Chinese astrological portrait of Pope Francis

Pope Francis was born on Dec 17, 1936. The signs of his year, month, day and hour of birth are Fire Rat, Metal Rat, Water Rooster, and Water Dog, respectively. Fire Rat and Water Rooster both make him magnetic, charismatic, and convincing. He has strong discriminatory abilities and a forceful intellect, discerning truth from falsehood, and is at his best when surrounded by intelligent and productive people. His chart shows a varied career with some extreme ups and downs, and that he distances himself from his family and followers late in life.

The element count in Francis' chart gives 5 Waters, 00 Wood, 2 Fires, 1 Earth, and 3 Metals. 5 Waters gives him a strong intelligence and makes him a deep thinker, but with some danger of developing bone and nerve problems and weakness of kidney and adrenal function as he ages.

00 Wood means that whenever Wood came up in time Francis faced serious challenges in the development of his work. Wood came up in Francis' life from age 17 to age 57. Certain allies, especially in his 30s, were actually working against his better interests.

Fire is Francis' Vital Element. He has 2 Fires. Fire comes up in Francis' chart between age 47 and 82. During these years he is strongly protected. The weather in Rome, especially in summer, is good for Francis' health. He thrives in a hot, dry climate.

1 Earth is very weak. When Earth comes up Francis' life force weakens. At age 77, in 2013, Francis enters Earth Monkey cycle for 10 years. For the first 5 years of this cycle he is protected because the Earth combines with other elements in his chart to produce Fire. But after 82 he will become increasingly weak. He will probably live into his mid to late 80s, naturally. Weak Earth means weak stomach, spleen, and pancreas. Overly strong Water with weak Earth points to digestive and circulatory weakness.

3 Metals in Francis' chart confirm that he is a scholar, but, with such strong Water and weak Earth, his way of working depletes his physical vitality. Fire as his vital element tells him to become physically active and to go for long brisk walks, or even to dance, to keep up his vitality and strengthen his circulation and digestion.

Born on the day of Water Rooster with a predominance of Water in his chart, Francis appears to be an amiable character who needs to act freely and independently to be at his best. He may show independent initiative in directing programs, and may come to make significant changes in the papacy itself during his time in the Vatican.

Born on a day of yin Water in a year and month of Rat, Francis' career has been highly varied. Born on a day of Rooster, he is a scholar who loves religion and art. Born in the hour of Dog he is a very lucky man. Born on a day of yin Water, at night, and on a winter's day, and coming now into the cycle of Monkey is ominous for Francis. It is possible that he will pass away within 10 years. But in this period he will reach a pinnacle in the year 2019.

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Vernal equinox in astrology

The vernal equinox came on March 20 at 11:03 AM GMT. The vernal equinox marks the astrological new year. The chart has two main planetary configurations: a grand trine and a T-Square.

The grand trine is in water. It is between Moon in Cancer, Neptune and Mercury in Pisces, and Saturn in Scorpio. Mercury and Neptune are in conjunction. This brings to the world a broad and deeply expansive emotional and imaginative energy thorugh the spring. The trine of Saturn to Neptune and Mercury is generally favorable for those in employment of the state and suggests general political reforms and changes to the advantage of the people, especially the poor. Mercury in conjunction with Neptune modifies the more sanguine indications of this grand trine, as it hints of scandals, secret crimes, frauds, and dishonesty and trickery in Government deals. Subversive elements are in the works. This is confirmed by Mercury square and in mutual reception with Jupiter in Gemini. The square of Mercury and Jupiter tell of secret crimes, frauds and swindles, as well as unsavory news and scandals involving religious figures. The Moon trine Saturn increases the power of the people. The Moon in good aspect with Mercury favors literary persuits and publishing. as well as scientific progress. It also brings much flapdoodle, i.e. political speech making, and favors trade agreements. The Moon trine Neptune favors all forms of charity and democratic, socialistic developments. The people are a major force this year. They will come to clash with the powers that be.

The Moon at 7 degrees Cancer is in her 8th mansion and 10th lunar house. The 8th mansion, called Amathura, favors the people. It also favors traveling, or movement toward the goal. The 10th lunar house also favors traveling. It also brings dangers of illness. It demands perseverance and flexibility; success does not come easily.

The second major configuration of planets, the T-square involves Venus (at 27 degrees Pisces), the Sun (at 00 degrees Aries), Mars (at 6 degrees Aries), and Uranus (at 8 degrees Aries) square the Moon and Pluto, the Moon being opposite Pluto. The Sun, Mars and Uranus all in conjunction are bringing up violent force. Square to Pluto and the Moon this will become explosive. So, we see the expansiveness of the above mentioned grand trine combining with the extreme dynamism of the T-square to bring turmoil to the entire world this year. The energy will be tremendous. There will be large events in the earth and in the weather, and the people in large number will be engaging in loud protests, especially in Europe, but in other places as well. The Moon opposite Pluto compounds complications in all spheres of activity involving the people, and it brings out criminal elements; popular movements will be infiltrated by underground crime and secret military forces. Moon and Pluto square Mars and Uranus confirm this. Violence is coming. Sun, Mars and Uranus are in Aries. Countries ruled by Aries, (and influenced by Aries), are prone to violence. These include UK, Germany, Israel, Palestine, Denmark, (France), Iceland, (Japan), (New Zealand), Poland, (Spain), Syria. Places ruled by Cancer and Capricorn will also be places of turmoil and violence. The Moon in Cancer points to the Netherlands, and New York City. Pluto in Capricorn points to India, Punjab, Afghanistan, Bulgaria, Greece, Mexico, the states of Saxony, Hesse, Styria, and to the all-important city of Bruxelles. Bruxelles is the king pin of the EU. The EU is in hot water this year.

To find out what happens where charts were made for various capitals in the world. What they show is as follows.

The vernal equinox in the UK has Venus, Sun, Mars and Uranus in the 10th house square Moon rising in the 12th and Pluto conjunct the 7th house cusp. This puts tremendous pressure on the current Government. The Sun afflicted by conjunction Mars and Uranus, square Moon, and square Pluto points to illness and death among royalty, serious troubles in the Government and loss of national honor. Mars conjunct Uranus and square Moon and Pluto points to much violence if not involvement in war, and shows death in royal circles. Afflicted Uranus in the 10th house points to sudden developments with much trouble in Government circles which may result in defeat and resignation. It also points to attacks against members of the royalty and of the ruling party. The conservative Government may be defeated this year. The Moon in the 12th house opposite Pluto points to increasing poverty, much illness among the people, scandals involving hospitals and charities, increasing crime against women and children, and a general rise in crime and violence through the nation.

The vernal equinox in Bruxelles chart is almost exactly the same as in the UK. The conditions shown in the UK will be similar in Bruxelles, therefore in all of the EU. We can expect turmoil in Government circles with leaders being defeated, while violence and crime, poverty and illness are on the rise everywhere in the Euro zone.

The vernal equinox in Germany chart is also the same s in the UK. The indications lead us to anticipate the coming defeat of Mme. Merkel's Government. The Sun, Mars and Uranus are in interception in the 10th house in this chart. That says that there is coming conflict and interference in the Government process. While this is happening, however, Germany's foreign trade relations, especially overseas appears to be growing.

The vernal equinox in Russia chart has the Sun, Mars and Uranus in the 9th house square the Moon in the 11th, and Pluto in the 7th house. This points to potentially productive tensions in foreign trade relations, possibly involving oil and gas. Moon in Cancer trine Mercury and Neptune in Pisces, trine Saturn in Scorpio shows the increasing development of oil and gas reserves. Mars rules the 10th house. In the 9th, Mars shows the Putin Administration appearing to aggressively take advantage of foreign trade opportunities amidst troubled conditions abroad. Mars and Uranus afflicted in the 9th house also point to violence as well as possibilities of large fires in one or another of the provinces.

The vernal equinox in Israel, as shown by the chart made for Jerusalem, very similar to the chart made for Moscow, has the Sun, Mars and Uranus in the 9th house square Moon in the 12th house and Pluto in the 6th. It shows the Government aggressively persuing foreign trade. There will be continued violence in the Palestinian territories, and there will be an increase in poverty in Israel as well as in the territories with increase of disease and crime. No foreign war is showing in this chart.

The vernal equinox in India chart has Jupiter at the zenith. This is very fortunate for the Government. But Jupiter square and mutual reception to Mercury tell that there is much finagling going on involving the opposition party and foreign relations that complicate and confuse Government affairs. The Sun, Mars and Uranus straddle the 8th house cusp with Moon in the 11th house and Pluto in the 5th telling that there is much bickering in the Parliament involving diplomatic relations connected to financial concerns. Mars and Uranus afflicted in the 8th house show many suicides, and many sudden and violent deaths by accidents and crimes.

The vernal equinox in Pakistan chart is similar to that of India. Jupiter in the 10th house protects the Government, but square Mercury, the Government is entangled in many complex affairs involving much trickery. Sun, Mars and Uranus in the 8th house warns of dangers of violence and sudden deaths, possibly in the east and southwest of the country.

The vernal equinox in China chart has Venus, Sun, Mars and Uranus in the 6th house with Moon conjunct the mid-heaven and Pluto conjunct the nadir. Mars and Uranus afflicted in the 6th house point to much infectious and inflammatory disease coming. It also points to fires, explosions, and serious accidents with losses of life in military installations and places of labor that will be of great concern to the Government. Pluto conjunct the nadir square Mars and Uranus, and opposite the Moon warns of the housing bubble imploding. Saturn in the 2nd house retrograde points to poor revenue and danger of financial stagnation. But Saturn trine the Moon, Mercury and Neptune will mitigate the danger to some degree.

The vernal equinox in Australia chart has Sun, Mars and Uranus in the 5th house with Moon in the 8th and Pluto in the 2nd. This brings much crime against women and children, danger of violence in places of amusement including theaters and sports arenas. It also brings danger of violence, accidents and fires to schools and to parties. There will be notible deaths among entertainers. Sun, Mars and Uranus afflicted in the 5th house also brings diplomatic troubles. Moon in the 8th house and Pluto in the 2nd show this in connection to financial interests. Mercury in the 4th house square Jupiter in the 7th shows finagling in land deals with foreigners. Who is buying up Australia?

The vernal equinox in New Zealand chart has Venus, Sun, Mars and Uranus in the 4th house square Pluto in the 1st and Moon in the 7th. There will be violent earth activity there. It is almost certain that there will be a large earthquake. The 4th house cusp is in Pisces. There may be a tsunami as well. At the same time, Sun, Mars and Uranus are in Aries, a fire sign denoting fire. There may also be a volcanic eruption. This, of course, is also possible in all of the islands in the region.

The vernal equinox in the USA chart has Venus, Sun, Mars and Uranus in the 1st house with Pluto in the 10th and Moon in the 4th. This points to the people becoming very angry with the Government. There is serious danger of violence in the country. Pluto in the 10th opposite Moon in the 4th shows the incumbent and the opposition at odds with one another over things that have nothing to do with the people and at the same time passing legislation that is to the disadvantage of the people. It appears that the Government becomes more and more entangled in more and more complicated affairs while ignoring the people. Jupiter rules the 10th house, and Mercury rules the 4th. Jupiter is in the 3rd and Mercury is in the 12th. Fruitless arguments and chicanery are indicated, and the press is misdirecting the attention of the people. The Ascendent of the US vernal equinox chart is in Pisces denoting that this conditions will continue about half the year. And while there is talk about possible war with Iran, this chart does not show it.

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White smoke: Pope Francis' election in astrology

On March 13, at approximately 19:20 CET the Vatican sent up the white smoke proclaiming the new pope. What this reveals astrologically is as follows.

According to the ephemeris Mercury is retrograde and turns direct at 21:04 CET on March 17, in almost exactly 4 days. Projected in years this says that in about 4 to 5 years from now an important change will occur in the papacy, either modifying, or ending the reign of Francis. Mercury in this chart rules the 9th house, signifying the church itself as well as legal affairs. Mercury is also square and in mutual reception with Jupiter in the 9th house showing a great deal of controversy through the reign of Francis. But, the square between Mercury and Jupiter, Being a zodiac square and a mundane trine, shows that the controversy and arguing may be productive.

The Moon in the chart is at 16 degrees Aries forming counterparallel aspects with Neptune and Saturn. The Moon rules the 10th house of the pope himself. Neptune is in the 5th house, and Saturn is in the 2nd house. These show the pope distancing himself from elements connected to financial dealings and the more unsavory elements in the church. Neptune in the 5th house points to vice, immorality, and crimes against children. Saturn retrograde in Scorpio in the 2nd house in mutual reception with Pluto in the 4th points to secretive financial dealings, control of banks, and vast land holdings. The Moon counterparallel to Neptune and Saturn shows the pope distancing himself from these matters. As he appears and what is actually happening are incommensurate, in other words.

The chart has a most interesting aspect. Saturn, Pluto and Jupiter form an apect called The Finger of God. It points to Jupiter in the 9th house. The writing on the wall says that the church must adjust if it is to be a religious institution. Jupiter square Mercury may confuse the meaning. The north lunar node at 19 degrees Scorpio is in the 2nd house. 19 degrees Scorpio is the star Serpentis, the most malefic star in the heavens. The 2nd house, being the house of the future, shows the church steering a dark course into the future with respect to its financial ambitions.

The ruler of the 2nd house also points to the future. The 2nd house in this chart has two rulers, Mars and Pluto. Mars is in the 6th house pointing to stressful conditions requiring adjustments, especially connected with the scandals involving child abuse. The other ruler is Pluto. Pluto is in the 4th house. The 4th house has to do with land and real estate holdings, connected with banking interests. The 4th house also has to do with opposition to the pope. The pope is not able to control what is happening.

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The Pisces new moon of 2013

The new moon occured on March 11 at 7:52 PM GMT. It was in Pisces. There were six planets in Pisces at the time: Neptune, Mercury, Venus, Moon, Sun, and Mars, putting tremendous concentration in one area of the zodiac, thus expressing the Piscean qualities at this time everywhere in the world. Typical Piscean characteristics include trust, subservience, self-sacrifice, unselfishness, confusion, being imposed upon, being burdened by thankless tasks often self-assumed. Pisces gives understanding and sympathy. Pisces is changeable; nothing is certain in it. The new moon in Pisces marks a good time for sensing things out and allowing for possibilities of change in ways that are unanticipated. Nothing is certain in the world at this point. Changes will come nonetheless. Trust intuition.
Mercury at the new moon is retrograde. It is also square and in mutual reception with Jupiter in Gemini. This produces a lot of wasted thinking, plans made and changed, and confusions that will have to be tolerated for the time being.
Mars at the new moon is at 29 degrees Pisces. This shows that Mars is at the end of his tether, and apt to make impulsive moves later regretted. Mercury retrograde guarantees changes of mind and lots of regrets. The best thing is to be flexible and open to new ideas and possibilities while biding time.

The north lunar node is at 19 degrees Scorpio, conjunct the star Serpentis. 19 degrees Scorpio is the most malefic degree in the zodiac. It means that the way things are going we can get into hot water. This is a forewarning. The spring equinox chart shows the moon forming a T-Square with Uranus, Mars and Pluto, a violent aspect pointing to developments in the months ahead.

The new moon in the UK happens in the 6th house, the planets in Pisces spanning the 5th and 6th houses, bringing all this Piscean energy into the areas of diplomacy, services and labor. Saturn is in the 2nd house retrograde and in mutual reception with Pluto in the 3rd, while Jupiter is in the 8th. Jupiter is the dispositor of all of the planets in Pisces resonating in the areas of international finances and debt, with nothing constructive being done, just a lot of noise. Saturn retrograde in the 2nd house sextile and in mutual reception with Pluto has a cooling affect on the economy, but is not altogether bad for it. Rather, it seems to favor some significant real estate deals, Mercury retrograde notwithstanding.

The new moon in the US puts Mercury, Venus, Moon, Sun, and Mars all in the 8th house of debt. Mercury in the 8th house is square to Jupiter in the 11th. There is a lot of bickering and lying, and useless quibbling in Congress, none of which will accomplishing anything but wasted time and money; the country is at a loss.

The new moon in Bruxelles, therefore the EU has Neptune, Mercury, Venus, Moon and Sun in the 5th house of diplomatic dealings. Mercury in the 5th house is square Jupiter in the 8th showing useless discussions about the debt with no solutions. Saturn rising in the 1st house in Scorpio shows a a lot of frowning characters unable to figure their way out the mess they made.

The new moon in Moscow has Neptune, Mercury, Venus, Moon and Sun in the 4th house of the land itself. Mercury in the 4th house is in zodiac square and mundane trine with Jupiter in the 8th showing that all the confusion about money is being used to Russia's advantage. Russia is developing her resources, most probably in the area of oil and gas. Saturn in the 1st house is in mutual reception with Pluto in the 2nd. The outlook is restrained, secretive, and seriously involved in financial plans for the future.

The new moon in Beijing has Mercury, Venus, Moon, Sun, Mars and Uranus in the 2nd house with Mercury square Jupiter in the 4th house. Big financial developments are afoot, and they involve a precarious housing bubble that is beginning to implode. Neptune in the 1st house says that the outlook is confused. Saturn in the 9th house in mutual reception with Pluto in the 12th shows trouble behind the scenes involving foreign interests overshadowing the Government that may be running into possible trouble, as shown by the north node conjunct the star Serpentis in the 10th house.

The new moon in Sydney has the Moon, Sun, Mars, and Uranus in the 1st house. The new moon is conjunct the Ascendent, marking a new beginning in Australia. Mars in the 1st house shows the mood impatient especially with regard to finances, possibly involving international dealings. Mercury in the 12th house is square to Jupiter in the 3rd showing misleading news from the media and Government connected with land and real estate. Could be tricky dealings going on behind the scenes.

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A Chinese astrological portrait of Hugo Chavez

Hugo Chavez died on March 5 of cancer. He was 58. Born on July 28, 1954 the Chinese astrological signs for the year, month, day, and hour of his birth are Wood Horse, Metal Sheep, Wood Rooster, and Earth Tiger, respectively. Wood Horse shows him to have had many points of view and the ability to relate to countless people with equal interest and enthusiasm. He was always restless, imaginative and exuberant, and he acted freely. Wood Rooster shows him to have been naturally curious about many things. He was critical, and had excellent managerial instincts. And he loved to attract attention and was quite the show-off. He was self-disciplined, flexible and sociable. His chart having the sign Peach Blossom also shows that he was charismatic, and strongly attractive to women.

He was born in the year of 1 Water Star, the month of 3 Wood Star and his tendency was 3 Wood Star. This made him strongly idealistic, and capable of expressing himself in a surprisingly aggressive manner that, at worst, offended others and opened him to personal attacks that he took badly. He was not the most patient man. Because he drank copious amounts of coffee, smoked cigarettes, and lived under extreme emotional stress his health was adversely affected.

Born on a day of Yin Wood and in the year of Horse, Chavez always thought for others whenever doing anything; he was considerate, but controlling. Born on a day of Yin Wood and in a month of Sheep Chavez had many helpful friends. Born on a day of Rooster Chavez was highly respected. Born in the hour of Tiger, Chavez had a knife blade. Knife blade in the hour of birth gives a surprising character, capable of suddenly destructive actions and words. Knife blade in the hour of birth also tells of poor relations with children, a spouse who is prone to illness, and surgery toward the end of life.

The chart shows unstable conditions in Chavez' early years. He came from a humble background and learned to be independent early. He lacked family support and tended to distance himself from his siblings.

The balance of elements in Chavez' chart are 5 Fire, 4 Earth, 2 Metal, 0 Water, and 4 Wood. Metal is the weakest element. His vital element is Earth. No Water in the chart shows that whenever Water comes up in the chart's progressed cycles Chavez faced big challenges. We see that Water was strong from his age 7 to 27, and then from 37 to the end of his life. He lived under stress most of his life. Water denotes enemies in his chart. Born with no Water, he felt no fear. His cycle of age 17 to 27 in which he went through the military academy and found his life's calling was pivotal. Chavez was assigned at age 27 to teach in the military academy, and alarmed his superiors by the extent of his influence over the students. This brought them to send him to Apure, a remote area. But the contact he had with the indigenous people there informed his policies that he implemented when he ultimately came to power. In 1992 at age 38, the beginning of a long stressful period shown by Water element coming up, Chavez led an attempt to overthrow the government of President Perez over unpopular economic austerity measures and landed Chavez in jail for two years. But, after a complex rise to prominence, Chavez won the Venezuelan presidential elections in 2000 at age 46. Age 47 to 57 for Chavez was a period of maximum Water in which he won the enmity of the Bush Administration, and contracted his cancer. There may or may not be a connection between these. But, Chavez was most prone to making enemies between age 47 and 57.

Metal, being his vital element, is what protected Chavez' health. It was present in his chart from birth up to age 37. After that it faded out. His cycle 57 to 67 is Fire Ox. The Fire kills his Metal. He was too weak to go on. Chavez' chart has Heaven medicine star with no Water element. This means that he was in danger throughout his life of coming down with a disastrous illness. Had he cared for his physical health he might have gone on for a long time. Metal comes back again in his chart at age 87. He could have lived past 100.

The years 2012 and 2013 are both Water years, 2012 being Water Dragon, and 2013 being Water Snake. Snake for Chavez is the death star. He died in the year of Snake. Had he continued, Snake would have come up again in his cycle of age 97 to 107.

Chavez died at the threshold of his greatest period of power. 57 up to 77 would have brought him up to his pinnacle. Because of this, despite his early death, it is not unreasonable to say that his spiritual influence will continue long into the future of South America.

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Raphael's book Feng Shui Step by Step is reprinted and available at Amazon and at www.createspace.com/3472024.