Astro-insight: Mars, Chiron, Uranus – have courage and take risks

Astro-insight:
Today, Monday 24 October, as Mercury planet of short journeys changes sign, the break up of the migrant camp in Calais – better known as ’the Jungle’ begins. The first buses have recently left for Burgundy and the process of registering the poor souls who live here continues. The ‘Jungle’ has been a painful issue for Britain and France for a number of years, often dominating the headlines with stories of sexual exploitation, people trafficking and general concern (finally translated in action) for the unaccompanied children living there. The Sun and Mercury in Scorpio feels the right energy to employ for razing this camp to the ground. Neptune is a planet that seems to resonate strongly with the migrant crisis and the tragedy that continues to unfold around the Mediterranean sea. Mercury is trine Neptune on Sunday. The ‘Jungle’ has been a disgrace on our doorstep and I for one hope that whatever lies ahead, that the lives of the poor people who have etched out an existence here, improves.

Astro-insight:
The ongoing mutual reception between Venus in Sagittarius and Jupiter in Libra suggests a reciprocal, supportive relationship between these planets. The US Sibly horoscope has Sagittarius rising and Libra on the midheaven (i.e. the top dog position). As things stand – Hillary Clinton (Venus/woman/leader) seems to be charging ahead taking the country with her. As I mentioned last week, the only issue with such a strong mutual reception is the tendency to overreach. This is a highly ambitious planetary relationship. Venus is a peace loving planet but she is also connected to victory. I think Hillary Clinton’s advisors are wise to remind her not to be complacent.
However, as far as us mere mortals are concerned, we can and should push ahead with our long term plans. The Sun is conjunct Mercury on Thursday – which means that Jupiter will replace Mercury as the practical director, i.e. the planet that rises ahead of the Sun. This suggests a learning curve, as new things are emergent. Jupiter remains in this position until the Sun’s conjunction with Saturn on December 10th.

Astro-insight: Interesting too is the current shape of the planets. We now have a bowl configuration, which means all the planets (with the exception of the Moon of course) are to be found within 180 degrees. The rim of the bowl – is formed by the approaching opposition between Jupiter in Libra and Uranus in Aries. This opposition – when it comes into play (starts end Nov.) – will blow new life into the 2015 cardinal cross. There is a sense of ‘lack’ with this shape – since we symbolically only have half the story or half the truth. There is a sense that something is missing. As Pluto moves into the position of key planet in the approaching t-square – be prepared for some revelations. Pluto both exposes those in power – and shores up their position. It is and/and and not either/or. Some people will therefore appear to get ‘away with it’ – while for others ‘heads will roll’.

In the US horoscope – the entire right or Western half of the horoscope is empty with all the planets occupying the Eastern half of the chart. The country is very, very busy with itself right now.

Astro-insight:
Venus squares Neptune and sextiles Jupiter on Wednesday.

Far sighted Venus in Sagittarius seeks to untangle herself from commitments that are no longer satisfying to her. This might lead someone to tug at our sympathies. We therefore need to successfully negotiate the ‘poor me’, ‘help me out’, ‘don’t abandon me’ cries of  Neptune and instead focus on the positive energy flowing from the Venus/Jupiter reception. Neptune often translates as ‘drowning’ or ‘feeling swamped’ it is our task to rise symbolically above the fray. On Sunday Venus conjuncts Saturn which might in fact bring closure to a relationship issue that has been going on for some time. The main thing to remember with Venus/Saturn is that we need to take responsibility for decisions taken but not be afraid or reluctant to take them. Neptune can translate as weakness.

On Friday, Mars sextiles Chiron and goes on to square Uranus on Saturday. Chiron asks us to reflect on how we use aggression. It can be a positive trait that allows us to assert ourselves in ways that are beneficial to all concerned. Standing our ground can generate a new situation which affords those around us an opportunity to grow. Uranus is great game changer – and we are being asked here to change our approach. Uranus is currently ruled by Mars – so though it is a challenging square – with Mars in its sign of exaltation, Capricorn – this is a good moment to break the mould. We are being asked to have the courage to take a few risks. So on that final note…. dear readers … have a bold week…. Liz

 Liz Hathway is a Welsh astrologer currently based in Amsterdam. For information on Skype readings, email to: hathway77@gmail.com

Liz studied astrology at the Kosmos in Amsterdam, at the Faculty of Astrological Studies in London and with well known horary astrology John Frawley. Liz also holds an MA (with distinction) in Cultural Astronomy and Astrology, from the University of Wales, in Lampeter, and was short-listed for the 2016 Alumni Association MA CAA Dissertation Prize.