Hayat Boumeddiene: Girl turned terrorist

As I was thinking about the recent events in France and  Belgium, and the fanatical groups (ISIS and al-Qaeda)  recruitment of women, I began to wonder what kind of young woman would join such a group and be drawn to the horrific activities promoted by these killers and fanatics--monsters, actually. What exactly would be in a woman's chart that would cause her to turn in this direction? I decided to take a look at the chart of Hayat Boueddiene who was connected with the recent terrorist attacks in France.

Hayat Boumeddiene, born June 26, 1988 (no time) at Villiers-sur-Marne, France, and she is the lone female terrorist who escaped police after the slaughter at a French market connected with the Charlie Hebdo killings. According to news reports she was the accomplice of Amedy Coulibaly, who held hostage and murdered four Parisians at the kosher market after the attack on Charlie Hedbo and is believed to have escaped into Syria via Turkey.

Boumeddiene is a 4 degree Cancer Sun with Neptune opposing her Sun. These individuals often are born with a desire to do or be something special and out of the ordinary. Generally the early childhood is a source of trouble. The father may have been missing or distant,  or goals, boundaries and direction not clearly defined during the formative period.

According to Wikipedia, Boumeddiene was born into an Algerian family of seven children, in the eastern suburbs of Paris. Her (devout) mother died when she was 6, and subsequently she, and some of her siblings, were taken into foster care. Her father was an infrequent visitor, even more so after re-marrying. She moved often between foster homes because she proved troublesome and violent, according to reports. An investigative source said she altered her surname in her teenage years to "make it sound more French." (Wikipedia) So apparently, even in her early years, she was striving to be more glamorous and clearly felt that she did not fit into French society, nor did she have a stable home life.

She is alleged to have been married to Amedy Coulibaly, who was killed in the raid on the Kosher market in Paris after the attack at Charlie Hedbo magizine.  According to Wikipedia she met him in 2009 while working in Southern France as a cashier, and they married in a religious ceremony not recognized by France that year. She  began covering herself in a niqab, a piece of cloth that veils the wearer from head to toe, including a veil over the face. For refusing to appear at work in regular clothing she lost her job.

Typical of a person with this transit (Sun-Neptune) is a gravitation toward the wrong people in life, and in the case of a woman, she often gravitates toward the wrong men, impossible types, or those who lie and take advantage of her for their own ends.

They can be led astray easily as their values are not defined, and they can be attracted to Neptunian types of people and behaviors such as drugs, alcohol,  affairs, over the top religious or other influences,  liars and con-men, those with unrealizable dreams, or who are psychologically disturbed.  

Neptune rules religion and Neptune-Sun an attachment to something that promises recognition and a place of importance and this would drive Boumeddiene.  By playing a role (helping Coulibaly)  in the murder of Paris innocents in the name of religion would be a motivating factor to her and she would have conceived this as a way to become a person to be reckoned with and remembered.

In reality, these individuals can be quite sensitive and easily hurt and their early childhood experiences may contribute to this as well. Their egos are weak, often as a result of not feeling significant in the early life.

In certain cases these individuals are totally deluded, but otherwise they are driven to find a way to glamorize their role in the world, thus overcoming a weak ego and satisfying their greatest desire to become someone special the world will recognize. (Edward Snowden has a Sun opposing Neptune)

A report by a psychiatric expert prepared for a Parisian court found her partner, Amedy Coulibaly had an "immature and psychopathic personality" and "poor powers of introspection." (Wikipedia)

It is clear as a result of her change in appearance and dress that Coulibaly exerted a great influence over her after they met in 2009, and she became a convert to extremist religious viewpoints after their meeting.

Coulibaly met Chérif Kouachi ( a known terrorist) in prison, while serving his sentence for a 2005 armed robbery, and is believed to have converted to radical Islam at the same time as Chérif (Wikipedia).

Coulibaly was born in a notorious housing project Feb 27, 1982, the one boy among 9 sisters. He was an 8 degree Pisces with Pluto, Saturn and Mars in a stellium of Libra planets in his 8th house from 18-26 degrees opposing his Moon in Aries.

This transit could be characterized as a controlling, obsessive, explosive, depressive, insecure and determined personality, driven by emotions and compulsions. His relationships with women would be difficult, stormy, angry and controlling, and the problems would have begun with his early relationships with his primary caretakers at home.  These same traits would have carried over into his relationship with Hayat and it appears, even at the time of their unrecognized marriage, there were major difficulties between the two.

This stellium of planets would show many emotional problems and difficulties in life, a person easily angered with many upsets. As the eighth house rules death, Pluto, Mars and Saturn here is the classic transit that would show death in a gun battle. He died in a shootout with police January 9.

 By 1999 Coulibaly had done long spells of prison time, with six separate convictions for robbery, armed robbery and drug trafficking and another on terrorism-related charges.

Venus in his eleventh house  is square Pluto, Saturn and Mars and this would show insecurity, possessiveness, obsessiveness, and difficult romantic relationships with the opposite sex.

His Venus however, sextiled Hayat's Mars showing an attraction between the two. Her Moon is Scorpio was conjunct his Jupiter and trine his Sun showing a degree of compatibility and an emotional connection. Her Venus and Mercury at 15-18 degrees of Gemini would sextile his Moon, and trine his Libra stellium also showing compatibility.  None of this however, would overcome his personality disorders, possessiveness and violent tendencies.  Based on published information about his life, he was forever moving toward the destiny his 8th house held-a violent death in a hail of gunfire and Hayat would be at his side.

 Going back Boumeddiene's chart,  Saturn is conjunct Uranus in her sixth house of work and service from her Sun. Saturn/Uranus shows a rebellious personality who finds it hard to accept any authority except their own, and there is a constant battle going on within an individual with this transit, between the world - all of its laws and limitations, and what it would ideally be for them.  

Coulibaly also had a Sun square Uranus making him a rebel and giving him a dislike of authority figures that drew them together. This is a person that might consider himself, or herself an agent of change.

Hayat's Jupiter falls at 25.04 degrees of Taurus placing it in an almost exact conjunction with the fixed star Algoal.  Algoal is associated with the figure Medusa. "It causes misfortune, violence, decapitation, hanging, electrocution and mob violence, and gives a dogged and violent nature that causes death to the native or others. It is the most evil star in the heavens." (Robson)

Astrologer Marina Macario wrote, "Algol rules heads of states and beheading, it rules treason and replacing one idealogy with another. The head contains the brain so it’s about wisdom and of course snakes in the hair represent higher knowledge, even antennae also. Even the product of Medusa, Pegasus signifies far out ideas way ahead of their time. I think Algol is also about information that blows your mind. This is where Algol becomes horrific, when our intelligence evolves quicker than our consciousness." Algoal conjunct Jupiter has been associated with  the ability to find spiritual meaning in  hardships and tragedies, thus giving these natives a measure of satisfaction.  

Hayat's Moon falls in Scorpio in the 5th house of children and love affairs and is conjunct Pluto at 9 degrees Scorpio. Scorpio is the sign that is not afraid to wade into deep and turbulent waters. As it is conjunct Pluto this gives her an intense, jealous and obsessive quality. Pluto in Scorpio lies in her 5th house of children, yet Scorpio Pluto deals with the 8th house of death and transformation. She is a driven individual who would not give up, and this is the sign and Planet (Pluto-Scorpio) associated with revenge.

Her Venus and Mercury are conjunct at 15-18 degrees of Gemini giving her intelligence, wit and the ability to speak well.

Hayat has a powerful T-square in her chart that involves Mars (20 degrees Pisces) square Saturn and Uranus on one end, and Venus and Mercury on the other.

A T-square is formed when there are two planets in opposition and one planet is square to (or in the middle of) the opposition. The planet at the apex, which squares both ends of the opposition, functions as the catalyst, mediating between the planets in opposition. This is an open, unstable, stressful aspect pattern but, can be extremely effective and dynamic.

In her case the apex, or the catalyst is Mars, the planet of action, aggression and war. Individuals with a t-square in their charts experience great struggles, but they never give up.

Mutable T-squares can produce restlessness, whims, and frequent changes of mind, but can be very adept at adapting to circumstances.

Venus and Mercury produce a quick mind, pleasant personality and ability to communicate well, but are at war with Saturn/Uranus, producing upheaval, changeability,  a desire to overthrow conditions, instability and insecurity.

Mars is at war with Mercury-Venus producing a passionate nature and much personal anger that can be expressed as verbal abuse and an often irritated mind.

On the on other end Mars squares Saturn-Uranus giving dissatisfaction, a temper, revolutionary tendencies, but discipline.(Saturn)

If she remains free she will probably 'marry' or connect with another male before early summer. I do not see any grief at all in this chart for her deceased partner Amedy Coulibaly.

While I am at a disadvantage without her time of birth which could show something different, her greatest period of peril will come early 2016, then again late again the same year. It is possible she will 'marry' another jihadist who could also be killed in 2016.

 

 contact Leslie at contact@lesliehale-astrology.com    Personal readings

 

 

 

 

 

 

Surviving retrograde Mercury January 21-February 11

Mercury turned retrograde January 21, at 17 degrees of Aquarius. Mercury goes retrograde 3 or 4 times a year, and generally has a bad name and elicits groans when mentioned.  To an extent this is perfectly understandable, as retrograde Mercury is the planet that causes delays, glitches, breakdowns in computers and equipment, relationships, slowdowns and brings hidden factors to the surface. Plans can be put on hold, miscommunication can occur, relationships can end or change, and cars, computers and other machinery can break down at the most inopportune moment. 

All of this will occur, but this period does not have to be the disaster many believe it to be with some basic knowledge ahead of time.  The four most important things are to 1)understand what retrograde Mercury means 2)know what to expect 3) know what to avoid and lastly 4)understand what you can gain from it. With this basic information available, you should be able to make the most of the time, and benefit from the retrograde as oppose to being caught off guard.

The first step is to know what retrograde Mercury means. In the strictest sense of the word, the planet of communication does not actually go backward, it only appears to. This will occur three or four times every year.  A planet is described as retrograde when it appears to be moving backwards through the zodiac, and this is referred to as apparent retrograde motion.  When planets retrograde, their effects on humans are different than when in direct motion. Thinking is deeper, situations often appear to go underground for a time, or change altogether, and sometimes our focus shifts. Mercury retrograde is the most talked about retrograde, because it is a fast moving planet that controls our thinking, speech, travel, and cognitive skills. When Mercury retrogrades, there are several phases.  The first phase is the pre-retrograde shadow period which began January 5.  This period is where Mercurial energy starts to shift and it is time to start wrapping up new projects for the time being and focusing on what is at hand. The second phase of retrograde Mercury is the stationary retrograde period, when Mercury starts to shift into apparent backward motion. This period begins January 21-22, when Mercury starts its retrograde. This is the period most glitches start to become evident, and if you have a prominent Mercury in your chart, thinking may become foggy. Mercury continues to retrograde in Aquarius through February 11, when it turns stationary direct. This is the second period when glitches, breakdowns and changes in direction may well occur. Mercury begins to move forward again on February 16, but remains in the shadow direct phase until March 3. Mercurial energy does not pick up its normal pace until completion of the second shadow period. So, the retrograde Mercury period is actually a much longer cycle than most people understand. Changes will occur at the juncture of each retrograde phase.

The second step in surviving a retrograde is to know what to expect. What you can expect and prepare for are slowdowns, delays, miscommunications, interference with travel and travel plans and appointments, and the breakdown of machinery, situations and even relationships. If your car has been limping along and you have been putting off a repair, know this is the likely time it will become obvious that you have to fix it. If your computer is slow or having problems be sure and back up everything important. (I learned this one the hard way several times!) If you are in a relationship that is tottering on the brink of ending, this may well be the period that can occur, and often does. Of course, I always tell people, ‘Mercury retrograde is a wild card.” Sometimes, relationships can be fixed and problems brought out into the open if it is worth saving. Expect delays, changes of plans and try and not have situations set in stone.  In other words, prepare to be flexible.  Mercury retrograde is often a frustrating time to be looking for a job.  Don’t give up though, just keep plugging on and stay on top of all communication. And make sure you are direct and to the point in your communication with others.  If you don’t understand what someone is telling you, by all means ask for clarification.

The third and perhaps most important step in surviving retrograde Mercury is to know what to avoid. Don’t get married, start a new business, start new projects or begin anything you hope will become permanent during the most important three week phase of the retrograde. Don’t purchase high ticket items, important Christmas gifts, paint, or anything you expect to be there for a long time if you can avoid it. Retrograde Mercury is not the time to start new projects, but rather finish up the old, and redo, re-organize or re-work. Go against this advice and you may wish you hadn’t. I chose the paint color in my office on retrograde Mercury just to test it, and as I write this post, I wish I had time to get out a paintbrush today.

The fourth step to surviving retrograde Mercury is to understand what you can gain from it. Know that retrograde Mercury is part of the natural cycle of life and it is not anything out of the ordinary. Everything serves a purpose and the point of a retrograde Mercury is to slow down a bit, reflect, rethink, re-do, re-plan and reorganize and reconsider. It is a period of correction. Rather than starting new projects it is time to look at what is on the drawing board. Often during a retrograde, thinking changes direction and a more appropriate course of action can be mapped out. Often new information comes to the surface that must be considered.  Sometimes secrets are revealed, and the truth comes out into the open.  The truth may not be what your want to hear, but it can set you free. Retrograde Mercury is a time to plan, work on you, and delve into the spiritual side of life. Sometimes important contacts with people from our past can be initiated, and there is generally a focus on the past or past situations that can come back up to be resolved. Just focus on what is at hand rather than starting new situations.  If you are forced to start a job during a retrograde, it could be altered when Mercury goes direct, or you may not have all the facts. If you begin a new relationship on a retrograde, it may end or change when Mercury goes forward, time will tell. 

All in all, retrograde Mercury is a period where we should reflect on our current state, and plan rather than initiate new ventures. Reconsider your options, re-write, re-organize, and re-think. If you follow these basic principles, I can’t guarantee you won’t experience frustration, but you will survive the retrograde and perhaps come out of it better than you had believed possible.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mars sets off the Saturn-Neptune square and powerful New Moon in Aquarius

Mars entered Pisces January 12, where it will remain until February 20.  Pisces is the ruler of the 12th house of the subconscious mind and ruled by Neptune.

Mars in this sign will "set off" the Saturn-Neptune square this month.  This will mark the start of about a year this transit will cause confusion and frustration that will play out in the world and in your personal chart if you have a mutable planet-Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, or Pisces at about 4-7 degrees.

By mid-February Saturn reaches 4 degrees, and Neptune is at 6 degrees Pisces giving it a close 2 degree orb. Both this month (with Mars) and next we will start to see this transit play out in the world and our lives.

Neptune aspecting a personal planet dissolves situations and relationships, and can confuse the matter. I often see hard Neptune transits in very confusing relationships, or relationships that cannot succeed or get off the ground, such as an infatuation or affair with someone who is married or unavailable in some way.

Saturn, on the other hand can delay, destroy, end the situation or cause it to be viewed with reality-which isn't all bad. This is quite a transit, and the end result can be looking at many situations involved with totally new eyes. One thing is for sure-some situations we have know as personal realities in our lives, as well as in the world will dissolve into something else. Certain things will fade to make room for the new and it could be an uncomfortable process leaving one confused, depressed and without a vision for the future, for a time.

We will see events and situations in the world both now and throughout the year that can include the following:

-Clashes over practical issues versus ideologies that can include health care (especially in the US)

-A rise/changes in religion, especially fundamentalist types of religion, and a rise in those who oppose them, along with fear and increased awareness of personal security

-changes in governments and laws

- -depression, a rise in alcoholic behaviors or drugs, changes in laws affecting drugs such as pot laws

-changes in the medical and educational arenas

-problems with water and the oceans

disenfranchised, homeless, desperate people in hot spots around the world

-changes in disease such as Ebola and potential cures/other diseases can emerge

-changes-news about oil/gas, nuclear and chemical weapons and governments that use them

-changes in basic societal thinking that will affect the collective

By November 2015, Neptune is exact in its square to Saturn at 7 degrees Sagittarius/Pisces.

January 19, and the few days before Mars conjuncts Neptune and confusion will be the theme of the day as will lack of clarity, discouragement and discontent which is a general manifestation of this transit. We could see water related weather conditions.

Mars-Neptune energy is indicative of personal and collective revelations. Many of us may find something out. It goes hand and hand with scandals, lies, deception and self deception, issues surrounding sex, pictures, photographs, sexual scandals, gay relationships, depression, drugs, alcohol, and confusing circumstances.

On the other hand, Neptune has a dual nature. One side of Poseidon (Neptune) can confuse, delude and drive to near insanity, and the other is of the highest spiritual principals and compassion. We could see great acts of charity and compassion during this period, or of self sacrifice. Neptune can increase spirituality, compassion, understanding of others and creativity as well as psychic attunement.

Mars is not the only planet that will set off this powerful square. It will be set off by Venus in Pisces when it squares Saturn January 30, and Neptune on February 1. It will later be set off by the Sun February 23, and (Sun square) Neptune on February 25.

The Saturn-Neptune square will affect us all to an extent if we live on planet Earth. It will aspect your chart somewhere, but will be much more intense if it aspects your personal planets.

If this transit is aspecting your chart, understand that Neptune can cloud the issue. On the other hand, Saturn can bring reality to the forefront. My advice is to go with the reality of the situation and move forward. Old situations, even people may fade from our life at this time. But, when one door closes somewhere, another door will open.

The mutable signs are Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces and if your personal planet is being aspected it will be at 3-7 degrees.

On January 20, a new moon occurs at 0 degrees Aquarius and this is a Supermoon. Astrologer-author Richard Nolle wrote about the impact of a supermoon, "SuperMoons are noteworthy for their close association with extreme tidal forces working in what astrologers of old used to call the sublunary world: the atmosphere, crust and oceans of our home planet - including ourselves, of course. From extreme coastal tides to severe storms to powerful earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, the entire natural world surges and spasms under the sway of the SuperMoon alignment - within three days either way of the exact syzygy, as a general rule. SuperMoon solar eclipses tend to have a wider sphere of impact, extending roughly a week before and after the actual event. And other lunar extremes (of declination, for example) can extend the geocosmic stress window by a day or two here and there in any case. "

Aquarius is ruled by Uranus and Saturn and Uranus and is in a square to Pluto, so I expect more events to occur relating to the Uranus-Pluto square.

Uranus is the planet of extremes, revolutions and shock, both in our personal lives and in the world.

Perhaps you can harness some of this energy and take a new approach to things, or try something new! Now is the perfect time. Be flexible and you will experience this energy in the most positive manner. Uranus breaks up patterns that have become staid and crystallized into patterns that can be outdated, or boring.

0 degree Aquarius is considered a degree of homicide. Expect to see more or increased turmoil in the world. Uranus rules the internet, airplanes, weather and earthquakes, revolutions and coups, and explosive situations to name a few.

Mercury and Venus oppose Jupiter, and this can cause things, and situations to be blown out of proportion, especially relating to or among women. Calm, rational thought is the key.

January 21, Mercury retrogrades at 17 degrees of Aquarius. This will further confuse matters and the period both before and after the new moon will be a critical juncture for many.

 

 

 

Nightmare in Paris: An attack on freedom

                                                           "Paris is Charlie"

Two French terrorists who murdered at least 16 journalists, cartoonists, police officers, hostages and others were gunned down in a shootout near Paris and police are still searching for a female suspect January 9. The suspects killed 12 in an assault on  the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo two days earlier.

The terrorists were gunned down by police around 6:30 P.M., local time as the Moon opposed Neptune in the 8th house of death. Mars (27 degrees Aquarius) also fell in the 8th house showing police and a gun battle.

According to astrologer Nicholas Campion the 5th Republic (France) was created Oct 6, 1958 at 6:30 pm CET - the approximate time of the fixing of the seal to the new Constitution.

France is a Libra country and its Sun falls in the sixth house. Using this (Champion's) chart the Uranus-Pluto square fell exact on Mercury and the Sun in France's 6th house of workers and was "set off" over Christmas, New Year and by the January 5,  full moon in Cancer, showing us a major event would occur that would involve media, writers and workers.

Neptune is opposing Pluto in the same house and Neptune rules religion and ideology and Pluto rules the media.  It is reported the terrorists sought out cartoonists who they believed created disparaging pictures and images of Muhammad, believed to be last Prophet sent by God in the Islamic faith.

Saturn is square Pluto in France's chart and this is a dark energy indicative of underworld type of activities and violence. Nicholas Champion wrote, "We can see the intensely rough, purgative qualities of Saturn-Pluto indicate periods when there is in some way a need to get back to the basics to the skeleton of things as it were. Thus critical phases of  Saturn -Pluto can lead to seeing things in black and white so that only some kind of drastic action can suffice."   On 9-11 when the World Trade Center in New York was attacked, Saturn was opposing Pluto at 14-12 degrees of Gemini/Sagittarius.

 Saturn is currently at 1 degree of Sagittarius and France's Pluto is 3 degrees Virgo and Mars is at 2 degrees Gemini. Sagittarius is the sign ruling the ninth house of ideas and world view and Virgo's ruler is Mercury (writers). Gemini is also ruled by Mercury, and Saturn creates a T-square involving the energy of all three planets.

The Saturn-Neptune square is within a  4 degree orb as this post is written. By February  10, 2015 it is in a tight 2 degree orb, and it becomes exact in November, 2015.

This transit, along with the Uranus-Pluto square will dominate the sky throughout 2015 and into 2016. This unprecedented attack by religious extremists on free speech paints a picture of what the Saturn-Neptune square will show us over the next year.

As Neptune rules religion we will see more terrorist activities connected to those with fundamental religious views and ideologies, especially by those who try and impose their views on others. This is a dark energy and in the end we will have to approach many things differently in the future and this includes our approach to extremists and terrorists.

Unfortunately, looking at France's chart I do not find the danger is over. Pivotal days in France will be January 13-17,  as Mars squares Mars, opposes Pluto and sets off the Saturn-Neptune square and the t-square between Mars, Saturn and Pluto in France's chart.

Saturn will create a t-square between Mars and Pluto again late April-May and throughout October creating the possibility of future attacks.

During March,  the Uranus-Pluto square will be set off again, falling on Mercury again with the week of March 7, becoming pivotal. Mercury rules communication, the written word and young people.

Clearly this was an attack by religious extremists on freedom of speech. As I thought about this, I wondered if freedom of speech is under attack in America and can this be shown astrologically.

In America the First Amendment rules freedom of speech, press, religion and peaceable assembly. The First Amendment was adopted on (along with the rest of the Bill of Rights) December 15, 1791. No surprise the Sun in this chart is in expansive Sagittarius, and Mercury (written word) is in a positive sextile to Venus.

Using this date to create a chart (noon) Saturn falls in the first house at 12 degrees of Aries. The Uranus-Pluto square is currently at 12-13 degrees of Aries-Capricorn and falls directly on Saturn (Saturn rules structure) in this chart. So, it appears to me this was an attempt to restrict freedom of speech in America which has been going on for some time, and yes American's freedom of speech is under attack! But, this will not succeed.

In spite of the tragedies we have witnessed January 9  is a day of victory for France and all of those in the world who value freedom. We will not give up our freedoms but this shows us just how far things can go when ideas are carried to the extreme, especially in religion. More people have been killed in the name of God-directly or indirectly- than by any other force on Earth.

Uranus-Pluto has and will continue to polarize the world on many different levels. Saturn-Neptune will bring about many dark truths, and extremist religions will be front and center. It is up to us individually and collectively to dispel the idea that fundamentalism in any form can lead to peace.

 “Without the voice of reason, every faith is its own curse."

(History Will Teach Us Nothing)”
― Sting, Nothing Like the Sun

 

 

 

 

 

 

January 2015: Shifting realities, a season of Aquarius and Mercury retrogrades

 

Happy New Year! As we enter the first month of 2015, the Uranus-Pluto square has started the process of separating, but the energy is still disruptive, angry and changeable in the world. This transit will dominate the sky throughout 2015 for the third year, along with Saturn square Neptune, which will be 'set off' by Mars this month, and we will get a glimpse and a feel of what this new energy will be like as we move through the New Year.

The square between Uranus and Pluto has brought a repeat performance in many ways of the Grand Cross of April 2014. (A Grand Cross involves 4 planets while a square involves 2. Uranus square Pluto was part of the Grand Cross in April-the other planets were Jupiter and Mars)

It is mind boggling to think that this spring we saw the disappearance of Flight 370, and the sinking of the North Korean ferry, and in December as the Uranus-Pluto square makes its 6th appearance,  AsiaAir flight 8501 has crashed  along with another ferry disaster off the coast of Greece. But, then again, Uranus rules aircraft among other things. What a sad holiday season for so many.

We have seen the emergence of social unrest in the form of protesters in the "I can't breathe movement,' named after Eric Gardner who was killed by police in NYC. We have also seen the retaliatory shootings of 2 police officers, cheap oil and the devaluation of the Ruble, a major hacking of Sony pictures that involved North Korea and many other disruptive events in the world to name a few at the time of this post, and I am certain there will be more to come after this blog is posted.

Uranus will square Pluto again in March 2015, this time at 15 degrees of Aries-Cancer. This will be the final exact pass of this powerful transit, but the energy of these most powerful planets will continue into 2016.

January 15-19 will be a significant period as Mars squares Saturn and conjuncts Neptune setting off the energy of the Saturn/ Neptune square that is within orb at 2-5 degrees of Sagittarius-Pisces.

While this square will not become exact until November 2015, this period will show us the possibilities of this transit and we can start to get a feel for the energy which will show us that various areas of our lives and the collective will start to dissolve away, appear weak and inadequate and have to be changed. This can take form in many different areas of life (depending on where it falls in your personal chart) and in the world.

Groups of people will believe, perhaps know they have been mislead, and misleading energy can take the form of direct action from those in power. Lies can be revealed, entities and individuals subjected to scandal and loss of power and there can be great misdirection and failing to see the truth in different situations.

Confusion and frustration can play out as ineffective action toward terrorist groups and other situations in the world, and we could see issues with the sea, water, or the weather, especially water-related situations.

We may see a lengthy period of wet weather conditions  or weather/water related conditions In January-February and again November.

This is a transit of ineffective energy, and potential improper direction of energy, and/or lack of clarity and in some cases outright lies.

Situations can be muddled, and lack of resolution and ineffective action will be a theme of this period.

Hidden weaknesses will be revealed in people, things and situations depending on what this aspects individually.

If you have mutable planets from 0-10 degrees: Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, or Pisces- the Saturn-Neptune square will aspect your life in some area this year, depending on your chart. You will discover weaknesses and a lack of clarity in the area of your chart affected and some realities of the past will dissolve. This can be an uncomfortable period until something replaces it.

The key to overcoming this transit is recognizing what needs to be changed first of all, and taking direct action to move forward. As Saturn is involved we will have the ability to see the reality (Saturn) of what has in reality been an ongoing situation of confusion and not seeing clearly (Neptune), thus we have the ability to build a stronger base and vision in whatever area of our lives (natal chart) this transit will affect.

Some of those who will be affected this month or next will be those with Neptune in the early degrees of Sagittarius born January-May 1970, and November 1970-Febuary of 1972, or those born with a Sun, or other personal planets from 0-6 degrees of Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces.

January 1, Mars opposes Jupiter and this transit has the potential to blow many things out of proportion.  Extravagance can be part of the theme, wasted resources, and over confident attitudes. For some, this can turn out well as it is expansive, but guard against over doing in all ways. We will see issues with foreign individuals and countries and Mars in Aquarius can be war like and pompous.

January 3, the Sun conjuncts Pluto and squares Uranus setting off the Uranus-Pluto square. This is a dangerous transit and rash or impulsive actions should be avoided. It is indicative to unexpected upsets and power struggles and explosive situations personally and in the world.

Sun-Uranus transit tend to be impulsive and unexpected, and Sun-Pluto transits controlling, obsessive and indicative of emotionally biased actions and power struggles.

If used constructively this can be a time of  creative transformation, but many will lean toward the negative aspects and over react in many ways. Some things will come to an end and cease to exist and this can include relationships, businesses, and all other forms of connectiveness.

Vengeance will be a theme as Pluto is involved and we will see upheaval and revolts in the world (Uranus), hostile speech and actions and we are once again in a dangerous time. But, we have traveled this path before.

Also on January 3, Venus enters Aquarius putting two planets in the sign that rules groups, companies and the collective. As Venus in this sign is ruled by Uranus, expect love relationships and social interaction to become more quirky, and prone toward unexpected situations, and it is more prone toward fun and unusual connections than stability.

The past week has been a difficult and tumultuous time and the full moon on January 4, falls in Cancer the most emotional of signs. This sign can be prone to overacting, especially on the heels of Sun-Uranus-Pluto.

Emotional outbursts can be expected in some quarters with this configuration. The key is calm, and in it is best to not react to this energy but rather search for the answers within before committing to a volatile course that could create permanent change and damage. Many people will still be in a home centered mood, and home, comfort and security will be a central theme.

This is a significant moon as it (and Sun-Uranus-Pluto T-square) falls within a degree of Americas Sun in the the seventh house of open enemies, and square America's Saturn. It will be a significant time full of tensions in the US.

January 4, Mercury also enters Aquarius and thinking and communicating will become more erratic and impulsive. You could come up with unique and interesting solutions and ides that would otherwise not be considered. This starts the shadow period of Mercury retrograde which occurs in several weeks. Best to wrap things up during this time and look toward February for starting new projects.

January 5, Mercury sextiles Saturn and this is a positive transit good for all types of communication and seriously considered thinking and the volatile energy of the past week will start to shift into a calmer period.

January 12, Mars enters Pisces, the 12th sign of the zodiac until February 19, and Mars in this sign is not very aggressive. There will be a bigger focus on spirituality and compassion. As Mars is in the sign that rules the ocean we could see water related events, or even battles or confrontations at sea. It is not good for military confrontations and with Mars in this sign the aggressor could well be the loser.

January 13, Venus and Mercury sextile Uranus and this is a positive transit for love, communication and money. You may come up with an original solution to a problem.

January 15, Mars squares Saturn and this marks the start of the Saturn-Neptune square as it is set off by Mars. This is a difficult, frustrating and irritating transit, and the definition of Mars-Saturn is repressed or restrictive action. Mars-Saturn can have a cruel undertone and this is not the time to push an agenda, or be the aggressor.

January 19, Venus opposes Jupiter and this is a basically positive transit as Mars aspects Saturn and Neptune. It can result in social activity, but take away drive and ambition. While pleasant,  it may help, but is not match in overcoming the strong Mars energy.

January 19, Mars conjuncts Neptune, and this transit will be tiring, confusing and in many cases depressing, with a tendency toward self destructive actions in some people. We could see issues with water on the sea, or relating to the weather. This is not a good day to begin any new project as confusion will rule the day. The highest and best use of this energy is in helping others, spiritual pursuits or creative activities.

January 20, the Sun enters Aquarius and we are in the Aquarius season!

January 20, a new moon occurs at 0 degrees of Aquarius, ruler of the 11th house of groups and organizations.

January 21, Mercury turns stationary retrograde for the next several days at 17 degrees of Aquarius. This is the critical period in the retrograde where Mercurial energy changes, slowdowns, glitches and delays occur. Don't get married, buy high ticket items or start new projects during this time. If you do so, do this at your own peril as at the very least things will change, and may not pan out as expected.

January 22, the Sun sextiles Saturn, and this is a great transit for accomplishing practical matters.

January 27, Venus enters Pisces and this will be a more romantic Venus, great for Pisces, and the other Water and Earth signs. Mercury also sextiles Uranus and there can be an air of brilliance with this transit, and much intellectual activity and communication.

January 30, Venus squares Saturn and this is a negative transit for love and your social life, as well as some financial transactions. Some relationships may end or hit turbulence. The Sun also conjuncts Mercury and this is 'willful energy,' and can be agitating, especially as Mercury is retrograde, and delays and obstacles may well crop up.

The Uranus-Pluto square Part 11: Important dates- December 29-January 5, 2015

Uranus and Pluto are in a square that began to separate on December 23, as Pluto moved to 13 degrees. But, the energy of this powerful square is far from over, and will continue in an intense manner well into January and into early 2016.

If you have read my previous blogs you know this aspect is bringing major changes to the world, and if it aspects your personal chart, it is bringing major changes in your own life. To some degree we are all affected by this transit, but especially those with personal planets in Cardinal signs-Aries, Libra, Cancer and Capricorn between 11-15 degrees of these signs.

In my last blog I noted important dates involving this powerful square. To recap those dates: December 20, Venus squared Uranus and was conjunct Pluto, December 24, Mercury squared Uranus, and December 25, Mercury was conjunct Pluto. If significant events occurred in your life on these dates (give or take a couple of days) it is likely the Uranus-Pluto square was 'set off' in your personal chart.

So far in the world over the last week or so, several police officers have been shot by hate groups, another plane is missing, and another ferry disaster occurred off the coast of Greece to name a few incidents. It is mind boggling how this mirrors the grand cross of April and we will see more before things calm down in the world.

Dates to be aware of include:

January 1, 2015: Mars opposes Jupiter. Situations can get blown out of proportion quite easily on this day, and we will see large events in the world involving foreign people and situations.

January 3, The Sun squares Uranus and conjuncts Pluto, setting off the Uranus-Pluto square, which means if this aspects your chart, events can be significant--go back and look at the previously mentioned dates.

Sun-Uranus transits deal with the unexpected. The Sun can make things seems personal, and some situations and relationships can end. We can expect to see and hear unexpected events in the world and Uranus rules aircraft, and we could see weather related circumstances.

Sun-Pluto transits deal with sex, power struggles, bullies and those who force their will on others. Pluto rules the breakdown of situations, and nuclear materials (in the world).

January 4, a full moon occurs at 14 degrees of Cancer, and this is the most emotional of signs for a full moon. Take a deep breath if you feel stressed and remember that a full moon can heighten emotions, especially this one. This full moon sets off the Uranus-Pluto square and if your chart is being aspected expect events that can be significant.

Cancer rules the homeland, and the US is a Cancer country. In the world we can expect hostilities to occur around this moon, and as it aspects Vladimir Putin's Sun, we can expect to hear news of him, and the ongoing conflict in the Ukraine.

Here is wishing you and yours a very Happy New Year and a positive and Happy 2015!!!!!

 

 

 

New Moon in Capricorn December 21

Mercury has moved into Capricorn, joining the Sun, (December 21)  Venus, Pluto and we have a new moon in the same sign December 22, peaking at 8:36 P.M., EST, at 0 degrees.  This puts 5, or half the planets, that include luminaries in the conservative sign of Capricorn. Can you see things are slowing down now?

Capricorn is ruled by Saturn, and Saturn can be both austere and full of riches. Things, people and situations will become more serious and we must "get real," and will as Mercury rules our thinking and communications (in Capricorn). Saturn is about reality and the more stable your life is the more you will feel the riches, and the same goes for the other direction- The less stable your life is the more lack or austere you may feel during this period.

Either way, we will be dealing with reality which isn't bad, and its where we should be. My advice is to see and focus on the riches in your life outside of money. Money only buys so much, and our true riches lie in family, friends, love of humankind and good health. These things are not only life's greatest riches, they are all free to the taker.

With the new moon in Capricorn many will be trying to wrap up business before taking a holiday.  Capricorn rules the 10th house of business and priorities. It falls on the 10th/4th house axis putting a focus on home, family, business and priorities.

Venus leaves conservative Capricorn on January 3, followed by Mercury on January 5, and the energy will start to switch once again.