Rihanna

Rihanna first dyed her hair bright red in June last year. I looked on the net for when reports appeared about this new daring look she was sporting. When she first coloured her hair, she had it cut short and it was shaved at the back. Rihanna’s hair is longer and softer now, and it’s a brave style, to say the least. I might be one of the few that actually likes her hair this way. The style change is such a bold and dramatic transformation, and I feel we often make strong statements about our changing values, personality and new found freedom through our choice of clothing, hair styling and accessories.

Britney shaved all her hair off when she split with Federline. The Toxic singer was under some heavy Pluto transits at the time of her transformation, although I always felt it was a hasty bid for change, and the real process takes much longer. However, it's undeniable that after a break-up we all want to feel like a different person, make ourselves more attractive, regain self-confidence and start a new life. I could probably think of a whole 12 step healing process which begins right with Aries - Identity. It's like we go right back to the beginning when a relationship ends, but this can present us with an exciting new adventure, and new chapter in our lives. 

I was wondering what was hitting her chart for such a shocking (Uranus) and bold reinvention, and she definitely stands out as an individual. Last summer we had the Jupiter conjunct Uranus transit in Aries, and astrologers around the globe predicted revolutionary change, progression, and excitement. Aries rules the colour red, independence, courage, boldness and daring. However, the Jupiter-Uranus conjunction in Aries has fallen wide by 13 degrees of Rihanna’s natal Venus in Aries. Still, Venus rules beauty, self-worth, and happiness and through expressing these individual qualities she feels more beautiful. I looked on Astrodatabank for Rihanna’s chart and they don’t even have the star’s birth chart, so it doesn’t seem likely there is any birth time available for the Barbados singer.

The web site Libra Rising is voting for a Leo or Sagittarius rising, so they are going for a fire ascendant. However, if she had an Aries Ascendant, it would put Venus in the 1st house in Aries and Pluto in Scorpio in the 8th house (taboos, abuse, and darkness). This chart is just pure speculation, and this exciting look could be inspired from the close vicinity of transiting Uranus edging closing to Venus in Aries. Rihanna has had an eventful couple of years in the public eye. The domestic abuse which occurred early in 2009 happened under the transit of Pluto over the singer’s Mars, Saturn, and Uranus conjunction in Capricorn. Rihanna’s personal will and assertion (Mars) is sometimes thwarted and controlled (Saturn), but her rebellious, original and wilful side (Uranus), breaks away from controlling forces.

Capricorn energy represents self-achievement, sufficiency and mastery. The transit of Pluto over Mars is often violent in expression and so themes of abuse, aggressive and dangerous situations may be prevalent. It can also represent a darker (Pluto) sexuality (Mars) coming through, as we have seen on her previous album, Rated R. When transiting Pluto passes over Saturn it signifies a feeling of powerlessness, stressful conditions, and external pressure. I have seen this contact in charts when some form of bullying has occurred in the individual’s life, it can be through a partner, boss, neighbours, siblings, companies, or colleagues. The house/s need to be assessed to see where this will happen.

I don’t consider myself a blindly optimistic astrologer, and sometimes there isn’t much one can do under such transits. All you can do is learn how to weather the storm, until it dies down, but it can put an individual under a tremendous amount of burden. Only afterwards can we see the positive benefits of such change. I have known very few people who welcome such transits with open arms, but the task at hand is to transform ambitions and goals. Pluto transits force growth upon the individual and they often signify irrevocable change.

Rihanna’s chart has many planets placed in the cardinal signs (Aries and Capricorn) and so when both transiting Uranus and Pluto enter the cardinal signs (Uranus in Aries and Pluto in Capricorn) it represents both revolutionary progression and transformation in her life, but especially in relationships. Rihanna's inner resources and feelings of self –worth, happiness and empowerment are affected. An exciting energy is running through her close relationships when transiting Uranus conjuncts Venus in Aries, so there will be sudden attractions and new innovative partnerships happening in her life at this point, and this energy will be at its most active from the beginning of 2013.

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.

Diana's Legacy

I thought it might be interesting to have a look at the transits at the time of Prince William’s and Kate Middleton’s engagement announcement and future wedding in his mother’s, Diana’s chart. As we all know Kate is wearing the ring of his deceased mum. According to the Prince he wanted to honour his mother’s memory and involve her in the wedding. At the time the engagement was announced transiting Chiron and Neptune was forming an almost exact square to Venus in Taurus in the 5th house. Romance and children fall in the 5th house; often it represents the need to re-create one’s own sense of specialness through children and love affairs. When Neptune squares Venus it is indicative of over-idealistic and highly romantic periods in life.

Coupled with this, transiting Pluto in Capricorn is in Diana’s 1st house opposing both her natal Sun and Mercury in Cancer in the seventh house of relationships. I think this is a powerful indicator for family tradition and family legacy in the life of the individual (Pluto). Diana’s son (Sun) is experiencing massive changes (Pluto) in his personal life, with marriage and of course his increased level of social exposure by taking a more powerful role in the royal family through marriage (7th). On the day of the wedding, transiting Saturn (serious commitment) retrogrades back into Virgo and trines Diana’s Venus (relationship) in Taurus in the 5th house (children). At this time, her son William is making a big commitment in a relationship. Obviously there is some strong debate over whether the deceased chart is still affected by transits, but on the evidence of Diana’s transits at the time of her son’s engagement and marriage, it would suggest that the natal chart is still influenced and reflective of current events even after death.

John Lennon: Imagine

Imagine was released in 1971, it is ranked as the 3rd greatest song of all time by Rolling Stone. The natal chart of John Lennon speaks volumes about why this song was written and why he believed it was as good as anything else that was produced by the Beatles. The song was inspired by a poem written in Yoko Ono’s 1964 book Grapefruit. John believed that we are all one country, religion, and one people. Lennon had his chart ruler Mars in Libra conjunct Neptune in Virgo. Neptune represents the principle of dissolving boundaries and it is often boundaries between countries that separate and even define us all as separate nations. The planet is also characterised by its boundless sympathy and is representative of inspired artists, talented actors and actresses, musicians, poets, addicts, idealization, dreaming and dissolution. Mars in Libra expresses their personal drive in a civilized and ethical cooperative manner and works best involved in partnership or group activities. The Mars- Neptune conjunction fights for non-violence and represents the archetypal spiritual warrior. Conversely, its not that all person’s with Mars aspecting Neptune are all non-violent, sometimes anger spills out everywhere, and the feeling of impotence and weakness, often reveals anger that is expressed unconsciously, and in an indirect or deceptive manner. Lennon experimented with LSD which according to his biographer brought him close to erasing (Neptune) his identity (Mars). The transits in 1971 when the album was released, show that Pluto was conjunct his Mars-Neptune conjunction creating extreme and intensified feelings towards his spiritual goals and evolution.

John’s murder in 1980 occurred under the mundane Jupiter-Saturn conjunction in Libra. I talked about the conjunction regarding the marriage between Prince Charles and Lady Diana; it represented social economics and a peaceful worldview. It seems contradictory that I would be talking about the murder of John Lennon under the same conjunction. However, following his death, Imagine re-entered the chart at number one for four weeks. Thousands of people paid their respects to him and his values of peace and love. Transiting Pluto in Libra was also conjunct John’s Sun on the Descendant (others). Pluto transits can attract obsessive types, stalking and destructive individuals, it is also indicative of personal transformation in behaviour and lifestyle, ego death and massive changes. The individual may also be involved in power-struggles with men, who are jealous, manipulative and power-hungry.

Delta Goodrem

One of my favourite albums is by Delta Goodrem, called Mistaken Identity. I can identify with nearly every song on the record. The singer was born in Australia and starred in the popular television series Neighbours as Nina Tucker. Delta’s debut album Innocent Eyes holds the highest selling record of the last decade, and she has been successful in both Australia and the U.K.

Delta showed an interest in music and performance from a young age, and as well as singing she also plays the piano, too. Natally she has a Venus-Neptune conjunction in Sagittarius and a whole stellium of planets in that sign. The feeling life is hopeful, philosophical and expansive, with strong romantic idealism in relationships, this person believes in the fairytale. Venus-Neptune types usually excel in the arts, music and photography, moreover, people with these contacts are inspired by beauty and peace.

At Aged 15 she signed a record deal with Sony, but the singer's earlier songs failed to chart successfully, however, after gaining a role in Neighbours it re-launched her career. On the 8th of July 2003, at the age of 18, Delta was diagnosed with a form of cancer that attacks the immune system. The singer was forced to quit all work commitments while receiving treatment and she revealed in an interview that her body had been giving warning signs. The symptoms included a head to toe rash, weight loss, night sweats, and the appearance of a lump in her neck. Delta has Sun conjunct Saturn in Scorpio, and this is a heavy, dark, serious and intense aspect. The Sun-Saturn contact describes a cautious, hardworking, and controlled individual, and this person knows the value of hard-earned accomplishments.

All Scorpio placements face some kind of life and death struggle and look at life’s underside. Psychologically speaking, they “die” and are “born again” throughout life. Astrologers refer to Scorpio planets, 8th house placements and strong Pluto contacts as packing several lifetimes into one. Delta has strength, will power and an unlimited source of power. However, she has been forced to face a particularly difficult ordeal. Above all else, Scorpio's reemerge more vital than before after life-changing events. When undergoing very deep and soulful journeys they learn to appreciate life and aim to live it in a rich and fulfilling way.  Coupled with her Scorpio conjunction, she has a Mars square Pluto contact that is often found in the charts of those with strong survival instincts.

“ Perhaps there is such a strong survival instinct with this combination, people with it often have a tremendous resistance to colds, but I have seen charts of Aids and cancer sufferers with tight Mars-Pluto contacts. In such cases the individuals are learning that they have a life-threatening disease, have exerted themselves not only to survive but to reach their peak of physical fitness. Others have used the experience to penetrate the workings of their psyche and transform their lives. Even Mars-Pluto people whose lives are not threatened will often react to situations as if they were.” Sue Tompkins, Aspects in Astrology

When Goodrem was diagnosed with Cancer, transiting Neptune squared her Sun-Saturn conjunction in Scorpio. Transiting Neptune to the Sun can bring confusion around one’s identity and a period of self-doubt and disorientation. Health problems can surface under hard aspects and general feelings of being lost, frustrated and disillusioned also accompany the contact. The Mistaken Identity album was recorded when she returned back to work in 2004, after the cancer went into remission.

The album contained deeper and darker lyrics than those found on her debut. Extraordinary Day is about the day she was diagnosed with Cancer. Last Night on Earth is a song about death and love. The Analyst is about the hours spent in self-analysis. Be strong is a song about hanging in there and keeping it together. Some of the other  lyrics talk about emotional suicide and monsters crawling in her bed, reflecting the darker side that she struggled to overcome. Delta also met her fiancé, Brian McFadden, while recording a duet called Almost Here. The singer had transiting Pluto conjunct her natal Venus signifying an intense love relationship (Venus) and one that she had begun under a great crisis (Pluto) in her life.

Royal Wedding Part 2

I want Kate's hair, very gorgeous.

I thought I would say something about the engagement between Prince William and Kate Middleton. I think its kind of strange with the timing. I had written a previous post on the Jupiter-Saturn conjunction in Libra and the Charles and Diana, Royal Wedding. The next marriage to take place, if they marry in the Spring of next year will be 30 years later and under the Jupiter-Saturn opposition. However, if they marry in the Summer the opposition will have passed, and they will have messed up my astrological analysis. So I do hope there is a Spring wedding, for both their sakes ;-p. Both William and Kate are approaching their Saturn Return, too. Transiting Saturn in Libra has been triggering the past Jupiter-Saturn in Libra conjunction in 1981, it has been in close range for some time. Its strange how the cycles of time over-lap and create new events from the ashes of the old. Saturn in Libra, signifies that its time to commit, take relationships seriously and plan ahead. I hope it turns out to be a happier marriage than the one between his parents, but it's nice to see him happy. A Saturn Return on the mundane level and for this couple.

John Travolta's Horoscope

John Travolta is an actor that has starred in Grease, Pulp Fiction, Look who’s Talking and Face-Off. John’s father was an American footballer turned salesman, and his mother was an actress and drama teacher. The youngest of six children, he began dancing at an early age, making his acting debut at the age of 12. The actor has been described as electrical, intense and magnetic. I always thought John was a Scorpion, but he actually has Sun in Aquarius. However, he does have Sun in the 8th house opposite Pluto, this gives him some powerful Scorpio energy in his chart. Sun-Pluto aspects are characteristic of someone who has a powerful presence and they are often exposed to the darker sides of society. The type usually has a strong will-power, but they can sometimes feel dominated by outside forces. The life is often coloured with drama, crisis, and troubled relationships. Sue Tompkins says, “ There is a decision at some point in the life to live or die, and en-route that decision, many will undergo despair and self-destructive episodes and have to deal with their (usually) markedly poor-self image.“

Comparatively, John Travolta has experienced immensely painful and heartbreaking events over the course of his life. The star was involved with actress Diana Hyland, whom he met filming The Boy in the Plastic Bubble, the relationship ended when she died of breast Cancer in 1977. During this time transiting Saturn squared John's natal Saturn in Scorpio in the 4th house. This can represent a frustrating period in his life, with adversity, fears and a time when when long-term stability and security is reassessed. Sometimes the individual is burdened with more responsibility. The fourth house square makes him painfully aware of loss of security in early childhood and reliance on loved ones. Natally, Saturn in the fourth house also signifies deep responsibility, heavy burdens and family duties. Transiting Pluto was conjunct his fourth house cusp indicating a death in the environment. The following year while these transits were active his mother died.

“Some of the major changes involve family and home. I have seen clients lose a parent as Pluto conjuncted the fourth-house cusp. Old issues from the past surface to be resolved and I have seen clients get emotional illness at this time” By Carol Rushman

In 1991 he married Kelly Preston and they had a son named Jett and daughter, Ella. In January 2009, John’s son died after hitting his head in the bath at the family’s home. Jett was rumoured to suffer from autism and had a history of seizures. The star was left devastated after burying his son. John did everything in his power to revive him and he shared a very close relationship with him. At the time of his son's seizure, transiting Uranus was opposite his natal Moon indicating change, disruption (Uranus) and disturbing emotional states (Moon). My ex-partner has unaspected Mercury in Pisces and he has an autistic brother. In John’s chart, transiting Uranus was conjunct his natal Mercury in Pisces and this can be a high-wired combination that relates to nervous tension and mental overload. Transiting Neptune had entered his 8th house in orb of a conjunction to his Sun. The eighth house rules death, crisis and change. Sun-Neptune contacts can indicate the loss (Neptune) of a male (Sun) figure.

Megan Fox

Megan Fox is an American model and film actress. The star is most recognised for the movie Transformers, as the lead female character. It has been described as her ‘breakout role’ and rightly so. In 2007, when the dark haired beauty was cast as Mikaela Banes, transiting Jupiter was conjunct Uranus in Sagittarius. The contact between these two planets often signifies ‘lucky breaks’ and sudden unexpected opportunities. Transformers was a massive box office hit, and I do admit to liking this movie. I thought it might have been too much of a ‘boys’ film, but it turned out to be entertaining and fun to watch. Fox has admitted that she was bullied at school by other girls, and it was not because of her looks, but the fact that she got along with boys better. Megan was born with the Sun in the sensual and artistic sign of Taurus, and it indicates that the actress works steadily and slowly towards her goals. The Sun is trine Mars in Capricorn (exalted) and she does say that she has an assertive personality. Usually Sun-Mars contacts tend to be leaders rather than followers, assertive, and they usually go after what they want in life. Unless the chart strongly conflicts with these statements, there is usually great ambition and competitiveness here too. The individual is often proud of their courage, daring and zeal.

On the set of transformers it has been rumoured that she is a difficult actress to work with and that she is rude and inconsiderate of other people‘s feelings. The star has admitted that she can be vulnerable and has suffered from low self- esteem, but that she can also be aggressive, domineering and selfish. Megan has said that she doesn’t trust females in Hollywood and finds the whole business too competitive, and she has also admitted to being bisexual. Fox has Venus in the curious sign of Gemini opposite Uranus. Ordinarily, Venus-Uranus is attracted to unusual people, or they value free love. This person often has magnetic attractions to different people, but there is a tremendous need for space and freedom in relationships. Astrologer Sue Tompkins says, “Neither are they likely to be offended by same-sex relationships or relationships which are usually seen as unconventional or ‘different for some reason. Venus-Uranus likes to keep their options open. Commonly, they choose people they don't have to be with on a ‘round the clock’ basis. As well as a desire for freedom there is also a strong need for excitement.”

Joaquin Phoenix Horoscope

Actor, Joaquin Phoenix, has always been such a fascinating man to watch. The actor is not your standard, carbon cut out of what society defines as handsome, but there is something compelling about him. Most people tend to remember him in the movie, Space Camp. Usually, he is typecast or drawn to characters that are dark, brooding and conflicted. It might not come as a surprise that he has Sun, Venus and Mars all in the intensive and emotional sign of Scorpio.

Joaquin was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico. And he is known for his work as a social activist and advocates for animal rights. Phoenix’s mother and father joined the cult of God and travelled with the family throughout South America, but after becoming disillusioned with the cult, the family left and renamed themselves ‘Phoenix’, representing their re-birth and new beginning.

Joaquin’s brother, River Phoenix, suffered an overdose on the 31st October 1993. The call that he made to the police was aired all over television, which resulted in unwanted press intrusion into his private life, and led to the star's retreat from the spotlight. During this time, transiting Jupiter was conjunct natal Uranus. I have known several cases where this contact has been indicative of lucky breaks and greater freedom in one’s career, and personal life. However, sometimes the individual acts out rebelliously, carelessly or recklessly. Jupiter also triggers his natal Mars square Saturn, which is a difficult and frustrating aspect. Transiting Saturn at 23 Aquarius was in orb to begin a series of trines to Mercury and Uranus in Libra, and squares (challenging) to Sun, Venus and Mars in Scorpio. Scorpio planets are full of self-destruction, stillness‘, death and these types are like a deep simmering volcano, there is a quiet power to this sign. They are filled with self-determination and pride and they are remarkably tough. I believe these heavy transits may possibly reflect the shocking (Uranus) event involving his brother (Mercury) and his sudden death. A year after his brother’s death he reluctantly returned to acting.

Phoenix has an exact Mercury-Uranus conjunction in Libra. The actor is well known for his social activism (Uranus) and particularly for his interest and campaigns for the United States Department of Peace (Libra). The star has battled addiction problems and checked into a rehab centre in 2005. In 2006, while driving down a winding road, he crashed due to brake problems. The star had transiting Uranus conjunct Jupiter, reflecting a time of recklessness and carelessness. However, I feel ‘accidents’ can also act like ‘wake up calls‘, especially when Uranus is involved, and they sometimes force psychological breakthroughs. Transiting Saturn had been making a series of squares to his Scorpio stellium over the last couple of years before the accident. It wouldn’t be hard to predict that this was the time that his spate of deep depression was triggered, right before the road accident. At the time of the accident a man appeared and saved him form lighting a cigarette while gas was leaking in the car. In some respects he was 'fortunate' under the contact between Jupiter and Uranus.

A few months ago, I watched him in the movie Two Lovers and I thought he was outstanding in this role. The film begins with him ready to jump off the pier in an attempted suicide. We find out that this isn’t the first time he has tried to kill himself. The film evolves into a tragic love story; it also has a depressive and melancholic feeling. It was slow paced and needed a good jump-start now and again. Yet, I only continued with the film, because I was so convinced by Joaquin’s role in the movie.

Supernatural

I absolutely love the Supernatural series; it’s so well written, produced and acted. The storylines are fantastic and there is always an element of humour thrown in the show that is paralleled with its darker themes. The show was created by Eric Kripike, and debuted on September 13th 2005. Supernatural follows two Winchester brothers Sam (Jared Padlecki) and Dean (Jenson Ackles) on the hunt for demons and other paranormal figures. The Winchester's own family history contains demons from the past, death, secrets and revenge. The tale also draws its inspiration from the Winchester Mystery House. The mansion is reported to be haunted and it was once the residence of Sarah Winchester. The whole story behind the spooky house reeks of 8th house mystery and drama. Astrologically, the 8th house is a ‘hidden’ house and represents the deeper aspects of the psyche that do not lend themselves easily to the conscious mind. Thus we have transformation, ego-death and irrevocable change. Family demons and curses are often signified in the eighth house of the chart. It also rules sex and death, family legacies, wills, and the ’possessions’ of others. It describes what we have inherited in a psychological sense from our parents. Howard Sasportas says, “The ruins of childhood are often excavated in the Eighth house”. After the deaths of her daughter and her young husband, Sarah Winchester contacted a psychic. The Medium believed that there was a curse on the family because the guns they made had taken so many lives. The psychic believed that thousands of spirits were now taking vengeance. Sarah was convinced that spirits would kill her if she completed the building work on her home.

The creator of the show, Eric Kripike, has always been interested in urban legends since he was a child. Eric’s horoscope contains a Mars-Saturn conjunction in Cancer square Pluto. The violence portrayed throughout the series, fighting (Mars) possessed and demonic forces (Pluto) reflect in his nativity. The Director uses his energy quite creatively. Strong contacts between Mars and Saturn frequently test physical and emotional endurance. Lessons around courage, control and discipline are symbolised by these two planets. Often the individual feels dominated by outside forces and they sometimes subject themselves to enormous physical tests of strength. One of the key phrases for a Mars-Pluto contact is ‘fighting for survival‘, it also contends with buried rage. Frequently there is an early experience with violence, and the combination can be associated with extraordinary acts of courage in the face of annihilation. All Plutionian aspects deal with societal taboos in some form. Furthermore, with all this energy pointed at Cancer, we have an individual connected with a story that contains 8th house undertones of devils and curses on the family (4th sign). I understand that these shows are based on myths and imaginative story-telling. However, those with an emphasis in Scorpio, 8th house planets or Pluto aspects, will on some level, relate to themes of battling compulsions, inner demons, death, abuse and the darker aspects of human nature.

Astrologically, baby faced Sam (Jared) has planets in Cancer and was born under the heavy conjunction of Mars-Saturn-Pluto. This is a rather striking similarity to the shows creator's chart. The stunning, Dean, (Jenson Ackles) is a Pisces, with Sun, Mercury and Venus in the twelfth sign. Overall, this whole show has a water sign prominence. Dean also has Mars in Cancer square Pluto. The astrology for this show is in itself Supernatural with repeating themes running through all of their charts. I am a big fan of the show and I will be sad to see it end. I have enjoyed the relationship development with Sam and Dean, and the demons they battle, not only physically, but emotionally, mentally and psychologically.

Eminem's Horoscope

Controversial rapper, Eminem, celebrates his birthday today. The star has sold over 80 million records worldwide and he has had 13 number one singles. His real name is Marshall Bruce Mathers and he is the only child to Deborah Mathers. Eminem’s father abandoned the family when he was 18 months old, and he was raised in poverty with his mother. According to Billboard Magazine he used his musical career as a way to escape his unhappy life. By 1999, he released his first major studio album, The Slim Shady LP. The album created some controversy surrounding its explicit lyrics. Astrologically, around the time of its release, transiting Saturn was opposing his natal Sun, and his focus was on achievement, life-goals and working hard. Transiting Uranus also trined Mars, signifying an energetic period filled with excitement and an experimental approach that worked well. The Marshall Mathers LP was released in 2000, and it sold over 1.76 million copies in its first week. Transiting Saturn (status, career and achievement) trined his North Node (life path) in Capricorn (self-sufficiency and material success) which helped him to achieve his future goals. With his south node in Cancer (dependency) he has been negatively and overly attached to his past.

The rapper is famous for his shock tactics,  four letter lyrics and is considered one of the most provocative, controversial rap artist in the music business. Eminem has both Sun and Mars conjunct revolutionary, Uranus. As a rule, Sun-Uranus contacts describe an artist who thrives on excitement and has a strong-willed and rebellious personality. Astrologers link the contact to intellectual brilliance in some natives, innovativeness and magnetic qualities, and powerful Uranus caspects often signify high creativity and originality. Conversely, Uranus is also known to be explosive when others try to repress and thwart his actions. Sun-Uranus is considered to be radical, rebellious, opinionated, stubborn and restless. Mars-Uranus is also impulsive and highly charged and so he can be prone to rash behaviour and hates any kind of restraint. Highly inventive and surprising he can be prone to going off like a fire-work when you least expect it… Eminem is famous for being out-spoken, revolutionary and abrupt. With both his Sun and Mars conjunct Uranus, the rapper fits my Uranian man profile.

Jeremy Kyle's Horoscope: Chat Show Host

Jeremy Kyle is a chat show presenter in England. I used to listen to him quite a few years ago on Jezza’s confessions. I had split up with my boyfriend at that time and was living in a 2 bedroom house alone, and the radio at night always helped me fall to sleep. I enjoyed listening to the various problems of the callers, but it was Jeremy Kyle’s particular, opinionated style of answers that proved to be compelling. The host often deeply sympathises with people, but at the same time he is realistic and offers a blunt and straight answer to their dilemma. In Late 2007, the radio personality was signed up and commissioned to do a talk show on ITV, called the Jeremy Kyle Show; it replaced Trisha Goddard, after disputes over pay. The new format of the show with a male presenter was an instant hit with viewers. However, it was his blunt confrontations with guests that spurred the show to big success in the U.K. Morning talk shows mostly draw in female viewers at home with children. I also think that the show attracts male viewers too because of its new style. Kyle also writes for a woman’s magazine offering the same brand of straightforward advice to his followers.

Astrologically Jeremy is a Cancerian, and there is usually an interest in the past and powerful need for emotional interaction with others. At university he studied History and sociology and was also drawn to media pursuits. Cancerians can be ambitious, they share the same polarity as goal-setting Capricorn, and sometimes both signs tend not reveal their goals until success is assured. Above all, Cancer needs to work in a field where there is plenty of human contact, and where he lives out his deep sense of traditional values and preserves family and community.

The Sun is part of a Grand Water Trine with Chiron, Saturn and Neptune. Many times Water Grand Trines are empathetic, sensitive, compassionate and healing people. However, Kyle has suffered from gambling addiction for years and he cleverly disguised his addiction and the amount of money that he was spending on his habit. Water trines are highly creative, emotionally sufficient, and often interested in psychology and healing techniques. Water Grand Trines also need escapism, protection, fusion, and they may withdraw emotionally. The trine involving Neptune suggests openness to the collective unconscious and sensitivity to feeling. The Saturn-Chiron conjunction in Pisces is only too aware of the flaws in human nature and it can create defensiveness, wounding and disappointment in emotional expectations. There is deep disillusionment and helplessness in the face of human misery. With such realism and wounding represented in Pisces, it appears that Kyle takes some of the emotional burden and responsibility for clearing up the mess (Pisces). With Chiron involved there may be the desire to cure (Chiron) the poison and ills of the world. The mythic image of Pisces is the redeemer who is also the victim. I am painting quite a fun picture of Kyle. I think you can see these elements in his personality quite clearly in his own fight against addiction and this ongoing struggle dealing with everyday people in similar messes.

Mars is in Libra, which is the most diplomatic place to be. On the show he does say phrases like: “to be fair” and “let’s get two sides of the story, before we judge” or “lets balance this situation out“. Mars in Libra is civilised and fair; it works best when actively involved with others. Kyle is not afraid of confrontation and has a quite a few battles on the show. Mars in Libra will battle over perceived injustice, and fight on behalf of others, which we do see regularly on the programme. Kyle’s goals are to “air” issues out, force co-operation and find a peaceful solution (Libra). His bluntness in speech and moralistic/judgemental approach in conversation is signified by his South Node in Sagittarius opposite his Jupiter and North Node in Gemini. Sagittarius is famous for its bluntness and coupled with Jupiter in Gemini (verbal) he needs intellectual challenge and needs to communicate knowledge to others. Debating ideas, media, writing and publishing (Jupiter in Gemini) are all things that he does quite naturally. The highest aspiration for Jupiter in Gemini is his mental exploration in life. He is a great communicator and always has something to say, and the Gemini-Sagittarius axis is not short of opinions!

Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake Composite Chart

The relationship between Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake was serious, intense and endearing. However, it ended painfully in 2002, when Justin discovered that his long-term romantic partner had cheated. The couple first met when they starred in the Mickey Mouse Club. It wasn’t until 1999, that the couple began dating and formed a serious relationship. I made a composite chart of the relationship which is based on the midpoints between two charts. We take the degree and minute of the Sun of one person and the degree and minute of the Sun  of the other, and we find the midpoint them; that gives us the composite Sun. We do the same for the rest of the planets and the Ascendant. Composite charts may contain configurations that don't appear in either nativities.  Although the composite chart won't tell us if someone will cheat on us, it will describe some of the challenging dynamics of a relationship. In this composite chart we see that the Sun is in Capricorn in the 4th house. In my article, Composite Sun in the Houses, I discussed how the Sun in the 4th house of a composite chart may signify a couple that share a similar background and have strong connections with family members. The couple met in early childhood (4th) and there are similarities between both families. After the break-up, Justin’s mother was devastated and said that she still had warm feelings towards Britney Spears:

Early in 1999, Timberlake began what eventually became a high-profile celebrity relationship with fellow pop singer Britney Spears, with whom he had worked on the New Mickey Mouse Club. This ended abruptly in March 2002, amidst tabloid press speculation on Spears' infidelity with choreographer Wade Robson, a mutual friend of Spears and Timberlake. Lynn Harless says as a mother she too was devastated regarding the break-up, but to this day speaks warmly of Spears, "Britney grew up on my living room floor. I still love her to death. They (Justin and Britney) were together 10 or 11 years and had, from day one, instant chemistry between them. She's a sweet girl. I just hate what she's going through now." The break-up influenced the lyrics and theme of Timberlake's hit "Cry Me A River", one of the most popular singles from Justified

When the couple first met in childhood, transiting Uranus was conjunct composite Venus in Capricorn in the 5th house, (entertainment) and sowed the seeds of their ‘potential’ relationship. The couple both have natal Venus square Pluto, therefore in the composite chart, Venus is square Pluto (exact). The composite chart is marked by powerful transformations and new depths (Pluto) to the relationship's inner values, pleasure and security (Venus). The couple may be prone to drama, crisis and compulsive patterns. Plutonian relationships always start off quite innocent and light, but usually some fate, trauma and life changing event, takes the relationship underground. The relationship is coloured by Capricorn, which is heavy, ambitious, and serious.

When the couple formed permanently, transiting Saturn trined the composite Sun (exact) and Ascendant in the earthy signs. Transiting Pluto formed an exact conjunction with natal Mars on the I.C. Powerful transits were activated showing both seriousness and commitment in the relationship and of irrevocable change (Mars-Pluto) that represented a new transformative cycle, driving the will and direction of the partnership in a new direction. A relationship based on friendship was now sexual (Mars). 

When it was revealed that Britney Spears had cheated with their mutual friend/dancer in March 2002, the relationship ended. Transiting Saturn was conjunct the composite M.C and opposed natal Mars at the I.C, showing frustration and limitations in the sexual drive of the couple, that affected the very foundations (I.C) of security in the relationship. Transiting Saturn formed a square to the mutable angles in the composite chart and is a powerful component in the chart because it disposits their stellium of planets in Capricorn and seemed to signify their separation. Britney had transiting Saturn opposite her natal Sun at the time of the separation. Transiting Uranus was conjunct Justin’s’ natal Mars in Aquarius on the cusp of his 7th house of relationships, describing the abrupt separation in his life and the shocking sexual (Mars) revelations (Uranus) that rocked the relationship (7th). Transiting Neptune was three degrees away from his Aquarian Sun. There are significant hits in the natal charts and composite chart at the beginning and end of this relationship.

Michael Douglas: Diagnosed with Cancer

I finally got around to looking at Michael Douglas' transits this morning. In mid August he was diagnosed with throat cancer and will undergo chemotherapy and radiation. When he appeared on the Letterman show he revealed the Cancer was at an advanced stage. Michael has particularly tough transits this year, transiting Pluto is conjunct his natal Moon - click here to read more about Pluto-Moon transits. Michael has a cardinal chart and the transits that astrologers have been writing about all year are heavily firing his horoscope. Natally he has a Moon-Saturn opposition and transiting Pluto is conjunct his natal Moon in Capricorn and the transit will complete its opposition to Pluto. Saturn-Pluto is an aspect that is prominent around death, endings and feeling that circumstances are out of our control. In some charts it can mean we are forced out of our job or we change careers completely.

Transiting Pluto also squares his Sun-Neptune conjunction in Libra and sets off his illness (Neptune). Pluto transits are an indication of permanent change; they bring upheaval, crisis and profound change. For some, Pluto transits can be a time when they have a baby, or start a particularly profound relationship (click to read about Angelina Jolie and her turbulent relationship with Billy Bob). Pluto transits are not all about death, but sometimes they do bring these issues upon us. Transiting Saturn squares his Moon and describes his emotional life at the moment. Fear and depression are critical issues around these transits. Transiting Saturn also conjuncts Neptune, and he is currently passing through a transit of Saturn square natal Saturn. This transit forces him to reassess his life. Transiting Saturn is conjunct his natal Mars and can represent angry frustration at his situation. And transiting Uranus is opposite his Sun and square his Moon.

The chart for the next year is hitting off a lot of heavy transits, its probably the most intense transit chart that I have seen for a while. I couldn't go into them all in great detail, but if your interested, you can check out his transits in full below:



Both Catherine and Douglas share the same birthday, obviously not in the same year, her husband is significantly older. However, Catherine's chart is heavy in the cardinal element, due her stellium in Libra. Transiting Saturn is in the middle of her cardinal stellium involving the Sun, Mercury, Jupiter and Uranus. Transiting Pluto is conjunct Mars in her first house, and this is a particularly challenging time as Pluto erupts violently in her personal life, bringing profound change, and transiting Pluto squares her natal Sun. Both the Sun and Mars are seen as the male figures in the birth chart. Life changing events, crisis and turmoil have entered her life involving her husband (Sun-Pluto). The transiting aspects are exact right now. Natally, Catherine has a Sun-Chiron opposition and this can represent unfair limitations (Chiron) in her relationships with men (Sun). Transiting Pluto is forming a t-square with Mars,Sun, and Chiron, setting of this extremely painful time in her life.

Since both Catherine and Michael share the same zodiacal degree of their Sun in Libra, they have Sun at 2 degrees in Libra in their composite chart. Transiting Pluto is square the composite Sun. So both their natal Sun's are squared by Pluto and the composite Sun. Transiting Saturn has been aspecting both their natal Sun's and composite. Transiting Uranus is square composite Chiron and opposite Mercury, Venus and Jupiter. This is a tough time for the relationship and hopefully they both transition through it together.

Angular Venus

Venusians can be charming, physically attractive and seductive. Venus conjunct the Asc, IC, DC, or MC, signifies a powerful urge to express this planet in life. Angular planets refer to the four corners of the chart, and planets that are conjunct these points are said to exercise a particularly strong influence over the horoscope. In Mythology, Venus represents the Goddess of Love, named Aphrodite. And she is not the maternal side of femininity, which nurtures and needs to belong with others. On the contrary, Venus seeks pleasure, self-satisfaction and a sense of self-value. Aphrodite doesn’t share herself with anyone and only partners with the gods that she desires. Venus has the power to make anyone, god, or mortal fall in love with her.

Aphrodite can become consumed with erotic longing and desires and she will enchant and seduce a lover with her power of attraction. Venus in a man’s chart signifies his own anima and describes the type of females that he is attracted to and who have that magic ‘pulling power’. Psychologically, Venus represents the need for emotional or material security and the need to feel desired and popular. One of Aphrodite’s extreme characteristics is her vanity, and this makes her highly competitive with other females, she can display jealousy and a certain callousness in her nature. The Goddess named Psyche was condemned to death by Aphrodite, when mortals began to speak of a beauty that rivalled that of the goddess herself.

Venus rules Taurus and Libra and represents the social aspects of her nature and sensuality. Libra is concerned with harmony, grace and the interplay of opposites. Venus’ rulership of Taurus describes self-worth, beauty and the physical senses. It is often said that Venus signifies a woman’s self-image. The urge for love and relationship is personified by Venus, and the choices we make in love often represent what we value the most. The expression of Venus can be seen in the way that we adorn ourselves, our personal taste and response to beauty.

Angelina Jolie

Angelina Jolie embodies Aphrodite, she has Venus in the 12th house conjunct the Ascendant. Angelina is attractive to others, but she may be unaware of her own beauty and hidden charms with Venus locked up inside the 12th house of her chart. Angelina seeks security (Cancer) in relationships (Venus) and needs a sense of emotional belonging, she could be a gentle, elusive type of romantic, but may show possessiveness towards loved ones. She is vulnerable to rejection and places deep importance on developing close and lasting bonds. With Venus in the 12th house, she desires to nurture those individuals who feel rejected or shut-off from society. There is often confusion and uncertainty (12th) regarding the expression of love, self-worth and value. Angelina Jolie might be unsure of the power of her own desirability, beauty and worth. Perhaps she has struggled for some time with her own sense of beauty. Venus is square Uranus and she needs freedom and excitement in relationships. If things become a little too boring, she can be a rebellious type of Aphrodite. Venus-Uranus in aspect can signify sudden changes and disruptions in the love life. Venus in Cancer needs to feel that she belongs (lunar expression); whereas Uranus seeks more unusual relating patterns and values the highest of ideals in relationships. The dark anima that we see in Jolie is indicated by her Moon in Aries opposite Pluto.

Pamela Anderson

Pamela Anderson has Venus conjunct her I.C in Leo. Anderson became famous for her part in Baywatch, and was chosen as playmate of the month, by Playboy magazine in 1990. Venus in Leo needs dramatic love affairs and often love is perceived as giving meaning to life. There can be a tendency to be in love with an ideal image. Venus in Leo can be generous and playful in romance. Pam’s Venus is square to Neptune; this frequently archetypes the saviour/martyr complex in relationships and she can attract all types of relationships from criminals, alcoholics, drug-dealers and invalids. Aphrodite's square to Neptune loses the ability to see relationships clearly. Pamela’s ex husband Tommy Lee, has been accused of beating Pamela in their marriage. The fantasy element of Neptune is powerful in her horoscope. Pamela is worshipped by millions of men worldwide, becoming one of their favourite pin-up's. Venus-Neptune relates to others compassionately and on the positive side, they can be attracted to musicians, artists, dreamers and they are always searching for a soulmate. With Venus in the 4th house there is the love of a good home (Venus in 4th home) and she would want her home environment to be as loving and fun as possible (Venus in Leo). Pamela has a warm and loving nature underneath and she may want to create a luxurious and beautiful home.

Glenn Close

Glenn Close has Venus conjunct her descendant in Aquarius opposite Pluto. Glenn is most famous for her role as Alex Forrest, in Fatal (Pluto) Attraction (Venus). The story is about a successful editor who has an affair with a married man. However, Alex’s mental instability makes it extremely difficulty for her to end the relationship with her lover. She becomes obsessed (Pluto) and even tries to kill her rival (his wife). It is interesting that Glenn Close was chosen to play the role of the stalking Aphrodite! Venus-Pluto can represent a kind of intensity that tries to force love on others and the aspect can alternate between extremes and she can be possessive, smothering, jealous and the relationship may have a ‘Till death do us part’ embodiment. Venus-Pluto also finds it difficult to forgive a lover when betrayed. And their Intensity can often be overwhelming to more detached types. Venus in Aquarius is friendly in love and enjoys social connections.Glenn Close also played evil lady villain, Cruella De Vil, and the revengeful Marquise de Merteuil, in Dangerous Liaisons.

Marilyn Monroe

Marilyn Monroe has Venus in Taurus conjunct the M.C and this placement can often represent the vocation. It is often how the public ‘views us‘. Venus trines her Neptune in the 1st house and she was the embodiment of men’s fantasies and was seen as highly desirable. The sensual (Taurus) beauty and idealism in relationships is a strong feature in her horoscope. You can see some of Aphrodite’s expression through these women. The Librian aspect of Venus, reveal that these woman are not only beautiful and attractive, but Aphrodite is intellectual, she uses her strategic skills to get what she desires and this can be through self-adornment or the clever and articulate use of charm. Venus in her negative expression signifies vanity, self-absorption, laziness and so forth. However, to get away with it, she is often charming to a fault! It was interesting writing this post and observing that three of these pin-ups have a Venus-Neptune-twelfth house connection. Look to Venus in your own chart to understand what you find attractive in others and if challenged, perhaps you find it difficult to see yourself as beautiful and worthy of such admiration.

Phil Spector

The Murder of Lana Clarkson

Phil Spector is an American Songwriter and producer; he was in the music business from 1953 and worked with artists such as the Beatles and the Ramones. His personality was sometimes described as reclusive and withdrawn. After a particularly violent car crash in 1974, he suffered serious head injuries, and needed over 300 stitches to his face and over 400 to the back of his head. Spector reporter that his mental health was not stable and that he had bipolar and considered himself relatively insane. In 2003, actress Lana Clarkson was found dead and killed by gun in Spector’s home. Yet, the music producer claimed that it was an “accidental suicide” and that she kissed the gun. The trial began in 2007, (4 years after the actress’s death) and the judge allowed the trial to be televised. At the start of the trial the defence was accused of hiding crucial evidence and the judge declared a mistrial because the jury was hung.

His father committed suicide when Phil was still only a child. Ben Spector, parked his car a few blocks away from the family home and poisoned himself with carbon monoxide, after his death the family moved away. Scientists have conducted various studies to understand if depression is inherited and some conclude that it does indeed run in families, whilst others firmly believe there is no connection. According to the astrology, Phil, has inherited his father’s depression and is predisposed to introspective brooding and a serious nature. 

Dynamics of the Unconscious by Liz Greene and Howard Sasportas, is an excellent book detailing depression. In Part Two, astrologer Liz Greene looks at the astrological significations that may lean towards depression in the natal chart.

I will now make a sweeping generalisation, but sweeping though it is, I think it is valid. There are two astrological signs which are inherently prone to depression - Scorpio and Capricorn. These signs tend to express their problems through a symbol of depression because depression in a strange way serves their purposes. Capricorn favours depression over other expressions of inner conflict because depression serve’s Capricorn’s inherent sense of guilt. It is a good vindication of what a miserable lot it is to be alive anyway, and what a wretched place the world is, and what a thoroughly appalling person one is oneself. Scorpio favours depression because it is an excellent and effective form of expressing vindictive anger while remaining blameless in the eyes of others; and also depression keeps others out. One can nurse one’s wounds in privacy.

Phil Spector’s Sun (father) is in Scorpio’s house (8th) which is also known as the house of “death” and is placed in the sign of Capricorn. The Sun is in a dark place in this sector of the chart and it shows an ambitious, hard working nature, early hardship and self-sufficiency (Capricorn). The 8th house Sun reveals a resourceful, powerful and secretive self. Capricorn tends to mistrust life and the sign is prone to isolation, loneliness and depression. Saturn and Pluto the rulers of the aforementioned sign/house are in square to one another. Phil Spector is a suspicious and mistrustful character and the contact often carries a feeling of persecution, there are lessons in survival and resourcefulness, but it can sometimes show anxiety, fears and phobias and an attempt to control the environment.

The Sun in the 8th house rules the inheritance from the father, suggesting that he has “inherited” his father’s depression and is fighting the same demons that tormented him until his death. Astrologer Sue Tompkins describes this placement as having a strong “psychic” tie with the father. The Sun is also square to a 5th house Neptune, showing a creative and artistic nature, the adoption of his children (5th) and the longing to be somebody special/famous. It also describes escapist tendencies and seeing his father (Sun) as a victim in life (Neptune). Gases and poisons are ruled by Neptune and describes his father’s death. Although not all charts are always this descriptive. The Sun is also square to Jupiter in Aries, symbolising confidence and potency but it tends to inflate his personality and he can also deflate. Growth and opportunity to expand (Jupiter) his contacts (11th) and an enterprising leader that sets trends in his field, is also reflected in this placement.

Spector was born with Gemini rising (media, communication, and writing) with chart ruler Mercury in detriment in Sagittarius in the 7th house (expansive, travel, LOTS of contacts). Mercury is square to Mars in Pisces (mutable) and astrologer Charles Carter says that mutable signs around the 22nd degree and hard Mercury-Mars contacts are often linked to mental illness. The Moon is in its own sign of Cancer describing a protective nature. The Moon is in the 2nd house of possessions, ownership and inner resources. The need to feel secure is a powerful feature in this natal chart. The Moon and Cancer represent emotional connections and feelings that make an individual feel secure and the 2nd house relates to physical objects for a sense of safety.The combination can signify deep feelings of insecurity. Venus is in tight, fixed opposition to Pluto showing challenges in love regarding possessions, resources, power and control. Spector has unhealthy relating patterns, and is extremely jealous and possessive of his mates.

Major Life Events

Phil Spectors car accident happened during Pluto’s transit in Libra in his 5th house square to his Sun in Capricorn in the 8th house. Apparently he was close to death and his heart beat was extremely faint. Pluto transits are common at the time of trauma and life changing events. The event would have been particularly haunting in retrospect to his father’s death (Sun in 8th) and may have brought up some painful memories and possibly triggered the descent into depression.

At the time of Lara Clarkson's murder on the 3rd of February 2003, transiting Saturn was square to Mars:

“Because he uses excessive force to try to overcome his unsuccessful efforts, he may antagonize others and start fights and arguments. Worse than this, he may cause accidents and mishaps. The person should be very careful with machinery, appliances, tools, automobiles, and other mechanical devices. It is an especially dangerous time to handle guns, weapons or any form of artillery." By James Braha

Astrologically Mars-Saturn is considered to be a violent combination or simply a time when one’s actions meet with resistance and blockages and therefore it can be an extremely frustrating time. Transiting Pluto which was opposite Saturn also squared natal Mars:

“This difficult transit can bring arguments, accidents and violence. The person takes risks without thinking and does not realize he is in danger. He should avoid criminals and hostile person’s during the several years of this period. He reacts with anger, rage, or fierce competitiveness. The person’s sex drive increases tremendously. He must, however beware of forcing attention on uninterested or unwilling partners. It is an especially poor time for love relationships. The person or his mate acts wilful, harsh, or cruel.” By James Braha

I have observed a lot of meltdowns during a Mars-Pluto transit, suppressed anger explodes with an episode of sudden violence or self-destructiveness. The transits at the time Spector was finally convicted of murdering Lana shows transiting Saturn conjunct his I.C and squaring ALL of his angles. Usually Saturn transits mark a time when our karmic bill is due and we have to meet the consequences of our past actions. It rules time, limitation and frustration. Transiting Saturn also formed a square his chart ruler Mercury in Sagittarius/7th house. His legal affairs (7th) didn’t go well and perhaps it predicts he would be disappointed with the outcome. Transiting Uranus was also conjunct his natal Mars in the 11th house - and he is literally fighting (Mars) for his freedom (Uranus). Transiting Pluto was conjunct his Sun in Capricorn in the 8th house and reflects another drastic change in fortune and  he is entrenched in very deep and troubled water (Pluto in 8th house) and the events are out of his control. Phil Spector’s inner conflicts were unresolved and he is now left to suffer in his own personal hell. 

Touted as a creative genius in his heyday, Spector's notorious inner demons gradually got the better of him. Creativity and evil live in close quarters in artists like Spector. In his case, evil eventually won out. On Monday, the jury convicted Phil Spector of second degree murder. Based on my limited knowledge of the evidence, I believe that Lana Clarkson's death was probably accidental. It seems likely, given his reported reckless behavioural history, that when Clarkson rejected his sexual advances and tried to leave, Spector angrily and characteristically drew his pistol in a dramatic, machismo effort to have her stay, sticking it right in her face. Only this time, the gun went off. And the so-called mad genius of rock music may spend the remainder of his colourful life behind bars, in some ways a tragic victim of his demons: childhood inferiority feelings, narcissistic rage, compensatory grandiosity, bitterness, alcohol abuse, drivenness, and his dangerous daimonic genius--the roots of which he never really consciously confronted, accepted, comprehended or came to terms with. By Stephen Diamond

Britney Spears: Pluto and Abuse Allegations

Pluto transits: Accusations of sexual harassment and abusing children.

Britney Spears is facing a new crisis regarding claims by her former bodyguard, Fernando Flores. The allegations state that she sexually harassed him and that he witnessed her abusing the children. A lawsuit has been filed against the star by her former companion. The Department of Children and Family Services conducted a proper investigation surrounding Flores accusations and quickly closed the case without further action. Flore has claimed that Britney exposed herself to him several times and made unwanted sexual advances towards him.

The event is perfectly timed astrologically; transiting Pluto in Capricorn (manipulation, abuse, and crisis) is currently aspecting ALL of her angles to the exact degree (Asc, Desc, I.C, and M.C). Pluto transits have a slower cycle and it has been a slow process transforming and uprooting her life completely. It has been one of the most difficult transits in Britney’s life so far. Pluto began with the breakdown of her marriage and divorce form Kevin Federline; she then shaved all her hair off in a quick bid for transformation and renewal. The singer attacked a car with a baseball bat, had a complete mental break down and the final blow was having her children taken away and full custody given to ex husband, Federline.

What is it about Pluto transits that bring such crisis and destruction in her personal life? Pluto transits bring upheaval, transforming and life changing events. Pluto tends to breakdown existing areas of security and it often involves power struggles with others. During a transit of Pluto we may meet people who try and manipulate us, blacken our character, reveal secrets or abuse us in some way. How Britney handles this next crisis will determine how far she has come and will test those developing survival instincts. Fernanado Flores could be described as a snake in the grass (Pluto symbol) with his vindictiveness, venomous, vengeful and sly nature. Britney also has to face her own inner demons, destructive rage and unresolved emotions from the past. Pluto arules buried treasure and in crisis we can find the spiritual and emotional “resources” to cope. Pluto often takes away our innocence, naivety and trust in life. We may have to face the darker side of human nature. We may also feel vulnerable and powerless during heavy duty Pluto transits and exposed to the seamier and murkier side of life. The types of individual’s we meet during Pluto transits could be described as Plutonian, someone who is ruthless, hateful and raging.

Transiting Pluto conjunct I.C affects her family, roots, father and early childhood. The accusations that she has hurt her own children are bound to be extremely painful. I would imagine she would feel insecure and unsure who to trust. Emotional confrontations are common and she has to be careful about the high toxic level in her environment. For her own protection, she will need to learn some key survival tools. Natally she has both Saturn and Pluto in the 1st house suggesting power and control issues and she resists attempts to be controlled by others. Venus in Capricorn is square Saturn and Pluto reflects some difficulties in relationships. Saturn-Pluto is a suspicious, mistrustful and powerfully dominating combination. The Pluto transit is bringing major upheaval to her sense of identify, (Asc) personal life (I.C) relationships with others (Dsc) and career (M.C).

Katoucha Niane: Astrology of Drowning

Katouche Niane was a French model nicknamed the Peul Princess she worked and authored books under the name “Katoucha”. As a child she was forced into exile after her father came under conflict with the Guinean President. She lived with her uncle in Mali, and at 17, married and had her first child. She has remained one of the best known models in France and recently worked as host of the television programme France’s Next Top Model.

Katouche lived in a houseboat on the Seine, near the Alexandra Bridge in Paris. On February 1, 2008, she returned to her houseboat from a party. This was the last time she was reportedly seen alive. On February 4, 2008, police opened a missing person’s case. Her purse was found untouched outside the door of the boat. Police believed that no foul play was involved and that she was likely intoxicated and fell into the Seine. Her body was found on February, 28, 2008. The 47-year old model is believed to have died from drowning.

I won’t colour the transit readings with any bias and I will quote the astrologers predictions for the event. No astrologer can predict the exact outcome of a transit and death cannot be predicted. However, the symbology of the planetary energy is present. I will refer only to the most relevant parts of the interpretation. The time of the drowning occurred under her Jupiter Return and transiting Jupiter was conjunct Sun and opposite Mars. See chart here for all the transits.

Sun-Jupiter "The person is overly expansive in judgement and may act spontaneously and impulsively. She forgets her limitations and thinks constantly of freedom and adventure. She may overextend herself in all areas of life. The person must be careful not to indulge in excessive food, drink or sensual pleasures." 

Mars- Jupiter: "Her ego expands and she lacks caution, moderation and restraint. The person’s judgment is affected by overpowering desires and she may behave impulsively and carelessly. The person has to be careful around machinery and explosives. Accidents are possible because the person is impatient and works too hurriedly."

Jupiter-Jupiter: Feelings of expansion increase and she is jovial, content, positive, and hopeful. She does things in a big way and is in danger of going overboard in her commitments because of idealism, self-satisfaction and confidence. The transit does not, of its own, cause a great deal to occur in the person’s outer world. If Jupiter is severely afflicted in the natal birth chart (she had Mars and Saturn aspecting natal Jupiter), then transiting Jupiter’s conjunction to natal Jupiter may only expand the inherent difficulties." James Braha, How To Predict Your Future, Secrets of Eastern and Western Astrology.

Saturn conjunct Pluto: "It defines investments, insurance, wills and joint finances, Assets and building estate. There can be a death in your environment and a definition of you personal power can be realised." Carol Rushman, Predictive Astrology

Neptune conjunct Venus: "We could find ourselves attracted to losers or victims, people who just can’t seem to get their lives together and look to us for emotional of financial support. Or we play the needy, weak one - the ailing hero or the damsel in distress - and look for a saviour to rescue us. However, the transiting square and opposition (and difficult aspected transiting conjunction) can ‘make’ us more gushy and sentimental than usual; we are so desperate for love and affection that we seek it anywhere we can find it, a situation could give rise to promiscuity or lack of discrimination in our choice of partners. The urge to transcend the mundane realities of life can also manifest itself in an inordinate amount of pleasure seeking, and frequently an over-indulgence in drugs and alcohol." Howard Sasportas. The God’s of Change

Anne Frank

The most famous diary of all time is Anne Frank‘s. She was 14-15 years old when she began writing in total confinement. The family were hiding from the Nazi’s and non-Jewish friends helped them to find shelter. The family were captured and died at a concentration camp. Anne’s father the only survivor returned and found his daughter’s diary.

The Diary of Anne Frank was turned into a stage play and transformed into a film. It was later published and translated all over the world and was part of high school education. Anne was acknowledged for the quality of her writing, and soviet writer llya Ehrenburg said: “one voice speaks for six million-the voice not of a sage or a poet but of an ordinary little girl.” The diary of Anne Frank has become a historic piece of writing.

The astrology may reveal why Anne was able to write so poignantly and honestly about the suffering of millions. Natally, Anne Frank has both Sun and Mercury in the sign of Gemini, this signifies a highly Mercurial and intellectual personality. Gemini’s need constant mental challenge and freedom to communicate. The purpose (Sun) of her young life was to report (Gemini) what was happening to the collective (11th). Gemini is good at picking up information and the Sun is opposite Saturn in Sagittarius. With a Sun-Saturn contact this could well be the chart of someone in a position of authority (Saturn) in the area of writing and teaching (Gem-Sag).

Uranus in Aries is conjoined the Midheaven - and Uranus rules insight, sudden realizations, freedom and public awareness. A powerful innovative quality was present and she was revolutionary and original. Anne had Moon conjunct Neptune and she has a deep sensitivity to the collective and feels their pain as if it were her own. Pluto in Cancer in the 12th house is a significant placement as it houses the collective shadow of abuse.



Tracy Marks is the twelfth house expert and here are her thoughts on Anne Frank‘s, Pluto in the house 12th house.

“Because your capacities for psychologically and physically healing yourself and others are truly remarkable. Your twelfth house Pluto indicates that your hidden resourcefulness is greater than that of the average person, who does not have such a reservoir of inner power to draw upon in times of stress. Another talent indicated by your twelfth house Pluto is your psychological perceptiveness. As a result you become capable of encountering shadow material. “

Excerpts from Anne Franks Diary:"I've reached the point where I hardly care whether I live or die. The world will keep on turning without me, and I can't do anything to change events anyway. I'll just let matters take their course and concentrate on studying and hope that everything will be all right in the end." - February 3, 1944

"...but the minute I was alone I knew I was going to cry my eyes out. I slid to the floor in my nightgown and began by saying my prayers, very fervently. Then I drew my knees to my chest, lay my head on my arms and cried, all huddled up on the bare floor. A loud sob brought me back down to earth..." - April 5, 1944

"It’s a wonder I haven’t abandoned all my ideals, they seem so absurd and impractical. Yet I cling to them because I still believe, in spite of everything, that people are truly good at heart.

It’s utterly impossible for me to build my life on a foundation of chaos, suffering and death. I see the world being slowly transformed into a wilderness, I hear the approaching thunder that, one day, will destroy us too, and I feel the suffering of millions. And yet, when I look up at the sky, I somehow feel that everything will change for the better, that this cruelty too shall end, that peace and tranquillity will return once more" - July 15, 1944

Romantic Triangles

The romantic triangle between Jen, Brad and Angelina is interesting. Both women share a Moon-Pluto hard contact. Jennifer has had a turbulent relationship with her mother, and fell out twice. The friends actress says, "One thing my parents marriage taught me--my mother, actually--is to be independent. She didn't have her own life, other than her kids, so when my dad left, she was devastated. "You have to have a career, a passion--a fallback position. "No matter how small or ugly, there is always something to be learned, if only to say, 'I forgive,' though, of course, you still have your moments of not forgetting." Jennifer says of living life with her ex-model mother, "I don't know if I would have known how beautiful she was if she wasn't always pointing out how unbeautiful I was."

Here is an astrological article by Liz Greene that explains the dynamics of the Eternal Triangle:

A triangle can be like a grand trine in a chart. The energy circles around and around; it flows back on itself and does not nourish anything else in one's life. Within triangles, all three people tend to project elements of themselves on each other. The triangle holds these projections in place, and there may be enormous resistance to change. We might even say that the triangle forms because there is resistance to change, so whatever is seeking expression from within is experienced through projection. When such a triangle breaks up, the projections come back home again. Psychic energy is released, whether it is through death or the voluntary relinquishing of someone. The timing of this is not accidental. In one or two or even all three parties, unconscious issues have finally reached a point where they can be integrated, even if this is expressed by simply letting it go. The moment we are able to do that, the projections begin to become conscious.

I do not believe real forgiving comes in any other way. It is a kind of grace. It cannot be created by an act of will. It is very sad to hear the Betrayed saying, "I forgive you", not because it is truly heartfelt, but in order to get the straying partner back again. Underneath there may be no forgiveness at all - although this may not be entirely conscious - and then the punishment can go on and on. Forgiveness can only come out of a recognition of one's collusion in the triangle - whatever one's role - and the taking back of one's projections. Before that, forgiveness is not really possible. It only seems to emerge out of something being genuinely integrated in oneself. The entire process is transformative. We cannot manufacture forgiveness if we have been betrayed - nor can we manufacture it for ourselves if we are the Betrayer. We can only work to integrate what belongs to our own souls.