Living with the Stars

  Welcome to the New Moon in Taurus, happening on the 27th April at 21:31. In astrology, a new moon symbolizes fresh beginnings and opportunities. It marks the start of the lunar cycle, occurring when the moon aligns with the sun in the same zodiac sign. This phase is associated with setting intentions, planting seeds for future growth, and embracing change. The energy of a new moon encourages introspection, helping individuals connect with their inner selves and clarify their goals. It’s a powerful time for manifestation and renewal. It's a good time for planting new seeds not only in terms of setting a new pattern, but also a time for sowers to plant seeds (just in case you like gardening!).  At the time of writing, a pope is being given a send-off. Pope Francis' funeral will be the main focus of attention this weekend, with many dignitaries flooding the Vatican Square, many of whom are controversial figures in their own right. Twelve reigning monarchs will be attending (sur...

  The lovely thing about school holidays (yes, I teach) is that there is enough time to look up random stuff with my astrology computer software. No more calculating using pen and paper and looking up tables; in an instant I can get hold of a chart for any time, any date and any place in the world.  Today was such a day and I thought I would post this simply because it is interesting. I was browsing through social media when I noticed that there was a ceremony marking the anniversary of the George Cross being awarded to the Maltese nation on the 15th April 1942. Oh, I thought, let's have a look at what was going on in the sky.  When I first looked at the charts, I was jumping up and down with excitement. If you think that receiving the George Cross marked the end of the heavy bombing this nation endured, think again; in the second half of April 1942, Malta had become the most bombed place on the planet. I'm old enough to have walked through Valletta when some places were ...

  First of all, I'd like to present my apologia for not posting my solar eclipse report for the 29th March. The truth is my workload needed my total attention and priorities are what they are.  So, I aim to present all the information here, starting with the 29th March New Moon and also the Full Moon of the 13th April.  Also important is the number of planets that have gone direct or changed sign. I hope you will find this all very interesting.  The New Moon chart of the 29th March had a number of interesting placements. First of all, an Aries new moon is a fire moon, with its ruler Mars very prominently placed on the ascendant at 22 degrees of Cancer. We must remember that Mars had been backtracking through Cancer it its retrograde period and is now moving forwards. At 22 degrees it is conjunct the fixed star Pollux. This solar eclipse is only a partial one, which means it is not as powerful as a total eclipse. Still, eclipses in any form are not considered fortunat...