The meeting on April 2nd between the G20 countries is the focus of world interest at the moment. As the global financial crisis seems to be deepening, are there any clues in the line-up of the planets that can indicate possible outcomes of this summit?
The first aspect that jumps out is the square between Pluto in Capricorn and Venus (retrograde) in Aries. Venus rules currencies and the finances of a country and the world, while Pluto rules the banks, investments, the systems with which we run our economies. The square indicates differences of opinion between countries - and we already see that with the stance that France and Germany are taking against that of the UK and the US. China and Russia both want a new world currency, or at least something that is not tied to the US dollar any more. So there are huge differences of opinion at the outset and enormous issues that need to be ironed out quickly.
The fact that the banks have been given billions and billions of dollars in bailout packages and yet still they are not lending, shows that the current ways of tackling the crisis are not working. The interbank market is frozen as banks are not lending to one another which shows that their balance sheets must still be in dreadful shape despite the money that has been pumped into them. Pluto in Capricorn is going to force bankers to come out into the open and to reveal what is really going on. The situation is likely to be much worse than previously anticipated.
As Venus is retrograde is retrograde until April 17th, this means that governments will keep changing the ground rules about finances and money systems. There will also be some turnaround actions in the tax arena. Get ready for increased taxes in all areas: property, income, sales, - governments will want to recoup their monies and lessen their deficits - and guess who will be at the end of this? Yes, you the taxpayer.
So with this aspect of Venus square Pluto you can expect conflicts of opinion, more scandals to be revealed, bankers still concealing their activities, changes in policy from one week to another, more protectionism between countries.
Add to this the opposition of Saturn in Virgo with Uranus in Pisces which has been going on for much of last year and will continue until August 2010 and you have a melting pot of the anger of the people who feel they have been used and abused and the bankers and governments who want to try to continue holding onto their power and robbing the middle classes of their wealth. There will be the threat of violence, riots and some governments will be unseated in this debacle.
Uranus represents rebellion, revolution and uprisings, while Saturn represents fear, status quo and control. They are two opposing energies that are going to become stronger and more volatile as this crisis deepens.
Let's hope that the G20 countries can find some agreement between themselves that will enable us all to move forward with greater equality and fairness for all and not just for the elite few.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
What is the value of astrology?
I have been a professional astrologer for over thirty years and am often asked what value is astrology to the average person
Is it all a lot of hot air, or is it something that I could take to the bank.
Going back to the earliest civilisations people have used astrology to make their important decisions. In biblical times, we know that Kings used astrologers to predict events. The aspects in a King’s chart frequently told whether or not he would be successful in his wars. We know in Ancient Egypt the Pharoahs used astrology and in Atlantis which predates hundreds of thousands of years ago, astrologers were elevated to very high positions of power. So here we are in modern times and you might ask yourself what does astrology do for you?
Astrology can show you what motivates you, where your talents lie, how you get along in your relationships, with your finances, your career and your work. It can even indicate your life path and destiny. In fact, it relates to every single area of your life. At the beginner level, you look in detail at your own chart: your gifts and talents, your challenges, which life areas need the most focus, what cycles you are going through.
When you come for a reading, I examine the natal promise in your chart – some people should never even bother buying a lottery ticket as they do not have aspects in their chart that are favourable for risk-taking. For example, Jupiter conjunct Pluto in the 2nd or 8th house can indicate great wealth. Warren Buffett has this aspect in his 8th house, which is the house of investment, and Bill Gates has it in his 2nd house, which is the house of earned income and self-employment.
I look in depth at your career and your life path and why some people are striving for success out in the world and others are happy to work behind the scenes. Astrology can show you the gifts and potential of a person and in which life areas they would find fulfillment.
Astrology can examine not only your personal affairs, but also the global affairs. For example, the current global financial crisis can be seen astrologically. Barbara ties in world events with personal astrology and illustrates how astrology works on both the macro and micro levels.
Psychological issues can manifest in an astrology chart. For example, if the Sun is the 8th house, the father may have a profound effect on the child – either by his absence or by his demanding presence. Astrology can show abandonment issues, relationships that are better left as friends rather than romantic attachments, it can show obsessive behaviour, it can even show the characteristics of people you would find attractive – not just physically, but personality quirks as well. That elusive something is found in almost all relationships. When you look at a relationship that should never have been, you have to ask yourself, how did these two people ever get together? The answer to that can also be found in the astrology chart. Sexual preferences can also be shown in a chart. A chart can also show whether a person is a risk-taker or very cautious, perhaps even fearful.
You can see a person’s whole personality and development from childhood to adulthood without ever having met that person. Why are some people natural born charmers – who charm the birds out of the trees – and other people are shy, and seeming to blend into the wallpaper? These characteristics often show up in a chart. It’s the age old nurture vs nature when you think in terms of – can a person learn how to be more of a risk-taker or more socially active or more of something that that person is not naturally? And those answers can usually be found in the chart.
Showing that a person comes into this world already hardwired for certain things in their personality. They might learn how to take risks a little more than they ordinarily would, they might learn how to be more socially aggressive, but it will not be their natural inclination. It will be learned behaviour as opposed to what they come in with in the astrological chart.
It’s an exciting subject and if you are interested in learning more please visit my website: www.yourastrologysigns.com
Is it all a lot of hot air, or is it something that I could take to the bank.
Going back to the earliest civilisations people have used astrology to make their important decisions. In biblical times, we know that Kings used astrologers to predict events. The aspects in a King’s chart frequently told whether or not he would be successful in his wars. We know in Ancient Egypt the Pharoahs used astrology and in Atlantis which predates hundreds of thousands of years ago, astrologers were elevated to very high positions of power. So here we are in modern times and you might ask yourself what does astrology do for you?
Astrology can show you what motivates you, where your talents lie, how you get along in your relationships, with your finances, your career and your work. It can even indicate your life path and destiny. In fact, it relates to every single area of your life. At the beginner level, you look in detail at your own chart: your gifts and talents, your challenges, which life areas need the most focus, what cycles you are going through.
When you come for a reading, I examine the natal promise in your chart – some people should never even bother buying a lottery ticket as they do not have aspects in their chart that are favourable for risk-taking. For example, Jupiter conjunct Pluto in the 2nd or 8th house can indicate great wealth. Warren Buffett has this aspect in his 8th house, which is the house of investment, and Bill Gates has it in his 2nd house, which is the house of earned income and self-employment.
I look in depth at your career and your life path and why some people are striving for success out in the world and others are happy to work behind the scenes. Astrology can show you the gifts and potential of a person and in which life areas they would find fulfillment.
Astrology can examine not only your personal affairs, but also the global affairs. For example, the current global financial crisis can be seen astrologically. Barbara ties in world events with personal astrology and illustrates how astrology works on both the macro and micro levels.
Psychological issues can manifest in an astrology chart. For example, if the Sun is the 8th house, the father may have a profound effect on the child – either by his absence or by his demanding presence. Astrology can show abandonment issues, relationships that are better left as friends rather than romantic attachments, it can show obsessive behaviour, it can even show the characteristics of people you would find attractive – not just physically, but personality quirks as well. That elusive something is found in almost all relationships. When you look at a relationship that should never have been, you have to ask yourself, how did these two people ever get together? The answer to that can also be found in the astrology chart. Sexual preferences can also be shown in a chart. A chart can also show whether a person is a risk-taker or very cautious, perhaps even fearful.
You can see a person’s whole personality and development from childhood to adulthood without ever having met that person. Why are some people natural born charmers – who charm the birds out of the trees – and other people are shy, and seeming to blend into the wallpaper? These characteristics often show up in a chart. It’s the age old nurture vs nature when you think in terms of – can a person learn how to be more of a risk-taker or more socially active or more of something that that person is not naturally? And those answers can usually be found in the chart.
Showing that a person comes into this world already hardwired for certain things in their personality. They might learn how to take risks a little more than they ordinarily would, they might learn how to be more socially aggressive, but it will not be their natural inclination. It will be learned behaviour as opposed to what they come in with in the astrological chart.
It’s an exciting subject and if you are interested in learning more please visit my website: www.yourastrologysigns.com
Friday, March 20, 2009
Astrological Predictions
Much has been happening this week around the world, but one of the actions that stands out is the Federal Reserve’s decision to buy $300bn in long term government securities and another $850bn of securities issues by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. To further stimulate the economy the Federal Reserve said it would buy up to an additional $750bn in agency mortgage-backed securities, bringing its total purchases this year to $1,250bn.
Why is this significant astrologically? Well it all ties in with the Saturn Uranus opposition which is seeing governments around the world (Saturn) clamouring to keep the status quo and trying desperately to get their economies moving forward again. However, Uranus is driving them to take drastic and sudden measures. The Federal Reserve has not taken action like this in over four decades.
Add to this, the fact that Venus is retrograde in Aries until April 17th. The G20 countries are meeting on April 2nd and you can be sure that they will change the existing financial laws and regulations. There will be a lot of reneging on their original decisions and the people in general will feel as though much is not being revealed. This is another effect of the Venus retrograde. On a more personal note, make sure that your finances are in order and don’t spend money on anything other than real necessities. It’s not a time to buy any big ticket items. However, if you have something that you want to sell during the Venus retrograde, as people tend not to know the true value of things at this time, you may find that you get an excellent price for your goods. So if you’ve anything that you want to get rid of and you want a good price, get them on EBay before April 17th!
I predicted that the conjunction of Neptune and Jupiter in Pisces would result in flooding and oil slicks both of which have happened. There have been major floods in India and an oil slick off the Brisbane coast in Australia.
I also predicted that the Uranus Saturn opposition would cause riots and demonstrations and an uprising of the people around the world. This is because Saturn is in Virgo at this time which represents the workers and Saturn cannot bear a lack of integrity or any unfair treatment. So the national demonstrations in France and in many cities of the USA are just the start of this process.
Another effect of this powerful opposition is greater extremism being manifest. Now that President Obama has allowed federal funds to be used for research into stem cells, there is huge discord among many right-wing religious factions in the US. They are potentially violent and their anger is going to seep into mainstream politics sooner or later.
As always the Sagittarius Moon from Monday to Wednesday has seen a rise in the markets. However, once the Moon went into Capricorn the stock markets around the world came back down to reality.
With Jupiter and Neptune in Aquarius being in mutual reception to Uranus in Pisces, Obama is still seen as Camelot, King Arthur, John F Kennedy – basically the saviour of the world and there is still hope and optimism surrounding him. Although this aspect is still active until January 2010, the waning approaching square of Pluto to Saturn and Uranus will severely dampen his popularity around the end of August 2009.
Because Saturn represents the fear of the people and Uranus represents hope – we will see the oscillation between these two forces for the remainder of this year. With Pluto in Capricorn firmly taking hold now, expect more Bernard Madoff cases to be uncovered and people will be saying “we never saw that coming!”
Why is this significant astrologically? Well it all ties in with the Saturn Uranus opposition which is seeing governments around the world (Saturn) clamouring to keep the status quo and trying desperately to get their economies moving forward again. However, Uranus is driving them to take drastic and sudden measures. The Federal Reserve has not taken action like this in over four decades.
Add to this, the fact that Venus is retrograde in Aries until April 17th. The G20 countries are meeting on April 2nd and you can be sure that they will change the existing financial laws and regulations. There will be a lot of reneging on their original decisions and the people in general will feel as though much is not being revealed. This is another effect of the Venus retrograde. On a more personal note, make sure that your finances are in order and don’t spend money on anything other than real necessities. It’s not a time to buy any big ticket items. However, if you have something that you want to sell during the Venus retrograde, as people tend not to know the true value of things at this time, you may find that you get an excellent price for your goods. So if you’ve anything that you want to get rid of and you want a good price, get them on EBay before April 17th!
I predicted that the conjunction of Neptune and Jupiter in Pisces would result in flooding and oil slicks both of which have happened. There have been major floods in India and an oil slick off the Brisbane coast in Australia.
I also predicted that the Uranus Saturn opposition would cause riots and demonstrations and an uprising of the people around the world. This is because Saturn is in Virgo at this time which represents the workers and Saturn cannot bear a lack of integrity or any unfair treatment. So the national demonstrations in France and in many cities of the USA are just the start of this process.
Another effect of this powerful opposition is greater extremism being manifest. Now that President Obama has allowed federal funds to be used for research into stem cells, there is huge discord among many right-wing religious factions in the US. They are potentially violent and their anger is going to seep into mainstream politics sooner or later.
As always the Sagittarius Moon from Monday to Wednesday has seen a rise in the markets. However, once the Moon went into Capricorn the stock markets around the world came back down to reality.
With Jupiter and Neptune in Aquarius being in mutual reception to Uranus in Pisces, Obama is still seen as Camelot, King Arthur, John F Kennedy – basically the saviour of the world and there is still hope and optimism surrounding him. Although this aspect is still active until January 2010, the waning approaching square of Pluto to Saturn and Uranus will severely dampen his popularity around the end of August 2009.
Because Saturn represents the fear of the people and Uranus represents hope – we will see the oscillation between these two forces for the remainder of this year. With Pluto in Capricorn firmly taking hold now, expect more Bernard Madoff cases to be uncovered and people will be saying “we never saw that coming!”
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Full Moon in Virgo - its meaning on a global and personal level
We have a Full Moon in Virgo on March 10th – March 11th this week. The world seems to be in great need of healing and the Full Moon in Virgo is especially suited to healing. However, many of us might find the cure a difficult one to swallow. This particular Full Moon is sitting on the Uranus/Saturn opposition that is activated until August 2010. It’s the fight between the old and the new and with Uranus involved, be ready to expect the unexpected. There will be many times in the forthcoming months that people will say “I could never have seen that coming!” You will see this in the press, the media, in your personal relationships, just about everywhere.
Saturn rules form and structure, the old, unchanging ways, as well as discipline and responsibility. Uranus energises freedom and innovation, the breakdown of outmoded structures and restricting beliefs. It brings in the new, quickly and unexpectedly and sometimes with great force. With the Sun conjunct Uranus in Pisces at the moment, we can consciously embrace the new and revolutionary energies awake in the world. With the Moon conjunct Saturn in Virgo, our unconscious fears and limitations hold us back from the innovations we need to implement in our lives.
The lesson of a full Moon is awareness, so use this time to become aware of these tensions in your life. You can see the tension in the political arena already. The ultra-conservatives have decided to prophesise the downfall of America and the western world rather than see the opportunities to revamp and revise a badly out-of-balance system. It almost seems like they’d rather have the world go down into the darkness than use our creative invention to re-imagine ourselves and reinvent our economy. It’s because they’re afraid to let go. The system doesn’t work anymore. It needs revamping. That’s where Venus will help. Perhaps by the time she goes direct around April 16th and April 17th, we’ll have a more comprehensive vision that sees we’re all in this together.
This full Moon will highlight the personal tensions this opposition brings us as well. What have you been trying to achieve? What haven’t you been able to let go of? The energies of Pisces and Virgo are very mystical, service-oriented and sublime. Both these signs demand that we let go of ego and allow Spirit its say. They both seek improvement of the situation. While Pisces knows that we are all one, Virgo knows that each of us has a part to play in the whole. These two signs unite the one and the many. Whatever we do from now on, must take everyone else – people, plants, animals, the Earth – into consideration. It’s a great time to ask how you can be of service, and then go and do it.
Saturn rules form and structure, the old, unchanging ways, as well as discipline and responsibility. Uranus energises freedom and innovation, the breakdown of outmoded structures and restricting beliefs. It brings in the new, quickly and unexpectedly and sometimes with great force. With the Sun conjunct Uranus in Pisces at the moment, we can consciously embrace the new and revolutionary energies awake in the world. With the Moon conjunct Saturn in Virgo, our unconscious fears and limitations hold us back from the innovations we need to implement in our lives.
The lesson of a full Moon is awareness, so use this time to become aware of these tensions in your life. You can see the tension in the political arena already. The ultra-conservatives have decided to prophesise the downfall of America and the western world rather than see the opportunities to revamp and revise a badly out-of-balance system. It almost seems like they’d rather have the world go down into the darkness than use our creative invention to re-imagine ourselves and reinvent our economy. It’s because they’re afraid to let go. The system doesn’t work anymore. It needs revamping. That’s where Venus will help. Perhaps by the time she goes direct around April 16th and April 17th, we’ll have a more comprehensive vision that sees we’re all in this together.
This full Moon will highlight the personal tensions this opposition brings us as well. What have you been trying to achieve? What haven’t you been able to let go of? The energies of Pisces and Virgo are very mystical, service-oriented and sublime. Both these signs demand that we let go of ego and allow Spirit its say. They both seek improvement of the situation. While Pisces knows that we are all one, Virgo knows that each of us has a part to play in the whole. These two signs unite the one and the many. Whatever we do from now on, must take everyone else – people, plants, animals, the Earth – into consideration. It’s a great time to ask how you can be of service, and then go and do it.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Venus Retrograde - what does it mean?
Venus Retrograde
Venus in Aries goes retrograde from March 7th – April 18th. What does this mean and how could it affect you? It occurs approximately every eighteen months and being aware of its energies can help you to make more effective decisions during this period.
Venus represents relationships and money. She also rules feelings and emotions, relationships, fashion, social attitudes and behaviour, romance, marriage and the pursuit of pleasure. When a planet goes retrograde its influence becomes more subtle.
You may find yourself dealing with past debts, because Venus governs your finances. Aries is normally very impulsive, but when retrograde, it acts differently, and even greatest risk-takers amongst you will want to devote more of your income to savings. You will not feel like taking any gambles and will want to reduce your outgoings.
You may notice that people will dress with less flair and your colour sense might be muted.
Good things to do during a Venus retrograde:
Any creative or artistic endeavours – it’s a great time to start writing that book, composing some music, playing music, painting, sculpting, gardening, cooking…
Take care of any unfinished business in all your relationships. People from the past may come back into your life at this time and you will be given the opportunity for closure if needed.
Deal with any outstanding financial issues that need to be sorted out.
Make sure you keep your receipts or guarantees if you purchase anything during this period.
Think carefully about your relationships. Is there enough balance? Are you giving too much and not getting your own needs met? It’s a good time to gain new insight into your way of relating on all levels: financially, creatively and sexually.
What to avoid:
It’s not a good time for beauty treatments, cosmetic surgery or redecorating. The problem with a retrograde is that often it has to be repeated. President Obama was elected during a Mercury retrograde and he had to be sworn in twice. There may well be other things he will have to do twice as a result.
Do your best to resist the urge to financial extravagance. It’s not the best time to go out and buy clothes or jewellery.
Don’t change your hairstyle or colour – it probably won’t come out the way you want it to and you might be upset. Best to wait until the retrograde is over.
You may notice that the pace of your relationships slows down. It’s not the best time to give big parties or do any large social events.
If you meet someone new that you think you are in love with, go carefully and cautiously and wait until the retrograde is over before you make any serious decisions.
Take the time to complete any outstanding issues concerning your finances and your relationships, both business and personal, and when Venus goes direct on April 17th, you will be ready for the new opportunities that will start to emerge.
Venus in Aries goes retrograde from March 7th – April 18th. What does this mean and how could it affect you? It occurs approximately every eighteen months and being aware of its energies can help you to make more effective decisions during this period.
Venus represents relationships and money. She also rules feelings and emotions, relationships, fashion, social attitudes and behaviour, romance, marriage and the pursuit of pleasure. When a planet goes retrograde its influence becomes more subtle.
You may find yourself dealing with past debts, because Venus governs your finances. Aries is normally very impulsive, but when retrograde, it acts differently, and even greatest risk-takers amongst you will want to devote more of your income to savings. You will not feel like taking any gambles and will want to reduce your outgoings.
You may notice that people will dress with less flair and your colour sense might be muted.
Good things to do during a Venus retrograde:
Any creative or artistic endeavours – it’s a great time to start writing that book, composing some music, playing music, painting, sculpting, gardening, cooking…
Take care of any unfinished business in all your relationships. People from the past may come back into your life at this time and you will be given the opportunity for closure if needed.
Deal with any outstanding financial issues that need to be sorted out.
Make sure you keep your receipts or guarantees if you purchase anything during this period.
Think carefully about your relationships. Is there enough balance? Are you giving too much and not getting your own needs met? It’s a good time to gain new insight into your way of relating on all levels: financially, creatively and sexually.
What to avoid:
It’s not a good time for beauty treatments, cosmetic surgery or redecorating. The problem with a retrograde is that often it has to be repeated. President Obama was elected during a Mercury retrograde and he had to be sworn in twice. There may well be other things he will have to do twice as a result.
Do your best to resist the urge to financial extravagance. It’s not the best time to go out and buy clothes or jewellery.
Don’t change your hairstyle or colour – it probably won’t come out the way you want it to and you might be upset. Best to wait until the retrograde is over.
You may notice that the pace of your relationships slows down. It’s not the best time to give big parties or do any large social events.
If you meet someone new that you think you are in love with, go carefully and cautiously and wait until the retrograde is over before you make any serious decisions.
Take the time to complete any outstanding issues concerning your finances and your relationships, both business and personal, and when Venus goes direct on April 17th, you will be ready for the new opportunities that will start to emerge.
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