Ireland’s approaching presidential election appears to be in the same sinkhole as elsewhere with voter apathy about both contenders. Opinion polls give Catherine Connolly, an independent leftwing candidate, a wide lead over Heather Humphreys, who represents the ruling centre-right establishment. However, almost half of voters say they do not feel represented by either candidate, fuelling concern at a possible low turnout.

A roster of potential celebrity candidates – including the musician Bob Geldof, the dancer Michael Flatley and the former mixed martial arts champion Conor McGregor – had prompted curiosity but none received backing from four local councils, or 20 legislators, necessary for nomination.

Catherine Connolly, 12 July 1957, Galway, is a Sun Cancer Capricorn Moon with a flamboyant Leo stellium of Uranus, Mars, Venus trine Saturn in Sagittarius, with Pluto in Leo as well. Her Mercury in Cancer is in an evasive square to Neptune. Cancer will give her a nose for whatever is popular in the culture. Leo hints at a need for an audience. Her Saturn in knowledgeable and know-it-all Sagittarius trine her Uranus, Mars, Venus will tone down the flamboyance of Leo and leave her with a ready supply of opinions.  Her Jupiter in workmanlike Virgo does have her Solar Arc conjunct this year for a confidence high. Though tr Pluto may (birth time depending) be throwing a spanner in the works where one of her Mars midpoints are concerned until early December.   

  Heather Humphreys, 14 May 1963, Monaghan, Ireland, has a formidable Taurus Sun and Mercury sitting on the focal point of a Fixed T square to Mars in Leo opposition Saturn so fairly battened down and unbudgeable. She may have a Capricorn Moon.   She looks go ahead in 2026 and a couple of Jupiter midpoints willing her on at the moment.

  Neither of them are a great fit for the Ireland 1916 or 1949 charts.

Where are the politicians who inspire?

Japan’s first woman prime minister Sanae Takaichi has been sworn in by the emperor. Known as Japan’s “Iron Lady” she’s an  advocate of the policies of the late PM Shinzo Abe, which include higher government spending and tax breaks to cushion the rising cost of living.  Despite which Trump recently hailed her as a “highly respected person of great wisdom”. Her challenges will include fixing a sluggish economy, navigating a rocky US-Japan relationship, uniting a divided ruling party and handling China who dislike her pro-Taiwan stance.

 She was born 7 March 1961 in Nara, Japan, and has a Pisces Sun trine Neptune (Moon) in Scorpio which watery combination is very unlike Maggie Thatcher. But she does have her Pluto North Node sextile Mars which will give her courage and steely determination plus Jupiter Saturn in Capricorn square Venus in Aries so she won’t be backwards about pushing her causes.

   2026/27 look less than ideal for her with a panicky-failure tr Neptune Saturn square her Mars and a devastating and confused Solar Arc Pluto conjunct her Neptune.

 She was sworn in (around 12.30pm) today which gives an awkward yod of Sun inconjunct Saturn, Scheat, Neptune sextile Uranus which suggests it may take her administration time to find a focus. Though an energetic Jupiter trine Mars Mercury and opposition Pluto plus a determined Mars trine Saturn also points to a high vitality push to overcome obstacles no matter what arguments have to be shouted down.

  Japan, 11 February 1889 10.44am Tokyo, Japan, has its Solar Arc Venus opposition the Sun which hints it may not regard a women PM unfavourably though her Uranus also opposition the Japanese Sun does point to what a revolution it is in terms of the country’s culture.  Her relationship chart with Japan does indicate a high energy chemistry so she clearly means business. The Japan chart across this winter and through 2026 into 2027 has tr Uranus conjunct the Neptune in Taurus and Pluto in early Gemini so it is clearly facing a period of radical change.  

 The Bank of Japan chart, 10 October 1882, looks frustratingly stuck and trapped in 2026/27 with tr Pluto square the Mars with various other less than helpful Solar Arcs till 2028 so improvements may be slow to emerge.

 Her relationship with Trump and the USA with Japan both look pressured for two or three years ahead.

  Japan’s relationship with China will have ripples of uncertainty across the winter and feelings will run high through 2026. but nothing calamitous.

The “No Kings” protests across all 50 US states against President Trump’s authoritarian policies turned into one of the largest mass demonstrations of recent years. Speakers protested about the immigration crackdowns, domestic military deployments and efforts to go after critics and political opponents. People held signs like “Democracy not Monarchy” and “The Constitution is not optional”.

The organisers said the events, which drew nearly seven million people, were peaceful. The No Kings coalition has repeatedly underscored its commitment to nonviolent resistance, and tens of thousands of participants have trained on safety and de-escalation tactics.

 The first protest was on 14 June this year on Trump’s birthday with Mars in late Leo square Uranus in Taurus which clashes with his Mars in Leo. Tr Uranus was also hovering around his Midheaven applying pressure for a change of direction.

 Yesterday’s demos had tr Jupiter conjunct the Mars of the 2025 Inauguration chart which is significant – since that Mars is opposition Mercury and square the 6^th house Moon pointing to an angry populace which was always going to make its displeasure felt at some point. The tr North Node was also conjunct the Inauguration Venus Saturn conjunction in Pisces – which echoes Trump’s natal chart with its wounded and unloveable Saturn conjunct Venus.

  The first No Kings demos in June happened when the Inauguration Progressed Moon was within a degree of being square the Mars – so it is following a pattern.

  It’ll be a rough winter for this administration until the Progressed Moon moves passed the square to the 10^th house Inauguration Sun Pluto which will be March/April next year.

 Around the same time, April 2026, on the USA chart the Solar Arc Sun will square the Mars exactly which will coincide with at least a noisy clash or a major setback which feels like a collision.

 This is all part of the lengthy, chaotic phase from 2024 as the USA Solar Arc Saturn square Sun moved to hard aspect the USA Mars square Neptune. There is usually a major period of rolling crises when a Solar Arc configuration crashes into a natal one. This particular one won’t clear completely until late 2027 though after next spring it will be a Neptunian slide into indecision, dither and delay and trying to pick up the pieces.

 In addition on the USA chart in April 2026 tr Neptune will square the financial Venus and tr Saturn will square the USA Jupiter  – both of which point to disappointment on the money front as well as a confidence dent.

 Trump’s natal chart is so wreathed in Neptunian fog until 2027 that he will remain trapped in his fantasies if not outright hallucinations. His Solar Arc Neptune has been conjunct his Moon recently and is heading to oppose his Sun exactly in 8^th months though extending in influence into early 2027.

  Along the way he has his Solar Arc Midheaven conjunct his 12^th house Pluto now and on for several months which I have seen interpreted as giving him added power. Though it can also have a destructive effect and will tempt him even more than usual to wield control in underhand, shady ways.

 He also has tr Uranus square his Ascendant early November to late December this year and again for a final time in April 2026 – which suggests a sudden change in his image, not necessarily voluntary since Uranus can act like a thunderbolt.

  Tr Saturn will oppose his financial 2^nd house Neptune in April next year for a dash of uncertainty on the cash front with several other edgy midpoint transits at that point as well.

 It does rather fit with indications from his relationship with the USA.  Moments of uncertainty across this winter as tr Neptune Saturn square the DT/USA composite Neptune. But it will be tr Saturn in March followed by tr Neptune on April 2026 square the composite DT/USA Sun which will start a downhill slide, running into 2027. With widening differences after mid 2026 into 2027 with tr Uranus square the composite Saturn.

  Much to watch out for with the grassroots side of Neptune Saturn plus Pluto in Aquarius beginning to make its presence felt.

Finally finally and several years too late Prince Andrew has been defrocked of his titles, in a face-saving gesture made to look voluntary but almost certainly under immense pressure.

  The astrology has all been pored over in the past but there are points of note. The first is transiting Uranus exactly square his Pices Sun for the second time this year on the retrograde aspect – which is often the trigger for change. With more to come as tr Uranus will hard aspect his Sun/Pluto midpoint towards mid 2026 followed by tr Uranus square his Pluto from August 2026 into 2027 – which suggests more unwanted upheavals to come.

 The other is his yod of Saturn in socially-ambitious Capricorn in his 5^th house sextile Mercury in Pisces in his 8^th inconjunct an apex 1^st house Uranus sitting just below his Leo Ascendant. A less Uranian type would be hard to imagine with his Capricorn stellium and Leo Ascendant seemingly overwhelming any vestiges of revolutionary inclinations.

 And yet, a Uranus focal point yod especially in the 1^st house can point to a contrary, willful, rebellious and lawless temperament – a disruptor –  intolerant of social norms. Used well, he could have made a positive difference; used badly as is clearly the case here, his obstinate insistence on being free to act as he pleased led to unacceptable, anti-social behaviour – sexual and financial.  

  Such a yod hints that not only do fated changes of direction come for the individual but that they are also often the catalyst for change on the outside.  

  In his case it is clearly acting outwith his conscious control since otherwise he could have been a force for good and progressive change. But one wonders how much damage he has done to the monarchy, which admittedly in the past has survived Princess Margaet’s feckless lifestyle and the Duke of Windsor’s nazi leanings.

  His Uranus at 18 degrees Leo is almost exactly conjunct the Hanoverian Monarchy Leo Sun (1 August 1714); and conjunct the House of Windsor (17 July 1917) Black Moon also at 19 Leo. So he seems a potentially pivotal figure.

  One of the mysteries of Queen Elizabeth 11’s reign was her forgiving attitude towards Andrew as her supposed favourite son. His reckless Uranus was conjunct her forgiving and unrealistic 7^th house Neptune in Leo. And their relationship chart could not have been more Neptunian with a composite Sun opposition Moon Neptune. She sacrificed her life for the monarchy with her one blind spot being Andrew – he was her Achilles’ Heel. Neptune, the dream weaver, reality seen through a soft focus lens – an idealized image which avoided the truth.  Andrew’s natal Uranus was also hooked into their composite Venus opposition North Node – her affection at odds with the needs of the culture.

 King Charles’ Coronation chart, 6 May 2023 12.02pm with its 17 Leo Ascendant and 18 degree Uranus in Taurus in the 10^th conjunct Sun set out to be a monarchy of progressive change – and yet Andrew has become a wrecking ball in the machinery. His Uranus sits on the Coronation Ascendant, damaging its image.

  Playing with numbers always throws up odd coincidences but Andrew’s chart does seem unduly intertwined with key figures, for a disgraced and not noticeably talented or valuable member of the family.  The original Hanoverian chart, for the Germanic line of the Royals which replaced the House of Stuart when George 1 was crowned in 1714 – launched when Pluto was in early Virgo, exactly as is the case with Prince Andrew, with its Neptune in Taurus exactly opposition his Neptune in Scorpio – plus his Uranus conjunct the Hanoverian Sun.   

 It seems a stretch to imagine he might be the one to end the UK monarchy but the Hanoverian chart is certainly heading for stormy seas if not out an outright apocalyptic hurricane come the mid 2030s when some have predicted it might end with Prince William having been the last monarch. Which would be a bad outcome for the UK, made all the worse if it was precipitated in part by Andrew’s degenerate behaviour. And by the inability of the Royals to take action sooner.

Whatever happens the media will not be giving up with more to come from Virginia Giuffre’s posthumous memoir due out this week and the endless trail of Epstein info spilling out.

ADD ON: Both Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie have been dragged into the mess with previously unseen emails from Epstein revealing that Fergie was so desperate to cosy up to him that ‘she was the first to celebrate’ his release from jail ‘with her two daughters in tow’. Princess Beatrice would have been 20 at the time and Eugenie 19, the same age as many of his victims. Epstein complained to friends about the duchess’s scrounging ways in messages that suggest his financial support went far beyond the £15,000 she admitted taking from him.

  On Princess Beatrice’s chart, Epstein’s Pluto sits in her 7^th house conjunct her Mercury and Sun in Leo – so he would be a powerful presence in her life. His Mars Venus in Cancer was also conjunct her North Node hinting that his promiscuous ways (Venus Mars) impacted on her spiritual development. His Moon was conjunct her 2^nd house financial Mars so there would be a money connection.

 With Princess Eugenie the synastry is even more stark with Epstein’s Uranus sitting almost exactly on her Midheaven and his Jupiter in her financial 8^th opposition her 2^nd house Pluto. His presence will have the effect of knocking her life off its expected direction.

[I would think there might be more to emerge on the financial front which could possibly impact them.]

Andrew Lownie, the historian whose book Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York published earlier this year and described as ‘a jaw-dropping account of arrogance, financial incontinence, greed and, indeed, entitlement’ was born 11 November 1961 (Companies House).  His Scorpio Sun is exactly square Andrew’s yod Uranus – and his Scorpio stellium of Venus, Mercury, Neptune, Sun, Mars all sit in Andrew’s 4^th house. Scorpio is a sign well-designed for research, for digging deep to uncover secrets in this case from the foundations of Andrew’s life. Lownie’s Uranus is also exactly opposition Andrew’s Pisces Sun as he opened Pandora’s Box.

John Bolton, Donald Trump’s national security adviser before being fired in 2019 and becoming a critic of the president, has been criminally indicted on federal charges of retaining classified information and sharing it with family members. He could face decades in prison.  The Wall Street Journal has pointed up the dangers of speaking out against Trump, with this indictment following on from judicial cases against former FBI director James Comey and NY AG Letitia James.  “There’s little doubt that the underlying motivation for this prosecution is retribution.” Trump is still sore after Bolton published a tell-all book in 2020.

The case against Bolton resembles the investigations of both Trump and former President Joe Biden for possessing classified documents in their homes; as well as criticism of Hillary Clinton for her use of emails.

  John Bolton, 20 November 1948, Baltimore, Maryland, is a Sun Scorpio which squares Trump’s Mars in Leo so a tinderbox duo. Bolton’s impulsive, explosive Mars in Sagittarius conjunct Jupiter opposition Uranus also clashes with Trump’s Gemini Sun and Sagittarius Moon for more fireworks.

 At the moment Bolton has his Solar Arc Sun exactly opposition his Pluto for a deadlock; with an ominous SA Pluto conjunct his South Node. Tr Neptune Saturn has been square his Jupiter and Uranus earlier this year and across the winter, extending as far as January 2027 which is/ will be confidence denting. Plus tr Uranus opposing his Sun in December 2026 and March 2027 for a major upheaval. Plus a jolting tr Uranus square his Saturn from mid 2026 into 2027. It looks exceedingly bumpy ahead for him.

His relationship chart with Trump (minus Bolton’s birth time) is chained together and resenting it. But with nothing much showing now bar tr Uranus opposition the composite North Node which is conjunct Algol, hinting at aggravation out on the public scene.

 Trump’s Inauguration chart with its bullying, vengeful Sun Pluto opposition Mars – also has a shouty, excitable Mars opposition a 9^th house Mercury square a 6^th house Moon. The focal point Moon in the 6^th highlights health care, as well as civil service (government jobs) and miliary employees – with the 9^th house Mercury pulling legal affairs into the mix. The Progressed Moon is continuing to close the T square to Sun Pluto to exact around next March 2026 – so a point worth watching for.

  Without indulging in wishful thinking or letting prejudices show – 2026 looks to be the year that the USA starts to question its support for Trump in a more significant way. There will be moments of uncertainty across the winter as tr Neptune Saturn square the composite Neptune. But it will be tr Saturn in March followed by tr Neptune on April 2026 square the composite Sun which will start a downhill slide, running into 2027. With widening differences after mid 2026 into 2027 with tr Uranus square the composite Saturn. Nothing cataclysmic but a definite sense of a change in the political weather.

A tangled mess of an abandoned China spy trial has left Keir Starmer looking inept and the political classes across the board perplexed about how to tackle the China situation. One commentator said ‘China is a superpower with near-monopoly control of some mineral resources and pre-eminence in important manufacturing supply chains. Trusting friendship is not an option; hostile rejection is unrealistic.’

  One unconfirmed theory is the spy case was dropped as China issued new regulations on its rare earth exports which would give Beijing the power to dictate what is done with key products sourced from China, affecting everything from cars to solar panels and missiles. Almost all companies affected have nowhere else to go.

 The Head of MI5 and other prominent former CPS directors and security ministers have all warned about the risks posed by China’s spying activities. But no one seems to know how to cope about the chokehold China holds in economic terms.

  What is clear from the astrology is that 2026/27 will be a testing time for the UK/China relationship with the composite Jupiter in Aries square Saturn in Cancer bring undermined by tr Saturn Neptune; with jolts from tr Uranus opposition Uranus; and undermining influences in the following years towards the decade’s end. The USA and even more so the EU appear to be at odds or panicked over China in 2026 and onwards for a few years.

 Keir Starmer’s relationship with Xi Jinping will be nerve-stretched and at odds throughout the winter and worse from late April onwards. Trump is looking agitated with him even earlier than that.

 In the midst of a range of imponderables the Bank of China chart, 1 December 1948, is heading for a bubble-bursting downturn in 2026/27 when tr Saturn Neptune square the BofC Mars Jupiter in Capricorn exacerbated by Solar Arc Neptune conjunct as well. 2026/27 will have its own set of financial challenges extending on for two years.

  Xi Jinping’s personal chart, 15 June 1951, with murmurs of his impending exit, is showing signs of an impulsive push forward in the face of failing plans this year, followed in 2026 by major setbacks.

His initial Presidency chart, 14 March 2013 11.51am is on the slide from March 2026 onwards with a raft of unfavourable aspects culminating in a gigantic upheaval late 2026.

 The China 1 January 1912 chart will be blocked early October this year and January 2026 with tr Saturn square the Pluto; facing a degree of chaos in 2026 with SA Pluto square the Neptune which could be a major natural disaster amongst other effects. With some luck from tr Uranus opposition Jupiter; but heading into high insecurity and perhaps high risk in 2027 as the SA Uranus is conjunct Mars.

  None of which solves the problem of how to tackle Chinese infiltration  or economic coercion. But it won’t all be going China’s way.    

See previous post: China – preparing for a changing of the guard? 10th June 2025

In a world filled with dread and suffering, the love life of Katy Perry seems a tawdry distraction. But the astrology is interesting as is her demonstrable lack of talent picking romantic partners, despite being one of Billboard’s greatest pop stars of the 21st century, having sold over 151 million records worldwide.

 Born 25 October 1984 7.58 am Santa Barbara, CA, she has an intense, determined and controlling Sun Pluto conjunct in Scorpio with her Mercury in Scorpio on her Ascendant and her Moon exactly conjunct Saturn also in Scorpio. Her parents evidently turned to strict religion after a ‘wild youth’ according to wiki so arguably not entirely stable. Her early childhood was disruptive, constantly on the move, with often not enough to eat.

 In addition to her resolute Scorpio stellium, she has three planets in adventurous Sagittarius with a Venus Uranus conjunction and Neptune there. Plus Jupiter conjunct Mars in Capricorn. An obsessively focused, single minded bundle chart, eastern hemisphere (left-handed) so not relationship oriented.  All that sits on the other side in her 7^th house of one-to-one partnerships is her challenging North Node in Taurus conjunct the destructive Fixed stars Algol conjunct Chariklo – making it an area of her life she will struggle to fulfil.

 An early marriage to comedian (Gemini Sun Aries Moon) Russell Brand, 4 June 1975 12.07am Basildon, England, lasted barely a year. He has been diagnosed with ADHD and bipolar disorder, bulimia and pornography addiction so was  not an easy match.

 More recently she has been with actor Orlando Bloom, 13 January 1977 9.15 am, Canterbury, England, having a child together in 2020, but separating earlier this year. He is a Capricorn with a Scorpio Moon but he also has Uranus in Scorpio which falls on her Saturn Moon which would make domestic togetherness tricky. Though their relationship chart did have a composite Sun Mercury square Jupiter which would smooth round rough edges and sparkles of passion from Venus Pluto.

 She – maybe – has moved onto Justin Trudeau, former Canadian PM, separated from his former wife since 2023, though there is some hint of it being a good photo opportunity rather than a long distance prospect.  Born 25 December 1971 9.27pm Ottawa, Canada, he has his Capricorn Sun conjunct Katy’s Jupiter for an upbeat connection; with his three Sagittarius planets including Jupiter sitting comfortably with her three. But he has no Scorpio planets so may find her intensity wearing. And his Saturn sits in her 7^th house conjunct her Chariklo, Algol, North Node collection which hardly sounds like a recipe for harmony.

 Their relationship chart is equally replete with difficulties with a composite Mars opposition Saturn square Mercury which will be argumentative with communication blocks; and even less helpful would only work if one partner suppressed their needs and identity to make it work – which sounds unlikely on both sides. It will be rattled through the winter with tr Uranus opposing the composite Mercury; and an optimism-denting tr Saturn Neptune square the composite Jupiter.

 She does have her Progressed Moon just into her 7^th house at the moment so will be yearning for a supportive partner. And his chart does have hints of a passionate moment or two through this year and next with tr Pluto conjunct his Venus in Aquarius but whether this one will last looks unlikely.

ADD ON:  Justin Trudeau’s parents – Prime Minister Pierre and ‘wild child’ Margaret had a 29 year age gap when they married, produced three children and divorced 13 years later. After their marriage disintegrated, she had affairs with Jack Nicholson, Ryan O’Neal, Lou Rawls, and a friendship with US Senator Ted Kennedy. She was also associated with members of the Rolling Stones, including Ronnie Wood, and Mick Jagger.

She subsequently married a real-estate developer and had two children with him.

 Pierre Trudeau was described as a “swinging young bachelor” when he became prime minister, reportedly dating Barbra Streisand. After his divorce from Justin’s mother he was  romantically involved with Margot Kidder (Lois Lane in Superman).

Pierre 18 October 1919 7.03am Outremont, PQ, Canada, had a Libra Sun on his Ascendant with a flashy (and showbizzy) Neptune, Jupiter, Moon in Leo in his 10^th. His Moon opposed Uranus in his romantic 5^th – so he would be inclined to play the field. His Venus in Virgo was conjunct Saturn which was conjunct Mars and sextile Pluto which would give him, in addition to a taste for hard work, an inclination for earthy encounters.

 Margaret Trudeau, 10 September 1948 1pm Vancouver, Canada, had a 10^th house Virgo square square Jupiter Moon in Sagittarius so designed for a public lifestyle, enthusiastic and super-optimistic. Her Venus in Leo was in a ramped up square to Mars in Scorpio and she had a her 8^th house Uranus opposition her Moon which would tend to make her act erratically especially in her emotional life.

 There is not much similar in Justin’s chart to either parent – except all three had Moon opposition Uranus. But obviously the effect of having two such parents would have an effect.  

Malala, the youngest Nobel Prize laureate in history, who was shot by the Taliban aged 15 for campaigning to support women’s education in Pakistan in 2012 where it had been banned, has a new memoir out Finding My Way. After recovering in the UK, she and her family settled in Birmingham and she has grown her advocacy into an international movement at the same time as taking an Oxford University degree  and recently getting married. She now has 3.4 million followers on Instagram; her birthday is a day at the UN and she has a Scotland Yard protection team. The Malala Fund supports girls’ education projects in six countries.

   She is critical of world leaders who were happy to be photographed with her at the time but ghosted her when she wanted their support later on.

  Born 12 July 1997 in Mingaora, Pakistan, birth time daybreak perhaps 5.11 am, and is a Sun Cancer on the focal point of a wide T square to Saturn in forced-to-be-self-reliant in Aries opposition Mars Moon in Libra. Mars Saturn implies both courage and life experiences which are destructive or cruel and that is focused onto a caring and ego-centric Sun. She is well designed to lead a woman-supportive movement. If her birth time is reasonably accurate then she also has an imposing 5^th house Pluto making her a personality of substance out on the social scene. Her Saturn in the 10^th makes her a good organiser.

 A lucky 8^th house Jupiter opposition Venus in Leo in the 2^nd will protect her, as well as bringing an interest in fashion  and the high life.

 Her Chariklo is conjunct her Mercury which makes sense of the caregiver and campaigner; and her Chiron in late Libra is tied into a Cardinal Grand Square opposition Saturn square Sun conjunct Juno (protector of women) opposition Neptune.   

 When she was shot in 2012 her Progressed Mars was square her Sun and opposition her Saturn. And tr Pluto square tr Uranus may have been impacting on her Libra Moon as well.

Actress Diane Keaton, renowned for The Godfather and eight Woody Allen films including Annie Hall which won her an Oscar, amongst many others in a five decade career, has died after a short illness. Recently she directed several films, the first of which was a 1987 documentary, Heaven, chronicling people’s beliefs about the afterlife. Both in her film roles and her personal life, Keaton was known for her unique style, which often featured menswear and a wide-brimmed hat. Despite a series of famous lovers including Warren Beatty, Al Pacino and Woody Allen she never married but had two adopted children.

 Born 5 January 1946 2.49 am Los Angeles, she was attracted to acting after her mother won a “Mrs. Los Angeles” pageant for homemakers and she later took her mother’s maiden name.  Katherine Hepburn was her hero for playing strong, independent woman.

She was a Sun Capricorn conjunct Venus with a hard-edged Mars Saturn conjunct in Cancer. But what dominated her chart was an Air Grand Trine of a communicative 3^rd house Aquarius Moon trine Uranus trine Neptune with her Moon opposition Pluto. Hard-driving from Mars Saturn. Cool and intellectual from an Air emphasis, and quirky with Uranus added onto a maverick Aquarius Moon. Moon opposition Pluto which was the driving rod of the Grand Trine formed into a Kite made influential and controlling Pluto the key planet. She would be close to her mother but also wary of too much intimacy which was emphasised by an 8^th house North Node. Her 12th house Jupiter would give her contentment in her own company and would soften the Mars Saturn in square.

 She was a friend of Woody Allen, 1 December 1935 10.55 pm New York,  and a stout defender through his troubles, after he was accused of abuse by a daughter. Despite their many collaborations and short romantic tryst it was hardly an easy relationship. His dominating Pluto in Cancer opposition Mars in Capricorn collided with her Mars in Cancer.

 She said in an interview- ‘He’s the strongest person I’ve met in my life. He’s made of steel. He’s the most disciplined person I’ve known, with the exception of my dad.’ So maybe her Mars Saturn disciplinarian father made it possible to cope with Allen’s hard driving temperament.

 She also said: ‘We shared a love of torturing each other with our failures. He could sling out the insults, and so could I… His insights into my character were dead-on and — duh!— hilarious. I had him pegged as a cockroach you couldn’t kill.’

  There were softer aspects in their synastry as well with his Venus in Libra conjunct her Jupiter which would add a layer of charm to cover up the sharper edges. Both had Aquarius Moons so would share the same sense of zany humour. But his Uranus squared her Moon and her Uranus opposed his Sun so not designed for 24/7 togetherness.

 Their relationship chart had a creative composite Uranus trine Neptune; and a moody, up-and-down composite Saturn opposition Jupiter square Moon. But what marked it out as special was a composite yod of Mars sextile Sun inconjunct Uranus – volatile, argumentative but destined to be together  one way or another. In this instance in a Uranian way = independence on both sides.  

Joe Biden is receiving radiation therapy for his prostate cancer that was diagnosed in May as an “aggressive form” that had spread to his bones. At the time multiple oncologists said that given the nature of his cancer and the fact that it had already metastasized, it was possible that affliction had gone undiagnosed for years (which seems unlikely?). In 2023, while still in office, he had a skin lesion removed during a routine physical exam that was later found to be cancerous.

 I don’t normally like doing health related predictions except in this instance where there was a good deal at stake.

 Going back to 2023, transiting Pluto started to square his 5^th house Taurus Moon – which could have referred to family/children challenges involving Hunter, his son, and his court cases. But the Moon also rules the body so there was a possibility of problems.

    His 6^th house of health has tr Uranus moving in from 2021 and staying until 2026, which need not point to a health condition but that plus his Progressed Moon moving into his 6^th a few months back would certainly be an escalating series of cautionary indicators. Especially since tr Uranus through his 6^th started to oppose his 12^th house Scorpio stellium of Mars, Mercury, Sun, Venus from 2021 onwards right through till next spring which suggests a long series of stresses, some of which could be physical.

 In addition tr Pluto began to trine his 10^th house Neptune from early 2024 onwards hinting at confusion and devastation on the career front. It was in place over the disastrous TV presidential debate in late June which led to calls for his resignation which came a month later when tr Pluto had reversed to square his Moon for the second time.

  His Solar Returns for 2022 and 2023 both had 6^th house flags raised – which is not necessarily definitive since Solar Returns can be iffy but taken all together, it had not been looking great for quite a while.

    His Solar Arc Pluto also started to oppose his Moon six months ago, staying in effect for another few months.

 The point of this exercise is not to plot his illness but to see why the astrological predictions running into the last election were met with such resistance. Joe Biden had become so idealised by the Democrats that nothing that could be construed as criticism was allowed. And the Trump fear was such that any hint of Biden not winning created a hostile backlash. Neither of which helps to achieve clarity when juggling with the intangibles and variable possibilities in political or any other kind of prediction.

  Biden’s obstinacy – Sun, Venus, Mercury and Mars in Scorpio; Mars square Pluto in Leo; and a Taurus Moon – did him no favours and the USA even less.