershocks were felt in the south-west of the country. The US Geological Survey said the earthquake struck at 1546 GMT on Thursday 6.2 miles (10 km).
Today the Moon sextiles Neptune and is void of course at 12:54 GMT reaching balsamic phase 26 degrees Aries at 15:00 GMT, enters Taurus 22:19 GMT and forms an earthy grand trine with Saturn and Pluto as the (GMT) day and the astrologically quiet month of May comes to an end.
June 2008
Mid June 2008: The Full Moon at 27° 50' Sagittarius is conjunct Pluto at 0° Capricorn. Mars at 22° Leo opposes the Chiron-Neptune conjunction along the lunar nodal axis. One possibility, with Chiron-Neptune in Aquarius that year, is the formation of local groups specifically focused on self-reliance and prosperity through alternative approaches to food and energy production. Mountain Astrologer
The month starts with the Sun, a retrograde Mercury, and Venus in Gemini. Only 12 degrees separate these.
Sunday June 1st 2008
The very old and very fast moving Moon waning in Taurus forms an earthy grand trine with Saturn and Pluto during the first few hours (GMT) of the day.
Monday June 2nd 2008
Hillary Clinton's efforts to secure the Democratic Party's nomination for president have suffered a setback. The party took a compromise decision to allow delegates from Florida and Michigan - previously debarred from taking part - to attend its convention. However, although this increases Mrs Clinton's support, the delegates will only have half a vote each. She is still trailing Barack Obama, who remains the clear leader in the race for the nomination.
NASA's Phoenix lander is on a mission to find ice in the martian arctic. Mission accomplished? Without even digging into the ground, Phoenix may have already spotted a slab of ice practically underfoot:
State of the skies:-The Sun today is at 12 degrees Gemini. There are 18 days to the Solstice. The Sun, Mercury and Venus are grouped in Gemini.
The very old but fast moving Moon in Taurus squares Neptune at 13:03 GMT and is void of course. She enters Gemini 22:07 GMT joining the Sun, Mercury and Venus there. The Moon is New tomorrow.
Mercury is retrograding in Gemini. He will be in Inferior Conjunction with the Sun at 17 degrees Gemini on June 7th and will turn direct again at 13 degrees Gemini on June 19th. The whole period up to July 10th is a seeding ground for ideas and a diverse experience of rapid and multitudinous communications. During the retrograde period we can expect the usual delays, communication breakdowns and the changing of minds we seem to get at these times. We are advised to hold back on important plans and transactions ideally until the end of July.
Venus in Gemini is now approaching Superior Conjunction with the Sun (a sort of 'Full Venus') on June 9th. After this time and for the rest of the year Venus will be an 'evening star'. Venus also sextiles Mars in Leo on June 6th. After superior conjunction and shining as an evening star (Venus Hesperus), she squares Uranus on June 12th, trines Neptune on June 13th, and opposes Pluto, as she leaves Gemini and enters Cancer on June 18th
Mars is in Leo. Mars opposes Neptune on June 21st 2008, the day of Summer Solstice, and trines Pluto on 30th June. After leaving Leo on July 1st 2008, Mars is conjunct Saturn at 5 degrees Virgo on July 10th 2008.
Tuesday June 3rd 2008
Yesterday at least six people died and 30 were hurt in a bomb attack near the Danish embassy in Pakistan's capital Islamabad.
A train struck a school bus in the French Alps, killing six children and injuring dozens of people.
Nepal's former king, Gyanendra, agreed to vacate his palace within the next fortnight and live as a commoner.
Astronomers have sighted the smallest extrasolar planet yet orbiting a normal star - a distant world just three times the size of our own. Discovering a planet with a similar mass to that of Earth is considered the "holy grail" of research into planets that lie outside our Solar System.
Today the old Moon in Gemini is perigee (fastest all month) 13:14 GMT.
The Moon approaching her new phase is conjunct Venus at 16:54 GMT.
New Moon 14 degrees Gemini 19:24 GMT
This New Moon is the penultimate before the Total Solar Eclipse on August 1st 2008. The New Moon today is conjunct Venus and Mercury and sextile Mars.
At this time there is a preponderance of mutable and air signs with a little sprinkling of Earth. Jupiter is sextile Uranus, Saturn trines Pluto, Venus (on the Saturn/Uranus midpoint) is sextile Mars. Mars is 19 degrees from his conjunction with Saturn (exact early July).
At the moment of New Moon, the Moon is rising over northern New Zealand, Tokyo and north east China.
It is local midnight at Pakistan and Afghanistan/ The Sun and Moon sets over western Europe and over north west Africa. The Sun and Moon are conjunct the local MC of western USA and central Canada.
This is potentially a 'jolly' and vibrant New Moon with the planetary emphasis on gentle change and mediation. This is a time to repair communications but be aware that Mercury is currently retrograde and liable to throw up contradictions and delays.
Wednesday June 4th 2008
Hillary Clinton has transiting Mars about to 'hit' her natal Mars Pluto conjunction, Jupiter sextiles her natal Mercury today and Saturn sextiles her natal Sun in four days time. At the time of writing the campaign chief for Democratic presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton denies reports she is to concede. Astrologically this is a very intense time for her.
Yesterday the UN secretary general calls for revitalising agriculture as a way of tackling the world's worsening food crisis.
Zimbabwe stops an international agency from distributing aid, accusing it of backing the opposition.
Yesterday on Mars Phoenix's 7.7-foot robotic arm reached out and took its first scoop of the planet.
Today the 'tiny baby' fast moving New Moon is conjunct a retrograding Mercury (approaching inferior conjunction) at 04:07 GMT at 19 degrees Gemini. Motivation radio.
This New Moon is trine Neptune and becomes void of course at 12:10 GMT. There follows 9 hours of voidness until the Moon enters Cancer 21:17 GMT
Thursday June 5th 2008
Following the New Moon on Tuesday Barack Obama has pledged unwavering support for Israel in his first foreign policy speech since declaring himself the Democratic nominee for president. He told the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (Aipac), a prominent Jewish lobby, Israel's security was "sacrosanct" and "non-negotiable". He also said he would do "everything" to stop Iran getting a nuclear weapon.
Mr Obama has paid tribute to Mrs Clinton and hinted that she would play a role in any future Obama administration. Mrs Clinton has said she would be "open" to the idea of being Mr Obama's vice-presidential running-mate. The final primaries of the season were held on Tuesday - with Mr Obama winning Montana and Mrs Clinton winning South Dakota. A candidate needs 2,118 delegates to secure the nomination and Mr Obama now has the support of 2,154 delegates. Mrs Clinton has 1,919.
Now that Barack Obama is confirmed as the Democratic presidential candidate we will be looking closely at his natal astrological chart over the coming weeks. Stay tuned to The Daze.
Yesterday Zimbabwe's opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai was detained by police during campaigning for the presidential election.
The UN will give an additional $1.2bn (£613m) of food aid to the nations hardest hit by rising food prices.
Today the young Moon rapidly waxes and decelerates in Cancer. There is an instinctive and protective 'feel' about today. People may be a little 'touchy' and over protective. Bat carefully.
With Venus about to sextile Mars this could be a good time to embark on a romantic adventure. Try popping a question or two. The weekend ahead is astrologically very inviting.
Friday June 6th 2008
Quiet world news yesterday.
A special few days are now upon us as Mercury, (this side of the Sun), the Sun and Venus (on the far side of the Sun) are aligned in Gemini, all sextile Mars. There is fun and merriment to be seized. Today starts in a bit of a melodramatic mode but as the Moon enters Leo later this evening (GMT) the fun can begin.
Venus in Gemini sextiles Mars in Leo at 08:16 GMT
The young Moon in Cancer sextiles Uranus and is void at 09:33 GMT. She enters Leo 22:01 GMT.
Saturday June 7th 2008
The Sun, Mercury and Venus conjunction is at its tightest today. This is a special weekend, make the most of it.
The Moon reaches her crescent phase 2 degrees Leo at 00:48 GMT
Inferior conjunction of Mercury at 17 degrees Cancer occurs at 15:27 GMT. This symbolically represents a 'New Mercury', an impregnation of the universal mind by the solar force. New ideas and plans stem from the moment, best acknowledge with inner contemplation.
Mercury in conjunct Venus (3 degrees from an exact alignment) at 21:04 GMT at 17 degrees Gemini.
The Moon now is approaching a lunar occultation of Mars in Leo tomorrow,
Sunday June 8th 2008
The Moon is conjunct Mars (within 1.2 degrees) at 16 degrees Leo at 02:15 GMT. This is visible in the South Pacific as a lunar occultation of Mars, the last of four this year, Jan 19th, April 12th, May 10th and June 8th. At this time Mars opposes Neptune and the lunar node.
The Moon sextile Mercury, the Sun and Venus between 03:00 and 04:30 GMT.
The Moon opposes Neptune and is void at 15:42 GMT.
Mercury sextiles Mars 18:29 GMT
Monday June 9th 2008
Yesterday Iraq's PM said his country will not be used as a base to attack Iran, reflecting concerns about the US presence there.
Seven people were killed and 10 injured in a busy Tokyo shopping district after a man rampages with a knife, local media say.
At least 12 people were killed by two explosions at a train station east of the Algerian capital, Algiers, reports say.
At least two people have been killed as an earthquake rocked southern Greece, collapsing buildings and causing panic. Some 20 injuries were reported from falling roofs as the tremor - which had an epicentre 200km (124 miles) west of Athens - struck near Patras in the Peloponnese region. The US Geological Survey said the earthquake had a magnitude of 6.1. The earthquake struck yesterday at about noon (1000 GMT)
State of the skies:- The Sun today is at 19 degrees Gemini. There are only 11 days to the Summer Solstice in the northern hemisphere.
The Sun (with Mercury and Venus) in Gemini, Mars in Leo and Jupiter in Capricorn form a 'loose but dangerous' planetary 'finger of fate' over the next two days.
A lunar occultation of the 'royal star' Regulus occurs today around 02:00 GMT today. Visible from Antarctica. This is the final one of 20 monthly lunar occultations of this star. After today's occultation there are no lunar occultations of Regulus observable anywhere on Earth till Nov 21st 2016.
The decelerating crescent Moon enters Virgo 02:02 GMT and makes an approach to her first quarter phase. The Moon is conjunct Saturn 07:13 GMT at 3 degrees Virgo.
Mercury is now a retrograding 'morning star' in Gemini. and will turn direct again at 13 degrees Gemini on June 19th.
The Superior conjunction of Venus occurs at 04:19 GMT at 19 degrees Gemini. Venus is then astrologically an 'evening star' in Gemini. She enters Cancer on June 18th the day of the next full moon. Venus squares Uranus on Thursday casting strange aberrations on the personal lives of us all at that time,
Sixteen degrees now separate Mars in Leo and Saturn in Virgo. Mars is in Leo until July 1st and is conjunct Saturn on July 10th in Virgo.
Tuesday June 10th 2008
Yesterday tens of thousands of Spanish lorry drivers were on strike to protest against the soaring price of diesel.
US President George W Bush spoke about economic concerns as he set off on what may be his final trip to Europe.
Today looks to be a tense and crisis driven day. The decelerating but waxing Moon in Virgo squares Mercury, then reaches her first quarter phase at 20 degrees Virgo at 15:05 GMT, then she squares Venus.
The first quarter Moon opposes Uranus at 19:43 GMT and becomes void.
Wednesday June 11th 2008
Yesterday the EU and the US threatened to take further sanctions against Iran unless it suspends its nuclear programme.
Zimbabwe's opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai said his country is effectively being run by a military junta.
NASA has a daring new mission on the drawing board: Solar Probe Plus, a spacecraft tough enough to visit the sun itself. Get the full story from Science@NASA.
Today the waxing Moon decelerates into Libra at 09:56 GMT. The Sun and Moon are then both in air signs (together with Venus, Mercury and Neptune).
After the tension of yesterday, today could be a lazy and more social tonic. However as the day progresses Venus pulls to a waxing mutable square with Uranus which peaks tomorrow. This one could set off all sorts of unorthodox and possibly unwanted responses. A certain erratic feel to what should be a smooth day may well be experienced. The Sun follows with a similar aspect on Friday. The next two days will be a bit disconcerting.
There are 50 days to the Total Solar Eclipse on August 1st 2008.
Thursday June 12th 2008
The main world news yesterday was Nepal's deposed king Gyanendra moving out of his palace in Kathmandu and saying that he will not go into exile.
Pakistan condemned a US air strike which killed 11 of its soldiers along the border with Afghanistan.
A Nasa space telescope launched on a mission to explore the Universe with "gamma-ray glasses".
A human egg has been filmed, in close-up, emerging from the ovary - the first time such an event has been captured.
On June 9th, Venus passed behind the sun, an event astronomers call "superior conjunction," and now it is emerging again. A coronagraph onboard the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) has caught first sight of the planet, post-conjunction.
Today the Moon waxes and decelerates in Libra.
Venus squares Uranus 07:38 GMT imparting an unsettling vibration on us all. The sensation invoked is reinforced by the Sun squaring Uranus tomorrow.
Today has fine social potential. Use humor and diplomacy to good effect.
Thank you for your visits to The Daze.
Friday June 13th 2008
Yesterday the US Supreme Court ruled that foreign terror suspects at Guantanamo Bay can challenge their detention in civilian courts.
Key Zimbabwe opposition official Tendai Biti will be charged with treason and may face the death penalty, police said.
In the UK Shadow home secretary David Davis quit as an MP to fight the "strangulation" of UK freedoms.
Last-ditch talks aimed at averting a strike by fuel tanker drivers have broken down, the Unite union said.
In 2006, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) announced that Pluto is not a planet. So what is it? After two years of careful deliberation, the IAU has an answer: Pluto is a plutoid. No, this is not a joke. The IAU offers "the plutoid" as a serious new category of celestial body.
Friday the thirteenth. This (GMT) day starts with astrologically busy skies. The Moon in Libra forms an airy grand trine with Neptune, the Lunar Node in Aquarius and the Sun and Venus in Gemini in the first six hours of the (GMT) day.
During this period however the Sun squares Uranus (exact at 05:24 GMT).
After this interesting start the Moon trines Neptune at 09:16 GMT and becomes void of course for nearly 12 hours. Enchantment and artistic outpouring are evident as Venus in Gemini trines Neptune in Aquarius 14:54 GMT.
The slowly waxing Moon enters Scorpio 20:54 GMT and the evening (GMT) takes on a more concentrated hue.
Saturday June 14th 2008
An intense and pressured weekend lies ahead, (although not without some inspiration stirred from a deep source within us by the Sun making an airy trine to Neptune today).
Pluto retrogrades back into Sagittarius 02:59 GMT today. It is time to take note of all the changes, especially economic changes, brought about by Pluto being in Capricorn since January. Pluto returns to Capricorn (for good) on November 27th 2008.
The slow moving Moon hits her gibbous phase at 14:46 GMT at 9 degrees Scorpio. The procession to the full moon then begins in all seriousness.
The Sun trines Neptune 21:02 GMT.
Sunday June 15th 2008
A gibbous Scorpio moon invokes all manner of passions today.
This is not an easy one.
Around 15:00 GMT the very slowly waxing Moon at 21 degrees Scorpio forms a fixed T-square with Mars and the ongoing conjunction of Neptune and the lunar node.
The Moon squares Neptune 21:30 GMT and is void of course.
As we approach the Solstice the Sun and Venus are applying to their looming opposition with Pluto.
Monday June 16th 2008
Afghan President Hamid Karzai says he is ready to send troops over the border into Pakistan to confront militants.
Flooding in southern China has killed at least 55 people and has forced more than a million to flee their homes, the government says.
Rescuers in northern Japan have found three more bodies, bringing the confirmed death toll from Saturday's earthquake to nine, officials say. Four more people are feared buried by a mudslide at a hot spring hotel near the town of Kurihara, Miyagi region. With major roads buckled and unusable, rescuers are hiking through mountain trails to reach isolated towns. Twelve people are still missing and more than 200 have been injured after the 7.2 magnitude earthquake. There have been more than 200 aftershocks since Saturday.
The Sun today reaches 26 degrees Gemini. The Summer Solstice in the northern hemisphere is just after midnight (GMT) at the very start of Saturday.
The Moon enters Sagittarius 09:20 GMT and is at apogee 17:33 GMT. The Moon is full in this sign on Wednesday.
This coming full moon is powerfully conjunct Pluto and opposite Venus. Some astrologers have looked to this particular climaxing lunation as very important in world affairs. We watch with seriously baited breath.
Mercury is a retrograding morning star in Gemini. He will turn direct at 13 degrees Gemini on Thursday. He will have picked up full speed by July 1st. 'Things' can then move on.
Venus is now an evening star in Gemini. She is about to oppose Pluto and enter Cancer on Thursday. This particular aspect casts a very serious shadow on all affairs this coming week.
Mars in Leo will oppose Neptune in Sagittarius next weekend, adding further chaotic import to the days ahead. Also just over 12 degrees of celestial longitude now separate Mars in Leo and Saturn in Virgo. Mars is in Leo until July 1st and is conjunct Saturn on July 10th in Virgo. This tough manifestations of this conjunction will soon begin to bite hard.
It appears as if we are in for a very eventful week ahead.
Tuesday June 17th 2008
Gordon Brown and George Bush warn Iran to accept their "offers of partnership" or face international isolation.
Oil prices hit a record $139.89 a barrel in trade in New York, despite a Saudi pledge to increase output.
British troop numbers in Afghanistan will increase to more than 8,000 by next spring, Des Browne tells MPs
Astronomers have identified a trio of so-called "super-Earths" - rocky planets between two and 10 times the mass of Earth. The three new planets were detected using the Harps instrument at the La Silla Observatory in central Chile. The star they circle is slightly smaller than our Sun, and is located 42 light-years away near the southern Doradus and Pictor constellations.
Today a lunar occultation of Antares occurs today at 05:24 GMT visible from South America. (Lunar occultations of Antares occur every month from Dec. 2004 to Feb. 2010. There are none then till July 2023).
The nearly full Moon in Sagittarius, the Earth and Mercury are linearly aligned within a third of a degree at 11:54 GMT between Sagittarius and Gemini.
Today is a vibrant buzz of a day absolutely teaming with energy and movement.
Venus is applying in opposition to Pluto, Mars is applying in opposition to Neptune. There is a more than a slight chaotic and razor edge to all events right now. Tread carefully.
Wednesday June 18th 2008
Yesterday, the day before the Full Moon, Israel and Hamas agreed a truce starting this Thursday, Palestinian officials told the BBC after Egyptian-brokered talks.
A car bomb at a busy bus stop in northern Baghdad killed 51 people and left another 75 wounded, say police.
Plans to use high resolution cameras in space to monitor deforestation in the Congo Basin were unveiled.
The Moon is Full today. The peak of the lunar cycle is preceded by Venus in opposition to Pluto 06:43 GMT.
Just two hours after the opposition, Venus enters Cancer 08:49 GMT.
Venus will be in Cancer for only a very short time. She enters Leo on July 12th. During her residence in Cancer she sextiles Saturn on June 21st, opposes Jupiter on July 3rd, and trines Uranus on July 6th. This is a brief period during which nurturing endearment and supporting love ones are paramount concerns.
The day breaks like a powerful wave on planet Earth as the Full Moon climaxes at 17:32 GMT.
Full Moon 28 degrees Sagittarius 17:32 GMT.
This Full Moon is the penultimate full moon before the 'intense' Partial Lunar Eclipse on August 16th 2008. This full Moon is very powerfully conjunct Pluto in Sagittarius, opposite Venus, trine Mars, and sextile Neptune.
Many astrologers have looked to this Full Moon as being a very important event in the unfolding of serious issues at this time.
Venus opposes Pluto and Mars opposes Neptune. The is a predominance of planets in mutable signs and square aspects at this time.
At the exact moment of Full Moon the Moon is rising at Ankara. The Moon is almost on the local MC of Rangoon. Pluto rises at Kiev. The Venus Pluto opposition is aligned to Bangkok, Miami and Panama.
Jupiter rises at Mecca is on the local MC of Shanghai and Manila and is on the local IC of Buenos Aries.
This Full Moon in late Sagittarius directly hits the natal Jupiters of 1) Prince Charles of the UK, 2) Al Gore and 3) the Israel Independence chart. She also hits the natal Neptune of Prince Harry of the UK, the natal Lunar Node of Model Kate Moss, and the (intoxicating) Moon Neptune conjunction of singer Amy Winehouse. (Yesterday's news reported that Singer Amy Winehouse remains in hospital after fainting because medical tests have proved "inconclusive".).
After the peak of the Full Moon phase the Moon moves on to a conjunction of Pluto at 21:37 GMT and becomes void of course. She enters Capricorn 21:52 GMT immediately opposing Venus.
Thursday June 19th 2008
Yesterday President Bush asked the US Congress to end a ban on offshore oil drilling, as fuel prices rise up the political agenda.
South Africa's president is in Zimbabwe to meet Robert Mugabe amid fears over violence ahead of next week's poll.
Nato and Afghan forces have launched an operation to drive Taleban insurgents from the outskirts of the southern city of Kandahar.
The Full Moon has now peaked. We are now in the most holy of times between yesterday's Full Moon and the Summer Solstice on Saturday.
However these couple of days are made difficult and poignant by the oppositions of Venus and the Sun to Pluto, and that of Mars to Neptune. What really should be a brief interlude of celebration and revelation may well this year become a rather chaotic and potentially harmful time.
Mercury turns direct at 13 degrees Gemini at 14:27 GMT. Mercury will appear 'back up to speed' by month's end.
The slow moving Moon now wanes and accelerates in Capricorn, applying all day to a conjunction with Jupiter which occurs tomorrow.
Friday June 20th 2008
Yesterday African observers added their voice to concern over growing violence in Zimbabwe ahead of the run-off presidential poll. A truce between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza was holding, despite widespread scepticism.
On June 1st the crop circle shown below was reported from Barbary Castle Wiltshire England. This formation, now the centre of much mathematical investigation worldwide, was formed during the time astrologically of an 'earthy grand trine' of an old Moon in Taurus, Pluto in Capricorn and and Saturn in Virgo.
Two days ago, a distinguished inventor from North Carolina (by the name of Michael Reed) sent emails to Linda Howe and Lucy Pringle, informing them of his novel theory concerning Barbary Castle of June 1. Linda then forwarded his message to me for evaluation, and I quickly realized that Reed had made an important discovery---probably the most important since Crabwood of 2002---that needed to be told worldwide as soon as possible. The basic theory behind Reed's novel and astute observation is explained in two diagrams below. He noticed that ten successive angles of rotation from the long right-handed spiral which appeared at Barbury Castle one week ago show a one-to-one correspondence with ten successive digits of the mathematical constant pi, as "3" then "decimal point" then "1" then "4" then "1" then "5" then "9" and so on:
http://www.cropcircleconnector.com/2008/barbury/barburyRC2008a.html
Today as the Summer Solstice approaches, the Moon is conjunct Jupiter 13:22 GMT in Capricorn, she moves on to sextile Uranus and becomes void of course 19:02 GMT. She remains 'void of course' for the rest of the day and the 'solstice moment' tomorrow.
The Sun is opposite Pluto 19:39 GMT.
This is not the easiest of days.
Saturday June 21st 2008
Cancer Solstice 0:00:27 GMT
www.healingsofatlantis.com/images/Summer%20So...
At the moment of the ingress of the Sun into tropical Cancer, (the Summer Solstice in the north and the Winter Solstice in the south), the skies of Earth are dominated by an opposition of the Sun and Pluto, and an opposition of Mars and Neptune. The astrological chart above set for the solstice moment at London shows how the Sun Pluto opposition is directly focused on the UK, where it is local midnight as Pluto is conjunct the local midheaven. (Uranus is rising over England).
Globally Mars in Leo very tightly opposes Neptune in Aquarius, Venus in Cancer sextiles Saturn in Virgo. The 'void of course' waning Moon in Capricorn sextiles Uranus in Pisces and this pair form a 'finger of fate' with Mars in Leo. Jupiter in Capricorn sextiles Saturn in Virgo and the Sun sextiles Saturn. Mercury in Gemini is almost exactly conjunct the Saturn Uranus midpoint.
This is a mightily important time. The Sun Pluto opposition sends out a warning world wide. The message is one of conservation and ecology. It is time to moderate our behaviour. The issue is transformative. We are being forced to change. There is both confusion to beguile us and invention to save us. Hearts and minds are stirred by this planetary mixture.
At the moment of solstice, Mars and Neptune are aligned to Vancouver, Eugene and San Francisco. Saturn is on the local midheaven of Edmonton. Mercury and Uranus form a 'paran' at Dallas. The Moon is on the local midheaven of Johannesburg. Jupiter is conjunct the local midheaven of Warsaw.
As the (GMT) morning of this solstice day ensues, Venus sextile Saturn 09:15 GMT and the void Moon enters Aquarius 09:34 GMT.
Around 15:00 GMT the Moon in Aquarius forms another finger of fate this time with the Sun and Saturn.
Mars opposite Neptune 15:32 GMT
Sunday June 22nd 2008
Care in the community prevails.
Feeding the world with the diminishing food stocks is now a major concern.
The Moon reaches disseminating phase 17 degrees Aquarius 18:04 GMT
Monday 23rd June 2008
Zimbabwe's opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai has said he is pulling out of the presidential run-off because the vote would not be fair, handing automatic victory to President Robert Mugabe.
Fears are growing for more than 700 people on board a ferry which has capsized in the central Philippines in the wake of Typhoon Fengshen. The vessel left Manila on Friday en route to Cebu, and according to its owners, Sulpicio Lines, contact was lost at about 1230 (0430 GMT) on Saturday.
Fifteen people have been killed by a female suicide bomber outside a government building in the northern Iraqi city of Baquba.
Nasa's Phoenix spacecraft has unearthed evidence of ice in the soil around its landing site on Mars.
State of the skies:-The Sun today is at 2 degrees Cancer. There are 88 days to the Equinox.
A lunar occultation of Neptune at 24 degrees Aquarius occurs today around 08:46 GMT for observers in North America. This is the 14th of a monthly series of 20 occultations of Neptune at the current time. The disseminating waning and accelerating Moon then opposes Mars (within 0.75 of a degree) at 10:17 GMT The Moon forms a sextile aspect with Pluto at 19:04 GMT and becomes void of course. She slips into Pisces 19:33 GMT.
Mercury appears now as a slowly moving 'morning star' in Gemini. He will have picked up full speed by July 1st. 'Things' can then move on after his recent retrograde motion. Mercury enters Cancer on July 10th.
Venus is now an evening star in Cancer. She sextiles Saturn on June 21st, opposes Jupiter on July 3rd, and trines Uranus on July 6th. Venus enters Leo on July 12th.
Also just over 9 degrees of celestial longitude now separate Mars in Leo and Saturn in Virgo. Mars is in Leo until July 1st and is conjunct Saturn on July 10th in Virgo. This tough manifestations of this conjunction is now beginning to bite hard.
Saturn, Regulus, and Mars are equally spaced in a diagonal line low in the west at dusk, in that order from upper left to lower right. Each planet is slightly more than 4° from the star tonight.
Tuesday 24th June 2008
Yesterday Zimbabwe opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai took refuge in the Dutch embassy, after pulling out of the presidential race.
The European Union agreed new financial sanctions aimed at pressuring Iran to halt uranium enrichment.
Seventy-five people were arrested in a major European police operation against the smuggling of Iraqi Kurds to the EU.
Our planet is not at risk from the world's most powerful particle physics experiment, a report has concluded. The document addresses fears that the Large Hadron Collider is so energetic, it could have unforeseen consequences. Critics are worried that mini-black holes made at the soon-to-open facility on the French-Swiss border might threaten the Earth's very existence. I have not actually been able to find out the precise date for the switching on of this machine.
Today the Moon, the Earth and Saturn are linearly aligned (within 23 minutes of arc) at 02:57 GMT between the signs Pisces and Virgo.
The Sun and Moon, (together with Venus and Uranus) are now in water signs. Emotions run deep. With the Sun sextiling Saturn tomorrow this is potentially a constructive day. People will follow a strong lead.
Wednesday June 25th 2008
Yesterday South Africa's governing ANC accused the authorities in neighbouring Zimbabwe of "riding roughshod" over democracy.
Bill Clinton's spokesman said the former US president is committed to helping Barack Obama win the US presidential election.
Confusion marred French President Nicolas Sarkozy's farewell to Israel, after a soldier shot himself dead during an airport departure ceremony. Mr Sarkozy and his wife, Carla Bruni, were rushed into their plane after the shot. Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert was also hurried to safety. The incident at Ben-Gurion airport came at the end of Mr Sarkozy's three-day visit to Israel and the West Bank. A police spokesman said the security officer had committed suicide.
Today the Sun in Cancer sextiles Saturn in Virgo 05:01 GMT
The Moon is conjunct a stationary Uranus at 13:36 GMT at 23 degrees Pisces.
This day is similar in its 'feel' to yesterday.
Thursday June 26th 2008
An emergency summit of southern African leaders calls for Zimbabwe's poll to be postponed because of the violence.
More than three months after a wave of violent anti-China protests, Tibet has reopened to foreign tourists,
Mars is now 8 degrees and 14 days from his conjunction with Saturn which peaks on July 10th 2008 at 5 degrees Virgo.. When I first read and learnt about this particular conjunction it was described to me as 'driving with the brakes on, something overheats', so it has proved to be. Watch over the next two weeks how this conjunction manifests in your life. .
Today the Moon in Pisces squares Pluto and is void of course from 02:17 GMT.
She enters Aries 33 minutes later.
The Sun and Moon, together with Venus, and Jupiter are then in 'cardinal' signs. Lots of 'new starts' today.
Around 07:30 GMT the Moon forms a trapezium in the skies with Mercury in Gemini , Mars in Leo and Pluto in Capricorn.
The Moon hits cardinal last quarter phase 5 degrees Aries 12:11 GMT, invoking a crisis in consciousness.
Uranus turns retrograde 21:32 GMT at 23 degrees Pisces.
A more urgent and impetuous day is in store..
Friday June 27th 2008
Yesterday North Korea handed over a long-awaited account of its nuclear programme to China as part of a disarmament deal.
A ban on handguns in Washington DC was ruled unconstitutional, in a landmark ruling by the US Supreme Court.
A senior member of Zimbabwe's opposition party was freed on bail, a day before a controversial presidential poll run-off. Scientists think a giant asteroid impact can explain why the northern and southern hemispheres of Mars look so different.
Today the Moon wanes in Aries. Once this Moon has made a square aspect to Jupiter at 13:06 GMT, she moves on to make harmonious aspects right through the rest of the day and through the first six hours (GMT) of tomorrow.
The weekend that ensues is potentially a pleasing mixture of care, simple pleasures and home comforts.
Saturday June 28th 2008
The Moon forms a (dissociate) grand trine with Pluto and Saturn in fire and earth signs today between 03:00 and 14:00
The Moon trines Pluto and is void from 06:15 GMT
The Moon enters Taurus 06:51 GMT
Sunday June 29th 2008
The Moon waning in Taurus reaches balsamic phase 21:34 GMT at 23 degrees of that sign.
The crescent Moon passes through the Pleiades during the pre-dawn hours (for USA viewers) of June 30th. The east coast of North America is again favoured for this sight.
Monday June 30th 2008
Robert Mugabe yesterday said he is heading for a "sweeping victory" in the unopposed run-off vote to choose Zimbabwe's president.
Ehud Olmert reportedly said two captured soldiers are dead, as cabinet debated swapping prisoners with Hezbollah.
Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim sought refuge in the Turkish embassy in Kuala Lumpur, after receiving threats.
State of the skies:-The Sun today is at 9 degrees Cancer. There are 81 days to the Autumn Equinox.
The rapidly waning Moon in Taurus squares Mars 06:44 GMT as she passes through the Pleiades is briefly void of course and then enters Gemini 08:04 GMT applying in square aspect to Saturn. The next New Moon is on Thursday and its passing heralds the start of a new eclipse season. This pre-eclipse New Moon is conjunct Venus and opposite Jupiter. The sky is dominated by Venus in Cancer opposing Jupiter in Capricorn this week.
Mercury is now a 'morning star' back up to speed after recent retrograde motion in Gemini. Mercury enters Cancer on July 10th. Superior conjunction of Mercury at 7 degrees Leo occurs on July 29th. Mercury next turns retrograde on September 24th.
Venus is an 'evening star' in Cancer. She opposes Jupiter on July 3rd, the day of the New Moon in Cancer, and trines Uranus on July 6th. Venus enters Leo on July 12th.
Mars trines Pluto 22:51 GMT today. a lot of positive planetary energy may be evident today because of this aspect.
Mars is passing ¾° from Regulus this evening and tomorrow evening, as shown above. Compare their colors!
Just over 5 degrees separate Mars (Regulus) and Saturn. This conjunction which peaks on July 10th 2008 at 5 degrees Virgo is best described as 'driving with the brakes on, something overheats', so it may proved to be. Observe over the next ten days how this conjunction manifests in your life.
Mars is conjunct Saturn every 2 years. The conjunctions move successively through the signs of the zodiac. Since The Daze has been in operation there have been four previous conjunctions of Mars and Saturn. Falling share values seem a common theme, as do conflicts in arms and natural disasters. The April 2000 conjunction in Taurus coincided with white Zimbabwe farmers on the run and Internet share prices falling world-wide. The April 2002 conjunction in Gemini saw Israeli soldiers surrounding the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem and conflicts in Columbia. The May 2004 conjunction in Cancer saw terrible rains, floods and mud slides in the Caribbean. The June 2006 conjunction in Leo coincided with a tense North Korean situation, jittery markets and troubles in Sri Lanka.
Mars enters Virgo tomorrow.
This forthcoming Mars Saturn conjunction at 5 degrees Virgo directly hits the natal Pluto of Barack Obama, the natal Moon of Morgan Tsvangarai the natal Saturn of Prince Charles of the UK, the natal Jupiters of G.W.Bush and tennis star Venus Williams and the natal Mercury of singer Robert Plant.
July 2008
Tuesday July 1st 2008
Yesterday Kenyan PM Raila Odinga called on the African Union to suspend Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe until he allows fair elections.
Today the very fast moving Moon is conjunct Mercury at 19 degrees Gemini at 13:39 GMT.
Mars enters Virgo 16:22 and starts to draw to Saturn. These two are now 4.5 degrees apart.
Mars will reside in Virgo until August 19th 2008.
After his conjunction with Saturn on July 10th, he trines Jupiter on July 26th, opposes Uranus (within 1.6 degrees) at 22 Virgo on August 6th and squares Pluto on August 17th. This is fairly rocky ride for Mars. The time will be characterised by an efficient methodology which focuses on detail and quality.
These coming few weeks are good for all practical activities and jobs of work requiring precision.
Moon perigee (fastest all month) 21:39 GMT
Wednesday July 2nd 2008
Yesterday as Mars and Regulus aligned in the skies of Earth, African leaders urged Zimbabwe's leadership and opposition to form a national unity government, following disputed election.
Markets fell in the US, Europe and Asia as inflation worries and fears of further bank losses dented confidence.
Thousands of demonstrators clashed with police in the Mongolian capital Ulan Bator amid protests over last weekend's general election. Police fired rubber bullets and tear gas, reports said, as protesters set fire to the officers of the ruling Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party.
Today an opposition of the Moon in late Gemini and Pluto in late Sagittarius occurs at 07:09 GMT. The opposition is eased by Mars, and the Moon is then void.
The old Moon enters Cancer 07:54 GMT and will be new tomorrow.
This 'old moon day' once it gets going is geared to protectionism and the 'homing instinct'.
Venus is almost at opposition to Jupiter an aspect which draws out over indulgence and exaggerated estimations. The truth is hard to determine under such rays.
Thursday July 3rd 2008
Yesterday five people died in violent protests in the Mongolian capital Ulan Bator over alleged electoral fraud, said Justice Minister Tsend Munkhorgil. More than 300 people were hurt, he said, including many police. Hundreds of people have been detained. The president has declared a state of emergency and curfew, and parts of the city have been sealed off.
The Colombian authorities said they have rescued Ingrid Betancourt and three Americans held by rebels in Colombia. Ms Betancourt, a French-Colombian politician, has been held for more than six years by the rebel Farc group and is said to be in very poor health.
A Palestinian in a bulldozer targeted Jerusalem traffic, killing three people before being shot dead by police.
New Moon 12 degrees Cancer 02:20 GMT
This pre-eclipse New Moon is conjunct Venus and opposite Jupiter. This is the ultimate New Moon before the Total Solar Eclipse on Friday August 1st 2008. With the passing of today's New Moon we are once again at the start of an Eclipse Season which lasts through the Solar Eclipse on August 1st right up to and beyond the partial Lunar Eclipse on August 16th 2008.
The sky today is dominated by Venus opposing Jupiter. Mars is trine to Pluto, Mercury squares Uranus and of course Mars, now in Virgo, is closing on Saturn. The planets are very active right now. This New Moon occurs as the majority of planets are in water and Earth signs. This is a 'seeding period' in human affairs. The 'astrological atmosphere' is heavy with expectation and fertility. There exists the tendency to over indulge and allow excessive emotions to rule the head.
At the moment of New Moon the Sun and Moon are at upper culmination at Melbourne, they rise over Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Eastern Europe, they set over central USA.
Mercury rises at Rome, The Venus Jupiter opposition aligns to the Iran Iraq border, Pluto rises at San Francisco.
The New Moon directly hits the natal Suns of the USA national chart and of George W Bush. It is close to the natal Pluto of Robert Mugabe, the natal lunar node of the Kenyan national chart, the natal Uranus of the UK Tory party, the natal Jupiter of boxer Mike Tyson, the natal Mars of UK politician William Hague and the natal Venus of singer Robert Plant.
This New Moon occurs as the Moon is fairly close to Earth in her monthly cycle, (the Moon was perigee on Tuesday), and this will give rise to quite powerful sea tides on the shores and coastlines of Earth over the next few days.
After the New Moon moment has passed Venus in Cancer is opposite Jupiter in Capricorn at 05:19 GMT.
The day could witness excessive emotions. Some human situations may appear to have a 'soap opera hue' about them.
The fast moving Moon also opposes Jupiter 13:04 GMT then goes on to align to Venus (within 1.7 degrees) at 19 degrees Cancer at 13:51 GMT. This is potentially a tender contact.
The Moon is trine Uranus and void from 20:14 GMT for twelve hours.
Friday July 4th 2008
The price of oil yesterday hit a fresh high of more than $146 a barrel in London after US oil stockpiles fell by more than expected. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed more than 20% below its October 2007 peak on Wednesday, meaning it is now officially a bear market
We are now in the 'footfalls' of an eclipse season, a Total Eclipse of the Sun occurring in Leo, four weeks from today. The forces of karma could be imagined to be on the increase during the days in the run up to the eclipses. The Total Solar Eclipse on August 1st 2008 is becoming known as the 'Chinese Olympics Eclipse' because of the fact that the eclipse path ends in that country, and the Olympic Games open ten days after the solar eclipse. It is also the 'Obama Eclipse' because the 47th birthday of presidential hopeful Barack Obama occurs two days after the eclipse. As a side note, it is the 57th birthday of UK musician Steve Hillage on the day after the solar eclipse.
The weekend ahead sees Mercury in Gemini square Uranus in Pisces which can be a little upsetting and can conjure up all manner of irksome possibilities, but Venus makes a trine aspect to Uranus which can be uplifting, especially in matters of love, and dealings with women. Also the young Moon, in Leo right now, aligns almost exactly with the Earth and Neptune early Sunday (GMT) and then enters Virgo mid Sunday (GMT) joining g Mars Regulus and Saturn in a very pretty but extremely astrologically tense but interesting cosmic grouping.
Today the Earth is in aphelion (furthest we are from the Sun all year) 07:41 GMT.
The Moon enters Leo 08:16 GMT.
Today has some fun in store.
Saturday July 5th 2008
A difficult start, Mercury squares Uranus 11:07 GMT.
This quickly passes and the day continues with the adolescent Moon, regal and playful, waxing in Leo.
Sunday July 6th 2008
Mars and Saturn have drifted past Regulus, and on the 5th and 6th they're joined by a crescent Moon. On the 10th Mars slides past Saturn, less than a degree below the ringed planet. On the opposite side of the sky, Jupiter rises as the Sun sets, is visible all night, and is therefore well-placed for telescopic viewing.
Quite a lot going on today!
The Moon, the Earth and Neptune are linearly aligned almost exactly at 00:22 GMT between the signs Leo and Aquarius.
The Moon trines Pluto and is void at 10:05 GMT
Moon crescent phase 30 degrees Leo 10:36 GMT
Mercury trines Neptune 10:47 GMT
The Moon enters Virgo 11:04 GMT
The Moon is conjunct Mars (2.5 degrees) at 3 degrees Virgo at 16:19 GMT.
Venus trines Uranus 18:32 GMT
The Moon is conjunct Saturn at 5 degrees Virgo 19:58 GMT
Monday July 7th 2008
The UN's envoy to Afghanistan is to set out a new plan on aid spending amid fears that millions have been wasted.
US leader George Bush said over the weekend that there is still concern over North Korea's alleged uranium enrichment, as G8 leaders gathered in Japan.
Archaeologists have unearthed an ancient tomb in northern Peru that could throw light on the pre-Columbian Moche Indian culture
State of the skies:-The Sun today is half way through the sign of Cancer. 75 days remain to the Autumn Equinox in the northern hemisphere.
We are in the foothills of an eclipse season with a Total Solar Eclipse in Leo occurring on August 1st and a Partial Lunar Eclipse in Aquarius occurring on August 16th.
Today the crescent Moon waxes and decelerates in Virgo.
Mercury is a 'morning star' in Gemini. Mercury enters Cancer on July 10th. Superior conjunction of Mercury at 7 degrees Leo occurs on July 29th. Mercury next turns retrograde on September 24th.
Venus is 'an evening star' in Cancer. She enters Leo on July 12th.
Mars is in conjunction with Saturn on July 10th 2008 at 5 degrees Virgo. This is the dominant astrological feature at the current time.
Mars will reside in Virgo until August 19th 2008.
After his conjunction with Saturn on July 10th, Mars trines Jupiter on July 26th, opposes Uranus (within 1.6 degrees) at 22 Virgo on August 6th and squares Pluto on August 17th. This is fairly rocky ride for Mars. The time will be characterised by an efficient methodology which focuses on detail and quality.
These coming few weeks are good for all practical activities and jobs of work requiring precision.
Jupiter is in opposition to the Sun on Wednesday.
Tuesday July 8th 2008
Yesterday (a rather low news day) saw former British army officer Simon Mann sentenced to more than 34 years in jail over a 2004 coup plot in Equatorial Guinea.
Israel formally signed an agreement with the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah over an exchange of prisoners.
Rich nations should produce less biofuel and more food to help relieve hunger, the World Bank chief told a G8 summit.
Mercury's magnetic field is "alive." Volcanic vents ring Mercury's giant Caloris basin while the planet itself is surrounded by a nebula of unexpected plasma. These are just a few of the discoveries made by NASA's MESSENGER spacecraft and reported in a special July 4th issue of Science magazine
Today we are subjected to a loose mutable T-square involving the Moon in Virgo, Mercury in Gemini and Pluto in Sagittarius for the hours centering on 14:00 GMT. This is a 'razor sharp' event in the making.
The Virgo Moon squares Pluto at 16:21 GMT and becomes void.
The Moon enters Libra 17:32 GMT and makes her approach to her first quarter phase.
Wednesday July 9th 2008
Yesterday G8 leaders said they will seek targeted sanctions against members of Zimbabwe's government.
Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said he sees no possibility of a war between Iran and the US or Israel.
Today the Sun makes his annual opposition to Jupiter 07:40 GMT.
The Moon slowly waxes towards first quarter in Libra.
Mars is almost in conjunction with Saturn.
Thursday July 10th 2008
With Mars conjunct Saturn in the sky the major news item yesterday was the US and Israel condemning Iran after it test-fired a long range missile capable of reaching Tel Aviv. Iran state media said nine missiles had been fired in total, including a new Shahab-3, with a range of 2,000km (1,240 miles). Tehran has tested the missile before, but the latest launch comes amid rising tensions with the US and Israel over the country's nuclear programme. A senior US state department official said the launch was "provocative". Wednesday's early morning test at a remote desert site sent oil prices climbing.
Scientists have made an important advance in their efforts to predict earthquakes, the journal Nature says. A team of US researchers has detected stress-induced changes in rocks that occurred hours before two small tremors in California's San Andreas Fault. The observations used sensors lowered down holes drilled into the quake zone.
Scientists have found evidence of water in the Moon's interior, challenging elements of the theory of how Earth's satellite formed.
Today the Moon is at first quarter phase at 18 degrees Libra at 04:36 GMT
Mercury opposes Pluto 09:48 GMT. A manic moment which quickly passes.
Mars is conjunct Saturn at 5 degrees Virgo 19:12 GMT.
(This aspect is best described as 'driving with the brakes on, something overheats', Mars is conjunct Saturn every 2 years. The conjunctions move successively through the signs of the zodiac. Since The Daze has been in operation there have been four previous conjunctions of Mars and Saturn. Falling share values seem a common theme, as do conflicts in arms and natural disasters. The April 2000 conjunction in Taurus coincided with white Zimbabwe farmers on the run and Internet share prices falling world-wide. The April 2002 conjunction in Gemini saw Israeli soldiers surrounding the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem and conflicts in Columbia. The May 2004 conjunction in Cancer saw terrible rains, floods and mud slides in the Caribbean. The June 2006 conjunction in Leo coincided with a tense North Korean situation, jittery markets and troubles in Sri Lanka. Thursday's Mars Saturn conjunction at 5 degrees Virgo directly hits the natal Pluto of Barack Obama, the natal Moon of Morgan Tsvangarai the natal Saturn of Prince Charles of the UK, the natal Jupiters of G.W.Bush and tennis star Venus Williams and the natal Mercury of singer Robert Plant).
Mercury enters Cancer 20:17 GMT.
Mercury will be in Cancer until July 26th. These brief 16 days will be characterised by a shrewd, tenacious and economical mentality. Superior conjunction of Mercury occurs at 7 degrees Leo on July 29th. During the period up to this date Mercury appears as a 'morning star' symbolising in astrology a style of thinking which is 'future orientated'. Proposals and plans which are 'new' but rooted in common sense, thrift and economy will meet with approval and success during this time. Whilst in Cancer Mercury sextiles Saturn next Monday and Mars the day after. Mercury opposes Jupiter in near linearity on July 19th, and Mercury trines Uranus on July 22nd. This is a fast moving time, thoughts and visions flash quickly by.
Today is essentially socially charged.
Friday July 11th 2008
Yesterday Mars was conjunct Saturn and a day after a major Iranian ballistic missile test provoked international condemnation, the front pages in Iran were covered with pictures of the missiles soaring into the sky. Israel's defence minister hinted at his country's readiness to strike Iran, amid rising tensions over Iran's missile tests.
Zimbabwe's ruling party and opposition held their first talks since Robert Mugabe's disputed election victory.
Nine British troops were injured in a "friendly fire" incident in Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence says.
Today the slow and decelerating Moon starting the day Libra, is sextile Pluto and is void of course from 02:14 GMT.
She enters Scorpio 03:35 GMT and makes pretty good aspects whilst there over the next couple of days.
The weekend ahead looks to be an 'astrologically steadier' affair than of late.
The Moon and the Sun, together with Mercury, Uranus (and for one more day Venus), are in water signs. There is an 'essentially emotional back drop' to today.
Saturday July 12th 2008
Venus enters Leo 18:39 GMT. Venus is 'in' Leo up to August 6th when she enters Virgo. During her residence in Leo she opposes Neptune on July 31st and is in trine aspect to Pluto on August 5th. The next 25 days are a time of ardor and demonstration. This is a colorful period good for all recreational activities. Flamboyance and lack of compromise in affections are the hallmarks of the period,
Today the slow moving Moon makes 'easy' aspects today in Scorpio.
Sunday July 13th 2008
The very slow moving (but now accelerating) Moon starting the day in Scorpio squares Neptune and is void of course from 03:05 GMT for nearly 13 hours.
She enters Sagittarius 15:50 GMT
Monday July 14th 2008
Nine US soldiers were killed on Sunday in clashes with Taleban militants in the north-east of the country.
Israeli and Palestinian leaders expressed their optimism for peace at a summit of EU and Mediterranean leaders in Paris.
Thousands of people took part in a protest to support Sudan's president amid reports that he is to be indicted over Darfur.
In the UK a spate of knife stabbing incidents have dominated the headlines in recent weeks. This spate culminated last Thursday, the day that Mars was conjunct Saturn in Virgo, when five fatal stabbings occurred in 24 hours in the capital.
State of the skies:- The Sun today is at 22 degrees Cancer. The Sun trines Uranus 15:04 GMT
There are 68 days to the Equinox. We are now in an eclipse season being just 18 days from a powerful Total Solar Eclipse.
The very slowly waxing Moon in Sagittarius today squares Saturn 03:32 GMT, is at apogee 04:12 GMT, reaches gibbous phase 06:23 GMT at 7 degrees Sagittarius and squares Mars 07:10 GMT. A lunar occultation of Antares occurs today 11:56 GMT visible from south Australia and New Zealand. (Lunar occultations of Antares occur every month from Dec. 2004 to Feb. 2010. There are none then till July 2023).
The gibbous Moon slowly waxes to the full this week, making her shuddering climax on Friday 18th in Capricorn at 08:00 GMT.
Mercury appearing as a fast moving 'morning star' in Cancer sextiles Saturn in Virgo at 08:36 GMT today and sextiles Mars also in Virgo tomorrow. Mercury opposes Jupiter in near linearity on July 19th, and Mercury trines Uranus on July 22nd. Mercury enters Leo on July 26th and the Superior Conjunction of Mercury occurs at 7 degrees Leo occurs on July 29th. Mercury next turns retrograde on September 24th.
Venus now is an 'evening star' in Leo entering Virgo on August 6th. She opposes Neptune on July 31st and is in trine aspect to Pluto on August 5th.
Mars is in Virgo and will reside in Virgo until August 19th 2008. He trines Jupiter on July 26th, opposes Uranus (within 1.6 degrees) at 22 Virgo on August 6th and squares Pluto on August 17th. This is fairly rocky ride for Mars. The time will be characterised by an efficient methodology which focuses on detail and quality.
These coming few weeks are good for all practical activities and jobs of work requiring precision. At the same time with Venus in Leo we are in a time of ardor and demonstration. This is a colorful period, good for all recreational activities. Flamboyance and lack of compromise in affections are the hallmarks of the period,
Tuesday July 15th 2008
The UN is to withdraw non-essential staff from Darfur after Sudan's leader was yesterday accused of genocide,
Turkey's chief prosecutor filed an indictment against 86 people accused of involvement in a coup plot.
Today tensions associated with the waxing gibbous moon are now starting to increase. Today may witness a 'blustering and blundering' sort of atmosphere.
Around 15:00 this slowly waxing Moon in Sagittarius forms 'a finger of fate' with Neptune in Aquarius and the Sun in Cancer.
Mercury in Cancer sextiles Mars in Virgo 21:11 GMT.
Wednesday July 16th 2008
Yesterday a video of a 16-year-old being questioned at Guantanamo Bay prison camp was released - the first such footage to be made public.
At least 35 people died in a twin suicide bombing at an army recruitment centre north of Baghdad,
Today the waxing gibbous Moon is conjunct Pluto in late Sagittarius and is void at 02:44 GMT.
She enters Capricorn 04:20 GMT and makes hearty aspects for the rest of the day, all the time slowly applying to a conjunction with Jupiter which peaks tomorrow.
This could be a wholesome day although the moon in Capricorn always seems to bring the very best or the very worst out of people.
There are now sixteen days to the Total Solar Eclipse and one calendar month to a Partial Lunar Eclipse.
Thursday July 17th 2008
Yesterday Hezbollah's leader gave a triumphant welcome in Beirut to militants released by Israel in return for two soldiers' remains.
At least 37 people were killed in a collision between a train and several vehicles at a level crossing in northern Egypt.
Rolling Stone guitarist Ronnie Wood was yesterday admitted to rehab, a spokeswoman for the star confirmed. Although no birth time is available, his birthday, June 1st 1947, occurred two days before a partial Lunar Eclipse Currently (2007 to 2009) he is undergoing a progressed Full Moon in Aquarius.
US inflation accelerated at its fastest pace in 17 years in June, official figures have shown, driven higher by surging energy prices
Today the Moon, approaching the full phase, is conjunct Jupiter at 16 degrees Capricorn (within 3 degrees) 13:02 GMT.
This heavily gibbous moon occults the star 52 Sagittarius for UK observers approximately 23:43 to 01:00 GMT.
Today is very much a 'full day', overindulgence in all things is to the fore.
Friday July 18th 2008
Please note:-
I am taking a short holiday. The Daze will be back 'live' Friday 25th July 2008.
Best wishes,
Michael Harwood.
Full Moon 26 degrees Capricorn 08:00 GMT
The Full Moon is separating from a sextile aspect with Uranus and is position on the current Neptune Pluto midpoint. Mercury sextiles Mars and opposes Jupiter.
This Full Moon directly hits the natal Sun of Mahammad Ali and Kate Moss, the natal Moon of George Clooney, the natal Mercury of Tiger Woods, the natal Saturn of Barack Obama and William Hague, the natal Pluto of the USA chart and the MC of Tony Blair.
At the moment of Full Moon the Moon is on the local MC of Los Angeles, she rises at Richmond Australia. Saturn is exactly rising over the UK, Algiers, Agadez and at Capetown. Uranus is at lower culmination at Beijing. The Mars Saturn conjunction is culminating over Mongolia and Lanzhou, central China. Venus culminates at Bombay, Jupiter is at lower culmination at Tehran. Mars rises at Dijon and at Brussels. Pluto approaches lower culmination at Harare. Pluto sets at New York, and is at lower culmination at Ankara. Neptune is on the local MC of New Orleans.
The Moon is void of course from the moment of fullness.
With the passing of this full moon we are deeply into an eclipse season with a Total Solar Eclipse on August 1st and a pretty major partial eclipse on August 16th.
The 'hung-over Moon' enters Aquarius 15:41 GMT and starts to accelerate to an opposition to Venus which peaks 07:15 GMT tomorrow.
Saturday 19th July 2008
As the full Moon passes, Gordon Brown is in Baghdad. USA is having direct talks with Iran in Geneva. Barak Obama is visiting Afghanistan. Gloomy economic forecasts are issued in the UK.
The 'sensible' but still 'hung-over' Moon accelerates through Aquarius applying to a tight conjunction with Neptune which peaks tomorrow.
Mercury, the Earth, and Jupiter align within 0.75 of a degree of exact linearity between 16 degrees Cancer / Capricorn at 19:54 GMT.
This is potentially an 'outlandish' day. Estimations well wide of the mark as Mercury is almost exactly opposite Jupiter this evening (GMT).
Sunday July 20th 2008
Little news this morning. Gordon Brown visits the Middle East. A UK hostage in Iraq is reported to have committed suicide.
The Moon accelerates and wanes in Aquarius.
The Moon is conjunct Neptune (within a degree) at 24 degrees Aquarius 12:55 GMT.
The Moon then goes on to sextile Pluto at 23:26 and becomes void of course.
Monday July 21st 2008
Continuing weak news. Gordon Brown in Israel. UK shakeup of welfare state announced.
State of the skies:-The Sun is in the last degree of Cancer. The Sun enters Leo tomorrow and a new astrological month then begins. We are today 61 days from the equinox. We are also deeply immersed in an Eclipse Season, with a Total Solar Eclipse occurring a week next Saturday.
Heliocentric Pluto enters Capricorn today. He remains in that sign (heliocentric) until Jan 22 2004
(Geocentrically Pluto currently appears to be retrograding in Sagittarius from June 2008 only to re-enter Capricorn in November 2008. This planetary ingress symbolises one really enormous astrological process at work in the world. It's effect will be minuscule at first, hardly noticeable. Yet the outcomes and the transformationary energy unleashed to work out within the biosphere will bring world changing consequences. The process of Pluto in Capricorn is one of reformation and reorientation. Pluto's (small but indomitable ice rock dwarf planet) principal is expressed as undiluted power, raw power, bereft of direction or moral standpoint. Capricorn's (horny steadfast sure footed surviving mountain goat) principal is expressed as physical endurance and structure, put them together and the resultant mixture is an overwhelmingly real and potent energy invoking change in governments, societies, and individuals. What is going to occur over the ensuing 16 years is a tough and resolute adaptation in all structures of human society to meteoric changes of our human life on earth. Pluto in Capricorn is not visionary or inspired, it is instead ground root responses 'earthed' in practical structure. Expect transformations in the structures of society, the institutions, the establishments, and the power centers. Pluto enters Capricorn for the first time in 247 years. The last time Pluto was in Capricorn was during the U.S. revolutionary war. (Pluto was opposite this point, at 0° Cancer, during 1912-1915.) Mountain Astrologer).
The accelerating waning Moon enters Pisces 01:09 GMT. The Moon, the Earth and Saturn are exactly linearly aligned at 13:26 GMT, an important moment. A similar alignment with Saturn occurs some 11 hours later.
Mercury appearing as a fast moving 'morning star' in Cancer. Mercury trines Uranus tomorrow. He follows the Sun and Venus into Leo on July 26th and reaches Superior Conjunction with the Sun at 7 degrees Leo occurs on July 29th. Mercury next turns retrograde on September 24th.
Venus now is an 'evening star' in Leo entering Virgo on August 6th. She opposes Neptune on July 31st and is in trine aspect to Pluto on August 5th.
Mars is in Virgo and will reside in Virgo until August 19th 2008. He trines Jupiter on July 26th, opposes Uranus (within 1.6 degrees) at 22 Virgo on August 6th and squares Pluto on August 17th. This is fairly rocky ride for Mars. The time will be characterized by an efficient methodology which focuses on detail and quality.
These coming few weeks are good for all practical activities and jobs of work requiring precision. At the same time with Venus in Leo we are in a time of ardor and demonstration. This is a colorful period, good for all recreational activities. Flamboyance and lack of compromise in affections are the hallmarks of the period,
Tuesday July 22nd 2008
At one minute past midnight GMT the Moon, the Earth and Mars this time are aligned within 1.25 degrees.
The Moon reaches disseminating phase 04:36 GMT 15 degrees Pisces
Yesterdays lunar planetary alignments may have precipitated the morning news which greeted us today with the announcement of the capture of Radovan Karadzic.
The Sun enters Leo 10:55 GMT and a new astrological month begins.
We are just 10 days from a whopper of a Total Solar Eclipse. We are deep into an eclipse season. The day and the time is sensitive to all impression.
Right words, right thoughts, right deeds.
The Moon is conjunct Uranus 18:37 GMT at 22 degrees Pisces
Mercury trines Uranus 21:11 GMT (as the Moon rises over the UK).
This is one 'New Age' sort of day.
Wednesday July 23rd 2008
The Moon in Pisces squares Pluto and is void of course from 06:40 GMT.
The Moon enters Aries 08:23 GMT.
The Sun, the Moon and Venus are then in Fire signs. This is a competitive day full of impulse and ardor.
Thursday July 24th 2008
The Moon accelerates and wanes in Aries.
We are now rushing into the 'pre-eclipse glow of karma'.
Friday July 25th 2008
The Daze is back live.
Monday's tight lunar planetary alignments may have precipitated the morning news which greeted us on Tuesday with the announcement of the capture of Radovan Karadzic.
Yesterday Barack Obama told Berliners the US and Europe have drifted apart and it is time for them to come together again.
Representatives of Zimbabwe's ruling and opposition parties have begun power-sharing talks in South Africa
A clean-up operation is under way in northern Japan, after a magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck early on Thursday, injuring more than 100 people. The earthquake, which struck at 0030 local time (1530 GMT) on Thursday, was centred 120km (75 miles) underground, in the Iwate prefecture near Morioka, Japan's Meteorological Agency said.
Today the fast moving Moon trines Pluto 11:31 GMT and is void. She enters Taurus 13:15 GMT and reaches last quarter 18:43 GMT 3 degrees Taurus.
One week now to the Total Solar Eclipse.
Saturday July 26th 2008
Early Friday a Qantas plane made an emergency landing in Manila as a hole caused it to lose cabin pressure. An explosion was heard by passengers as the Moon waned in the sky in explosive Aries.
Leaders from both sides of the divided island of Cyprus have agreed to launch reunification talks in early September.
In the UK the Scottish National Party has pulled off a stunning by-election victory by winning Glasgow East, one of Labour's safest seats, by 365 votes. The SNP overturned a Labour majority of 13,507 to win with a swing of 22.54%. Gordon Brown is suffering Uranus conjunct his natal Mars and Lunar Node in Pisces right now and into the Autumn.
Today Mercury enters Leo 11:49 GMT today. Mercury will be at Superior Conjunction with the Sun at 7 degrees Leo on 29th July. He opposes Neptune on August 6th and trines Pluto on August 9th. He enters Virgo on August 10th applying to conjunctions with Saturn, Venus and Mars over the ensuing weeks. Mercury next turns retrograde on September 24th in Libra.
A tight Earth Grand Trine involving the Moon in Taurus, Jupiter in Capricorn and Mars in Virgo rings out true at 15:22 GMT.
This is a superb day for well thought out and planned practical creative activities and projects which are required to last.
Mars in Virgo trines Jupiter in Capricorn at 22:04 GMT
Sunday July 27th 2008
Yesterday at least four explosions hit the the western Indian city of Ahmedabad, a day after deadly blasts in Bangalore.
President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Iran now possesses 6,000 centrifuges for enriching uranium - nearly twice the number of only a few months ago. He has claimed the West has accepted the increase.
White House hopeful Barack Obama says strong transatlantic ties are needed to deal with a range of world issues.
Today the Moon starts the (GMT) day in Taurus, squares Neptune in Aquarius and is void of course at 04:53 GMT for 10 hours.
The Moon rapidly waning enters Gemini 15:56 GMT.
Monday July 28th 2008
Indian cities are on high alert as police hunt for the bombers who killed at least 45 people in Ahmedabad.
State of the skies:- The Sun reaches 6 degrees Leo today. There are 54 days to the equinox. We are in the depths of an eclipse season with a Total Solar Eclipse occurring on Friday of this week, and a Partial Lunar Eclipse occurring two weeks after that on August 16th.
The Moon is in Gemini today, very rapidly waning towards Total Solar Eclipse on Friday.
Mercury appears as a fast moving 'morning star' in Leo. He reaches Superior Conjunction with the Sun at 7 degrees Leo tomorrow. He opposes Neptune on August 6th and trines Pluto on August 9th. He enters Virgo on August 10th applying to conjunctions with Saturn, Venus and Mars over the ensuing weeks. Mercury next turns retrograde on September 24th in Libra.
Venus now is an 'evening star' in Leo entering Virgo on August 6th. She opposes Neptune on July 31st and is in trine aspect to Pluto on August 5th. This opposition to Neptune is the significant aspect before Friday's eclipse., conjuring up an atmosphere of beguiling glamour and possible craziness on the day before the eclipse (Thursday).
Mars is in Virgo and will reside in Virgo until August 19th 2008. He opposes Uranus (within 1.6 degrees) at 22 Virgo on August 6th and squares Pluto on August 17th. This is fairly rocky ride for Mars. The time will be characterized by an efficient methodology which focuses on detail and quality.
Tuesday July 29th 2008
Pre-eclipse tensions appear to be invoking a number of terrorist incidents and incursions around the world.
Yesterday female suicide bombers killed at least 53 people and wound 240 in attacks on crowds in Baghdad and the northern Iraqi city of Kirkuk.
Turkey's prime minister implied that Kurdish separatists were behind the bombs that killed 17 people in Istanbul on Monday evening.
Reports from Pakistan say a missile strike has killed top al-Qaeda chemical weapons expert, Midhat Mursi al-Sayid Umar.
Pakistani troops crossed the Line of Control in the disputed territory of Kashmir and killed an Indian soldier, India says.
Nasa's Phoenix lander will try a different way to get icy Martian soil into its onboard oven for testing, after problems last week.
Today the Moon reaches balsamic phase 03:07 GMT 21 degrees Gemini. The royal procession to Solar Eclipse on Friday is now in its final phase. The time is prophetic.
This very fast moving Moon opposes Pluto and is void of course at 15:26 GMT.
She enters Cancer 17:12 GMT. A two and a half day period of 'root-memory motivation' begins. Emotional responses are likely. We are under the influence of the past.
Superior conjunction of Mercury at 7 degrees Leo 20:05 GMT. This is symbolically a 'Full Mercury' the universal mind reaches its illumination. From this moment Mercury is astrologically an evening star. Consequentially thinking becomes retrospective and experienced based.
The Moon is perigee (fastest all month and closest to the Earth) at 23:33 GMT.
Wednesday July 30th 2008
My family holiday starts today.
Please note The Daze will be back live on Sunday 10th Aug 2008.
Today the fast moving old Moon, evoking visions of the past, rapidly dissolves in Cancer.
Economy is paramount.
Emotions rule the head today.
We are two days from a Total Solar Eclipse.
Venus is about to oppose Neptune. Uncertainty and a measure of confusion abound.
Thursday July 31st 2008
Strange days, odd feelings, and uncertainty invade our psyches.
Compassionate detachment is the best way to deal with the times.
The very old Moon trines Uranus and is void of course from 05:31 GMT.
Venus in Leo opposes Neptune in Aquarius 16:30 GMT.
This almost burnt out Moon enters Leo 18:22 GMT and her way is then set for tomorrow's eclipse.
August 2008
Friday August 1st 2008
Welcome to The Daze
This is the day of the big astronomical and astrological event of 2008.
Total Solar Eclipse at 10 degrees Leo
visible from Europe NE N. America, Asia
[Total: north Canada, Greenland, Siberia, Mongolia, China].
Central eclipse 10-21 GMT
know by astrologers as
'The Chinese Olympic Games Eclipse'
and the
'The Obama Eclipse'
(Barack Obama's 47th birthday is three days after this eclipse)
The astrology of this eclipse.
Geographical maps of the eclipse.
Solar Saros series 126
Today's eclipse is the 47th eclipse in the family of 72 eclipses know as Saros Series 126.
The series began in 1179 with a small partial eclipse from Antarctica. (Astrological chart above set for London at the moment of central eclipse). The next seven eclipses were also partial as the Moon's umbra passed closer to Earth with each event. The first 28 central eclipses of Saros 126 were all annular (ring eclipses) with the duration of angularity steadily decreasing during each eclipse. Three annular-total "hybrid" eclipses followed in 1828, 1846, and 1864. The series didn't produce its first purely total eclipse until May 17, 1882.
Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, Saros 126 continued to produce total eclipses with increasing durations. Long-time amateur astronomers may remember the last two members. The July 10, 1972, eclipse lasted 2 minutes and was widely visible from Canada. The track of the July 22, 1990, eclipse began in Finland, extended across northern Siberia, and ended in the Pacific Ocean north of the Hawaiian Islands.
Saros 126 is now a series just past the height of its power and approaching its old age, but still very potent (my words). After 2008, it will produce only two more total eclipses in 2026 (Greenland, Portugal, and Spain) and 2044 (Canada and the north-central US). After that, the series will dwindle with a long sequence of 23 partial eclipses. The final eclipse occurs in 2459, 1,280 years after the series began. Nasa Eclipse Site Fred Espenak.
All eclipses 'stir things up'. The characteristic qualities of this Saros Series, as portrayed by the astrological chart of the first eclipse in the series (above), are those of great movement, (for good or ill), and transmission and agitation in world affairs. The chart itself shows that first solar eclipse in Pisces positioned on Mercury Uranus midpoint and the Venus Jupiter midpoint, square a menacing conjunction of Saturn and Pluto in Gemini, a fixed T-square involving a challenging Mars in Scorpio opposing a soothing Venus in Taurus both squared by an egalitarian Jupiter in Aquarius. and a heavy predominance of planets in mutable air and water signs.
This mixture has produced a 'bubbly concoction' of events over the centuries, which have occurred on or around the eclipses in the series. For example the first wholly Total Eclipse in May 1882 coincided with the 'Triple Alliance' being forged between Germany, Austria and Italy. (Neptune in Aquarius was conjunct the MC of those countries at the moment of the first eclipse). The next member of the series a Total Eclipse in May 1900 coincided with the start of the 2nd Boer War. The next in June 1918 occurred as World War one was in its final rage. The 1936 eclipse occurred 2 months before the first live TV coverage of the Olympic Games (in Berlin). A similar theme to today's eclipse! The June 1954 eclipse coincided with the switching on the world's first atomic power station. The July 1972, which was the longest eclipse in the series, seem to precipitate the immediate start of the complete USA withdrawal from Vietnam. The last eclipse in July 1990 occurred shortly before the invasion of Kuwait by Iraq. There is a strong underlying theme of 'communication and broadcasting'. This Saros series doesn't start things as such, instead it appears to accelerate the changes already in motion, and then everyone gets to know about it.
It is also noteworthy that at the moment of the start of this Saros, the Sun and Moon were on the local MC of Afghanistan and Pakistan, and that Jupiter in Aquarius, (square Venus and Mars), was on the local MC of Zimbabwe.
Astrocartography of today's eclipse.
The path of today's eclipse passes through Mongolia, the scene of recent political unrest, and ends in China, the focus of many a news story recently including the Olympic games, and the devastating earthquake earlier in the year.
At the moment of central eclipse today, the Sun and Moon are on the local MC of Bucharest, they both rise at Pittsburgh USA and at Caracas. They both set at Manila.
Neptune rises at Tokyo, Jupiter rises at Rangoon. Pluto rises Hyderabad, Mercury culminates at Alexandria.
Astrological contacts with today's eclipse.
Today's eclipse directly hits the natal Suns of musician Steve Hillage, broadcaster Terry Wogan and presidential hopeful Barack Obama, it hits close to the natal Moon of Gordon brown, the natal Mercury of Mick Jagger, and the Mercury Pluto conjunction of GW Bush, the natal Venus of astrologer Martin Davis, the natal Mars of cricketer Andrew Flintoff (ready to save the day for England?), and Bruce Springsteen, the natal Saturn of Carlos Santana and the natal Pluto of a whole generation of formative mid 1940s born rock musicians including Jimmy Page, Keith Richards, Steve Howe, Nick Mason, Jon Anderson, David Gilmour and actor Michael Douglas.
Once the eclipse is over there is a lunar occultation of Mercury at 13 degrees Leo at 16:38 GMT observable from the Antarctic. This is the 3rd of 5 lunar occultations of Mercury this year, Jan 9th, March 5th, Aug. 1st, Sept 30th and Dec. 29th.
The day and the times remains astrologically tense. The forces of karma are very strong.
Saturday August 2nd 2008
The tender infant 'new born' Moon, the Earth and Neptune align within 5 minutes of arc 09:18 GMT. Such 'tight' alignment are not uncommon on days close to eclipses.
The Moon aligns within 2 degrees of Venus at 26 degrees Leo at 13:19 GMT.
The Moon trines Pluto 18:59 GMT and becomes void of course. She enters Virgo 20:59 GMT.
Sunday August 3rd 2008
A day of practical resource. Painstaking deliberations, and possibly picking up the pieces are to the fore.
The Moon is conjunct Saturn at 8 degrees Virgo within 3.5 degrees at 10:58 GMT.
The next wave namely that of Mars and Uranus in opposition are 2 degrees of the zodiac and three days from exactitude.
Monday August 4th 2008
State of the skies:-The Sun today is at 12 degrees Leo. Mercury and Venus are also in Leo. There are 48 days to the Autumn Equinox in the northern hemisphere. We are in an 'eclipse fortnight' trapped in time between last Friday's Total Solar Eclipse and a Partial Lunar Eclipse on August 16th.
The fast moving but decelerating Moon is under pressure today being conjunct Mars at 21 degrees Virgo at 09:14 GMT and opposing Uranus at 12:03 GMT. She reaches crescent phase 22:37 GMT 28 degrees Virgo.
Mercury is now appearing as a very fast moving 'evening star' in Leo. He opposes Neptune on August 6th and trines Pluto on August 9th. He enters Virgo on August 10th applying to conjunctions with Saturn, Venus and Mars over the ensuing weeks. Mercury next turns retrograde on September 24th in Libra.
Venus now is an 'evening star' in late Leo. She is in trine aspect to Pluto tomorrow, entering Virgo in two days time. Venus is 11 degrees from Saturn 'meeting him' on August 13th.
Mars is in Virgo. He opposes Uranus (within 1.6 degrees) at 22 Virgo on Wednesday and squares Pluto on August 17th. These are very troublesome aspects, the opposition dominating the remainder of this week. Mars enters Libra on August 19th 2008.
Wednesday afternoon (GMT) has the awkward edge of the week.
Tuesday August 5th 2008
The Moon in Virgo squares Pluto and is void from 00:16 GMT.
She enters Libra 02:28 GMT.
A smoother day is in store but Mars is menacingly close to his opposition to Uranus so more than diplomacy is required today to offset the violent potential of the opposition.
Venus in late Leo trines Pluto in Sagittarius 04:51 GMT
Wednesday August 6th 2008
A difficult day.
Venus enters Virgo 04:20 GMT, joining Mars and Saturn in that sign. Venus is conjunct Saturn at 9 degrees Virgo on Aug 13th. She is in trine aspect to Jupiter on Aug 16th. Mercury overtakes Venus on Aug 21st. Venus opposes Uranus on Aug 23rd and squares Pluto on Aug 29th before leaving Virgo and entering Libra on Aug 30th. Venus is conjunct Mars at 15 degrees Libra on September 11th and she overtakes a slow moving Mercury on September 14th.
Mars in Virgo opposes Uranus in Pisces 18:39 GMT.
Mercury in Leo opposes Neptune in Aquarius 18:41 GMT
The Moon in Libra then makes easy aspects, hopefully soothing the traumas of the day.
Thursday August 7th 2008
Fifteen degrees separate Mercury, Venus and Saturn. The grouping of these three planets in Virgo are the dominant astrological theme in the build up to the Partial Lunar Eclipse a week on Saturday. The meaning of the conjunctions is one of serious selections and efficient pruning. Mid course corrections will be required over the next couple of weeks.
At 04:16 GMT today we are midway between the Summer Solstice and the Autumn Equinox (in the northern hemisphere).
The Moon in Libra is sextile Pluto at 09:02 and is void of course.
She enters Scorpio 11:27 GMT and moves to her first quarter phase.
The Sun and the Moon are then in fixed signs together with Mercury and Neptune.
The day turns rather intense and willful.
Friday August 8th 2008
The Beijing 2008 Olympic Games start today and last up to August 24th.
The Moon reaches fixed first quarter phase at 17 degrees Scorpio 20:21 GMT and is one week from a pretty big Partial Lunar Eclipse.
A tense and an intense start to the games is forecast.
There is a severe ruthlessness in the astrological ether right now.
Saturday August 9th 2008
Venus in Virgo is now five degrees of zodiac longitude from Saturn.
Mercury in Leo trines Pluto in Sagittarius 18:16 GMT
The Moon in Scorpio squares Mercury and is void at 21:03 GMT
The Moon enters Sagittarius and has a bad time there over the next couple of days.
Sunday August 10th 2008
Back live.
The principal event on the world stage since the Total Solar Eclipse on August 1st has been Russian military activity in Georgia.
Russian jets have carried out strikes on military targets in the central Georgian town of Gori, close to the breakaway region of South Ossetia.
Most of the targets seem to have been military bases, but Georgian officials said a number of civilians had been killed in residential buildings.
Russia said it had "liberated" the South Ossetian capital, Tskhinvali.
In a live televised address, Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili said he would ask parliament to approve the introduction of martial law.
After days of exchanging heavy fire with the Russian-backed separatists, Georgian forces launched a surprise attack on Thursday night to regain control of the region, which has had de facto independence since a war in 1992.
In response, Moscow sent armoured units across the border. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said about 1,500 people had been killed so far, including 15 of his country's soldiers.
President Saakashvili said 30 Georgians had been killed in two days and that Russia was at war with his country.
SOUTH OSSETIA TIMELINE
1991-92 S Ossetia fights war to break away from newly independent Georgia; Russia enforces truce
2004 Mikhail Saakashvili elected Georgian president, promising to recover lost territories
2006 S Ossetians vote for independence in unofficial referendum
April 2008 Russia steps up ties with Abkhazia and South Ossetia
July 2008 Russia admits flying jets over S Ossetia; Russia and Georgia accuse each other of military build-up
7 August 2008 After escalating Georgian-Ossetian clashes, sides agree to ceasefire
8 August 2008 Heavy fighting erupts overnight, Georgian forces close in on Tskhinvali.
Georgia was proclaimed independent on 26th May 1918. Georgia then formally surrendered this independence by being part of the USSR in late 1922.
Georgia regained independence on April 9th 1991.
The Total Solar Eclipse on August 1st 2008 was within a degree of the natal Saturn of the 1918 independence chart.
Other news.
South Africa's leader is due to arrive in Harare to broker talks on a power-sharing solution for Zimbabwe's political crisis.
From today August 10th right up to August 18th, 2008 all planets are visible in the evening sky just after sunset. The diagram shows Mercury, Saturn and Venus low in the western sky, with Mars just above and to the right. Jupiter is high in the northeast at this time. Such an event is fairly rare, happening every decade or so.
August also features a series of conjunctions (close meetings) between Mercury, Venus and Saturn, in particular Venus/ Saturn on the 14th, Mercury/ Saturn on the 16th and Mercury/Venus on the 22nd.
http://www.astrovisuals.com.au/Events.html
Today Mercury enters Virgo 10:51 GMT joining Venus, Saturn and Mars in that sign.
There are currently less than 9 degrees of celestial longitude separating Mercury, Venus and Saturn.
A lunar occultation of Antares occurs today at 19:17 GMT visible from central South America. Lunar occultations of Antares occur every month from Dec. 2004 to Feb. 2010. There are none then till July 2023
Moon apogee (slowest all month) 20:25 GMT.
Monday August 11th 2008
After two days of Russian air raids causing panic among the population in Gori, suddenly on Sunday the atmosphere appeared a little more relaxed. Georgia says it has ordered its forces to cease fire in South Ossetia and calls for talks with Russia - but Moscow says clashes are continuing.
South Africa's President Mbeki leads power-sharing talks between Zimbabwe's political rivals in Harare.
More than 100 militants have been killed in four days of heavy fighting in a tribal area near Pakistan's border with Afghanistan,
Seven militants and a security guard have been killed after a series of bombings in China's north-western region of Xinjiang, state media says. The pre-dawn violence in southern Kuqa county targeted a police station and other government buildings. The explosions were followed by gunfire in the area, which is 3,000km (1,860 miles) from Beijing, witnesses said. Earlier last week, China said 16 policemen were killed in an attack by Islamist separatists in Xinjiang.
"Prepare to be amazed," says planetary scientist Carolyn Porco. On Monday, Aug. 11th, Cassini will fly over the 'tiger stripes' of Saturn's moon Enceladus and take high resolution images of vents spewing water and organic molecules into space. Porco speculates that Cassini might see "banks of snow where icy particles in the jets fall back to the ground"--or something else "geologically unusual." .
State of the skies:- The Sun today is at 19 degrees Leo. There are 41 days to the Autumn Equinox in northern hemisphere. We are locked in an eclipse fortnight between eclipses of the Sun and Moon.
Four planets reside in Virgo, Mercury, Venus, Saturn and Mars. Venus will be conjunct Saturn at 13 degrees Virgo on Wednesday. Only 6 degrees separate Mercury, Venus and Saturn.
The Moon is very slowly waxing in Sagittarius and is six days from a Partial Lunar Eclipse in Aquarius. At 23:04 GMT the Moon forms a mutable T-square with Mars and Uranus.
Venus is an evening star in Virgo. Venus is conjunct Saturn at 9 degrees Virgo on Aug 13th. She is in trine aspect to Jupiter on Aug 16th. Mercury overtakes Venus on Aug 21st. Venus opposes Uranus on Aug 23rd and squares Pluto on Aug 29th before leaving Virgo and entering Libra on Aug 30th. Venus is conjunct Mars at 15 degrees Libra on September 11th and she overtakes a slow moving Mercury on September 14th.
Mars is in Virgo. He squares Pluto on August 17th. Mars enters Libra on August 19th 2008.
This week sees not just a pretty big Partial Lunar Eclipse but also the close triple conjunction of Mercury, Venus and Saturn.
The time is critical and important. The tides of fate and destiny run high at the current time.
Tuesday August 12th 2008
In this all important 'Eclipse Fortnight' four planets (Mercury, Venus Mars and Saturn) are now in Virgo. Three of them Mercury, Venus and Saturn are today within 5 degrees. This triple conjunction continues to tighten as the Partial Lunar eclipse approaches.
In the future astrological historians will most probably relate the current crisis in Georgia to the Solar Eclipse on August 1st 2008 which fell on the country's natal Saturn in her 1918 National Independence Chart.
Yesterday Russian soldiers moved into the west Georgian town of Senaki, as frantic diplomacy to end the conflict continued. The Georgian president was told to run for cover as he visited a bomb site.
President George W Bush said he had expressed his grave concern to Moscow at the military's "disproportionate" response. In the UK Gordon Brown says there is "no justification" for Russia's actions in Georgia which he says threaten the entire region.
Power-sharing talks between Zimbabwe's governing Zanu-PF party and opposition officials resumed in Harare.
King Abdullah of Jordan became the first Arab head of state to visit Iraq since the 2003 overthrow of Saddam Hussein.
Nearly 130,000 people have fled their homes following renewed fighting in the southern Philippines between the army and Muslim rebels,
Scientists in the US say they have developed materials that can bend light around 3D objects making them "disappear".
US singer-songwriter Isaac Hayes, who won an Academy Award for the Theme From Shaft, was found dead at his home on Sunday. Curiously this great (Leo Sun sign) soul musician was born during an eclipse fortnight and died during an eclipse fortnight. (Issac Hayes born on August 20th 1942, 8 days after a Solar Eclipse and 6 days before a total Lunar Eclipse, died August 10th 2008, 9 days after a Solar Eclipse and 6 days before a Lunar Eclipse.
The 2008 Perseid meteor shower peaks on August 12th and it should be a good show. During the morning hours of the 12th, the Perseid meteors put on a display. It's one of the better meteor showers: up to 60 meteors an hour can be seen streaming from a point in the northeast just below the W of CassiopeiaThe time to look is during the dark hours before dawn on Tuesday, August 12th," says Bill Cooke of NASA's Meteoroid Environment Office at the Marshall Space Flight Center. "There should be plenty of meteors--perhaps one or two every minute."
Today the Moon is conjunct Pluto 09:05 GMT and is void of course.
She enters Capricorn 11:43 GMT and then makes nice aspects for a couple of days.
The slow moving Moon reaches her gibbous phase 22:53 GMT 6 degrees Capricorn. The final procession to the Partial Lunar Eclipse on Saturday then begins in all seriousness.
Wednesday August 13th 2008
Georgia and Russia have agreed an outline plan to end hostilities, following shuttle diplomacy by French President Nicolas Sarkozy.
South Africa's leader has denied a Zimbabwean deal has been signed with the breakaway opposition.
An explosion close to a bus in the northern Lebanese city of Tripoli has killed at least 10 people including off-duty soldiers.
High-resolution images of tiger stripes on Enceladus have just arrived from Saturn. The photos, taken by NASA's Cassini probe, reveal a sharply grooved landscape littered with blocks of ice. Researchers are working now to match up features in the photos with geysers of icy water seen in earlier flybys. www.spaceweather.com
This is a significant and serious day.
The Moon slowly accelerating to Partial Lunar Eclipse on Saturday is conjunct Jupiter at 14 degrees Capricorn at 14:44 GMT.
Venus is conjunct Saturn within a quarter of a degree at 17:03 at 9 degrees Virgo.
Lunar tensions are on the increase.
Thursday August 14th 2008
The crisis in Georgia continues to dominate the current eclipse fortnight. With 75 hours to go to Saturday's Partial Lunar Eclipse, President George W. Bush said yesterday that the United States has received reports of Russian actions that are "inconsistent" with Moscow's statement that it had halted military operations in Georgia. He also said military aircraft and naval forces will send humanitarian aid to Georgia, following its conflict with Russia.
Also yesterday Lebanon's president arrived in Damascus for talks with Syria's leader, the first such trip after three years of turbulence.
Today the gibbous pre-eclipse Moon in Capricorn trines Mars in Virgo and is void at 17:10 GMT.
The Moon enters Aquarius 22:57 GMT
Three degrees only now separate Mercury Venus and Saturn in Virgo.
Friday August 15th 2008
The Sun in Leo is opposite Neptune in Aquarius 19:43 GMT.
Mercury aligns to Saturn within two thirds of a degree at 10 degrees Virgo at 20:00 GMT. It is at this moment that the triple conjunction of Mercury, Venus and Saturn is at its tightest.
Saturday August 16th 2008
The view from the North.
The view from the South.
Before today's lunar eclipse, the Moon aligns to Neptune (within 0.75 of a degree) 18:24 GMT at 23 degrees Aquarius.
The current eclipse season concludes with today's Partial Lunar Eclipse.
Partial lunar eclipse 25 degrees Aquarius
central eclipse 22-10 GMT.
http://www.uranias9thhouse.com/blog/blogpics/sun_and_moon.jpg
This eclipse chart has a predominance of Mutability and Earth. The eclipsed Moon in Aquarius separates from Neptune. A close triple conjunction of Saturn, Mercury and Venus in Virgo all in earthy trine aspect to Jupiter dominate the chart. Mars is applying in tight waning mutable square aspect to Pluto.
The time as portrayed by this chart is one forcing us to careful, methodical and deliberate life choices. A general pruning and cutting back in all areas of life is made essential. The 'sting' of this eclipse (which has to be taken) is one of the elimination of the unwanted and the wasteful areas in personal social civil and global situations. Bare necessitates need to be identified their security prioritized. In relationships this is a time of 'making your mind up'. This eclipsed is characterized by a lack of emotion and an easy use of logic and common sense. The head rules the heart right now.
Despite all this 'down to earth' energy, this is the Lammas Full Moon a time of celebration and joyfulness and colour, although a partial eclipse this one almost goes total.
This is the last eclipse this year.
Timings of the eclipse
Penumbral eclipse starts 18:23:07 UT
Umbral eclipse starts 19:35:45 UT
Maximum eclipse 21:10:08.5 UT
Umbral eclipse ends 22:44:38 UT
Penumbral eclipse ends 23:57:06
This eclipse directly hits the natal Mercury of Dick Cheney and of Nicolas Sarkozy, the natal Saturn of actor Johnny Depp and the Sun Venus conjunction of the UK Labour Party. It lies close to the natal Moon of the USA National (Sibley) chart.
Lunar Saros Series 138
Today's Lunar eclipse is a family member of Saros series 138. This series started with a penumbral lunar eclipse at the north pole on October 5th 1503 with a central eclipse time of 15:14:38 UT. The chart for this moment, set for London, is shown above. This chart can be considered to reveal the tenor of the whole series of eclipses.
This Saros Series started with the eclipsed moon in Aries square Neptune. Mars, Jupiter and Saturn are conjunct in Cancer. The Sun, Mercury and the Moon form a 'grand cardinal square' with this conjunction and Neptune. Venus squares Uranus. Saros 138 is an 'astrological powerhouse' of challenging and generating energy. Its family member eclipses really do get things going. These are not easy eclipses.
The Saros series 138 'went partial' in 1900 and after today's partial eclipse there is only one more partial eclipse as the series turns Total in 2044. The series peaks with the longest Total Lunar Eclipse in the year 2369 and the series ends in 2982.
The view from Australia.
. http://www.astrovisuals.com.au/Events.html
Sunday August 17th 2008
On this day after the eclipse, Venus trines Jupiter 00:16 GMT
The 'severely hung over' Moon in Aquarius sextiles Pluto and is void from 05:15 GMT
Mars squares Pluto 06:11 GMT
The Moon enters Pisces 07:47 GMT
In the wake of yesterday's powerful eclipse the day continues in a mixture of submission and solemnity. The 'astrological ether' is heavy with karma and deliverance. Bat carefully.
Monday August 18th 2008
Yesterday in the wake of the Partial Lunar Eclipse on Saturday Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said his forces will begin withdrawing from Georgia on today.
Zimbabwe's ruling party and opposition were unable to reach a power-sharing agreement at a regional summit in South Africa.
Iran said it has successfully launched a rocket capable of carrying its first domestically built satellite. Officials said only the rocket had been fired, correcting state media reports that the communications satellite itself had been sent into orbit. Tehran has pursued a space programme for years, despite international concern over its nuclear plans.
Apologies for including the wrong chart for last saturday's partial lunar eclipse. The correct one is in place now.
State of the skies:- The Sun today reaches 26 degrees Leo. He enters Virgo on Friday evening (GMT). There are 34 days remaining to the Autumn Equinox.
The Moon in Pisces 'swollen sensitive and sorrowful' from her eclipse on Saturday opposes Saturn (0.25 degree orb), Mercury (1.5 degree orb), and Venus (1 degree orb) at 01:47 GMT, 09:01 GMT and 11:27 GMT respectively. The Moon is conjunct Uranus 23:14 GMT at 22 degrees Pisces.
Mercury now an evening star in Virgo trines Jupiter 01:23 GMT. Mercury and Venus align within a degree on the far side of the Sun on Thursday.
Venus is also an evening star in Virgo.
Mars has one more day in Virgo and then moves on to Libra tomorrow.
We can shortly start to pull out of the current eclipse season, let the dust settle and begin to face the consequences and the choices and actions we have to take.
The all important planetary aspect of the week is the close alignment of Venus and Mercury (opposite Uranus) on Thursday. That day also sees a fiery grand trine.
Earmark Thursday as the special day this week!
Tuesday August 19th 2008
Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf yesterday resigned after nine years in power, amid impeachment charges based on claims he violated the constitution. He was born Aug 11th 1943. The Total Solar Eclipse on August 11th 1999 was on his 56th birthday. He came to power two months later. The Total Solar Eclipse on August 1st this year hit his natal Jupiter Pluto conjunction.
There is disagreement between Russia and Georgia over whether Moscow has begun withdrawing troops from Georgia, as promised.
Mars today enters Libra 10:03 GMT. Both Venus and Mercury will join him in this sign from next week. Mars will spend just 45 days in this sign. During this time he squares Jupiter on 7th September, he is overtaken by Mercury on 8th Sept and by Venus 4 days later on the 12th. Mars then trines Neptune on 21st and then again meets Mercury retrograding on Sept 23rd. Mars is sextile Pluto on October 1st and plunges into Scorpio on October 3rd. The next 45 days are punctuated by all manner of relationship issues on all levels.
The Moon in Pisces squares Pluto and is void at 11:41 GMT
A dissociate T-square involving the Moon, Mars and Pluto occurs in the hours around 13:00.
The Moon enters Aries 14:11 GMT and opposes Mars 14:23 GMT
Wednesday August 20th 2008
Yesterday Russia accused Nato of bias after the alliance warned Moscow that normal relations are impossible while its troops remain in Georgia.
Ten French soldiers died in fighting east of Kabul in one of the heaviest losses suffered by peacekeepers in Afghanistan.
A bomb attack on a police college east of Algiers killed 43 people and injured 38, according to Algeria's interior ministry.
Christine Ohuruogu's 400m win takes Britain's golds to 16, their best performance for a century at the Olympic Games.
This week, Venus and Mercury are putting on a show in the sunset sky. Look low and due west as soon as the sun goes down. Venus pops out of the twilight first followed by Mercury only a degree below Venus. They're a pretty pair. www.spaceweather.com
Venus and Mercury are closest (at appulse) today. They're 1° apart, as shown above.
Their ecliptic conjunction is tomorrow at 15:45 GMT.
Today the Moon reaches disseminating phase 12:53 GMT 13 degrees Aries.
The Sun is about to make a waning fiery trine aspect to Pluto.
Thursday August 21st 2008
More than 140 people are feared dead after a passenger plane swerved off the runway at Madrid's Barajas airport.
A spokesman for the Spanish emergency services, Herbigio Corral, said only 28 people survived the crash.
The Spanair flight had just taken off for the Canary Islands, at about 1430 local time (1230 GMT) Wednesday August 20th 2008. It is thought that the left engine caught fire.
At this moment globally the Moon some 87 hours after a Partial Lunar Eclipse and 23 minutes (in time) from her disseminating phase was applying (half a degree) from a square aspect to Jupiter. The close Mercury Venus conjunction (usually a 'merry' combination) was unfortunately on the Moon Neptune midpoint and applying in opposition to Uranus. Mars was (and has been) in square aspect to Pluto. Locally the midpoint of the Venus Mercury conjunction and the Local Mid heaven was on Saturn. Mars was exactly semi-sextile the local Mid heaven and Pluto was almost due east. Scorpio was rising and the local Ascendant was square the Lunar Nodes.
It seems that this tragic crash and awful loss of life is astrologically connected to the recent lunar eclipse and the conjunction of Mercury and Venus. At the moment of maximum eclipse last Saturday at Madrid the Sun and Moon were locked into the local Mid heaven by a tight semi-square aspect.
More trouble brewing yesterday with the US and Poland signing a deal to locate part of a controversial US missile defense shield on Polish territory, angering Russia.
Today is the last day of the astrological month of Leo.
The Sun trines Pluto 06:48 GMT
Mercury aligns to Venus within a degree at 19 degrees Virgo 15:45 GMT.
The Sun, the Moon and Pluto form a fire grand trine centered in time on 16:00 GMT
The Moon trines the Sun at 16:54 GMT and is void.
She enters Taurus 18:38 GMT
Friday August 22nd 2008
The Sun enters Virgo 18:03 GMT and a new astrological month begins.
www.novareinna.com/constellation/virgo13.jpg
The month begins however with the current conjunction of Mercury and Venus opposing Uranus tomorrow colouring the weekend with a few shocks and upsets.
The Moon in Taurus trines Jupiter and Saturn.
Saturday August 23rd 2008
Mercury opposes Uranus (1 degree orb) 06:13 GMT
Moon squares Neptune 09:20 and becomes void of course.
Venus opposes Uranus 15:49 GMT
The Moon enters Gemini 21:49 GMT
Moon last quarter 23:51 GMT 1 degree Gemini
Sunday August 24th 2008
China prepares to bring the curtain down on the 2008 Olympics after the last action of the Games finishes.
A US warship arrives in the Georgian port of Batumi carrying the first shipment of aid since the conflict began.
US Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama has introduced veteran Senator Joe Biden as his running mate at a rally in Springfield, Illinois.
Joe Biden From: Marjorie Orr. (23 Aug 2008 20:40):
Barack Obama''s choice of Joe Biden as VP running mate could throw up the odd problem in terms of inter personal relationships. Biden is a quadruple Scorpio (shades of Hillary!) with a powerful Mars in Sc square Pluto and Mercury, Sun, Venus conjunct in Scorpio so he''s ultra determined, very charming when it suits him but not one to forgive slights in a hurry. He''s also lucky with Jupiter in Cancer trine his Sun, Venus and Mercury. His Pluto not only squares Mars, it probably also squares his Taurus Moon making him very controlling indeed, difficult to budge. Pluto also sits on the point of a mini grand trine to Uranus Saturn in Gemini trine Neptune. He is innovative (Sat Ur) but can be autocratic.
Biden''s highly emphasised Pluto is conjunct Obama''s Sun which usually indicates a rather domineering relationship where Biden will want the upper hand - in however subtle and Scorpionic a way. His Mars in Scorpio also squares Obama''s Sun which could be argumentative. Though what is more difficult is Biden''s Mars conjunct Obama''s emphasised Neptune so he''ll find Obama evasive, tricky to pin down and will be exasperated by his impracticality. In the composite this is even more clearly marked with a Mars Neptune conjunction which suggests a subtly undermining interplay. When one wins the other feels he loses and vice versa - so it''s not mutually supportive.
It''s not that the (potential) President and Vice P have to get on since Bill Clinton''s composite with Al Gore indicated major differences of approach and opinion (Sun Uranus conj square Mars opp Moon).
Biden does have a somewhat similar lucky transit to his Mars/Jupiter midpoint over the election as does Obama though he also has the usual set of exhausted, panicky influences which suggest either losing or just worn out at the end of months of campaigning. If his birth time of around 8.32am is accurate then he does have transitting Saturn about to cross into his 10th from December 08 for six years which is usually a successful, responsible time and Uranus moves into his 4th at the same time perhaps hinting at a house move. Plus Pluto trines his Sun/Uranus in December which is usually about major changes in lifestyle. 2009 looks a lucky year for him financially with Uranus trine his Jupiter though also a real slog for 09/10 with Pluto trine Sun/Saturn.
If they do make it together into the White House it''ll be interesting to see how it plays out. Biden isn''t quite Cheney but he''s not going to sit on the sidelines. His astrocartography on this birth time suggest his two major problem zones will be Russia and Iran (Mars Desc line).
Today the Moon wanes in Gemini.
Monday August 25th 2008
State of the skies:- The Sun today reaches 3 degrees Virgo. There are then 27 days remaining to the Autumn Equinox. We are now pulling out of the recent eclipse season. The next New Moon is on Saturday and is a sober and constructive affair in Virgo conjunct Saturn and trine Jupiter.
The very fast moving and accelerating Moon in Gemini opposes Pluto and is void at 21:52 GMT. Around 19:00 GMT today the Moon, Pluto and the current Venus Mercury conjunction form a mutable T-square.
Mercury and Venus are 'evening stars' in Virgo. Just over a degree separate them. Both planets square Pluto in late Sagittarius) this week, and then tumble into Libra, Mercury on Friday and Venus on Saturday, joining Mars in this sign.
Mars in Libra squares Jupiter on 7th September, he is overtaken by Mercury on 8th Sept and by Venus 3 days later on the 11th. Mars then trines Neptune on 21st and then again meets Mercury retrograding on Sept 23rd. Mars is sextile Pluto on October 1st and plunges into Scorpio on October 3rd.
The near future has a focus on all manner of relationship issues. The next five days are troublesome with both Mercury and Venus squaring Pluto and unearthing poignant and uncomfortable understandings.
Also at this time we are beginning to 'come under the influence' of the forthcoming opposition of Uranus and Pluto which will dominate the skies in 2009 and set the scene for very difficult long lasting planetary picture involving Pluto over the next couple of years and into 2011. The first 'hit' of this opposition occurs on the US election day Nov 4th 2008, the second hit:- February 5th 2009, the 3rd on Sept. 15th 2009, the next on April 26th 2010, and the final hit July 26th 2010).
The opposition of Saturn and Uranus will be the climax of the planetary cycle which began with their conjunction in 1988. The last opposition occurred in 1965 to the start of 1967 also across Pisces Virgo. That cycle started in 1942. The opposition before that occurred 1918 to 1920 across Leo Aquarius. (The last time Saturn in Virgo opposed Uranus in Pisces was in the years 1419 and 1420).
We (the astrological community) expect this opposition and the involvement of Pluto squaring both planets to invoke serious global issues, over the next three years. It seems to be starting now with Nato and the Russian Bear at loggerheads. It is this time in 2 years time the month of August 2010 which sees the most powerful manifestation of the tight Grand Cardinal Cross of Saturn, Venus and Mars in Libra opposite Uranus and Jupiter in Aries square Pluto in Capricorn and the Moon in Cancer.
Tuesday August 26th 2008
Yesterday former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said his party is pulling out of the country's multi-party governing coalition.
Today the rapidly moving Moon enters Cancer 00:19 GMT
Moon perigee (fastest all month) 03:57 GMT.
This day with the Sun in Virgo and the Moon in Cancer is geared to moderation and economy.
Wednesday August 27th 2008
Russia now recognises the independence of Georgia's two breakaway regions, prompting international condemnation.
Floodwaters raged through more than 1,000 villages unaccustomed to high water after a river in northeast India burst its banks, UNICEF India and government officials said Tuesday.
Opposition members booed and heckled Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe as he spoke at the opening of the country's parliament Tuesday, making clear they do not recognize his legitimacy
Today the Moon reaches balsamic phase 09:03 GMT 19 degrees Cancer. A similar astrological vibration to yesterday is expected with the difference being a looming Mercury Pluto square (which peaks early tomorrow GMT) and a Venus Pluto square (peaking on Friday) infusing spirits with a fanatical edge.
Thursday August 28th 2008
Yesterday a U.S. Coast Guard ship carrying humanitarian aid docked in the Georgian Black Sea port of Batumi, as Georgia's Western allies renewed their criticism of Russia amid escalating tensions The UK foreign secretary calls for "hard-headed engagement" with Russia in response to its actions in Georgia.
Hundreds of Indian army troops were using helicopters and boats Wednesday to deliver supplies and rescue villagers stranded by the worst flooding in decades, after the Kosi River breached an embankment in Nepal to the north.
Today the Moon in Cancer sextiles Mercury in Virgo at 00:14 GMT and is void of course.
Mercury squares Pluto 01:35 GMT
The Moon enters Leo 02:51 GMT.
With Mercury and now Venus squaring Pluto we can expect some travesty today.
After the rather emotionally tense last two days we now have on our hands a more direct and particularly willful (and playful) couple of days. The Venus Pluto square tomorrow is potentially sinful.
Friday August 29th 2008
The rhetoric continues. Yesterday Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin accused the United States of provoking the conflict in Georgia.
Barack Obama formally accepts his historic nomination for the White House in a speech at the Democrats' convention.
Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh says floods in the northern state of Bihar are a "national calamity". He has visited areas where 55 people have died and some two million are displaced after the Kosi river breached its banks, changing course. The prime minister has announced an aid package worth $230m. But aid agencies say many of the victims are being moved to temporary shelters which lack basic amenities and are at risk from disease.
US Republican presidential hopeful John McCain's 72nd birthday is today.
We will be taking a closer look at this horoscope and that of Barack Obama over the coming weeks.
Today Mercury enters Libra 02:50 GMT and will remain there till November 4th 2008 the day of the US election.
Mercury has a long residence in this sign due to the fact that his motion is retrograde from September Sept 24th to Oct 15th.
Mercury squares Jupiter and overtakes Mars at 13 degrees Libra on Sept. 8th. On September 12th Mercury Venus and Mars are tightly packed in Libra. Venus overtakes Mercury at 19 degrees Libra on Sept 14th. Mercury makes a trine aspect to Neptune on Sept 19th and is overtaken by Mars at 23 degrees Libra on Sept 23rd. The following day, (injured by the encounter) Mercury turns retrograde. He trines Neptune a second time on Sept 28th, and is at Inferior Conjunction with the Sun on October 6th, squaring Jupiter for the 2nd time on that day. Mercury turns direct at 8 degrees Libra on October 15th, squares Jupiter a third time on October 26th, trining Neptune a third time on October 30th before sextiling Pluto and entering Scorpio on US election day November 4th. Mercury finally meets up and overtakes Mars at 9 degrees Sagittarius on Nov 28th.
The whole period from today right up to November 4th is a period hallmarked by the need for adjustment. This is a time of wavering, indecision and faintheartedness. By early November important decisions will have to have been made.
Venus squares Pluto 09:49 GMT
The old Moon opposes Neptune exactly 17:14 GMT
Saturday August 30th 2008
At least 20 people fleeing flooding in Bihar, India, have been killed when their boat capsized, raising the death toll to more than 70.
Tropical storm Gustav reaches hurricane strength again and bears down on the Cayman Islands and western Cuba.
Allies and rivals have reacted to the choice of Sarah Palin as Republican vice-presidential nominee, calling her a "new voice" in the election campaign. Sarah is an Aquarius sun sign born Feb 11th 1964
Today is the day of the New Moon .
The decelerating ancient Moon in Leo trines Pluto at 03:44 GMT and becomes void.
The Moon enters Virgo 06:19 GMT.
Venus enters Libra 14:42 GMT. Venus spends just 25 days in this sign. She joins closely up with Mercury and Mars by September 12th aligning to Mars within 18 minutes of arc at 15 degrees Libra on that day and being conjunct an ailing apparently decelerating Mercury on September 14th at 19 degrees Libra. Venus enters Scorpio on September 23rd, the day after the Autumn Equinox.
The month ahead with Venus quite comfortable in Libra is characterized by the airs graces and dalliances usually associated with this combination. There is an elegant and smooth veneer to events.
New Moon 8 degrees Virgo 19:59 GMT
This New Moon is the first following the Total Solar Eclipse on August 1st 2008.
The New Moon in Virgo is applying to a conjunction with Saturn and is trine Jupiter. Mercury, Venus and Mars are in Libra. Venus and Mercury squares Pluto.
This New Moon falls close to the natal Mars of G.W.Bush, the natal Saturn of Prince Charles of the UK, the natal Mercury of Steve Hillage, Robert Plant and Terry Wogan, the natal Moon Mercury conjunction of Madonna, the natal Moon of Robert Mugabe, the natal Lunar Node of Paul McCartney, and the natal Pluto of Johnny Depp, M.C.Hammer, Barack Obama and Tom Cruise.
At the moment of New Moon the Moon is rising at Brisbane and over north Japan. At Bombay Pluto sets and Uranus culminates. Neptune applies to the local MC of Baghdad and Tbillisi.
This New moon is a sober and constructive affair. There is a preponderance of planets in mutable, cardinal, earth and air signs giving rise to adaptability and practicality. This is an unemotional, pedantic New Moon geared to empirical and measured response. There is opportunity to redress balance and make good what was thought to be spoilt.
Sunday August 31st 2008
The decelerating waning Moon is conjunct Saturn 02:21 GMT at 11 degrees Virgo.
September 2008
The view from Australia
September 2008 planetary conjunctions September features a series of conjunctions (close meetings) between Mercury, Venus and Mars.
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Mercury passes Venus on the 15th
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Mercury passes Mars on the 8th and again on the 23rd.
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Venus passes Mars on the 12th, being on a third of a degree away (less than the apparent diameter of the Moon).
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The diagram shows the three by the crescent moon on September 2nd.
Monday September 1st 2008
Thousands of people yesterday left New Orleans after the mayor ordered an evacuation as Hurricane Gustav headed towards the US coast.
Thailand's Parliament convened an emergency session Sunday at the request of the country's prime minister, who acknowledged that his administration cannot control spiraling anti-government protests
In England a strange murder mystery news story becoming more complex by the day has been dominating local news in the UK. One of two bodies found over the weekend at the burnt-out house of a millionaire is that of his wife who had been shot in the head, say police. The massive fire at the Shropshire mansion was started around 04:00 GMT (BBC News) on Tuesday 26th August 2008. The astrological chart for the start of the fire shows the lunar south node in Leo rising with a fast moving waning Moon in Cancer squaring Mars. Neptune was setting The uncompromising nature of the event shown by the Leo ascendant may well have its roots in the distant past (Moon in Cancer). We may return to this story.
State of the skies:- The Sun today is at 9 degrees Virgo, there are 21 days to the Autumn Equinox (in the northern hemisphere). The Sun is three days from his annual conjunction with Saturn. We are now nearly out of the recent eclipse season.
Today the very young Moon, slowing down, squares Pluto at 11:02 GMT and then becomes void. She enters Libra 11:45 GMT joining the triplet of planets already there . The Moon is conjunct Venus 16:24 GMT at 3 degrees Libra. The Moon is conjunct Mercury at 20:56 GMT at 5 degrees Libra.
Venus, Mercury and Mars are in Libra. Today only six and a half degrees separate them. Mercury and Venus appear to be closing on Mars and Mercury decelerates. They are most tightly aligned in 12 days time. The astrological emphasis this month is focused on relationships and adjustments.
Mercury squares Jupiter and overtakes Mars at 13 degrees Libra on Sept. 8th. On September 12th Mercury Venus and Mars are tightly packed in Libra. Venus overtakes Mercury at 19 degrees Libra on Sept 14th. Mercury makes a trine aspect to Neptune on Sept 19th and is overtaken by Mars at 23 degrees Libra on Sept 23rd. The following day, (injured by the encounter) Mercury turns retrograde.
Venus joins closely up with Mercury and Mars by September 12th aligning to Mars within 18 minutes of arc at 15 degrees Libra on that day and being conjunct an ailing apparently decelerating Mercury on September 14th at 19 degrees Libra. Venus enters Scorpio on September 23rd, the day after the Autumn Equinox.
Mars squares Jupiter on 7th September, he is overtaken by Mercury on 8th Sept and by Venus 4 days later on the 12th. Mars then trines Neptune on 21st and then again meets Mercury retrograding on Sept 23rd. Mars is sextile Pluto on October 1st and plunges into Scorpio on October 3rd.
Jupiter trines Saturn for the 4th time on September 8th. 1st time March 16th 2007, 2nd May 6th 2007, 3rd January 21st 2008, 4th September 8th 3008, final blast Nov 21st 2008
Also at this time we are beginning to 'come under the influence' of the forthcoming opposition of Uranus and Saturn which will dominate the skies in 2009 and set the scene for very difficult long lasting planetary picture involving Pluto over the next couple of years and into 2011. The first 'hit' of this opposition occurs on the US election day Nov 4th 2008, the second hit:- February 5th 2009, the 3rd on Sept. 15th 2009, the next on April 26th 2010, and the final hit July 26th 2010).
Tuesday September 2nd 2008
Yesterday torrential rain and severe winds lashed the US coast as Hurricane Gustav made landfall south-west of New Orleans.
Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda, whose popularity plummeted after his government introduced a much-criticized medical plan for the elderly, announced his resignation.
Today the very young, decelerating, and busy waxing Moon is conjunct Mars at 9 degrees Libra 03:59 GMT.
The Moon, Mercury, Venus and Mars are currently in Libra.
The day has genteel and diplomatic potential.
Wednesday September 3rd 2008
Yesterday Thailand's prime minister imposed a state of emergency in the capital, after at least one person died in anti-government protests.
Up to half a million people are still stranded by flood waters in the northern Indian state of Bihar, aid workers say.
President Dmitry Medvedev welcomes as "realistic" an EU decision not to impose sanctions over Russia's invasion of Georgia.
In the UK a businessman killed his wife and daughter before setting fire to their mansion and killing himself, police now believe.
Today the decelerating Moon reaches her waxing crescent phase 13:08 GMT 26 degrees Libra.
She is sextile Pluto at 17:10 GMT and is then void for nearly three hours.
She enters Scorpio 20:03 GMT.
This day has a sting in its tail.
Thursday September 4th 2008
Yesterday, as the Sun applied to align to Saturn midway through Virgo, it was evident that the devil was in the detail. Canada's Arctic ice shelves have lost a colossal area this year, scientists yesterday reported, with one 50 sq km shelf breaking off completely.
Pakistan's Foreign Ministry on Wednesday lodged a stiff protest against U.S.-led coalition and NATO forces for what it called a "helicopter-borne ground attack" from Afghanistan into Pakistan, an uncommon tactic in the coalition's fight against militants along the violent border.
A Russian journalist died yesterday from gunshot wounds sustained the night before -- the second Russian journalist fatally gunned down this week.Abdulla Alishayev -- a host on one of the most popular Islamic television stations in the Russian republic of Dagestan -- was shot in the head and shoulder late Tuesday while he was in his car,.His death comes less than three days after another journalist and prominent Kremlin critic Magomad Yevloyev was shot and killed in Ingushetia, a small Russian republic in the Caucasus region.
Washington announced $1bn (£564m) to help Georgia's reconstruction after the conflict with Russia.
Today the Sun is conjunct Saturn at 12 degrees Virgo at 02:00 GMT.
The Sun is in earthy trine to Jupiter 17:42 GMT.
The slow moving Scorpio Moon sextiles Saturn, Jupiter and the Sun. This planetary arrangement is tightest around 20:52 GMT.
This day has seriously strong practical and positive potential. Just get lucky on the vibration.
Friday September 5th 2008
A solar wind stream is buffeting Earth's magnetic field and causing auroras around the Arctic Circle.
Yesterday U.S. military forces landed at a compound in Pakistan to battle targets linked to recent attacks on U.S. troops in Afghanistan, a senior U.S. official confirmed. This appears to be the important battle line right now.
Today with the Sun in Virgo and the crescent Moon in Scorpio we have on our hands a vintage day.
The slow moving Moon in Scorpio squares Neptune in Aquarius and is void from 15:46 GMT.
The evening (GMT) may well appear to go nowhere but it is good for Friday night celebration.
Remembering all the time of the current close planetary grouping of Mercury, Venus and Mars (the personal planets) in Libra, these few weeks and this weekend are geared to relationship issues. The process at work is the 'adjustment' of all personal and social relationships.
Saturday September 6th 2008
The very slow moving Moon enters Sagittarius 07:12 GMT heralding a change of gear.
The mood changes. The Sun and Moon are today in mutable signs (together with Saturn and Uranus), there is a minor crisis of 'movement and change' in the ether.
This is a day to take careful but deliberate steps into new territory. Test the water.
Sunday September 7th 2008
Asif Ali Zardari, born 21st July 1956 the widower of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, has won a sweeping victory in Pakistan's presidential election.
Almost 500 bodies have been found in the port city of Gonaives, Haiti, after floodwaters caused by recent storms receded, according to reports.
At least 20 people have died after a rockslide destroys homes in a shanty town in the Egyptian capital, emergency services say.
A lunar occultation of Antares occurs today at 03:12 GMT visible from the south Pacific. Lunar occultations of Antares occur every month from Dec. 2004 to Feb. 2010. There are none then till July 2023
The very slowly waxing Sagittarian Moon then sextiles Mercury, Venus and Mars, squares Saturn and reaches first quarter at 16 degrees Sagittarius at 13:08 GMT
Moon apogee (slowest all month) 15:01 GMT
Mars in Libra squares Jupiter in Capricorn 21:06 GMT.
(The last time this particular planetary combination of Mars in Libra square Jupiter in Capricorn occurred was on October 2nd 1972. This was the time of the first publication reporting the production of a recombinant DNA molecule, and marked the birth of modern molecular biological methodology).
Monday September 8th 2008
Yesterday the US government announced plans for the takeover of failing mortgage giants Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae.
Thousands of people hunkered down across the Caribbean as Hurricane Ike pounded the region, on course for Cuba.
Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper has called an early election for 14 October in a bid to strengthen his minority Conservative government.
China will launch its third manned space mission in late September, state-run news agency Xinhua reports.
State of the skies:- Today the Sun reaches 16 degrees Virgo and is applying all week to his annual opposition to Uranus. Now over half way through this sign we are 14 days from the Autumn Equinox.
The waxing and slow moving Moon is conjunct Pluto 16:43 GMT and becomes void of course. The Moon enters Capricorn 21:46 GMT. The Moon grows to the full this week.
Venus, Mercury and Mars appear tightly aligned in Libra. Today just over 2 degrees of celestial longitude separate them. These three planets continue to group closely together over the next week. We are currently living through a time of important adjustments.
Mercury an 'evening star' in Libra now squares Jupiter 05:09 GMT and is conjunct Mars within 3 degrees at 13 degrees Libra at 17:45 GMT. Today is a bit special.
Venus overtakes Mercury at 19 degrees Libra on Sept 14th. Mercury makes a trine aspect to Neptune on Sept 19th and is overtaken by Mars at 23 degrees Libra on Sept 23rd. The following day, (injured by the encounter) Mercury turns retrograde.
Venus also an 'evening star' in Libra. Venus squares Jupiter tomorrow and joins closely up with Mercury and Mars by September 12th aligning to Mars within 18 minutes of arc at 15 degrees Libra on that day and being conjunct an 'ailing' apparently decelerating Mercury on September 14th at 19 degrees Libra. Venus enters Scorpio on September 23rd, the day after the Autumn Equinox.
Mars in Libra trines Neptune on September 21st and then again meets Mercury retrograding on Sept 23rd. Mars is sextile Pluto on October 1st and plunges into Scorpio on October 3rd.
Jupiter is stationary but turning direct today at 04:19 GMT at 13 degrees Capricorn. Jupiter trines Saturn 23:17 today. 1st March 16th 2007, 2nd May 6th 2007, 3rd January 21st 2008, 4th September 8th 3008, final blast Nov 21st 2008 .
Also at this time we are beginning to 'come under the influence' of the forthcoming opposition of Uranus and Saturn which will dominate the skies in 2009 and set the scene for very difficult long lasting planetary picture involving Pluto over the next couple of years and into 2011. The first 'hit' of this opposition occurs on the US election day Nov 4th 2008, the second hit:- February 5th 2009, the 3rd on Sept. 15th 2009, the next on April 26th 2010, and the final hit July 26th 2010).
So then Mars squared Jupiter yesterday. Mercury squares Jupiter today Venus squares Jupiter tomorrow, this all adds up to some 'wide of the mark' judgments actions and values. As the week follows Venus and Mars draw ever closer to their love union on Friday. Obviously this is an astrologically important week.
Tuesday September 9th 2008
Hurricane Ike tore across Cuba with 100-mph winds Monday, sending 50-foot waves that crashed over buildings and forcing the evacuation of 900,000 people. Forecasters predicted the storm could pick up pace over the Gulf of Mexico as it heads towards landfall along the U.S. Gulf Coast
The death toll from a devastating rockslide that buried a shanty town rose to 47 on Monday, a security official said, as recovery efforts switched to high gear after days of delay.
The Sun and Moon (with Jupiter) are in earth signs today. Normally this would promote common sense and practical decision making however Venus and Jupiter are in cardinal waning square aspect today which is not at all good for moderation and sound economy.
Pluto turns direct 00:04 GMT at 28 degrees Sagittarius.
Venus now squares Jupiter 20:13 GMT.
The Moon is conjunct Jupiter in Capricorn 20:55 GMT within 3 degrees.
Wednesday September 10th 2008
Hurricane Ike moved back over Cuba on Tuesday morning, battering the island nation with near 80-mph winds, high surf and torrential rains
President George W Bush ordered 8,000 US soldiers back from Iraq and 4,500 reinforcements to go to Afghanistan by February.
There is growing speculation about the health of North Korea's secretive leader Kim Jong-il after he missed a key parade.
Yesterday morning Sept. 9th, with no warning whatsoever, a flurry of bright fireballs appeared over eastern parts of the United States. The SENTINEL all-sky camera picked up 25 bright meteors in a shower that began at 0620 UT and lasted approximately 4 hours.
Three decades after it was conceived, the world's most powerful physics experiment is ready to be fired up.
Big Bang Day! A vast physics experiment - CERN-the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) - starts-up today September 10th . The switch-on is due to take place at 07:30 GMT at Geneva Switzerland. The astrological chart set for this moment (graphic above) shows Mercury, Venus and Mars tightly conjunct the local ascendant and square the Moon and Jupiter in Capricorn, with Mars crossing the horizon slightly west of Geneva. The local MC and the Sun form a very tight 'finger of fate' with the lunar nodal axis. This is one powerful chart. Only two and a quarter degrees of celestial longitude separate Mercury, Venus and Mars. They are tightest in two days time.
Mercury's apparent daily motion is now less than a degree per day as he approaches his station and turns retrograde on September 24th. Now is the time to shelve plans and hold back if possible from important decisions.
The Moon in Capricorn sextiles Uranus and is void from 13:16 GMT for nearly 18 hours.
Thursday September 11th 2008
Yesterday scientists hailed as a success the start of an experiment to recreate the conditions a few moments after the "Big Bang".
North Korea denied claims that its reclusive leader Kim Jong Il is seriously ill
A strong earthquake measuring 6.1 in magnitude struck southern Iran on Wednesday, according to a report from the U.S. Geological Survey, around 3:30 p.m. Iranian time (11:00 GMT), The quake demolished nearly 200 villages in Iran's Hormozgan Province
Today there are 100 days to the Winter Solstice.
The Moon enters Aquarius 07:20 GMT.
The Moon reaches gibbous phase 15:37 GMT 4 degrees Aquarius. The procession to Monday's Full Moon now begins in all seriousness.
Venus is now so close to her 'love union' with Mars. Mercury is in attendance.
If you can find Venus low in the west shortly after sunset on September 11th, look carefully for Mars tucked in beside it. Can you also find faint Mercury to their lower left? Eight evenings later, if you live in the northeastern United States or eastern Canada, turn your attention to the Moon and watch it pass through the Pleiades Star Cluster.
The eastern half of North America is favoured again when Neptune vanishes behind the nearly full Moon on September 12th; you'll need a telescope to see it.
Friday September 12th 2008
Two Russian bombers have landed at a Venezuelan airfield where they will carry out training flights for several days, the Russian defense ministry said Wednesday
Moments of silence are held to mark the seventh anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on the US which left nearly 3,000 people dead.
The Channel Tunnel has been closed after a fire broke out on a freight train about seven miles from Calais. The blaze broke out at 1400 GMT about 11km (7 miles) from the French entrance, the operator Eurotunnel said.
Mercury, Venus and Mars are tightest today. Two degrees of the zodiac separate them.
Venus aligns to Mars within 18 minutes of arc at 15 degrees Libra at 02:06 GMT. (This zodiac degree area is the position of the USA National chart Saturn and GW Bush's natal Moon. Also David Cameron's natal Sun, Prince Charles natal Venus Neptune conjunction, and the Pope's natal moon all reside there).
Today with Venus and Mars in conjunction, the Sun opposite Uranus and a gibbous Moon in Aquarius we have a lot of astrological energy to contend with. Expect 'high energy' events.
Saturday September 13th 2008
The Sun opposes Uranus 02:22
The gibbous moon occults Neptune at 22 degrees Aquarius for UK observers approximately 02:31 to 03:07 GMT The Moon then sextiles Pluto 13:19 GMT and is void of course.
She enters Pisces 16:05 GMT.
Sunday September 14th 2008
The nearly full Moon sextiles Jupiter 15:56 GMT.
The Moon, the Earth and Saturn align in space within half a degree at 16:06 GMT
Monday September 15th 2008
The astrological 'lunar heat' is full on.
A Russian airliner that crashed near a city (Perm) in the Urals, killing all 88 people on board, caught fire in mid-air, reports say. The Boeing-737-500, belonging to a branch of the national airline Aeroflot, was on a flight from Moscow to Perm, near the Ural mountains. Contact with the plane was lost at 0521 Perm time on Sunday (23:21 GMT Saturday) as the plane was coming in for landing at a height of 1,100 metres, Aeroflot said.
The death toll in a string of explosions that ripped through busy marketplaces in New Delhi has risen to 21, police said on Sunday
Gasoline is set to be in short supply as Texas refineries take days to recover from Hurricane Ike,
In the UK Foreign Secretary David Miliband, tipped as a future Labour leader, rejected calls for Gordon Brown to face a party leadership contest.
Today Mercury is conjunct Venus 01:38 GMT at 19 degrees Libra, Venus here appears to be overtaking Mercury as he turns retrograde on September 24th. Mercury is next conjunct Venus on March 29th 2009 at 6 degrees Aries.
The Moon is conjunct Uranus at 21 degrees Pisces at 05:09 GMT
Full Moon 23 degrees Pisces 09:14 GMT
www.bluelightlady.com/.../pisces-tiny-blue.jpg
This is the first Full Moon following on from the Partial Lunar Eclipse of August 16th 2008 and the 5th before the Penumbral Lunar Eclipse at 21 degrees Leo on February 9th 2009.
This Full Moon separates from a conjunction with Uranus and applies in square aspect to Pluto. On the face of it this is a difficult and possibly shocking time.
Mercury, Venus and Mars are tightly in conjunction in Libra all in trine aspect to Neptune. Among other possibilities this is a very musical and artistic planetary combination.
This Full Moon makes a wide conjunction with presidential hopeful John McCain's natal Saturn indicating testing times ahead for him, and it directly hits Gordon Brown's natal Venus Mars conjunction, suggesting important times ahead for him and the natal Saturn of David Cameron, again lessons to be learnt for him maybe. It also falls on the natal Mars of the new president of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari, (whose birth was a matter of hours before a full moon), the natal Jupiter of Pope Benedict XV1, the natal Mercury of MC Hammer, and the natal Venus of Pink Floyd musicians Nick Mason and David Gilmour. (Lets hope they play together again soon!) (Pink Floyd founder and keyboard player Richard Wright died on this day from Cancer aged 65).
At the moment of today's Full Moon the Sun, Moon and Uranus are aligned to Mecca, Moscow, Daresalam and Addis Abada. The Mercury, Venus and Mars conjunction is aligned to Los Angeles.
After the Full Moon climax is over the Moon moves on to square Pluto and is void of course from 19:03 GMT.
The Full Moon 'brimming with emotion' enters Aries 21:39 GMT
Tuesday September 16th 2008
Venus appears to lead the way towards the star Spica. Mars appears to follow, Mercury appears to hang back as he approaches his retrograde period which starts September 24th. Mars 'gains' on him.
Yesterday's difficult full moon coincided with top US investment bank Lehman Brothers filing for bankruptcy protection, sending shockwaves through markets. The news led to sharp falls in share prices around the world.
Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe signed an historic power-sharing deal with the opposition leader, Morgan Tsvangirai.
The IAEA said it cannot resolve questions about a military link to Iran's nuclear programme as Iran is not co-operating.
At least 22 people have been killed and 32 wounded by a female suicide bomber who blew herself at a police gathering in Iraq's Diyala province, police say.
A planet has been pictured outside our Solar System which appears to be circling a star like our own Sun - a first in astronomy. Three astronomers from the University of Toronto used the Gemini North telescope on Mauna Kea in Hawaii to take images of the young star 1RXS J160929.1-210524 and the planetary candidate. The star and its companion lie about 500 light-years from Earth.
Today the 'hung over' Moon is quickly waning in Aries. We may feel not quite so much at the mercy of financial fates and destinies beyond our control, there is a measure of proactive intervention today.
Mercury, Venus and Mars all still very closely huddled in Libra are starting to make a trine aspect with Neptune. What ever troubles and traumas are going on in the world at this time, many an artistic creation and new musical waves could be originating during these weeks.
Wednesday September 17th 2008
Yesterday Stocks in Asia and Europe continued to tumble following Wall Street's worst day since markets reopened seven years ago after the 9/11 terror attacks.
Zimbabwe's new prime minister said on Tuesday that he does not trust longtime President Robert Mugabe, but he does trust Mugabe's commitment to their new power-sharing agreement.
There are many planetary dynamics today. The fast, accelerating waning Moon in rampant Aries opposes Mars, Mercury and Venus and sextiles Neptune. The peak of this planetary activity is around 12:15 GMT.
Venus in late Libra trines Neptune in Aquarius 13:59 GMT.
The Moon trines Pluto at 22:26 GMT and is then void of course.
Thursday September 18th 2008
Yesterday leading US and European shares again fell on fears the bailout of the insurance giant AIG will not be enough to lift the gloom engulfing the financial world.
At least 16 people were killed in a car bomb attack on the US embassy in the Yemeni capital, Sanaa.
The European Union has offered to help Nigeria develop plans for a trans-Saharan pipeline to take gas from Nigeria to Europe.
The fast moving Moon enters Taurus 00:57 GMT.
Steadier as she goes! Common sense and greater stability are the hallmarks of the day.
The Moon reaches disseminating phase 19:54 GMT at 11 degrees Taurus
The Moon then forms an earthy grand trine with Saturn and Pluto peaking around 23:26 GMT
Friday September 19th 2008
Yesterday markets regained some poise, taking heart from news that the world's top central banks have taken steps to calm credit markets.
Talks on allocating ministries between Zimbabwe's rival political parties are deadlocked, opposition officials said.
Sri Lanka's navy said it has fought a sea battle with Tamil rebels, a day after what the military described as the heaviest day of fighting in weeks.
Scientists have found what they describe as a missing link between the behaviour of the smallest and the biggest black holes. Star-sized black holes often pulse X-rays as they pull gas into themselves and tear it apart. Durham University researchers say they have now witnessed this same pulsing signature in the gargantuan black holes that reside at the cores of galaxies.
A previously unknown piece of music by Mozart has been discovered by staff at a library in Nantes, western France.
Today Venus is conjunct the fixed star Spica, an almost yearly event.
The fast moving waning Moon in Taurus forms a tight 'finger of fate' with Uranus in Pisces and Mercury in Libra around 14:00 GMT. This is a point in time to be aware of.
The Moon trines the Sun and is void at 22:51 GMT.
The evening (GMT) sees the Moon draw ever close to the Pleiades.
Saturday September 20th 2008
The Moon enters Gemini 03:17 GMT and reaches perigee (fastest all month) at 03:28 GMT. This disseminating moon occults the Pleiades for UK observers approximately 01:55 to 03:22 GMT.
Mercury, about to turn retrograde, trines Neptune 03:21 GMT. This aspect 'hangs' over the equinox period as Mercury turns retrograde next week and the aspect is repeated in 8 days time. An otherworldly (almost dream like) hue is cast over this weekend and the week ahead by this aspect.
Sunday September 21st 2008
Yesterday a huge bomb blast hit the Marriott Hotel in Pakistan's capital, Islamabad, killing at least 40 people and engulfing the hotel in flames. It went off about 7:30 p.m. local time, after the breaking of the fast during the holy month of Ramadan, as a vehicle bomb.
South Africa's president said he will resign, after the ANC ordered him to quit amid claims he conspired against its chief.
The Large Hadron Collider near Geneva will be out of action for at least two months, the European Organization for Nuclear Research (Cern) says. Part of the giant physics experiment was turned off for the weekend while engineers probed a magnet failure. At 1127 (0927 GMT) on Friday, the LHC's online logbook recorded a quench in sector 3-4 of the accelerator, which lies between the Alice and CMS detectors.
British and German engineers are working on a potential new European mission to bring back material from an asteroid.
Today the Sun in very late Virgo squares Pluto 03:43 GMT.
The rapidly moving Moon in Gemini forms an airy grand trine with Mercury, Mars and Neptune around 14:15 GMT.
Monday September 22nd 2008
State of the skies:- Today is the Autumn Equinox in the northern hemisphere and the Spring Equinox in the south. There is equal daylight and night time on Earth today. The seasons are at momentary balance point. We are 90 days from the Capricorn Solstice.
The fast moving last quarter moon in mutable T-square with the Sun and Pluto occults the star Delta Cancer for UK observers approximately 04:53 to 06:04 GMT. The last quarter phase is at 05:05 GMT 29 degrees Gemini and the Moon is then void of course. The Moon then enters Cancer 05:49 GMT setting the scene for the equinox moment at 15:46 GMT. The next New Moon, which will be in Libra, is one week today.
Still only six degrees separate Mercury, Venus and Mars in Libra, however things are now about to change and move on.
Mercury is very close to her retrograde station. He is overtaken by Mars at 23 degrees Libra tomorrow. The following day, (injured by the encounter) Mercury turns retrograde.
Venus is leading the way from Libra to Scorpio. She sextiles Pluto 22:22 GMT today from Libra and enters the sign of the Scorpion on Wednesday.
Mars in Libra trines Neptune 02:57 GMT.
Only six degrees separate the forthcoming opposition of Uranus and Saturn which will dominate the skies in 2009 and set the scene for very difficult long lasting planetary picture involving Pluto over the next couple of years and into 2011. The first 'hit' of this opposition occurs on the US election day Nov 4th 2008, the second hit:- February 5th 2009, the 3rd on Sept. 15th 2009, the next on April 26th 2010, and the final hit July 26th 2010). This opposition represents a distant, harsh and clear cut polarisation in all spheres of human activity.
The Sun enters Libra (the equinox moment) at 34 seconds and 45 minutes past 3 PM GMT and a new astrological month, and a new season begins.
Libra equinox 15:45:34 GMT
The recent economic crisis-driven events that we have been experiencing over the last seven days had their start coinciding with the Full Moon in Pisces (conjunct Uranus) on September 15th 2008, one week ago today.
This last Full Moon almost to the hour coincided with the top US investment bank Lehman Brothers filing for bankruptcy protection. That triggered shock waves through markets around the world and led to sharp falls in share prices in the four days that followed. Then on Friday September 9th the US government intervened with treasury support on large scale.
During this last week and the previous few there has been a long running tight triple conjunction of Mars, Venus and Mercury in the sign Libra. The whole recent period has been a 'balancing act' with all this Libra energy colouring all events. Behind this most recent episode lies a larger and longer astrological wave taking place. Saturn in Virgo is at the root of many of the current economical trials and tribulations. Saturn entered Virgo on September 2nd 2007. The devil in the detail. This planet is now drawing to an opposition to Uranus, a wave which crashes powerfully and certainly well into the year 2010.
The equinox today is coloured with a preponderance of planets in cardinal and air signs. As has already been mentioned still only six degrees separate Mars, Venus and Mercury in Libra. The balancing act continues for a little longer. The Moon in Cancer applies in opposition to Jupiter and squares the Sun. Venus sextiles Pluto, Mercury and Mars trine Neptune. Jupiter trines Saturn. The mood is protectionist amid great changes being generated.
At the exact moment of Equinox the Sun sets and Pluto culminates at Kiev, Odessa, and Harare.
The Sun squaring Pluto culminates at Buenos Aries and Georgetown. The Equinox Sun rises and Pluto is at lower culmination at Anchorage. It is local midnight at Manila. The Moon is al lower culmination at Moscow. Saturn sets at Athens, Mars rises at San Francisco.
Tuesday September 23rd 2008
Yesterday under the applying conjunction of Mercury and Mars Pakistani troops fired shots into the air to stop US helicopters crossing the border from Afghanistan.
Five Italian tourists were among a group of people who were been kidnapped in Egypt.
Some 40 people were killed in Mogadishu's main market after Somali insurgents attacked peace keepers.
The head of China's quality watchdog resigned amid a growing scandal over melamine-contaminated milk Four children have died and about 13,000 remain in hospital, 104 of them reportedly in a serious condition.
The first accurate carbon dating of Stonehenge has revealed the monument was built in 2300 BC, some 300 years later than previously thought.
Today Mercury, about to turn retrograde, is overtaken by Mars at 23 degrees Libra at 10:51 GMT.
The Moon in Cancer squares them both becoming void of course at 21:17 GMT.
The American election is six weeks from today. During those weeks Barack Obama (Leo Sun) has progressed Mercury conjunct progressed Mars and transiting Jupiter trine natal Mars, indicating an infusion of energy, drive and highly polished outpourings.
In dire contrast John McCain (Virgo Sun) has the ordeal of the looming Uranus Saturn opposition locked into his natal Saturn and Neptune. This is an extremely harsh set of transits for him and the outcome of it all could be on his own health issues.
Sarah Palin, (Aquarius Sun) his running mate, has been sky rocketed to fame as Neptune has been recently conjunct her natal Aquarius Sun and this aspect continues over the election period. She has Jupiter trine natal Pluto right now and Saturn sextile Neptune in the intervening weeks. Neptune transits to personal planets can be a real sensation. But it is all illusion, and the glamour will undoubtedly dissolve at some point.
November 4, 2008: Election day in the U.S. sees an exact opposition of Saturn and Uranus The astrological vibration of the actual day is strictly conservative and reactive. With the Moon void of course in Capricorn, this is a real hard, almost pointless day. Mars squaring Neptune adds weirdness, and Uranus opposite Saturn adds crisis. We do have one tough astrological cookie of a US election day.
Barack Obama has this void Moon conjunct his natal Saturn mid afternoon (GMT) and conjunct his Jupiter after entering Aquarius in the early hours (GMT) of November 5th. Mercury is square his natal Jupiter.
John McCain election day starts with the Sun square his natal Mars, and Venus square natal Saturn. His lunar return occurs on the day. The Moon trines his natal Mercury in the small hours on November 5th.
Astrologers are bewailing the lack of accurate birth times for both candidates and their standing mates, with most practitioners stating that this one really is too close to call. What is almost certain to manifest on election day is abject and stark polarization. On the surface, on the day, McCain looks the favorite, simply because the Moon on November 4th is in Capricorn, his Moon sign, but I'll not wager a single dollar on the outcome.
Wednesday September 24th 2008
Yesterday under a Cancerian Moon and Mercury on the point of turning retrograde, a 22-year-old student killed 10 people at a college in western Finland before shooting himself and later dying in hospital.
Ten South African ministers and the deputy president resigned as President Thabo Mbeki prepares to leave office.
Countries across Asia are testing Chinese dairy products as fears spread over melamine-tainted milk - and some have banned these products outright.
The Large Hadron Collider near Geneva will be shut off until next year while engineers probe a magnet failure.
Today Venus leaves the planetary party in Libra (which has been underway since August 30th when Venus entered Libra and teamed up with Mercury and Mars already there) and enters Scorpio at 02:59 GMT.
Venus moves through Scorpio quite rapidly, leaving this sign on October 18th. This is a fairly easy (and sleazy) ride for her. Venus sextiles Jupiter on October 5th, she sextiles Saturn on October 7th, and trines Uranus on October 10th. Venus squares Neptune on October 11th. A highly charged sexual atmosphere will prevail and a more willful combination of financial and social maneuverings may well be in evidence during the period of her residence here.
Mercury turns retrograde today at 07:10 GMT at 23 degrees Libra. He makes a second trine aspect to Neptune on September 28th, he is occulted by the Moon on September 30th. He is in inferior conjunction with the Sun and square Jupiter on October 6th and resumes direct motion on October 15th. The next 22 days are fraught with delays, backtracks, changes of heart and communication breakdowns. A globally 'dithering situation' is upon us.
The Moon enters Leo 09:14 GMT.
After this rather awesome triad of changes in the first 10 hours of the (GMT) day, Wednesday pans out in resplendent manner. This day and the one that follows is potentially good for social extravaganza and large scale presentations.
Can you sense the changes today?
Thursday September 25th 2008
Yesterday the head of the US Federal Reserve urged Congress to "act quickly" to support a $700bn bail-out plan for financial markets.
The White House called on North Korea to reverse a decision barring UN monitors from its main nuclear site.
The solar wind - the stream of charged particles billowing away from the Sun - is at its weakest for 50 years. Scientists made the assessment after studying 18 years of data from the Ulysses satellite which has sampled the space environment all around our star.
Today Mars is conjunct the fixed star Spica.
The Moon reaches balsamic phase 16:37 GMT 18 degrees Leo, we are now in the 'old Moon phase' in the month as we approach the next New Moon, in Libra on Monday. With Mercury now retrograde, these days are 'downbeat'.
Friday September 26th 2008
The White House hopefuls are to meet George Bush for crisis talks, as progress is reportedly made on a $700bn bail-out deal.
Yesterday Pakistan said its troops fired warning shots at two Nato helicopters as they crossed the eastern Afghan border.
ANC deputy leader Kgalema Motlanthe was sworn in as South Africa's interim president, replacing Thabo Mbeki.
China launched Shenzhou VII, its third manned space mission, which is to feature the country's first spacewalk. If retrograding Mercury doesn't catch out the Chinesse space mission he certainly coincided yesterday with flights at a number of UK airports being cancelled or delayed after a computer problem at the main air traffic control centre.
The solar wind is losing power. That's the surprising conclusion of scientists working with data from the Ulysses spacecraft, which has been circling the sun in a polar orbit for nearly 20 years. During that time solar wind pressure has dropped more than 20%. Note the blue curve in the "clock plot" below:
Blue traces solar wind pressure now. For comparison, green traces the significantly higher pressure of the mid-1990s. How this difference fits into the big picture of solar activity over the centuries, no one knows, because solar wind measurements began only 50 years ago with the start of the Space Age. Early measurements were spotty and not always well-calibrated, so, in fact, we know the solar wind well for even less than 50 years. Consequences of low solar wind include fewer geomagnetic storms, more cosmic rays, and NASA's Voyager spacecraft exiting the solar system sooner than anyone expected. http://www.spaceweather.com/
Today the old Moon in Leo, (retrograde) Mercury in Libra, Mars in Libra and Uranus in Pisces form a 'finger of fate' planetary picture centered on 02:30 GMT.
The Moon then trines Pluto, is void at 11:21 GMT and enters Virgo 13:53 GMT.
Saturday September 27th 2008
The very old Moon is conjunct Saturn at 16:30 GMT at 15 degrees Virgo.
Sunday September 28th 2008
Retrograde Mercury makes another trine aspect to Neptune at 12:25 GMT. This aspect has been hanging over us for the last 10 days casting an unreal glow on all events.
The ancient Virgo Moon squares Pluto and is void of course from 17:31 GMT.
She sails into Libra 20:06 GMT.
Monday September 29th 2008
Yesterday US congressional leaders said they had reached the broad outline of a rescue plan for the American financial system.
China's Shenzhou VII space capsule returned to Earth after a successful mission orbiting the planet. The spacecraft touched down in the Mongolian desert to rapturous applause from mission control in Beijing. Looking well, the three astronauts emerged to wave to cameras before being given bouquets of flowers.
New Moon 7 degrees Libra 08:13 GMT
http://www.indusguru.com/images/libra11.JPG
This is the second New Moon following the Total Solar Eclipse on August 1st 2008, and the 4th New Moon before the Annular eclipse of the Sun on January 26th 2009.
This new Moon applies in cardinal square to Jupiter. Retrograding Mercury 'hangs' in trine aspect to Neptune, Jupiter is trine Saturn. Mars applies in sextile to Pluto . Saturn applies in opposition to Uranus. There is a preponderance of planets in cardinal and air signs. There is a complete lack of planets in fire signs. The New Moon falls on the Mars Saturn midpoint.
This is a new Moon of social opportunity and readjustment. The 'seed message' of this lunation has great musical and artistic potentials.
The last Full Moon (in Pisces) two weeks ago directly fell on the natal Venus of both Pink Floyd musicians Nick Mason and David Gilmour. Pink Floyd founder and keyboard player Richard Wright died from cancer aged 65 on that very day (September 15th 2008). Today's New Moon falls directly on the natal Mercury of fellow Pink Floyd musician Roger Walters and the natal Neptune of David Gilmour.
Today's New Moon also hits the natal Venus of David Cameron, (it is the UK Conservative Party conference this week), the natal Mars Neptune conjunction of Bill Clinton, (I wonder what's going on there?) the natal Mercury Saturn conjunction of Bob Geldof, (great harnessing and galvanizing power at work again?) and the UK national chart (1801) Ascendant.
At the exact moment of New Moon today the Sun and Moon straddle the local MC of central Iran just east of Tehran. The pair set over eastern Australia just east of Melbourne and over Japan. Saturn culminates exactly at Jerusalem, Neptune is at lower culmination at Rome. Mars rises over western UK and at Lisbon.
Happy New Moon.
After the New Moon moment has passed, the young Moon cruises in long and lazy application to Jupiter. The day ensues in a smooth and potentially indulgent manner. The infant Moon then applies to a lunar occultation of Mercury which occurs tomorrow still in Libra.
The week ahead is astrologically quiet. Mercury in retrograde motion will confer many backtracks and changes of mind on people. Correspondingly, events will occur and unfold not quite as planned. We are in a sort of lull now between the times of concentrated energy of the recent tight stellium of Venus, Mercury and Mars in Libra which has coloured the month of September and ahead of us the looming first climax of Saturn opposite Uranus, which rings out on November 4th. The period in between astrological waves can itself coincide with important world events. There is an expectation in some areas of the media that the first week in October this year is significant. Astrologically the finger is pointing to early November.
Latest update:- Tuesday September 30th 2008
As the note of the New Moon rang out yesterday markets continued to tumble as the US House of Representatives prepared to vote on a $700bn plan to bail out Wall Street. The lower house of the US Congress voted down the $700bn plan and global shares fell further.
Mercury is retrograde. Saturn in Virgo is applying in opposition to Uranus in Pisces. This is what is going on astrologically.
Also the leaders of Austria's two far-right parties hailed the results of early general elections, after making big gains.
Eleven Western tourists were freed in an operation near Sudan's border with Chad, 10 days after being kidnapped in Egypt.
Today there is a lunar occultation of Mercury (retrograde) at 11:18 GMT at 21 degrees Libra, observable from Southeast South America. This is the 4th of 5 lunar occultations of Mercury this year, Jan 9th, March 5th, Aug. 1st, Sept 30th and Dec. 29th. The first two of these five occultations coincided with John McCain's advancement in his presidential bid. The 3rd one on August 1st was overshadowed by the Total Solar Eclipse on the same day. Today's occultation is the only one of the five involving Mercury in retrograde motion.
After the occultation the Moon makes a beneficial aspect to Neptune and then applies in conjunction to Mars which occurs in the first couple of hours of tomorrow (GMT).
October 2008
Shortly after sunset on October 2nd, can you spot Venus below and to the right of the crescent Moon? You'll need a clear southwestern horizon to do so. If you can, then you have a perfect vantage point to follow Venus as it climbs higher with every passing sunset. At the end of each of the final three months of 2008, the crescent Moon joins this brilliant planet to create a beautiful sight in the sunset sky.
October 2008 is astrologically quiet, starting with the Sun, retrograde Mercury and Mars in Libra. The Moon joins Venus in Scorpio on the 1st.
Wednesday October 1st 2008
Yesterday US President George W Bush warned that the US economy is at a "critical moment" after his bail-out plan was defeated.
At least 147 devotees died in a stampede at a Hindu temple in the northern Indian city of Jodhpur.
Today the young and very slow moving Moon is conjunct Mars at 28 degrees Libra (5 degree orb) at 00:21 GMT.
The Moon sextiles Pluto at 01:49 GMT and becomes void of course.
The Moon enters Scorpio 04:27 GMT and and applies all day to a conjunction with Venus (within 5 degrees) at 10 degrees Scorpio at 22:55 GMT. This is an interesting and passionate combination. With Mars applying in sextile aspect to Pluto (peaking tomorrow) today has a deep and unfathomable quality which adds power and influence of an emotional nature to words and to actions.
Thursday October 2nd 2008
Yesterday US Senate leaders called for a new draft of a $700bn bail-out of Wall Street to be approved, ahead of a key vote.
Astronomers who count sunspots have announced that 2008 has become the "blankest year" of the Space Age. Sunspot counts are at a 50-year low, signifying a deep minimum in the 11-year cycle of solar activity
Today Mars in late Libra sextiles Pluto in late Sagittarius 03:57 GMT.
A similar day to yesterday as the young and still decelerating Moon very slowly waxes in Scorpio. She finally makes a square aspect to Neptune at 22:47 GMT and becomes void for the best part of 14 hours.
Friday October 3rd 2008
The Moon slowly reaches crescent phase 25 degrees Scorpio 06:06 GMT. She enters Sagittarius 13:15 GMT.
The evening becomes inflamed with ardor and passion. This is a refreshing change maybe from the seriousness of the past days. A little more optimism pervades the biosphere.
Saturday October 4th 2008
Mars enters Scorpio 04:34 GMT joining Venus in this sign. Mars sextiles Jupiter on October 27th. He sextiles Saturn and trines Uranus (easing their opposition) on October 31st. Mars squares Neptune on November 4th, the US election day and enters Sagittarius on November 16th.
Venus is with Mars in Scorpio until October 18th. These next two weeks will witness a serious and penetrating period in all aspects of personal relationships. The who period right up to November 16th will have on its hallmark a passionate, willful and dangerous edge. We have here an intense and ruthless astrological vibration.
A lunar occultation of Antares occurs today around 11:08 GMT visible from south Africa and most of Australia. Lunar occultations of Antares occur every month from Dec. 2004 to Feb. 2010. There are none then till July 2023.
The day has a 'get lucky' feel. Anything can happen. New doors are opening. New adventures, just around the corner, are waiting to be experienced.
Sunday October 5th 2008
Venus in Scorpio sextiles Jupiter in Capricorn 08:23 GMT.
The very slowly waxing crescent Moon is at apogee (slowest all month) at 10:33 GMT in Sagittarius.
Today is a potentially refreshing Sunday to strike off into the unknown.
Monday October 6th 2008
Another European bank teeters on the brink as EU leaders stop short of offering a bail-out to the bloc's financial institutions. Chancellor Merkel says Germany will guarantee all private savings accounts, as the major bank struggles to stay in business.
Two UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters crashed Saturday night while landing in northern Baghdad, killing one Iraqi soldier, a U.S. military spokesman said. Two Iraqi soldiers and two U.S. soldiers were injured
Britain's military commander in Helmand has warned that there will be no "decisive victory" in Afghanistan.
Russia dismantled a checkpoint near Georgia's breakaway South Ossetia region, the first step of a pullback plan. In the UK Peter Mandelson said he will be "joined at the hip" to the prime minister, though their relationship was difficult in the past. Mars was transiting his natal Saturn in late Libra as his reappointment was announced on Friday. Mandelson has a Libra natal Sun and was born within 24 hours of a Full Moon in Aries.
Police have found nine more bodies dumped around the Mexican border city of Tijuana, where nearly 50 people have been killed in a week of violence related to the drug trade.
Under the Moon in Sagittarius a group of skydivers yesterday completed the first parachute jump over the world's highest peak, Mount Everest. The three adventurers, from the UK, New Zealand and Canada, enjoyed a minute-long freefall after jumping from about 9,000m (29,500ft).
State of the skies:- The Sun at the end of today (GMT) reaches 14 degrees Libra. The Sun squares Jupiter in Capricorn at 16:53 GMT
The slow moving waxing crescent Moon starting the day in Sagittarius is conjunct Pluto 01:09 GMT. She becomes void of course at this time and enters Capricorn 03:49 GMT.
The Inferior conjunction of Mercury and the Sun occurs today at 14 degrees Libra at 20:53 GMT. Mercury squares Jupiter 23:46 GMT. Mercury resumes direct motion on October 15th
Venus is an evening star in Scorpio and applies in sextile aspect to Saturn which peaks tomorrow. She trines Uranus on October 10th and enters Sagittarius on October 18th. Venus is with Mars in Scorpio until October 18th.
Mars in Scorpio sextiles Jupiter on October 27th. He sextiles Saturn and trines Uranus (easing their opposition) on October 31st. Mars squares Neptune on November 4th, the US election day and enters Sagittarius on November 16th.
Less than four degrees now separate the forthcoming opposition of Uranus and Saturn which will dominate the skies in 2009 and set the scene for very difficult long lasting planetary picture involving Pluto over the next couple of years and into 2011. The first 'hit' of this opposition occurs on the US election day Nov 4th 2008, the second hit:- February 5th 2009, the 3rd on Sept. 15th 2009, the next on April 26th 2010, and the final hit July 26th 2010). This opposition represents a distant, harsh and clear cut polarization in all spheres of human activity.
Tuesday October 7th 2008
Yesterday as the Sun squared Jupiter, stock markets plummeted around the world as investors worried about the growing level of financial turmoil. London's key UK share index lost 7.85% - its biggest percentage fall since 1987 and in Paris the Cac-40 suffered its largest fall on record. On Wall Street, the Dow Jones fell below 10,000 points for the first time since 2004.
A major earthquake hit Kyrgyzstan, killing at least 65 people, officials in the Central Asian nation said. The 6.6-magnitude quake struck at 2152 local time (1552 GMT) on Sunday, destroying more than 100 buildings in the southern province of Osh.
About 25% of the world's mammal species are at risk of extinction, according to a global assessment
Today Venus in Scorpio sextiles Saturn in Capricorn 05:43 GMT
The slow moving but now accelerating Moon is conjunct Jupiter at 14 degrees Capricorn 07:51 GMT. The Moon reaches first quarter at 09:05 GMT at 14 degrees Capricorn.
The Moon sextiles Uranus and becomes void of course 19:38 GMT.
At 22:00 GMT today the Sun reaches the exact midpoint of the sign Libra and starts to travel the path, which is called in traditional astrology 'the darkened way'. This path of course leads to the sign Scorpio.
Wednesday October 8th 2008
Yesterday US President George W Bush called for co-ordinated action by industrialised countries to tackle the worldwide credit crunch.
Thai troops were deployed in the capital after police fail for a second time to disperse anti-government protesters.
ASTEROID IMPACT--UPDATE: Asteroid 2008TC hit Earth yesterday morning, Oct. 7th, and exploded in the atmosphere over northern Sudan. An array in Kenya recorded the impact. Dr. Peter Brown of the University of Western Ontario has inspected the data and he estimates that the asteroid hit at 0243 UTC with an energy between 1.1 and 2.1 kilotons of TNT. Most of the 3-meter-wide space rock should have been vaporized in the atmosphere with only small pieces reaching the ground as meteorites. 2008 TC3 was discovered on Oct. 6th by astronomers using the Mt. Lemmon telescope in Arizona as part of the NASA-funded Catalina Sky Survey for near-Earth objects. Asteroids the size of 2008 TC3 hit Earth 5 to 10 times a year, but this is the first time one has been discovered before it hit. http://www.spaceweather.com/
The "deepest ever" living fish are discovered 7.5km down, scientists say.
Today the Moon after 18 hours of being 'void of course' enters Aquarius 16:03 GMT. The Sun and Moon are then both in air signs.
Thursday October 9th 2008
Yesterday the US Federal Reserve, the Bank of England and the European Central Bank slashed interest rates after the UK unveiled a rescue package worth £400bn.
Ukrainian president dissolved parliament weeks after the collapse of the ruling coalition and called a snap election. Russian troops left their self-imposed buffer zones around Georgia's breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia ahead of a Friday deadline.
Today the Moon waxes and accelerates in Aquarius making only a beneficial aspect to retrograding Mercury at 13:32 GMT.
Mercury himself has been retrograde for just over two weeks and there is one week remaining of this motion.
Today has an easier feel to it, and with Venus in Scorpio making an inspiring aspect to Uranus (peaking tomorrow) the day has positive potential.
Friday October 10th 2008
Yesterday markets lost ground, erasing earlier gains as nervous investors remained concerned that the financial crisis will lead to a world recession. Maybe after Mercury turns direct in motion next week there will be an end to all the 'gitters'.
Iceland has suspended trading on its stock exchange in an attempt to prevent further panic spreading throughout the country's financial markets. The relationship with the UK has reached an all time low over frozen UK bank assets. The relationship 'chart' of the UK (1801) and Iceland (full independence 1944) has Saturn, at 16 degrees 7 minutes Virgo, exactly conjunct the relationship chart Mercury yesterday. (Astonishingly precise!)
Messages have been sent to a planet 20 light years from Earth in the hope they will reach intelligent alien life. Some 501 photos, drawings and text messages were transmitted on Thursday by a giant radio-telescope in Ukraine normally used to track asteroids. The target planet was chosen as it is thought capable of supporting life. Any reply to the messages - collated through a competition by the social networking website Bebo - would not reach Earth for 40 years. After being launched yesterday at 0600 GMT Bebo's mission commander Oli Madgett said the message "passed the Moon in 1.7 seconds, Mars in just four minutes and will leave our Solar System before breakfast tomorrow". Organisers hope the hi-tech package will reach its target - the planet Gliese 581C - in early 2029.
Today has a few astrological delights in store. With the Moon waxing in 'high tech' Aquarius, Venus makes an appetizing trine aspect with Uranus 05:48 GMT.
This waxing accelerating Moon aligns to Neptune (within 50 minutes of arc) at 22 degrees Aquarius at 09:50 GMT
The Moon goes on to sextile Pluto and is void of course from 23:13 GMT.
An interesting weekend lies ahead of us.
Saturday October 11th 2008
The Moon enters Pisces 01:31 GMT
The Moon reaches gibbous phase 07:45 GMT 3 degrees Pisces. We are now under the sway of the approaching Full Moon. Emotions, passions and energies are intensifying daily.
Today is a strange one as Venus squares Neptune 20:20 GMT. Love or confusion? Take your pick.
Sunday October 12th 2008
Saturn, the Earth and the Moon are linearly aligned (within .75 of a degree) at 07:36 GMT.
The Moon is conjunct Uranus at 20 degrees Pisces at 12:54 GMT
Monday October 13th 2008
US President George W Bush has said the serious global financial crisis demands a serious global response. He was joined on Friday by G7 finance ministers from Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, as well as IMF chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn and World Bank President Robert Zoellick. Amid widespread fears of a global recession, Asian, European and US markets continued to panic sell on Friday despite rate cuts and cash injections by central banks.
The 15 eurozone leaders are to meet in Paris to try to establish a common approach to the global financial crisis.
North Korea welcomed a US decision to remove it from a list of sponsors of terrorism and agreed to allow nuclear access.
Nasa is pushing ahead with plans to launch its next Mars mission in 2009, but acknowledges that extra funds are required to make it happen. The current launch window for MSL runs from 15 September to 4 October, 2009. This would see the spacecraft arrive at Mars sometime between 10 July and 14 September, 2010.
A near-Earth object due to pass our planet on Oct. 22 is not an asteroid, but a comet:Comet Barnard 3 was discovered in 1892, lost for more than a century, and found again this month as it approached Earth It will make its closest approach to the Sun on Oct 24 and to the Earth around Oct 22 at a distance of 0.19 AU. Unfortunately the comet will not become bright enough for backyard observers.
State of the skies:- Today the Sun reaches 21 degrees Libra at the end of the GMT day. The Sun is trine Neptune. There are then 9 days remaining of the astrological month of Libra and 69 days to the Winter Solstice (in the north).
The Moon which is Full tomorrow starts the day in Pisces, squares Pluto, and is void from 05:02 GMT. She flashes into Aries 07:07 GMT, moving to oppose retrograde Mercury. Tomorrow's Full Moon is the second Full Moon following on from the Partial Lunar Eclipse of August 16th 2008
Mercury is now nearly at the end of his retrograding motion and is a 'morning star' in Libra. Mercury resumes direct motion in two days time on October 15th.
Venus is an evening star in Scorpio. She enters Sagittarius on October 18th. Venus is with Mars in Scorpio until that day.
Mars in Scorpio sextiles Jupiter on October 27th. He sextiles Saturn and trines Uranus (easing their opposition) on October 31st. Mars squares Neptune on November 4th, the US election day and enters Sagittarius on November 16th.
Less than three degrees and three weeks in time now separate the forthcoming opposition of Uranus and Saturn which will dominate the skies in 2009 and set the scene for very difficult long lasting planetary picture involving Pluto over the next couple of years and into 2011. The first 'hit' of this opposition occurs on the US election day Nov 4th 2008, (the second hit:- February 5th 2009, the 3rd on Sept. 15th 2009, the next on April 26th 2010, and the final hit July 26th 2010). This opposition seems to be related to the financial crises that we are going through this autumn and also represents a distant, harsh and clear cut polarization in all spheres of human activity
Tuesday October 14th 2008
Yesterday US stocks rose strongly in early trading, as global shares responded to efforts by world leaders to stem the financial turmoil.
North Korea has restored UN monitors' access to the Yongbyon nuclear site, including its plutonium plant.
Former South African President Thabo Mbeki is due in Harare to try and salvage the power-sharing deal he brokered last month. President Robert Mugabe has given key posts to his own Zanu-PF party and opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai has threatened to pull out of the deal.
Today is the day of the Full Moon. The Sun is trine Neptune 13:19 GMT.
The Hunter's Full Moon
22 degrees Aries 20:03 GMT
http://judecowell.files.wordpress.com/2007/09/chiron-returns-2027-28.jpg
This is the second Full Moon following on from the Partial Lunar Eclipse of August 16th 2008 and the 4th before the Penumbral Lunar Eclipse at 21 degrees Leo on February 9th 2009.
The Full Moon is sextile Neptune. This is not too difficult a Full Moon. Indeed it may release an impulse to get things moving. The time appears urgent and impulsive, with actions fired up with deep emotional stirrings.
Despite the economic difficulties (symbolised by the now all too dominating opposition of Saturn and Uranus), this Full Moon unleashes passion and a measure of exuberance.
At the exact moment of Full Moon Neptune culminates at London, and the local Ascendant Descendant axis there forms a 'mystic rectangle' with the Sun and Moon.
Saturn is three degrees from his opposition to Uranus. At the moment of exact Full Moon this opposition is aligned to Athens, Bucharest, Ulan Bator, Albany (Aus), La Paz and Santiago.
This Full Moon forms a tight 150 degree (inconjunct) aspect with Barack Obama's natal Mars and John McCain's natal Venus, both at 22 degrees Virgo, a stressful situation for both, and a tight sextile to Sarah Palin's natal Sun Mars Saturn conjunction in Aquarius maybe giving her bit of a surge.
Wednesday October 15th 2008
As the Full Moon climaxed last night the main news was the US government stating that it will buy stakes in major banks to try to stabilise the battered financial sector. All day long yesterday world stock markets pushed higher, as investors welcomed government action to shore up banks.
Scientists were preparing to survey Antarctica's Gamburtsev mountain range - one of the most enigmatic mountain groups on Earth.
The extent of wildfires sweeping across parts of California could be seen in aerial footage of the area taken at night.
China was withdrawing all liquid and powdered milk produced before the tainted milk scandal which broke out last month.
Today the 'hung over' Full Moon in Aries trines Pluto and is void of course from 07:36 GMT.
This accelerating but now waning Moon enters Taurus 09:31 GMT.
The day that ensues is excellent for achieving stillness of body and of mind, should your schedule allow you opportunity.
Mercury at 8 degrees Libra turns direct in motion today at 19:57 GMT. He picks up to full 'effective' apparent speed on October 22nd. Mercury now direct in motion is a morning star in Libra. Mercury squares Jupiter for the third time this season on Sunday 26th October. Mercury is trine Neptune on October 30th. Mercury enters Scorpio on the day of the US election, November 4th 2008. Mercury next turns retrograde on January 11th 2009. Always it is best policy to hold back a little longer before implementing new plans, after the 'Mercury retrograde season' (to allow Mercury to pick up apparent speed).
Thursday October 16th
Yesterday the G8 leaders agreed to hold a summit with other states to discuss global financial reform, and reopen trade negotiations. Stock markets in Europe slumped, as weak economic figures fueled worries of a recession. The UK jobless total rose by 164,000 - the most in 17 years - to 1.79 million for the three months from June to August.
Pop star Madonna and her film director husband Guy Ritchie are to divorce, their PR representatives yesterday confirmed. I mention this for an understanding of the astrology of a well established chart (within the astrological community). The New Moon in early Virgo on August 30th 2088 fell directly on the natal Moon Mercury conjunction of Madonna (as was pointed out in The Daze at the time). During the few weeks leading up to that new moon, transiting Saturn was also in conjunction with these personal planets, and by secondary progression progressed Madonna's Mercury was at superior conjunction. Maybe what was announced yesterday has its roots embedded in this summer's transits, lunations and progressions to Madonna's chart.
Today the Moon is busy and fast moving through Taurus.
From 09:00 GMT to 14:00 she arranges herself in a loose earthy grand trine with Jupiter in Capricorn and Saturn in Virgo. This is a good time for practical activities especially so for jobs meant to last.
Friday October 17th 2008
Yesterday the French president said that the EU will keep to its targets to tackle climate change despite worries about slowing economies.
At least 18 civilians were killed in an air strike by foreign forces in Afghanistan's southern Helmand province,
The US Dow Jones share index enjoyed a brief rally on Thursday before falling back to trade down by 2.5%. Investors were digesting data showing industrial production in September had suffered its biggest drop since 1974, while inflation was unchanged. Earlier in the day, Asian shares had fallen sharply with the Nikkei in Tokyo falling 11%. In Europe, London's FTSE 100 closed down 5.7%, France's Cac 40 fell 5.9% and Germany's Dax lost 4.9%.
As an addendum to the bit I wrote yesterday about pop singer Madonna's recent astrological upheavals, I forgot to mention that her birthday this year (August 16th) was the day of the Lunar Eclipse.
Today During the early hours, the Moon just past the full passes through the Pleiades Star Cluster. Observers in the western half of North America have the best view.
The Sun has his annual conjunction with Spica today.
The Moon in Taurus is at perigee (fastest all month) at 06:04 GMT
The Moon quickly opposes Venus at 07:34 GMT and is void of course for nearly three hours.
She breezes into Gemini 10:26 GMT. The mood of the day modulates. A lot of talk is evident. The atmosphere is lighter. The weekend ahead acts out the astrology in two distinct chapters. Saturday's mood is light, bubbly and restless. Sunday's mood (as the Moon approaches Last Quarter in Cancer) is homely and protective.
Saturday October 18th 2008
The Moon reaches disseminating phase 02:54 GMT 10 degrees Gemini.
Venus enters Sagittarius 18:31 GMT today. Venus will be in Sagittarius until November 12th. During her residence in Sagittarius she form a very dynamic mutable T-square on November 3rd with Saturn and Uranus. She sextiles Neptune on November 5th. Venus is conjunct Pluto on November 12th and enters Capricorn the same day. This short period has a brazen quality. This is also a time to take a chance on love.
Sunday October 19th 2008
The Moon opposes Pluto 09:53 GMT and becomes void of course.
The fast moving Moon enters Cancer 11:41 GMT.
The day mellows to domesticity. A more emotional mood prevails from this time.
Monday October 20th 2008
Yesterday George W Bush's former secretary of state Colin Powell endorsed Barack Obama for US president, in a sharp rebuke to Republicans.
Iraq's ruling coalition said it wants to change a draft security pact that would allow US troops to stay in the country until 2011
Taleban insurgents killed at least 27 people, beheading some, traveling on buses in the Afghan province of Kandahar.
The ExoMars rover, which will search for signs of life on the Red Planet, will not launch now until 2016 because of high costs.
State of the skies:-The Sun today is at 27 degrees Libra. There are 63 days to the Winter Solstice (in the north). The Sun moves into Scorpio early (GMT) Thursday.
The fast moving Moon is now waning in Cancer and reaches her last quarter phase tomorrow. Today she makes several aspects. (She is busy). The next New Moon at 6 degrees Scorpio on October 28th is the third New Moon following the Total Solar Eclipse on August 1st 2008 and it lies midway in time between that eclipse and the Annular eclipse of the Sun at 6 degrees Aquarius conjunct Jupiter on January 26th 2009.
Mercury is now direct in motion and is a morning star in Libra. He picks up to full speed in 2 days time on October 22nd. Mercury in Libra squares Jupiter for the third time this season on Sunday 26th October. Mercury is trine Neptune on October 30th. Mercury enters Scorpio on the day of the US election, November 4th 2008. Mercury next turns retrograde on January 11th 2009.
Venus is now an evening star in Sagittarius. Venus will be in Sagittarius until November 12th. During her residence in Sagittarius she form a very dynamic mutable T-square on November 3rd with Saturn and Uranus. She sextiles Neptune on November 5th. Venus is conjunct Pluto on November 12th and enters Capricorn the same day.
Mars in Scorpio sextiles Saturn and trines Uranus (easing their opposition) on October 31st. Mars squares Neptune on November 4th, the US election day and enters Sagittarius on November 16th.
Less than two degrees and two weeks in time now separate the forthcoming opposition of Uranus and Saturn which will dominate the skies in 2009 and set the scene for very difficult long lasting planetary picture involving Pluto over the next couple of years and into 2011. The first 'hit' of this opposition occurs on the US election day Nov 4th 2008, (the second hit:- February 5th 2009, the 3rd on Sept. 15th 2009, the next on April 26th 2010, and the final hit July 26th 2010). This opposition seems to be related to the financial crises that we are going through this autumn and also represents a distant, harsh and clear cut polarization in all spheres of human activity
The annual Orionid meteor shower should be at its peak between midnight and dawn for the next few mornings, but the waning Moon will brighten the sky. You may see a dozen or so meteors per hour of steady watching before dawn.
Tuesday October 21st 2008
Mercury is at greatest elongation, 18° west of the Sun in the dawn sky.
The Moon hits her last quarter phase at 11:56 GMT at 28 degrees Cancer, and is void of course from this moment.
The Moon enters Leo 14:36 GMT
Gunmen on a motorbike fatally shot a British aid worker yesterday as she was on her way to work in Kabul, the Afghan Interior Ministry said. The Taliban claimed responsibility, saying it killed the "foreign woman" for preaching Christianity in the country
Nasa's Interstellar Boundary Explorer (Ibex) spacecraft has been launched into Earth orbit to study the edge of our Solar System. Ibex was launched on Sunday aboard a Pegasus rocket that was dropped from a jet flying over the Pacific Ocean.
Wednesday October 22nd 2008
Today, the unmanned Chandrayaan 1 spacecraft will blast off from a launch pad in Andhra Pradesh to embark on a two-year mission of exploration. An Indian-built launcher carrying the one-and-a-half-tonne satellite is due to blast off from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota at about 0650 local time (0050 GMT) on Wednesday.
Yesterday aid agencies said they will review their presence and security arrangements in Afghanistan after the killing of a foreign relief worker
Air traffic, urban transport and public services have ground to a halt in Greece, where hundreds of thousands of people have walked out on strike.
Today is the last day of the astrological month of Libra.
Mercury returns to normal apparent speed today.
The Sun in late Libra sextiles Pluto in late Sagittarius at 00:20 GMT.
The Moon, her north node and Mars form a tight Fixed T-square around 13:20 GMT.
Thursday October 23rd 2008
Yesterday stock markets remained jittery as fears of a global recession and further economic woe returned to haunt investors.
Western donors pledged more than $4.5bn in aid to help rebuild Georgia, two months after its conflict with Russia.
Today the Sun enters Scorpio 01:09 GMT and a new astrological month commences.
The Moon, the Earth and Neptune linearly align within 11 minutes of arc at 04:25 GMT between Leo and Aquarius.
The Moon trines Pluto and is void from 17:54 GMT.
The Moon enters Virgo 19:41 GMT.
Friday October 24th 2008
Yesterday, the first day of the astrological month of Scorpio, was a low news day. The main event was a suspected US missile strike that killed at least eight students at a religious school in north-western Pakistan. The school, in North Waziristan, is close to the residence of a fugitive Taleban leader, Jalaluddin Haqqani, witnesses told the BBC Urdu Service. At least two missiles, reportedly fired by pilotless US drones, hit the school early on Thursday.
Today the Moon wanes and decelerates in Virgo, applying to a conjunction with Saturn which occurs early (GMT) tomorrow. This is a serious and hard working day.
Saturday October 25th 2008
Yesterday Global share markets fell sharply, as fears grew among investors of a sustained worldwide economic recession.
Today the Moon reaches balsamic phase 02:48 GMT 17 degrees Virgo and is conjunct Saturn at 04:27 GMT at 18 degrees Virgo.
The Moon opposes Uranus (2 degree orb) 06:43 GMT.
Today is best suited to constructive repairs.
Mercury is about to square Jupiter. There may well be inclinations to misjudge, to lose the thread, and not see the wood for the trees.
Ride it out.
Venus is passing 3½° north of Antares at dusk this evening and tomorrow evening. See the illustrations above.
During dawn Sunday morning, Saturn, the Moon, and Mercury form a tall tableau in the eastern sky, as shown at right. SKY and TELESCOPE
Sunday October 26th 2008
Autumn half term, The Daze back live November 1st 2008
The Moon starting the day in Virgo squares Pluto in Sagittarius and is void of course from 01:03 GMT
She enters Libra 02:48 GMT.
Mercury in Libra squares Jupiter 12:15 GMT.
This 'old Moon day' day has indolent potential.
Monday October 27th 2008
State of the skies:- The Sun today is at 4 degrees Scorpio. We are now 56 days from the Winter Solstice.
The old, slow and decelerating Moon is conjunct Mercury at 17 degrees Libra at 11:38 GMT. She reaches her New phase tomorrow in Scorpio.
This will the third New Moon following the Total Solar Eclipse on August 1st 2008 and it lies midway in time between that eclipse and the Annular eclipse of the Sun at 6 degrees Aquarius conjunct Jupiter on January 26th 2009. This midpoint in time is a moment of 'Karmic Balance' in the eclipse cycle. This point is reached every six months or so. Saros forces are balanced.
Mercury is now a morning star in Libra. Mercury is trine Neptune on October 30th. Mercury enters Scorpio on the day of the US election, November 4th 2008. Mercury next turns retrograde on January 11th 2009.
Venus is an evening star in Sagittarius. Venus will be in Sagittarius until November 12th. She forms a very dynamic mutable T-square on November 3rd with Saturn and Uranus. She sextiles Neptune on November 5th. Venus is conjunct Pluto on November 12th and enters Capricorn the same
Mars in Scorpio sextiles Jupiter 20:30 GMT sextiles Saturn and trines Uranus (easing their opposition) on October 31st. Mars squares Neptune on November 4th, the US election day and enters Sagittarius on November 16th.
Less than one degree of celestial longitude and one week in time now separate the forthcoming opposition of Uranus and Saturn which will dominate the skies in 2009 and set the scene for a very difficult long lasting planetary picture involving Pluto over the next couple of years and into 2011. The first 'hit' of this opposition occurs on the US election day Nov 4th 2008, (the second hit:- February 5th 2009, the 3rd on Sept. 15th 2009, the next on April 26th 2010, and the final hit July 26th 2010). This opposition seems to be related to the financial crises that we are going through this autumn and also represents a distant, harsh and clear cut polarization in all spheres of human activity.
Tomorrow's New Moon is the major astrological event this coming week and sets the stage for some dynamic planetary pictures in the month ahead.
Tuesday October 28th 2008
The Moon sextiles Pluto and is void from 10:06 GMT.
She enters Scorpio 11:48 GMT.
New Moon 6 degrees Scorpio 23:15 GMT
This is the third New Moon following the Total Solar Eclipse on August 1st 2008 and it lies midway in time between that eclipse and the Annular eclipse of the Sun at 6 degrees Aquarius conjunct Jupiter on January 26th 2009.
The Sun Moon and Mars are in Scorpio. Intoxicating, intense and passionate times are at hand.
At the exact moment of New Moon today the Sun and the Moon are aligned to Koln and Marsielle. The pair are rising just west of Bangkok and over central China and eastern Mongolia.
At that same moment the current Saturn Uranus opposition straddles San Francisco and Dhahran.
This is also the last New Moon before US election day. This lunation favors Barack Obama. The New Moon is conjunct the natal Sun/Jupiter midpoint and his natal Neptune. It tightly sextiles natal Pluto.
John McCain on the other hand sees the New Moon square his Mars/Pluto midpoint and opposite natal Uranus.
Today's new Moon also directly falls on the natal Sun of Julia Roberts and Grace Slick, also on the natal Mercury of UK Tory party leader David Cameron and the natal Mercury of Prince Charles, the natal Mars of artist Marilyn Mason and the natal Uranus of Tiger Woods. Today's New Moon also directly hits the natal Moon in the Kenya Independence chart.
Wednesday October 29th 2008
The New Moon is conjunct Mars at 18 degrees Scorpio 22:17 GMT.
Thursday October 30th 2008
The Moon is square Neptune and is void of course from 05:45 GMT.
Mercury is trine Neptune 06:12 GMT
The Moon enters Sagittarius, joining Venus in that sign, 22:41 GMT
Friday October 31st 2008
Mars sextiles Saturn 03:52 GMT.
Lunar occultation of Antares occurs today 18:29 GMT visible from central South America. Lunar occultations of Antares occur every month from Dec.. 2004 to Feb. 2010. There are none then till July 2023
Mars trines Uranus 20:33 GMT.
On the 31st, the crescent Moon returns to the sunset sky and hangs below Venus;
Mercury is conjunct Spica.
Low in the southwest in twilight, look for the thin crescent Moon about 5° beneath Venus. Slightly to the right of the M