I don't like most (new) 'Americanisms', but I can't think of a more fitting phrase than that this is a 'heads-up' re the current Uranus-Pluto square.

Uranus having entered Aries in March this year, it was bound at some time to close in on Pluto - at least, by a 90 degree angle (otherwise known as a square aspect) - which is in early Capricorn. Uranus turns retrograde in early July, meaning that the square doesn't quite perfect, i.e., reach exactitude, until June next year, but it's within 2 degrees from June 20th to September 18th this year, and it's at its closest (within 1 degree and 1 minute) in early August, which is when astrologer Hans Baker will be coming along to talk about this astrological phenomenon, which is already having all sorts of repercussions in all sorts of ways, and will continue to do so over the next 5 years, during which time it perfects an extraordinary seven times.

See Thursday 4th August, 8-10pm: 'Uranus Square Pluto: Revolutionary Imperative'.

Graham

On Saturday we went on our annual summer field trip, which is always held near the solstice. This year we went to the delightful home of William and Jane Morris, and their friend, the Pre-Raphaelite painter Dante Gabriel Rossetti. William Morris, a multiple Aries, was the pioneer who initiated the 'back to nature' Arts & Crafts movement, a reaction against the Victorian primness and fussiness of the times, and, along with other artists, craftsmen, writers and socialists, headed to the Cotswolds to live a simpler, more authentic life. Kris brought along the birthcharts of the the Morrises and Rossetti, who were involved in a complicated Ménage a Trois. Their characters shone through their birthcharts, and the synastry between them was highly revealing. After lunch we also discussed how Venus in our own chart might reflect our own artistic preferences and creative style.

The house and garden were idyllic, as were the treasures inside. Well worth a visit. With thanks to Pamela for taking the photos below, including the contented-looking archetypally Taurean Bull!

Graham

The Euro is currently being put under severe strain by the Greek debt crisis. There is the possibility that Greece will revert to its former currency, the Drachma, but this might paradoxically weaken the Euro as speculators may suspect that the same fate will befall other struggling members of the Eurozone.

Given that the Euro is a currency, one might think that The Sun (which rules gold) is especially important in its 'birthchart', along with Venus, the traditional ruler of money. The Sun in this chart is (oddly) unaspected, whilst Venus squares Saturn - not exactly an indicator of easy wealth-creation. The chart ruler (i.e.. ruler of the Ascendant), Mercury, is in its detriment in Sagittarius, and (a double-whammy), square to Jupiter, perhaps suggesting the strongly ideological and over-reaching aspect of the currency, in that part of its raison d'etre was to bind countries together in an ever-closer financial and political union.

Currently, transiting Saturn is making a square to The Euro's Sun, bringing problems and stress, although perhaps a greater test will be later this autumn, when Saturn opposes its natal position for the first time. Progressed Venus is also conjunct natal Uranus, perhaps bringing instability and the need to reformulate its internal and external relationships (or sever them entirely and move on).

Graham