Death of a preacher man: Robert Schuller

Yesterday the man who always ended his preaches with a kind 'God loves you and so do I', died. The man who founded the Crystal Cathedral (now a Roman Catholic church), the man who was seen on TV by millions every week, had the kind of final years that he didn't deserve when you consider how much hope and comfort he gave to the millions. I am not a believer, but I liked his way of bringing hope and faith: a positive kind of christianity. 

Preachers, generally, have Mars-Jupiter aspects, tightly. They show the drive to convince and tell the world about what they believe. Robert Schuller had that aspect, too. With Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus and Mars in earth signs it was obvious that he would want a building (some kind of materialization) to manifest his belief. Neptune is the first outer planet rising before his Sun and that is a signal: people like that want something more in life, an ideal, a belief, an ideology or something that they 'feel' that needs to be done. With Jupiter in Aquarius (for the helicopter view) he was able to give new air and light.

Why were his final years so bad, you wonder? Maybe you find the answer in this story: https://bloodstainedink.wordpress.com/2012/02/07/when-debt-destroys-the-mega-church-robert-schuller-the-crystal-cathedral-and-the-coming-church-crisis/  Or maybe it is in the chart? In 2006 the problems started, this story says. That was with transit Uranus square Progressed Sun (unwelcome change; an important moment because in the natal chart there is a Sun-Uranus opposition*) and transit Saturn square Progressed Mars (blocked energy; an important moment because in the natal chart there is a Mars-Saturn opposition!*).

Unfortunately, there is no hour of birth for the man of Hour of Power. So there is little more to add than RIP, Robert Schuller.

*) When aspect combinations of the natal chart are being repeated by transits or progressions, the transit or progression involved is of major importance. Read about resonance:
http://astropost.blogspot.nl/2013/08/resonance-of-uranus-pluto-and-jupiter.html
http://astropost.blogspot.nl/2013/08/resonance-and-odd-man-out-in-chart.html

LINKS
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aE2WMLK_q6M Abt Robert Schuller
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_H._Schuller
http://astropost.blogspot.nl/2010/12/preachers-charts.html
http://astropost.blogspot.nl/2008/12/how-astrologically-robert-schullers-son.html 2008 post on father and son breaking up...

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CharlieHebdo charts

Here is the chart of France (5th Republic, source Astrodatabank) with transit Uranus square natal Sun, mirroring the shocking state of the nation (and waking up the hard way, perhaps) following the brutal murders in the office of CharlieHebdo that made millions (and me) sad and angry. UPDATE also see the post on the charts of the terrorist brothers:
http://astropost.blogspot.nl/2015/01/eris-and-charts-transits-and.html

CTR + Tap or click in the chart, open new window and maximize the size!

It was not the first terrorist attack in Europe. Madrid and London came first. It wasn't the first time that cartoonists in Europe were the target of terrorists. Denmark was first (see 'Birth chart of a cartoonist in danger'). The attempt to kill free speech in Europe started with Salmon Rushdie. After the brutal murder on Theo van Gogh (see post), threats for not welcome plays, movies or expositions in the eyes of islamists, anxious political correctness and the coming up of IS, it was quite clear that more was to come. Is it strange that now that Saturn entered Sagittarius, that this limited freedom of speech is the issue today?

In France, there were a number of attacks (some with cars) before, and the authorities stated that the men who committed these crimes were isolated lone wolves with psychological problems. Maybe the two brothers could be considered insane as well. They think that hurt feelings  - when their religion is involved - are a license to kill. They believe that their religion allows or even supports this and I am afraid that there are a couple of thousands like them.

Here you see the charts of the moment of the attack with (in transit) the positions on the days of birth of the two murderous brothers. It seems that their parents left them at a very young age. In the chart of the brothers, Sun-Uranus (major and minor aspect) tells us about possible alienation. They sure isolated themselves in the eyes of the majority, on January 7.

There is a Mars-Uranus connection in one of the terrorists' charts. I like to point at the fact that most of the terrorists' charts that I know of contain such a connection, as you can see on my site Astromarkt. Maybe, in case of restricted budgets, secret services could start to follow up on guys (and girls) with such a Mars-Uranus issue, because they are the front liners and the one with the short fuses. See: http://astropost.blogspot.nl/2008/04/mars-in-aspect-with-uranus.html

I wish that I was brave enough to be Charlie. I am not. I am anonymous and I always weigh my words carefully in spite of my Mercury opposite Uranus, because I am aware of the dangers. There is already such an amount of political correctness and fear in Europe, that in my opinion, freedom of speech has house arrest and will have to be strong to defend itself. The CharlieHebdo crew must have (had) special courage and special drives to dare to shock (and amuse) their public. It is in the nature of a cartoonist to walk on the edge, always. But it's only in the last decades that this might cost them their lives. This attack fuels the already existing tension in Europe. Politicians are afraid of what will happen next and hurry to tell us that we must not be scared. Paris is far far away?

Life went on after 911, after London, after Madrid and nothing much changed except that columnists, cartoonists, cabaretiers and journalist have more and more turned to political correctness, because they love life. Let's hope, that just like in the books of Tolkien, the monsters will be defeated and we can all go back to our garden of flowers as usual, until the next attack. Will we have to get used to this, like in the Middle East, in Nigeria, in Syria? Does this really 'awake' us?

The sixties are past and gone. It seems like there is no more 'Age of Aquarius' (you know the song?) dawning (or has it started in March 2012, read this...).  It looks more like a decline, to the same dark ages that hold the people of countries like Iran, Syria and Nigeria. It will be hard to turn the tides. I am still looking for positive signs for future peace (and I don't mean after being defeated). Have you found any?

LINK
To post on 2015
Quote:
On March 16 Uranus will be square Pluto for the last time since 2011, but this doesn't mean that there will be no more tension and world peace danger after that. It won't be more, that is a fact. The spring chart (the astrological new year's chart) will still have Uranus-Pluto's square within a 5 degree orb and it will last until 2018 to finally fade away. Uranus-Pluto will hit the chart of Vladimir Putin again this year, but won't be exact in Barack Obama's chart. The crisis is getting less in the USA and stronger in Russia these days, in line with the leaders' charts. The charts of the NATO and EURO, however, show difficulties in February/March 2015. It will be tense in Europe. How about ISIS? I don't know. I hope that they will be defeated in the end, but when I see what happens with the Taliban in Afghanistan, I have my serious doubts that there will ever be peace as long as fanatics want us all to surrender as if we live in the books of Tolkien. 

EXTERNAL LINKS
Will truth set us free? https://aeternalightastrology.wordpress.com/2014/06/15/truth-shall-set-you-free-saturn-entering-sagittarius-in-december-2014-and-why-we-should-get-all-we-can-out-of-the-remaining-saturn-in-scorpio-weeks/

http://www.xstarian.com/The-Future.html Saturn-Neptune:" ideologically based cruelties".



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Bad news for Pope Francis

The chart of Pope Francis was hit today by ruler 8 Uranus (opposite Ascendant) and the natural ruler 8 Pluto conjunct ruler 3 Mercury. In the progressed chart MC and Mercury are square now. This picture of the sky accompanies bad news (see ABC http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-08-19/three-pope-francis-relatives-killed-in-car-crash/5682610 ). Family members died in a car accident in Argentina.

The 8th house is the symbol of crisis, life-and-death moments and changes (definite ones). Uranus' transits may be shocking. Pluto refers to stress, problems and challenges. The combination of Uranus and Pluto is often the symbol of crisis. Mercury and the 3rd and 6th house are related to relatives like brothers and sisters, nephews and cousins, aunts and uncles. Mercury is also the symbol of traffic and communications.

It seems that those 3 actual aspects picture the situation, but like in every case: it's not so vice versa and there need not be a death in the family just because of those particular transits and houses. That is because the astrological vocabulary has a range of words and meanings for every single symbol. The 8th house is also the house of your partner's money, for example.


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Second chance posts 2: Father Pio's stigmata

Some hardly ever read posts deserve a second chance. Here is one on a subject that may not be in the top 10 of most interesting subject (a fake holy man), but it holds several typical astrological clues to fans/followers (Jupiter-Neptune), successes (Jupiter-Pluto), creativity (quintiles), use/abuse of power (Mars-Pluto) and the end of a reputation (Saturn-Midheaven). That is why I give that post another try. Here it is.

November 11, 2007
FATHER PIO: HOLY or FAKE?

Dutch newspaper Trouw reports on the 8th of November that Saint Padre Pio (born May 25 1887 at 16h10 in Pietrecina) cheated on his audience. He applied the stigmata himself. Also it has become known that Pope John the 23rd was not convinced that Pio sticked to the celibate status of a roman catholic priest. Let us have a look at the chart of a roman catholic priest who still has many believers and followers who worship him.

The birth chart of Padre Pio shows us a man with a lot of self confidence and a strong ability to convince others. Jupiter is 'calling' (not making major aspects in sign). Pluto is rising before the Sun. The prominence of Jupiter and Pluto, making a creative quintile between them, applies to a succesful man.

In religious charts ('fake' or not) there are always combination of Jupiter and Neptune (conviction + immaterial). The closest aspect in the chart of Father Pio is that of Jupiter inconjunct Neptune. Sun, Saturn and Pluto all three make a hard aspect - in the 22.5 degree serie- with the midpoint Jupiter/Neptune.

Even after death, when your reputation is being discussed, transits and progressions stay alive. So it is in Pio's case.

Now that there are doubts about Saint Pio because of the statements of drugstore owners at the time who delivered material that could be used to produce stigmata, we see transit Pluto inconjunct the natal Mars-Neptune of Pio. The progressed Sun is beginning to change sign and next year (right after the square from Jupiter) this Sun will receive a square from Pluto. Is not the circle round?:)
Important moments in time are often marked by come-backs of astrological aspects in/with the natal chart.

BTW: in Pio's solar return chart for 2007 Saturn sits on the midheaven.

One year Pope Francis and 20 degree Libra

One year ago, on March 13, 2013 Pope Francis was elected to be the new pope. From the start he showed to be modest, friendly and caring, as if he wants to impersonate the principle of Cancer Ascendant (doing it, keeping it simple). The Sagittarius Sun and Aquarian Moon contribute to the helicopter view needed in his position as a leader (Sun is 'calling'!) in a modern world. But the most important position in his chart is for Mars.

His Mars is important in 3 ways:
1. Mars rises before the Sun,
2. Mars doesn't make major aspects in sign or orb 5 degrees (Mars 'calls' )
3. Mars is square the midpoint Sun/Moon. It means that he 'goes for it', and is motivated by action and being active.

You could expect an athlete with such a Mars, but as Mars is in the 20th degree of Libra, his work includes books, libraries and studies. The Sabian symbol of the 20th degree of Libra speaks of a Rabbi (a man of God) surrounded by books and manuscripts. The activities of Pope Francis are of an intellectual and spiritual order, even though he loves football and he supports the San Lorenzo de Almagro football club. Pope Francis is a Jesuit (the most intellectual order in the Roman Catholic Church). On March 11 1958 he joined the order, rejecting his love for a girl (progressed chart Venus inconjunct Ascendant…for giving up on a love relationship), with transit Saturn on his Sun (as a symbol of a period ending and facing responsibilities).  Watch that progressed chart, with Mars in a key position with Mercury, Pluto and the Ascendant. It was 56 years ago.

Today, his transits and progressions are reflecting his extraordinary popularity by means of the Moon. The progressed MC is inconjunct Moon and the progressed Moon is now inconjunct Midheaven. Also transit Jupiter conjunct progressed MC and inconjunct progressed Moon helps to be supported. It is a good start, but will it last?

Look at the future transits and progressions.

- Transit Pholus (important in the natal chart, sitting on the Descendant) is getting closer to his natal Sun, reaching a point of no return, while
- transit Uranus is getting closer to a square with Progressed MC (upheaval).
- Saturn will hit his Mercury, Venus and Mars (making it all harder),
- there will be a progressed Mercury-Mars square (for discussions) and
- in the progressed chart Mars will be inconjunct Venus to signal losing balance with passions (not necessarily sexual or love related, more like if an overdose of passion and loving fire ceases a bit).
In the progressed chart Midheaven is opposition Pholus (turning point at home - in Rome) and transit Eris was recently on his progressed Descendant (discord on the horizon).

Luckily for him, there will still be support. Jupiter will reach the progressed MC, trine the progressed Sun and enter the progressed 10th public house and the natal first.

One of the characteristics of Pope Francis, in my opinion, is the capacity of mingling the rules and practice, not fighting the status quo, without becoming one of 'them' in the eyes of the people and still being the catalyst (Pholus opposite Ascendant) of changes. How does that show in his chart? Perhaps in the Moon and Venus in the 7th house of relationships in the friendly Aquarius explains? A need to be kind and keep the friendly peace? Feeling love for all others,  in an Aquarian way (for the community of men)? And all the while creatively (quintile) achieving success through perseverance (Jupiter-Saturn)?

Anyway, I think that the importance of Mars in the 20th degree of Libra explains a lot of the importance of living like a monk or priest. According to Janduz, this is the degree of the religious mind. She described this degree like this: the sun setting and shining into a hallway in a convent where a monk (holding a book in his hands) is reaching a small altar with an incensory.
That picture looks like that of an old rabbi, sitting in a room with books, doesn't it?

How do you see the Sabian degree of your most important planet?
================================================

PS
I promised to pay more attention to 'out of bounds'. In Pope Francis' chart, Mercury is out of bounds. Mercury is in the 12 degree of Capricorn ('Miracles of nature scientifically painted'). This is a degree of cosmography (and training dogs, as it seems:). I like the out of bounds (unusual) rather unearthly degree for this pope's opinions.

LINKS
http://astrologycritics.com/sabian-symbols-in-astrology.html/7

German politician Klaus Kinkel was born on the same day: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Klaus_Kinkel
Activist and author Frank Martinus, too: http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Martinus_Arion
They may not have the same Sun/Moon midpoint (with Mars) so that maybe the Sun is more important than Mars (and an other Sabian symbol), but they share the 20th degree of Libra for Mars in some way.


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Very Capricorn chart of Josemaria Escriva de Balaguer (founder of Opus Dei)

On January 9, 1902 Josemaria Escriva de Balaguer was born in Barbastro, Spain. On that day, there was a stellium of Sun, Moon, Mercury, Jupiter, Saturn and Chiron in Capricorn. There was a narrow conjunction of Sun and Saturn. There is a Capricorn Sun/Moon conjunct Saturn. This strongly motivates to be in charge and to organize. There is a strong need to be respected.

This very Cappy chart belonged to the founder of Opus Dei (see Wiki), a Roman Catholic conservative organization of 80.000 member (not the millions of Dan Brown!), that started to do the 'work of God' (that is what Opus Dei means) on October 2, 1928.

It is not surprising to see so much Capricorn and Saturn in this chart. Capricorn is the sign of 'duty', the 'classics', ambition and of a certain conservatism. Sun-Saturn often highlights management qualities. Lots of managers (AND dictators) have a Sun-Saturn aspect (see this post: http://astropost.blogspot.nl/2009/03/sun-in-aspect-with-saturn-managing-to.html ).

 In the chart of Opus Dei, Neptune rises before the 'calling' Sun, while Mars is 'calling' too. That perfectly describes Opus (Mars!) Dei (Neptune orientation). That Mars is trine the Venus of the founder and exactly conjunct his Neptune (dream came true).

Transit Pluto was opposition the natal Sun, Moon and Saturn of Josemaria Escriva de Balaguer when he founded Opus Dei. This signals that dramatic moment in his life.
Transit Pluto was also inconjunct Uranus (it seems that there was a lot of stress and nerves at the time). In the natal chart of the founder of Opus Dei, Uranus is opposition Pluto. Any transit or progression that connects Uranus and Pluto will be highlighted because of that crucial opposition on the meridian (IC-MC).

Here you see the chart of the founder and the transits of October 2, 1928 (with just one click you get a larger picture). 


The Astro ID of Escriva for 10 p.m. is as follows:
1. Mars is 'calling' (for the workaholic)
2. Pluto conjunct Midheaven
3. Uranus opposition Midheaven (semi sextile Sun, Moon, Saturn and Sun/Moon)
4. Uranus rising before the Sun

Uranus is very important. Uranus is the symbol of controversy and semi sextile Sun.  Also, Eris is on the Descendant.

With such an Astro ID with such an important Uranus, it is to be expected that there are very different views of him. A lot of catholics see him as a saint. Others point at his defense of Hitler and France.

MORE….
I like to point at Venus half semi square Mars, both connected with Neptune (by trine and biquintile) for the man with a romantic-idealistic passion. The Midheaven inconjunct Sun/Moon, Sun, Moon and Saturn, seems to contradict his beatification. He never really fell of his pedestal and didn't have to retire too early. The round hour of birth doesn't seem to fit completely. Maybe they said that it was at about 10. Anyway, I'd liked to place Midheaven right between Neptune and Pluto…

See:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josemar%C3%ADa_Escrivá

http://www.astromarkt.net/sunmoon-ascendantmc.html

http://www.astromarkt.net/sunmoon-signs.html
Quoting myself:

Capricorn

Motivated by parents (mostly the father), managers or others of different age or standing. Needs law, order and hierarchy to feel alive and secure. Highlighted responsibility and conservatism. In the family: the cool, serious, responsible and cautious family member, a bit distant (because of age, status or living far away).

In a marriage: rather solid, serious and distant (like the father remembered for cutting the meat every Sunday). No seriously: they are very scrupulous indeed.

This highlighted Capricorn just needs to climb in society and make a career. It depends on many things (chart, genes, gender, circumstances) where that need brings you.

Famous examples are:

- Oprah Winfrey (Sun in Aquarius, Moon in Sagittarius, Sun/Moon in Capricorn)

- Luis Bunuel (Sun Pisces, Moon Sagittarius, conflict with the family because of political choice)

- Annie Lennox (Sun and Moon in Capricorn, Sun/Moon in Capricorn sesquisquare Venus)

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The chart of Pope Francis

In 'Habemus...'  I wrote about the chart of Pope Francis or Papam Francisco aka Jorge Maria Bergoglio:
- Sun is 'calling' = leadership
- Mars is rising before the Sun (activism, energy)
- Sun in Sagittarius and Moon in Aquarius (like me, so that is what I like about him:)
- and Jupiter trine Uranus
so this pope will be one with a helicopter view.
Now we all know his hour of birth (9 p.m.). Here is the complete chart with transits and progressions for the day that he was elected by the cardinals in Saint Peter's in Rome (March 13, 2013):

Now that I now his hour of birth, I can add this:

• His Cancer Ascendant is in line with his way of doing things: the simple way. 
• Pluto is important. There are no major aspects in sign or orb 5 degrees with Pluto. Pluto 'calls'. When Pluto is important, cases of life and death, sexuality, values, authority and stress will be important at any possible level, somehow and anyhow. Pluto is in his first house. Together with the NA Sun, Pluto shows the leading authority that he is today.
• Transit Pluto is in aspect with his Ascendant (for stress and pressure). 
• Transit Pluto is also in aspect with his progressed MC (sort of a forced change in the career)
• Pholus holds an angular position in the natal chart (on the Descendant), signaling a possible important change of situation.
• Progressed Midheaven had been opposition Pholus before the election, starting a - at the time unnoticed -change in the position and status. 
• Sun/Moon midpoint is square Mars. He is motivated by doing things, an activist and driven do-er. 
• Sun/Moon midpoint is in Capricorn. This means that the career is important (in heart and soul someone serious and ambitious).
• AC/MC midpoint is conjunct Orcus, the symbol of oaths and promises. 
• Sun and Moon are in hard aspect with midpoint Jupiter/Neptune. See the article on Astromarkt about Jupiter with Neptune Quote: t is the combination of the devoted audience and...the remedy.

What is important in the chart of this pope is the fact that he is a man drawing attention, a 'star' (Sun NA) who does things the simple way (Cancer Ascendant) even though he is ambitious and serious (Capricorn Sun/Moon). His Saturn in Pisces almost makes him feel obliged to suffer or to be lonely. Faith is serious when Saturn is in Pisces. It is a position that makes it harder to be a celebrity. Jupiter in Capricorn and Saturn in Pisces might (together) point at the conservative in the chart of Pope Francis. That seems at odds with the Aquarian Moon, but I always say that Aquarius is not the sign of happy renewal. It is the sign of change in the way that the Aquarian sees it as a must. Rick Santorum has Moon in Aquarius. Retro-progression is also change...

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Habemus Papam Francisco

It was Mercury on Jupiter/Neptune midpoint*) today and I already tweeted: talking about faith, faith, faith. It was a good day for a decision (Mercury) about religion (Jupiter/Neptune), I thought. Apparently, it was. I don't know if it was a good decision, but today, March 13, 2013 at 19:06 white smoke announced the new pope. We heard his name: Jorge Maria Bergoglio. He will be Pope Francisco.

Here is his chart without h.o.b. but with transits and progressions.

The Astro I.D. of this pope is like this:

- Sun is 'calling' = leadership
- Mars is rising before the Sun (activism, energy)
- Sun in Sagittarius and Moon in Aquarius (like me, so that is what I like about him:)
- and Jupiter trine Uranus
so this pope will be one with a helicopter view.

*) see comments
Mercury is in tight aspect with both Jupiter (square) and Neptune (conjunction) so that the midpoint Jupiter/Neptune is semi square Mercury. I am used to say Mercury=Jupiter/Neptune in such a case. It is Mercury semi square Jupiter/Neptune AND in a tight aspect combination AND Mercury is in Pisces in aspect with the ancient and modern ruler of Pisces (the sign of Christianity).
Also visit: Astromarkt.net

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Chart of Benedict XVI: the day after

Yesterday the papacy of Benedict XVI ended by abdication. Here you see three charts of Benedict XVI: the natal chart with transits, solar return 2012 and: natal and progressed together. Transits and progressions clearly mirror the kind of change in the life of the now ex-pope. I'll show you how.

Natal and progressed positions Benedict 16t

1. In the progressed chart we see Pluto on the Ascendant, exactly. The Ascendant is the symbol of the situation (your view on the world outside) and … of the name. Pluto is the symbol of transformation, value, authority, stress, challenge, issues of life and death and change. There is hardly a better symbol than Pluto-Ascendant to describe what happened yesterday. Pluto also may refer to (too much) pressure. As Pluto is the ruler of the 8th house and positioned in the 4th this is a symbol of final issues (like this one) and a possible indication for the danger of death. I read that he recently had fysical problems.

2. Progressed Neptune is exactly trine natal Sun. That is a beautiful description of realizing a dream and the start of a period of seclusion. It is the kind of aspect that smoothly accompanies the start of a period of withdrawal (like when you step back).

3. Transit Pholus semi square the natal AC/MC marks a rather frustrating key turning point.

4. The solar return of his birthday in 2012 (valid until the next birthday in 2013) has Sun opposition Saturn. Afflicted Sun-Saturn moments are moments of discontinuation, ends and... goodbyes.

solar return 2012-2013

Two times symbols of change, one time symbol of an ending and the symbol of a smooth start of a more isolated way of life are about enough for a man of his age. But after I published this, I realized that there is even more, like:
- transit Uranus sesquisquare progressed Mars
- Jupiter novile progressed Sun (rejoycing positive change)
- Neptune transit quindecile progressed IC (weakness, basically)
- transit Uranus trine Saturn (breaking free)

I don't really know what to make of Progressed Mars trine Ceres. Ceres is an important figure in his chart and represents motherhood (or the holy mother figure). He said that he will continue to work for the (mother)church.

On Transit Mars inconjunct Progressed Mars you can see the energy drain of the final days of the papacy.

LINK
See the post of June 2012 about the power struggle in the Vatican, Cardinal Sodano and Cardinal Bertone and their synastry with the Pope.
( http://astropost.blogspot.nl/2012/06/sun-pluto-sun-mars-synastry.html ). I quote:

" Cardinal Sodano (November 23, 1927) has denied the rumors about a power struggle in the Vatican (perhaps anticipating on the end of the papacy of Pope Benedict). But before, he denied that there was any abuse by priests... "

Also visit: Astromarkt.net for example about the astrology of popes or use the labels for more about religion.

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Astrology of Pope Benedict stepping back

There have been a number of posts about Pope Benedict on this blog and they were often wrapped in a blanket of worries about his condition, but...as a true 'Saturn calling' *) he remained on his post. Now he steps back and even though he is 85, the head of a world church in trouble and apparently not healthy, people are surprised. They are surprised because popes tend to be pope until they die. Watch the chart, progressions and transits, consider the man and his situation, and see that there is reason enough to have some rest.

1. The progressed chart has Pluto on the Ascendant. Pluto rules the 8th natal house of life and death and is in the 4th of endings. Pluto on the Ascendant describes stressful situations and pressure (though he says there was no pressure on him when he decided to stop on February 28). Something transforms when Pluto is on one of the corners of the chart.


2. Transit Uranus square progressed Mars (important because of the opposition with Midheaven in the natal chart) means change, too.

3. Progressed Sun quintile Progressed Chiron might be creative in a healing process or point at the creative attendance of doctors.

4. On February 28 transit Jupiter is novile Progressed Sun for rejoycing that life gets better.

5. The most negative aspect is transit Neptunus quindecile progressed IC. It focusses on a weak basis.

6. Transit Pholus square midpoint AC/MC mirrors the crucial point of no return.

Today he surprised (transit Uranus) the world by breaking (Saturn) free (Uranus).


LINKS

See:
http://astropost.blogspot.nl/2012/06/sun-pluto-sun-mars-synastry.html (June 2012, about the cardinals around him)
http://astropost.blogspot.nl/2011/12/concern-in-chart-of-pope.html (December 2011, concern...)


Also visit: Astromarkt.net about popes

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Mercury inconjunct Uranus in the chart of Deepak Chopra

Deepak Chopra is a very successful spiritual author.  His book 'Spiritual Solutions' has been elected Best Spiritual Book this week (in the Netherlands) and that is only one of the many awards.  He writes best sellers. This drew my attention. So I searched on the internet and found out that he first was a medical doctor and now is a spiritual authority. That, of course, is food for controversy. See Wikipedia for more information on that. This post is about the controversy mirrored by the natal chart by means of Uranus (inconjunct Mercury and opposition Midheaven).

Above is the chart of Deepak Chopra with Mercury inconjunct Uranus. Mercury inconjunct Uranus mirrors an overload of upheaval related to communications (what you say, write or sing). As Uranus is the most important planet in Deepak Chopra's natal chart, this aspect is also important in his life.

Why is Uranus important in his chart?
Deepak Chopra's natal chart has 4 'calling' positions:

• Sun (for drawing attention and for being the star), 
• Venus (for diplomacy, talent, popularity and comfort), 
• Pluto (for authority and strategy), and
• Uranus (for change, renewal and independence/ alienation)

Sun, Venus, Pluto and Uranus don't make narrow aspects in sign or orb 5 degrees.
Uranus is also in a tight opposition with Midheaven. This angularity turns Uranus into the most important planet of the chart. The opposition with Midheaven is the key to the change from medical doctor to spiritual coach. The fact is that there is an inconjunct (150 degree aspect or quincunx) between Mercury and Uranus. Inconjuncts mirror problems.

SYNASTRY WITH MAHARISHI: Uranus inconjunct Sun
I read that Deepak Chopra drew the attention of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. His Uranus is inconjunct the Sun of the Maharishi. Deepak Chopra eventually did it 'his way'. Again, his Uranus (symbol of independence) proved to be important.

Mercury in conflict with Uranus
Mercury inconjunct Uranus is the concept of new or shocking ideas or words. But Mercury-Uranus can also reflect mental disruption. In traffic Mercury-Uranus is a risk. Gloria Estefan, August Busch IV and Laura Bush are examples in the post about this side of Mercury-Uranus: http://astropost.blogspot.nl/2010/12/mercury-uranus-and-traffic-accidents.html

Controversial ideas are only shocking when you are part of a community or 'world' with different ideas than yours. That is why many astrologers have a Mercury-Uranus aspect in their charts (often accompanied by Jupiter). Mercury-Uranus changes minds or provokes 'words' and discussions. Mercury-Uranus kind of ideas may be considered wrong in the eyes of others and sometimes they are.

The person with a hard Mercury-Uranus aspect often has to learn not to mention those 'different' ideas, especially in countries without freedom (Uranus) of speech (Mercury). It is because with Mercury-Uranus you tend to say (Mercury) what you think (Mercury) instantly (Uranus), too soon, before others are ready (Uranus) or when it is not political correct (Uranus).  Mercury-Uranus is for the free thinker.

This aspect between Mercury and Uranus doesn't answer the question if a person is correct or not. Mercury-Uranus simply makes the audience think and wonder or laugh or ... protest.

PS for those with a Mercury-Uranus conflict in their charts: Mercury-Uranus also tends to interrupt in a discussion. That is because they want to communicate their ideas immediately. (You can avoid this impulse by writing it down while counting to ten...)

LINKS
Silvio Berlusconi has an important Mercury square Uranus. You read about it in http://astropost.blogspot.nl/2010/02/wrong-ideas-and-silly-comments-mercury.html

More Mercury aspects on Astromarkt:
http://www.astromarkt.net/aspects-with-mercury.html
like Mercury-Uranus (quote):

"Mercury-Uranus' effect is 'hectic' as the combination means 'information on impulse' (re: Mars-Uranus for acting on impulse) and provocative information (just a little different from what the others think). Uranus is the planet of change and Mercury of info, so lies of the Mercury-Uranus-kind are quick lies and often communication techniques like changing subject when it comes to telling the truth or at worst by twisting words and facts to end up with a completely different story. With the planet of inventions linked to the planet of words, you can make your own vocabulary, too. Sarah Palin has Mercury quintile Uranus: to creatively invent words…like ‘refudiating’."

(see: http://astropost.blogspot.nl/2010/08/refudiating-palin-and-mercury-quintile.html )

EXTERNAL LINK
Brutus view on angularity: http://www.dearbrutus.com/angularity.html

Also visit: Astromarkt.net All rights reserved

Guess what happened (... with Uranus-Pluto)

Last week I showed a simple case of triple Venus for beginners and of course you all guessed what happened: Love! Today the Sun/Moon midpoint is in aspect with a Uranus-Pluto square and I found an interesting case of a double Uranus-Pluto effect in the newspapers. It happened just recently and is a perfect example of the resonation of Uranus-Pluto. So, give it a try and guess what happens when a person has the following indications in progression and transits. And if it is hard to make a guess, than read about the mentioned aspects, using the links. There are lots of them!

BTW Remember not to forget to consider gender (male), culture (Latino-America), social-economic position (working in an international institution) and not married, 57 years of age. Never forget to have a look at the natal chart, too. This is about a man with Saturn rising before the Sun (ambition, the importance of status, age and hierarchy). Natal Jupiter is exactly square his Neptune (today Jupiter is square Neptune, too!). Venus is tightly conjunct Saturn, in Scorpio. And 50% of the planets are in water signs.

Picture that, and than consider this:

A
Progressed Sun inconjunct Progressed Uranus and almost opposition Progressed Pluto. In the natal chart the Sun is also inconjunct Uranus. The natal chart is trine Pluto. Because of the repeating combination this progression is of key importance!

- About Uranus-Pluto in history: http://www.astromarkt.net/uranus-pluto-history.html
- An example of what happened to someone during a Uranus-Pluto influence...

B
There is a second Uranus-Pluto combination in action. Transit Uranus is square and transit Pluto is conjunct Progressed Venus.

- Quoting myself: Venus/Uranus/Pluto

The radical lover who is willing to take risks in love and falls in love just like that. I have seen bad and nicer examples of the intense way to fall in love and change everything because of it and won’t mention them here…
http://www.astromarkt.net/venus-midpoints-aspects.html

C
Progressed Juno is conjunct natal Venus
Did you know about Juno?
- http://astropost.blogspot.nl/2011/03/does-juno-reflect-mr-or-mrs-right.html

D
To complicate Venus-Juno, transit Pholus is semi sextile this conjunction.

E
Progressed Mars square Progressed Jupiter
There is a lot of energy when Jupiter meets Mars, but wether you use it the right way…that is up to you…

F
Last but not least: transit Saturn is close to progressed Mars. Last time October 2011. In fact, that is when something important started what happened now.

Here is the chart drawing for the day of birth:

Can you guess what? If not, just read the news.  Here it the source of birth data...

Also visit: Astromarkt.net for example about Venus-Saturn

All rights reserved

Sun-Pluto, Sun-Mars synastry

This post is partly about cardinals and partly about synastry (Sun-Pluto and Sun-Mars synastry). In short: I see the Sun-Pluto synastry marking the issue of 'life and death' and 'self esteem' while the Sun-Mars synastry is reflecting the competition between the central figure and the one who works for or with him. The astrological story is about Cardinal Sodano and Cardinal Bertone and their synastry with the Pope.

Cardinal Sodano (November 23, 1927) has denied the rumors about a power struggle in the Vatican (perhaps anticipating on the end of the papacy of Pope Benedict). But before, he denied that there was any abuse by priests…(see that post: http://astropost.blogspot.nl/2010/04/sodanos-oriental-moon-in-scorpio-speaks.html).
Cardinal Sodano, they say, is the member of one group (the diplomats) and Tarcisio Bertone is one of his opponents. In order to study synastry in astrology, it might be interesting to check the interaction between their charts, I thought. I immediately found something surprising that confirms my idea that a combination of planets is more the reflection of the sort of interaction in synastry. It is hard to see 'who done it', as the aspect combination simply issues a theme. Depending on social position, status and gender, you could analyze this correctly, but it takes a picture of the situation with inside information in order to do so.

Sodano was the former camerlengo. Bertone succeeded him. Both might be the next Pope. Both are cardinals. Both have influence and both made cardinal mistakes and caused upheaval in the international press, by denying the abuse in church (Sodano) or by naming homosexuals pedophiles (Bertone). The synastry of a. Sodano and b. Benedict equals the synastry of a. Benedict and b. Camerlengo Bertone when it comes to Mars+Sun and Mercury+Neptune! The same components, but ' the other way around'. And all aspects in synastry are within a 1 degree orb! See the pictures of the chart of Pope Benedict with the positions of the important cardinals at the end of this post.

The Mars of the Pope is quincunx the Sun of Sodano. The Mars of Bertone is also quincunx the Sun of Sodano. Competition and succeeding is part of the Sun-Mars combination. Sun is for leadership and Mars is for competing. Often, even in modern office life, the Mars person sort of targets the Sun person and hopes to be the next leader, but in that case the Sun person should either die or leave. The fact that there IS a Mars person around might be very stimulating. However, an inconjunction points at certain misbalances.

The Mercury of the Pope is quincunx the Neptune of Sodano. Bertone's Mercury is square the Neptune of the Pope. Vague communications and misconceptions are part of the Mercury-Neptune combination. Strictly confidential and secret (Neptune) information (Mercury) is the link between the men. Misunderstandings are to be expected when one person is interpreting (Mercury) what he can't hear, touch or explain (Neptune): the other person's ideals, beliefs and dreams. On the other hand, the Neptune person is not clear when it comes to communicating or … he or she is hiding something that the other one wants to know. False statements are part of the Mercury-Neptune combination, just as telling tales. There is also a matter of foreign language involved. Sodano and Bertone are native Italians and the Pope is a German. That complicates deep understanding, even if they try hard enough and especially when it comes to vague ideas and emotions.

BTW: I also find it interesting that Sodano's Saturn is on the Sun of Bertone. Sodano is older than Bertone is. Sodano is the former camerlengo. That means that Sodano has seniority and Saturn IS senior.

The Camerlengo of Pope Benedict, Tarcisio Bertone, was born on December 2, 1934. That means, that his Pluto is exactly square the Sun of the Pope. There is a risk of a drama involved, because of the strong influence of the Pluto person, if not the power over the Sun-person (that is the general astrological idea),but I'd interpret this also as the issue of (the value of) life and death and facing it, through this relationship.

MORE posts about religion
http://astropost.blogspot.nl/search/label/Religion

MORE about the charts of popes
http://www.astromarkt.net/charts-of-popes.html

EXTERNAL LINK
Cafe Astrology describes the effect of the Pluto of a person square somebody's Sun like this...http://www.cafeastrology.com/synastry/sun_pluto_aspects.html

Also visit: Astromarkt.net All rights reserved

Venus-Saturn and Stepford Wives

The controversy about the latest book of Mark Driscoll 'inspired' me to write about Venus opposition Saturn (and about Mercury-Uranus). Just like Ted Haggard, Mark Driscoll has a difficult aspect between Venus (in Scorpio) and Saturn. In his latest book Driscoll says that he dreamt about the sins of his wife (before they married) and that he woke up vomiting, sick of it. Really, a lovely description of Venus conjunct Neptune (dream) opposition Saturn. He wants women to be submissive housewives, fulfilling their husbands' wishes. It is almost the Stepford Wives, a book written by Ira Levin (Venus in Cancer inconjunct Saturn on his day of birth, August 27, 1929). Is that just coincidence, I wonder? Do Venus-Saturn men want women to be functional perfect dolls? Maybe a good question for the next poll!:)

With Venus-Saturn people often tend to stay safely married, even if the marriage had better times and even if they think that the partner is not exactly perfect. When there is a hard aspect between Venus and Saturn the wall between two persons grows and grows, but for some - often material or parental - reason is seems harder to be separated. The semi sextile between Venus and Saturn (rising before his sun) in the chart of Seal might have helped to stay in the marriage with Heidi Klung longer, too, for example. Read Astromarkt about Saturn in a long lasting relationship. Saturn is sometimes the glue that keeps a couple together.

Here is the chart of Driscoll's day of birth. 

Venus sextile Mars (and Mars conjunct Pluto) symbolize the intense passion and desire (or strong hormonal activitiesJ) that turns any relationship into a challenge, even more with Saturn opposition Venus. 


But, can we see the controversy? Yes we can!

Mercury is conjunct Uranus and they rise before his ‘calling’ Sun (Sun without major aspects in sign or orb 5 degrees). He will draw attention at any possible level and is first of all someone with independent and controversial ideas. And what better way to upset an audience than this way?

There is also an astrological reason for being discussed now: his progressed Sun is conjunct natal Neptune and transit Neptune is square his progressed Sun. That might isolate him, he might be seen in a negative light. Or has this already happened? He has been accused of pornofying the church (see this link: http://www.christiannewswire.com/news/56609176.html) and that's not the only blog...

LINKS

Unlike other preacher men there is little Saturnal fatherly or managing tendency.

http://astropost.blogspot.com/2010/12/preachers-charts.html

http://astrology-love-romance.blogspot.com/2010/02/ted-and-gayle-haggard-sharing-venus.html
Evangelical priest Ted and his wife Gayle Haggard divorced after his coming out. I quote:
"There is an inconjunction between his Venus and Saturn. She has Venus trine Saturn. They share Venus-Saturn. That might indicate marriage of convention (for the sake of the children and status) and might be one of the components that keep them married though he is a homosexual.Venus and Saturn may be untrue sometimes, but the combination makes it also hard to separate from each other."

See Astromarkt or Cafe Astrology about Venus-Saturn aspects. For Venus-Saturn's impact when you are young, see Astrology&Love.

Read about Mercury Uranus by using the labels. Here is an advice about how to deal with Mercury-Uranus (that I should have followed more myself!)

HOW TO AVOID THE BAD SIDES OF MERCURY-URANUS?

With Mercury-Uranus what you say or think may be wrong, shocking, crazy or a provocation (in the eyes of others). Sometimes Mercury-Uranus is the aspect of the eye-opener and a few times the expressed ideas are simply bright. (But that is an exception!:) In an oppressive society, having a Mercury-Uranus in the chart is a burden. People with this aspect often have to learn (Mercury) to change their mind quickly, depending on the receiver of the message. Or they have to learn that you can't just interrupt a discussion or a speaker. 

Mercury-Uranus can be manifested in the small circle of home, where the Mercury-Uranus person always feels the need to see the other side of what the rest considers to be the truth and/or provokes discussions about those differences of opinion. Mercury-Uranus in science: you come up with ideas untimely, before the time is 'ripe'. Mercury-Uranus works when you interrupt discussions or the flow of a conversation. Mercury-Uranus just can't wait to hear a (long) answer...Another possible problem is that you are disturbing others with talking...

Advice: take a notebook and pencil with you (write it down instead of speaking). And think twice before publishing your ideas, especially when you are afraid for what others might think of you. Or simply count to 10 and ask yourself if you need to say what you think now, to this person. Unless you want to rebel and be discussed, of course.

BTW  A lot of  astrologers have a Mercury-Uranus aspect and a lot of them heard shocking opinions about astrologers:)...

Also visit: Astromarkt.net All rights reserved

The concern in the chart of the Pope

A chart should be seen in the light of a person’s age and status. The chart of the pope, too.

There is growing concern about the condition and health of Pope Benedict XVI since his last trip to Africa. It seems that he is exhausted. With Christmas on the way and a planned trip to Mexico in a few months time it will be hard to find enough time to rest for the 85 year old leader of the Roman Catholic Church.  And it seems that he needs that. The concern is reflected by the chart, transits and progressions. The planets involved are Saturn, Pholus , Mars and Uranus.

SATURN

Transit Saturn was opposition his natal Sun in the last week of November and square Sun/Moon midpoint mid October. That is enough for repeated concern, worries or setbacks. Saturn square Sun/Moon makes it hard to get motivated. Saturn with Sun often (at this age!) is reflecting the fact that there is little you can do about aging.  Problems never come alone. The recent upset in Dutch media about numerous cases of child abuse in the RC church can’t be denied and faces him with the mistakes (Saturn) of the past.

On April 29 there will be another opposition of Saturn with his natal Sun and again on August 19, shortly after transit Mars opposition Sun. End of July/early August Mars will be square the progressed Sun, too. Those transits are hard to deal with.

PHOLUS

Another astrological point of concern is transit Pholus, recently inconjunct the progressed Sun and soon to be square the Ascendant. That means that he recently had a turning point in life (or life style) with a loss involved. And that his circumstances are to change within weeks. Now that there is concern about his official duties during the week of Xmas, transit Pholus is square progressed Midheaven (changing status and conditions).

URANUS RETURN

I live in a country where they find people over 55 too old to give them a job. The pope is 30 years older than that. His activities and his social top position on his age are rare (maybe except for China). Few of us reach the moment that transit Uranus returns to the position at birth. That is what the pope will see exactly on New Year’s Eve, soon after transit Saturn inconjunct his Mercury. And as most of us don't get that old, there is little information about the Uranus return. Could it be a last chance for change? When my life style changed completely I had Uranus opposition Uranus, the progressed Sun sign changing and luckily I also had Progressed Moon trine Jupiter. So my life changed for the benefit of myself (in the long term). But I don't see a lucky transit or progression in the chart of the Pope right now. So he'd better take good care of himself and avoid rushes and 'hurrying'. Uranus return is a few days after transit Mars opposition Ascendant (around December 28). And in January Saturn will be inconjunct natal Venus and...

BUT...

If you want some good news about the Pope, here it is. In 2010 (see link) he also had very difficult transits and progressions. It may have cost him some energy, but he is still the Pope. There were previous concerns in 2003 (!). But charts don't lie and this chart mirrors worries and being tired.

Here is the chart with transits and progressions for now.

LINKS 

Also visit: Astromarkt.net for example about the astrology of popes. I quote:

The natal chart of the present Pope Benedict 16th has a crucial and calling Jupiter and Saturn, the combination for hierarchy and a vocation for clergy. Saturn is on top, so that he is above all a conservative in his conviction (Sagittarius) but open and tolerant in his aproach. Jupiter in Pisces calling can also be read as a call for expressing devotion at any possible level. Sun trine Neptune is an excellent combination for a spiritual leader.
....
BTW, an interesting position is that of Uranus, rising before the Sun. When Pope Benedict started his job, people spoke of an intermin pope, because of his age. However, Uranus position (oriental) is frequent in the chart of those who became older than average.

For the news about the pope: http://www.newsday.com/news/world/tired-pope-heads-into-busy-christmas-season-1.3395977

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A Sun-Saturn pattern (in chart of Fedele Bisceglia)

Jehan Georges Vibert, Preparations for the procession (Txs Wiki Commons)

It doesn't seem to stop raining abuse stories in the Roman Catholic Church. Today,

father Fedele Bisceglia was sentenced to 8 years, convicted for the rape of four nuns. Bisceglia shouted that he is innocent (but it seems that there are incriminating phone tapes). Fedele Bisceglia was born on November 6, 1937 and pretty famous in Italy, because 10 years ago he converted a porn star. 

But, what does the chart of the day of his birth tell us? I want to show you how the chart, transits and progressions are an example of a repeated pattern: Sun-Saturn natal aspect with Progressed Sun in Capricorn, sextile Saturn, today. 

This Sun sextile Saturn tells us that sextiles aren't easy at all. 

He has Venus square Mars and Jupiter, tightly.That is a statement of a lot of (Juipter) passion (Venus+Mars). It doesn't seem easy for a monk. There are more examples of abuse by religious persons on this blog and they all have strong Venus-Pluto or Venus-Mars aspects. The demand not to marry is more difficult for a person with a lot of passion. And with some authority (in this chart: Pluto 'calling'!), there is a thin line between that person and abuse. 

But, I like to point at the Sun-Saturn pattern. The aspect Sun-Saturn in the natal chart is related to Mars and Uranus (Sun sesquisquare Saturn and quintile Mars, opposition Uranus). That immediately brings discipline into mind. Discipline, limited freedom and restricted independence (and the trend to break free). He found all that in the convent and now in prison. 

SUN-SATURN

Fedele was born with Sun sesquisquare Saturn. That is hard for a 'common boy', because it means that life was harder for him than it was for others or that he started with seeing the disadvantages in life. Fedele Bisceglia lost his mother at age 6 (P Sun-Neptune) and entered the convent at age 13 (P Sun-Mars-Saturn). He didn't have much of a normal youth or family life. 

Right now the progressed Sun is sextile Saturn...in the year of his trial and conviction. 

You know, a natal aspect combination repeated in transits and/or progression resonates harder than other aspects do.

NOVEMBER 6, 1937

Fedele Bisceglia didn't have to become a monk and a rapist, of course. The chart of the day of birth doesn't tell us that. There are others born that day (a deceased writer, a deceased photographer and Eugene Pitt - 'the most underrated soul singer in America'-). Neptune rises before the Sun of November 6, 1937. Neptune is the symbol of beliefs, art, fantasy and the spiritual. Making music or photo's or writing or being a monk is all 'Neptune'. There is a range of possibilities. The musician didn't have to vow that he wouldn't marry. (I don't know if he ever did).

I hope that Pitt is OK and fine. 

BTW, I noticed that when Bisceglia entered the convent, Eugene Pitt's mother passed away (age 13).

PS 

There was no Jupter/Uranus to help him out, today, and Jupiter-Uranus is not prominent in his chart.  I tell you this because of the earlier post about DSK, OJ and Casey Anthony and the Jupiter-Uranus ' connection' when there was a happy change in their life or an acquittal. There was none for Bisceglia.

LINKS

http://it-it.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=184181294960271

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article718328.ece

Also visit: Astromarkt.net, for example about Sun-Saturn