see chart

In de traditionele astrologie en bij een gewoon huwelijk valt de bruidegom onder het eerste huis en de bruid onder het zevende. Aangezien we hier te maken hebben met het huwelijk van de toekomstige koning van Nederland, moeten we meer aandacht aan het tiende huis schenken (dit is immers het huis van Koningen en van Prinsen)..

In de horoscoop van 10:26 (het moment dat de burgermeester het huwelijk voltrok) staan zowel de asc/desc als de de mc/ic in hoofdtekens, welk betekent dat er hier een nieuw impuls aan zowel de relatie tussen Prins Willem Alexander en Maxima gegeven wordt als aan de familie van Oranje zelf. Ram duidt altijd op een nieuw begin, en het feit dat Mars in zijn eigen teken staat en net gerezen is, bevestigt dit.

De midhemel in deze horoscoop staat in Steenbok, welk iets zegt over de solemniteit, en sociaal maatschappelijk betekenis van zo’n huwelijk. Saturnus is heerser van de huizen, tien, elf en twaalf en staat retrograde in Tweeling in het twe ede huis. Ook de hele stellium in Waterman, waaronder Mercurius, Neptunus, Zon, Venus en Uranus valt uiteindelijk onder de heerschappij van Saturnus. De bruid - de heerser van het zevende huis - is Venus die tussen de Zon en Uranus in staat. Dit is de perfecte uitbeelding van de “Gouden/Glazen Kooi” waarin de bruid terecht komt.

Dat Saturnus in huis twee staat vind ik beeldig. We hebben natuurlijk hier te maken met een huwelijk tussen twee Stieren. Verder heeft Maxima een nauwe conjunctie tussen Saturnus en de Zon en Prins Willem heeft zijn Zon (die trouwens de heerser is van zijn tiende huis) in een zeer nauwe conjunctie met de noordelijke maansknoop. Saturnus kan hier niets te maken hebben met financiele onzekerheid, dit stel zal geen zorgen hebben wat dat betreft, dus Saturnus zal meer te maken hebben met het ontwikkelen van hun eigen waarden t.a.v. de veranderende rol van het koningshuis in een multi-culturele , post-moderne samenleving. Hier vorm aan geven, een praktische rol vinden voor het koninklijke huis, is ongetwijfeld een opdracht voor Prins Willem Alexander, gezien het feit dat zijn eigen Zon/Maansknoop conjunctie in zijn zesde huis valt.

Het gewichtige Saturnus, dat zo sterk is in deze horoscoop, biedt enig tegenwicht aan het feit dat er in deze horoscoop helemaal geen aarde aanwezig is. Het lijkt alsof alles in de lucht hangt terwijl er weinig wortels in de grond schieten (dit in tegenstelling tot zowel de individuele horoscopen als de relatie horoscoop van de koppel). De angst van Koningin Beatrix voor “het verlies van de macht van de monarchie “ lijkt hiermee bevestigt te worden, tenminste voor zover het over afstand scheppen en autoriteit hebben, gaat. Maar iedere astroloog die naar deze horoscoop kijkt, kan zien hoe betrekkelijk deze oude vorm van macht is. Dit stel zal juist door zijn populariteit meer invloed uitoefenen dan men op dit moment zich voor kan stellen. Er is een ongeloofelijk grote “feel good factor” in de horoscoop. Mars, duider van de bruidegom en toekomstige Koning, is immers in zijn eigen teken Ram, dus deze Prins heeft wel kracht, al is het op dit moment niet zichtbaar.

Over Mars gesproken, vind ik het merkwaardig dat als de bruidegom en bruid op de trappen van het Paleis op de Dam verschijnen, Mars op de ascendant staat terwijl de Maan in Weegschaal op de descendant staat. Is dit niet het stof waaruit sprookjes gemaakt wordt ? (Zit hier een astroloog achter, vraag ik me af ?)
De mooie aspecten die de Maan maakt en gaat maken gedurende de dag, duiden op de schoonheid van de bruid, haar waardigheid, en emotionele beheersing (lucht is erg goed hierin). Maar de Maan in deze horoscoop staat ook voor het volk. Vandaag staat het volk grotendeels achter Maxima en voor het huwelijk. Zelfs de verfbom die de koets raakt is wit van kleur.

Maar alles is niet wat het lijkt. Protest is er, zeker als je naar de oppositie tussen Mars en de Maan kijkt. Dit is de andere kant van het medaille. Toch is de oppositie voorbij, evenals de vierkant met Jupiter die zijn conjunctie met de IC ook al gemaakt heeft. Dit betekent dat al voor het huwelijk stappen genomen zijn om al te luidruchtig protest te voorkomen. Mars is super sterk in Ram en heeft ook zijn sextiel met Saturnus achter de rug. Het werk is gedaan al voor de huwelijksdag. Saturnus staat voor de wetgeving en de wetgever, en o.a. voor de politie die ervoor moet zorgen dat de maatschappelijke regels nageleefd worden. Mars in Ram duidt op speciale politiekorpsen zoals de ME, die in staat zijn, desnoods met geweld, mensen die tegen de wet zijn, de mond te snoeren. Openlijke vijanden vallen onder het zevende huis, en ook deze zijn ondergeschikte aan Saturnus, de wetgever.

Toch denk ik dat er meer tegenstaanders zijn dan er in eerste instantie misschien wel lijkt. Saturnus is natuurlijk ook de schaduw, en dat hij nu retrograde staat, betekent dat er achter de schermen toch wat gebeurt en wel op het geestelijke vlak, Saturnus heerst ook over huis twaalf (verborgen vijanden).

De leider van de stellium in Waterman is Mercurius die retrograde loopt. De wederzijdse receptie tussen Saturnus en Mercurius duidt op een mogelijke samenwerking tussen deze twee energieen, maar aangezien het feit dat beide planeten retrograde lopen en Mercurius ook richting Steenbok gaat kunnen we een andere soort relatie krijgen dan verwacht wordt. Er is een serieuze ondertoon. Mercurius heerst over de huizen acht en twee en hier staan de planeten Saturnus en Pluto. Deze planeten hebben, op mondiaal niveau, te maken met o.a. geweldadige regimes, onderdrukking, en angst. De oppositie tussen deze twee reuzen is nog niet voorbij. Het zegt misschien dus indirect iets over de afwezigheid van de ouders, en de redenen hiervoor. Saturnus/Pluto in oppositie, betekent ook weg met de oud - alleen dat wat bruikbaar is mag blijven. Het heeft met noodzakelijke vernieuwingen te maken.

Als ik naar de horoscoop van Maxima kijk, dan krijg ik het beeld van iemand met een enorme wilskracht (Saturnus, conjunct Zon, driehoek Pluto). Haar Maan in Waterman kan echt van haar een vrouw van het volk maken. Ik zou haar nog geen “People’s Princess” willen noemen, maar met haar Neptunus/Jupiter conjunctie, doet de horoscoop me toch aan Princess Diana (Neptunus vierkant Jupiter) denken. Het is frappant dat de Maan van Maxima bijna in dezelfde graad Waterman staat als de Maan van Prinses Diana. Eerlijk gezegd, hoop ik dat de vergelijking hiermee eindigt.
Als ik naar de radix Saturnus conjunct Zon/ vierkant Maan kijk dan begrijp ik hoe deze vrouw zo’n “bijna onmenselijke offer” kon maken en voor een huwelijk kon kiezen waarin haar individuele vrijhied zo duidelijk wordt beperkt
Om even bij Jupiter/Neptunus te blijven, Prins Willem Alexander heeft een driehoek tussen deze twee planeten. Gezien het feit dat in de huwelijkshoroscoop Neptunus opkwam voor de Zon, ben ik overtuigd dat dit uiteindelijk een zeer idealistisch stel gaat worden. Een stel dat ook zeer praktisch te werk zal gaan (Neptunus driehoek Saturnus), in het verwezenlijking van hun doel, het modernisering van het Nederlands Koningshuis ? In ieder geval, het woord “glamour” met een hoofdletter “G” doet zijn intrede. De radix Maan van Maxima staat nota bene in een ruime conjunctie met Uranus in de huwelijkshorscoop. Nederland krijgt een gigantische opknapbeurt wat zijn imago betreft.

Aan het begin van dit artikel schreef ik over een nieuw begin en ik vond het nogal voorbarig om zo’n uitspraak helemaal van Mars te laten afhangen. Dus ben ik gaan kijken naar de horoscoop van Nederland. Venus, heerser van het zevende huis en aanduider van de bruid, staat conjunct met Uranus in de horoscoop voor Nederland. Saturnus in de horoscoop van Nederland staat conjunct met de Maan van Maxima Zorregueta. Nederland heeft net zijn Uranus terugkeer gehad, en binnenkort krijt Maxima de transit Uranus conjunct Maan. Dit kan geen toeval zijn.

Saturnus is heel sterk in de huwelijkshoroscoop en de nog lopende Saturnus/Pluto oppositie doet mij een beetje aan een moeilijke bevalling denken. Naar mijn idee hebben de Oranjes in het algemeen een sterke Saturnale element. Beatrix in ieder geval wel, met haar stellium in Waterman en haar Mercurius in Steenbok. Het kan geen toeval zijn dat Saturnus ook de heerser van de MC geweest is in de huwelijkshorscoop van Koningin Beatrix en Prins Claus. Angst is Saturnaal, toch is angst een slechte raadgever. De veranderingen komen, en blijven komen. De aanwezigheid van de stellium in Waterman in huis elf in de huwelijkshoroscoop, geeft in ieder geval, populariteit aan, zowel thuis als in het buitenland. Mijn inziens zal de belangstelling voor Nederland enorm toenemen dankzij dit huwelijk.

An English version of this text, has been submitted for publication to the Astrological Association of Great Britain.

© 2002 Elizabeth Svadkovski-Hathway

[1] see chart

As the eclipse of 11th August approaches, it is hardly surprising that speculation with regard to its possible effects is hotting up. So, throwing the cat in amongst the pigeons, this is my brain storm session on this last eclipse of the millennium.

This is the first eclipse visible in the UK since the nineteen-twenties. If it is true that an eclipse is most strongly felt in the countries where it is visible, then this upcoming eclipse will have great significance for the UK and the rest of Europe. And of course, we are not necessarily looking at the actual day, as effects can be felt months before, and several months after the exact date.

The eclipse itself meets up with Mars, Saturn, and Uranus to form a grand cross in the fixed signs and it therefore links in very nicely with, for example, the horoscope of Tony Blair (May 6th1953, 06.10, BST, Edinburgh). Tony Blair’s horoscope has also very close links with the UK chart of January1801 (which is of course the chart for the union of England, Scotland and Wales with Ireland). As we know, eclipses generally affect nations and rulers, and not individuals (thisis what most astrologers agree on). So, what are the possible effects of this eclipse ?

The fixed signs are related to values, so this grand cross might be related to the breakdown of tranditional structures. Saturn in Taurus makes me think of economics, and it’s transiting the UK’s eighth house (other people’sor the nation’s money). Could this be Britain in relation to the Euro ? A crisis over the pound seems inevitable. Meanwhile the rest of Europe wonders who coined the word Euro anyway (it sounds peculiarly English, and does not have a German or French ring to it !). A European Identity Crisis is on the cards !

Devolution or Independence

Coming back to Britain: could this eclipse be linked with a further disintegration of the UK ? Will Scotland be happy with its parliament, or will it push ahead for full independence ? The astrologer Wemyss associates 6-7 degrees of the fixed signs with oil. Scotland’s oil is a definite source of income for the UK, there are big oil refineries in Wales too, so there is a UK link. Although the eclipse does not fall exactly on either of these degree areas, Uranus is at fifteen degrees just a few days prior to the eclipse, and Mars is there too a few days before that ! The Welsh and Scottish assemblies are already hot topics in British politics (e.g.who will head the Welsh assembly, the Welsh people’s choice, or Tony’s choice ?). Someone told me recently that there are even strong moves by local groups in Cornwall to resurrect Cornwall as an independent state !

There are plenty of hot potatoes around in the UK at the moment, and in Europe also, so could this be the build up to the eclipse, as signified by the long transit of Mars in Scorpio ? Is Mars the herald ?

The Mars Ingress Chart see chart

The ingress chart for Mars into Scorpio shows Mars square Sun, Mercury and Neptune, and opposite Saturn. During this Mars period communication would seem to be a key issue connected in particular with hidden motives and intrigues. Certainly during the recent meeting of the EU leaders to discuss the commun agricultural policy for the coming six years, the economic agendas of the individual members stood in the way of agreement. Could there be a break-up of some sort, or will liberalism and good will win the day ?[2]

The Eclipse and Blair

Turning back to Tony Blair’s chart: this eclipse is hitting his MC/IC axis, it activates his Sun/Moon square and the Sun is opposite a lingering Mars transit in the sixth house. What a planetary cocktail ! So the million pound question, can Tony push through for full monetary union and hold the UK together ? If I were his physician I would advise him to watch his health, but then as an astrologer his two T-squares, versus two trines and a Gemini ascendant, tell me that this guy thrives on tension. With the transitting Nodal axis opposing his natal Nodal axis, his mission will come into sharp focus at this time.

My guess is that Tony’s where he wants to be (transitting Uranus in his 10th, trine his fifth house Neptune/Saturn conjunction, transiting Neptune is trine his Mars in 12th). He certainly hasa great deal of political freedom (in view of his large majority in the House of Commons). This man has vision remember, “..things are gonna get better, are gonna get better….”, and isamaster at gauging public feeling (Moon conjunct MC: his initial speech after Diana’s death moved half the nation to tears). So, my wild guess: before Saturn leaves Taurus, Britain will have signed up for full monetary union, the Scottish Nationalists will be pushing for more, and Tony might just need a few extra body guards.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[1] This article was first published in the Astrological Journal of Great Britain, Vol. 41,no. 3 May/June 1999

[2] (Editor Adrian Duncan’s comment: Got this before the meltdown of the European Commission and Jacques Santer’s resignation in March)

see chart

- from 14/02/2001 until 08/09/2001

One of the more interesting articles in the Astrological Association's book an
Astrological Anthology', must be Dane Rudhyar's article on the importance of
the long stay of Mars in a particular sign. This recurring 79 year cycle is
divided into two periods of 32 and 47 years, so at these intervals we are able
to observe the influence of Mars in a particular sign over a longer time span.
Next year we will witness a long stay of Mars in Sagittarius and this has
prompted me to explore the prolonged transits through this sign in 1922 and 1969
and based on my findings to speculate on events in 2001.

While I recognise the importance the positions of the outer planets play in
world affairs, it was striking that the long stay ingress charts did seem to
capture something of the essence of the period.

Before going any further, it might be relevant to distinguish Mars in
Sagittarius, from Mars in Scorpio (the sign of its rulership) and Mars in
Capricorn (where it is exalted). Whereas Mars in Scorpio is driven by an iron
will and phenomenal staying power, and Mars in Capricorn is particularly geared
towards achieving concrete results, Mars in Sagittarius seems to be motivated by
a healthy competitiveness and an attitude of "let the best man win". The "me
first"so often expressive of Mars has an altogether much lighter feel: right action, right motivation, and a lot of action are indicated.

The horoscope for the ingress of Mars into Sagitarius in 1922 (18 Feb. 16.15, UT)
has remarkable similarities with the ingress for 2001 (14 Feb. 20.07 GMT). Most
notably, both charts have Moon approaching the conjunction with Mars in square to
the Sun. In mundane astrology the Moon represents the people, Mars the military,
and the Sun the regent or the ruler. One might therefore expect militant people,
unruly masses, or strong individual leaders to be at loggerheads with
established order and authority. The Moon also represents women: in the 1922 chart the struggle for greater emancipation is one possible indication.

1922 was quite a remarkable year: in March, Mahatma Gandhi was given six years
imprisonment by the British Government; in the same month Pope Pius XI spoke out
about Women's fashion (in May, skirts in Paris went down below the knee
again); in May, Lenin suffered a serious stroke which rendered him
ineffectual as a leader; in July the workers in Italy organised a general strike
against fascism, which was broken in August; also in August the first
championship athletics for women was held. 1922 saw the birth of the Irish Free
State. Egypt gained independence from Britain and the British Mandate in
Palestine came into effect. Yitzak Rabin was born in March (and it is
interesting to note that he was assassinated under a transit of Mars in Sagitarius).
Plenty of Moon-Mars-Sun stuff here. 1922 also saw the start of hyper-inflation
in Germany.

In comparison the 1969 ingress of Mars (25th Feb. 1969, 6:21 GMT) tells a wholly different story. It makes a truly sparkling entrance into Sagittarius, sextile Uranus, bi-quintile Saturn, conjunct Neptune, almost exactly trine the node.

Here Mars is uninhibited, the contours of the personal ego defences sublimated,
freedom and idealism seem to be the big issues, and what an inspiring year 1969 was.

Here we have the first (non-commercial) flight of Concord (4/March/69). Man set foot on the Moon. In March John Lennon and Yoko Ono held a bed in at the Amsterdam Hilton as a protest against the Vietnam War. Gay Rights were on the agenda, as were civil rights. Sadly, April saw the assassination of Martin Luther King. However, speaking personally, the event of that year has to be the "3 days of Peace and Music Festival" held in August: Woodstock.

The horoscope for Woodstock see chart, taught me a lot about an unimpeded Mars in Sagittarius The music began at 17.07 on 15 August and finished on Monday 18 August. The clean up took 5 days. There were two deaths during that period and two births.

Observing the planetary movement during and immediately after Woodstock, the build up of sublime energy is striking. Mercury in Virgo separates from the opening square to Mars, leaving the latter free to bi-quintile Venus, bi-quintile Saturn and quintile Uranus. These are the only aspects Mars makes the whole weekend if we do not use the Moon and the angles. Venus in Cancer makes quintiles to both Saturn
and Uranus.
The Moon separates from a kite formation (involving Venus in Cancer,
the Node in Pisces, Neptune in Scorpio, sextile Pluto conjunct Mercury) and conjoins Mars in Sagittarius on August 21st, bringing with it the awareness that something "out of this world" something truly 'BIG' has happened.
Woodstock as a phenomenon deserves an article in its own right (
undoubtedly already written). However, the question arises "what did this
exercise teach me about Mars in Sagittarius "? The answer lies somewhere between the axiom "we do without doing and everything gets done" and the value of trust, in our ideals, our actions and our humanity.

To consider what 2001 holds in store, we need to focus on particular charts in relation to the ingress chart, so let’s take a look at the chart of the UK and Tony Blair.

Popular protest could dominate the news in the UK. The actions of lorry drivers
earlier this year will probably be repeated. Anger throughout the transport
sector is likely to be highlighted, as Mars passes over the UK Mercury no less than three times. With Mars in Tony Blair’s 7th house, he will begin to show more aggressive leadership,which will seem to come naturally, particularly at the end of April and during May, and the first week of September when transiting MA=SO/MO. The Uranus opposition to the UK’s Saturn also seems to indicate militancy. With the transport sector highlighted and Uranus in the fifth, it seems that individual freedom will be the big issue here.

The election battle next year will be fought and won on education, transport and
communication issues.

In the ingress chart itself, the Moon’s approaching conjunction with Mars implies that women will also be taking up arms against the establishment next year: matriarchy versus patriarchy ? Well perhaps not quite, but religious, legal, ethical and controversial issues will be a particular focus of concern, where women, if subjected to prejudice, will be hitting back via the headlines in 2001.

Staying with the Moon but now focussing on relations with Europe, it is obvious
that popular support amongst the European community for the Euro is low. It is
possible that a campaign to redress this could be conceived in May while Mars
contacts sensitive points both in the EEC chart as well as the chart of the
Single European Act (conjunct Mercury, IC, and ASC/MC in both charts). That this will be aimed at boosting the image of the new coinage is shown by transiting Jupiter which will conjoin the MC in both charts (July 2001).

This year Mars will pass over the Ascendant and transit the 1st house of the USA (Sibley 5.10 pm) chart. With the North Node conjoining the USA's Sun (and
President Bush's) in March it is interesting to note that the conjunction of Mars and Pluto in Sagittarius takes place on March 18th. Perhaps the first test for president Bush will come at this time and the world will have a first taste of what his presidency has in store for us.

The chart for the USSR (8/11/1917, 2.12.am, Petrograd) shows Mars passing
through the 4th house, while in the horoscope for China, it is
the tenth house that gets the goodies.

With so much worldwide angular Mars activity, 2001 promises to be an eventful year.

Please use the following Mars ingress data:

1922, 18 Feb. 1922, 16.15 UT, Grenwich, England (Asc. 19 degs.01 Leo, MC, 3 deg. 50 Taurus, Sun, 29 degs 15 Aquarius, Moon, 28 degs 28 Scorpio) ;

1969, 25th February 1969, 06:21 GMT, Grenwich, England (Asc. 16 degs. 59 Aquarius, MC, 11 degs 43 Sag., Sun, 6 degs.29 mins Pisces, Moon – 18 degs 13. Gemini),

2001, 14th February 2001, 20.07 GMT, Grenwich, England (Asc. 27 degs 39 Virgo, MC 26 degs. 56 Gemini, Sun 26 degs 12 Aquarius, Moon 22 degs 39 Scorpio)

data taken from The American Ephemeris, Michelsen

Data for UK Jan. 1st 1801, 00LT, Westminster, ( 7 degs 10 Libra rising, MC 9degs 20, Sun 10deg. 11 Capricorn, Moon 19 degs. 26 Cancer)

Book of World Horoscopes

USA, July 4th 1776, 5.10 pm, Philadelphia, PA, (Asc. 22 degs 21 sag., MC, 1 deg 03 Libra, Sun, 13 degs. 19 Cancer, Moon, 27 degs 10 Aquarius)

Book of World Horoscopes

Russia, November 8th, 1917 2.12 am, Petrograd (Asc. 23 Virgo 41, MC 20degs41 Gemini, Sun,, 15 degs 01 Scorpio, Moon 29 degs 09 Leo)

The Book of World Horoscopes by Nicholas Campion

Data for the EEC: Jan. 1st 1958, 00.00 MET, Brussels (Asc. 29 degs36 Virgo, MC 29 degs 29 Gemini, Sun, 10 degs 02 Capricorn, Moon, 10 degs. 23 Taurus)

Source: Mundane Astrology

Single European Act :Jan. 1st 1993, 00.00 MET,Brussels (29 degs 58 Virgo, MC 29 degs 57 Gemini, Sun, 10 degs 33 Capricorn, Moon 8 degs 23 Aries)

Source: Mundane Astrology

China: October 1st, 1949, 15.15 LT, Peking, (Asc. 5 degs54 Aquarius, MC 27 degs 07 Scorpio, Sun7 degs 47 Libra, Moon, 3 degs 10 Aquarius)

Source: also from Mundane Astrology by Baigent, Campion, Harvey

Data Tony Blair, from birth certificate and given to Caroline Gerard (AA), May 6th 1953, 06.10, Edinburgh, Scotland (Asc. 4 gemini 50, MC, 26 Capricorn 03, Sun 15 Taurus 22, Moon 11 Aquarius 30)

Woodstock, NY, 15 August 1969, 17.07, (Asc. 3 Capricorn 19, MC, 28 libra52, Sun 22 leo 50, Moon 22 Virgo 51) Source, the Woodstock site: www.woodstock69.com

see chart

It is interesting to look ahead at the Jupiter/Saturn conjunction in May and I am sure many astrologers are speculating as to what this could possibly mean. That it can portend to great things we know, many are of the opinion that the Star of Bethlehem proclaiming the birth of Christ was in fact a conjunction of these two planets in Pisces.

However, I wanted to avoid the arduous task of looking back to what this event brought about in the past and so I decided to look first at what differentiates this conjunction from those in the previous century.

The last time it fell in Taurus was in 1940, then followed Capricorn in 1961, the “rule” of the conjunction falling in the same element for approx. 240 years was broken in 1981 by a “maverick” conjunction in Libra, and here we are back in the fixed sign of the Bull again. The mutable in the earth element having been “omitted”. Looking ahead, I noticed that in fact this conjunction will in fact be the last in the earth element before the shift into the air signs occurs. (In the wonderful book “Mundane Astrology”, Charles Harvey writes that this event will fall in about 2060, although the next conjunction actually takes place at 0+ degrees Aquarius in 2020, the following at 17+ Libra 2040).

So as the last conjunction before the great mutation in air, could we possibly anticipate some sort of culmination of the element ?

If we are to view the conjunction as a seed moment what I find interesting is that this moment has already been quite seriously challenged, it has been a difficult pregnancy. Since their entry into Taurus both Jupiter and Saturn have experienced a series of squares firstly from Neptune and then from Uranus, both of course in Aquarius. Saturn squares Neptune once, and then goes on to battle three times with Uranus at 15 degs.+, 13degs. +, and 20 degs.+ Taurus/Aquarius. Jupiter has the same problem but then in reverse, three hits to Neptune at 3degs.+, 3degs+, and 5degs. +, and just one square to Uranus days before encountering Saturn.

The previous conjunctions this century had it somewhat easier.

The conjunction in Capricorn in 1901 had its challenges before entering the sign (oppositions to Pluto in Gemini). The oppositions to Jupiter and Saturn from Uranus in Pisces prior to the 1921 conjunction in Virgo were assisted by Pluto in Cancer. The 1940 conjunction, once in sign saw just one square each to Pluto in Leo, though both Uranus and Neptune were in compatible earth signs. The build up to the 1961 conjunction saw trines to Pluto for starters, followed by sextiles to Neptune though the actual conjunction was inconjunct to Uranus. In 1981 the first contact sees both planets retrograde. So, the build up to this coming conjunction differs in the degree of manifestation (if we view squares as relating to actual events).

When pondering on what this might mean, two scientific journals spontaneously sprang to my mind, Nature (Taurus) and Science (Uranus). Then the possibility of something really exciting being revealed which would change our perception of the material world started to take seed. This break through would also be conducive to the next conjunction which will take place in 0 degs. + Aquarius, when our boundaries will shift from the concrete, from what we can experience with the senses to something altogether more abstract.

Where could this break through take place ? One strong candidate must be the controversial field of gene-technology. Looking at the horoscope for the conjunction, which I have drawn for Grenwich at 15.45, for 28/5/2000 (-1hr. BST, Equal House) Jupiter and Saturn are in the 8th house as is the Sun and Venus. Pluto falls in the second and opposes the Sun and Venus. There will be intense opposition to what is revealed, and indeed this whole area has produced a minefield of ethical and practical problems. To speculate, is it possible that, as was the case with Dolly the sheep, that work carried out quite secretly will be made public, MC = UR/PL ? Has work, for example on cloning gone further than is suspected ?

Another, and in my mind, the most likely candidate, concerns our very concept of the material universe, and is linked to the theory of super strings. This theory is an attempt to unite the contradiction concerning gravity in the well established theories of quantum mechanics and the theory of relativity. Physicists have been searching for this missing link since the 1920’s, their quest has a Promethean quality about it, consistent with Uranus. If and should this theory be proved, then we will be living in a universe with twenty four dimensions, with dimensions “curled up” inside dimensions.* It will be what Einstein called the “unified field theory”, the conjunction, or the occultists’ one which gave birth to the many.

In view of the link between Saturn/Jupiter and Europe, it seem possible that the break through will take place on the continent. Certainly the largest accelerator in the world will be at Bern. With this super conductor in use, certain aspects of this theory can be tested. It will be up and running in 2005 and if successes can be booked, more funding will surely follow.

To quote Jim Gates (the brother of Bill ?) “Strings can sing. So you can think of the world around us as a symphony of strings vibrating at different frequencies.” John Addey would approve !

One hears much talk of late that the New Age is dead, well “you ain’t seen nothing yet.”

* For an introduction to this field I discovered an interesting article for non-physicists like myself on the internet, “A short course in string theory (with no equations)” http://www.washington.post.com/interact/longterm/horizon/121196/string.htm

©2000: Elizabeth Svadkovski-Hathway

Harmonic charts do not render us their wisdom lightly, one has to study harmonics for many years before getting any insight at all into what harmonic charts reveal. John Addey wrote harmonics appeal especially to those astrological devotees “who can suspend for a time their desire to crystallise their thought prematurely and can allow the fuller picture to take shape in their mind by degrees”. This is a difficult task, particulary in a culture which is looking for quick fixes, this is possibly why many astrologers dismiss harmonics as a modern technque they can comfortably do without. Whereas midpoints render information immediately, harmonics keep you, at least for a few years, in suspense.

The 7th harmonic along with the 4th, 5th, and 9th, is one of the most important in the series of harmonic charts. 7 is a prime number. We have seven days in a week and for most of our astrological history we knew of only seven planets. The 7th son of a 7th son, is said to possess unusual talents. There were only seven wonders in the ancient world and there are just seven colours in the rainbow. Each one of us has seven chakra’s and we know of seven musical scales .The number 7 in the tarot (Crowley pack) is represented by the charioteer, who has gained command of himself, as symbolised by the two horses (one black, one white) which he skillfully steers along his own self appointed path and indeed 7 is related to mastery.

What turns us on ? What is the inspiration behind our creative actions ? Who are our heroes ? Who do we image ourselves to be ? An exploration of the 7th harmonic, takes us into the realms of the mysterious and divine and one should approach this chart with some reverence. Fantasy is powerful stuff. As an adult if we observe a child engaged in a fantasy we know how serious a game can be taken. With the passing of our childhood we loose access to the thoughts that occupied us as a child, the thoughts that helped actually to form who we would become. I believe that the 7th harmonic holds the key that opens the gate to that childhood world of fantasy……

see chart

If the 7th harmonic is showing us what inspires us, then what can we learn from Madonna’s chart?

The conjunction is the most important aspect in a harmonic chart, so what is Madonna’s Moon conjunct Neptune telling us. Marilyn Monroe was one of Madonna’s primary sources of inspiration. I see Monroe’s life somehow reflected in this conjunction. Monroe’s restless, vulnerable femininity (Moon) her emotional instability (Neptune) as well as her great ability to entertain, entrance and bemuse (Moon /Neptune). We know that Madonna’s mother died when she was a child, it is possible then that images or figures of emotional (Moon) suffering (Neptune) could have captured her imagination from quite an early age. This conjunction also helps explain Madonna’s fascination with mystical, and religious symbols of an archetypal nature, in particular the cross, upon which Christ was curified. A powerful moment in one of Madonna’s video’s when a black Christ steps down from the cross, springs to mind.

This powerful conjunction is in square to Mars. Mars/Neptune links are common in the 7th harmonic of entertainers…… This aspect (and the 7th harmonic in general), also says something about the sexual fantasy. The video for the hit “Erotica” depicts Madonna as dominant mistress, dressed in black leather, whip in hand, complete with slave. Madonna explored her sexual fantasies (Mars/Neptune) in a series of photographs (Neptune again), published as the controversial book Sex.

7th harmonic Jupiter, conjunct Mercury and Saturn: Madonna often uses the image of the father. She explores the kind forgiving father theme as well as the strict unforgiving Saturnian father theme. We have hits like “Papa don’t preach” – Jupiter/Mercury/Saturn. In “Material World” we see men in dinner suits piling diamonds and adoration on Madonna or is it Marilyn Monroe, it’s hard to see the difference between them.

Madonna shares her Jupiter/Mercury/Saturn 7th harmonic conjunction with amongst others, Mao-Tse-tung. Madonna has the ability to inspire others while demanding discipline from herself and those around her. Although Madonna does appear to have found a creative outlet for her fantasies, I connot help wondering whether on an inner level, the themes mentioned above, do not carry a pretty hefty price tag, particulary in her closest relationships. Madonna might also have engaged in elaborate fantasies around the theme of abandonment.

Sun square Mercury and Saturn: There is a struggle here to get her message across and a fascination for the masculine. This is expressed in such hits as “Express Yourself”. The background to this video is heavily industrial, Madonna wears a suit, and commands us to express ourselves. The highly stylised dance movement in Vogue, “..let your body move to the music”.

However, this aspect also points to a darker side to the imagination. We get a glimpse of this in SM video Erotica. This woman’s fantasies are not all sugar and honey that’s for sure.

Madonna is without a doubt, the most influential entertainer of her generation, but then she also has 7th harmonic Pluto conjunct the 7th harmonic north node !

©2001: Elizabeth Svadkovski-Hathway

see chart

With Scorpio rising, Mars in Aries and Pluto in Leo in the 10th house in my natus, it is hardly surprising that a figure such as Timothy McVeigh would hold some interest for me. Scopio has a penchant for infamous figures, in particular when their lives have a fated quality.

Harmonics as practised today, were introduced in the mid 70’s, by the English astrologer and philosopher John Addey. John Addey was inspired by the Platonic concept of number, i.e. the belief that each number represents a divine idea. As astrologers we recognise the importance of number, we know that the division of the circle by 2 which gives us the opposition, is quite different in nature from the division of the circle by 3, which gives us the trine. However, astrologers often do not know how to deal with certain aspects adequately. We pay lip service to the quintile and the septile, but when these aspects are viewed against the backdrop of the traditional chart, they quickly become relegated to the back shelf and there they generally tend to stay. We accept the fated quality of the septile and the inspirational gifts of the quintile, but unless we draw the seventh or the fifth harmonic chart, we are unable to say with any degree of certainty, how these aspects are likely to manifest themselves in the life of a particular individiual, and tend to forgo them in favour of the more obvious.

Timothy McVeigh is one of the generation born with the Pluto/Uranus conjunction in Virgo. The interesting thing about this conjunction in his particular chart is that it is involved in a mystical rectactangle, which is itself quite a rare configuration. You can view this configuration as a door, through which the person involved can step into a different level of consciousness. Perhaps it is because of the mystic rectangle in the horoscope of Timothy McVeigh, that I felt a study of the natal chart alone would simply not suffice in his case, and so I looked at the 5th and 7th harmonic charts.

A note on harmonic charts in general:

Very close aspects in the birth chart will remain intact throughout the harmonic series of charts. What is interesting in a harmonic chart however, is that the natal “carry over” aspect can join up with other planets. This gives additional information, in the light of the harmonic under consideration, about the person concerned. Aspects involved in such a radical chart carry over in Timothy McVeigh’s case are, the Saturn, Venus, Node conjunction, the Jupiter Neptune square, and the Uranus Neptune sextile. Because these are the closest radical aspects they form part of the true cornerstone of the personality, therefore their unfoldment throughout the harmonic series of charts should be followed closely.

The 5th harmonic chart: what was the idea that gave birth to the act ?

“I think therefore I am” said Descartes. The 5th harmonic is linked to the concept of mind. In order to act, we need to be motivated by an idea. It is the thought that gives birth to the deed.

In Timothy McVeigh’s horoscope the radical Saturn/Venus/Node conjunction now also includes Neptune. At the level of mind, the 5th harmonic, we need then to look very closely at Neptune.

As a close natal aspect, we know that Neptune square Jupiter is important, here linked to Saturn, Venus, and the node, we can be pretty sure that he entertained romantic ideas about himself. With natal Venus conjunct Saturn, maintaining close personal relationships might have been a difficult task. However, on the 5th harmonic level, on the level of pure thought, he might “know” that he was simply unappreciated or misunderstood, in a way similar to the artist Van Gogh, who was not highly regarded, until after his death.

The Neptunian idea of sacrifice might have interested him, as well might the theme of redemption, possibly through suffering. I know virtually nothing about Timothy McVeigh, but I feel sure that socialism (Neptune), and/or other left wing idealogies would have interested him. This configuration shows a need to explore and then to dissolve boundaries. The cold hand of Saturn/Venus embraces the disillusioned, welcomes him to her breast. The idea of a form of Neptunian release. This is a mind fired by idealism, misguided idealism. For we know it is a terrible karmic act to rob another of his or her life.

The carry-over Neptune sextile Uranus aspect, is interesting because now Mercury conjuncts Uranus. This personalises a generational aspect. The idea of the immorality, freedom, and limitless potential of thought might have fascinated Timothy McVeigh. One’s thoughts are beyond the control of another. We can say one thing, yet think another, and no-one is any the wiser. The sudden impulse to action. Uranus/Mercury square Mars: the offensive word or the idea of verbal assault. The power of thought.

Jupiter trine Pluto: the big idea. Jupiter trine Mars: the will to carry things through.

The 7th harmonic chart: what was the motivation behind the deed ?

“Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it…” Goethe.

Here radical Saturn is joined by Pluto, which itself is in trine to the Sun. This could mean that Timothy McVeigh was turned on by restriction and fascinated by power. The fantasy could alternate between the desire to wield power and the desire to be oppressed by the power of another. Images of death and destruction could fire the imagination.

Saturn square Neptune opposition Jupiter suggests that Timothy McVeigh might have been inspired by figures then who wielded power and yet who somehow fell from grace, perhaps through no fault of their own, or by some form of treachery. This is someone who might find himself inspired by loss and/or turned on by surrender. Saturn/Pluto, also indicates someone who might enjoy the fantasy of inflicting punishment. The strong disciplinarian. He might have felt attracted to images depicting strength, supremacy. The trine to the Sun, indicates someone who also would be inspired by the brave deed, the noble act, the notion of heroism. This is possibly what motivated him to join the army.

In the 7th, Neptune is the focal planet in a close t-square, it is on this level that the radical Neptune square Jupiter expresses itself most strongly. What do we have here ? Is this is an image an idealist or quite simply of a madman? I believe that the fundamental motivation behind his defiant and destructive act must lie within Neptune’s sphere of influence.

The 7th harmonic seems to have a particular link with our fantasy about ourselves. Misguided fantasy is a dangerous thing, and the septile, which the 7th harmonic emphasises, has a fated quality about it. In this chart Neptune’s nebulous qualities are exaggerated by Jupiter and with radix Saturn in Aries we can say the ability to put on the brake is lacking. At this level, we know that radix Saturn is quite simply too busy protecting its own fragile ego to deal effectively with the inflated and destructive fantasies produced by Saturn, Pluto, Jupiter and Neptune.

Though both the 5th and 7th harmonic charts show integrated patterning, for me, the 7th is the most elucidatory chart.

// Data Source Timothy Mcveigh: Lois Rodden.

The following interview took place on Saturday November 27th 1999. The text below is my translation of what was initially a Dutch script.
I have tried to bring out the essence of our conversation, though quite some material has been omitted. Initially the conversation was taped. Should anyone wish to see the “abridged” original Dutch version, then please feel free to contact me.
My motives for contacting Ms. Uyldert ? I wanted an idea of what the astrological community looked like at the time she began working with astrology. Had she met the astrological mega-stars of her time, Dane Rudhyar, Charles Carter, Marc Edmund Jones ? How had the astrological community responded when Pluto was discovered ? How had astrology changed?
At the time of our meeting, Ms. Uyldert was 91 years old, and as sound as a button. Alert, interested, and definitely following her own track, Ms. Uyldert dominated our chat. Once I had accepted this situation, and released myself from any preconceived idea of how the interview should go, I relaxed into our meeting.

It was a beautiful sunny afternoon when I arrived at Ms. Uyldert’s house in Naarden Bussum. For a few hours I felt myself outside of time, sitting in a very small, wood-lined, book filled, chamber with an ancient electric heater humming out its warmth. It seemed strange to me that with such a large house that we should be settling down here.
Two chairs stood either side of a small table and behind me an old glass cabinet displayed an array of crystals and fossils. Once seated, I contemplated a bright, eager eyed, open faced Geminian who enquiringly peeked out at me from beneath a fairy like head band, at the centre of which a sparkling stone held court.
Throughout, I recall be distracted by an enormous and incredibly beautiful brown butterfly which repeatedly beat itself against the window pane, while outside a large blue pine basked in the autumn sunlight.

see chart

Q. How did you come into contact with astrology ?

A. Astrology was in me. When I was18 I asked my mother to tell me more about the stars, not astronomy, because I knew there was more than the material. She discovered an astrology course in Hilversum. The tutor was a Mr. Ram, a freemason who had written a book over astrology. It was an established group of old ladies and I didn’t fit, but I managed to borrow note books and wormed my way in. After I while I realised that I knew more than they did. You see, I knew a little about psychology, which is the same subject but from a different perspective. I also followed the advanced course, until I moved from Hilversum.

The funny thing is, if something is present in you, you only have to press the right button and it starts to come out. When people heard that I knew something about astrology and started to ask me questions, to my own surprise, I realised that I knew a great deal about the subject.

Q. When did you actually begin teaching astrology Ms. Uyldert ?
A. In 1928. I enjoy speaking with people, talking to the public. I found when giving a talk, that I would hear myself saying things that I myself was pleased to learn.
Of course, you are not only interested in astrology. You have also written books on all sorts of occult subjects.
It was obviously my task to bring people back to a good relationship with nature. I love nature. At first you think that everyone shares that appreciation, but in fact a lot of people don’t notice and I wanted to tell them how wonderful it actually is, and that they can trust that everything takes care of itself. If only people weren’t so pig-headed.

Q. Am I right in thinking that astrology is your first love ?
A. Yes. You see astrology unites everything. Actually, there is only one science, because in astrology everything comes together.
The Greeks had a tremendous knowldege, they didn’t need to be taught really. Their Gods actually lived on Olympus. Of course we look at these stories symbolically, but to the Greeks their Gods were actually real beings, the spirits, souls, call them what you will, and they really do have power over people, they play with us and let us carry out plans they have thought out. Then we say that a person has a free will, but that only goes a short way, far enough that we are able to become aware of what their plan for us is. Certain things are present in you and that needs to express itself, but a lot of people are closed, blocked, and I try my best to wake them up, because only when they are awake can they see the point to their lives.

You must be aware of not always listening to other people who want to teach you something and who are telling you what their parents and teachers have taught them, because the story then stays the same, when actually so much is changing.

Q. I was going to ask you who your greatest teachers or examples have been. But if I understand you correctly, you have been your own teacher ?
A. Of course I learnt the technical skills, and what the chart might possibly mean. But you are right, the skills were there within me.
Q. Your writing reminds me sometimes of Dane Rudyhar or of Charles Carter. You also talk about the soul and have a humanistic approach. Do you see yourself as an esoteric astrologer ?
A. Yes. People do not seem to recognise that all our religions revolve around the teaching of one man who saw something of the eternal and told us about it. So, it’s a particular vision.What we do not seem to recognise is that we ourselves should make contact with the power of the twelve or seven. The Greeks lived with their special planets, the ruler of the ascendant, for example, which is possibly the most important planet in your horoscope. They talked and lived with this planet God, they could ask questions, “Am I doing this okay ?” and they were answered, immediately. This is what it’s about. Making direct contact.
Q. Why do you think we have lost this direct contact ?
A. We needed to make the journey into the material world. We had to forget about the rest, because if we hadn’t all our attention would have gone that way. Of cours there were always people who were connected to the invisible world, to higher things.
Things are as they are, and you can get to learn about things as they are, if you aren’t stubborn. This is the way of wisdom as opposed to the way of learning. We should make up our own mind about things. Observe, see what is to be seen without judgement. Seen from a certain point, even karma ceases, there is only neutrality.

But be sure, existence does not go in a straight line, it’s a cork-screw, it spirals upwards, and spirals downwards again.

Q. Is it possible that listening to one’s inner voice is made more difficult by certain aspects in the horoscope ? Immediately a difficult Moon/Mercurius aspect springs to mind, or a hard Sun/Moon aspect ?

A. I see a lot people changing now. People used to keep strict conventions, they were attached to public opinion, to the views of science and to what their teachers told them, now people listen a lot more to themselves.We are all becoming more aware of our powers, each of us is capable of clairvoyancy, clairaudiency, but we have neglected our abilities, pushed them aside. This is changing.

Q. Do you think this is connected to Uranus and Neptune ?

A. Yes, it’s their turn now, and they are of a different order to that which we were accustomed to. We are beginning to learn through our own experience.

Q. What is it, that makes astrology so exciting for you personally? Because I understand that you still do horoscope readings for people.

A. Astrology is everything, all that we know is covered by it. The world of the Gods, of beings who together with us inhabit this universe. We are becoming independent, free of what we have been taught. The more independent one thinks, the faster the progress.

Q. Alexander Ruperti said once that astrology should be a “counter-cultural” force, and it does have something threatening, because it encourages people to think for themselves,to listen to themselves, which means not going with the mass.

A. I believe that everything is perfect, but we humans are just incapable of looking at things in the right way. However, we live in a favourable period. Our solar system presenty finds itself interlocking with a hydrogen cloud, which has been passing through the universe since time itself, and now it’s our turn to encounter it. We are a bit like kitchen machines that can knead and slice etc., if not plugged in, the machine won’t do its job. So, to follow this analogy, if we are tuned in, a lot of what is present in us can begin to function. The present activiy is helping us to make a lot of progress, and you do see lots of people coming together in groups that suit their character (as seen in the horoscope). We think this is something new, when of course it isn’t, the potential has always been there, but now we are ready to encounter it.

Q. Ms. Uyldert, when you make a horoscope, what are the first things you look at ?

A. I’m not very systematic. I have no system that anyone could follow. Every horoscope is different, and I approach the horoscope differently every time. Yesterday I had a client, and all the planets were in the lower half of the chart, that is very noticeable. I begin actually with the larger picture and gradually refine it, once in conversation I find the reading goes in a particular direction. I let the horoscope define itself. When you begin with interpretations, you tend to think that this or that will be important and then you are using more of the same, but in time you realise that a particular aspect works differently with different people, so now I make no notes, I absorb the chart and try to place myself in the client, how does this feel for him, and once we start to talk, I say almost without thinking, what needs to be said.

Q. In this way you see how the client experiences his aspects. Does making horoscopes for people still excite you ?

A. Yes. But I’m 91 and I have difficulty reading the small figures in the ephemeris, and I’m concerned I might make a mistake. So, now I send the information to a computer bureau, and they make the figure for me.

Q. So, until recently you drew your horoscopes by hand ?

A. Yes, I did. What’s nice about it is that you slowy grow into a horoscope, it’s like being born, and growing up, and gradually finding out more about yourself. I liked calculating the chart, because then you see the person rising up from the horoscope.

Q. By the way, what do you think of Chiron, or the Black Moon which seems to be very popular here in Holland ?

A. Yes, we keep on discovering more personalities, heavenly bodies. I find it enriching.

Q. Do you use Chiron yourself ?

A. No, and I also do not use the Black Moon. I see so many things in the chart already, and I am always concerned not to overwhelm the client. If I were younger I would probably chase after them.

Q. You were working as an astrologer when Pluto was discovered. Do you remember its discovery ?

A. Yes I do, and I certainly use Pluto. I have experienced its effects in my own life, and this is the crux, you must experience an energy directly yourself . Of course then you talk with other astrologer and exchange experiences. But to learn how an energy works from a book, no, you need to get to know it,feel it, experience it.

Q. Do you recall if there was a lot of excitement amongst astrologers when it was first discovered ?

A. Yes, although I personally, didn’t think too much of it at first. But over the years I’ve gotten to know Pluto.

Q. You have probably just experienced transitting Pluto in opposition to your Sun ?

A. It’sgoing on now.Unpleasant, one doesn’t know which direction to take.

Ms. Uyldert shows me her horoscope. Which shows a full ninth house.

Q. You have a Libran ascendant, which always makes a person lovable, I find.

A. Do you know the book by Jean Douche ? Both the author and the illustrator were women, the illustrations are inspired by the Kabalah. They are remarkable, if I have a client and he does not recognise himself in the illustration for his ascending degree, then I know the birth time is incorrect. This is the illustration for my ascendant. The figure as you see, is that of an alchemist and astrologer. In one hand he has the globe and in the other a bottle. This book is truly incredible, in fact the details in the drawings carry so much information, that without doubt the illustrator is more than the writer.

Q. Looking at your horoscope, what do you think has been its greatest challenge ?

A. My ninth house has been the most important.

Q. What do you think of astrology these days ? Do you think it is experiencing better times than when you began or do you find it too psychological in orientation ?

A. With the passing of time the world improves. We are reaching a higher level, I must say.

Q. Do you mean spiritually ?

A. Yes. When I began with astrology the level of my fellow astrologers was dreadful. You could hardly say anything that would be understood. Today many more people know something about astrology, but sadly, there are still a lot of people who don’t. Many people use astrology for prediction. I dislike the columns in the newspapers where the aspects for the coming week are discussed. But, there you are, these people aren’t further than that. I personally find it degrades a great subject.

Q. I read in one of your books that you dislike predictions.

A. I get sent so many predictions. In my opinion, if we believe in something en masse, we can create disasters. No, rather have trust. But, to have that trust, you have to see how providence has taken good care of everything. You have to directly experience it to have that anchor.

Q. So, you have a client, who is having a hard time, how do you approach this situation ?

A. People tend to visit an astrologer when they are having a hard time. Well, the client is sitting where you are sitting, and I am here. Usually, the client’s face is a bit downcast, however, during our conversation I begin to see the hint of a smile, and usually at the end, they are cheerful, because they have enjoyed themselves. I manage to infuse them with a bit of trust, and that gives courage to face difficulties, and as I also work with herbs, I might give themselves to help their situation. Usually, they call me again, and say that their situation has improved. I have great trust in natural healing methods, a person should always try to heal themselves, and not rush immediately to a doctor when something isn’t right.

Q. Ms. Uyldert, thank you very much for talking to me.

De originele Nederlandse tekst is gepubliceerd in the CHTA Astrokrant.
©1999: Elizabeth Svadkovski-Hathway