"Thank you very much, you answered all of my questions and offered me great insight into my life and any future issues as well as potential issues that may arise. Your reading was phenomenal!"
"The natal chart is like a seed and progressions are the unfolding in time of that into the plant it is to become. Transits, are like a daily weather report. In political astrology, these three factors have to be taken into account!"
Recent NewsScope Articles
Jan. 6, 2014 - Mayor-elect Bill de Blasio; Colorado legalizes marijuana; Sean Penn's love life.
Jan. 13, 2014 - Jeff Bezos and Chiron-Pluto; is Chris Christie a bully? West Virginia's eco-disaster
re: Alexis Tsipras - if Tsipras has natal Mercury-Saturn in the 2nd house, he's stuck with that sense of a financial burden for the rest if his life, isn't he?
A. It's being hit by transiting Uranus and Pluto, so a major concern now. The natal potential is apparent in every planet, but it manifests when progressions or transits come by. I didn't mention it, but Tsipras was born four days after Greece became a nation, so he in particular personifies today's Greece.
re: Klay Thompson - Thanks for your excellent analysis of Klay's excellent performance.
re: gay marriage - I think the Supreme Court will approve/support gay marriage across the nation, mainly because the North Node at 13 Libra Rx is conjunct the U.S. Saturn 14 Libra. I have noticed that Libra has played heavily in this issue.
re: US election - Though I've relocated for a bit over a year now to the other side of "the pond," the upcoming US presidential election continues to intrigue me, especially, as you've described transiting Saturn's placement in present contenders' charts! In this day and age, US leadership change is such an important barometer to the statues of EU. Thanks for your column that I follow religiously every Monday morning!
re: France - You said that the full moon would activate the Uranus Pluto square. I would guess that Uranus, discovered in 1781, represents Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité, the national motto of France.
re: NewsScope - I am mailing you a $25 check for keeping me on your early NewsScope email list. You have me guessing about what events or people you will cover each week. For an amateur astrologer like me, it is educational indeed.
re: France - I haven't seen the cartoons but I am stuck and glad you called them distasteful and offensive. Not to mention this just isn't the right time to make fun of anyone's religion. Some of my closest friends are Muslims. But of course the fanatics are just creating more hate making things harder for Muslims. What a situation.
re: Hillary - Ultimately, don't you think that the Neptune influences softening that Mars-Pluto might actually help her? She can be scary....
A. Perhaps so. But the Neptune influences do lend some credibility to the tabloid stories about her excess drinking and that she may need a rehab program.
re: Angelique Kidjo - A prospective time of 5:27 AM puts her Moon-Lilith square right on the MC/Asc! Moon in Aries conjunct the Midheaven certainly describes her. Just a thought.
Reader feedback
re: the first NewsScope - Your obituary for Jeff Jawer mentioned starting the Weekly NewsScope in 1998. I dug around on my computer and found what I think is the very first NewsScope, from February 1997. It is attached. But it does seem that by January 1998 it had stabilized to its present form.
A. Maybe the first ones were in 1996 - I'm thinking August 1996 is when I started writing it for AOL's AstroNet. I do remember writing just one straight column for a while until I was informed that those who surf the net have short attention spans and three brief articles would be better than one long one. After AstroNet folded, it was syndicated to a few websites, including Astrogram and Astrologyzine, which has the earliest NewsScopes still posted on the net. They go back to December 1996. See http://www.astrologyzine.com
re: Jeff Jawer - I'm very sorry for the loss of your colleague, he will be missed by many. Jeff was the first professional astrologer I consulted, probably about 15 years ago, and his reading was very helpful at the time. I've been a regular StarIQ reader since then, and StarIQ is where I first read your articles.
re: Jeff Jawer - So sorry you and all of us have lost Jeff. The tribute in your column is a way to let so many people know he was here, gave a lot, and appears to be gone. Onward with appreciation
re: Jeff Jawer - Such a nice way of commemorating Jeff Jawer.
re: Jeff Jawer - I too (like so many readers) feel a deep gratitude for StarIQ.com. Your tribute to Jeff is lovely.
re: Brian Williams and Bob Simon - One unwillingly stepped out of the spotlight due to hubris ... while the other left the spotlight of life. Both of these television journalists had exceptional skills and experience. Why did it go so differently for them?
re: Brian Williams - Integrity goes a long way in the news business. It looks like transiting Pluto will oppose Williams' natal Mars over the next couple of years. Do you think he can recover from this self-inflicted crisis?
A. I doubt it. I'd be more confident of this if we had an exact birth time to work with.
re: Bobbi Christina Brown - it would be interesting to see the connections between Bobbi's chart, her mother Whitney Houston's chart, the date of Whitney's death and the recent biopic on Lifetime. What a sad, sad story for that little girl. Too much grown up emotions for her to handle.
re: royal family - I don't believe the Kate v Queen stuff either. I think they are very much on the same page as you say, but I do think Kate will be the most powerful royal when the queen goes. She is a very strong woman. Kate is busy breeding right now. Most likely scenario: Phil dies or is too ill to go on, Queen abdicates, Charles crowned. Queen's Mum lived to be more than 100.
re: royal family - This is so significant. Most of the people on the planet have only known one British ruler. Talk about a long-standing institution. Whew. I know that it's all a bunch of pomp and circumstance, but lordy do they know how to do THAT. I also think that in today's society we don't recognize the importance of this kind of ceremony. In any case, We could see two more in our lifetimes. Charles is no spring chicken. If he does get the throne, I could see him dying and passing it along to his son in my lifetime. It's possible....
re: Prince Charles - I know the royal succession comes down to a popularity contest but I am well aware of Charles very deep concerns for the planetary environment and his efforts to promote sustainable practices in agriculture and a general appreciation for Mother Earth. He is under-estimated by many who really don't know him very well.
re: Hillary - According to your post last May, Hillary's Double Whammy, is it possible that:
1) T-Neptune at 8 Pisces squaring natal Uranus (USA chart) at 8 Gemini (communication, correspondence) made HC’s news conference at the UN a much bigger global story?
2) HC’s P2-Mars (in her 10th) opposing T-Neptune has now cast doubt that she may not be ready for prime time (waiting to respond over a week regarding lack of transparency)? Doesn't it highlighting her team as dysfunctional and not inspirational?
A. Yes, the Neptune influence is very clear in this email debacle. The Neptune transits to the U.S. chart being concurrent with events in HC's life are normal for national politicians. They wouldn't be on the national stage without close connections to the U.S. chart.
re: plagiarism - Did I ever tell you that a head honcho of our astrology association here in <deleted>, back about 4 or so years ago, when he was just coming here from <deleted>, wrote at length about some theme that I recognized as yours, with examples and all from your column… except that he turned the result around to fit his hypothesis -- and used all of that as his own material. Of course, I couldn't let that pass without bringing it up and, in the process, embarrassing him. Interestingly that I was then blackballed by "the good ol' guys" of the association. And presently, a bit of that kind of hypocrisy and nastiness is something I'm presently facing, having returned to <deleted> . After I had my say, I just decided to go off on my own.
A. Thank-you for sharing this. And for your courage.
Ceres and the environment - I had my doubts about the influence of dwarf planet Ceres. However, I had an incident on February 19, 2015 where transiting Uranus opposed my natal Neptune in my fourth house and transiting Ceres squared both planets. A falling tree knocked down an electrical transformer and spilled the insulating oil out of the transformer into my front yard. Neptune (oil) was afflicted by Uranus (electrical) and Ceres (environmental) and the local utility was concerned about possible toxins in the oil. Fortunately, a cleanup crew dug up the contaminated soil in part of my yard and restored power promptly. My limited experience would seem to verify the Ceres/environment connection!
re: transits to progressions - I notice that you often refer to transits to progressed planets. I’ve never really looked closely at these, and I wonder how powerful they are. Are they as significant as transits to the natal planets? Or more so?
A. Yes, they can be as significant as transits to natal planets or progressions to natal planets. This is especially true if the transits or progressions are hitting the progressed Sun, progressed angles, or the progressed ruling planet. Outer planet transits moving at relatively the same speed as the progressed moon while aspecting it can mean several months of a major life process unfolding. For example, the progressed Moon aligned with transiting Saturn can mean a lengthy bout of depression at its worst, but certainly a serious phase with deep thoughts. Outer planet transits to the progressed Sun is more about a change of identity.
NewsScope for March 23, 2015
By Michael Wolfstar
Nuclear Deal with Iran?
The world’s six major powers – the United States, Britain, France, China, Russia, and Germany -- are collectively negotiating with Iran about their nuclear program. The U.S. is the most vocal about its suspicions that Iran may secretly be building nuclear weapons, while Iran’s Ayatollah Ali Khamenei denounced America’s “bullying.” Will Iran submit to UN inspections in exchange for ending economic sanctions?
Iran’s horoscope (April 1, 1979; 3:00 pm; Tehran) depicts an exceptionally dynamic nation, with the three outer planets all closely aspecting Black Moon Lilith on the Leo Ascendant. By secondary progression, Venus, Mars and Mercury are all in impulsive, self-promoting Aries where they will soon be under the energizing vibrations of transiting Uranus in Aries. In the short term, progressed Venus at 17º Aries is the most immediate red flag.
Progressed Venus is now forming a trine to the Leo Ascendant, a positive signal that reflects its interest in negotiating and re-invigorating its stalled economy. This favorable progression suggests that a political framework for a deal will be reached by the March 31 deadline. Yet progressed Venus is also opposing Pluto, which may refer to the Ayatollah’s fear of being dominated by the colonial powers.
In April, May and June transiting Uranus will conjoin progressed Venus and make other challenging aspects to Iran’s natal chart, which could put an abrupt end to the negotiations. However, on June 30 when the final deal is supposed to be signed, transiting Jupiter and Uranus will be trine, and closely overlaying Iran’s Leo Ascendant-Lilith and progressed Venus. This rare and harmonious configuration tells us that a deal is certainly possible, even probable. However, getting there will not be easy.
April’s Top Five Astro-Events
1. The Lunar Eclipse on the 4th is aligned with Uranus and squares Pluto, making this a major shape-shifting astro-event in both the personal and geopolitical realm. Those with prominent planets located between 13º and 17º of the cardinal signs will be most deeply affected, especially in the area of relationships. The eclipse hits the U.S. Saturn, indicating shake-ups in government and corporate institutions.
2. Neptune conjoins the U.S. Ceres on the 6th, and also this month makes aspects to the U.S. Ascendant, Uranus, and Mercury. In politics, Neptune here brings scandals and dysfunctional government. Look for major developments in the oil patch, including buyouts and mergers, and legislation concerning fracking. Expect disasters at sea or along the coastline. Breakthroughs in biotechnology may slow the advance of major illnesses, such as Alzheimer’s.
3. Jupiter turns direct on the 8th, bringing a return of enthusiasm and rapid progress for many. From now until August 11 when Jupiter enters Virgo, take time to expand your horizons in creative new directions. Look for opportunities to be more yourself by expressing your talents, your life philosophy. Entertain and socialize more; let your inner light shine. Travel and new business ventures are favored.
4. Mercury conjoins Mars on the 22nd, a relatively minor aspect that gains weight by also being trine Pluto in Capricorn and Lilith in Virgo. In contrast to the evasive Neptunian vibes present all month, the Mercury-Mars conjunction fosters common sense, the statement of simple yet elegant truths. Check the facts, cut through the smoke and mirrors between the 20th and 22nd. These three days are excellent for decision making and new business ventures.
5. Ceres octiles Chiron on the 24th, an astro-event that’s in effect from the 18th through 30th. This combination is particularly favorable for those who seek or practice alternative forms of healing. Visiting an acupuncturist, herbalist, massage therapist, astrologer, or anyone who uses holistic medicine is favored. Ceres adds genuine caring to the healing arts, while Chiron understands how the mind, body and soul are interconnected.
Krissy Brown Still in Medically-Induced Coma
Last week Bobbi Kristina Brown, the daughter of singers Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown, was moved to a hospital in Atlanta where she remains on life support after being found unconscious in her bathtub. The eerie similarity between this mishap and her mother’s drowning three years earlier makes authorities suspect that drugs were involved. Bobbi Kristina’s boyfriend, Nick Gordon, is also under investigation.
Bobbi Kristina was born with her Pisces Sun conjunct Ceres and Black Moon Lilith (March 4, 1993; 11:38 am*; Livingston, NJ), a rare triple conjunction that explains her close ties to her mother. These placements, along with Mercury, are all located in the tenth house of public standing and professional expression. She had been singing live duets with her mother since 1999, and was about to embark on her own career when she unexpectedly went under.
Astrologers tend to say good things about trines and offer stern warnings when squares or oppositions come up. Bobbi Kristina’s chart is filled with trines, including a Grand Trine connecting Mercury (her chart’s ruling planet) with her Cancer Moon and Pluto in Scorpio. The problem with Water Grand Trines is that they can be emotionally isolating, and they encourage alcohol or drug abuse.
Yes, Black Moon Lilith is deeply involved in this tragic incident. When she was found face-down in the bathtub last January 31st, transiting Lilith was opposite her Midheaven, while transiting Mars was precisely conjunct her natal Lilith. Transiting Neptune was conjunct her Midheaven, the planet associated with both drugs and drowning. Her progressed Part of Fortune was to-the-minute opposite her natal Saturn, the ruler of her 8th house of death. She was evidently grieving the loss of her mother.
Black Moon Lilith, Ceres and her Pisces Sun all square her Lunar Nodes, indicating that this mother-daughter relationship has deep karmic significance. Ideally, she would play out this role, and then move on to express her higher self, as denoted by her North Node. Her North Node in Sagittarius is ruled by Jupiter, which is located in the 5th house of entertainment. She could have been a great singer if she could only have let go of her mother’s memory. She often said that she could feel Whitney’s presence every day – not unusual for a sensitive Pisces.