The Stayner Brothers: Part 1

Steven Stayner and Timmy, the little boy he saved

The stayner brothers charts look very different from each other, even markedly so. Steven Stayner, is the younger brother, he was abducted by paedophile Kenneth Parnell, at seven years old, and kept by him for seven years. Young Steven later died in Motor cycle accident when he was 24 years old. Astrologically, he has a pretty tough chart, and was born under a Mars-Uranus-Pluto conjunction in Virgo. To illustrate the difficulty with this conjunction, there are a few examples that come to mind that have this configuration in their birth charts. Princess Diana has it in her 8th house, and she dealt with various turbulent emotions, which erupted in to her daily life and she battled with health issues, such as anorexia. The Princess died in a head on collision with another car crash in 1997. Amy Bishop, also has the explosive conjunction, and without warning, she gunned down her fellow university teachers. Sexy Johnny Depp was also born under the same configuration, he is popularly known for his creative innovativeness and rebellious nature, and he enjoys playing out his energy through some strange and unique characters on our movie screens. Depp also possesses a much darker side, and enjoys blowing on fire with a mouth full of gas.

In Steven’s chart the Mars-Uranus-Pluto conjunction falls in his 7th house of relationships. Furthermore, this planetary line-up is opposite Saturn. This combination of planets, creates enormous anger and rebellion in the individual. The Mars-Uranus-Pluto aspect is particularly attracted to wild and dangerous activities. Mars-Uranus is potentially accidental in nature, and Mars-Pluto contacts can be frequently found in the charts of abuse victims. The power of his will and assertiveness (Mars) is severely thwarted by Saturn and the potential for violence is heightened, it sometimes shows a difficult relationship with authority figures. If the individual can find a healthy and creative outlet, it can help tremendously. Young Stayner was also born with three planets in Aries (ruled by Mars).

On the night of his kidnapping, transiting Pluto in Libra formed an exact conjunction to his 8th house cusp (underworld). Transiting Saturn in the 4th house had formed a square to Pluto in the 7th house. This suggests some kind of power-struggle at home (4th) and involving his relationships with others (7th). Control (Saturn) and domination (Pluto) can be major issues. A threat (Pluto) to safety and security of his roots (Saturn in 4th), is also indicated. It could have equally represented his parents fighting at home, and going through a difficult separation. Perhaps another scenario would be stricter rules and increased authority in his  personal life, that may have involved power-struggles with a father figure. Astrologically, he was experiencing his first Saturn square to its own natal place. Steven was kept for seven years, brainwashed and sexually abused. If we give an orb of 10 degrees for transiting planets, his Mars-Saturn-Uranus-Pluto configuration was active, during his abduction.

On his return when he entered the police station after another boy was kidnapped. Transiting Jupiter was moving over his Mars-Uranus-Pluto conjunction, suggesting a more beneficial situation and more freedom (Jupiter-Uranus). Steven has a Moon-Neptune conjunction in Scorpio (victimisation) and Uranus was conjunct the natal Moon. Again this transit was suggesting greater emotional (Moon) freedom (Uranus) and can also indicate a change of home. Furthermore, Uranus formed an opposition to natal Jupiter, so three hits suggesting more space, freedom and increased possibilities.

Steven got paid $30,000, to share his story, and he later married and had two kids. However, on the 16th of September, 1989, he was killed by a hit and run driver. Transiting Saturn, Neptune and Uranus, were all in Capricorn trining his Mars-Uranus-Pluto conjunction. Transiting Saturn and Neptune formed a square to Mercury in Aries. Steven led an incredibly intense and short life, and I think it was indicated in his birth-chart that he would deal with some challenging energy in his short-lifetime. Yet, astrology can never pin-point the exact events and can only point to symbols and different levels of expression. Why one person lives a traumatic lifetime and another a fairly easy life will always be a mystery.

Aquarius Rising

Those born with Aquarius rising approach life with strongly held ideals of how the world should be. Often friendly with a tolerant outlook, they consider themselves to be fair-minded, and respectful of the views of others. The individual works best when involved with groups of like-minded people, and Aquarius has a genuine talent for ingenuity and creativity. As a social sign they are interested in making contributions that benefits humanity in some way and also progresses intellectual understanding. Sometimes those with Aquarius on the Ascendant come off as cold and detached in manner, but it’s because they are so involved with observing social situations, behaviours, attempting to understand the nature of laws and patterns. The sign has the least toleration for selfish pursuits, and would rather keep a situation cool and intellectual.

Aquarius on the ascendant holds impartial, logical and intuitive assessments of life, and would be embarrassed if viewed as too showy and self-important. Therefore, partners and close friends may be viewed as more dramatic and self-centred. Aquarius needs to be different and can also converse with a variety of different people. Everybody is the same underneath. Unconsciously people are drawn towards them, who are often creative individuals, intent on developing their own uniqueness. Aquarius’ shadow side seeks to develop a sense of his own destiny and creativity, so that they have something truly unique to offer mankind.

Those with important points in Aquarius value freedom, forward thinking, and progressive attitudes to life. Aquarius is the third of the air signs and the forth of the fixed signs, and can be found in the areas of science, astrology, research, communicating, and social networks. Circulating ideas, organizing, and looking towards the future are all important attributes, and you will find the water bearer looking for ways to benefit the lives of human beings.

Sagittarius Rising

Those born with Sagittarius rising approach life with a keen sense of intuition, optimism, and possess a profound awareness of all future possibilities. This person is friendly and enjoys philosophizing and conversing with others in an intelligent and humorous manner. Physically and mentally restless, those with Sagittarius on the Ascendant need to roam free and keep their options open. With a love of travelling and higher learning they always make interesting companions, but may become impatient if the limits of reality delay further growth. The breadth and scope of their vision is eternal, and they have a spontaneous and uplifting outlook on life.

The world is perceived as a place full of potential, meaning, and possibilities. The “Don’t Fence me in” philosophy of life, applies to those born with such far-sighted vision as Sagittarius. But sometimes Sagittarius’ aims change before fulfilment, and they can follow many different avenues through-out the course of their lives. There is a fear of missing out on other opportunities to expand and experience life’s goodness. Such an outgoing and adventurous outlook, helps them to gain more from their involvements with others, and this approach is liable to attract people who share the same wit and intelligence. However, it is far more likely to be in relationships with those who look at the facts and finer nuances of a situation, before jumping in too quickly. The unconscious side of Sagittarius has a need to fit all those details into the bigger picture, and communicate their vision in specific understandable terms to others.

Sagittarius is outspoken, candid and they will always greet you with warmth and a big smile. The sign is open, honest and frank, and values honesty above all else. Narrow-mindedness, pettiness and general meanness and doubt are not part of their innate values and overall response to people. Those with important points in Sagittarius have an eagerness to embrace life and strive towards the truth of any situation, feeling a sense of joy and fulfilment in all of their endeavours.

Magnus Carlsen: The Number One Chess Player in the World

I thought I would do a rundown of some of the top stories of 2010. First up, is Swen Magnus Carlsen, he is a grand master chess player and chess prodigy. The teenager shot to the number one position as one of the greatest chess players, and all at the grand old age of 19. According to his Russian coach, he is the brightest talent in a generation and is dubbed the Mozart of chess. Magnus Carlsen has become the youngest person ever to top the world ranking in chess. Horoscopically, I look for Planets in Gemini and Aquarius for games of chess, it’s fitting for intellectual genius and if we also think along the lines of mental competiveness (Mars), you may not be surprised to find that young Carlsen here, has his Mars and part of fortune conjunct in Gemini, forming a trine to his north node in Aquarius at 00 degrees. Mars in Gemini has a versatile energy which is clever and physically agile; this placement works best when the mind is actively engaged in healthy competition. There is often dexterity in activities, and a liking for debate and mental challenges.

What is also interesting in this chart is that Mercury is in Sagittarius (detriment) and it certainly doesn’t seem to hinder his mental focus. Mercury in Sagittarius understands life based on larger, intuitive concepts, and these people are often enthusiastic on an intellectual level. The young man has reached the heights of Mount Olympus in the chess world, and according to Greek Mythology; Zeus (Jupiter) was the king of the gods who ruled over all the other gods. In Magnus’ horoscope he has Sun in Sagittarius trine Jupiter in Leo. This contact bestows faith, confidence, enthusiasm, but it can give rise to over-confidence. The prodigy was born when Uranus and Neptune were conjunct in Capricorn, and he shares this generational contact with other young and brilliant stars such as Justin Bieber, Dakota Fanning and Brooke Greenberg. Brooke is the little girl who baffled scientists worldwide and was referred to as “The Child Frozen in Time", in a U.S documentary. This 172 year cycle fuses mysticism, art, literature, and idealism, with science, enlightenment, progress and innovation. Astrologer Sue Tompkins says that stories surrounding “frozen water”, such as icebergs, glaciers, snowstorms and ice cream, may also feature at this time. I think this would also represent a child frozen in time, too. So, excellent analysis by Ms Tompkins.

The transits that occurred when Magnus first become world champion, shows transiting Saturn in Libra in exact trine to Mars in Gemini. It formed a grand trine in his natal chart, and it involved Saturn-Mars-NN and his part of fortune. The transiting Jupiter-Neptune conjunction in Aquarius sextiled his Mercury in Sagittarius.

Slavery Abolished: New Independence - Uranus in Aries

On September 25th, 1927, all forms of slavery were abolished after a treaty was signed at the League of Nations Slavery Convention. The astrology of this day is quite visually astounding. There was a line-up of planets in Libra (it’s not fair), and transiting Uranus had just entered Aries and had formed a conjunction with Jupiter. It is quite similar to the planetary Jupiter-Uranus conjunction we are currently under.

Uranus’ entry into Aries is important because the planet rules freedom, greater consciousness, and demand for change, along with a new vision for humanity. It’s not that I think slavery is completely abolished; we could look at child labour and illegal factories that pay very low wages to its workers. There are numerous other cases where slavery is still heavily prevalent. However, the abolishment of slavery was still a turning point in History. The sign of Aries represents independence and signifies the rights (Uranus) of the individual as a singular identity. I believe it was an important point in humanity’s growth and a major step forward, although we still have a long way to go. The whole period was liberating for the opposite sex, according to astrologer Sue Tompkins, it was the first time that women smoked, drank, cut their hair, voted and went on dates unchaperoned.

Stir of Echoes

Stir of Echoes is one of my favourite films, and after recently reading Liz Greene’s “The Astrological Neptune, and the Quest for Redemption”, it helped me greatly with some of the astrology themes in the movie. The obvious connection involving Neptune is the link with the paranormal, “psychism” and spiritual side of the life. However, the process leading up to this opening of the mind to a profound psychic experience is related to hypnotism. Kevin Baker plays Tom Witzky a phone lineman who is sceptical of all things paranormal and unexplainable. Tom challenges his sister in law to hypnotize (Neptune) him and after putting him under she gives him a post hypnotic suggestion to be more “open minded”. However, this opens the flood gates of his latent psychic ability (Neptune). Tom begins to have visitations by a teenage girl who is trying to communicate with him. The story unravels to reveal that the girl who is visiting him, had a mental disability and regressive childlike personality (Neptune), and she was quite a naïve and innocent girl. I won’t spoil the whole plot-line for those who haven’t watched the move. I do sometimes tend to ruin the story-line for others; it could be my own Mercury-Neptune aspect which is to blame. However, if you haven’t watched it, definitely check it out.



My favourite chapter in The Astrological Neptune, and the Quest for Redemption is, The Discovery of the Unconscious, and I will type up some relevant points about the art of hypnotism, relating to this film:

The term Hypnosis (from Hypnos, the Greek god of sleep) was coined by the Scottish physician James Braid during the 1840’s, coincident with the actual discovery of the planet Neptune. The discovery of this gateway into the unconscious, which had such profound ramifications for psychology, psychiatry, medicine, and spiritualism in the centuries which followed, is a fascinating one. It is useful to examine certain aspects of the phenomena of hypnosis. Sometimes it seems that the Neptune-dominated personality walks about in a state of perpetual semi-hypnosis, terrifyingly suggestible to just about anything passing by. Hypnotists generally agree that certain types of people are extremely difficult to hypnotise. The psychotic, the drunk, and the drug addict may pose insurmountable problems because hypnotic trance requires a relinquishing of ego control to the hypnotists, and in the three conditions mentioned above, there is no ego left to give away. In contrast the hyper rational temperament is equally difficult to hypnotise, although this is due largely to extreme defensiveness rather than lack of suggestibility. By Liz Greene, The Astrological Neptune, and the Quest for Redemption

Subjects in a state of hypnosis show an increased response to suggestions and the hypnotic state can also be used to heal morbid phobias, pain and other health Symptoms. It may even be used as a mild anaesthetic and the person under a trance can be poked with needles and not feel a thing. The hypnotist can even induce the senses into to believing that they feel, itching, burning, and other bodily discomforts. A bond between hypnosis and subject is apparent through the way the individual follows the instructiions of the hypnotist, even it means embarassing himself. According to Liz Greene, sometimes clairvoyant and telepathic phenomena occur. It is highly fascinating exploring how hypnosis works and its relationship to Neptune and the unconscious. It is also suggested that people who have Neptune powerful in the chart, aspecting one of the luminaries (Sun and Moon) or placed on a angle, are extremely open to psychic experiences.

The belief in spirits is widespread and it dates back to ancestor worship (12th house). It is linked to the afterlife. The spiritualist movement reached its peak by 1897, it was said to have more than 8 million followers, this occurred under the Neptune-Pluto conjunction in Gemini. I feel there has been a resurgence of popularity in the supernatural since Uranus’ entry into Pisces. I would say during its sojourn in Pisces we have had some strange imagery on our screens, it has also been in mutual relationship with Neptune in Aquarius. Series like Supernatural, Ghost Whisper and Medium are examples of this. Transits involving Neptune can also be present during psychic activity, and psychics are commonly known as “Sensitives” possessing the ability to perceive things hidden from the conscious and rational mind. Stir of Echoes is a great film that relates to some of the astrological themes relating to Neptune, and the ghost affects are fantastic. This Neptunian individual has it listed as one of her top movies. I watched Paranormal Activity for the first time a few weeks ago. I was putting it off because I hate all the jerky filming, maybe we can blame Uranus in Pisces/Neptune in Aquarius. I wasn’t a big fan of previous camcorder movies. However, after watching the film, it had its genuine scary moments. I should lay off the ghost movies; I won’t be able to sleep at night.

Weather Records

I thought it would be interesting to observe the different weather phenomenon and disasters, astrologically. I recently looked at the coldest day on record, which showed an exact Sun square Saturn contact, and the freezing temperature in Antarctica, dropped to -89.2 C. The quality of Saturn is slow, heavy, cold and dull. The fastest temperature drop appeared when the Sun in Capricorn formed a wide square to Saturn in Aries at the 29th degree. The hottest day on earth was recorded in Africa when the temperature soared to 136 F on the 13th of September 1922. Astrologically there was a wide Sun square Mars contact, Mars rules all forms of heat and rise in temperature. Mars had reached the 29th degree in fiery Sagittarius, but the results are questionable, due to the surface that the machine was built on and previous faulty readings. The fastest temperature rise occurred in Spearfish, South Dakota, and there was another, Sun square Mars contact.

The fastest rainfall in one minute occurred when Mars (speed) was bang in the middle of Pisces (heavy showers). The Sun was in Cancer trine to Mars in Pisces, so perhaps the water sign element of the trine influenced the heavy rainfall. I am noticing a strong connection with the Sun and strange weather phenomenon. The most rainfall in 60 minutes was taken in Holt, Missouri, United States, on the 22nd of June, 1947. Astrologically the Sun was in cancer (water) square Neptune (heavy rainfall). During a tropical cyclone, the most rain that fell in 24 hours reached 71.9 inches. The astrological weather doesn’t appear to be significant; there is a Sun in Capricorn sextile Saturn in Pisces contact. However, the Sun was in trine to the Uranus-Pluto conjunction in Virgo. Actually the more I think about it, the Uranus-Pluto conjunction does describe extreme turbulence, and powerful (Pluto) winds (Uranus). I would consider Uranus to be connected with thunderstorms, and I have covered lighting attacks previously on the blog and found this to be the case. Of course there are probably cyclones occuring without this aspect present.

The fastest ever wind speed reached over 300 mph and happened in Oklahoma City. The Sun was conjunct Saturn in Taurus (slow). However, the Sun was also square Uranus in Aquarius (wind). I am assuming the wind speed picked up dramatically, due to Uranus in Aquarius (Sky-God) forming a sextile to the Mercury-Jupiter conjunction in Aries (increased (Jup) speed (Aries)! The thinkers born during this time must process their thoughts at a super, lightning fast speed and would make quick and ingenious observations, and they would still be fairly young at this point. Mercury is also the fastest planet around the Sun. The deadliest tornado happened on the 26th of April, 1989. The Sun in Taurus was opposite Pluto in Scorpio, and trine Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune in Capricorn. Another Sun-Uranus-Pluto contact was in operation at this time, and it killed 1300 people in Bangladesh. Also in Bangladesh the heaviest hailstone fell, weighing 2.25 lb. The Sun in Aries trines Uranus in Sagittarius, but what I feel may also signify this type of freaky weather, is the Mars-Neptune conjunction in Capricorn (frozen water) sextile Jupiter in Pisces (increase in size). The longest lightning bolt that was ever recorded reached a lengthy 118 miles. A grand air trine occurred between Sun in Libra, Saturn in Gemini, and Uranus in Aquarius. As stated earlier, I would associate Uranus with lighting strikes. This type of study needs the correct birth times of various countries, but through assessing the elements and significant aspects, especially to the Sun, it is a fruitful study. The weather changes all the time, and I believe it is only most useful to attempt these type of studies, under extreme conditions. We also always extremely limited by lack of valid data, which may have helped to refine the results. Still, I thought it was interesting enough to explore, and found the results useful. It doesn’t mean I could apply them to future weather conditions, but worth observing and sharing.

Here is a list of the essential natures of the signs: A Manual of Astrology by Raphael

Uranus - in nature cold, dry and windy
Saturn - Cold and dry
Jupiter - Hot and moist
Mars - Hot and Dry
Venus - Cold and moist
Mercury - Variable and controvertible
Moon - Cold and Moist
Sun - Hot and Dry

New Year's Resolutions

I have been thinking about my New Year's resolutions and wondering if people ever base them on Saturn's sign, house and aspects. Christmas day falls in the month of Capricorn (ruled by Saturn), and it is a traditional holiday that we use to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Traditionally it is a time to bring family together, but it can also be a time of family burden and responsibility (Capricorn). It can generate feelings of guilt if we don't spend the day at our parent's house for Christmas, and it is easy to feel emotionally manipulated (Cancer) at this time of year. So sometimes it feels more of an obligation rather than celebrating it in the spirit it is meant to be celebrated. The Roman's held the festival of Saturnalia around the 25th of December, and decorated their homes with evergreens to celebrate their harvest god, Saturn.

I often feel Christmas is too materialistic now, but I hope this isn't Capricorn's shadow side. Perhaps my  own natal Sun-Saturn is turning into a scrooge, bah! humbug! Charles Dickens who coined that very phrase had Mercury (communication) in Capricorn and this sums up his miserly saying, perfectly. It is often used to describe people who are tight, mean and are dismissive of the festive spirit. The novel A Christmas Carol has become a classic at Christmas time, but Dickens also had Saturn in Capricorn in the 4th house. In England a scrooge type person often refers to a misery guts, and party pooper. The type of person who won't let the spirit of joy into his heart. At the time this book was published, transiting Saturn was in Capricorn, conjunct his fifth house cusp (creativity), and he was probably most likely finishing the book around his Saturn Return.

I love Christmas with children around and it can feel truly magical and exciting, its the heavy expectations around the day that can sometimes ruin it. You can see how I am describing the Christmas holiday in a more negative Saturnian way. I do enjoy the day, the traditional meal, and time with family and friends and so forth. The whole Christmas period with all its preparation is kind of like one big mood swing. You can feel the energy shift of spending wildly, expansiveness and hopefulness, which moves towards a growing responsibility and organization. This is represented by the adjacent signs, Sagittarius and Capricorn. In the month of Sagittarius and in a funny synchronised fashion the Americans celebrate Thanksgiving. The country has a Jupiterian outlook on life with Sun conjunct Jupiter in Cancer and Sagittarius Rising.

Both fair and unfair generalizations of greed and over-optimism are fired towards the American people. On the other hand, England is viewed as possessing a far more reserved, conservative, mean and eccentric nature. I was watching a programme the other day here in the U.K, discussing how the childcare facilities in America, are much better compared to England. Perhaps it is the polarisation of Cancer and Capricorn. Maybe the Americans are more family orientated, although everything is bigger over there and they have more space.

I have a feeling that the depression rate increases around Christmas time, it is ruled over by Saturn. And if you are suffering from severe financial hardship, it can be a difficult and limiting time. The nostalgia of this time of year is probably related to the Cancer-Capricorn axis, as a parent we feel obligated to make it a special Christmas for the children. I think the material pressure on families with low income is extremely hard to face. The cold weather and increasing burdens can make it less than fun. The New Year, also brings us face to face with our unrealized ambitions, another year passes and we assess how closer we are to attaining our goals. This reflection describes Capricorn's sense of worldly achievements and rules our need to be self-sufficient. Where Saturn is placed is where we can be a bit scrooge like in expression and its also where we can achieve our greatest achievements, insurmountable as they may seem, and perhaps in the Christmas spirit, let the joy inside, and learn to be a little bit more generous in this sector of the horoscope.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Dear Damn Cool Pics Visitors!

DamnCoolPics will be back after Christmas and New Year holidays. I wish you Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Faith makes all thingz possible,
Hope makes all thingz work,
Love makes all thingz beautiful,
May U hav all da three 4 this Christmas.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Let the coming year be prosperous joyful for all of us.

With my warm wishes,

DCP.

Parrot Sings Let the Bodies Hit the Floor

Modern Japanese Capsule Hotel

Welcome to the 9 Hours Hotel where you can spend the night sleeping in one of 125 small little capsules called hubs that are only large enough for a person to lie down in for $80. They are quite popular in Japan for commuters who have a need to stay in town overnight. This one is located in Kyoto.

The 9 h capsule hotel and all amenities were designed by Fumie Shibata of design studio s, which she founded in 1994. with her team, she defined the elements necessary for a 'minimal transit space' in big cities in japan. The product designer has been pursuing the 9h project as a creative director for 3 years.

Buckminster Fuller said:
"Our beds are empty two-thirds of the time. Our living rooms are empty seven-eighths of the time. Our office buildings are empty one-half of the time. It's time we gave this some thought."

While we spend almost a third of our life in bed, we spend most of it sleeping. In urban centers there are often issues of light, noise, ventilation and privacy. Perhaps sleeping pods are not such a bad idea.