Boris Johnson’s constant support for Ukraine has according to his allies showed “extraordinary leadership”, diminishing the serial law-breaking at No 10 as “fluff” by comparison. The old saying that a man shall be judged by the consequences of his actions on this score turns the prime minister into a shining star of courage and conviction in comparison to certain other lily-livered and self-interested European countries. But still, but still — there is a lingering unease about seeing his headline-grabbing visits as purely altruistic, when they fit his sin-avoidance pattern of distract, obliterate and keep moving.
And as Matthew Syed in today Times also rightly points out it hardly fits his past actions when Foreign Secretary or later as his eager oligarch-donor bro-romances ran side by side with the London laundromat soaking in vast quantities of questionable Russian money. Syed describes Johnson’s Ukraine policy as “one of the greatest conjuring tricks in modern political history” – disappearing a decade of Tory policy cosying up to Moscow.
There’s no doubt there is genuine friendliness on his part with the Ukraine president with Zelensky’s Jupiter conjunct Boris’s Sun Venus in Gemini and Boris’s Jupiter square Zelensky’s Leo Moon. Though there are gritty edges, which is normal times might lead to arguments with Zelensky’s Mars in Leo square BJ’s Moon.
Their relationship chart has an affectionate composite Sun Venus conjunction though that does oppose a needs-space Uranus so its not a connection that would prosper if locked into the same situation 24/7. There is also, typically for BJ, two fated composite Yods = thrown together by extraordinary circumstances – of Mars sextile the Midheaven inconjunct Neptune; and Neptune sextile Pluto inconjunct Midheaven. Plenty of showbiz pzazz and grandstanding as well as smokescreens there.
What is significant is BJ’s Scorpio Moon being exactly on the Midheaven if his birth chart is relocated to Kiev – the Moon being a politician’s lifeline to his electorate. It also puts his sociable Sun Venus in the 7th and his chaotic Mars in the entertaining 5th. Full marks for a great performance.
Relocating his chart to Moscow puts his comfort-zone Jupiter firmly in the 4th; his Mars in the exuberant 5th; and an elusive Neptune in the career 10th. He’d be even happier ambling round the Kremlin.
It’s not that I remotely wish to undermine any efforts to support Ukraine but it is uncomfortable grappling with the paradox of right results from the wrong intentions.
Paul McCartney is an astonishing 80 years old, the one Beatle who has remained constantly singing, writing and playing through six decades. He is one of the most successful composers and performers of all time and his song-writing partnership with John Lennon remains the most successful in history. Reckoned one of the wealthiest musicians, he has an estimated fortune of £800 million.
He was born 18 June 1942 maybe 2pm Liverpool, England into a working class family with his father an amateur musician who encouraged his musical interests. His midwife mother died in his teens. He met John Lennon when he was 15 and their joint careers took off into the stratosphere with the Beatles when he was barely 20 as the tumult of Uranus Pluto in Virgo livened up the 1960s.
His Sun is in Gemini, a favourite sign for pop singers, and is close to lucky, confident Jupiter in Cancer. He has a showy Leo Moon square Venus in throat-ruling Taurus. His Uranus is in a creative trine to Neptune. What is eye-catching about his chart, especially for a seemingly laid-back, boy-next-door temperament is a high-octane, super-determined and can-be-ruthless Mars Pluto in Leo sextile Saturn Uranus in Gemini. That will have given him the backbone and grit to survive in a cut-throat business and weather ongoing crises. It will stem from his tough childhood and indeed is a family signature since his father had Mars Pluto in Gemini and his mother a Mars square Pluto.
His first wife Linda, 24 September 1941, like his mother and John Lennon, was a Sun Libra and Linda also had a confidence-boosting Jupiter conjunct his Sun. The relationship with John Lennon was not easy with Lennon’s overly intense Aquarius Moon opposition Pluto clashing with Paul’s Mars Pluto. But the heat certainly produced creative tension.
His disastrous second marriage to Heather Mills, occurred four years after Linda’s death when his Solar Arc Uranus Saturn had collided with his Mars Pluto – not a happy time. His present wife since 2011, Nancy Shevell, 20 November 1959, is totally different having a Sun Mars in Scorpio.
Linda was undoubtedly the love of his life with a composite Sun Venus conjunction in their relationship chart.
The present-day Gandhi dynasty in India is being hammered by corruption allegations over money laundering with Rahul Gandhi being summoned to give evidence before the Enforcement Directorate. Modi’s government has been accused of using federal law enforcement agencies against its political opponents to harass them. And a party spokesman for the Gandhis described it as “a strange case of alleged money laundering without any money”.
The Gandhi centrist Congress party ruled India for many years though right-wing, nationalist Narendra Modi has been prime minister for the past eight years. Modi has frequently attacked Nehru, the key figure in India’s fight for independence who was father of Indira and great-grandfather of Rahul, in an attempt to undermine his adversaries and their party.
Rahul, born 19 June 1970, no verified birth time, is a confident Sun Gemini trine Jupiter. He looks uncertain exactly now but will be bullishly determined from August to this December with tr Pluto square his Jupiter. Though that can result in conflicts with authorities and doesn’t always end well. Thereafter for several years he looks discouraged with blocked Solar Arcs and an undermining tr Neptune square his Sun.
His mother Sonia Gandhi, 9 December 1946 9.30pm Lusiana, Italy, who became Congress party leader in 1998 after her husband Rajiv was assassinated, and retired briefly until her son was defeated at the 2019 election when she resumed her position. She is often described as one of the most powerful women in the world – and is at present in hospital with covid.
She’s a combative Sun Mars in Sagittarius with a rock solid Venus Jupiter in Scorpio square Saturn Pluto in Leo with Mercury also in Scorpio.
She is panicky and undermined this year with tr Neptune square her Mars with plans not working to but should start to pick up again in 2024.
Priyanka Gandhi, 12 January 1972, Sonia’s daughter and Rahul’s sister, also politically active, is a Capricorn with Saturn in Taurus opposition Neptune and square Venus; with an ultra-determined Mars opposition Pluto. She isn’t singing and dancing through the next two years either though she has blips of good luck.
It has been an extraordinary family with both Jawaharal Nehru and his daughter Indira being stalwart Scorpios. He was born 14 November 1889 11.36pm Allahabad and had the signature Neptune Pluto in Gemini of his generation in his 10th, square Saturn, trine Mars and inconjunct Jupiter square Saturn, trine Mars and on the focal point of a Yod to a confident 5th house Jupiter sextile Mercury in Scorpio.
His daughter Indira, 19 November 1917 11.10 pm, had a 4th house Scorpio Sun, tying her into the family line, with a can-be-autocratic Uranus in Aquarius opposition Saturn in Leo with Saturn conjunct Neptune; and a charming though manipulative Venus opposition Pluto on her South Node.
Indira’s son Rajiv, 20 August 1944 6.34am Mumbai, was an outgoing Sun Leo with a hard-working Virgo stellium. He became prime minister after his mother was assassinated but became mired in various scandals including allegations of corruption and was himself assassinated eight years after his mother.
Modi has broken the Gandhi mould in recent years and there’s no indication they’ll piece it back together any time soon.
Julian Assange’s extradition to the US has been approved by UK Home Secretary Priti Patel. He has 14 days to appeal. The courts found extradition would not be “incompatible with his human rights” and that while in the US “he will be treated appropriately”. He is wanted by US authorities over documents leaked in 2010 and 2011 relating to the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, which the US says broke the law and endangered lives. His legal team claimed the classified documents published by Wikileaks, exposed US wrongdoing and were in the public interest, revealing how the US military had killed hundreds of civilians in unreported incidents in Afghanistan, and thousands in Iraq.
He has been serving a jail sentence in the UK for breaching bail and prior to that sought asylum in the Ecuadorean Embassy in London – so it’s been a decade long struggle to stave off extradition.
He was born 3 July 1971 3pm Townsville, Queensland with an 8th house Cancer Sun in an innovative and rebellious square to Uranus. With a wide-ish Yod of Pluto sextile Mercury inconjunct Mars in stubborn and contrary Aquarius which will make him bull-headed and wilful. He’s also got Saturn opposition Neptune Jupiter which is idealistic but unrealistic.
He has his Solar Arc Mars square his Sun in effect now and exact within four months which is a collision of sorts and upsetting. If his birth time is accurate then his Solar Arc Midheaven is also heading to conjunct his Uranus within months for a sharp change of direction.
The Eclipses are also this year tugging on his Scorpio Moon which faces him up to his past and tests the foundations on which he has built his life as well as bringing his image into the spotlight. The Lunar Eclipses last November and this May were also rattling his Jupiter in Scorpio perhaps hinting at over confidence.
But for all that he’ll remain cheerful with tr Pluto sextile his Jupiter on and off till late 2023. This July onwards looks like an upheaval and a shock; with a discouraging slog in 2023/2024. One way or another, one location or another, he won’t be singing and dancing for joy.
One mistake was to try to hide out in London – his astrocartography there is trapped, blocked, scary. New York oddly is much more comforting for him.
Locating his chart to London puts a trapped and furious Mars in the 8th; a domestically-restricted and tied down Pluto on the IC; a hidden 12th house Sun and and unstable Uranus in the 4th as well. Sweden is much the same.
Located to New York puts a more settled Sun in his 4th; fun everyday companions with Venus in the 3rd; Jupiter and Neptune in the 8th which could be lucky if unrealistic – and admittedly a not-good-for-health Pluto Uranus in the 6th.
See previous post for more detail: December 12 2021.
Thunderbolt Uranus conjunct the North Node, ruler of the spirit of the age, is a rare occurrence, only a handful last century. It returns this August in Taurus with Mars throwing an additional firecracker into the mix.
I was inclined to dismiss it as just another tempestuous few days in a stormy year until I looked back on previous instances.
In particular – the August/September 1961 conjunction in Leo oversaw the start of the construction of the Berlin Wall which symbolised the worsening Cold War, overshadowing several decades. Dag Hammarskjöld, Secretary General of the UN was killed in a plane crash and Barack Obama was born.
The July 1946 Uranus Node conjunction in Gemini square Mars was exact when the King David Hotel in Jerusalem, HQ of the British authority in Palestine, was bombed by militant Zionists with many killed. It was followed by a hasty UK withdrawal and the set-up of the state Israel two years later, sending the Middle East into turmoil for decades. There was also the last mass lynching in the USA of two Africa-American couples in Georgia.
Both these conjunctions pointed to moments which changed history.
As did the death of Mao Tse Tung, the founder of the People’s Republic of China on the exact Uranus Node conjunction in September 1976, bringing to an end a three decade long, brutal regime which killed between 40 and 80 million people.
The Aquarius Uranus North Node conjunction in November 1915 opposition Mars saw World War 1 at its height with naval losses on both side and Serbia and Bulgaria dragged into the conflict. Just before it – July to September 1915 – the ‘Great Retreat’ saw the Russian army, under-equipped and outnumbered, withdraw from the Eastern Front severely denting Russian morale. Shackleton’s ship Endurance broke up in ice, forcing the crew to disembark and after much privation they were rescued in 1916.
The most recent occurrence in 2007 in Pisces occurred close to the Virginia Tech killings and Madeline McCann’s disappearance. With all manner of bombings in Iraq and tensions elsewhere. Not quite as history-changing as the previous.
The Cancer conjunction of Uranus North Node in 1870 certainly did shift the balance of power since it saw a victory in the Franco-Prussian War which led to German unification and significantly altered the balance of power on the continent as the new German nation state supplanted France as the dominant European land power.
The August 1839 Uranus North Node conjunction in Pisces oversaw the first Anglo-Afghan War, one of the first major conflicts during the Great Game, the 19th century competition for power and influence in Central Asia between Britain and Russia. Also the First Opium War between UK and China. Twentieth century nationalists considered 1839 the start of a century of Chinese humiliation, and many historians considered it the beginning of modern Chinese history. The conflict eventually led to the Taiping Rebellion some years after, one of the bloodiest civil wars in world history, with over 20 million dead.
The last time Mars, Uranus and the North Node were together near 19 degrees Taurus, according to the Wellbeing astrological website, was in 324 BC, when Alexander the Great’s legendary victories established the Hellenistic era which lasted three centuries until the emergence of the Roman Empire.
These conjunctions do seem to be markers of some significance.
For ordinary mortals the first half of August will be uncomfortable, disruptive, accident-prone, bad-tempered as the explosive, overly-excitable, no-compromise Mars Uranus conjunction is catching the Saturn square with the Leo Sun adding its weight to the irritations until mid month.
It will catch the UK’s 2nd house Neptune in Scorpio so will have financial repercussions. And won’t be far from Russia’s 1917 Scorpio Sun either.
Two revealing examples of Sun opposition Pluto in action hit the headlines this week from two over-exposed personalities who refused to concede defeat, when a tactical withdrawal down a very deep rabbit hole might have seemed sensible. Prince Andrew and Amber Heard both declared war on common sense.
Amber Heard with her Sun Taurus opposition Pluto lost her libel suit against Johnny Depp, was absolved by him from paying the multi-million dollar damages bill and promptly leapt back out to repeat the allegations that had landed her in court in the first place. And Prince Andrew with breath-taking hubris, entitlement, delusional lack of common sense and realism – I’m not even sure how to describe it – thought he could sashay back into his princely role and the public domain, having been banished mere months ago. Never mind the sexual Epstein imbroglio, his career has been swamped by connections to dodgy billionaires and sleazy financial scandals which had him booted off the trade envoy role, with an endless stream since – all of which evoked an almost sociopathic lack of shame.
Sun Pluto hard aspects may differ slightly between the genders, since men will tend to act out the dominating side while women can in their younger adult years live out the submissive side. Though that is not a hard and fast rule. It can make individuals overbearing, with a tendency to compel others to fit into their world view; and be aggressive in the sexual sphere. There is an intense need to express and impose their will on those around and a desperation to be seen as not only in control but also appreciated as perfect. Underneath which is always a deep sense of shame stemming from a damaged sense of identity. More than anything they fear letting go which is an essential part of the transformation process. They hang on and stagnate.
Andrew appears to have had Pluto’s bullying streak from early in his life – for some it takes adulthood to become empowered, however imperfectly. He was referred to by Prince Philip as ‘the boss’, played unkind pranks on family members, was over-indulged by the Queen and developed an unbalanced sense of his own importance. His pomposity depended on him being second in line to the throne which was pricked as Charles’ children arrived and he slid down the rankings.
His insensitivity and lack of empathy is legendary to an extent where it could be seen as a symptom of a pathology. When the Queen mistakenly sent him to Lockerbie on a sympathy mission after a devastating passenger plane crash, he blithely informed the locals that it was worse for the Americans – who lost more numerically – and anyway such a crash was ‘only a matter of time.’
His Plutonic tendencies are exacerbated by his 4th house Scorpio Moon which will obdurately set his face against admitting failure or letting go.
Added to which he has a deeply secretive 8th house Mercury in Pisces. It is interesting for another reason apart from the Scorpio resonance of the 8th since it sits on one leg of a Yod sextile Saturn inconjunct Uranus in his 1st house. A focal point Uranus can be a trailblazer but it can also be willful, defiant, disruptive, intolerant and lawless. And when it is triggered it indicates a fated change of direction. Tr Uranus will move to square his Uranus from this July onwards so a strategy for burying Andrew might (maybe) appear.
Transiting Uranus opposition his Moon in 2024 is likely to be the key upheaval following since it suggests major upsets and changes at home and in the family, perhaps affecting the Queen. When she goes so does his lifeline to status.
On a quick look at his astrocartography, central Australia in the empty quarter is a possibility with his settled-at-home Sun IC line there, which also runs north through South Korea. Kazakhstan where he has had some questionable alliances in the past has his Jupiter on his IC so he would feel at home there – although his old friends appear to be in hot water so probably not too welcoming just at the moment.
I’ve always wondered whether the rumours about his parentage, being perhaps the son of Lord Porchester, the Queen’s racing manager, might have affected the way the Queen treats him and indeed his own off-balance personality. It was a well-accepted certainty in racing circles before it emerged into the mainstream and such a state of affairs is hardly pass remarkable amongst the aristocracy. The story has sunk into the background in recent years, out of respect for the Queen.
What is intriguing – though no proof of anything – is that Porchester’s Capricorn Sun, 19 January 1924, is exactly conjunct Andrew’s Venus Mars; Porchester’s Uranus is conjunct Andrew’s Mercury and his Neptune conjunct Andrew’s Uranus – so he hits all of Andrew’s key points. And Porchester’s Saturn and Mars fall in Andrew’s 4th so an awkward family/domestic connection.
It was an easier and more affectionate relationship than Andrew had with Prince Philip. Though no doubt all of this will have to wait for a respectable distance into the future to be finally nailed down. Porchester died on 9/11.
The other strongly Plutonic and can’t-let-go type is Angelina Jolie whose separation from Brad Pitt is dragging on endlessly – her Sun is trine Pluto but her Moon Mars is opposition Pluto and square Saturn which is beyond unyielding.
For Heard see 13 April 2022 and 7 July 2020.
Apologies for Royal overkill and flogging a dead horse – but I am eternally fascinated by what makes people tick. Or rather what lies behind bizarre behaviour.
“The past does not repeat itself. But it is rhyming.” The drumbeats hinting of a rising economic crisis similar to the 1970s are growing louder. High inflation, wars in key commodity-producing regions, declining real wages, slowing economic growth, fears of tightening monetary policy and turbulence in stock markets – were the dominant features of the world economy in the 1970s, as now. Though analysts say there is still time for policymakers to get a grip of inflation and not assume that post-pandemic life will return to normal. Estimates are that slow growth will be the norm for this decade and that isn’t even factoring in future unforeseen black swan events similar to Ukraine to put more pressure on the economic situation.
The 1973-75 recession, caused by the 1973 oil crisis and in the USA the deficits of the Vietnam war and the fall of the Bretton Woods system followed by a stock market crash, put an end to post–World War II economic expansion. USA inflation remained high until the early 1980s.
In the UK the oil crisis and miners strike led to the three-day week as electricity was rationed. Inflation peaked at more than 20%. There were negative effects on other countries that relied heavily on imported oil, such as France, Sweden especially, Japan, Finland, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Denmark. Some countries saw benefits – Spain, Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, Mexico, and Brazil, as their low-cost environments attracted new investments and gave their products a competitive edge.
The astrological similarities to the 1970s are the sign changeovers – with Pluto moving into Libra in late 1971 with Neptune hovering on the cusp of Sagittarius. In this decade Pluto moves into Aquarius in early 2023 and Neptune moves into Aries in 2025.
The outer planets shifting sign do always appear to have a significant, often global effect. Pluto changes in particular appear to resonate in Russian history-changing moments more than than most. See below.
Following the 1973-75 oil crisis the UK ended up cap in hand at the IMF begging for a loan to cover debts in 1976. Also below.
PLUTO CHANGE SIGNS
Previous post: March 8 2022
Pluto sign changeovers are spotlighted in Russian history again and again, and regrettably in significant wars elsewhere as well.
Catherine the Great took over the Russian throne in 1762 when Pluto was in final degree Sagittarius and ruled to powerful effect through Pluto in Capricorn and Aquarius, dying as Pluto was poised to moved into Pisces in 1797.
In 1853 as Pluto moved into Taurus the Crimea War broke out between Russia and a coalition of UK, France and the Ottoman Empire. In 1881 Alexander 11 of Russia (liberator of serfs) was killed by a bomb as Pluto prepared to exit Taurus for Gemini the following year.
1914 as Pluto moved into Cancer was the start of World War 1 which saw Austria-Hungary invade Russia. The next shift in 1938 of Pluto into Leo saw the build up to World War 11. In 1956 the Pluto move into Virgo coincided with the Soviet invasion of Hungary to quell the revolution there. Krushchev denounced Stalin.
There’s not much obvious for Pluto into Libra in 1971 and into Scorpio in 1983. But Pluto into Sagittarius in 1995 saw the First Chechen War, starting the year before. Wiki: ‘Despite Russia’s overwhelming advantages in firepower, manpower, weaponry, artillery, combat vehicles, airstrikes and air support, the resulting widespread demoralization of federal forces and the almost universal opposition of the Russian public to the conflict led Boris Yeltsin’s government to declare a ceasefire with the Chechens in 1996.’
In 2008 as Pluto entered Capricorn, the Russian-Georgia War erupted over South Ossettia, regarded as the first European war of the 21st century.
Looking back over two centuries of Pluto changeovers is a blitzing experience since the world appears to be in constant conflict somewhere with wars, disasters and mayhem on a monthly basis. Extrapolating a pattern and not drowning in noise isn’t easy. But I’m not sure how we were lulled into a sense of false security in thinking that wars were in the past, never to be repeated.
Pluto into Aquarius 1778 – American War of Independence 1775 – 1783. The Anglo-French War 1778 to 1783, squabbling over colonial territories, aided the US, brought an end to the First British Empire.
Pluto into Pisces 1797. The 1790s were anti-imperialist as new American and French democracies flourished. Napoleon Bonaparte was on military campaigns aiming for First Consul from 1799.
Pluto into Aries 1823. Napoleon dies in 1821 – what rises on one often falls on the next or the one after that in the case of Catherine. 1823 also saw the Greek War of Independence against the Ottoman Empire.
Pluto into Taurus 1853. The 2nd French Empire, with Napoleon 111 becoming French Emperor. Rebellions in China.
The Crimea War 1854 to 1856
Pluto into Gemini 1882. The Anglo-Egyptian War with Britain seizing the Suez Canal and Egypt becoming a Brit protectorate
Pluto into Gemini 1881. Alexander 11 of Russia killed by bomb.
Pluto into Cancer 1914. World War 1. Austria-Hungary invades Russia.
Pluto into Leo 1938. Spanish Civil War running since 1936, build up to World War 11. Sino-Japanese War 1937 to 45.
Pluto into Virgo 1956. Suez Crisis – UK and France bomb Egypt and have to withdraw in humiliation after international outrage. Israel invades Sinai. Soviet Red Army troops invade Hungary. Vietnam War starts. The EEC founded 1957.
Pluto into Libra 1971. India-Pakistan War. Northern Ireland Troubles – 1972 Bloody Sunday. Vietnam winding down. Watergate
Pluto into Scorpio 1983 – Beginning of the internet.
Falklands War 1982. Lebanon War, Israel invades.
Pluto into Sagittarius 1995. First Chechen War. The Srebrenica massacre in the Bosnian War (1992 to 1995)led to the NATO bombing campaign against Bosnian Serb artillery positions. The Dayton Agreement brings it to an end in December 1995.
Pluto into Capricorn 2008. Stock Markets plunge. Lehman Brothers collapse. The financial crash. Gaza War. The Russo-Georgian War over South Ossettia.
The final degrees of Pluto in a sign, far from overseeing stagnation appear to trigger major conflicts – with some countries more susceptible than others. After a rapid skim through, in addition to Russia – Egypt, Pakistan, Bangladesh and France as well as the UK appear to be more prone than most to be involved in scraps.
UK parallels to 1976 – Previous post May 14 2020.
In 1976 UK PM James Callaghan said: “We used to think you could spend your way out of a recession and increase employment by cutting taxes and boosting government spending. I tell you in all candour, that option no longer exists.” What followed was a reduction in government spending, tax increases and rises in interest rates. The economy did recover and it was paid back within three years but it ultimately paved the way for Margaret Thatcher’s 1979 victory.
The IMF Bailout came in December 1976 when tr Uranus was in early Scorpio and squaring Saturn in Leo, in the months running in and after. Tr Uranus in hard aspect to tr Saturn is traditionally associated with economic recessions and another such turns up in 2021 with tr Uranus half a cycle on in Taurus square Saturn in Aquarius.
On the UK chart around the time of the bailout tr Uranus was poised to oppose the 8th house financial Mars by January 1977 with tr Saturn in square. This time round tr Uranus will conjunct that UK Mars with tr Saturn in square in 2021 – so very similar. The Solar Arcs were marginally more damaging in 1976/77 with Solar Arc Saturn conjunct the financial Venus with tr Saturn in opposition to the UK Venus; and tr Uranus square the Solar Arc Venus.
But it’ll still be a very rocky ride ahead economically for the UK with the tr Uranus square tr Saturn hitting on the financial planets badly in 2021 with more disappointment by 2023 with the Solar Arc Sun square the 2nd house Venus; and more shocks in 2025 when the Solar Arc Uranus is conjunct the Mars. Tr Uranus doesn’t clear the 8th house of international trade till 2027 so it’ll be a bumpy ride ahead.
The Bank of England chart, 27 July 1694 JC, with its natal Sun Jupiter in Leo and Solar Arc Uranus in Taurus will catch the tr Saturn square tr Uranus next year for high-stress challenges. With 2023/2024/25 keying up as high-anxiety phases as well.
Heat is rising between Turkey and Greece over islands in the Aegean Sea, which Turkish President Erdogan is demanding are demilitarised. Greece says the islands, located within striking distance of a large Turkish landing fleet, cannot be left undefended and have been garrisoned for decades. The Greek PM is trying to defuse the spat saying restraint is required given the Ukraine situation and that it is not as tense as it was in 2020 when tensions flared over gas exploration rights in the eastern Mediterranean. There is a long history of disputes between the two countries who are both NATO allies.
Erdogan is a populist dictator who is surprisingly popular domestically despite the dire economic mess he has made. Greece hasn’t emerged shining white either from recent allegations of mistreatment of refugees with what appear to be illegal and violent pushbacks, carried out by Greek officials at the borders between Greece and Turkey. All hotly denied.
Recep Erdogan’s 4th Term chart, 9 July 2018 4.30pm Ankara, isn’t showing signs of instability until 2024 but that is when tr Pluto squares the Term Uranus running also through 2025 which is often a fall-off-perch time.
Both Greece charts, 24 July 1974 4am Athens, and 25 March 1821 5pm, are aggravated and stressed at the moment. Though that could be from a myriad of causes. The 1974 chart has for a potential military clash from Solar Arc Saturn conjunct the Mars though that could also be a significant setback from pandemic/economic effects. Tr Pluto opposing the Leo Sun in 2023/24 will exert maximum pressure for change none of which will be easy. The 1821 chart has an alarming, eruptive Solar Arc Mars square the Neptune Uranus this year which could lead to seriously bad-tempered exchanges.
There are some wrinkles and ripples on the Greece/Turkey relationship charts this year along with major confusion but it is 2023/24/25 which are the testing years. Turkey and NATO are not on great terms through 2023 to 2025 either.
Turkey is over excitable from July onwards which could precipitate an unwise move but is running into seriously discouraging and deprived influences from early 2023 and 2024 – their economic swamp is going to sink them at some point.
Add ON; There is another chart for Greece – 3 February 1830, no time – which reflects the same unsettled feel as the other charts with high tensions this year into early 2023. There’s an undermining of trust with Turkey this year and more eruptions in 2024.
Multimillionaire Brexit backer Arron Banks has lost his libel action against Guardian reporter Carole Cadwalladr. She was being sued for defamation over talking about his ‘covert relationship’ with Russia. The case was criticised as an attack on free speech. Banks who funded the pro-Brexit Leave EU campaign group said he would appeal. If he had won she would have been liable for his costs and damages – well over £1m.
She was born 10 October 1969 in Cardiff, Wales and became known internationally in 2018 for her role in exposing the Facebook–Cambridge Analytica data scandal for which she was a finalist for the 2019 Pulitzer Prize for National Reporting.
She has a confident, fair-minded and outspoken Sun Jupiter in Libra with Uranus, Mercury and probably Moon in Libra as well. Her ambitious Mars in Capricorn squares her Libra planets making her impulsive and a risk-taker. Tr Jupiter in Aries is exactly opposition her Uranus bringing her a lucky break as the judge declared in her favour saying her belief had been reasonable in terms of public interest. Though she’s looking edgy ahead which may be the appeal or other concerns troubling her.
Arron Banks, 22 March 1966, is co-founder of the Leave.EU campaign and was one of the largest donors to the UK Independence Party (UKIP). He was investigated over concerns about the source of his funding but there was “no evidence that any criminal offences have been committed.” According to wiki he is reported to have had multiple meetings with Russian embassy officials as well as being offered business opportunities in Russia in the run-up to the Brexit referendum. He has denied any wrongdoing.
He is Cadwalladr’s opposite number having a Sun, Mars and probably Moon in Aries, making him go-ahead and argumentative. He’s also got a super-confident Jupiter in Gemini square Uranus Pluto opposition Saturn Mercury in Pisces. He looks even less content over the next four years with major confusion this August to December and Neptunian sinkholes appearing along with disappointments up to 2025.
Their relationship chart is not surprisingly highly-charged and chilly with a Sun square Saturn; an outspoken composite Uranus square Mercury and inconjunct Mars; and Mars in a square to Neptune, hinting at differences where only one can win. It looks shaken up through the next three years, 2024 especially – so either there is more to follow or the result will cause continuing resentment.
