Astrology of The Artist, plus, Henri Rousseau's painting, The Dream: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Henri_Rousseau_005.jpg A Cosmic Portrait of The Artist by Jude Cowell Biographical details concerning the life of painter Henri Rousseau usually include the fact that a certain mystique surrounded him. He's not quite in the 'not much is known' category of famous artists but he comes pretty close. So let's see if his natal horoscope and planets (RR: AA for accurate, if you'd care for a peek, or a glance, below) can lift at least a corner of the veil of secrecy that enshrouds the life, personality, and original creativity of Henri Rousseau. Note that some differences exist between the two bio sketches linked here--ex: one says two wives, 7 children, none lived, the other says 4 children, one lived; either way I suggest that his 'childlike' paintings full of mystery, darkness, threat, and violence may have been inspired by the tragic loss of his children, and in 1888 by the loss of his beloved wife, Clemence Boitard, his landlord's daughter, whom he had married in 1869. And you know that the largely self-taught artist Rousseau never visited the locations he painted but studied his subjects from books, at the zoo, and from a taxidermy museum! Thus his paintings depict "landscapes of the mind" - and his personal mystique comes in part through a mystical Neptune-Pluto sextile. Actually, Modigliani pioneered the portrait-landscape style. Moving to Paris in 1868, and after years working as a successful civil servant (customs official), Rousseau taught himself to paint at age 40 and curiously, the distance between his natal Sun @00Gemini (adult personality) and Moon @10Cancer12 (childhood personality--his in the 5th house of Children and Creative Pursuits)--is 40 degrees 10 minutes. Therefore, in the degree-for-a-year way of progressing a horoscope, this syncs perfectly with one life cycle or phase of activity coming to a close as conscious (Sun) and unconscious (Moon) symbolically culminated with a Progressed Full Moon @8Cap28 (SP Sun @8Can28) in August 1884, the year he took up a paint brush, eventually devoting himself to Creative Pursuits full time. The very creative Rousseau also wrote poetry and composed music (ex: a waltz for his wife!) so where can we see these natural talents in his natal chart? Unusual Paintings with Long-Lasting Appeal Through the years Rousseau's creations have often been deemed "childlike" and "innocent" yet as noted above, there are also strands of darkness running through them such as in his Jungle Art with its predatory tigers and other animals 'lurking' (my word!) behind leaves and vines (spy them in The Dream, above). The childlike quality in many of his paintings makes sense when we consider that his Sun is in Gemini, Mercurial sign of the child, while his Moon is happily in Cancer, sign of Family, Mother, and Home (he didn't willingly wander far from it, apparently - but told whoppers and said he did - he was rather like Mr. Trump). So if you look at his natal horoscope, you'll see I've scribbled my study notes upon the chart and in the lower right corner, you can see listed a famous composer who shared Rousseau's Sun Gemini-Moon Cancer personality blend: Igor Stravinsky. Added is a (musical) quote from Stravinsky because it could easily apply to the appealing Art of Henri Rousseau, "My music is best understood by children and animals." And so it appears that every viewer's 'inner child' can be reached by gazing at the masterful artwork of Henri Rousseau! Creative Talent in His Natal Horoscope There are multiple indications of art talent found in Rousseau's natal chart including creative Neptune in novelty-loving, original Aquarius - rising at his birth. Basically, Rousseau Is Neptune. But there's more, because Neptune is part of a Minor Grand Trine (highlighted in greenish turquoise) between Mars trine Neptune, with both planets sextile powerful, transformative Pluto - all at 23 degrees, an indication of something karmic going on beneath the surface. I suspect it's inherited talent which apparently stayed hidden until about age 40. Actually, a Mars-Neptune trine is super creative on its own but add intense Pluto in a Minor Grand Trine pattern of talent and the qualities of the planetary configuration deepen and allow the power of his images to transform the viewer. However, the addition of underworld Pluto to Mars and Neptune can also add dreams of violence and aggression, dark themes which were expressed in some of his paintings. Plus, his Mars-Neptune trine suggests a double-Pisces influence of mysticism, fated romance/s, and creativity that has a healing quality. Now below you see his natal chart with hard working Saturn joyful in the 12th house of the Unconscious from which creativity flows (12th house = work in isolation, peace and quiet are needed); Saturn is placed in futuristic Aquarius conjunct dedicated worker Vesta, one of the feminine archetypes in Astrology: Now as you know, Saturn rules form, structure, and realism, and for creative projects Saturn provides a container for Uranian ideas to be poured into. This was easy for Rousseau for as you see, his practical Saturn (his chart-ruler) sextiles (60 degrees) genius planet Uranus with both planets as chart-ruler if you, dear reader, consider Uranus as a ruler, co-ruler, or the higher octave planet of Aquarius (and Saturn the sign's traditional ruler). Well, obviously, an easy aspect between Saturn and Uranus is excellent for creativity, for bringing into reality one's ideas, for giving them form and substance. And having the North Node of future direction conjunct Midheaven ('MC'), the Career and Public Status Point, brings public recognition and fame, even if it's delayed until the end of life--or posthumously, as for Modigliani. Plus, there's another indication of artistic talent - his charming Moon-Venus conjunction in 5th house! This aspect denotes pleasant relationships especially with women (his mother must have been loving and lovely), a happy home life (yet unfortunately marred by the loss of children and wife, as noted), and a compassionate nature which may have been supported by Rousseau's first house Jupiter in compassionate Pisces. Yet drugs, including alcohol consumption, may have tagged along with excessive Jupiter in mutable, often weak, Pisces. If so, he was no different than other creatives of his day. And there's erratic planet Uranus also rising in first house (Physical Body; Self) and there's really no telling how quirkily the planet of chaos in 1st house affected his behavior - made him 'an original' with a preference for solitude, I suspect, and maybe a little cantankerous at times. Well, the sign of Uranus describes something about behavior and in Rousseau's case, this would be pioneering Aries, ruled by energetic Mars, which is posited in the 4th house of Domestic Scene, one of the Psychological houses as well. This suggests that not all was sweetness and light in the home for angry quarrels may have broken the peace at times, or perhaps some measure of blame was cast for various reasons. Plus, Mars and Aries can suggest someone with a me-first attitude toward others which is seldom easy to live with. Of course, this relates to young Rousseau's father's behavior and to Henri himself as an adult: like father, like son. Certainly, misunderstandings could occur as within every relationship with Rousseau's poverty adding its own aggravations to issues and difficulties at hand, including his health. And it's even possible that rigid Saturn, the 'earthly father' archetype, tilting a BOWL pattern of his planets, reveals a lack of experience in various spheres of life and this may have caused misunderstandings within the realms of his empty signs and houses: 7th house Leo (except for wounded/wounding Chiron - was wounded pride a tender issue for his ego? his painting were rejected multiple times), Virgo, sign of The Critic (the Virgo-Pisces victim-savior polarity intercepted across the 1/7 relationship axis - thus karmic and unconscious), 8th house Venus-ruled Libra (but with psychological planet Pluto in Mars-ruled Aries opposite in 2nd house: quarrels), 9th house Scorpio, the intense, brooding sign ruled by lusty Mars, 10th house Sagittarius, the Jupiter-ruled sign of The Seeker, and 11th house Saturn-ruled Capricorn, sign of duty and maturity. That's a lot of missed life experiences and areas to know little about! However, Rousseau did take care of his mother after the death of his father which is a major credit to his sense of responsibility. Kudos to him for that! Now in closing, a word about Henri Rousseau's Pre-natal Solar Eclipse ('PE' in 10th house) @28Sag44 in the 8 North Saros Series. Here we come close to approaching a significant essence of the artist for 8 North is an indicator of unusual themes with potentials for: 'flashes of genius, visions, vivid dreams, insights, good ideas, intuitive leaps, new-found inspiration'. When affecting the individual, 8 North times a period when he is pulled away from relationships or his social life by a need to be free, "if only for a few weeks." This causes "strain in the private life" (Brady's Predictive Astrology). And more quarrels at home perhaps? These eclipse themes would have come around approximately every 18.6 years to inspire his work and/or to create relationship problems! Plus, planetary transits and progressions could set them off, positively or negatively. Henri Rousseau's life spanned from May 21, 1844 until his death on September 2, 1910 in Paris, I regret to say, from blood poisoning (gangrene). And as you well know, images of his paintings may be found in various art museums and all across the Internet so you'll have no trouble viewing them! Well, this concludes my Cosmic Portrait of Henri Rousseau and I do hope some benefit is derived from this post in some way, may the artist R.I.P. If so, your generous Shares would be much appreciated, and you're welcome to join my Patreon list of subscribers ('Jude Cowell Art') for this helps defray costs such as ink cartridges and domain fees, and encourages me to continue my online Art and Astrology work which I freely share! Jude Another Cosmic Profile of a Famous Artist: Astro-Notes on the Personality of Edouard Manet.

La Parisienne by Auguste Renoir This file has been identified as being free of known restrictions under copyright law, including all related and neighboring rights. When we check out the natal horoscopes of French painter Pierre Auguste Renoir and Hollywood actress Jean Harlow we find that they share more than enduring fame for both were born with Sun in creative Pisces and Moon in Mars-ruled Aries, a volatile, steamy Water-Fire personality blend. If you share this Sun-Moon blend then (like it or not!) this description is for you! Sun Pisces-Moon Aries identifies one who is romantic, artistic, and affectionate yet can be quarrelsome, willful, and moody. Sensitivity and an independent spirit combine to create a fun-loving personality that is humble yet self-centered, keenly intuitive yet militant as meek and mild meet the defense of a fragile ego. Quietly theatrical, this blend possesses a me-first mindset mixed with an I'll-do-anything-for-you vibe. Notable may be a sense of restlessness and personal bias that is easy-going yet can express as a know-it-all maverick forever promoting its heroic qualities. In relationships, Sun Pisces-Moon Aries is one of the most romantic combinations and may enter unions quite impetuously though picking a fight is a typical tactic meant to create some 'space' when needed. The capacity to laugh at human nature and bounce back when knocked down is a laudable quality of this blend but meanwhile, friends may consider Sun Pisces-Moon Aries folk to be enigmatic. A tendency to go overboard with efforts to win is inspired by the fear that one's efforts will not be recognized and worth will not be noticed but years after their deaths, it seems certain that such a worrisome issue has been settled once and for all for Jean Harlow and for Auguste Renoir! Sun Pisces-Moon Aries has only one Image for Integration according to Charles and Suzi Harvey in their book, Sun Sign-Moon Sign, and it's quite curious even for Paris or Hollywood: "In tattered rags, the small, obscure young servant named Arthur pulls the sword from the stone and becomes king of Camelot." Also viewable is my post concerning the natal horoscope of Jean Harlow (natal chart shown) with a bit of her bio, plus, a studio shot of her platinum blondness and a movie clip featuring the suave, elegant Cary Grant! Note that other chart factors made Harlow and Renoir different. This post focuses on what made their personalities similar!

Orpheus Leading Eurydice From the Underworld by Camille Corot (1861); [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons One of the more famous and beloved of Greek Myths is that of Orpheus and his love Eurydice. Often depicted by painters of Corot's persuasion, you see here his version illustrating the melancholy tale which looks suitably dark and ethereal. Naturally, astrologers would key in on the word 'Underworld' thanks to its ruler, Pluto, and although Pluto's discovery didn't occur until 1930, out of curiosity my green eyes had a peek at the planetary positions on Jean-Baptists Camille Corot's day of birth at 1:30 am LMT on July 16, 1796, Paris, France, Rodden Rating: AA; Data collected by Gauquelin! We should note that Corot's natal asteroids Orpheus and Eurydice (Eurydike) link to two of his natal planets: Orpheus conjunct (depressive) Saturn in Gemini and Eurydice conjunct Mars Rx in Sagittarius. Now if you wish, read a brief bio and check out Corot's natal chart at astro.com where you'll find that he was born into a prosperous family, received an inheritance in 1822 (which made his switch from being a businessman to a painter possible), and that he suffered from gout, a painful chronic condition usually brought on by an overindulgent lifestyle. For more details, here's his Wiki page. My meager speculation about his natal horoscope is that if born 20 minutes later at 1:50 am LMT, Saturn @22Gem06 would be conjunct his Gemini Ascendant but in the 12th house (concentrated work in solitude) and Mars Rx @17Sag23 would dip into his 6th house of Health and Daily Rounds which could relate to his gout and daily work. After all, exact birth times on the hour or half hour are often rounded off and therefore not quite accurate, are they? Yet his data was collected by researcher-statistician Michel Gauquelin so who am I to quibble?! So we find Corot's natal Pluto @28AQ41 Rx in the 10th house of Public Status and Career along with Jupiter Rx in creative Pisces (12:41). Both planets have 'father' implications so his prosperous papa is seen here with both denoting wealth. Interesting that early on Corot painted against his father's wishes and only turned to Art as a profession after his father's demise, a typical occurrence since Art is so often seen as an unstable endeavor by parental units. Yet Corot's Saturn-Pluto trine (more Daddy notes!) is the aspect of "The Magnate" (A. Oken) and suggests economic success in business and an ability to refine authoritarianism. Corot's Chart-Ruler Mercury Conjunct North Node: New Concepts Accepted by the Public Now chart-ruler Mercury (Rx @10Can54 and partile conjunct North Node in 2nd house of Money and Values) applies only once--a trine to artful Neptune in Scorpio (6th house) giving him much creative inspiration which can inspire the talents of others. This trine is often seen in the natal charts of writers, novelists, artists, and musicians--and the Neptune-NN trine is helpful for art contacts with the public. Another creative aspect is a Fire trine between his Sag Mars and Venus @21Leo58 (but note that Mars is out-of-bounds so he's off on his own a lot and maybe not as cooperative with others as he could be). Yet as you know, the Sun-ruled sign of Leo is creative and dramatic, plus, Corot's Venus is Stationed and turned Rx 19 hours 37 minutes ago @21Leo57. Another Stationing planet? Neptune which turned Direct in 21 hours 48 minutes after Corot's birth so both Venus and Neptune, though not in major aspect with one another, are strong due to their Stationing conditions. Even so, another creative aspect exists between his 7th and 11th house ruler Jupiter and Stationing Neptune indicates that Corot may have considered Art as his mission, or calling in life. And if we are the servants of our 10th house planets, Corot well-served his creative Piscean Jupiter by painting masterpieces while expressing the power of a 10th house Pluto in Aquarius, a sign placement denoting popularity and 'advancement in life with the help of others' (Ebertin). Sun Cancer-Moon Sagittarius ('Moon-Jupiter') Yet there are a few turbulent placements in his chart. Corot's natal Moon in Sagittarius (6th house of Health) and Sun @24Can06 (3rd house conjunct its cusp so affecting 2nd house depending on the House System used) suggests difficulties between his parents (sesqui-square 136 degrees) and may have caused relational troubles in adulthood between his conscious (Sun) and unconscious (Moon) minds. Was one or both parents overindulgent? That would be my first guess via the 'Moon-Jupiter' influence (plus, his Moon-Jupiter square suggests this along with a streak of laziness). A quick look at his Water-Fire personality blend hints at a strong sense of family, concern for social issues, and an ability to understand 'the big picture' though perhaps with negligent attention given to details. He probably used sarcasm to hide his vulnerabilities and tended to justify his personal prejudices, yet a poetic imagination is also present with this blend but with much emotional volatility which is supported by Corot's Moon-Mars conjunction (7-degree orb), and Moon square his Jupiter-Uranus opposition. Plus, a Moon-Mercury inconjunct adds emotional overreactions and upsets since his lunar feelings and mercurial thinking processes and speech may have been at odds (as taught in childhood!) But the most prominent factor concerning Corot's Sun is that it is unaspected. If you wish to read about such a detached Sun you'll find info in a previous post concerning a certain lady. Scroll to the last paragraph for a few unaspected Sun details. Then on the generational level, Camille Corot was born during a creative Uranus-Neptune sextile period (as was Mary Shelley, 1797) identifying him a 'revolutionary thinker' suspicious of entrenched beliefs and institutions and insistent that commitments be made voluntarily. That last tallies well with the themes of Corot's Prenatal Solar Eclipse which perfected on July 4, 1796 @13Can31 in the 15 North Saros Series with cosmic vibes of 'good news' and 'joy through commitment' (Brady). In our day, 15 North last manifested on November 13, 2012 @22Scorpio and will come again in 2030 @3Sagittarius. All in all, I'd say that the natal horoscope of Camille Corot is quite fascinating and worth your consideration if you wish for more chart factors are certain to be of interest! There are several books on Corot and/or his paintings; one is Corot and the Art of Landscape available on Amazon via third-party sellers. For more personality blend info see Sun Sign-Moon Sign by Charles and Suzi Harvey.

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Edouard_Manet_-_Berthe_Morisot_With_a_Bouquet_of_Violets_-_Google_Art_Project.jpg Astro-Notes on Edouard Manet: A genius (Sun Aquarius) in Art (Libra Moon) by Jude Cowell As you know, it's common in Natal Astrology that studying the natal horoscopes of long-ago figures, no matter how prominent, is frustrated by the fact that no exact birth time is known and often 'noon' is chosen to set up their charts but without the input of a correct Ascendant (Self) and Midheaven (The Goal). Plus, knowing a correct birth time allows the placement of natal planets in their houses (departments of life) so obviously, these two chart angles are important for gaining a fuller picture of the native. Well, fortunately, this is not an issue with the natal horoscope of the artist many historians have called, "the first modern painter," Edouard Manet for his birth data is rated AA for accuracy! Follow the link for a view of his natal chart if you wish but a few details are included below concerning Manet's double Air Sun Aquarius-Moon Libra personality blend. Now many moons ago when I attended art school in Atlanta, Georgia, Manet was a favorite artist of mine so this post is a labor of love and curiosity! Edouard Manet born January 23, 1832 7:00 pm LMT Paris, France to a prominent family and under the influence of Sun Aquarius-Moon Libra, an intellectual, cultured, and independent blend of energies (Saturn-Uranus; Venus). In fact, this blend's airiness can tend the native toward an overly abstract approach to life, if not to Art. As you know, Manet has been termed "the first modern painter" and counted several Impressionist painters among his friends. Developing the all prima painting technique ('all at once' - wet layers of paint applied upon wet layers), Manet is also known as "a genius of modern art" which can be seen by his Sun and Uranus in Aquarius! His "innovative realist" style of painting is identifiable via his Aquarian Uranus, the genius and innovator, and natal Saturn, planet of realism, in the practical workaholic sign of Mercury-ruled Virgo. For as you know, Uranian genius needs a Saturnian vessel to pour into otherwise ideas remain without practical application in the real world and expression of this ability depends upon the aspect between the two planets. In Manet's natal chart we find a Saturn-Uranus inconjunct which suggests a resistance to change so it took some attitude adjustments before he could adopt new techniques in his work. Plus, this inconjunct can lead to conflict in relationships as well and hints that others could 'see' or appreciate his talents more clearly than he could - at least early on in his career. And regretfully I must add that a Saturn-Uranus inconjunct (or, quincunx; 150 degrees) can denote the development of arthritis and/or a "sudden loss of limbs/amputation" (Ebertin) - and Manet suffered both! For on August 30, 1883, at age 51, he died from rheumatism and untreated syphilis contracted during his 40s (natal Moon conjunct Lilith, the seductress). Sadly his final years were spent partially paralyzed and, as we can see from his age at death (51), Manet's Chiron in Taurus (in Astrology the Christ archetype of the Wounded Healer, often depicted as lame) may have been involved since he expired only 11 days after his left foot was amputated due to gangrene. Further more, it's worth noting that the orbit of centaur Chiron (approximately 50 years in duration) passes between the orbits of planets Saturn and Uranus which symbolically forms a bridge between our earthly and spiritual natures! And this creates an uplifting note on which to close this astro-tribute to one of my favorite artists of all time, and provides a chance for me to say, May Edouard Manet R.I.P. ~:~ For more information, here are biographical notes on Edouard Manet including a few views of his paintings, plus, the Royal Academy of Arts recently published an don't-miss video presentation of Manet: Portraying Life.

Now you've heard the inspiring story of the Discovery of Neptune on the night of September 23-24, 1846 at the Berlin Observatory (Horoscope, below). For context, check out a list of 1846 Events if you wish, several of which are downright Neptunian. Examples include: mass media - the AP is founded in May; church - a new Pope succeeds the old one June 14th; music - Parisian inventor patents the saxophone June 28th; pain relief - first public demonstration of ether anesthesia October 16th; death by starvation, loss - The Donner Party is stranded in the Sierra Nevada Mountains November 4th, for 3 months. Plus, in early 1846 - the first starvation deaths occur in Ireland's Great Famine; and, 1846--1860 - a cholera epidemic sweeps through South Asia and the United Kingdom. Now since urge-to-merge Neptune in mystical if contagious Pisces now opposes US Neptune in practical Virgo, sign of Science and Health across the victim-savior axis, America has been afflicted and undermined the last few years by lies, fraud, corruption, scams galore, and other less than honorable conditions and events such as racial and other types of persecution, so here's a view of the Horoscope of the 1846 Discovery of Neptune with my messy study notes penned on: As a versatile, inspirational, watery, insinuating, and karmic planet, astrological Neptune can play many roles in Astrology and runs the gamut, as they say - everything from the Divine Source, spirituality, the masses, mysticism, mysteries, fakery, smoke screens, veils, and the occult - to sadness, disapppointment, illusion, delusion, erosion, apparitions, hallucinations, suggestions, escapism and drugs, undermining activities like theft, subterfuge, subversion, and sabotage. Plus as you know, water and storm disasters, fumes, poisons, toxins, gas, oil, unconsciousness, drunkenness, and other unfortunate events and conditions can occur whenever oceanic Neptune is involved. Yet naturally we mustn't forget the fun things like photography, celluloid film, glamour, theatrical productions, romance -- and the Silver Screen. Any or all of these possibilities may lurk within Neptune's discovery chart, shown by the attendant planets and their cosmic conditions. Why even, the chart's Saturn-Neptune Conjunction suggests creative talents but also may indicate difficult societal conditions and/or forms of weakness, scarcity, and/or poverty. And of course "secret" or "invisible" (Neptune) "government" (Saturn) may have been on the political menu in 1846 as it is now. Plus, to me the YOD/s that form with Mars in scientifically-oriented Virgo as apex planet makes for quite a bit of pondering, I think, especially since three heavyweight planets are in sextile at the YOD's base: Neptune-Pluto and Saturn-Pluto. So immediately we can expect that health conditions may be involved as well as karmic opportunities, special tasks, turning points, crossroads, and/or crises. Actually, some of these indications are on the Events of 1846 list or the 'possibilities' list, above. So if you're up for it, dear reader, leave a comment and let me know what you discover about or within the Discovery Horoscope of not-so-easy-to-pin-down Neptune! Source: 'The Book of World Horoscopes' by Nicholas Campion (#ad); chart #469.

Sir Walter Ralegh; National Portrait Gallery [Public domain] While it's true yours truly never cares to spend much time blogging about horoscopes that are not accurately timed, my interest in a certain Historical Horoscope, that of Sir Walter Raleigh (aka, 'Ralegh' and multiple other spellings), is on my mind due to my relocation in February 2019 to his namesake city, historical Raleigh, North Carolina. But North Carolina is not the only US state with a 'Raleigh' under its belt for so have Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, and North Dakota, plus, a Raleigh community is a suburb of Memphis, Tennessee. So today, while attempting to set up Walter Raleigh's natal and death horoscopes I discovered that, not only are there many spellings of his surname (Rawley, etc), but there exists more than one possible birth date for Baby Walter--and even the date of his execution is in question with Wikipedia listing it as October 29, 1618 while the astrodatabank site states it as December 29, 1618! With either death date, Sir Walter (b July 11, 1554 OS) was cruelly beheaded by ax at age 64 and had spent 13 years of his life imprisoned in The Tower of London for his part in a plot against King James I, Elizabeth's successor. Such a long sentence must have been especially difficult for an adventurous explorer (courtier and spy!) who was a mover and shaker in the era of Sir Francis Bacon, Queen Elizabeth I, William Shakespeare, astrologer and seer John Dee, and other famous notables of the Elizabethan Age, many of whom were intimately involved in the founding of America as the 'New Atlantis', a Baconian-Utopian ideal passed down from the days and teachings of Plato. And so no horoscope for Sir Walter Raleigh is displayed here today but follow the Raleigh link, above, to view his astrodatabank chart, RR: XX, or, check out his rather sparse family genealogy. Yet all is not lost astrologically for here are a few notes on what is apparently Walter Raleigh's natal Sun Cancer-Moon Sagittarius personality blend with Sag the adventurous sign of foreign lands and of those who love travel and exploration: Sun Cancer-Moon Sagittarius (Water-Fire = steam that can cleanse or scald; with 'Moon-Jupiter' influences) tends to be idealistic, imaginative, colorful (check out his stylish costume, above!), and changeable. He's 'the romantic traveler' who can be dramatic and restless, and is a lover of beauty and music. Adventurous yet careful, this blend suggests that Raleigh was a combination of conservative and progressive views, and was attached to an instinctive moral certainty that was perhaps forged in the days of his childhood (Cancer). Loyal, yes (to his Queen!), but also independent and outspoken to the point of argumentativeness--yet always expressing his views courteously. Determined to lead a consequential life, Raleigh was also attached to family and homeland (Cancer again), and was a man of action who could grasp the big picture then follow through with what needed to be done to fulfill it. This tallies well with carrying through with the 'Great Plan' for the New World in America which Sir Walter Raleigh helped to further along in several ways, one of which turned out to be what we today call Virginia's Lost Colony of Roanoke. And there we bid adieu to Sir Walter, may he R.I.P. For more details on the Sun Cancer-Moon Sagittarius blend (and others) you may wish to consult Sun Sign Moon Sign by Charles and Suzi Harvey.

The following article and horoscope previously appeared on Jude's Threshold: A Neptune Return for Sherlock Holmes by Jude Cowell If you enlarge the image of the natal horoscope of literary character Sherlock Holmes, with the ‘birth date’ based on first publication, you’ll see a few notes penned upon it including a midpoint picture (center) which describes why I chose ‘8:12 am GMT’ to time the chart. This is, of course, speculative, since a publication date rarely includes a particular hour. For astrologers this is inconvenient when setting up a ‘natal chart’ for a well beloved character so several methods of determining a ‘birth hour’ may be utilized. Neptune: Planet of Masks, Deception, Illusion, Disguise, and Theater As you can see, the midpoint picture of Neptune-Midheaven (Mc) = Sun (personality) reveals one who uses ‘physical disguises’, one of Mr. Holmes’s favorite ways to investigate by secretly spying on people when necessary. Of course, sunrise, noon, or other hours may be experimented with when sleuthing for the birth time of Sherlock Holmes but here I use 8:12 am GMT, January 6, 1854 (London, England, naturally) for the reason stated: Oh, and did I mention that 8:12 am GMT in London on that date gives a sunrise (solar) horoscope? Such a solar chart relates to career and as we’ll find from the Sun Capricorn-Moon Aries personality blend of this very famous consulting detective, a materialistic view and an over emphasis on career matters are indicated by this Earth-Fire combination of energies, here with a Saturn-Mars influence. And in the many celluloid portrayals of his personal traits, emotionalism is not a strong suit, just as in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s stories. Objectivity, not subjectivity, is his goal in all things though more recent portrayals tend to soften him up a bit to be more pleasing to a modern audience. Still, his Sun Cap-Moon Aries blend identifies Sherlock as shrewd, obsessive, tenacious, courageous, and self-motivated; he’s an astute thinker with high standards and powerful leadership qualities. Insensitivity to others is shown via a brusque manner and an irritable moodiness when things don’t go his way–ask his favorite nemesis, Moriarty–Sherlock Holmes is a very sore loser! Yet Mr. Holmes is honest and has a deep sense of responsibility along with a constant desire for excitement, for as you know, boredom and trivialities simply won’t do. Having Neptune in its own sign of Pisces figures into his use of drugs but 1 9 th century drug use is a little beyond the scope of this post. Actually my primary goal is to provide the dates of what is called a Neptune Return for, as you see, Sherlock’s natal Neptune at 1 1 Pisces 3 0 is basically the slow moving planet’s recent and current sign and degree in the Tropical Zodiac. Due to retrogradation, Neptune’s return to its 1854 degree of 1 1 Pisces 3 0 occurs five times, one of which has already occurred (and see the link, below, for the latest news on Season 4 which went into production Spring 2016 and will most likely air in January 2 0 1 7 or thereabouts). Intriguingly, natal Neptune conjoins one of the sleuth’s natal asteroids and you’ll never guess which one...Nemesis! The astrological keywords for Nemesis include ‘divine retribution’ and ‘the unbeatable foe’ and I suspect you agree that Doyle’s Moriarty character perfectly fits those descriptions. This causes me to wonder if Conan Doyle was aware of the Neptune-Nemesis synchronicity in early January 1854 especially since he dabbled in spiritualism and other esoteric subjects long studied by secret societies such as the Freemasons and Rosicrucians. At the least, I think he knew of the Fates and Nemesis as the Greek goddess of divine retribution since Greek Mythology was a hot topic in the 19th century, plus, destiny and karma (reaping what was sown) are Universal Laws near the heart of many Sherlock Holmes tales, are they not? Here’s the theatrical Neptune of Sherlock Holmes returning for another bow: April 2 9, 2 0 1 6 July 3 0, 2 0 1 6 February 2 4, 2 0 1 7 November 1 1, 2 0 1 7 December 3, 2 0 1 7 Prominently, the July 3 0, 2 0 1 6 Neptune Return chart shows a major and exact transit to the character’s natal Sun (1 5 Cap 4 5) in the form of a visit from creepy Pluto, planet of power, transformation, mystery, hidden wealth, invisibility, crime, death, etc. Pluto-to-Sun denotes a time of intense self-awareness when a desire for recognition is uppermost and courageous actions are taken by those with the determination to do so. However, we may see Sherlock retreating even more than usual as he deepens his methods of investigation and makes some sort of new start, or takes things in a new direction. Fear may also be in the script with is considerable ego as a driving force, plus, ghosts from the past will weigh heavily upon his present actions, as noted in the update linked here: Season 4 Update Now there's a strong emphasis on Pluto (sleuthing, stalking, detecting, victimizing other people, etc) in the chart of this imaginary character although we must also tip our deerstalkers to natal Mars at 1 6 Virgo 3 8 as the handle of a Bucket planetary pattern (which would be labeled a Bowl were it not for its handle, Mars in scientifically minded Virgo, the sign of categorizing, organizing, tidiness, attention to details, and dedication to work. Discriminating Virgo with Mars, planet of motivation, action, and energy, describes Sherlock Holmes perfectly with his magnifying glass and microscope at-the-ready for detecting minute details of any mystery. And as Bucket handle, Mars in fussy Virgo is the main channel for his natal planets’ energies to express (confirmed bachelor as he is and devoted to finding the truth) and as the handle planet melds the two halves of his horoscope and psyche into a whole person (or, a whole character in Sherlock's case.) His Mars-Neptune opposition is prominent and relates to his drug use and his ability to play roles by disguising himself, but also is influential in the way some characters tend to distrust Sherlock Holmes and think he’s a sham and not a ‘real detective’ at all! But let us continue.... Neptune-Nemesis, Pluto-to-Sun in Saturn-ruled Capricorn, and Mars in Virgo. Neglected so far is his Mercury in Sagittarius, sign of The Seeker. Mercury rules the thinking and reasoning processes and style of communication (and siblings such as Mycroft!) and in Sagittarius denotes the philosopher with manifold interests-–a deep thinker who strives for justice and truth (Ebertin), and is pre-occupied with problems, puzzles, and mysteries. Perhaps this chart’s Scorpio Midheaven isn’t far off since Scorpio loves a mystery, can be quite morbid, and Midheaven is the Goal Point of any chart. Solving mysteries fits Scorpio well yet oddly enough there are no planets in the sign though there are three in opposing Taurus so the 2/8 polarity is implicated. Rising as you see are his Chiron in Capricorn conjoining natal Sun. Chiron is the blindspot but also The Key and/or the mentor in a chart and is often described as The Wounded Healer, or Christ consciousness. Does Sherlock play the role of the healer who needs healing himself? Does he come close to martyrdom during his life-and-death struggles, perhaps? I would say so though you may disagree if you wish. Coupled with natal Sun, Chiron denotes one for whom pride and power lie in ambush (Nolle) and through Chiron-Sun we see this unique character’s innate sense of destiny played out across Neptune’s Silver Screen as Sherlock burns with purpose within his (imaginary!) existence that, as noted previously, cannot be trivial but must be larger than life. Neptune's Silver Screen Nearby is Jupiter at 8 Cap 0 6, the planet of success. Jupiter precisely conjoins the Syzygy Moon (8 Cap 3 2), the last lunation (a New Moon) prior to January 6, 1854. The Saturnian sign with Jupiter there indicates that Sherlock relates to others as an authority (Capricorn) and of course we can all agree to that. A New Moon prior adds to the novel and unique quality of Doyle’s then-popular character of a ‘consulting detective’. (You know that 'Sherlock Holmes' was not Doyle's favorite invention--but it did add to his income. Additionally, the Pre-Natal Solar Eclipse of his birth date is the 18 South Saros Series which happens to be our current series with themes of separations, partings, and endings but with a possibility for positive outcomes (Brady). 18 South last manifested on March 9, 2 0 1 6 @1 8 Pis 5 5; the next Solar Eclipse = Sept 1, 2 0 1 6 @9 Virgo 2 1. Sherlock’s Jupiter-Chiron brings in a crusader quality (knighthood--the capes and occasional evening dress) and possibly adds more secret society vibes to his chart as brother Mycroft sends him off on secret missions for Crown and country. Or tries to. Meanwhile, Sherlock's North Node (future direction; destiny) in Mercury-ruled Gemini hints at the character’s many associations and contacts (ex: the street kids) and the seeking of stimulating ideas and new projects--though communication may remain on a superficial level with all but the chosen few. With a Gemini North Node he simply loathes being wrong as well which certainly you have noticed in many episodes and in versions of the stories w lead actors playing his nibs. Then there is lady Venus, planet of the attraction principle, love, beauty, diplomacy, and relationships, in very early Pisces, the sign of her exaltation. Since Sherlock tends to prefer freedom to union, we may assume that his love of music and the violin is described here with his Sun-Moon personality (yes, the Moon remained in Aries the entire 24-hour day) already noted for an avoidance of the emotionalism that Venusian romance would require. Also note that the agent ‘Irene Adler’ character--The Woman, as he called her-–may be indicated by Venus in Pisces, a sign of mystery and subterfuge. Plus, the condition of loving a woman who is elsewhere, be it in death or otherwise, can be enough to satisfy an ethereal Venus in mystical Pisces. Now as you see, there is quite a lot of Taurus the Bull in the chart viaSaturn Rx, Uranus Rx, and Pluto Rx. Suffice to say that a tendency toward materialism is supported here though eccentric Uranus in Taurus adds a flair for taking risks and a resourcefulness in seeking out finances. A certain inertia may be noticed with Saturn in stubborn, sometimes lazy or indolent Taurus while Pluto in this sign of wealth denotes one who is obsessed with gaining possessions in a way which may affect his destiny (Ebertin). And yes, there are many other chart factors of note in this speculative natal horoscope for Sherlock Holmes but to mention them all would put you, dear reader, in serious danger of reading a rather verbose book rather than a WordPress article! So I’ll sign off by sending Good Wishes to cast and crew as fans such as myself await an exciting new season of Benedict Cumberbatch (Mars in Virgo) and Martin Freeman (Sun in Virgo) in their roles as Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson airing on Masterpiece Theater in 2 0 1 7 ! Natal Horoscopes: Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman. For Celebrity Horoscopes, bios, trailers, and classic movie clips you have a V.I.P. pass to visit Neptune's Silver Screen.

For years I've shied away from writing about the natal horoscope of Napoleon I, outstanding though it is, because I'd read that he lied about his age to get into the army and thus his birth data was conflicting or unverified (RR:C) and could be 'off' by one year. Yet most folks seem to have settled on his natal data so here are his birth details in case you don't have them: (nee) Napoleon Bonaparte August 15, 1769 11:30 am LMT Ajaccio, France. View his natal chart here. Napoleon's Sun @22Leo45 (the 'worst foot forward'/'own worst enemy' degree) and Moon @28Cap40 (conjunct US natal Pluto 27:32, planet of power, death, and manipulation); Leo-Capricorn identifies his personality as Fire-Earth, a volcanic combination of energies, in a word, a bulldozer full of an enormous amount of self-belief and certainty, a good manager and politician. Apparently, intense Scorpio (life is a battle!) dawned upon the horizon (ASC 00Sco31) as baby Napoleon entered the earthly flux along with exploring, expansive Jupiter @15Sco01 in 1st house of Self, on one level a description of his discoveries (Jupiter) in Egypt (Scorpio.) He thought, planned, and communicated as a dramatic Leo with Mercury @6Leo09 conjunct MC (The Goal Point); warrior Mars conjoined Neptune in Virgo showing an intuitive strategist who was unwilling to accept responsibility for the results of his actions inspired though they may have been. Plus, Mars-Neptune contacts may also suggest misguided or misdirected actions and/or 'the fog of war'. Now as you know, Pluto in Capricorn represents on one level the dictator, and long gone and thus unaware of it, Napoleon I has had a Pluto Return (4x in 2014/15) with natal Pluto Rx @13Cap34 widely opposing his Saturn (destructive to the established order--A. Oken). Yet we find him born with an enlightened Uranus-Neptune-Mars-Pluto Grand Trine in practical Earth signs, and a high-flying Kite pattern suggesting success (rebellious Uranus in stubborn Taurus acts as the tail). These closed circuits of planetary energies supported his grand visions of global conquest and expansion of territory and power. And since Pluto is also a planet associated with publishing, Andrew Roberts' definitive biography of Napoleon: A Life (2014) has enjoyed quite a bit of publicity and brisk sales before the corpulent chanteuse sang, for as you know, a person's natal planets continue to be triggered or activated in perpetuity. Perhaps Napoleon's Capricorn Pluto, also the planet of transformation and activated in our time by its return to natal degree, has made possible an 'upgrade' to Napoleon's reputation or at least has provided a deeper knowledge of his life and motivations. And on a personal level, Astrology can help with that. A temperamental, authoritative Sun Leo-Moon Capricorn personality blend provided Napoleon I with great vitality and a sense of adventure, perfect attributes for an aspiring world conqueror and self-crowned emperor. His somber, ambitious Capricorn Moon supplied the stability and perseverance needed to stick to his Leonine plans for shining on the world stage, taking charge, and directing all focus upon his ultimate goals. There was practical intellect combined with vanity, conceit, and arrogance which added to his downfall in spite of great courage and determination. Although defeated on June 18, 1815 at the Battle of Waterloo (chart shown--RR: B; Sun Gemini-Moon Scorpio; a forceful Mars-Pluto conjunction in Pisces, a military sign, widely opposes Jupiter the General @00Lib55, a Cardinal World Point of Manifestation--with rising Jupiter conjunct asteroid Nemesis, the unbeatable foe), Napoleon had managed to take over most of continental Europe yet eventually died in exile of stomach cancer (partially described by natal Saturn in Cancer opposing natal Moon in Capricorn) on the isle of St. Helena on May 5, 1821. Note that if you, dear reader, have the same Moon-Saturn opposition across the Cancer-Capricorn axis, don't expect a similar medical outcome! Now if you wish more Sun-Moon info, see Sun Sign-Moon Sign by Charles & Suzi Harvey where you'll also find two famous quotes attributed to Napoleon himself: "We must laugh at man to avoid crying for him." And, "Religion is excellent stuff for keeping common people quiet." With his monarchic frame of mind and a tendency to speak and act out on the world stage, he obviously did not consider himself common...or, one supposes, religious. Video: The Battle of Waterloo in Two Minutes. Two minutes?!! Non! Solar Eclipses of Napoleon, Wellington, and The Battle of Waterloo Unfortunately, the Prenatal Solar Eclipse Saros Series of Napoleon I petered out at some point so I can share no theme for it (5 South). What I can tell you (as politicians like to say these days!) is that for the Emperor of the French, his PE manifested on June 4, 1769 @13Gem51 conjunct Venus Rx @13Gem11. Eclipses in Mercury-ruled Gemini obviously have to do with various issues of communication and possible karma associated with one or more (of his several) siblings (Pauline was his favorite sister: Venus Rx in Gemini?). Naturally taciturn, a person born under and influenced by a Prenatal Eclipse in Gemini (sign of The Dark and Light Twins) will often communicate with fewer words than a more talkative person and the primary focus will be on his capacity to think through a situation logically and express his thoughts coherently. Negatively, Gemini expression tends to produce loquacity, superficiality, and caprice, plus, the native may enter upon a 'talkathon' without first giving the situation the forethought necessary to come to a logical solution. This may cause a splintering of the thought processes which hinders karmic progress for the natural Gemini reasoning ability should be an asset applied to karmic problems yet this may or may not be the case (Lineman). (Note that the PE of Donald Trump is also in Gemini--conjunct US natal Uranus (8Gem55), planet of chaos, disruption, separation, and rebellion.) Of course, Napoleon's opponent at Waterloo was the Duke of Wellington (nee Arthur Wellesley May 1, 1769 11:58 pm LMT Dublin, Ireland RR: DD; Sun @11Taurus Moon @16Pisces ASC: 3Cap47; Pluto Rx @15Cap41 opposes his Mars-Saturn conjunction = destructive energy, brutality, cruelty, ruthlessness, death of many people (a cosmic echo of Trump's natal Mars-Saturn = Pluto) and the Duke's PE @18Cap13 perfected on January 8, 1769 (partial) in the 5 North Saros Series with themes of: 'sudden hunches, prophetic dreams, visions', and 'new inspirations'. (A 5N eclipse last manifested in 2003; next in 2021.) Sympatico with Wellington's PE by degree, the PE of the Battle of Waterloo @19Cap32, an annular eclipse in the 15 South Saros Series, seems descriptive of such an important battle--of any battle actually: 'release of tension, a lingering situation suddenly clears but with a sense of collective grief or loss' (Themes: Brady's Predictive Astrology). And what I can tell you about Prenatal Solar Eclipses in Saturn-ruled Capricorn is that they emphasize serious, conservative, and conscientious approaches to problems and require the development of self-discipline which can overcomes self-indulgence in order to make karmic progress. Yet the selfish, avaricious qualities associated with Capricorn tend to make leading a spiritual life difficult and off-putting rather than inspiring to others; dedication and hard work at the expense of personal pleasure and worldly status are demanded by stringent eclipse-ruler Saturn, and relationships to or with authority figures (earthly fathers and/or others) are prominent as is government service of some kind (Lineman). Well, that's all I care to type for now concerning Napoleon I, the Duke of Wellington, and the historic Battle of Waterloo. Review and compare their three charts as you wish for there is definitely more cosmic information to be revealed for those curious enough to sleuth into Historical Horoscopes! Above image: Mars from Hubble

The following is a re-post (with minor updates) from my soon-extinct blog Jude's Threshold which shuts down on or by October 12, 2016. And since there are conflicts concerning accurate birth data of the famous yet cagey astrologer, you may wish to check out two versions of her natal chart at astrodatabank. Image: Evangeline Adams February 8, 1868 8:30 am LMT Jersey city, New Jersey; please enlarge to read a few basic chart factors messily penned as is my custom. Although the accuracy of the birth data of famed American astrologer Evangeline Smith Adams of the Massachusetts Adams family is in question with a Rodden Rating of DD for ‘Dirty Data’ it is the data she herself gave in her memoir The Bowl of Heaven, a book used by many astrologers through the years to study her techniques. "We are all children of the stars," she wrote and nowadays Science has finally caught up with her. And since one of the books I am currently reading is Foreseeing the Future: Evangeline Adams and Astrology in America by Karen Christino, I naturally wanted another look at her natal chart and I noticed that Evangeline Adams has recently (and unbeknownst to her) had a Saturn Return. And with Saturn being the traditional ruler of the ancient art of Astrology, I am posting her chart as a tribute to her pioneering work of the 19th century when she reportedly served a client list of 100,000. Through her astrological and counseling skills, Adams established herself in NYC as an independent and successful woman of business in an era when that sort of thing was rarely done and usually frowned upon. Yet these days, even non-astrologers have heard the tale of perhaps her most famous client (and student), financier J. P. Morgan, and his revealing remark that, “Millionaires don’t use Astrology, billionaires do.” One might assume that this remains the case since both Financial Markets and Astrology are based on cycles within cycles so why not pay heed to the excellent timing advantage one has through the use of astrological principles? And of course, timing and time are in the realms of astrological Saturn and the planet's 28 to 30 year orbit. Well, this post is not meant to be a major study of the natal chart of Ms. Adams though more info may be published later. But let’s do make note of the three dates of her recent Saturn Return/s, a ‘three-fer’ due to Saturn’s retrogradation though her natal Saturn @4Sag40 is Direct as you see in her chart and this emphasizes the first, but especially the third and final conjunction of transiting Saturn to natal degree (4Sag40); (1. denial; 2. acceptance; 3. resolution): 1. February 25, 2015; 2. March 31, 2015 Rx; 3. November 6, 2015. Of interest as well may be the Sabian Symbol for her natal Saturn's degree: '5 Sagittarius' = "A Wise Old Owl Up in a Tree" with its positive expression: "exceptional wisdom or effective self-restraint in each detail of personal accomplishment." (Jones). And quite appropriately, 'wisdom' and 'restraint' are both Saturnian words. Mercury, Another Planet of Astrology Now Adams' Mercury-North Node opposition is a Mercury-South Node conjunction (ideas before their time; others pilfer and use her ideas and work without giving her credit--Hillary Clinton was born with the same configuration!) which suggests that her Astrology talent may have been inherited. The Mercurial opposition points toward Adams' natal Saturn in the 9th house of Philosophy, Religion, Higher Education, and Foreign Lands. Legal Matters may also be found in the 9th house especially involving Higher Courts and I'm certain you know and appreciate that the lady herself was put on trial in New York as a 'fortune teller' but by demonstrating in court her well practiced astrological skills, she and Astrology prevailed, much to the benefit of subsequent practitioners. As the ruler of Capricorn (government, law, and business), Saturn is one of the karmic planets acting as our celestial time keeper and lesson bringer who demands that what is sown will be reaped. (As a Saturnian astrologer I don’t ‘do’ past lives, just heredity and DNA). No one escapes this natural law--not even big bankers, Wall Street gentry, or government officials (with warmongers and mass murderers definitely included.) So! Did the 2015 Saturn Return of Evangeline Adams affect worldly events (beyond this post!) in a karmic way? Perhaps, perhaps not. But with her natal horoscope and 2015 Saturn Return dates noted and spotlighted, it may be worth a moment of wondering if the work of the famous 19th century reader of cycles is somehow imprinted upon modern events once again by the woman responsible for promoting Astrology into the mainstream and out of the gypsy's wagon.

Well, look what I discovered in some old art files - Moon Rise at the Crossroads! Plus, you're cordially welcomed to browse more art images in my Jude Cowell Art portfolio 24/7!

Now you've heard the inspiring story of the Discovery of Neptune on the night of September 23-24, 1846 at the Berlin Observatory (Horoscope, below). For context, check out a list of 1846 Events if you wish, several of which are downright Neptunian. Examples include: mass media - the AP is founded in May; church - a new Pope succeeds the old one June 14th; music - Parisian inventor patents the saxophone June 28th; pain relief - first public demonstration of ether anesthesia October 16th; death by starvation, loss - The Donner Party is stranded in the Sierra Nevada Mountains November 4th, for 3 months. Plus, in early 1846 - the first starvation deaths occur in Ireland's Great Famine; and, 1846--1860 - a cholera epidemic sweeps through South Asia and the United Kingdom. Now since urge-to-merge Neptune in mystical if contagious Pisces now opposes US Neptune in practical Virgo, sign of Science and Health across the victim-savior axis, America has been afflicted and undermined the last few years by lies, fraud, corruption, scams galore, and other less than honorable conditions and events such as racial and other types of persecution, so here's a view of the Horoscope of the 1846 Discovery of Neptune with my messy study notes penned on: As a versatile, inspirational, watery, insinuating, and karmic planet, astrological Neptune can play many roles in Astrology and runs the gamut, as they say - everything from the Divine Source, spirituality, the masses, mysticism, mysteries, fakery, smoke screens, veils, and the occult - to sadness, disapppointment, illusion, delusion, erosion, apparitions, hallucinations, suggestions, escapism and drugs, undermining activities like theft, subterfuge, subversion, and sabotage. Plus as you know, water and storm disasters, fumes, poisons, toxins, gas, oil, unconsciousness, drunkenness, and other unfortunate events and conditions can occur whenever oceanic Neptune is involved. Yet naturally we mustn't forget the fun things like photography, celluloid film, glamour, theatrical productions, romance -- and the Silver Screen. Any or all of these possibilities may lurk within Neptune's discovery chart, shown by the attendant planets and their cosmic conditions. Why even, the chart's Saturn-Neptune Conjunction suggests creative talents but also may indicate difficult societal conditions and/or forms of weakness, scarcity, and/or poverty. And of course "secret" or "invisible" (Neptune) "government" (Saturn) may have been on the political menu in 1846 as it is now. Plus, to me the YOD/s that form with Mars in scientifically-oriented Virgo as apex planet makes for quite a bit of pondering, I think, especially since three heavyweight planets are in sextile at the YOD's base: Neptune-Pluto and Saturn-Pluto. So immediately we can expect that health conditions may be involved as well as karmic opportunities, special tasks, turning points, crossroads, and/or crises. Actually, some of these indications are on the Events of 1846 list or the 'possibilities' list, above. So if you're up for it, dear reader, leave a comment and let me know what you discover about or within the Discovery Horoscope of not-so-easy-to-pin-down Neptune! Source: 'The Book of World Horoscopes' by Nicholas Campion (#ad); chart #469.

Jude Cowell writes about and with Astrology as lens and language

Amy Robsart Dudley by William Frederick Yeames (1877); public domain Of Rumors, Scandals, Eclipses, and a Symbolic Horoscope of a Mysterious Death by Jude Cowell One of the more famous cold cases of the Western world is that of Amy Robsart Dudley's mysterious death on September 8, 1560 at Cumnor Place, Norfolk, England. A rival of Queen Elizabeth I for the attentions of Lord Robert Dudley, Amy's husband, the mystery is well known and well documented through the centuries. Perhaps Forensic Astrology can provide a few clues concerning the event if not the name or names of the culprit/s. A few basic rules relating to death charts are listed, below. Lady Amy Robsart was born June 7, 1532 (OS) in Norfolk, England during an unknown hour. At noon that day, her Sun was @25Gemini and Moon @12Leo. And since the Moon remained in solar-ruled Leo for the entire 24-hour period--assuming that her date of birth is correct--Amy was born under the influence of Sun Gem-Moon Leo, a crackling 'live wire' Air-Fire combination of energies and a signature of the 'eternal child'. This personality blend reveals her to have been 'fussy about her love life' and an 'ideas person' (Harveys). By comparison, Elizabeth Tudor was a more practical, common sense sort of woman with a double Earth blend of Virgo and Taurus. Lord Robert Dudley was born June 24, 1532 in London (RR: DD) so his and Amy's natal planetary positions are quite similar but with her Sun in Gemini, his in Cancer, and her Moon in Leo, his in late Pisces. His natal Moon conjoins Amy's natal Neptune which shows that theirs was a rosy romance, at least at the outset but other links were needed for stability. It is well known that the couple married for love a few days prior to their 18th birthdays on June 4, 1550 (OS). Later on Lord Robert Dudley married a second time to Lettice Knollys, and he died September 4, 1588 at Cornbury, England of unspecified causes, 28 years after first wife Amy's mysterious demise. Queen Elizabeth I was born on September 7, 1532 (OS) with Sun @24Vir03 and Moon @7Tau33 and her natal chart (RR: AA) may be viewed at astro.com if you're curious about the 'Virgin Queen' whose natal Sun was, after all, in Virgo, sign of The Virgin. Yet rumors of her bearing five children with Dudley, her favorite companion, have circulated through the years and one of them is said to have been (Sir) Francis Bacon which implies that he was actually a Tudor. Well, I'm not certain of his true parentage though you'll find some interesting details online, plus, you'll also find his natal chart here (RR: C) and that he was born in early 1561, a few months after Amy's death. If Elizabeth I is his mother, she was pregnant with baby Francis when Amy died, a fact that could be significant to the mystery. View their natal charts side by side at Sir Bacon.org. There her chart shows 16Capricorn rising which is the first ASC I used for her until finding the earlier Ascendant of 6Capricorn at astrodatabank. ASC 16Cap brings asteroid Tisiphone with it which seems to fit her well with its penchant for retaliation. Do you see this daughter of Henry VIII as a Tisiphone figure? Here's one documentary worth checking out if you haven't: Elizabeth I: Killer Queen. Now as you know, several plausible theories for the cause and perpetrator of Amy's death may be found in books, articles, blogs, and websites if you're curious. Actually, you'll find a lot of information in the Elizabeth Files on Amy Robsart Dudley's death, plus, on other topics such as Elizabeth I and Lord Robert Dudley as possible murder suspects. Of course, one of Elizabeth's creatures, William Cecil (Dudley's rival for Elizabeth's favor) is said to have had a motive for killing Amy for the scandals and whispers concerning her death meant that Dudley and Elizabeth could never marry since it was thought that Elizabeth would never risk her reputation and royal crown by marrying Dudley once such a scandal tainted his own reputation. Thus, Cecil would retain his influence over the Queen and thereby maintain his honored position. In fact, William Cecil went on to become a very wealthy fellow. Some Synchronicitous Astro-Curiosities An intriguing cosmic synchronicity is shown in the horoscope, below, for Queen Elizabeth I ('QEI') had a Lunar Return (7Tau33) on the very day that Amy Robsart Dudley was killed, or should I say, murdered? There are many chart factors squished onto the chart (sorry!) but hopefully the image can be enlarged and/or printed for reading details. Sabian Symbols which include children, mothers, and such are noted and there are several. Was QEI expecting? Was Amy? One primary example is wounded Chiron, apex of the brutally violent Mars-Pluto opposition across the Virgo-Pisces victim-savior axis (highlighted in red) which forms a dynamic, forceful T-Square pointing toward Chiron @8Sag44 which is rising in the behind-the-scenes 12th house of Karma and Politics--rounded up for Chiron (the wound; one who needs healing) we have, "A Mother with Her Children on the Stairs"! Now as you know, Amy was discovered by the household servants returning from a day at the Abingdon Fair--discovered lifeless at the bottom of a staircase on which she allegedly fell, accidentally, the coroner's report said. A side note is that Dudley's natal Siva is conjoined by the 1560 Chiron. Please read the notes, upper right, concerning the Mars-Pluto opposition for more details on this 'brutal assault' pair. And I should also mention that Amy was born under a Mars-Pluto opposition as well but in the 00-1 degree range of Leo-Aquarius, the self-will axis. In fact, with Elizabeth, Dudley, and Amy all born in 1532 and 1533, they shared the same degree of Pluto--00AQ+. But Amy was the one with Mars @1Leo opposing Pluto and her opposition lies upon the 2/8 cusps of Elizabeth's Lunar Return chart. Not penned on the chart is the fact that creepy Pluto can represent certain powerful figures when we take planets to signify 'actors'. Astrological Pluto can indicate The Pope and though such a theory involving the Vatican isn't mentioned on any of the websites or blogs I've read, or in any of the documentaries I've watched about the event, such a theory isn't completely at odds with the era since Elizabeth I returned England to Protestantism after Bloody Mary's Catholic reign, and for Elizabeth to marry could have meant Protestant offspring in the line of succession, something any Pope might wish to prevent at any cost. So the destruction of Robert Dudley's reputation--already in tatters from spending all his time with Elizabeth--by assassinating his wife isn't so far out of the realm of possibility. Hence, Pluto orders the murder and Mars executes it--and note that the two planets are precisely at the same degree and minute--9:29 of Virgo and Pisces at the cosmic moment of Elizabeth's September Moon Return. Plus, Taurus rules the Neck, as you know, yet there seems to be some question as to whether Amy's neck was broken in the fall (which the coroner didn't mention). However, two blows to her head could not be disguised, and there's royal Jupiter in Aries, sign of the Head, which also happens to be the sign on the IC of the chart, the Endings-Partings-Death angle. Planets tend to be angular in Death Horoscopes, as you know, and Jupiter is a usual suspect for angularity since he expands what he touches, either positively or negatively, and Amy's ending was significant, I'd have to say, due to its history-changing ability. Curiously, QEI's natal Moon is at a critical degree (7Taurus) and she isn't free of planetary links to Amy's death. In fact, if this post could be a book, we'd list them all. One of the more significant links is the Ascending degree of 20Sag53 for QEI's natal Jupiter, a planet of royalty and the freedom to do as one wishes, is placed @20Sag06 in her natal 11th house of Groups and Associations--so her Jupiter is rising in this chart. Also, noted on the chart, upper right--Amy was murdered the day after Elizabeth's 27th birthday (her Solar Return). The confluence of QEI's Solar and Lunar Returns occurring within hours of one another marks this time period and year as very significant and eventful for her. So--27 years old--was this day of murder part of QEI's Saturn Return, too? Not quite, for her natal Saturn is in Cancer (23:12, loosely conjunct natal Uranus 17Can13) so Saturn returns in a year or so--on July 7, 1563 to be exact. Some sort of accounting, difficult lesson, and/or regret over past mistakes then arrived for the Queen who, I've heard, preferred others to 'do her dirty work'. Perhaps this was in part because Virgo is the sign of cleanliness and purification, as you know. Also notable is listed on the chart, lower left: that chart-ruler Jupiter applies to two planets (due to retrogradation, I'm saying Jupiter applies)--first Jupiter opposes Mercury ("22Libra" = "A child giving birds a drink at a fountain"), an aspect that denotes jumping to conclusions before having all the facts, and coming up with grandiose schemes, and second, Jupiter sextiles Saturn which suggests that opportunities had come along for the execution of previously made plans. Apparently so. We may also wish to note that Mercury is traveling in tandem with asteroid Vesta, the Vestal Virgin. Solar and Lunar Eclipses So what about disruptive, shocking Uranus, planet of separation? At 17Sco14 (conjunct Return 11th cusp) transit Uranus conjoins both Robert's and Amy's natal Jupiters (both of which are retrograde). Some lucky break or chance is promised by this but Amy's was illusory while Robert's may have been of a sinister variety. (The Prenatal Solar Eclipse of this event in the 13 South Saros series is marked in the 8th house and manifested on August 21, 1560 at 7Vir50--with weapon-wielding soldier Mars at 7Vir02 conjunct and activating the malefic qualities of the solar eclipse. 13 South themes are 'sinister energies underneath', and 'group endeavors, either positive or negative' (paraphrasing Predictive Astrology, B. Brady). And as noted, a Lunar Eclipse had occurred just 4 days earlier @21Pis40, marked here in 3rd house--lunar activity is perhaps even more to the cosmic point when it comes to a mysterious death with the astrological Moon representing on one level the physical body, and 'a woman', here, in secretive, furtive Pisces. All eclipses are Uranian in nature for they often disrupt, herald shocking events, and act as 'wild cards of the Universe' much as planet Uranus can do. But let's look again at Pluto in Pisces for the manipulative yet coping planet could represent William Cecil, Robert Dudley, Catholic agents sent from abroad, or domestic activists such as those who were determined to put Mary Queen of Scots on England's throne and assassinate Elizabeth in the process. Distant Pluto tends to operate from some sort of 'ivory tower' in secret or invisibly and has great wealth hidden in dark places--perhaps especially so when in sneaky Pisces. So who could this Pluto represent? An astrology chart only suggests possibilities and this post mentions only some of them yet more clues can be found in the chart, 'tis true, for those who care to look. And of course, Elizabeth as primal instigator is not immune from having plutonian motives. Because, in case you hadn't noticed, not knowing Amy's exact time of death or when the blows were delivered (from an intruder through the door on the landing?), I'm using Elizabeth's accurately timed Lunar Return Horoscope for September 8, 1560 as a symbolic Death Horoscope for the cruelly victimized Amy Robsart Dudley. For, perfecting at 1:41:08 pm LMT, Elizabeth's natal Moon does return to natal degree 'after noon', the hour the servants said they left Cumnor Place (except for Mrs. Odingsells) to go to the Fair leaving Amy Dudley alone to meet (North Node) powerful Pluto in a secret tryst of some kind! Tragically, the encounter didn't turn out at all how she wanted. Yet Amy may have been seriously ill and was said to be depressed so did she despair of her marriage and commit suicide to implicate Robert in scandal and thus prevent his marriage to Elizabeth? Not unless she'd figured out how to forcefully bash herself on the head--not once, but twice! Now how likely is that? ~:~ Forensic Astrology: Conditions and Afflictions Especially When Angular The Ascendant is the victim or the crime so its state, quality, and aspects must be noted Moon = danger and matters that go badly via aspects, critical degrees, angularity Mars = violence, bloodshed, assaults or attacks, brutal force, weapons Jupiter expands either positively or negatively and is often active by angularity Saturn = cruelty, injury, stoppage, loss, and/or death Uranus = sudden catastrophic or shocking events, upheaval, disruption, separation Neptune = deceit, confusion, hidden factors, poison, fumes, addiction and/or overdose, dissolution of a body Pluto = destruction, sabotage, assassination, mass murder, a hidden 'boss' who orders or directs the action or crime, and/or who funds it. South Node of the Moon = separation, karmic conditions of a Saturnian nature, inherited dependencies or behaviors that are no longer useful in present situations. Also note that Saturn through Pluto are karmic planets that bring the harvest of what was previously sown, perhaps from the distant past.

By Hubble European Space Agency Credit: Akira Fujii [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons; Source Heavy-Weighing Canopus Visible Only in Southern Skies In 2011, astronomer Brian Ventrudo wrote about Canopus (alpha Carinae), the second brightest star in the sky after Sirius. This was before he changed his site's title to Cosmic Pursuits where you'll find articles on a variety of night sky objects such as stars, planets, nebulae, constellations, galaxies, and more. Be sure to check out the awesome May 2017 photo of the beautiful Sombrero Galaxy. Plus, Brian always publishes on each month's night sky wonders with maps and information on where to view them. In summer, Canopus and Sirius are directly overhead in the southern states (above 37 degrees North, Canopus lies too low to be seen). Astrologically, the keywords for Canopus, the keel, are: the navigator and the pathfinder and it is linked to the story of the Argo and the rescue of Helen of Troy but there is much more to Canopus. When linked to natal planets, Ptolemy associated the star with Saturn and Jupiter, Robson with 'piety, conservatism, and turning evil into good'. Ebertin connects Canopus to 'a love of travel' while Rigor adds the more negative potential of 'domestic problems'. (Ex: if the natal planet linked to Canopus is fussy Mars, the potential for domestic problems would be more likely to occur due to conflicts and quarrels.) Some cultures, including certain Native American tribes, linked the precession of Canopus with timing the end of the world, and other ancient cultures considered it the weight at the end of the plumb line that defined earth's poles so that the plumb line's movement explained the effects of precession on Canopus, sometimes known as the Point of Stillness in the south. Plus, the star was once worshiped in desert cultures as the Star of Egypt (instead of Sirius!) and in China, the red star is associated with happiness, success, and a long life which makes it the Star of Old Age. For as Brady's Book of Fixed Stars relates, "In about 6,000 B.C.E. {Canopus} was the heliacal rising star for the autumn equinox and a series of temples were built in Egypt in alignment with these risings. Modern people see this star now being claimed by NASA, as they use this ancient location point as a navigational aid for spacecraft." Canopus--still the navigator star! In natal horoscopes, Canopus (14 Cancer) is a powerful star which can provide leadership skills. New directions may be inspired by Canopus which acts in similar fashion as the royal stars which always include a 'caution' (ex: royal Regulus: success if revenge is avoided--otherwise all gains will be taken away; this is Trump's rising star conjunct his belligerent, vengeful Mars). With Regulus linked to a natal chart, success is possible but its caution lurks within the flaw of needing too much control. Perhaps care should be taken with our Canopus links, too. Posted by Jude Cowell at 10:36:00 PM Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to FacebookShare to Pinterest Labels:Astrology, Jude Cowell Astrology alpha Carinae, Astronomy, Brian Ventrudo, Canopus, fixed star lore, fixed stars, NASA, Regulus, royal stars, Sirius, Sombrero Galaxy, Star of Egypt, Star of Old Age

Rudolf Steiner 1907; Ita Wegman [Public domain] Since the natal chart of Rudolf Steiner is rated XX by Astrodatabank for 'date in question' let's spend only a brief time on the master occultist's planetary revelations. However, a brief consideration of what apparently is his Sun Pisces-Moon Virgo personality blend may be of interest. Born in Croatia on February 25, 1861 (speculatively, it seems) Steiner's fame has been long-ranging for his many and varied accomplishments. If you wish, check out his 11:15 pm LMT natal horoscope plus a brief bio at astrodatabank. Actually, a Sun Pisces-Moon Virgo combo seems to fit him quite well yet I say this based on the little I know of his work and life events. Hopefully, you know more about this intriguing fellow! His Water-Earth blend is highly creative yet pragmatic and contains dependable, devotional, and resourceful qualities. A wide-ranging, analytical intellect combined with a good memory makes it handy with details as well as easily grasping the wider view. Naturally, Pisces is a sign of mysticism and Virgo, its opposite sign, loves to categorize and critique. One is ruled by expansive, idealistic Jupiter and co-ruled by urge-to-merge Neptune (the divine source), while Virgo is ruled by Mercury, planet of the mind and of communication. The volume of Steiner's many writings attest to this especially since Virgo is the sign of the book author and is also associated with Commerce via Mercury. Health of mind and body is often of primary importance to personalities born under the influence of Sun Pisces-Moon Virgo (sign of health) and at its best, intuition and reason come together nicely. Yet flights of fancy may be necessary at times for as we know, Pisces cannot stand too much reality and must take breaks. So perhaps Steiner's many years of occult work count as one such flight of fancy but with a practical purpose as well. Plus, romantic reveries may have been engaged in occasionally for relationships were important to him, too. And so occultist Rudolf Steiner possessed a natural ability to look at questions from all angles, was a perfectionist, and was perhaps a bit of a worrier. We might even say he could see both the forest and the trees simultaneously, an extremely enlightening talent to possess. Now let's close with a consideration of the three 'Images for Integration' of Steiner's conscious (Sun) and unconscious (Moon) minds--three 'word pictures' of the fellow who interests me primarily because of his work concerning the Myth of the Lost Continent of Atlantis and its alleged connection to the Aryans of hitlerian fame--the theory which forms the basis of the 'white supremacy' fallacy that has been the cause for centuries of so much loss, misery, and grief in the world: "A mosaic picture of the universe, each piece perfect in itself...Small events bring enormous consequences...Faith and reason shake hands." (Sun Sign-Moon Sign, by Charles and Suzi Harvey). Now does any of this sound at all like the Rudolf Steiner you know?

Using Astrology and Eclipses to Reassess Difficult Past Events by Jude Cowell Sometimes as we look back on our lives at sobering or difficult events, we find that the use of Astrology can aid us in gaining a better or more realistic perspective on them and our role during that period of time. Such is the case with an unfortunate period and event in my own life, the story of which may help demonstrate how one's Prenatal Solar Eclipse (PE) brings insight. In this case, my Prenatal Solar Eclipse manifested upon a malevolent degree while simultaneously conjoining two fixed stars associated with misfortune and tragedy. The astrological details can describe particular factors in the events of which we are most often not the master. Not to bum you out, of course, but to illustrate that the time-tested admonition to Know Thyself--which can helpfully include knowing or studying one's natal horoscope--is useful for providing clarity on people and events in retrospect--events which were painful to 'make sense of' at the time become clearer using the lens of Astrology and the background influences of Solar (and Lunar) Eclipses which describe the 'cosmic weather' of the time. First, here is an image of the 4 South Solar Eclipse which occurred @19Sco45 on November 12, 1966 set for my hometown of Athens, Georgia (where the initial events took place). Besides being the first repetition since my birth of my PE, the 4 South, this is also the Prenatal Solar Eclipse prior to the annual Kentucky Derby of May 6, 1967, Louisville, KY: Themes of 4 South (4S) are: a sense of fatedness in relationship events that are beyond personal control; strong emotions concerning relationships or money are blocked or checked leading to much frustration; avoid rash action until things settle down. (paraphrasing Predictive Astrology, B. Brady). As far as I know, the following events only concerned relationships, not money. And sadly, rash action was not avoided as you'll see. Here are the background events and characters: The setting is Athens, Georgia Summer 1966 and the tale opens during a street festival of music where a 16-year-old girl meets a young college fellow a few years her senior. Chit chat occurs, mutual interest stirs, phone calls soon begin, and an invitation to a fraternity dance is accepted which results in the fellow (we'll call him 'JR') gallantly informing the teenager that she's too young for him to date. This is true, I know, because I was that girl. But another character soon enters the picture: the teenage girl's school friend who had begun to be known for having a wild imagination (let's call her 'DH' for short). Now as it turns out, the imagination of DH ran toward the romantic side and this came into play one afternoon after school when the two girls were together at DH's house. What I had only just discovered was that JR and a couple of his fraternity brothers had rented a house just around the corner from DH's house which set up a disturbing situation because DH would not be denied that afternoon--she and I had to visit said house and 'hang out' with the guys. What eventually occurred I'm not certain because I soon called my Dad to come pick me up but as I was to soon learn, DH refused to go home and in fact, her parents didn't know where she was until the evening--at some point they called me to find out where she was so of course they had to be told. Few of the exact details were ever known to me but the result was that JR was charged by the father of DH with statutory rape, charges which were soon dropped once DH admitted that no such event or attack had occurred (except in her rich imagination, apparently). Karma Awaits Her Cue The real tragedy arrives when the frat brothers of JR proceeded to tease him unmercifully for days about the 'DH situation' and what had happened that week until he and a friend decided to leave a day or so early for their annual road trip to the Kentucky Derby which was held that year on May 6th. Sadly, there was a torrential thunderstorm underway but leaving early must have seemed a good idea to JR to escape the 'scandal' (without merit as it was) and head for fun in Louisville. My information on what happened was supplied by one of JR's frat brothers whom I had previously met, a kind young man, who came to my house after the accident to return a book I had loaned JR (In His Own Write by John Lennon) and who told me of the frightful accident, bad road conditions, and the hours of suffering JR endured due to internal injuries which lead to his death. Even now, the word devastated can hardly describe my feelings over the untimely death of JR, a very kind young man whose family and friends surely miss him still. No, we were not and should not have been 'an item' but the addition of DH's fantasies into the picture somehow cast all subsequent events in an even more tragic light. The Tragic Light Becomes Harsher On Monday after the accident and with a heavy heart, I dragged myself to school only to find Miss DH sporting an 'engagement ring' that her wonderful 'fiancee' had given her before he was killed over the weekend in a terrible car accident. Naturally you can imagine the sympathetic expressions her story garnered! But her dramatic brazenness completely stunned me, and in my grief (and knowing her true involvement in the matter) I clammed up and am not certain now whether I ever mentioned the real events to anyone or not--not until this very post, that is. If I did talk of it people may not have believed me for after all, her story was told first and was much more dramatic. The 4 South Solar Eclipse of 1966: Chart-Ruler Jupiter Applies to Nothing So looking at the eclipse horoscope, a few factors pop out such as the violent Saturn-Uranus opposition pointing to the Ascendant (18Sag51) which happens to bring up my natal Venus and my natal 4th house of Endings. And considering the events surrounding the Kentucky Derby the next May (1967), we might think to include the brutal, loss-filled pair of Saturn-Pluto opposing one another (as they did on the morning of September 11, 2001) which also points toward my natal Venus, planet of relationships. Danger, separation, and alienation go here, while the usually benevolent, protective planet Jupiter, here in the 8th house of Death, isn't helping matters unless he's making things worse through expanded egos and heart conditions via romantic, self-dramatizing Leo. Yes, karma runs all through the chart in various ways for Jupiter conjoins the Vertex (3Leo35), a point of encounter with destiny which may sometimes be a final destiny (mea culpa, the VX is not marked on the chart). Rising is gossiping Mercury, planet of travel and young people, which is retrograde and suggests to me that JR and friend were returning to the Derby as they'd done before--but also hints at the possible disruption of a car trip, or car trouble--here, in the 12th house of Hospitals, Self-Undoing (leaving on a trip when a bad storm was due), and Karma (reaping what's been sown). Even one of the health asteroids, Hygeia, joins in @18Scorpio+ conjunct the eclipse. And of course, a major factor is the fatal 9th house Mars-Uranus = Pluto midpoint picture penned on the chart, plus, the stars of tragedy and misfortune, Serpentis and North Scale. Fixed stars can 'act through' eclipses or be activated by them--and yes, my 4 South Prenatal Eclipse Series admittedly tends to bring difficult conditions into my life. In addition, the malevolent degree of 19 Scorpio was triggered in 1966 by the 4S eclipse and we might consider that *Nicholas DeVore gives 19 Scorpio as "an evil degree" and "the crucial point in the war between the Ego and the Supreme Will" which may or may not have applied to the subsequent events I describe. Therefore, how much ego was involved via any of the participants I'll let you decide if you wish. But here we find me-first Mars plus, Pluto as ruler and co-ruler of Scorpio, shocking and disruptive Uranus (so often behind accidents and separation), and the fact that Scorpio solar eclipses always contain an undercurrent of karma and fate within them. Much karmic progress can be made if Scorpio energies and influences are well handled and thus discharged as root causes of karmic problems are identified and improved upon. Otherwise, the baser qualities of Scorpio such as cruelty, jealousy, and hatred will take over the life which will only lead to more karmic debts (Lineman). Young Dreams of Romance Also intimately involved, as you see, are love-addled Venus at a critical degree in sexy Scorpio (20 degr) near (or, Lord of) the eclipse closely conjunct urge-to-merge Neptune, planet of fantasy, dreams, illusion, deception, delusion, glamour, and romance. This suggests to me that misdirected love impulses were thankfully diverted for too-young yours truly (thanks to JR) but were unfortunately sought or expanded by a certain young fantasist whose bad choices set in motion a tragic chain of events. My sincere hope is that, at our advanced ages, DH has dealt with her Scorpionic and Venusian-Neptunian tendencies as we all must do and has years ago begun to use her vivid imagination for various creative enterprises that are a credit to her and to her loved ones. Reference: *The Encyclopedia of Astrology, Nicholas DeVore.

Image: Venus in hi-res; public domain; view more astronomy images at bittbox.com Monday October 29, 2018: On this very day, transit Venus Rx conjoins my natal South Node and remains retrograde until November 16, 2018. On that very day, she seemingly turns Direct @25Libra14 and re-traces her path into Scorpio where she turned Rx on October 5, 2018 @10Sco50. In her honor, here's a re-posted excerpt written by Dane Rudhyar from a Stars Over Washington article concerning the 'goddess planet', ruler of both earthy Taurus and airy Libra, the more refined and discriminating sign of the two: "The peacock is the bird consecrated to Venus; in occult tradition the Promethean Spirits who gave to animal mankind the divine gift of self-conscious intelligence had come from 'Venus'-- which may or may not refer to the physical planets we can observe in the sky. {} This peacock symbol indeed confirms the social status of the ancestral state. It indicates a CONSUMMATION of individual efforts; and it suggests that such a consummation is hardly possible except when a line of 'ancestors'--biological or spiritual--forms its base." Can you spot the peacock in my drawing, Princess of India? As you know, symbols for the degrees upon which planetary stations occur are always revealing so let's consider the October 5th and November 16th rounded-up Sabian Symbols along the 2018 path of Venus and note that Venus will reach her October 5th degree again on or about December 18, 2018 and thus will leave her 'shadow': '11Scorpio': "A Drowning Man Is Being Rescued" - 'Keynote: The deep concern of the social group for the safety of individuals'; this symbol reveals "the basic feeling of relationship between the individual and his fellow men'; "The HUMANITARIANISM thus displayed has deep cultural roots." '26Libra': "An Eagle and a Large White Dove Change Into Each Other" - 'Keynote: The interaction of the spiritual Will and of the Love principle when critical needs arise'; this symbol speaks of "problems met by the seeker for the fulfillment of a higher life of Relationship...Implied here is a kind of Yang-Yin interplay" for when "the circle encompassing both principles rotates fast, they appear to change into each other. Consciousness operates beyond duality, because the polarized energies of the Soul (or spirit), Will and Love, though ever distinct, work for a single purpose. ADEPTNESS." For more details see An Astrological Mandala: The Cycle of Transformation and Its 360 Symbolic Phases by Dane Rudyar. And as for natal Venus, check out Neptune's Silver Screen where you'll find details through the Zodiac on Love and Attraction in the Signs of Venus for astrological Venus is noted for her attraction principle and close association with the realms of art, beauty, love, relationships, social and cultural events, diplomacy, peace and war, plus, perspective, values and valuables.

March 17, 2019: The following is a re-print from a 2014 Stars Over Washington post, here with minimal edits for the sake of clarity: Beginning with its natal position in the Zodiac, the progressed Moon symbolically advances approximately one degree per month. Therefore, the Secondary Progressed (SP) Moon makes a handy timer for the natal and progressed horoscopes with the SP Moon influencing a particular degree for about one month's duration. If important transits or other progressions conjoin the SP Moon's position at any given time, a fuller picture is created especially when clues are considered such as the natal house through which the SP Moon advances, the SP Moon's sign, the condition of the natal Moon, the pertinent houses ruled by the Moon, and the houses ruled by the planet/s that are being aspected. Is your SP Moon in Cancer? Then home and domestic scene are areas of focus for the two-and-a-half years SP Moon is in that sign along with possible mother/daughter/family concerns, nurturing issues, and real estate matters such as moving residence, renovation of your environment, a family member entering or leaving the home, or possibly some form of publicity or public contact. SP Moon in Leo may involve solar issues of creativity, entertainment/performing, children, romance, ego, pride, drama, teaching, the law, the hero's journey in life, and other Leonine matters while SP Moon in Virgo hints at Virgoan issues such as health, work, service, criticism, teaching, purification, dedication, simplicity, and/or discrimination. Naturally, in Astrology the opposite sign and house polarity must be kept in as well. (Ex: 4th house domestic matters tie in with or somehow affect 10th house career matters.) A example from December 24, 2008 in Political Astrology is America's SP Full Moon @4Vir10 (We the People at critical degree--with SP Sun (leadership) @4Pis10; the SP Full Moon horoscope may be viewed at Jude's Threshold if you wish. This culmination phase in progressions tallied with the Financial Crash of 2008 and on an evolutionary scale marked the limit of America's thrust into the wider world (as our National Treasury was raided). With the public's SP Moon in Virgo, we were critical and suspicious (with good reason) of US leaders who were murky and deliberately confusing on all issues even to the point of deception (SP Sun in murky Pisces as it still is in 2019 with transit Neptune 'chasing' and obscuring it--jc). For as you know, Pisces folk have that swim-up-or-down vibe which can express either positively (compassion, spirituality, creativity) or negatively such as theft and fraud, secrecy, scandal, or loss--which is what we got from leadership then as now with SP Sun in Pisces (Donald Trump, grifter and Jupiter-Neptune grand schemer; America's SP Moon as I type is @14Pis25, transit Neptune 16Pisces34). Another Luna-related post is Using the Moon in Electional Astrology which concerns using the transiting Moon as a timer for starting or debuting projects or events--and not necessarily for political purposes. In case you need it, here is a list of critical degrees (degr) in each sign: Cardinal signs (Aries-Libra, Cancer-Capricorn) 0 degr, 13 degr, 26 degr; Fixed signs (Taurus-Scorpio, Leo-AQ) 8-9 degr, 21-22 degr; Mutable signs (Gemini-Sagittarius, Virgo-Pisces) 4 degr, 17 degr. Plus, 0 degrees of any sign may act as a critical degree along with the impatient 29th degree. Other degrees are sometimes considered critical due to important events occurring there such as Eclipses, Great Conjunctions, etc. Basically, a critical degree has been sensitized and indicates emphasis or stress on the planet/s or point/s and the issues involved. There may be a deal-with-this-Now crisis occurring as matters come to a head as timed by the SP Moon. (Mars is a traditional timer as well but here we're discussing the Moon--and much of the sensitivity of the degrees is due to the degrees of Mansions of the Moon which are not discussed here.) Now critical degrees may not 'work' all the time and their expression is certainly affected by whether there's a transit to that point or another progressed planet joining in by conjunction or opposition. In such cases, the crisis or critical condition may last longer with other planetary involvement but as stated, if it's the SP Moon conjoining a critical degree, approximately one month will be the duration of the strongest influence. Another consideration is the Modality of the affected sign: Cardinal signs tend to work faster and more directly, Fixed signs denote a lagging or delayed affect, and Mutable signs indicate more of a mental or internal influence, plus, fluctuation may be an issue with Mutable signs involved. Using the SP Moon in chart interpretation and synthesis is an important tool in the astrologer's kit particularly if the SP Moon triggers a critical degree (which also may hold a fixed star) and so I do hope this post may be of some use to you.

Which Natal Horoscope for William Shakespeare? There are multiple choices for the birth time and date of England's William Shakespeare including the Julian (Old Style) and Gregorian (New Style) dates. Additionally, there is his documented date of baptism (April 26, 1564 OS/May 6, 1564 NS) which changes the natal Sun-Moon blend from April 23's/May 3's Sun Taurus-Moon Libra to the three-days-later Sun Taurus-Moon Scorpio of his baptism. For in that era, as you know, a baby was often baptized three days after birth although this varied in some cases. As we would expect with April 23/May 3, a Sun Taurus blend with the Moon in Venus-ruled Libra, an Air (mental) sign, is sociable, pleasant, artistic, romantic, persuasive, and 'wants the best for everyone' while the darker Sun Taurus-Moon Scorpio combination of energies (Earth-Water) tends toward materialism, obstinacy, possessiveness, passionate sensuality, and is self-dramatizing. Did that last one give The Bard away? Perhaps. Yet both blends are highly creative so that isn't much of a clue to his personality, and his other planets are in the same signs with either date. But perhaps it's a clue that once he moved to London and wrote plays that made him money, he bought a house in town and property just north of his hometown of Stratford-Upon-Avon rather than spending or wasting his money unwisely. It seems probable that a secure future was on his mind for himself, his wife, Mary Arden, and his children. Now if you follow the above link, you'll find two versions of Shakespeare's natal chart, plus, the birth data used by the great Alan Leo: April 26, 1564 (NS) 1:39 am LMT. And you'll see his line-up of planets in home-loving Cancer (from 3 to 29 degrees): Mars, Moon, Saturn, and Jupiter which makes the following quote seem most applicable, that although Shakespeare needed to earn his living in London, "he was unusually attached to his native-place, coming back there often for the summer...true to his nature, the loyalties and affections so obvious all through his writing, the ties acknowledged in his life."-- William Shakespeare: A Biography, by A.L. Rowse (1963). And that would be Stratford-upon-Avon in Warwickshire. Now there is also the curious fact that William Shakespeare died on April 23, 1616 in his hometown where he had retired from play writing (though some collaborations had taken place) after his wonderful Globe Theater burned down on June 29, 1613 due to a cannon gone awry. William Shakespeare died at age 51 which to astrologers hints at a Chiron Return. His was retrograde @21Capricorn and suggests one who aims to conquer time and to prevail against all adversity. Tragically, he missed such a target on one particular day in June of 1616, and the world lost the greatest writer it has yet to know. As for anyone aspiring to be a modern-day descendant of the great William Shakespeare, his direct line unfortunately died out with his grandchildren though allied family names may be worth investigation. Here's a website with very interesting information on the Genealogy of the Shakespeare Family of Stratford-Upon-Avon, if you're curious! The above portrait (1610): may be by a painter called John Taylor who was an important member of the Painter-Stainers' Company.[1] (Official gallery link) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

image: wikimedia commons When we look at the natal horoscope of author Jane Austen (rated A from her father's memory) we find a lady born into a rector's large family in Steveston, England on December 16, 1775 at 11:45 pm UT with Sun in fiery Sagittarius and Moon in airy Libra. The book writing sign of Virgo rises with the other sign of writers, Gemini, at Midheaven, the Goal Point and Career indicator of any chart. In line with her family's habit of putting on plays and reading aloud for entertainment, thespian Neptune rises and writing-speaking Mercury is in early Sagittarius, ruled by theatrical Jupiter, planet of enthusiasm with its sign describing how a person relates to others. She, as a chatty conversationalist--or we might say, a gossiping Gemini! Although suitors and proposals were not unknown to Jane she came to be a spinster who eventually managed to have her novels published--a total of six, listed below--and, health failing, she passed away on June 18, 1817 at 4:30 am in Winchester and is buried at Winchester Cathedral. Addison's disease is usually listed as the probable cause of her death. Now let's have a peek at the Sun Sag-Moon Libra blend of conscious-unconscious energies of this generous spirit who enjoyed 'people watching' with a mind inspired by all the intricacies of human relationships. A warm-hearted romantic with a philosophical mind and a social conscience, Miss Austen was outspoken yet considerate, charismatic and fun-loving. As you know, Fire-Air personalities are the 'live wires' of the world and this she shares with another famous writer, Noel Coward (Sun Sag-Moon Gemini) - both were visionaries with unique talents. Perhaps Jane's spinsterhood might be partially attributed to the fact that Fire-Air males tend to find approval for their enthusiastic argumentativeness while females are often seen as intimidating and too 'masculine'. Or perhaps as she aged and saw book publishing (and financial freedom) in her future she preferred to steer her own course once young love had disappointed. Well, all Jane Austen novels are massively popular and one supposes we might not have had all six of them had she married and had children. Needing intellectual rapport in relationships in order not to be bored out of her mind, maybe there were no gentlemen who fit the intellectual bill who would marry a penurious lady in reduced circumstances even though her father was of the gentleman class. Sad to say, her readership may have reaped the rewards of her solitary life. Jane Austen's novels are Northanger Abbey, Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, Emma, Persuasion, and Mansfield Park.

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Charles_Bird_King_portrait_of_Louisa_Adams.jpg There she is, our quite neglected First Lady Louisa Catherine Adams (nee Johnson), spouse of President John Quincy Adams in the famous portrait by Charles Bird King. As you know, Louisa Johnson married John Quincy Adams, son of Founding Father John Adams, so rarefied social and political circles, both foreign and domestic, were her due. She served as First Lady while her husband was in office from March 4, 1825 until March 4, 1829, a one-term president. However, Mr. Adams served in other governmental positions including the US House of Representatives from 1830 to 1848. Now one curious item in relation to Louisa is revealed in her own writings, via an entry for 9 February 1821, "One of the greatest taxes I have to pay is that of concealing that I am a travelled lady." This revelation opens the book A Travelled First Lady: Louisa Catherine Adams yet her troubled sentiment seems quite antiquated nowadays, doesn't it? Why would it matter? Well, Louisa was the first first lady born outside the US and with a US presidency involved, questions concerning the topic of a foreign first lady must have circulated around Washington DC as gossip, there, if nowhere else. She apparently considered Washington to be provincial, an attitude she may have shown in all the inconvenient places! And yet her salon was often full of very important guests. As a world traveler, she would naturally consider the young city of the 1800s to be provincial, perhaps even a 'backwater'. So for fun, let's briefly examine a noon natal horoscope for First Lady Louisa Adams to check for any travel-related clues in the planetary department and we may stumble upon her known propensity toward illness, migraines, and fainting spells while we're at it. Her birth hour unknown, below is the 'noon' natal horoscope of Louisa Catherine (Johnson) Adams set for February 12, 1775 NS London, England; please enlarge the chart if you entertain any hope of being able to read my scribbled study notes; the Moon remained in subjective Cancer for the 24 hours of her birth date: Since we have no known birth time, house cusps, houses, and chart Angles will not be used, only planets and their conditions. First we cannot fail to see that marked upon the chart are several references to illness. Moon represents the physical body, emotions and feelings, and of course we know these days of the mind-body connection with emotional shocks, difficulties, and torment affecting one's health (ex: adrenal exhaustion). Asteroid of health and hygiene, Hygeia, is prominent for its conjunction with Uranus, planet of sudden shocks. Loss of babies and children was a major issue of her era--no less traumatic now, but we're talking about Louisa who bore a child in 1811 and lost the baby in 1812. In her chart we see the conjunction of two asteroids of melancholy, Orpheus and Niobe (the grieving partner, and grieving mother in saddened Pisces). Then there's the YOD pattern (penned on the chart, upper right) which can suggest health issues and/or crisis or turning point. Yet with the fast-moving Moon involved, we may wish to discount the midpoint picture the YOD provides but I list it here anyway for your consideration: Moon-Neptune (a weak or feeble woman) = Sun (vitality; life force--Ebertin) with potentials for: 'a delicate and sensitive physique; illusions and deceptions' (Ebertin). Also affecting her health and constitution, Louisa Adams' Prenatal Solar Eclipse ('PE') @13Vir28--in Virgo, sign of Health--denotes medical conditions that may be rooted in the past (R. Lineman). On the chart (lower left) I penned, 'genetic? from Mother?' 'Mother' because the eclipse is in feminine sign Virgo, ruled by thinking Mercury which can become over-stimulated with anxiety and worry. Here I should add that Uranus and Hygeia in late Taurus conjoin one of the Dark Moons (W'Mat2, a hypothetical point, if memory serves) which to me suggest a tendency toward depression. My suspicion is that sudden shocks via electrical, unpredictable Uranus had something to do with her debilitating conditions--falling into a faint, nervous irritation, and other physical expressions. A last mention in the realm of poor health has to be how Louisa's PE is snugged between a health-related pairing, Mars and Neptune, which together can lead to contagion and infection--here in Virgo that, along with its opposite sign of Pisces, forms the victim-savior axis. It's revealing to note that there are two midpoint pictures with weakening Neptune as apex planet: Mars-Saturn (health threat; muscle paralysis; craving for drugs; sick people) = undermining Neptune: 'weakness; self-torment; a grave loss' (Ebertin). Plus, Saturn (skeletal system, skin, loss, death, etc)-North Node (direction; destiny) = eroding Neptune: 'feeling neglected, misunderstood, or lonely' (she did!); 'emotional suffering through deception, falsehood, fraud, separation, or illness' (Ebertin again). Together the Saturn-NN pair denotes potentials for isolation, disadvantages through others; teamwork that becomes more difficult in time; relationship inhibitions; and/or death of blood kindred. As for Louisa's life of foreign travel, I spy only her Sun and speedy Mercury (the traveler) in Aquarius, a sign which tends toward restlessness and a widened world view. Perhaps you see more travel implications (Jupiter and Uranus are both in fixed Taurus with a 19-degree orb) and if so, feel free to leave your on-topic comments with this post, and please Share if you Care for it will encourage more JCAstro posts. Thanks! jc

February 27, 2020: You know how 'they' say that character is destiny and how Astrology says that how we begin is how we end? Well, here are some interesting notes quoted from The Progressed Horoscope by 'the father of modern astrology' Alan Leo (1860--1917) on the soulful issues of heredity, environment, and character as destiny--all of which can be determined through astrological principles: "Heredity supplies the vessel,--pure or impure according to past causes in previous lives,--by an affinity of physical particles, like attracting like. Environment gives conditions in which expression may be made of the latent qualities inherent in the soul, and it harmonises with the actual needs and requirements of the soul in order that the latter may obtain its freedom from the fate of other previous lives by paying off old debts it has incurred and by developing those traits of character for the lack of which the continued evolution of the soul, at the point then reached, would be delayed. Character is that inherent quality of the soul which it brings with it as a asset , and is the 'root of merit' through which it is either susceptible and conformable to the environment, or rises above and dominates, alters or changes it. In this sense Character becomes Destiny." - Alan Leo. Perhaps here I should state that yours truly is a Saturnian astrologer so to me, "past lives" always refers to the DNA found in natal charts - to our ancestors and their "old debts" and issues handled well or poorly during their lifetimes and passed down through the generations as our inherited traits and issues which we can either flub, or deal with successfully (which leads to karmic progress). Also, my belief is that when our Creator breathed the breathe of Life into His creations "man became a living soul" (KJV) - not that we 'have' a soul that can 'bargained with' - but that we are souls! Therefore, in many instances when authors refer to 'the soul', I take it to mean the spirit for we are souls (persons) gifted with the Spirit of Life which, at death, "returns to God who gave it." Now you may disagree as you wish, but there it is! For the curious, here's a view of the B-rated natal horoscope of Alan Leo (nee William Frederick Allan) born August 7, 1860 5:49 am GMT Westminster, England (chart also seen, below) with Sun, Mercury Rx, Jupiter, South Node, Saturn (rising), and Ascendant in Leo, and Midheaven ('MC') in wealth-loving Taurus conjunct his 9th house Pluto in Taurus ('the urge to acquire'--Ebertin). A different birth time is available as well--6:10 am GMT with 00Virgo rising which makes his 12th house Mercury in Leo his chart-ruler rather than his Leo Sun (at 5:49 am = ASC 27Leo03 with Saturn upon it--see chart, below). Either way, royal Regulus rises with Saturn, ruler of Astrology, and his 5th house Mars @20Capricorn (a critical degree) is Rx, out-of-bounds (acting out of the mainstream: Astrology as a profession!), and leads a Locomotive shape of his planets suggesting a ruthless, high-powered executive determined on success, particularly during his Mars stage of life (25 to 35 years of age or so). Born during a Disseminating lunar phase, Alan Leo tended to spread information to the world through writings and consultations. Dual Image: lower left, Alan Leo Natal Horoscope (5:49 am GMT); upper right, the same natal chart progressed to the date, hour, and location of his death; please enlarge the image to read my messily scribbled study notes: Also we may wish to consider the Prenatal Solar Eclipse Saros Series ('PE') that Alan Leo was born into, the 6 South which for him perfected on July 18, 1860 @26Can05 in natal 11th house of Group Associations. A PE in Moon-ruled Cancer suggests karmic family ties, imagination, sensitivity, receptivity, and possibly psychism--and reveals that emotional extremes can block karmic progress (R. Lineman). 6 South themes are: 'manic energy; being forceful and taking power; great force or strength manifesting in relationships; sudden events may occur; exerting huge effort in some group activity' (paraphrasing Brady's Predictive Astrology). Credited with the concept of 'destiny is character', death arrived for Alan Leo, the legendary astrologer and Theosophist, on August 30, 1917 at 10:00 am GMT, Bude, England. And curiously, as you see in his SP chart, above, there are midpoint pictures in the chart but there are no aspects between his SP planets at all, may he R.I.P., for his work on Earth is done.

The lady thought to be the first - or some say, the second - canonical victim of the serial killer later known as "Jack the Ripper" was Mary Ann "Polly" Nichols (nee Walker), born August 26, 1845 in London, England. One reason the murder of Polly Nichols on August 31, 1888 stands out from the rest is due to the fact that a man was found with her body - a man who gave his name as 'Charles Cross' (real name, Charles Lechmere). Yet newspapers of the day didn't take much interest in the fellow, an 'innocent witness', and perhaps he was, but with little information known about this "carman on his way to work," it's difficult to say unless you watch the Smithsonian video linked, just below. Or, perhaps follow the link to casebook dot org for more details about him because it appears that, leaving home to walk to work early that morning, "Carman Cross" had time enough to reach where Polly Nichols was murdered at around 3:30 - 3:40 am - in time to be discovered standing over her body by another workman, Robert Paul. Born in London on October 5, 1849, Charles Lechmere remains a prime Ripper suspect as noted in the Smithsonian channel presentation The Missing Evidence - Jack the Ripper (46m 15s) and of late I've been leaning toward Lechmere as the likely culprit. Moon-Neptune: Subconscious Phenomena, Vivid Dreams, Refined Feelings And yet in recent years, I have studied the deaths or body found horoscopes of 5 of the canonical murder victims, plus, the natal and death charts of Christian poet Francis Thompson who, imho, remains a possible 'Ripper' candidate. (His natal chart set for 7:30 pm is based on a rectified time but the original source is unknown - RR: C.) If you're curious, one such post I've published about him is Poet Francis Thompson and a Foreshadowing Lunar Eclipse. And prior to finding his rectified birth hour I had used a speculative natal chart timed by his birth day's Moon-Neptune opposition, a duo relating to potentials for weakness, instability, receptiveness, an intensely vivid dream life, indolence, exposure to peculiar and strange influences, exploitation by others, and/or life crises (R. Ebertin). Born at 7:25 pm GMT (December 16, 1859 Preston, UK), Thompson's natal Moon @16Vir21 and Neptune @24Pis23 apply to opposition (8-degree orb) and would have influenced his psyche and subconscious mind, possibly with a prominent event occurring around age 8 (and possibly Saturn-related). So the strangeness points toward lunar Mama issues which is why his mother's death and the 1880 Lunar Eclipse, linked above, was highly intense and significant for him. His was a disfunctional family with a surgeon for a father. And his odd ideas involving Moon (women; mother; physical body) affected by Neptune (confusion; misperception; misunderstandings) resonate with his known connection to prostitutes and to serious drug use (Neptune). Additionally, his Catholic faith may be implicated by the suggestion that the White Chapel murders may have been committed in tandem with certain Catholic religious dates of 'saints', etc. (Please note that as a Protestant, I have no certainty about such an issue.) So below is a bi-wheel of a 'noon' natal horoscope for Mary Ann "Polly" Nichols along with her 'found' horoscope on Buck's Row, Whitechapel, London, near the spot that about 100 years prior been a ducking pond for suspected witches: And as a distraction that night there was a warehouse fire drawing away police officers from the area. We can also note that the murderer's escape (if not Charles Cross/Lechmere) could have been quick and easy because there were nearby steps that led down to unlighted train tracks. The culprit could have followed the tracks and ascended the stairs onto Buck's Row - as detailed in Jack the Ripper: The Works of Francis Thompson, a book by Richard Patterson (#ad). So as you can see, a few natal planets of Francis Thompson are penned on - primarily his violent Mars-Pluto opposition (which also relates to his surgeon father and medical studies: Taurus/Scorpio) which at 3:40 am falls upon the MC-IC angles (the Why and How? Points in all horoscopes). Certainly, none of this is conclusive, of course, that Francis Thompson murdered Polly Nichols but it does suggest that her death was significant to him in some way - perhaps careerwise since some of his poems contain murderous references, so perhaps the cosmic link from his Mars-Pluto opposition which tends to attract violence, unless the energies are positively channeled, indicates only that.

Friday June 16, 2017: Okay, here's a personal disclosure - for decades, off and on, I have taken cell salts although it's uncertain how or from where I glommed onto their benefits. Most often I have used Hyland's Bioplasma Cell Salts although there are other brands. On the bottle Hyland's says, "For relief of symptoms of colds, nervous tension, fatigue and headaches" but my basic aim has been the balancing of cell function. We should note that in Ebertin's The Combination of Stellar Influences for Biological Correspondence, the combination of Moon-Saturn = "chronic disturbances of water balance in the body; defects of the mucous membrane; diseases of the bladder, wounds secreting liquid deposits," and Moon-Neptune = "an over-balance or an over-accumulation of water in the tissues of the body, a deficiency of the osmotic functions relating to the utilization of the cell salts (disturbance of consciousness or awareness, also a break in consciousness; eye diseases)". (My italics and bolds). Then today I happened to discover a YouTube video by The Scottish Astrologer who posts videos as knowthyself (always the best advice!) and thought you might wish to review which cell salts are beneficial for each sign of the Zodiac and with the appropriate foods included:

Image: John Dee https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:John_Dee.jpg September 19, 2019: Freshly published to YouTube is an intriguing video by The Scottish Astrologer, The Real Meaning and Astrological Origin of 007, a topic which necessarily involves Queen Elizabeth I, Mary Queen of Scots, and John Dee, the legendary astrologer, alchemist, and seer. Actually, John Dee has made appearances here at JCAstro in two previous posts any one of which may prove interesting: On the Natal Horoscope of John Dee A Crystal Ball and a Bit of Magick London!

Capricorn the Ancient 'Goat-Fish' Being born with the Sun and three planets in Saturn-ruled Capricorn, the 10th sign and its ancient symbol the 'goat-fish' have always been a fascination with me. From August through October each year is the time when the stars of Capricorn are visible, at least with binoculars though not necessarily with the naked eye. Capricornus the constellation is shaped like a rather wonky triangle and is second faintest in the night sky, second only to the stars of Cancer. If you're Cap curious, I recommend joining astronomer Brian Ventrudo as he takes us on A Stroll Through the Stars of Capricorn. As for the sign Capricorn, years ago I read somewhere (and would cite it for you if memory served!) that the entire sign of Capricorn is a labyrinth. Speaking as one of that Saturnian persuasion on a years-long journey attempting to understand it and my planetary placements therein, I must agree! Now here's one of my drawings that reminds me of the Capricorn season of the year Snowy Path and there perhaps you can see my Midheaven stars twinkling in the constellation of Orion:

File:Beldam_Painter_-_Herakles_and_Pholos_-_Walters_48229_-_Left_Detail.jpg More Details Concerning Centaur Pholus in Astrology by Jude Cowell Having the centaur Pholus conjunct a natal 5th house planet, it seems necessary that I follow up on previous research into Pholus since it had resulted in a post here in April 2022, Astro-Genealogy Can Reveal Ancestral Trauma. At that time, we focused on both Pholus (#5145) and Nessus (#7066) in order to study traumas that are handed down through the generations of families via DNA, oral myths, memories, unconscious or otherwise. Because most, if not all, families have one or more such past events, or ancestors whose "baggage" may be inherited and eventually turn up on a descendant's to-do list to be 'improved' upon. Similar to a Saturn Return, there may be mistakes that need correcting if karmic progress is the objective. Heal ourselves, we heal our families. Therefore, we in the present are wise to work on these difficult familial issues (sometimes involving violent acts--or not) with more skill and knowledge than our ancestors had in their day. And where do we find such information? In natal horoscopes, of course, and through the expertise of a consulting astrologer if need be, for a different perspective can only aid our quest. Progressions and Solar Arcs may also be useful particularly for timing purposes. Then in our natal charts, it helps to familiarize ourselves with the Water houses: 4th (ancestral family of origin), 8th (ancestral legacy), and 12th (the cosmic family soul), and the signs and planets posited therein. Of course, the Nodal Axis comes into play as well with the South Node a point of inherited traits and talents. Recommended is Erin Sullivan's book, The Astrology of Family Dynamics (#ad) for it contains fascinating information about such topics. In addition, natal Moon (the past; the unconscious; childhood; family; emotions) reveals family legacy for obvious reasons with some signs lending themselves to generational research more easily than others. I'm thinking of the Water signs, of course: Moon in Cancer, Scorpio, or Pisces, with the gift of psychism possibly involved--a sense of "knowing," or strong intuition. A link to the Collective Unconscious (via the personal unconscious) is indicated. Pholus: Decision-Making and The Consquences of Our Actions Discovered January 9, 1992 @00Leo36 Rx, the highly impactful centaur Pholus symbolizes turning points in our lives, plus, signifies a way to determine and awaken to our life's path (true purpose), and how to alter it, if necessary. Pholus can act as a force that triggers life-altering events and is significant in our decision-making process. Its contact with a natal planet or planets identifies prominent events and/or people in our lives. In fact, next to centaur Chiron, Pholus is second in importance, and informs us of how we can move beyond the limitations of our past. Naturally, this is invaluable information for dealing more successfully with present events which may actually be unconsciously influenced by inherited material--ancestral traumas and negative events that are passed down from family members of recent or more distant generations. The position and condition of natal Pholus can also provide us with details about how others see us. Why, Pholus even resonates harmoniously with transformative Pluto in our charts, and in Synastry (relationship astrology) is considered to be a love asteroid! Now there's much more about Pholus worth studying so if you're interested, follow the cosmic deity link, above, for additional details. And if you want to know where your own Pholus is located, simply search for the centaur at serennu.com by plugging in your birth data, then in the Astrological Ephemeris type in object #5145 and the position of your Pholus will appear on the list!

Got planets in money sign Taurus? Conservative Saturn perhaps? Well, progressive Uranus is coming! Here's a clip for your consideration:

At 7:53:38 am edt tomorrow, March 22, 2018, yours truly will enjoy a Pallas Return to natal Pallas degree of 25Tau58 which spotlights my 9th house Pallas. As you see, this degree conjoins fixed star of outrage, Algol, in the Pleiades constellation. Through this and other chart factors it seems that excitable feelings are a major part of my 2018 Pallas picture along with art work since asteroid Cupido (The Arts; The Family) conjoins Pallas by transit and also implicates family matters, plus, it activates the asteroid's house placement and aspects in my natal chart. Happily for me, Pallas trines natal Mercury in late Capricorn (9th house to 5th house of Creative Pursuits). Horoscope: March 22, 2018 7:53:38 am edt North of Atlanta, Georgia USA: As one of the four feminine asteroids in Astrology, Pallas, the daughter (aka, Pallas Athene--I was born in Athens, Ga!) may be used to signify wisdom, understanding, and ethics, and in my case, Pallas in Venus-ruled Taurus, denotes potentials for art talent, and for patterning ability which can also be useful in astrological work. In fact, Pallas as an ethics significator is used by my friend, millennial astrologer Kevin Estes, on his Left Wing Astrology blog. If you're curious, Kevin has posted on my natal Pallas (natal horoscope shown) and terms me a "principled progressive" (though some might disagree after reading my dissenting posts and articles). Pallas as an ethics indicator is based on the work of astrologer and violinist Alan Lin whose March 20, 2018 post concerns the Austin Bombings--and asteroid Pallas is involved. Astrological Pallas is associated with owls (my drawing, Owl of Minerva, above), unicorns, crusading for peace (I'm a self-described 'peacenik' from way back), weaving and embroidery (sewed and embroidered in my younger days and braided cotton rag rugs), and skillful hands (Mercury conjunct Mars in 5th house--I've drawn since the ripe old age of 3). So I guess with natal Pallas as the most elevated of the four faces of the feminine in my chart, identification with the Pallas archetype has been easy since I first began a serious study of Astrology in 1996 after buying my first two Astrology books, age 12. Happy Birthday Pallas! Now the orbital period of asteroid Pallas is 4.62 years and it was discovered on March 28, 1802 in Germany by Heinrich W. Olbers--116 years ago on March 28, 2018, a Pallas 'birthday' of sorts! So if you desire more Pallas info you may wish to refer to Pallas in the Signs.

Where Will You Be When the Stars Collide? Astronomers now predict that two stars in the Cygnus constellation will collide and the cosmic spectacle, they say, will be visible to the naked eye in the year 2022 for those who manage to navigate year 2020. Colliding stars will add to another cosmic shift in 2022, a Great Conjunction of Jupiter and Neptune on April 12, 2022 @24Pis59, the oceanic sign ruled and co-ruled by expansive Jupiter and nebulous gas giant, Neptune. Astrologically, dreams, visions, secrets, illusions, financial schemes, and creativity are certain to be on the menu in 2022 along with a continuation of fear and paranoia thanks to Neptune floating through its own sign of confused Pisces as this new cycle (like a New Moon) of the 'dream team' Jupiter-Neptune begins another 13-year cycle. But for sheer shifting power, the year 2020 takes the cosmic cake particularly in the realms of society, culture, and politics so here is a list with degrees of the Great Conjunctions of planets which will perfect in the year 2020: First, a hard-hitting pair begins the year on January 12, 2020 as Saturn and Pluto meet @22Cap46 (DC Horoscope shown). Their cycle is approximately 33 years in length, they last met in 1982 in airy Libra, and both are considered karmic planets having to do with reaping what was previously sown. This time meeting in pragmatic Earth, those in power (Pluto) and in positions of authority (Saturn) are most susceptible to the combined vibes of harshness which may then (unfortunately) be oppressively enforced upon others. One conjunction will suffice for this pair of heavy weights, thanks, and their squares, opposition/s, and other aspects over the next three decades will bear watching and preparing for especially since heavy, cold Saturn in its own sign of Capricorn tends to be a negative for markets and finances more often than not. Add powerful manipulator Pluto, the saboteur with hidden wealth, and currency issues such as devaluation may be in store especially in relation to oil markets and fossil fuels. Alternate forms of energy will become even more necessary, as it turns out. Then the plutocratic pair of Jupiter and Pluto conjoin three times in 2020: 1. April 5 @24Cap53; 2. June 30 @24Cap06; 3. November 12 @22Cap52 thus sensitizing the 22--25-degree range of Saturn-ruled Capricorn. Of course, 22-23 Capricorn will already be activated by the January 12, 2020 conjunction of Saturn and Pluto, as noted, and as other planets reach those degrees by conjunction, square, and opposition, many events will unfold within the Collective. Plus, those with personal planets in those degrees or in aspect to them may be in for an eventful if not a bumpy ride. Earth and weather changes are very possible as we've already experienced whether one believes in climate change or not. Finally on December 21, 2020 is a grand finale--a meet-up between the two societal planets Jupiter and Saturn @00AQ29, the pair whose expansion vs restriction functions keep all the planets in their courses--cosmically a yin-yang affair, and a checks'n'balances imperative in Politics. Need I say that this degree is that of America's POTUS Sun degree at our January 20th presidential inaugurations every four years? And obviously the significant date marks Winter Solstice 2020. For those who read my Political Astrology ramblings at Stars Over Washington a post will be published concerning Winter Solstice 2020 as soon as events and schedules allow. But for now a word on potentials of the midpoint picture formed by Jupiter-Saturn = Sun: inconstancy; or, an increase in the ability to demonstrate positive leadership before others (Munkasey). Well, that certainly would be a pleasant shift from the current political and social climates, now wouldn't it? In closing, I must say that no, JCAstro is not actually meant for Politics but for those who can manage a bit more of 'that organized system of hatreds' for the sake of our future cosmic calendar, you may wish to check out another significant cosmic shift of the Solar Eclipse kind--see The Prenatal Solar Eclipse of America's Pluto Return/s, our nation's very first. After all, forewarned is forearmed! Above image: Timeless Path a drawing by Jude Cowell (c)1996; oil and watercolor pencil on black paper; a Merit Award winner during the Atlanta 1996 Olympics; for more cosmic and other images you're invited to visit my Secret Moon Art gallery or why not browse my art portfolio 24/7 at Fine Art America.

Here's a look at the August 11, 2018 Solar Eclipse @18Leo41 presented by expert astrologer Barbara Goldsmith. Be sure to visit Barbara at her website Your Astrology Signs: And if you're up for it, this eclipse is titled The Tower Eclipse over at Stars Over Washington--as in, Tarot card 16--and it occurs within the 2 New North Saros Series during which America's 2018 Midterm Elections will be held, such as they may be.

"If I have been able to see further than others, it was because I stood on the shoulders of giants." - Sir Isaac Newton (1643 - 1727) The Father of Calculus Recently a first edition copy of Sir Isaac Newton's book on natural philosophy was auctioned off to a mysterious bidder for $3.7 million. Impressive! And I would have to say that someone is really into the ideas of Sir Isaac Newton, aren't they? Well, I hope the mystery buyer isn't like yours truly tends to be - seldom finishing any of the many books I start! Hmm. Makes me sound Aries-like, doesn't it? But you know what they say - the traits of every sign are in everyone somewhere in the natal chart, even if no planets are posited in the sign in question. And no, I personally have no Aries planets, not even in progressions. So this sort of amazing publicity in relation to a deceased personage is a perfect opportunity to see how the natal planets of the subject are being affected posthumously by planets on or around the date of the event/s. With the auction apparently held a few days ago (tonight is Dec 18, 2016), we can check out recent positions and see what 'pops out' which may have effect upon the reputation and planets of Sir Isaac Newton after all these years. First, we need a natal horoscope for the $3.7-million-dollar man, Sir Isaac, and you may view a couple of rectified versions of his chart here. Or check out the version in my Solar Fire Gold v9 software: Look lower left, highlighted in green, for current transits to his natal planets: Natal Mercury (the writer; the thinker) is now visited by karmic authority planet Saturn who brings rewards for long term efforts - Newton's were made hundreds of years ago and obviously qualify. In fact, the sale of his book is about as non-hoarding at such an exorbitant price as it can possibly be! One traditional result of Saturn-to-natal-Mercury is 'additional income' and in a sense, this goal has definitely been accomplished at auction. At his eternal rest since his death on March 20, 1727 (OS), Newton is unaware of this achievement but current planetary transits and the events they reflect say it's true - the time has come. Second and third transits involving his natal Sun (ego; purpose; life objective; essence) @13Capricorn are marked in green (lower left) for the current Mercury Station Retrograde recently conjoined and passed his Sun and is now turning to 'back across it' again. A third pass will occur in Direct motion during the third week of January 2017. Of course, the most significant transit has been powerful, wealthy Pluto hitting Newton's natal Sun, marking a time for finally receiving well deserved recognition which must include deep appreciation and respect for his centuries-spanning power and influence over multiple areas of learning, education, and the seeking of knowledge. Yes, he was an intense fellow with 00 - 1 Scorpio rising which brings up his Prenatal Solar Eclipse (PE) in the 5 North Saros Series with themes of flashes of genius, prophetic dreams, inspired visions - a very creative influence (Brady's Predictive Astrology). Of course, Scorpio rising makes Mars chart-ruler but with no applying aspects - just a 7th house Mars in Venus-ruled Taurus, sign of the stubborn bull. Yes, he was an obstinate man yet Mars in Taurus also suggests one who has a great capacity for hard, sustained concentration and a dedicated work ethic (he had) and practicality (to balance all that mysticism: Neptune-Pluto = Venus which can also indicate 'loyalty in spirit to those who have passed away' - see chart, marked in light blue); and/or 'a strange love', says Ebertin. Another factor is Newton's thinking/idea planet, Mercury, in Sagittarius which conjoins Aculeus (M6 Scorpius), one of a nebulous pair with Acumen that relates to issues of blindness (which can be inner vision), attacks that strengthen, and being the subject of gossip (which is a sort of attack--he was). However, some of the issues that bedeviled Newton were self-created though probably unconsciously perpetrated. Such as his well known miserliness with his ideas and theories for his emotions were involved. We see this with his Moon, strongly subjective in early Cancer which set on his day of birth as starry Thuban (alpha Draco) culminated. This indicates one who 'guards or protects a treasure' - which were his ideas and theories. Later in life, this tendency probably added grump to his quarrels over who invented Calculus (he did - he's the Father of it). It seems he wanted recognition for his theories (Leo MC = The Goal: to shine on the world stage; plus, Sun-Jupiter = MC) yet he feared publication so he jealously hoarded his work (Thuban) which would seem to indicate otherwise. Further mysticism, plus, romanticism, are shown by Venus-Neptune = Sun with its potentials for: a small sense of reality; an erotic imagination; lovesickness; a secret love (in this chart, Venus does ruled his hidden 12th house of secret assignations). As a bachelor with a sense of mission, Sir Isaac sacrificed his personal life for the sake of his work and had the misfortune to be hindered, harmed, and defamed by others (Neptune-ASC = Uranus supported by Aculeus-Mercury) yet you see his Locomotive pattern chugging toward success with isolationist Uranus rising in first house of Self - he was Uranus, the genius, in deep-thinking Scorpio and at the Eagle Point (15Scorpio), the Point of Regeneration with futuristic Uranus leading the entire train of planets. A Uranian scientist was he. Something else about natal Mercury - it's oriental (rising last before the Sun) which isn't unusual for speedy Mercury but probably made Newton super attentive to detail as a scientist should be, plus, Mercury takes part in a descriptive midpoint picture: Mercury-NN = Uranus: sudden formulation of new ideas; quickly changing ideas and thoughts; receiving stimulating ideas from others (Ebertin). In spite of being elected President of the Royal Society in 1703 and knighted by Queen Anne in 1705, Newton became a total recluse in his later years and one imagines that a certain amount of brooding took place in his laboratory of Alchemy, Mathematics, and Astrology (soon to be separated from Astronomy.) To close we must also mention Newton's appointment as Master of the Mint in 1700 and the fact that he was involved in Politics for the rest of his life. And in such a case, I really feel for him, don't you? Still, Isaac Newton's was one of three portraits Thomas Jefferson, the 'American Sphinx', reverently had hanging on the walls of Monticello along with Bacon's and Locke's...

In honor of Christmas 2018 and the birth of Jesus Christ, the following is a re-posting of a Stars Over Washington article originally published December 24, 2007 (with a few edits for clarity's sake) entitled, A Speculative Birth Chart for Jesus: April 17, 06 BC: If I have told you of earthly things, and ye believe me not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? John 3:12 Pictured here is the chart I use as the natal chart of Jesus of Nazareth, based on the date that Jupiter (royalty) arose as the Morning Star and was occulted by the Moon in Aries, sign of Israel and Palestine. Thanks to calendar changes being slightly off, we have "6 BC" instead of the year zero. Since we know that Jesus was born during the reign of Herod the Great (is he on one level Jupiter in this chart being occulted by the Moon?), the year we call "6 BC" contained the rare occultation (Moon-Jupiter), "7 BC" is known to be when a Great Jupiter-Saturn conjunction occurred in compassionate Pisces--and since lambs are born in the Spring, not mid-winter--these are a few reasons why I use this chart. (There are other speculative charts for the birth of Jesus--see below after this re-post). Moon and Jupiter conjoined at 12:08:22 pm in 9th house (Bethlehem) yet this Jupiter rising chart set for 5:01:21 am is the one I prefer with asteroid, Morya at MC (the Goal or Objective) and Morya having connection with death, and fate or destiny. Plus, and as you see, there is a YOD pattern ('Finger of God': special task or purpose; crisis; crossroads--or a turning point from Old Testament to New Testament, old law to new) pointing toward the rising Moon, Ascendant (ASC = Jesus Himself if we accept this chart as His birth chart), and by extension, pointing to royal Jupiter as well. But can modern day midpoint pictures possibly apply to an event from such ancient days? Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto existed although not within people's consciousness, of course. Accordingly, our modern perspectives are naturally different--and time should bring insight, don't you think? Click to enlarge the chart for a few scribbled notes, but I'll type in the midpoint pictures for the YOD (including royal Jupiter which certainly seems to apply to the situation.) The combo of Neptune-Pluto = unseen forces; the supernatural; other realms (Tyl): Neptune-Pluto = Moon: supernatural experiences; strange states of soul experiences; anxiety about being appreciated (well-founded!); Neptune-Pluto = ASC: surrounded by an air of mysticism (a halo?!); placed in a peculiar environment (what a major culture shock--from heaven to earth!); Neptune-Pluto = Jupiter: religiousness; in love with life; the "Thank God" position; universal love; love of humanity (I'll say!); high degree of perception; a peace-loving disposition. Yes, yes, and yes. Mercury trine Pluto creates a Grand Trine of sorts with the MC; Mercury-Pluto = powerful words that persuade; creating or demanding new perspectives... Mercury-Pluto = MC: great perception of any situation; leadership (why King Herod was so worried--all cruel leaders should be); coping ability; keen powers of judgment; foresight. Sun and Moon were in Balsamic phase of the prophet--a phase of partings and endings. His death was a sad parting, and He brought an end to the Age of Aries as well. People born during the Balsamic phase of the Moon (three days prior to a New Moon) are future-oriented folk who often arrive when something or someone is ending or can't carry on. Progressive, futuristic, rebellious Uranus is in sacrificial Pisces, sign of the Mystic, and love-filled Venus is also in Pisces, sign of her exaltation (universal love.) Jesus certainly disrupted things but from motives of pure Love, the Foundation of the Universe. The birth of Christ marked the beginning of the Age of Pisces, sign of the Fish and the secret symbol of Christianity in Roman times (still widely in use today) as the Age of Aries, the Ram, symbol of Israel and Palestine, passed away--Old Testament times into the New Testament era. On one level, His birth, life, and crucifixion on Earth symbolize death of the ego so that Man can be liberated and born again in Spirit (if he so chooses.) The Magi, Persian astronomers/astrologers (probably from Babylonia), shared the Aramaic language with the Jews and so they knew of the Prophecy of the Messiah and would have been well able to predict His birth in time to make the journey to the Land of Judah while following The Star of Bethlehem. Yes, The Star of Bethlehem has been thought by many to be the triple conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn during the year 7 BC: exact in May, September, and October. These occurred in Pisces, and it is my belief that The Magi realized the significance of this Great Conjunction in Pisces--a King of Kings to be born in the East--and made their preparations for the journey to find the Babe...to honor Him with gifts of gold (for a king), frankincense (for divinity), and myrrh (for death and healing.) The unusual occurrence of Jupiter as Morning Star in Aries being occulted by the Moon--in April (Spring, when lambs are born, not December 25, a date chosen by the Catholic Church in Rome to coincide with the pagan Saturnalia festival (and thus bringing goddess worship into the fold bwo the church's elevation of Mary) is quite possibly The Star followed by the Magi. My own thought is that the Great Jupiter-Saturn Conjunction/s may have been The Star itself, with the Moon-Jupiter-Morning Star phenomena as a timing device for the birth of the Prince of Peace. Jupiter and Saturn: Faith and Reality Jupiter represents the generous side of God (His staff), while Saturn represents God's disciplinarian side (His rod.) On one level, we may relate "Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me..." in The Lord's Prayer directly to the natural law of Jupiter (expansion) and Saturn (restriction) being the fly-wheel of the Universe for the tension between them keeps the planets in their courses. Yin-yang, positive-negative, dark-light, the dualism of our world...the balance between planets Jupiter and Saturn are a constant comfort to me and I hope to you as well! As the children's song says, "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands"! Well, it's always a treat to give earthly halls of power--politics--the slip as I contemplate the heavenly things of true value, in a word, Eternity and Eternal Life. So instead of posting to Stars Over Washington today about tiresome Politics as usual, I assert here that Stars are all around us, and The Star of Bethlehem, still shining brightly through the centuries, may lead us yet to the golden stardust within each of us, and to greater truths than those generally found lurking about the halls of our nation's capital, built upon Saturnian Capitol Hill. jc # Well, that's what I wrote and published on December 24, 2007. Tonight is December 23, 2018 and I shall add other data to our speculation concerning the Birth of Jesus of Nazareth including data from the book by coin collector and astronomer Michael Molnar, The Star of Bethlehem: The Legacy of The Magi with details on how The Star has been studied through the centuries by Kepler and others, and how he, a Rutgers astronomer, became interested in using astrological data because of images on an ancient Roman coin he purchased for $50 which depicted a ram (Aries, symbol of Judea) "looking back at the star." Well, since The Magi, aka, "The Three Wise Men" were Eastern astrologers, I agree with the significance of the coin's symbols and the value of Astrology in the matter! Yet I don't remember where I found the data to calculate the horoscope shown above, but Mr. Molnar and I agree that the chart very well could be accurate with royal Jupiter rising and occulted by the Moon in Aries. Various Speculative Horoscopes for Jesus of Nazareth There are multiple versions of a Natal Chart for Jesus of Nazareth based on a variety of dates, historical facts, and cosmic conditions. One horoscope championed by astrologer Christine Arens is set for May 29, 007 BC 5:36 am LMT Bethlehem> Bayt Lah. Rising is 14Gemini23 with Sun rising @4Gemini14 and Moon 4Gemini31, a New Moon in Gemini, sign of 'the Good News'. Gemini rising makes the sign's ruler, Mercury, chart-ruler and Mercury (planet of youth and children) is at a critical-crisis 29th degree--of Gemini, followed by Venus @6Cancer29 (these two are the 'shekinah planets': the dwelling or divine presence of God on Earth). And astrological Venus in Moon-ruled Cancer denotes deep seated feelings of love! Through the years, comets, or the Great Conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn have been proposed to be The Star of Bethlehem followed by The Magi. Well, conjoined @20Pisces are Saturn and Jupiter in its traditional ruler-ship of Pisces, sign of the Two Fishes, one swimming up to the heights, one swimming down to the depths which echoes the basic choice we each have in life for it symbolizes good vs evil, light vs dark, and the path we have the free will to choose. For believers, the Words of Jesus (who was The Word! Our Universe began with sound waves that some call 'The Big Bang') while He lived on Earth were of a critical-crisis nature and His birth Was the Good News! So if you wish, read about the intriguing research based on Scripture and Astrology by Christine Arens who asks, Was Jesus a Gemini? Now of course, until the discovery of Uranus in 1781, Saturn was the outermost planet in our Solar System, 7 total, and some traditional astrologers do not use Uranus, Neptune, or Pluto in their horoscopes. Fortunately, I am not one of them and consider the three more recently discovered planets to add much to the analyses of Historical Horoscopes (naturally they existed on an unconscious level during the particular era in question). Therefore, the dynamic T-Square in the May 29, 007 BC chart seems of interest since it is formed by the opposition of Uranus and Pluto which both square the Gemini New Moon. Squares (90 degrees) represent blockages or obstacles and I shall add here a note about the lucid dream I had years ago involving Astrology when upon waking an angel said to me that, "squares form due to essential quests." Well, if this is true, Baby Jesus, as symbolized by the Gemini New Moon (when solar consciousness and lunar unconsciousness blend perfectly together), was facing a life of serious difficulties, as believers know came to pass. For the Uranus-Pluto pair in Astrology signify potentials for "revolution, the process of transformation, and the collapse of the old order, construction of the new" (R. Ebertin). Yes, New Testament times and a Bringer of the New Law had arrived! Now another set of data for the Birth of Jesus of Nazareth was shared with me in a comment concerning my original post, re-published above. It was from 'Michael' who asserted that another natal chart is the correct one for it is "perfect". The date is August 21, 007 BC noon LMT Bethlehem> Bayt Lah. Here is a list of the planets' positions in the chart for, as Michael points out, each planet is in its sign of ruler-ship except for one and this certainly creates a rare horoscope: Ascendant 18Scorpio21; Midheaven ("MC' = Aspiration; Goal) 24Leo42; Sun 25Leo10, Moon 2Cancer48, Mercury 6Virgo48, Venus 11Libra40, Mars 3Scorpio37, and Jupiter 22Pisces36 Rx. Saturn, associated with ancient lands such as Judea and Palestine, is also in mystical Pisces (rather than in signs it rules, Capricorn or Aquarius) and yet here Saturn is ruled by The Great Benefic Jupiter, although their conjunction has a wider orb: 22:36 and 20:32. Plus, the orb of the Uranus-Pluto opposition is wider than in the Gemini New Moon chart although both are in the same signs across the victim-savior axis: Uranus Rx @4Pisces and Pluto @9Virgo so no T-Square is formed in the "perfect" chart because Sun is in royal Leo and Moon in nurturing Cancer. Yet it is a blend with a deep sense of integrity. We should also note that the planet of The Divine Source, Neptune, is posited @2Scorpio and conjoins the South Node of the Moon, a karmic point. Actually, the Neptune-SN conjunction is quite descriptive for it signifies the ability to 'sidestep the folly of the masses through superior wisdom' and suffering loss via 'intrigue or unfortunate circumstances' such as betrayal or theft (Sakoian-Acker). Well, yes. Note that otherworldly Neptune also conjoins warrior planet Mars in Scorpio (sign of betrayal in and of itself, plus, the occult, and the scarab beetle of Egypt). This conjunction tends toward a strong amount of psychic magnetism, an air of mystery, the use of occult power, great healing ability, and lofty spiritual attainment. Now the last data in my files for a speculative Natal Horoscope for Jesus of Nazareth comes from another book, this one by Adrian Gilbert: Signs in the Sky: The Astrological and Archaeological Evidence For The Birth of a New Age. Perhaps you're familiar with Mr. Gilbert's work from his other books, TV appearances, or videos. Here's a link to his video Signs in the Sky Part One: Egypt (31 mins) but also check out Part Two: Israel in which he and fellow seekers view the prophetic planetary alignment of June 29, 2000 foretold in Scripture as "the seven candlesticks" (7 planets) with constellation Orion, archetype of Christ (the Alpha and Omega), standing amid them, hand outstretched (toward the Sun at His Ascension) in the 'stargate' or "shaking hands" position (horoscope shown below). These days, Orion rises over the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem. Based on Gilbert's extensive research across Egypt and the Holy Land, he proposes a date for the royal Birth of Jesus of July 29, 007 BC when the Sun @2Leo33 rose with royal Regulus, the king star, and this relates to the first appearance at dawn of starry Sirius "which had always been the start of the Egyptian calendar." (You'll remember that during his earthly life, Jesus and his family spent time in Egypt.) So if such topics interest you, I highly recommend Signs in the Sky in which you'll find dates for other life events of Jesus of Nazareth which are listed as "stellar signatures": His Crucifixion (April 15, AD 29--I use 6:00 pm LMT), Resurrection (April 17, AD 29), and Ascension (May 27, AD 29) along with other dates for events in the life of Jesus. And you may be assured that these dates are not just pulled out of a hat, for Adrian Gilbert explains to you exactly how he arrived at them and can do it much better than yours truly! Now let's close with the "Orion and the Seven Candlesticks" Horoscope of June 29, 2000, near Summer Solstice 2000, which, you may agree, occurred as a herald of our 'New Millennium' troubles when powerful earth changes began in earnest (as foretold) and when "the opening of the Orion star gate" occurred implying a period of chaos (Uranian Trump the 'chaos president'??) to be followed by a spiritual Great Awakening: Please enlarge the image to read my (messy) study notes and perhaps later on I may add some text to go with the June 29, 2000 Horoscope but for now, my 'blogging break' must end and holiday preparations for out-of-town guests shall begin! A Grateful Shout-Out goes to a certain astronomer at The Lowell Observatory (famous for the 1930 discovery of Pluto) whose interest in my 2007 post on 'A Speculative Birth Chart for Jesus April 17, 006 BC' inspired both this updated post with additional data and my purchase of Michael Molnar's intriguing book.

American History and Astrology Meet in a 1587 Solar Eclipse Horoscope by Jude Cowell Because an eclipse and its horoscope can be accurately timed, the following horoscope is presented and shows the Pre-Natal Solar Eclipse of Virginia Dare, the first English Christian child born in the New World. It also reveals the background influences for the voyage of Virginia's grandfather, the artist and Governor John White, who left Roanoke for England to obtain and replenish the Colony's supplies but was prevented (by war) from returning until 1590. When he did return (on Virginia's third birthday) he discovered that the colonists (including his daughter Eleanor, his son-in-law Ananias Dare, and little Virginia) had disappeared. This resulted in the famous Lost Colony of Roanoke mystery: Please enlarge the chart to read my study notations for not all will be repeated in this text. Hour of Saturn (3Tau22 setting) with Wounded Healer, blind spot, and/or priest, Chiron at a critical-crisis 29th degree. Rising is late Libra, sign of balance, diplomacy, and relationships--in fact, we might say that relationships (besides sustenance and safety) had to be a primary concern in the Colony for pioneers must depend upon others of their expedition in order to survive. That, however, does not factor in the Colonists' belligerent neighbors, some tribes who were waging war with other tribes, and the stark environment they dealt with for the Roanoke area in the year 1587 was a time and place of drought, deprivation and hardship for everyone. The applying aspects of chart-ruler Venus are included, below. Now as you see, the 3 South Solar Eclipse is in Mars-ruled Aries (17:31), a Fire sign, which denotes boldness and daring, aggression, challenge, pioneering, adventurism, and a potential for militancy. Powerful, sneaky Pluto conjoins the South Node of the Moon, usually an indicator of violence and/or war with the South Node having a separative Saturnian vibe and possibly showing neurotic tendencies and reliance on past behaviors. Yet a nervous and critical Mars is retrograde (Rx) in tidy Virgo describing weakening conditions while Venus, lover of relationships, conjoins separative, disruptive Uranus, both in gentle Pisces where Venus is exalted. And of course, the Virgo-Pisces axis is that of the victim-savior; lady Venus is the engine of a Locomotive pattern (success; possible ruthlessness) with the rest of the planets (actors) following her direction (to live with the Croatans as the carved messages left behind for John White suggest? The signal he and they set before he sailed was to carve a Maltese Cross in the settlement if they were attacked or under duress--and no Cross was carved). Below is a Maltese Cross in the St. John Co-Cathedral on Malta, a symbol which suggests (to me) secret society and occult involvement in Sir Walter's Roanoke enterprise: Applying Venus Provides Clues Now to see how things will proceed, we look to chart-ruler Venus which makes only one applying Ptolemaic (major) aspect in the eclipse chart, a conjunction with Uranus (1A47). This denotes the forming of non-traditional, unconventional, or unusual alliances, and considering that Venus leads the other planets (actors) we may be looking at a cosmic picture of a leader promoting the idea of joining and living with a friendly tribe of Indians for the purpose of survival. A second applying aspect of Venus--though it is not considered to be Ptolemaic--is a sesqui-square to hazy Neptune (2A03) which suggests the necessity to overlook flaws in their less-than-ideal circumstances, with delusion, illusion, deception, and false flattery as part of the picture. Plus, Neptune is stationing and is turning Direct, as noted, above. Stationary planets are considered strong. As for the themes of 3 South, they include an apt description of what was happening in the Colony for the White family and others. On the image the details are penned, upper right, but I'll type them for you here: sudden endings of relationships, possibly with a young person; traumatic transformation through news received, or via a journey (Brady's Predictive Astrology). In modern times, 3 South manifested in the years 1911, 1929, 1947, 1965, 1983, 2001 (@23Sag), and next, on December 26, 2019 @4Capricorn. Its initial manifestation occurred on August 13, 1208 @27Leo10 conjunct Mercury Rx so whatever sign it occurs in since 1208, its influence must be seen through, and colored by, Sun-ruled Leo so that a tendency toward arrogance and pomposity in leadership should be avoided for best karmic progress to be made. Another interesting chart factor is Mercury, planet of toddlers, traders, travelers, and tricksters, for it conjoins Pluto, a conjunction indicating extreme conditions and seriously deep topics of conversation, plus, an investigative flair. Does the Mercury-Pluto conjunction then foreshadow Governor John White's search for cryptic symbols, clues, or the agreed-upon symbolic messages upon his return in 1590? Possibly. Well, there's oceanic Neptune near the top of the chart--actually in 9th house of Foreign Travel; Neptune is stationary and turned direct 13 hours 16 minutes before this eclipse perfected, a condition which spotlights idealistic Neptune and its ability to obfuscate and prevaricate. On another level we can read the conjunction as death (Pluto) of an important child (Mercury), and loss and sorrow (Neptune) via tribal (Cancer) incursions (Neptune). Do you know of other cosmic correspondences that apply to these events of long ago?! Then there's wide vista'd Jupiter in tribal and watery Cancer, also a sign of the seas and the crabs and fish within them, for the planet of expansion conjoins and spotlights fixed star Sirius (sudden loss or fame, murder) which to me suggests 'ocean voyages meant to result in Jupiterian wealth and prestige' (ex: the Roanoke expedition) but which involved murders and death galore. Sir Walter Raleigh's funding of this foray to the New World via a Colony on Roanoke Island was a gamble, a speculation, an investment, intended to pay off big (as Jupiter prefers--and tribal Cancer is a sign of family and shrewd business ability). His brother had already attempted this adventure and this was their third try. Another factor is that Jupiter rises with Castor, a star of sudden loss or fame, crippled limbs, and/or murder...again, death. Well, there's my look at the Prenatal Eclipse of Virginia Dare. Hopefully my using the eclipse chart to search for clues concerning The Lost Colony mystery is helpful to you since no accurate birth time is known for Baby Virginia, the first English child born in what became America, as I'm told. And so in closing, I sincerely say... R.I.P Virginia Dare. ~:~ For more details on the Roanoke Island mystery, consult the Visitor's Guide at OuterBanks.com where you'll find history, theories, and more. Having visited the Outer Banks myself I highly recommend the islands for vacationing if you actually need a recommendation to coerce you to NC beaches--and with a history of the Roanoke Colony and pirates' buried treasure, too! Plus, I shall also add this: Excerpt: "On July 22, 1587, John White landed on Roanoke Island with 120 men, women, and children. As governor, White hoped to establish the first permanent English settlement in the New World by developing a self-sufficient economy and agriculture. On August 18, 1587, the first English Christian was born: Virginia Dare". Read more... Astro-Note on Virginia Dare's birth August 18, 1587 shows Sun in Leo (conjunct royal Regulus: success if revenge is avoided) and Moon in either late Aquarius (like the US natal Moon of July 4, 1776) or creative Pisces--so baby Virginia had a Fire-Air personality (mentally active, full of ideas, an extrovert) or a Fire-Water blend (moody, volatile, artistic--creative inheritance from her grandfather, artist-mapmaker John White?) But tragically, if Virginia Dare died by age 4, these tendencies had few chances to express themselves during her short life and her difficult environment must certainly have interfered with their natural development.

The following post concerns children's author Lewis Carroll, born on January 27, 1832 as Charles Lutwidge Dodgson with a 3Sag24 Moon rising at his Ascendant 3Sag03. And with the astrological Moon as representative of childhood and the unconscious mind, we find a man who expressed such facets of his personality by befriending children all through his life, telling them fantastic stories which became the famous books we now know and treasure, and also by photographing children, some unclothed, at a time when film and celluloid planet Neptune had recently been discovered. Alice in Wonderland "Until you make the unconscious conscious it will direct your life & you will call it fate" Carl Jung (Pardon! But what was a GIF linked above of Alice Through the Looking Glass made from an antique film has been made private (edit: October 23, 2021). Meanwhile, perhaps we may agree that Alice's Adventures, with their down-the-rabbit-hole flavor, floated up from the super-creative unconscious material (Neptune's realm) of author Lewis Carroll who, as a man of his time, may have received some of his Neptune-themed inspiration via the opiates prevalently used in his day. Drugs, a favorite of escapist planet Neptune, with infusions from intense Pluto! Horoscope: Lewis Carroll (Charles Dodgson) January 27, 1832 3:45 am LMT Daresbury, England; Hour of Saturn; chart-ruler Jupiter in 3rd house providing good fortune with Communications: Planets and Aspects A loner and mathematician who never married, Carroll's natal chart with its independent, self-willed and original Sun-Uranus conjunction describes this condition well particularly since the conjunction is in detached yet friendly Aquarius. A Venus-Mars conjunction in Sagittarius describes a sociable person (see his Venus-Mars aspect, below) though he may have met with duplicity or deception in relationships with Gemini on his 7th cusp (Descendant). See his Prenatal Eclipse themes, below. Yes, Carroll's natal Moon @3Sag24 rises precisely with his Ascendant denoting one who desires intimacy in relationships yet avoids it due to a deep dislike of feeling obligated to others and with Moon in freedom-loving Sagittarius, seclusion and *solitude may have suited him best. Although he may have had no compunction about making demands on other people, he tended to withdraw before close ties could be established or demands made--and also for his own private reasons. Emotional and sensitive, Moon-rising Lewis Carroll was highly imaginative and intuitive with a well developed fantasy life that helped him appreciate the simplicity of children and perhaps added a childlike quality to his personality. Talented with many skills (math, logic, drawing, photography, writing), Carroll was an original (Sun-Uranus) who had a precise and exacting mind suitable for Science, Math, and Logic (Mercury trine Saturn in science-oriented Virgo with studious Saturn Rx in the 9th house of Philosophy and the Higher Mind). This trine also aided him in putting his story ideas (Mercury) into the form (Saturn) of published books. An Unaspected Neptune Tells a Fantastical Story When the planet of dreams, visions, illusion, ideals, romance, deception, and withdrawal is unaspected and thus detached from the rest of the natal planets, it represents "a most passive condition for this other-worldly planet" (Epstein). Inner comfort and tranquility may be achieved by creating beautiful images (stories, drawings, photographs) within an exceptionally powerful fantasy life that is not shared within the environment. "Self-contained illusions" could be one result of Neptune's unaspected condition and may factor in with modern-day questions concerning Carroll's obsession with children and the photographing of them. He certainly seemed to be under the sway of filmy, gossamer Neptune and chose his own private ways of dealing with this elusive energy. With his unaspected Neptune, my suspicion is that his dreams seemed unattainable to him and may have included love for Alice Liddell, the inspiration for his main character--or possibly for her eldest sister. So although Neptune is unaspected, it is apex planet of two midpoints with these potentials: Sun-Mercury = Neptune: 'the play of imagination; simulating and deceiving oneself; writers and visionaries' (Ebertin); 'something undermining the perceived reality; possible deception by others; fantasy' (Tyl). And Mars-Jupiter = Neptune: 'a hopeless relationship; unfaithfulness' (Ebertin); 'being near a mistaken course of action; letting reality slip away' (Tyl). Well, perhaps we should consider his other planetary aspects before Neptune floats us away on a cloud of dreams! Lewis Carroll's closest applying aspect (2A34) to natal Sun (@6AQ16 in the 2nd house of Values) is a sextile by Pluto (@8Ari51 in 4th house) which describes the essence of his adult personality (Sun). Here we find an opinionated man with a strong will who developed self-reliance during his lifetime and who had an unconscious need for certainty (mathematics and logic?) and control (relationships with small children?); plus, some measure of unexpressed grief may have influenced him. Now I've not discovered what such grief might have been but only direct you again to his Prenatal Eclipse themes, below, which may have been operative for him around the age of 19, five years before he met the Liddell sisters at Oxford. And since astrological Pluto can exercise a 'magical influence over the masses', his Pluto in Mars-ruled Aries is interesting for Ebertin gives it as: 'subconscious forces try to come to light in order to assist in the recognition of novel ideas'--as his Pluto certainly did! Curiously, however, powerful Pluto squares natal Mercury (12Cap16), the writer's planet, and is an aspect of obsession and deeply-rooted neuroses (A. Oken). He is known to have suffered from stuttering as did some of his siblings (speech blocked by a powerful parent's cruel words?) yet paradoxically he was not adverse to public speaking and even singing (sometimes such activities ease a stuttering condition). This is fortunate for his career ambitions since a Mars-Jupiter sextile denotes a need to struggle for whatever recognition is received, and, if developed, suggests he had a talent for fighting his own battles. Now perhaps you noticed that Carroll's gentle Sun-Moon sextile, a pleasant aspect yet denoting biases picked up from the parents during childhood. These can be overcome to good advantage, however, and his chart shows that he had the intellect and self-awareness to do so. The aspect also indicates friendliness, popularity, and harmony between the solar will and the lunar emotions which provided a path to easy self-expression via his writing especially through the agency of a helpful Mercury-Saturn Rx trine in practical earth signs (see below). And if we look to chart-ruler Jupiter (@28AQ14 in 3rd house of Siblings and Communications) we find no applying aspects although Mars applies to a sextile with Jupiter (see notes on this aspect, below). Jupiter in 3rd house signifies mental expansion in education, publishing opportunities, thinking, and a spiritual orientation that supports his full 2nd house of Values (as noted, below). Of course, Aquarius broadens the mind when Jupiter is posited there and since Jupiter has no application, its sign and house position are emphasized. Mercury-Saturn: signature of the professional writer Perhaps the natal horoscope and talents of this famous and popular author may best be encapsulated by his Mercury-Saturn trine and the fact that the two planets are in mutual reception (in each other's sign: Virgo-Capricorn). But the real steam toward major success is found in the shape of his natal planets, a Locomotive pattern of success. This train is led by Saturn, planet of concentrated work and study, in Virgo, the sign of book writers! Other natal aspects of note include: Moon square Jupiter (5S09--separating and thus unconscious) which suggests excessive emotions, over-generosity (a people pleaser?), extravagance, and troubles in the religious sphere (trained in the Church but took no parish which relates, I believe, to his rising Moon in religious Sagittarius and his unaspected Neptune). Grandiose fantasies often come with this aspect, often inspired by an overindulgent mother. Moon trine Pluto (5A26) intensifies the emotions and helps control them; a wellspring of creative imagination can be brought into manifestation with this very creative aspect and may have been part of his interest in delving into the psychism or spiritualism of his day. Also note a midpoint picture--two, actually: Moon-Pluto = Sun: 'a sensitive nature; a person easily excitable' (Ebertin); 'special far-reaching plans' (Tyl); and, Pluto-ASC = Sun: 'seeing a whole new avenue for success; full steam ahead' (Tyl). As for Rev. Dodgson's original genius, ideals, invention, and novel ideas (Uranus) put into Saturnian form, we must consider the inconjunct (150 degrees) between the two planets, an aspect of adjustment. A Saturn-Uranus inconjunction (or, quincunx) describes Carroll as a loner (though with friends), a nonparticipant in some major area of life (romance with a real live person?), and one who is challenged by freedom vs responsibility issues (Epstein). This supports his Moon rising traits as noted, above. A nonconformist, Carroll took pains to assert his independence and the unusual perspectives he held made him an enigma to others. With this aspect, changes are made quickly and impulsively but only after much deliberation. Very tough on himself, he may have had an obsession with perfection but to reach for that, much self-discipline is necessary. This was probably well supplied by his Mercury-Saturn trine with studious, dedicated, responsible Saturn in serious Virgo, determined to lead the rest of his planets to major success. Venus Conjunct Mars: Passion and Creativity Obviously, physical passion in indicated by this joining of Venus (attraction principle) and Mars (desire nature) though as far as I can tell, no evidence has been found that its energy was expressed with others on the physical plane. Therefore, one word comes to mind--frustration. Yet a 2nd house of Mercury, Neptune, Sun, South Node, and Uranus suggests a man who inherited (South Node) strong spiritual values and principles (Neptune; 2nd house) who was perhaps resigned to settling for Neptunian illusions and dreams when it came to love and romance. We'll never know for certain but such a possibility is found in his natal chart. Now Lewis Carroll's Venus-Mars conjunction has been left for last on our list of aspects so that it can herald the details and themes of his revealing Prenatal Solar Eclipse: His Prenatal Eclipse fell into the 14 North Saros Series and manifested as a Total Solar Eclipse @14Leo34 August 7, 1831; 14 North Themes: 'an acute time of confusion in personal relationships, unexpected happenings in financial matters, and possible illness. Unrequited love, despair, confusion, a draining of energy, a peculiar turn of events; no important decisions should be made as there is too much confusion and possible delusion to make clear judgments' (Predictive Astrology, B. Brady; #ad). A solar eclipse in Sun-ruled Leo suggests that karmic progress may be made by avoiding such pitfalls as pride, ego, vainglory, and self-will. If you wish to check out the natal chart of Lewis Carroll sans messy scribbles, visit astro.com (RR: B) and for fans of his other whimsical writings, here's a not-to-be-missed article Five Fascinating Facts about Jabberwocky which I hope you'll enjoy! *Solitude is the title of his first published work, a poem, the first under the pen name 'Lewis Carroll'.

by Jude Cowell The following post is meant as a tribute to Manly P. Hall and his decades of work although his favored topics are not my personal cup of tea as a Saturnian astrologer. However, I realize that many folks are interested in esoteric subjects along with their astrological studies and hold Manly Hall's extensive collection of works in high regard, including his many lectures - for which he charged only one dollar! Now here's a photo of the magnetically attractive fellow as a young man: Manly P. Hall; Atlas Obscura, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Astro-Notes: The Life and Death of Manly P. Hall One of the most famous of past astrologers, esoteric authors, philosophers, and mystics is the legendary Manly P. Hall. According to his wife Marie Schweikert Bauer Hall, her husband was murdered by his caretakers on the evening of August 28, 1990 although Hall's Wikipedia page, linked above, and other sources give his death date as August 29, 1990 speculatively for 11:00 pm. This is the timing I shall use, along with Will Dotson's 6:02 am birth time. Adjust dates and hours as you prefer - this is only a speculative study. Second wife, Marie Bauer Hall, who passed away on April 21, 2005, had stated that she'd been maneuvered into leaving the scene and her husband, and driving to her daughter's home several miles away from the vacation area at or near Santa Barbara, California. Apparently, it was later on that Marie realized she'd been manipulated, and said that the couple had trusted the men for three years prior to the catastrophic ending of Manly Hall's life in August 1990. Born in Canada on March 18, 1901, there are multiple versions of Manly P. Hall's natal chart; notably one set for 5:00 pm, the other for 6:02 pm according to Hall's longtime associate, Will Dotson. Such discrepancies naturally make such a task more complex so the data chosen to be used in this post will be speculative. Therefore, you may wish to experiment with other charts and timings yourself, if you haven't already. So for your consideration, here is a bi-wheel showing Manly P. Hall's natal horoscope (inner) using 6:02 am EST Toronto, Canada with mystical Pisces rising along with lovely Venus = an attractive young fellow, surrounded by a speculatively timed Death Horoscope set for August 29, 1990 11:00 pm PDT: Note that a view of his 5:00 am natal chart is available along with explanations of a variety of birth times and rectifications. Then for background concerning his work, a 4m50s video tells The Story Behind Manly P. Hall's 'The Secret Teaching of All Ages'.. And if you have 42 minutes to spare, try Manly P. Hall - Biography and How He Was Murdered, a lecture given about 6 years ago. However he passed away, my hope is that Manly Palmer Hall may R.I.P.

Astro-Notes on the Death of Cleopatra Selene a Lunar Queen of Africa by Jude Cowell As you know, the name 'Selene' is a lunar name and several moons ago on Jude's Threshold I published the natal horoscope of Queen Cleopatra VII as rectified by master astrologer Noel Tyl. The post remains there if you wish to view it here. I simply love historical horoscopes, don't you? Born on January 13, 0069 B.C., Queen Cleopatra's chart is an ancient relic and extremely gray around the muzzle! Do you know that the name 'Cleopatra' means "Father's Glory"? Well, one of the many things I did not know at the time of the previous post is that Queen Cleopatra's and Marc Antony's daughter Cleopatra Selene became Queen of Africa for she married Juba II thus blending the kingdoms of Egypt and Libya. Their son Ptolemy ruled with his father after Selene's early death at only 35 years of age upon which Crinagoras of Mytilene wrote a famous and stirring commemorative epigram for Cleopatra Selene which astrologers in particular may appreciate for its lunar qualities: "The moon herself grew dark, rising at sunset, covering her suffering in the night, because she saw her beautiful namesake, Selene, breathless, descending to Hades, with her she had had the beauty of her light in common, and mingled her own darkness with her death." Read more at History Today. And so it is written that "on or around March 23, 005 BC" Cleopatra Selene's untimely death coincided with a rising-at-sunset Lunar Eclipse. Now being of a curious Mercurial nature, I checked my Solar Fire V9 software for lunar eclipses in year 005--and allowing for calendar differences through the centuries--I discovered that an appulse Lunar Eclipse (appulse, the weakest kind) in Virgo, sign of health, had perfected on March 14, 005 @21Vir59, a difference of 9 days. Setting a horoscope for Alexandria, Egypt we can see the eclipsed Moon rising precisely at sunset in this horoscope just as Crinagoras recorded: Angular Planets and An Icy Cold 'Cold Case'! If we place our trust in Crinagoras of Mytilene and dare to consider this as Cleopatra Selene's Death Horoscope, we find angular planets as if the Cosmos is timing her passing. The Moon at Ascendant (physical body) and the setting Sun and Venus angular at Descendant, are descriptive of her vitality (Sun) setting--and with aggravating Mars squaring the eclipse. Yes, near Midheaven is an angular Mars, malefic planet of infections, sharp instruments, attacks, and other negative associations but I mention 'infections' first because of other chart factors that are penned upon the chart. Such as: when Moon-ASC is involved, poisoning may be the case; Virgo is the sign of the bowels; *Nicholas Devore gives "22 Virgo" (Luna's position--its apt Sabian Symbol = "A Royal Coat of Arms") as as degree of appendicitis which, if ruptured, spreads infection throughout the abdomen, causing much pain and suffering, and the appendix must be surgically removed immediately and the infection cleared out or death soon follows. Also penned on the chart is a question that occurs to me because of Juno rising in Virgo (Queen of Heaven), and Moon as the mother: was she pregnant? Probably not since mention of it would almost certainly have been made at some point but with Mars angular and the Moon-ASC association my first suspicion is that some form of infection and/or poison was involved in Queen Cleopatra Selene's untimely death. Whether it was due to disease or was administered by another's hand is a mystery disguised within this Very Cold Case. Unfortunately, my search for a natal horoscope or exact birth date for Cleopatra Selene has proven fruitless though this Timeline provides details such as the name of Selene's twin brother, Ptolemy Helios (who was killed by Octavian). Their older brother, Ptolemy Caesar is more often known as Caesarion--another link to pregnancy issues! did the tendency run in the family as did the name Ptolemy? These Greek twins of royal birth were born in 40 BCE which tallies with Selene's age of 35 at death, an age which also suggests that her death occurred during, or around the time of, what would have been her third Jupiter Return. Recommended: King Juba II of Numidia and Queen Cleopatra Selene of Mauretania. Please note that the horoscope shown includes the outer planets Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto more out of habit than for any particular reason, considering how long ago 'twas 005 BC. Of course, chart-ruler Mercury @7Ari54 conjunct South Node of the Moon (a Saturnian point of separation) makes only one applying Ptolemaic aspect and that's to conjoin disruptive Uranus which is also associated with the concept of separation and suddenness--and Uranus--conjunct mother asteroid Ceres--has just vacated the 8th house of death (in this House System). Yet Mercury represents younger folk than Selene's age of 35--she's just entered the Mars phase of life actually (although Mars is in Mercury-ruled Gemini, sign of the puer and puella)--and there's dreary Black Moon Lilith at MC (seductress or child-killer?). Also curious is that Selena (in 3rd house) @00Sag40 conjoins nebulous Neptune which was not discovered until 1846, yes, but is associated with poisons, toxins, and infections (plus, loss and mysterious deaths). As you see, Neptune is at a critical-crisis 29th degree of Scorpio, sign of betrayal and death, and which is ruled by Mars, though many astrologers now add Hades-ruler Pluto to the rulership, co-rulership, or sub-rulership of brooding Scorpio. jc *Nicholas Devore's Encyclopedia of Astrology, 1947.

From February 25, 2017, here's a cosmic heads-up from The Young Turks:

For We Are Each 'The Flowering of Our Generations' A while ago on one of my two WordPress blogs, I wrote about an ancestor William Claiborne (post updated this very day) and included some info on a later ancestor David Barnett (b. December 25, 1776 Christiansburg, VA) and his two wives. David interests me more than some of my kin due to the fact that he's what I call a "double ancestor" because his first wife Sarah Phillips and second wife Louvicy Hayes are two of my ancestral grandmothers--Sarah on my paternal side, Louvicy on my maternal. This was probably a fairly common occurrence in those days folks since had to marry whomever they had access to, don't you think? Travel wasn't so easy and the pickin's may have been somewhat slim (I imagine!) Which is not to say that romance wasn't a factor. And so, in my quest to use Astrology to understand Genealogy via my ancestors, here is a dual image of the two marriage horoscopes of David Barnett who passed away in August 1861 after fathering a total of 17 children which is one generous result of marrying two wives! Both charts are set for 'noon' (exact hours of the ceremonies unknown) and located in historic Smithonia, Georgia which is now restored and rented as a wedding venue--and is located very close to where my father was born and raised in Oglethorpe County, the neighborhood where my Barnett ancestors farmed and lived in their day: Now as you know, Sun and Moon represent on one level husband and wife so I shall include here 'Images for Integration' of each of David's marriages. To Sarah (upper right chart, April 7, 1791) it's Sun Aries-Moon Gemini: "Haydn's Farewell Symphony...A fencing master carries off the prize." To Louvicy (lower left chart, February 18, 1819) it's Sun Aquarius-Moon Sagittarius: "Alice in Wonderland...Indiana Jones--". Curious that both blends are Air-Fire ('live wires'--exciting!) but in reverse order, and that the Nodal signs of Aries-Libra, the partnership axis, 'flipped' from one marriage to the other! So now you know a little something about how I came to be. How about You? More details concerning these blends are found in Sun Sign-Moon Sign by Charles and Suzi Harvey. (Note that I cannot find a date of birth for Louvicy and next to nothing concerning which branch of the Hayes family she sprung from--maybe one day she'll turn up!)

Louis Rhead (1857--1926), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Traumatic Transformation: How to Become an Outlaw in 1226 by Jude Cowell Have you ever checked out the Wikipedia page of Robin Hood? One of the most well-loved heroes of legend, as everyone knows, but such long-ago days natually limit what can be known for certain. Is Robin Hood (or, 'Robin Hod') only a myth, although perhaps a myth based on a real person? That's my pesonal feeling about his origins but of course, you'll decide for yourself, dear reader. Intriguing possibilities (ex: was there more than one such outlaw by that name?) are shown in a World History Timeline documentary (48m46s), Robin Hood: The Truth Behind the Legend hosted by actor-presenter-activist Tony Robinson ("Robin's son"!), aka, Sir Anthony Robinson. So! If you check out Robin Hood's Wikipedia bio, you'll find mention of a fellow named Robin Hod whose 'goods' were confiscated, and thus he resorted to becoming an outlaw. My guess is that taking revenge and a basic need for survival were at stake. Well, apparently the earliest mention of Mr. Hod dates back to the year 1226 and the York assizes. Could losing everything turn a person into a lawless character acting against society? Back in the 13th century, what were the options? Of interest may be a Timeline of York which shows no events in 1236 but a biggie in 1237 when on September 25th the Treaty of York was signed between King Henry III and his brother-in-law Alexander II of Scotland. Full disclosure: according to geni dot com, via my paternal Strickland grandmother, Henry III (1207--1272) is my 24th great-grandfather, and Alexander II (The Peaceful; 1198--1249) is my 25th great-uncle. Actually, a multitude of people descend from them, even we of an American persuasion! Please note that there are multiple candidates for the historical role of Robin Hood as noted in the documentary linked, above, but such a wide scope is beyond the limited purview of this post which focuses on Robin Hod and the year 1226. Because otherwise, this effort would turn into an e-book, not a blog post! Cosmic Influences of the Two Solar Eclipses of 1226 Now neither of the two partial Solar Eclipses of 1226 can be the Prenatal Eclipse of Robin Hod/Hood into which he was born since he had to have been an adult in 1226 for the seizure of his possessions (including any land holdings, one assumes) to have taken place. However, the following eclipses, their Saros Series, signs, and key planets in aspect, along with their themes reveal the cosmic energies that were running in the background of society during that year. Perhaps a clue or two lurks within so return with me to 1226! February 28, 1226 3 North @16Pis03 opposed by Pluto Rx @14Vir03: Eclipses in mystical Pisces suggest those who are nearing the highest level of spiritual attainment as long as Piscean illusions do not blind them or lead them into spiritual escapism. (Yes, such escapism may have been a feature of the 13th century - see the Paganism video linked, below) and a Pisces Eclipse would have amped up or focused such tendencies toward the delirious side for those susceptible to its influence.) Having the as-yet-undiscovered planet Pluto in opposition denotes higher spiritual attainment, as noted, or a slide into animalism. Could such debasement of character have influenced Robin Hod once he'd lost his possessions so that he turned scofflaw? Did 'Robin' begin robbing? Here are the themes of all 3 North Eclipses for your consideration in relation to our subject for a 3 North manifested in 1226 and its initial eclipse occurred on October 10, 991 @22Gem06: 'News involving a young person or that transforms a situation; an over-excessive series with news that causes worry and obsession; fulfilling large plans is a positive reaction as long as people don't carried away'. (Note that 3 North @00Cancer is the Prenatal Eclipse series of the 9/11/01 attacks; the last 3 North Eclipse occurred on July 2, 2019 @11Cancer, betwixt America's 1776 planets in Cancer.) Then on August 24, 1226 came a partial 3 South Eclipse @7Vir47 conjunct Venus in Virgo. As you know, Mercurial Virgo is the sign of health, work, analysis, categorizing, criticism, and relates to goddess worship as does planet Venus with 13th century paganism not to be discounted. To our modern sensibilities, an eclipse conjunct Venus brings in potentials for materialism, the value of items, beautiful possessions, plus, issues of dedication (taxes for a King's coffers?), discernment, and a strong sense of duty. Karmic ties with family members such as aunts or uncles are also suggested (R. Lineman). The initial 3 South eclipse perfected @27Leo10 on August 13, 1208 (then came 3 South's second manifestation in 1226!) conjunct Mercury Rx which suggests the importance of logic and mental dexterity if karmic progress is to be made. One prominent factor with this 3 South manifestation is that the Eclipse arose that day in 1226 with fixed star Denebola and I think the star's key phrases apply: "to go against society" and "against the mainstream". As you know, eclipses that conjunct fixed stars are particularly strong. Turning outlaw, for whatever reason, could be certainly described by Denebola's implications. And could emotional trauma be part of the picture? Well... 3 South Themes: 'Sudden endings of relationships, possibly with a younger person; with Pluto involved (@10Leo15 conjunct the karmic Nodal Axis) there's a deep emotional component and a sense of traumatic transformation which comes through news received or short journeys undertaken'. Notably, 3 South is the series of a Solar Eclipse I've previously termed The Covid Eclipse of 2019 with its influences going into 2020. The post displays the Horoscope of the initial 3 South of 1208 and links to my post concerning the December 26, 2019 3 South Eclipse @4Capricorn which brought society the "traumatic transformation" caused by the introduction and continuation of the Covid-19 virus. And of course, all eclipses are known as "cosmic blinks" from Above, or as "wild cards of the Universe" for in similar fashion to planet Uranus, they tend to disrupt earthly events and often reveal what's previously been hidden. Why, complete changes of direction may result! Now to close this post concerning Robin Hood, I've curated a related video in case you've never seen it, Anglo-Saxon Paganism: Gods. (Note: Theme info is paraphrased from Brady's Predictive Astrology #ad.)

"Don't be an art critic. Paint. There lies salvation." Paul Cezanne. The natal horoscope of Paul Cezanne is rated AA for accuracy although my Solar Fire (v9+) software gives it only a B rating. Baby Paul was born January 19, 1839 at 1:00 pm LMT (probably a rounded-off time) in Aix en Provence, France with Sun 28Cap19, Moon 12Pis56, Ascendant 2Sco49, and Midheaven, the Career and Public Status Point, 10Leo16. As a decades-long fan of Impressionism and Cezanne's Post-Impressionism, many of his paintings have always topped my favorites list but it took the study of Astrology to clue me in that Cezanne and I share the same Earth-Water Sun Capricorn-Moon Pisces personality blend! (I don't share his talent, of course, but some resonance on the personality level exists between this famous artist born in 1839 and yours truly born one-hundred-ten years later, not a rare astrological circumstance at all. And yet I do like drawing on black paper because of its 'mysterious' feeling and because it can add slight sculptural or 3D qualities to my efforts.) Notably, one of the 'Images for Integration' for Sun Cap-Moon Pisces personalities: "Bathers in a Landscape by Cezanne" as mentioned by Charles and Suzi Harvey in their book Sun Sign-Moon Sign. Please enlarge the image to read my scribbles of his basic chart factors plus a few I added that I thought were particularly revealing. One such is his Saturn @7Sag27 conjunct Anti-Vertex to which I added, lower left: did he "see himself" as Saturn in Sagittarius? Then there's chart-ruler Mars at a critical (impatient) 29th degree of Virgo so we see Mars, planet of energy, action, and motivation, struggling to reach 00Libra00, a Cardinal World Point of Fame, Fortune, and Recognition. I'd have to say Cezanne fulfilled that promise in a lasting way, wouldn't you? And we also see that Mars conjoins South Node, a "loner" signature, suitable for working in isolation which he is known to have done although working outside in nature also appealed. Now one prominent feature of his chart and psyche is a powerful Jupiter-Pluto opposition which suggests persecution of a religious or philosophical nature. This may refer in part to the mockery he suffered for his painting style early on for it challenged the established methods of his day. And it wasn't until 1863 at age 24 (perhaps during a Jupiter Return in 'art sign' Libra?) that his first exhibition was accepted at the Salon des Refusee after the Paris Salon rejected his paintings which were accused of being incomplete (and too different, no doubt!) However, before long success began to follow thanks to the help of others who appreciated Cezanne's breakthrough style of work. Yet both expansive Jupiter and wealthy manipulator Pluto relate to 'father' and authority figures in general, and therefore on some level to his successful businessman father. Plus, Mars opposing his North Node of the Moon (NN, a 'mother' indicator as well as 'future direction' and 'contact with the public') squares natal Chiron @25Gem46 Rx (the wound, the healer, the blind spot) in the 8th house of Shared Resources, Transformation, Sex, Death, and the Occult. Yet through transcending Chiron he lifted himself above family issues and complexes via excellent manual dexterity (Gemini) so that painting became a savior for him as evidenced by this post's opening quote. Besides, his Nodal axis falls across the Virgo-Pisces 'victim-savior' polarity suggesting the 'suffering mother' archetype which can infuse a child's psyche into adulthood. So apparently Cezanne's animus function (Mars) and the feminine (North Node) may have blocked him on a very deep level--perhaps in the sexual arena (8th house) and/or via communication (Gemini) so that his thinking may have been on the skewed side regarding male-female relationships (but whose isn't?) After all, he and his sister, Marie, were both born out of wedlock as you see with the Sun-Venus-Neptune trio in 3rd house (Siblings) conjunct the IC (Home; Domestic Scene; Psychological Home; Roots) denoting such a family circumstance yet this trio also reveals great art talent (Venus and Neptune) which may have been inherited (IC). Art was the basis of his life after all. Speedy little Mercury is also posited in 3rd house in structural Saturn-ruled Capricorn, a shout-out to his sculptural painting style. And note Cezanne's Moon-Uranus conjunction in creative Pisces (4th house), an aspect suggesting some measure of anti-social behavior (the loner!) but also an understanding of human nature and contact with all sorts of people. And according to Moon-Uranus, unusual and/or interesting women tended to enter his life, plus, an unconventional childhood is also a possibility (perhaps more than out-of-wedlock conveys). This conjunction also relates to potentials for an original imagination, sudden and peculiar mood changes, and crankiness especially if the conjunction is afflicted--which it is by the square from Saturn--papa! (See my notes penned on the chart, bottom right.) These chart factors suggest early troubles with Dad and with Mother and possibly a "cold heart" as one result (Oken). Yet in spite of such problems which could have paralyzed him emotionally into few if any accomplishments, Paul Cezanne was born with a Sun-Mars trine hinting that he could muster his energies to reach his goals although the trine indicates that quite a bit of physical effort was required for best results from this ambitious, courageous aspect which provided him with prolonged endurance and physical strength. Of course, a competitive nature is also provided by a Sun-Mars trine and he probably possessed a strong sense of justice which supports his fair play Jupiter in Libra (who, like Mr. Trump, may often have asserted, "it's not fair!"). Also worthy of mention is the artist's Prenatal Solar Eclipse ('PE') @25Vir27 in the 2 South Saros Series (11th house of Groups and Associations). 2 South's theme is about 'joining unusual groups and feeling that you'll gain a great deal from them' (Brady). Is this a hint of a secret society membership? Well, curiously, a solar eclipse manifests in the 2 South series quite soon--on January 6, 2019 @15Capricorn! This eclipse will occur in Cezanne's 3rd house of Communications and it's possible that he or his work will appear in the news around that date, give or take a few weeks or into 2019. Perhaps through an art auction? Anyway, a PE in Virgo relates to issues of perception, discrimination, and observation which actually tallies well with Cezanne's oriental planet, Mercury which is associated with a talent for detailed observation. This is a handy talent for a painter with its tendency to 'dot all the Is and cross all the Ts' (Tyl). However, a caution with PEs in Virgo is to avoid overdoing the tendency to criticize others for it interferes with karmic progress (Lineman). And of course, 'oriental' means that Mercury is the last planet in his chart to rise just prior to his Sun and seems to relate to one's work preferences. (Personal note: Jupiter is oriental for me so I prefer spontaneity in the work environment, just so you know.) Now as you may know, genius artist Paul Cezanne and writer Emile Zola (April 2, 1840 11:00 pm LMT Paris, France) first met during their school days. If you wish, read more about Zola, his natal Double-Fire Sun Aries-Moon Aries blend, and his mysterious death on September 29, 1902 in a previous JCAstro post. Included is a link to a History Today article concerning Emile Zola's death by fumes (culprit Neptune) and a view of Zola's AA-rated natal horoscope is also available. And if you have 6 minutes to spare for a brilliant fellow's Art, I highly recommend the presentation Paul Cezanne: A 6 Minute Art History Video which includes a slideshow of his work. Or for more details on Cezanne's art philosophy and architectural 'flat' painting style (he "constructed" pictures rather than "painting" them and his works created a 'bridge' between 18th and 19th century art styles, a signature of his Mars-NN = Chiron in Gemini as noted, above), try The Art Story website, and of course, a plethora of Cezanne's paintings may be found decorating the Cyber World!

Here's a tutorial by expert astrologer David Cochrane concerning Saturn Stations, Retrograde and Direct, and the karmic Timekeeper planet's curiously intriguing association with the number 108:

by Jude Cowell Sunday October 17, 2021: On the topic of solar cults of personality such as the one operative in US society at the moment - and a death cult at that - I've just watched a fascinating video on the Smithsonian Channel Secrets: The Sphinx (Full Episode) and it inspired me to publish here a link to a previous (and very popular!) post displaying the natal Horoscope of Queen Cleopatra, the last pharoah of Egypt, born in 0069 BC. Rectified by master astrologer Noel Tyl, appropriately enough her natal chart shows Scorpio rising with royal Leo at Midheaven, Moon @28Can49 and the Sun @20Cap17 rising with fixed star Schedir, The Queen. If accurate, Cleopatra was born during a Full Moon phase and a Cancer-Capricorn 'tough-and-tender' personality blend provided her with a gift for seeing the larger, long-term picture, along with a concern for other people's needs. The lady was, in fact, an extremely capable manager! (Sun Sign-Moon Sign, the Harveys) #ad. Note: Those with an interest in Scorpio may wish to check out the Scorpion Tableau discovered in 1995 and relating to the origins of Egypt and the Scorpion King. Khafre and The Eternal Cycle of Life, Death, and Rebirth Now for those in a rush, the final five minutes of the video linked above details how at Spring and Autumn Equinoxes, the rising and setting sun illuminated the Sphinx (symbol of the pharoah), Pharoah Khafre's Temple, and his Pyramid as if he were offering his temple to the gods. This suggests that the mysterious Sphinx acted as a religious symbol for the sun's illuminating arc across the sky on those particular days, Khafre believed, assured him of immortality (eternal life) because his fervent hope (shared by many!) was to live forever. So to close, here is a view of the royal Pharoah Khafre seated commandingly in his valley temple at Giza; statue now located in the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, Cairo: Image: A. Parrot, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

An Open Letter dated March 13, 2022 from Jude Cowell Thomas Hardy, frontispiece page, Augustus John, CC0, Wikimedia Commons My Dear Reader, If you've never viewed the natal horoscope of novelist and poet Thomas Hardy, you may find it curiously interesting. Predictably, the writer's sign of Mercury-ruled Gemini is well represented by his Sun, Mercury, and Mars (1-12 degrees), plus, the identity trio enjoys a close relationship with art-lover Venus @27Tau23. And as you know, a Mercury-Venus conjunction suggests one who writes and communicates in a pleasant way. For me in school, this was the case with Thomas Hardy novels which I read with much fascination, but if there was a clunker in the bunch, it would have to be Jude the Obscure which closes with a simply hideous tragedy described by Mr. Hardy's deft pen all too well. You see, my Pisces Moon can take little if any stories or articles in which children are harmed or abused. Actually, add mistreated wives and women to that no-no list, while you're at it. But, since 'Jude' is something of a namesake for me, I had haplessly waded into the story, little suspecting what awaited the novel's characters near book's end. Yes, it's one of the many classics that I read in school, but I re-read 'Jude' about three years ago, and left the novel wishing I hadn't. Now astrologically, this harsh event could be seen as an expression of Mr. Hardy's 10th house Pluto (@19Ari33 - ruled by Mars), a planetary pair of death, harm, and other catastrophic occurrences. Yet since his natal horoscope is RR:B, house cusps such as his career-related Midheaven @11Ari48 ('MC' - and visible-to-the-world 10th house in the Placidus House System) may not be as accurate as we would want, plus his birth hour is listed as "8:00 am" LMT, and we know that often such perfection is merely a rounded-off estimate when the true time of a baby's birth could easily have been before or after the hour. It was 1840, after all. Literature-History-Astrology-Genealogy - and Jude Now please note that Thomas Hardy's natal planets of June 2, 1840 are not actually my focus in this post, for earlier today, as I researched some of my distant relations - cousins, to be exact, as is Mr. Hardy! - I came across a certain Moore family, some of whom were based in Fawley, UK which is the town that features in Jude the Obscure and which he renamed, "Marygreen," where the main character, Jude 'Fawley' spent his childhood. This location relates to Hardy's mother, if memory serves, so today's post is primarily published to provide you with a link to what for me is an intriguing blog post written and published on WordPress by 'RecentlyRetiredMan' back in May 2017, in which the writer details his search for the old cottage, or what's left of it, located in the novel on 'The White Road' (photo included!) to Fawley. What he found, using maps of the 1800s and other references, plus, by actually visiting and photographing the area, you must read and see for yourself, and I hope you will! So here's a link to his Ex Libris Ad Rem blog: "The books and stuff that fill my day": Back on the trail of Thomas Hardy's Jude - the missing cottage. Enjoy! Signed, Jude C. P.S. For readers with Facebook accounts who are interested in the history that comes along with genealogical research, a new group is available for joining called Genealogy plus History. In fact, I'll soon be sharing this very post with the group so why not Join Us! jc

How Important It Is To Know Thyself! For decades, my friend John Grove has been a psychotherapist, and an astrologer since 1972. It occurs to me that you may want to check out his book Life Passages: When Age Point Aspects and Dreams Collide in which each of the 12 houses of a horoscope equate to 6-year periods of a lifetime for a total of 72 years. Using the houses of one's natal horoscope to dream analysis adds depth of understanding to important times, themes, even crises of our lives that only the excellent timing device we call 'Astrology' can provide. For we all live within the cycles of the Great Cosmic Clock set in motion at Creation and we know that to everything there is a time and a season for every purpose under Heaven! Now here's John speaking on the very topic of Age Points and Dream Analysis: And if you're curious, here's a brief biography of pioneering Swiss astrologer Bruno Huber.

Roses and Triangles for Rosetta by Jude Cowell The July 19, 1799 discovery by one of Napoleon's soldiers, Pierre Bouchard, during the French leader's military campaign into Egypt (invaded in 1798) of the Rosetta Stone, a black slab of basalt with three scripts inscribed, has always seemed of interest to yours truly because it led to the eventual translation of Egyptian hieroglyphics. History.com has more details for the curious. Of course, the plundering of Egyptian treasures and antiquities was part of Napoleon's motivation for the invasion but when the British defeated Napoleon and his army in 1801 they took possession of the Rosetta Stone with its three scripts written in Greek, Egyptian hieroglyphics, and Egyptian demotic. It was the Greek script on the stone that announced that the three writings told the same story honoring Egypt's king, Ptolemy V, hence the translation which was ultimately achieved by the French Egyptologist Jean-Francois Champollion. Curiously, Champollion and Queen Cleopatra share the same Sun Capricorn-Moon Cancer personality blend, as I mentioned in a previous post concerning Cleopatra's natal chart. Follow the link to view her natal horoscope as rectified by expert astrologer Noel Tyl. And do you know that the genealogy of the Ptolemy family including Cleopatra may be found on geni dot com? So now let's set aside the obvious resonance between 'rosetta' and roses, the flower of Venus, in spite of the fact that pagan 'goddess' Venus is worshiped in many forms associated with the sign Virgo, the Virgin. For as many people are aware, America's Founding Fathers had an obsession with such pagan worship which can be seen decorating the city of Washington DC (ex: the Capitol Dome's Lady Liberty), in multiple Zodiacs and friezes, and is totally visible in NY harbor's Statue of Liberty (which was originally cast in copper, the favorite metal of Venus). 'She' was sent as a gift from French Masons to our American Masons in government--with her 'eternal flame' torch a symbol of the secretive Illuminati. But let us skip all that and consider what little I know of Astrology's Rosetta pattern, a complex planetary configuration composed of various aspects. So named by astrologers Sally Fisher and Linda Shelnutt, the pattern is referred to as a Trapeze by the Hubers. If you wish, a 2012 video report by novelist Linda Shelnutt may be viewed, below. And perhaps you're familiar with the wonderful Art of Sally Fisher whose illustrations appear on the website of world renowned astrologer Jonathan Cainer. So! What of the Rosetta pattern of planets? Well, all the planets involved have both 'enemies' and 'allies' with the configuration containing energies that 'go around in circles' (similar to the closed circuit of energies contained in a Grand Trine). But in a Rosetta, each planet (actor) tries to 'win the argument' with an opponent ('enemy') shown by opposition and its squares while the sextile and trine aspects denote cooperation from helpful 'allies'. Complexity is added to circumstances by inconjunct (aka, quincunx; 150 degrees) creating a paradox (a square peg in round hole required) and the adjustment is needed in order to reduce tension and stress. Typically, the tactic of scapegoating may be employed to divert blame or responsibility temporarily and the psychological method of triangulation may be used in an attempt to manipulate those who are uncooperative. Now here's Linda Shelnutt: ~:~ As always, dear reader, your Shares are much appreciated! jc

Image: List of Solar and Lunar Eclipses 2015 to 2022 Above chart created with Solar Fire Software One of the better predictive methods in astrological work is the study and use of Solar and Lunar Eclipses, those 'wild cards of the Universe' which can affect our lives either positively or negatively, and not right away but often at a later date. Here is a link list of excellent articles on the topic of Eclipses written by various astrologers of note and listed in no particular order: Susan Miller's All About Eclipses: a Guide for Coping with Them. Celeste Teal's Eclipse Phenomena. Estelle Daniels' Eclipses: Why Are They Such a Big Deal? Lynn Koiner's Working with Eclipses (contains Eclipse Rules by Bill Meridian). Chris Lambert's Pre-Natal Eclipses.

With karmic Saturn, the lesson-bringing planet of authenticity, authority, maturity, accountability, and wisdom so active and strong in its own sign of Capricorn these days, I suspect a JCAstro reader or two may wish to check out The Scottish Astrologer's presentation, Top Things to Expect from a Saturn Return!

Mars the Trigger by Jude Cowell Astrological Mars traversing its own sign of Aries, the me-first sign, begins June 27, 2020 edt with a sextile to Saturn Rx @00AQ15, an aspect of modesty, setting priorities, and/or multi-tasking. This is not the only positive aspect that Mars, planet of energy and motivation, will make on its journey through Aries but it is the first and on some level, will set the tone until Mars enters Venus-ruled Taurus on or about January 6, 2021 (est). One underlying difficulty can be described by various squares between Mars and Jupiter in 2020 for these periods trigger potentials for overestimation of strength, hasty actions, too much or too little force being used when the opposite is needed, plus, a general lack of moderation will sometimes be in evidence. Yet the general difficulties in society that could be created by the testosterone-driven me-first planet in its sign of Aries may primarily issue from the warrior planet's squares to karmic heavyweights Saturn and Pluto which meet in Great Conjunction on January 12, 2020 @22Cap46, as you know. So here's a brief list of the dates of the Mars squares to each planet along with some possibilities that are contained within the squares, a dynamic aspect of frustration and blockage (dates are on or about and are ET): Mars square Saturn (20Ari09/Cap) 3x: August 5, October 16, and December 12, 2020. This square suggests anger, total frustration, restraint, denial of aggression, tests of self-control, activities blocked by resistance, and the need for solutions. A Mars-Saturn square denotes people who tend to use collective power and social sanction for self-aggrandizement, waste resources and money (usually other people's), promote social and religious fanaticism (East or West) with no care for how destructive their beliefs and actions are, and--there's no other way to say it--to wage war. Political and social controversies are certainties to be triggered or aggravated by this square yet as Ebertin says, 'blind zeal is detrimental'. Mars square Pluto (22Ari58/Cap) 3x: August 12, October 7, and December 20, 2020 which suggests extreme efforts, obsessions, a drive for dominance, strategy (plans for control), and/or the possibility of medical procedures. A do-or-die attitude will be noticed along with strong willpower, the potential for violent acts to occur, plus, we may expect that weapons of war will be on society's mind if not on our menu. So as you see, August, October, and December 2020 are key months for aggressive Mars on its determined march through Aries and although the energies may not express easily, we may hope that the blocks and frustrations created by what are karmic squares to impulsive Mars may create some relief for humankind even as we reap what's been sown which can be either positive or negative depending on the sort of seeds planted in the past. Now as you know, fiery Aries squares Cancer and Capricorn, opposes Libra, sextiles Gemini and Aquarius, and trines Leo and Sagittarius, so personal planets in those signs will be affected at various points by energetic Mars in Aries 2020. For more on Mars see Planet of Desire: Mars Through the Signs.

By Hubble European Space Agency Credit: Akira Fujii [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons; Source Heavy-Weighing Canopus Visible Only in Southern Skies In 2011, astronomer Brian Ventrudo wrote about Canopus (alpha Carinae), the second brightest star in the sky after Sirius. This was before he changed his site's title to Cosmic Pursuits where you'll find articles on a variety of night sky objects such as stars, planets, nebulae, constellations, galaxies, and more. Be sure to check out the awesome May 2017 photo of the beautiful Sombrero Galaxy. Plus, Brian always publishes on each month's night sky wonders with maps and information on where to view them. In summer, Canopus and Sirius are directly overhead in the southern states (above 37 degrees North, Canopus lies too low to be seen). Astrologically, the keywords for Canopus, the keel, are: the navigator and the pathfinder and it is linked to the story of the Argo and the rescue of Helen of Troy but there is much more to Canopus. When linked to natal planets, Ptolemy associated the star with Saturn and Jupiter, Robson with 'piety, conservatism, and turning evil into good'. Ebertin connects Canopus to 'a love of travel' while Rigor adds the more negative potential of 'domestic problems'. (Ex: if the natal planet linked to Canopus is fussy Mars, the potential for domestic problems would be more likely to occur due to conflicts and quarrels.) Some cultures, including certain Native American tribes, linked the precession of Canopus with timing the end of the world, and other ancient cultures considered it the weight at the end of the plumb line that defined earth's poles so that the plumb line's movement explained the effects of precession on Canopus, sometimes known as the Point of Stillness in the south. Plus, the star was once worshiped in desert cultures as the Star of Egypt (instead of Sirius!) and in China, the red star is associated with happiness, success, and a long life which makes it the Star of Old Age. For as Brady's Book of Fixed Stars relates, "In about 6,000 B.C.E. {Canopus} was the heliacal rising star for the autumn equinox and a series of temples were built in Egypt in alignment with these risings. Modern people see this star now being claimed by NASA, as they use this ancient location point as a navigational aid for spacecraft." Canopus--still the navigator star! In natal horoscopes, Canopus (14 Cancer) is a powerful star which can provide leadership skills. New directions may be inspired by Canopus which acts in similar fashion as the royal stars which always include a 'caution' (ex: royal Regulus: success if revenge is avoided--otherwise all gains will be taken away; this is Trump's rising star conjunct his belligerent, vengeful Mars). With Regulus linked to a natal chart, success is possible but its caution lurks within the flaw of needing too much control. Perhaps care should be taken with our Canopus links, too. Posted by Jude Cowell at 10:36:00 PM Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to FacebookShare to Pinterest Labels:Astrology, Jude Cowell Astrology alpha Carinae, Astronomy, Brian Ventrudo, Canopus, fixed star lore, fixed stars, NASA, Regulus, royal stars, Sirius, Sombrero Galaxy, Star of Egypt, Star of Old Age