Three of Ukraine’s naval vessels were seized by Russia for sailing in Crimea waters in the first

Ukraine’s parliament is to decide whether to bring in martial law, after Sunday’s capture of three of its naval vessels and 23 crew members by Russia while sailing in Crimea waters. This is the first display of overt aggression by the Kremlin since Putin annexed Crimea in early 2014 and is likely to result in more western sanctions which Russia’s struggling economy could well do without. The rouble slumped sharply today.

But Kremlin critics have been warning recently that Putin could be seeking a new military adventure to distract attention from economic woes at home as his popularity sinks. It probably won’t harm Petro Poroshenko, Ukraine’s president, either since he hasn’t lived up to expectation with Government critics and opposition journalists being attacked and killed with impunity and little economic benefits coming to the people.

The Ukraine 24 August 1991 2.31pm Kiev chart isn’t as stressed as it was in 2014 when Russia swooped in. That was when the tr Uranus square tr Pluto was pushing tensions up to high-do as it hit the Ukraine Neptune Uranus conjunction; and Solar Arc Saturn was opposition the Moon for an unhappy populace. At the moment Solar Arc Saturn is opposing the Ukraine Venus for discouragement and gloom; with some jolts ahead from tr Uranus trine the Virgo Sun and square the Saturn in Aquarius late March into April 2019.

Poroshenko’s Presidency chart, 7 June 2014 10.20am Kiev, was always going to be crises-ridden with Uranus opposition Mars square Pluto with a wide opposition to Jupiter. This year and next tr Neptune is in an undermining square to the Gemini Sun, exact again in March 2019 when the next elections should be held, if martial law doesn’t get in the way. He’s expected to lose if it’s a free and fair vote.

Putin’s 4^th Term chart, 7 May 2018 11.05 am Moscow, looks equally volatile with Uranus Mercury square a ruthless and brutal Mars Pluto; and the Taurus Sun trine Pluto and Saturn, opposition Jupiter.  Tr Neptune will square the Venus again through 2019 which could suggest further economic decline and also unpopularity.

Putin’s own personal chart, 7 October 1952, is still labouring mightily with high uncertainty as tr Pluto squares the Saturn/Neptune midpoint exactly now, moving on to square the gloomy Mercury/Saturn until after New Year; and 2019 has a clutch of unhelpful, devastating, confusing and frustrating transits to midpoints as well as tr Pluto square his Neptune and Mercury, worsening in 2020/2021.

Bernardo Bertolucci, the acclaimed Italian film director and screenwriter, has died. His stunning The Last Emperor won all nine Oscars in which it was nominated; The Sheltering Sky was also rapturously received. Less so his earlier controversial erotic Last Tango in Paris with Brando, though after the initial furore it became a classic – with questionmarks because of his treatment of Maria Schneider who later had a breakdown.

He was born 16 March 1941 7.25 pm Parma, Italy, with an artistic and film critic father. Initially he wanted to be a poet and writer but was taken on by film director Pier Paulo Pasolini as an assistant and continued on from there.

He has an exceptionally talented chart with an Earth Grand Trine of Neptune on his Virgo Ascendant in an innovative trine to Uranus in a dynamic trine to Mars in Capricorn, formed into a Kite with Neptune opposition Sun Venus in Pisces – custom designed for the movie business – and poetry.

His Scorpio Moon opposed Jupiter Saturn in Taurus and squared Pluto – very enduring and very earthy.

His Mercury in Pisces is unaspected apart from a quincunx to Pluto, suggesting a single-track mind, capable of brilliance, but not always good at considering alternatives.

His Harmonics are prolific – with strongly aspected creative 5^th, 7^th and the writers’ 21^st Harmonics. His ‘obsessive dream’ 11H is marked; as is his ‘genius/breakthrough’ 13H and leaving-a-legacy 17H. And his global ‘super-star’ 22H.

An exceptional talent.

Another great director also died this week. Nicolas Roeg whose Don’t Look Now and Performance have gone down in the annals of best of British movie-making, shared similar interests to Bertolucci. Ryan Gilbey in the Guardian writes: ‘Their reputations were forged at the forefront of a new kind of transgressive cinema in the 1960s and 70s, in which explicit depictions of sex and desire were a driving dramatic force, rather than X-rated window dressing. Sex in these films isn’t gratuitous titillation but a way of expressing character, motivation and meaning.’

Born 15 August 1928 in London, Roeg started as a teaboy and worked as a cinematographer under David Lean, John Schlesinger and Truffaut before starting to direct.

Like Bertolucci he had a strongly Neptunian chart with his Leo Sun, Mercury, maybe Moon in Leo conjunct Neptune. Both also shared Mars Saturn Venus aspects. Roeg had Mars Node in Gemini opposition Saturn square Venus in Virgo; while Bertolucci had a milder Mars trine Saturn Jupiter, sextile Venus. These three planets together do indicate a hard-edged approach to sexuality and desire, which landed both in trouble with the censors and would not have gone down well in today’s different culture.

The Brexit ‘deal’ was agreed by the EU this morning around 10.30 am – for what it’s worth since no one seems to think it can get through Parliament, given the outraged howls in the UK about Gibraltar, fishing rights, Irish border backstop, never mind the whole customs union fadaddle, EU laws etc.

Brexit Fatigue was skewered this week in the Times by Deborah Ross. ‘Also known as “sick to death of Brexit”, “Brexit is doing my head in” and “I can’t take any more of this shit show, seriously”. “Until it does get itself sorted, there is no way I could listen to another single word.”

“Full-blown BF, characterised by not wanting to know about this conjecture or that speculation because it’ll only add up to diddly-squat anyhow.” “Oh please, God, make it all go away.”

The only thing of note in this chart is Sun Jupiter square Mars – apologies to anyone who has Mars square Jupiter in their charts since I’m sure it has a positive side – but it does hint at biting off more than can be chewed, rushing blindly ahead, over confidence. Sakoian & Acker are fairly damning about its propensity for using collective power for self-aggrandisement. (See John Chau post below).

The Westminster vote will be on December 11^th after five days of debate. Tr Saturn will be square Theresa May’s Libra Sun and square her Solar Arc Uranus from, December 2^nd to the 11^th with Saturn always hanging around for a hangover few days after the exact aspect. Tr Saturn is conjunct the UK Sun for a week from December 20^th and the EU/UK Sun – so gloom and discouragement all round.

The vote chart, no time, isn’t too inspiring with Sun square a Mars Neptune conjunction which Ebertin describes as ‘paralysed activity’; ‘failure through lack of plans and energy.’ With Jupiter also square Neptune associated with a ‘poor speculation’ and ‘a scandal through instability.’  Mercury in late Scorpio is inconjunct Uranus in late Aries which is nervy, with excitement and upsets and bitter words.

Harry and Meghan are moving house to Windsor in preparation for the baby with hints of grandma Doria moving in. The media rumour mill is atwitter, pointing to a rift between Harry and William, followed up by – no – it’s between Kate and Meghan.

The two brothers were always close, more so after the death of their mother. Their relationship chart has an affectionate composite Sun Venus conjunction in an adventurous trine to Jupiter Uranus and a competitive square to Mars.  But it has been sagging since May 2017 when Harry’s relationship became more serious as tr Neptune squared the composite Moon.  At the same time tr Uranus was starting to oppose their composite Pluto turning their relationship upside down and is now opposing the composite Saturn into early 2019 for high tensions. One might surmise William didn’t approve of Harry’s choice of bride. No doubt they’ll come back round in time but it may be a few years before it settles.

Meghan and Kate aren’t an easy match since Meghan’s Moon Saturn Jupiter is conjunct Kate’s Mars and Meghan’s Mars is conjunct Kate’s Cancer Moon and opposition her Sun which will make it scratchy and competitive. Their relationship chart reflects the synastry with an irritable Moon Mars in an undermining trine to Neptune sextile Pluto; a controlling Sun Pluto; and a one-upmanship Jupiter Pluto.

Prince Charles almost certainly finds Meghan easier company than Kate with a composite Sun Mars Venus in their relationship chart. But Harry and Meghan are further from the throne and less likely to trigger his sensitivities about being upstaged, which bedevils his relationship with Will and Kate.

The surprise appointment of Sir Nick Clegg, former Deputy PM in Cameron’s Coalition Government, as Facebook’s head of global affairs and communications makes sense seen as part of Zuckerburg’s defensive manoeuvres to stave off imposed regulations especially by the EU. Clegg worked as a European Commission bureaucrat, was an MEP and an MP and is well-connected at least on the EU side. A commentator said: “He’s probably respected everywhere across the EU except his own country.” Though he’ll have his work cut out both within and outside the company. He’ll work directly to Sheryl Sandberg.

Born 7 January 1967 in Chalfont St Giles, England, he’s a Sun Capricorn square Mars in Libra, and trine Pluto Uranus and widely sextile Saturn and sextile Neptune in a talented Half Grand Sextile. So tougher and more ambitious than he appears. He does have a syrupy sweet Venus in Aquarius opposition Jupiter in Leo which will be useful for PR though it tends to undercut his gravitas.

His Solar Arc Neptune is conjunct his Sun around now and moving to square his Mars in 2019 which isn’t too decisive or successful. But he’ll push on confidently through 2019 (no doubt with a considerable salary) though running into problems by 2020/2021. FB insiders give him 1-2 years on the job.

He’s not a great mix with Zuckerburg despite having his Sun conjunct MZ’s Jupiter and trine MZ’s Venus Sun, since Clegg’s Neptune is conjunct MZ’s Mars and opposition MZ’s Sun, which will have a suspicious and evasive effect and make MK feel he’s been stalled. Their relationship chart has a friendly composite Sun Venus in a sensible sextile to Saturn; but it also has a volatile, explosive composite Mars Uranus which will be triggered from May 2019 onwards, as their ideas clash. And by 2020 tr Neptune will be undermining their composite Sun in a conjunction.

Clegg’s relationship with Sheryl Sandberg is also combative with a composite Sun Mars; with Mars inconjunct Saturn. That’ll be a scratchy interface though she may not stay around for ever.

His relationship with the Facebook chart looks fairly nailed down and controlling with a composite Sun square Pluto and Pluto widely opposition Saturn. Tensions will rise from April 2019 onwards with tr Pluto opposition the composite Mars and there’ll be tussles right through into 2020.

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Actress Olivia Coleman, who is playing a middle-aged Queen Elizabeth 11 in The Crown Season 3 & 4, has built up a sterling career. She started in comedy and moved on to prestigious and highly acclaimed TV series like crime drama Broadchurch and Le Carre’s The Night Manager with nominations and awards raining down on her. More recently she played Queen Anne in The Favourite and is in the upcoming Les Miserables. With the next The Crown due in 2019.

Born 30 January 1974 in Norwich, England, she is a Sun Aquarius trine Pluto and sextile Neptune to mark her out as special; with a substantially Air chart with a Grand Trine of a confident Jupiter Mercury in Aquarius trine Saturn in Gemini trine Uranus in Libra. Certainly communicative, innovative, adventurous and with gravitas from Saturn. Her Mars in earthy and determined Taurus makes an upfront and energetic square to her Sun and Jupiter; and her Moon is Aries or Taurus. She also has Venus in Capricorn (well-suited to playing monarchs) which is square her Uranus. She is married with three children so a varied career will keep her Venus Uranus happy.

Being largely Air and Earth she’ll be cool rather than emotional – a practical thinker.

Her actor’s 15^th Harmonic is heavily aspected; as is her 13H, often found with comedians; and her creative 5H as well.

Oh hallelujah. John Chau who was killed by tribal people on a remote protected Andaman Island in the Bay of Bengal, was described as a Christian martyr on the Covenant Journey website to which he belonged. He was described as a missionary who wanted to bring Jesus to the islanders, who have a reputation for violence. He wrote in a diary of his last days “Lord, is this island Satan’s last stronghold where none have heard or even had the chance to hear your name?”

He knew it was forbidden by Indian law to visit and was shot at on his first visit when a teenager’s arrow pierced his waterproof bible. He decided to return and try again, spurred on by the feeling that he was God’s instrument. Critics say his violation was selfish and put the fragile tribe at risk – potentially exposing them to modern diseases against which they have no immunity.

Born 18 December 1991 he was a late Sun Sagittarius with Mars Mercury also in Sagittarius in an overly expansive square to Jupiter in Virgo. Sagittarius can be a great crusader for causes and especially Mars square Jupiter ramps up the self-righteousness. He also had the can-be-fanatical Uranus Neptune in Capricorn trine Jupiter, sextile an obsessive Venus Pluto in Scorpio. Plus a Taurus Moon. Nothing much would budge him from his vision when he got going.

As is often the case with sudden death he had various Solar Arcs approaching though not exact which suggested great danger.

His ‘seeking soul’ 7^th Harmonic was strong and stressed, which can also be mentally on the edge.

Years back I filmed on St Kilda, a remote island off the north west of Scotland. People had lived there since the 10^th century and had a perfectly decent, probably fairly pagan, set of beliefs for getting them through an extraordinarily tough life out in the Atlantic. Then the missionaries came in the late 19^th Century, built a church, banned singing and dancing, and within fifty years the island was abandoned.

God-botherers and proselytizers drive me nuts.

The French are working up a head of steam doing what they do best – demonstrating against the government. The ‘Yellow Vest’ barricades at toll-booths, roundabouts and fuel depots at have been ongoing for a week or so, with two people accidentally killed and more than 530 injured, 17 seriously. It was initially a protest spurred on by social and local media, about rising fuel taxes. But it has grown into a wider rebellion against inequality and decline in living standards, stoked by anger at a political class seen as cut off from reality, and the pro-business Macron’s persistently negative image as a “president of the rich”.

They are on course for a clash with police in Paris tomorrow who insist the Champs-Elysees will be on lockdown as they march towards their desired location of the Place de la Concorde in central Paris. Macron’s personal popularity ratings have reached a new low, dipping below 30%.

His Presidency chart 14 May 2017 11.25 am has tr Neptune square the Mars through 2018 till late 2019 which always has the scent of failure about it. He has made some positive reforms in loosening labour laws and overhauling the welfare state but not enough benefits have filtered down to the proletariat.  And downsizing the staggeringly generous levels of state support was never going to go down well, even if everyone admits it needs done.

He may pick up some traction from tr Pluto trine the Presidency Taurus Sun from spring 2019 till late 2020. But it’ll be an uphill struggle.

The France 21 September 1792 3.30pm Paris chart looks on high-alert and highly-strung this December/January 2019 with tr Uranus opposing the Neptune; and bedevilled in terms of transport and communications in March with tr Uranus conjunct the 3^rd house Saturn – tensions won’t die down quickly.

Macron’s Scorpio midheaven is conjunct the France Mars and square the France Uranus opposition Pluto – so he was always going to run into the French revolutionary ardour – pitchforks to the fore.

His personal chart, 21 December 1977 10.40 Amiens, has a Capricorn Ascendant which means his fortunes and his motivation will fall lower from early 2020 onwards.  Tr Uranus is square his Ascendant through this December/January 2019 so his image will be getting a shake up.  But he has boundless confidence with a Sagittarius Sun opposition Jupiter; and an emphasised Mars in Leo squaring onto Uranus opposition a Taurus Moon which gives him sticking power, if not always much common sense or subtlety.

Cheryl, the UK singer and X Factor judge, always a controversial figure with an erratic temperament, has had a less than sparkling comeback after a four-year break. Her new single has slumped to No 45 in the charts and her X Factor appearance at the weekend was torn to shreds by critics and the public for an off-tune and off-the-wall performance and overly sexy outfit.  Over the years she’s been in and out of marriages (two) and relationships, the most recent with One Direction Liam Payne with whom she has a child. She had a high profile bust up in 2003 with nightclub toilet attendant, which resulted in an assault verdict. And over recent years she’s split with a series of key professional and personal advisers.

Born 30 June 1983 Barnet, England, maybe 8.28 pm (astrotheme), she’s a feisty and volatile Sun Mars in Cancer with her Mars and Mercury in late Gemini square Saturn Pluto. And that is very angry and very tough. Her bleak, unyielding Saturn Pluto are further emphasised being on the point of a mini Grand Trine to Venus in flamboyant Leo trine Neptune.

She’s not looking happy with tr Saturn opposition her Sun/Mars midpoint now and then opposition her Sun in December.  Plus confidence-dissolving Neptune aspects to her Jupiter/Node now till the New Year; and more in 2019/2020. She’s a formidable fighter so will push one. But her Solar Arc Saturn Pluto is bearing down on her lucky Jupiter Uranus over the next few years which will be a bumpy ride. The 2019 Eclipses will rattle up her Sun and Mars; and if her birth time is accurate tr Saturn is sinking her into a low profile few years. Then in the early 2020s tr Pluto will square her Pluto and Saturn – she’s got a lot of changing to do.