JUST WHEN YOU THOUGHT IT WAS SAFE TO GO BACK IN THE THEATRE….

by

John Marchesella

When Celine Dion sang “My Heart Will Go On,” she might as well as have sung about how “Titanic,” the movie from which the song comes, went on and on and on, and with Neptune’s ingress into Pisces, it’s going on again in 3D!

The film originally opened on December 19, 1997, after scandalous delays and even more scandalous amounts of money spent on it – the most expensive film in history up to that time, in fact, but it did take not take long for it to catch the wave to popular success and not a little critical success. It won a record-breaking number of industry awards and was the first movie to break the billion-dollar mark – the most profitable film in history up to that time too.

Those with good memories will recall that it ran and ran in movie theatres, and when it was finally done there, it was plugged and plugged for DVD sales. And when that was done, the song was promoted and promoted until it won four Grammy Awards in 1999, over a year after the film’s release! “Titanic” would just not go away.

Of course, the story of the actual Titanic has always been a romantic fascination in the Zeitgeist, but what made this version of the story plug in so deeply to the collective? Here are a few astrological indications.

In December 1997, Neptune, Lord of the Oceans, was moving in the final degrees of Capricorn, and by the time the movie studios could say “ca’ching,” He sailed into Aquarius. True, Capricorn hardly has anything to do with film or ships (although it does represent icebergs), but Aquarius does have a good deal to do with technology, and the “Titatnic” was noted for its advancement in cinematic techniques.

Jupiter was in the final stage of Aquarius, and again, a few weeks later, while the Academy Award ballots were being counted, He moved into Pisces, obviously, not “Mutiny on the Bounty,” but bounty for the “Titanic.”

The eclipses shifted into Pisces in the months prior to the premiere, and held their effect in that sign for the entire time that the film, the DVD, the song, the Oscars, and finally, the Grammy’s for the song remained afloat in the collective consciousness in early 1999!

The South Node was transiting through Pisces through most of this time too, obviously, drawing out the theme of the sea.

And one last indication of a connection with the collective is an unlikely one. Saturn, one of the last of the Titans, (no pun intended), was stationary at 13 Aries 32 in the week of the premiere. So, perhaps Saturn, as one Titan, gave his blessing to the movie, which would become another Titan of sorts, in the form of enduring success.

This station of Saturn is more revealing when compared to the moment of the ship’s collision with the iceberg. The IC of that chart is 13 Aries 02. Talk about hitting bottom!

Other comparisons include transiting Neptune at the time of the premiere was square the Sun in the collision chart within a degree and the premiere took place at the time of Uranus’s return in the collision chart.

If we look at the chart of the Titanic’s leave-taking from Southampton, we see the IC is 22 Libra 10, just where Saturn is passing these days, and in fact, stationing in this summer, 2012!

Although the 3D version of “Titanic” is being released in April to commemorate the 100^th anniversary of the ship’s sail, I expect, by summer 2012, the movie will be muscling out the summer blockbusters and refusing to go down from the screens again.

What better way to celebrate Neptune’s maiden voyage in Pisces (at least, in our consciousness) than with a movie that raises ghosts from its first run as well as from a sunken legend!

These charts for the key events of the Titanic can be found on AstroDataBank. It’s worth a look at them. Since its anniversary is coinciding with Neptune’s ingress into Pisces, we sure to be hearing a good deal about the Titan this year.

CLINT EASTWOOD: A LEGEND IN HIS OWN TIME

Or, Is It True What They Say about Saturn?

by

John Marchesella

From wayward musician to TV cowboy to box office movie magnet; scandalous divorce after a 25-year marriage, an even more scandalous rejection of his long-time mistress, a notorious ladies’ man; from film director to film auteur, and along the way, writing the scores to many of his films; became mayor of his city because it rejected building rights on his own property; Academy Award winning filmmaker (not once, but twice), and a body of work that can only be described as relentless; from a lucky break in the late 50’s when a producer said he looked like a cowboy, to one of the most powerful men in Hollywood, with nary a setback in his career – that’s Clint Eastwood.

The astrology of Eastwood’s durable success is evident in his natal horoscope – Neptune, emphasized at the critical degree in Virgo and on the Leo MC (sign of the actor as well as royalty), the wits and wiles of a Gemini Sun mixed with the power and drive of a Scorpio Ascendant, in turn, with its traditional ruler, Mars, dignified in Aries, and its contemporary ruler, Pluto, in its own natural 8^th house, plus the imagination as well as the savvy that comes with a high count in the water element.

The not-so-secret of his success, however, especially the recognition as a serious filmmaker in the second half of his life, is his prominent Saturn in its own sign and as the handle of bucket chart formation, in the unlikely place of the 2^nd house.

“Unlikely,” because, with only a glance, Saturn in the 2^nd house ordinarily can make for a conflict of money versus talent, or a great insecurity about natural abilities and finances (albeit he is well-known in Hollywood for being a tight wad producer); but instead, a deeper understanding of Saturn in the whole dynamic of the horoscope reveals the manifestation of his god-given gifts of the 2^nd house as well as his durability.

All of the above, plus Saturn’s opposition to natal Venus also explains his personal life, but we’ll leave that for the gossip columns.

To demonstrate the “unfoldment” of his natal potential for achievement, here are the timing techniques for four pivotal events in his career. (Note: Hollywood, being what it is, i.e., the time it takes from “green-lighting” a project to pre-production, through production, and finally, box office receipts and award time, we might wiggle the orbs a little more than ordinarily we would for the average Joe, or “Joe, the production assistant,” as the case would be).

January 9, 1959, The First TV Airing of “Rawhide:”

n Eastwood’s progressed Sun, ruler of the natal MC and the indicator of acting, entered into the orb of a very favorable conjunction to natal Venus as well as the connection to the A/M (8 degrees of the Cardinal signs).

n The progressed Ascendant entered the opposition to the natal Sun, confirming his identity as an actor as well as bringing him some profile.

n Progressed Mars had just crossed the natal Descendant, indicating a rise toward his professional goals and more visibility.

n While in pre-production for the show, the progressed Moon conjoined the MC, priming him for some public spotlight.

Additionally, these other phenomena significantly indicate the set-up for this lucky break on “Rawhide,” albeit they occurred a little sooner than the actual job. In 1957, the Sun and Moon conjoined by progression, setting the stage for a major life event, especially in the career sector for a Leo MC. At the same time, Jupiter progressed into the exalted position, Cancer, activating opportunity and beneficence. Ironically, Jupiter is the symbol for cowboys and the wild, wild West!

This combination of secondary progressions makes for his “readiness” to move forward with his career, but the transits of the time make for the circumstances of the actual work.

n Saturn was moving from the end of Sagittarius into Capricorn, forming a grand trine between natal MC and Neptune with natal Mars, all in the work houses, 2, 6 and 10. This also would be the early sign of his Saturn Return, obviously clearing the way for the manifestation of his potential for professional success.

n Jupiter had just crossed the natal Ascendant and formed a Yod with natal Jupiter and Mars, resonating the archetype of the heroic cowboy, but this time perhaps, with an added kick of the Fates that often comes with this configuration.

n Transiting Pluto left the conjunction to natal Neptune, allowing the rebirth of his image to unfold and giving him the strength (or the magic) to handle the public’s projection of the ideal onto him.

The eclipses of the time were also important. During the filming of the show, the lunar eclipse took place in Eastwood’s natal North Node in the 6^th house, making for more than just the chance at a job, but additionally, valuable connections for the advancement of his work.

The solar eclipse prior to the airing sat in square to his natal Pluto, ruler of the chart, planting the seed for the recognition that would lie ahead.

Interestingly, just days before the first show, transiting Saturn moved into Capricorn at the World Axis, indicating some shift in the collective’s appetites. Perhaps this is indicative of Eastwood’s readiness to be launched, but also the world’s readiness to receive a star in the making!

November 12, 1971, The Premiere of “Play Misty for Me:”

This film was Eastwood’s directorial debut, and it also revealed to the public his relationship with music. It opened to admirable reviews, profited modestly at the box office, but developed a strong cult following and confirmed more of his abilities.

n The progressed Sun, ruler of the natal MC, conjoined natal Pluto, ruler of the ASC, making for the application of his power and effectiveness toward his career, reputation and experience of authority as director.

n The progressed MC came to A/M and squared natal Venus, allowing him to make more of his talents.

n The progressed Ascendant joined the cusp of the 2^nd house in the Placidus system, often a time when a person wants to be more appreciated for his natural abilities.

n Progressed Venus came to the natal MC, obviously making for new achievements and advancing his professional identity.

n Interestingly, progressed Mars came into a square with the natal MC, perhaps indicating a struggle for that achievement and new identity.

It should also be noted the film was actually made during the phase of the progressed Full Moon, which fell on the conjunction to Pluto, emphasizing his readiness to take charge of a production as well as indicating a major turning point in his career.

At the time of this premiere, the progressed Moon slipped into Leo, ready to enjoy the fruits of his labors.

The transits of the time were simple, but strong:

n Uranus made that infamous transit, opposite its natal position, popularly known as “the mid-life crisis,” when a person has to break through to new means of expression in order to fulfill one’s potential. In this case, however, an opposition to Uranus also means the formation of a Grand Square with natal Saturn and Pluto. Talk about the application of power! (More will be mentioned about this natal configuration later).

n Transiting Pluto crossed over the Placidus 11^th house cusp, indicating the release of his career and a new connection with his “people,” be that his fans or directing colleagues.

The Solar Eclipse that preceded the premiere took place at 27 Leo, “crowning” his MC. Who needs further interpretation!

April 8, 1986, Voted Mayor of Carmel, CA:

How’s this for an example of Scorpio Rising? When repeatedly rejected by Carmel’s Town Board for the rights to build on his own property, Eastwood decided to run for mayor and change the Town Board. He won by a landslide and his property got developed.

n If his birth time is accurate, the progressed Ascendant entered Capricorn on the day of the election, obviously making for new stature and authority!

n That progressed Ascendant at 0 Capricorn formed a sesquiquad with natal Chiron and another one with progressed Mercury, all on the World Axis, so perhaps his candidacy was not just about spite and power, but also the attempt to heal his “wound” for all the world to see.

n Progressed Mars just entered the orb of a conjunction to his Gemini Sun, putting his power into effect in local politics and community.

n The progressed Sun, ruler of the MC, just left the orb on the natal Moon, having some imagery, not just of leadership over the people, but a little royalty too.

This significance of political win also makes more noteworthy the cycle of the progressed Sun and Moon. His acting career started on the phase of the progressed New Moon, his directing began in the phase of the progressed Full Moon, and this victory took place on the phase of the progressed New Moon.

March 29, 1993, Academy Awards for Best Movie and Best Director of “Unforgiven:”

Coming full circle, back to the genre where he started, the Western, Eastwood stunned his colleagues and fans alike with this deep and sensitive film, catapulting him to the stature of auteur. He was also nominated as Best Actor.

n An exact sextile took place from progressed Sun to natal Sun, ruler of the natal MC.

n Progressed Mercury, co-ruler of the 10^th house, came to the natal MC, making for the fulfillment of professional potential, again with imagery of royalty.

n Progressed Jupiter was just minutes away from natal Venus, and it never hurts to have a bit of luck when nominated for an Oscar!

The surprising transit of the time was Saturn on the IC, a major rite of life passage, but more often known as a low point. In Eastwood’s case, however, he was just coming “back to his roots” and laying the foundation for a series of fine films yet to come in ensuing years. At the time, “Unforgiven” appeared like the culmination of a career, but rather, it was the beginning of a new era in his career.

n Transiting Pluto opposed natal Mercury, co-ruler of the MC and ruler of the 8^th house, brought the depth of his talents to public light.

n Interestingly, a few weeks prior to his win, Mars stationed at 8 Cancer, activating his natal Venus and A/M, and moved onto his natal Pluto on the night of the Oscars, signifying how transiting inner planets can be important “triggers” to events.

n And as though he needed a little more luck, transiting Jupiter was on the A/M and forming a square to natal Venus.

Readers will notice Eastwood’s chart contains the notorious T-square between Saturn, Pluto and Uranus of the Great Depression, which is re-configuring (in a new arrangement) in 2010. He is in good company with the likes of Elizabeth Taylor, Neil Armstrong, Mike Nichols, Barbara Walters, Tom Wolfe, Stephen Sondheim, Sandra Day O’Connor and Edward Kennedy, to name a few. These lives are examples that will be resonating with that transiting T-square next year, so we will see their names in the news a little more often and their headlines will teach us a bit more about that configuration.

If these individuals are examples of the T-square, then what we can say about it, so far, is they worked within conventional forms (Saturn), but broke through the limits of those forms (Uranus), thereby reinventing the forms (Pluto)....as well as themselves.

By the way, the orbs on Eastwood’s own T-square might be a little loose for some astrologers, but since the midpoint of Saturn and Pluto exactly equals Uranus, in actuality, he might experience it even more intensely.

Currently, Eastwood is in the last quarter phase of the progressed Sun-Moon cycle, the period of cornucopia in the bigger picture of a life, and therefore, can be very fruitful. With 30 months or so before it turns balsamic (not as productive a phase), and about the same time before Saturn retreats into the 12^th house, plus the resonance of the aforementioned T-square, there’s plenty of time, even by Hollywood standards, to add another award-winning film to his collection. And wouldn’t his Scorpio Rising enjoy that as revenge on the last year’s Oscars for ignoring his very fine film, “Gran Torino!”

So, in conclusion, not one to be too Pollyanna about the rigors of Saturn, but to all those late-bloomers out there (and who of us isn’t one?), the next time anyone tells you about Saturn as the cosmic bad guy, just tell them about Clint Eastwood and let it make your day!

Birth Data:

Clint Eastwood, May 31, 1930, 5:35 P.M. P.S.T., San Francisco, CA

John Marchesella is a practicing astrologer in New York City, a movie-going lover, and a long time friend of Saturn.

ASTROLOGICAL SOUNDBITES IN THE NEWS

by

John Marchesella

When the opening line of a New York Times article is, “Seven years,” what’s an astrologer to think, but Saturn?

When the opening line of the second paragraph of the article is again, “Seven years,” what’s an astrologer to do but grab the ephemeris and leap to websites in search of birth data!

And of course, the predictability of Saturn’s infamous “seven-year cycle” did not fail to deliver the predictable combination of shock and glee. That wonderful “ah ha” moment, “Hey, astrology really does work!,” that exemplifies why Saturn co-rules Aquarius.

The article, by the way, appeared on November 9^th and it was an interview with Alexander Payne, director of the raved-about film, “The Descendants.” In it, Payne explains what happened in the last seven years since his award-winning film, “Sideways.” He also directed the much acclaimed “Election” in 1999 and “About Schmidt” in 2002.

The reporter wrote, “Where, everyone wants to know, did he go? The answer is nowhere in particular and everything in between. He got divorced, he got delayed, he worked on projects that still haven’t come to fruition….He traveled near and far, with and without specific purpose. He lived. Time flies, but the movie industry lumbers. In that context, he hastens to say, seven years isn’t an eternity.” (Well, sure, when those years are behind you!)

Although we do not ordinarily associate Saturn with travel, the rest of the aforementioned scenario is not unusual for Saturn’s seven years of famine after His seven years of feast. Anyway, this astrologer thinks Payne meant the travel was figurative as well as literal, and certainly, roaming the dessert, so to speak, IS a Saturnine experience, especially for creative types.

The interview goes on to say about his new film: “Thematically, it fits neatly with its two immediate predecessors….In all three of these movies Mr. Payne places a troubled man at a crossroads where he assesses his mistakes and setbacks, then tries to move past them. They’re tales of regret and maybe, just maybe, redemption.”

And here’s the reporter’s closing impressions, “Mr. Payne comes across as meticulous. Proper. Patrician, even. His face and fingers are long and tapered; his frame is tall, and thanks to regular yoga, taut. ‘Shall’ pops up in his speech, as do unexpected, unusual words and allusions. With a new acquaintance he’s not loose or loquacious but rather dutifully courteous….”

It all sounds pretty Saturn-like to this astrologer!

Wikipedia gives Payne’s birth date as February 10, 1961. So, right there, we have a traditionally Saturn-ruled sun sign. In addition, we see he was born with a Jupiter-Saturn conjunction in Capricorn. And here’s the clincher – that conjunction is at 23 of Capricorn, receiving the square from transiting Saturn from Libra, just as “The Descendants” is opening around the country, winning major raves and racking up industry awards and nominations. Hey, astrology really does work!

I’m certainly not advocating that we jump to conclusions about horoscopes without full birth data including accurate birth time. In fact, as an astrology teacher, I’m highly skeptical about such leaps. But sometimes, we come across a news story that is just so obviously, irresistibly and “awakeningly” a soundbite of astrology at work.

Here’s another astrological soundbite, also from the New York Times last September:

“American Is to Join the Bolshoi Ballet”

Exactly 50 years after Rudolf Nureyev grabbed the world’s attention as the first major Soviet dancer to defect to the West, another symbolic journey is taking place — this time in reverse.

David Hallberg, a principal dancer with American Ballet Theater, is becoming the first American star to enlist permanently with the fabled Bolshoi Ballet of Moscow. Mr. Hallberg, 29, who was born in Rapid City, S.D., will hold the coveted status of premier, the Bolshoi term for principal dancer, even as he continues performing with Ballet Theater.

‘Personally, I feel a sense of responsibility as an American,’ Mr. Hallberg said on Tuesday, adding that he was proud to join such a historic company. ‘I will be bringing something different to the company, but I will also be respecting their traditions as well.’

He said he was aware of the unique responsibility entailed in being a first. ‘There will be people watching,’ he said. ‘I have to do it justice.’ “

Age 29 while Saturn is in Libra? H’mmm, a responsibility to do it justice….

Another manifestation of Saturn in Libra in the news this week was in a report on marriage in America. The report said the number of married Americans is at its all time lowest; only 51% of us are legally married. And the last year, (while, we know, Saturn has been in Libra), marriage saw its largest drop – 5% in just one year!

This week, PBS re-broadcast “The Pluto Files” with the astrologically infamous, Neil deGrasse Tyson. Of the many points that were covered about Pluto was the outcry over its name originally because Pluto was a brand of laxative! In fact, its tag line was “When nature won’t, Pluto will!” And the public did not think it was appropriate for a new planet to be associated with bowel movements. They should only know the astrological meaning of Pluto!

And it’s assumed that the choice of “Time” magazine’s “Person of the Year” is not lost on astrologers. The Protester. C’mon, Uranus’s station on the World Axis? You can’t make this stuff up!

John Marchesella is Chair of NCGR and reads the New York Times whenever he can with a sense of humor and his handy ephemeris.

JUST WHEN YOU THOUGHT IT WAS SAFE TO GO BACK IN THE THEATRE.....

JUST WHEN YOU THOUGHT IT WAS SAFE TO GO BACK IN THE THEATRE….

by

John Marchesella

When Celine Dion sang “My Heart Will Go On,” she might as well as have sung about how “Titanic,” the movie from which the song comes, went on and on and on, and with Neptune’s ingress into Pisces, it’s going on again in 3D!

The film originally opened on December 19, 1997, after scandalous delays and even more scandalous amounts of money spent on it – the most expensive film in history up to that time, in fact, but it did take not take long for it to catch the wave to popular success and not a little critical success. It won a record-breaking number of industry awards and was the first movie to break the billion-dollar mark – the most profitable film in history up to that time too.

Those with good memories will recall that it ran and ran in movie theatres, and when it was finally done there, it was plugged and plugged for DVD sales. And when that was done, the song was promoted and promoted until it won four Grammy Awards in 1999, over a year after the film’s release! “Titanic” would just not go away.

Of course, the story of the actual Titanic has always been a romantic fascination in the Zeitgeist, but what made this version of the story plug in so deeply to the collective? Here are a few astrological indications.

In December 1997, Neptune, Lord of the Oceans, was moving in the final degrees of Capricorn, and by the time the movie studios could say “ca’ching,” He sailed into Aquarius. True, Capricorn hardly has anything to do with film or ships (although it does represent icebergs), but Aquarius does have a good deal to do with technology, and the “Titatnic” was noted for its advancement in cinematic techniques.

Jupiter was in the final stage of Aquarius, and again, a few weeks later, while the Academy Award ballots were being counted, He moved into Pisces, obviously, not “Mutiny on the Bounty,” but bounty for the “Titanic.”

The eclipses shifted into Pisces in the months prior to the premiere, and held their effect in that sign for the entire time that the film, the DVD, the song, the Oscars, and finally, the Grammy’s for the song remained afloat in the collective consciousness in early 1999!

The South Node was transiting through Pisces through most of this time too, obviously, drawing out the theme of the sea.

And one last indication of a connection with the collective is an unlikely one. Saturn, one of the last of the Titans, (no pun intended), was stationary at 13 Aries 32 in the week of the premiere. So, perhaps Saturn, as one Titan, gave his blessing to the movie, which would become another Titan of sorts, in the form of enduring success.

This station of Saturn is more revealing when compared to the moment of the ship’s collision with the iceberg. The IC of that chart is 13 Aries 02. Talk about hitting bottom!

Other comparisons include transiting Neptune at the time of the premiere was square the Sun in the collision chart within a degree and the premiere took place at the time of Uranus’s return in the collision chart.

If we look at the chart of the Titanic’s leave-taking from Southampton, we see the IC is 22 Libra 10, just where Saturn is passing these days, and in fact, stationing in this summer, 2012!

Although the 3D version of “Titanic” is being released in April to commemorate the 100^th anniversary of the ship’s sail, I expect, by summer 2012, the movie will be muscling out the summer blockbusters and refusing to go down from the screens again.

What better way to celebrate Neptune’s maiden voyage in Pisces (at least, in our consciousness) than with a movie that raises ghosts from its first run as well as from a sunken legend!

These charts for the key events of the Titanic can be found on AstroDataBank. It’s worth a look at them. Since its anniversary is coinciding with Neptune’s ingress into Pisces, we sure to be hearing a good deal about the Titan this year.

Why Meryl Streep Should Win the Oscar for The Iron Lady

Believe it or not it has been 29 years since Meryl Streep last won an Academy Award. The public is under the impression that because Ms. Streep has been nominated 18 times, more than any other actor in history, that she must have won numerous Oscars. Not so. While she has won countless other awards she has only won two Academy Awards and only one in the Best Actress category for her stunning performance in Sophie’s Choice back in 1983! Before that she won in the supporting category for Kramer vs. Kramer in 1979.

Meryl Streep Birth Information:
June 22, 1949, 8:05 am, Summit, New Jersey

The Oscar Broadcast is on February 26, 2012
Why, astrologically speaking, is it her time once again to win? There are several reasons. First off she is having the Saturn return of her last win 29 years ago. On the 2nd return to its transiting position there is usually a repeat of something to do with career, status and reputation that occurred the first time. In this case the Oscar victory. The return is in the 4th house so she is laying the foundation for another 29-30 year cycle. I venture to say this new cycle establishes her as the Grand Doyenne of modern American cinema. Her natal Sun/Uranus conjunction on the cusp of the 12th keeps her connected to the past and its nurturing traditions while remaining innovative with an eye firmly fixed on the future.

In looking to the past to repeat itself she is having an exact progressed new moon cycle at 0° Virgo. When she won her Oscar for Sophie's Choice she had a progressed new moon at 2° Leo conjunct her Ascendant. I would label this progression on the ascendant as “A Star is Born". This major career cycle is being repeated in the 2nd house conjunct natal Saturn and sextile natal Sun/Uranus at 0° Cancer. Now the symbolism is about endurance, establishing security and stresses the importance of receiving the pay off for all her hard work of the past 30 years. A double emphasis is placed on this cycle as well with Solar Arc Sun/Uranus conjunct the progressed new moon and natal Saturn.

Solar Arc Jupiter (planet of good luck and the handle of her bucket chart) at 0° Aries sits on natal Sun/Uranus on the world axis.

Lucky Transits
Transiting Jupiter is conjunct natal Moon in Taurus in the 10th house indicating something lucky for her reputation and status having to do with career. The moon in the 10th is a career planet. The night of the broadcast transiting Luna is in Taurus.

Transiting Venus is conjunct her MC and North Node and traditionally the transit of Venus to this high point in the chart (in this case emphasized by the North Node) is usually a day of victory. Julia Roberts had the same transit the year she won for Erin Brockovich. The day Ms. Streep won her Oscar for Sophie’s Choice transiting Sun was conjunct her MC so Venus is echoing this transit.

Transiting Uranus trines her Ascendant and considering that she is born on an extremely tight Sun/Uranus conjunction with Uranus ruling her powerful Jupiter this should bring something exciting to her personally.

Transiting Neptune just entered 0° Pisces and makes a tight trine to her natal Sun/Uranus conjunction as well as opposes natal Saturn. On her Sophie’s Choice win Neptune was opposing Sun/Uranus and trining Saturn.

Mars is retrograde, in her 2nd house and it rules her MC - so they'll honor someone from the past for repeat recognition.

And last but not least the transiting Nodes are on her Ascendant/MidHeaven midpoint indicating a fated event and connection which establishes and entrenches her position in the world.

Yes, the astrology is very strong for a win but let’s face it, Meryl Streep is our greatest living actress and she just plain deserves it!

By Joseph Addeo
http://www.josephaddeo.com/

COSTA CONCORDIA: ITALIAN CRUISE SHIP DISASTER

On January 13, 2012, Costa Concordia ran aground on a reef at around 21:30 local time near Isola del Giglio off the coast of Italy. According to the local coastguard, 3,206 passengers and 1,023 crew members were on board at the time.

On January 15 the Italian newspaper, La Repubblica, reported that the captain did not mention any mechanical problems but had stated that they were 300 meters (330 yards) from the rocks (about the length of the vessel) and that they hit a rock that was not marked on nautical charts. According to the local coast guard, the ship has a 50 meter (160 ft) gash on her port side, with a large rock embedded in the ship's hull. The ship is listing on its side and sinking in the water in a bizarre scene reminiscent of the Hollywood film The Poseidon Adventure.

Costa Cruises confirmed that the course taken was "not a defined route for passing Giglio." In a press release dated January 15, Costa Cruises stated: "We are working with investigators to find out precisely what went wrong aboard the Costa Concordia. While the investigation is ongoing, preliminary indications are that there may have been significant human error on the part of the ship’s Master, Captain Francesco Schettino, which resulted in these grave consequences. The route of the vessel appears to have been too close to the shore, and the Captain’s judgment in handling the emergency appears to have not followed standard Costa procedures." Nicastro, the Coast Guard spokesman, insisted that the waters where the ship ran aground were well-mapped. Local fishermen say the island coast of Giglio is known for its rocky sea floor. "Every danger in this area is on the nautical chart," Nicastro said. "This is a place where a lot of people come for diving and sailing. ...All the dangers are known.

Captain Francesco Schettino, who has worked for Costa Cruises for 11 years, and also the ship's first officer, have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and of abandoning ship before passengers were evacuated. They were questioned on 14 January. Officials are trying to determine why the ship did not issue a mayday and why it was navigating so close to the coast. The ship got in contact with the Coast Guard once the evacuation procedures were already ongoing. The crew, officers and staff were totally disorganized with no evacuation or escape route in place to ensure passenger safety thereby resulting in chaos and the death of at least 6 people and 13 still missing as of the writing of this article.

Here are the astrological coordinates for this disaster:

January 13, 2012. 21:30 local time. Giglio, Italy.

What strikes me on first glance is the elemental balance. There is no water in the chart and a preponderance of earth. When there is a total lack of an element it’s as if there has to be a sacrifice to that God; in this case Neptune. How symbolic that this is a disaster at sea caused by running aground upon a rocky reef. Water keeps everything afloat or sinks things to the bottom of the sea. With the Ascendant, Mars and Moon in Virgo; Jupiter in Taurus and Sun, Pluto and Mercury in Capricorn the emphasis on Earth just weighs the chart down sinking the ship before it even has a chance to chart its course.

Mutable angles give the appearance of chaos, schizophrenic behavior, chaos, disorder and hysteria. Things tend to fall apart because of the indecisiveness and duality inherent in the mutable signs.

The Sun forms a T-square with Saturn opposite Jupiter. Before the trip even gets going on it’s journey (Jupiter) the Captain (Sun) who is overly confident of his powers (Sun trine Mars and square Jupiter) is brought down to earth (Saturn). The ship runs aground on a reef and hits a rock that tore a huge gash in her hull.

The Moon and Mars are conjunct the Ascendant representing the attack and danger on the public, in this case the passengers of the ship. The Sun, Pluto and Mercury all trine the Ascendant and if we read Mercury as the Captain of the Ship (ruler of the MC) conjunct Pluto (feelings of power) and the Sun (Ego of the leader) all trine the Ascendant, Moon and Mars then this is a man who felt his powers to be unstoppable. It shows someone who feels so totally in control to the point of hubris without any respect for Mother Nature. There is an overconfidence (trine) to take risks. Saturn square the Sun ensures the leader will have tests and challenges to deal with and a possible price to pay.

The Nodes are exactly conjunct the IC/MC axis and the south node at the top of the chart again emphasizes the weakness of the leadership. The south node is also about loss and the past coming into play. The north node at the bottom of the chart just has an eerie message of being at the bottom of the sea.

There are 3 major planets at critical degrees which are always important for out of control behavior in both people and events. Jupiter, planet of long distance journeys is at 0° Taurus and most importantly is Neptune conjunct Venus in an extremely tight conjunction at 29° Aquarius in the 6th house. This is an idealistic conjunction. It’s about not seeing the details, protocol, organization and order of things clearly. There is a blind quality to all the most important 6th house functions so necessary to running a finely tune machine like a large ocean liner. The Venus/Neptune conjunction trines Saturn and sextiles Jupiter making it easy for the crew (6th house) to be blind and oblivious to the real problems and totally unaware of the correct routine to implement in the case of an emergency. The rulers of this all important 6th house are Saturn and Uranus which inconjunct each other further emphasizing the discomfort, adjustment and the problems with the running and functioning of the plan.

Saturn and Jupiter are both disposited by Venus which is conjunct Neptune at that very important last degree of Aquarius before it’s entry into Pisces the Sign of its rulership and Venus’ exaltation.

With no planets in universal houses (9 thru 12) and the Sun being the focal point of the T-square shooting energy out into the opening of the 11th house there is an overcompensation that heightens the event guaranteeing it is played out on the world stage.

Joseph Addeo
http://www.josephaddeo.com/

JOAN CRAWFORD: THE STAR WHO REFUSES TO DIE

It has long been known that charts of people still respond to transits and progressions long after the person dies. This is especially true for the famous who lead very event oriented lives in full public view.

On Wednesday, December 7, 2011 at 10am, Doyle New York will auction property from the estate of one of the biggest stars of Hollywood's Golden Age, Joan Crawford. This historic auction offers film memorabilia, MGM Studios contracts and correspondence, publicity stills, jewelry and a selection of luxurious fur coats and wraps. The items have descended in Ms. Crawford's family and are now being offered at auction to her fans worldwide. The items being auctioned were left to one of Ms. Crawford’s younger daughters, not Christina.

Joan Crawford’s birth information: March 23, 1903, 10:00 pm, San Antonio, Texas

Crawford has Scorpio rising with the ruler of the chart Pluto stationed at 17° Gemini in the 8th house. This is an intuitive woman used to dealing with reserves of power, a born negotiator who can be ruthless and has an inherent sense of reinventing herself after traumatic events that take her to hell and back. The phoenix rising from the ashes is a story that is not unfamiliar to Joan Crawford. She has the charismatic power of these placements and people either love or hate her. There is very little middle ground with her. She possesses that all or nothing quality of Scorpio, Pluto and the 8th house. Her career spanned 50 years and she is still a force to be reckoned with. Death has not eclipsed her fame but instead as enhanced it in an odd way as the legend refuses to let go; her mythology continually growing and morphing as time goes by.

Her Sun is at 2° Aries, posited in the 5th house and rules the Midheaven. Her identity is closely linked with her reputation, career, creative self expression and children. That Sun has been under tremendous transits over the past few years. Pluto from Capricorn has transformed her reputation, Saturn from Libra has been re-building it and Uranus in Aries is currently enlightening the public and giving us a new bird’s eye view as to who she really is. Uranus provides a more democratic assessment of her career, identity, talents and accomplishments rather than just viewing her as the monster gorgon that her eldest daughter would like us to believe. In the past year her progressed Sun has entered the 9th house which is a rebirth into the light and seeks a clearer truth and understanding of her identity after at least 30 years buried in the dark and mysterious underground of the 8th where no one knows what the real truth is.

The auction is occurring within days of a Lunar Eclipse at 18° Gemini which is conjunct her natal 8th house Pluto. It also takes place on Uranus station direct conjunct her natal Sun. Uranus rules her very tight Moon/Saturn conjunction in Aquarius. Also, her progressed Moon at 29.39 Capricorn is screaming out in that very anoretic degree way something about her reputation before entering Aquarius giving her a progressed lunar return. Progressed Mercury which rules the 8th house of death, inheritance, money having to do with estates and wills is conjunct natal Neptune at 0° Cancer on the world axis. Neptune rules her natal 5th. Transiting Mercury is retrograde which harkens to something from the past. So it is all meant to come to light right now. And let’s not forget the Solar Eclipse at 2° Sagittarius which took place on November 25 is in exact trine to her natal Sun.

This morning I just watched a video clip of an interview with Michael Hazanavicius and Berenice Bejo director and leading lady of the new hit movie The Artist which has been garnering great reviews and winning numerous awards including Best Picture from the New York Film Critics Circle. In the interview Ms. Bejo says that Joan Crawford, especially in her silent movies, when she was young, warm and full of energy was an inspiration to her when preparing for her role in the current film. Further proof that current astrological transits and progressions to Crawford’s chart are symbolic of reevaluating and resurrecting her reputation as the public is asked once again to reassess this very powerful and complicated woman. Gone, but not forgotten.

Joseph Addeo
http://www.josephaddeo.com/