Winter Solstice 2017 in Astrology

The winter solstice, or Capricorn Ingress, was at 4:29 PM GMT, or 11:29 AM EST on December 21, 2017.

The Sun, at 00:00 Capricorn was in conjunction with Saturn, at 00:11 Capricorn.

In the chart for the US, made for Washington DC, this conjunction was in the MC along with Venus at 25:33 Sagittarius. In simple terms, this sets a serious tone especially for the Presidency. Saturn is in his strongest place in Capricorn. Capricorn in Saturn's house of life, as opposed to Aquarius, Saturn's house of death. New developments in how the management of the country are just beginning to happen now.
Saturn rules the common people, the workers, as opposed to Jupiter who rules the upper class. Jupiter is the ruler of the cusp of the MC, 21:24 Sagittarius. Jupiter is in the 8th house which may benefit the country by changes in the tax laws. This marks a gradual process in which the working class will gain power. Saturn discards nonessentials to allow for new growth. In January, 2020, Saturn will come to conjunction transiting Pluto in Capricorn, timing a reorganization of international business, further discarding nonessentials.
Venus (conjunct the Saturn/Sun conjunction) is the ruler of the 8th house, making a mutual reception aspect with Jupiter, and putting Jupiter in the 9th house for a second reading. This position of Jupiter will bring improvements in foreign trade and commerce. Also Jupiter is sextile Pluto in the 11th house showing relations with international organizations, not necessarily political, being made to the benefit of the country. There is also research work that will ultimately be of benefit to the country being shown.
One must not overlook, however, that Saturn and Venus (ruling the 8th) with the Sun, can bring about serious difficulties and misfortunes, possibly disgrace, to those in Government, and in positions of Authority.

Mars, ruler of the 2nd house, is in the 8th, square the Moon, ruler of the 5th house, in the 11th house. There may be some extreme turbulence in the markets. Mars, however, is sextile the Sun and Saturn, and trine Neptune. Neptune rules the 1st house and is rising at 11:42 Pisces. This gives a period of gains by following hunches, also it signals a period of artistic or inspirational expression. This is a good period for artists.

Mercury was in direct station at the time, at 13:10 Sagittarius in the 9th house and square Neptune, ruler of the ASC, rising at 11:42 Pisces showing lies and confusion affecting the people. The people are confused.

In the chart for the UK the Sun and Saturn are in the 6th house showing the people suffering as Saturn rules the 8th house. The whole of Britain is moving away. Brexit is on everyone's mind. All the planets, but Uranus and Neptune, are on the west side of the chart, mainly between the 6th, 7th, and 8th houses. The Jupiter sextile Pluto aspect is noteworthy here. Pluto is in the 7th house. Ties and alliances are being re-thought out now. Nonetheless, there is a great deal of internal trouble and poverty, as shown by Mars in the 5th square Moon in the 8th, and Saturn ruling the 7th in the 6th showing the country in deep and serious distress at this time.

Raphael is available for personal astrological readings. For information, go to  www.raphaelsimons.com

The coming election in Germany as seen in astrology

A standard way of looking at the outcome of an election is by making a chart for the lunation just prior to the election. The election in Germany is on September 24. There is a new moon on September 20, at 6:31 AM CED.

The important things to look at are the MC (10th house) and it's ruler, and the IC (4th house) and its ruler. The MC represents the incumbent, or Merkel, and the IC represents the opposition.

The MC (10th house) is 21:09 Gemini. It is exactly opposite Saturn at 21:43 Sagittarius in the 4th house.  The 10th house ruler is Mercury. Mercury is at 12:30 Virgo in the 12th house.

The IC (4th house) is 21:09 Sagittarius. It is conjunct Saturn at 21:43 Sagittarius. And it's ruler is Jupiter at 25:44 Libra in the 4th house.

While Mercury is strong in Virgo, but not so strong in the 12th house, it is exactly opposite Neptune at 12:27 Pisces in the 6th house, and separating from conjunction Mars also in opposition Neptune. So, we have Mercury separating from conjunction Mars and both Mars and Mercury in opposition to Neptune. Mercury is also forming Trine Pluto at 16:52 Capricorn in the 4th house, the house of the opposition party. All of this shows Merkel to be in a fairly compromised position. The opposition party is appears to be coming from labor, the populists, and military services.

Jupiter, on the other hand, is very strong rising in the 2nd house, but weakened by being in via combust way. It is also in opposition to Uranus in the 8th house, but sextile to Saturn in the 4th house. Jupiter in the 2nd and Uranus in the 8th show financial concerns. The opposition party calls for economic reorganization and holds promise of greater prosperity if elected. Saturn, which is sextile Jupiter, gives the opposition party greater stability and strength. Saturn is exactly in opposition to the MC showing a decided weakness of Merkel's party.

The outcome of this election appears to be a turning point. If Merkel wins, it appears she will have lost power. The Mercury opposition Neptune points to underhandedness, confusion and deception affecting the outcome of the election. But, it is probable the opposition party will have gained strength.

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The solar eclipse of 8/21/17 in astrology

The solar eclipse occurs on August 21, 2017 at 2:14 PM EDT. It is at 28 degrees Leo, a fire sign. An eclipse in a fixed sign (Leo being fixed) will have a long lasting effect, especially in the United States where it is visible.

An eclipse in a fire sign is destructive to cattle; threatens the ruler, and causes dissension among the people. It can trigger the movement of armies, fighting, fires; and possible scarcity of fruits of the earth especially in areas ruled by Leo, i.e. California and Hawaii.
By resonance with Leo, the following countries and cities could also be effected: France, Italy, and the Alps; and the following cities: Philadelphia, Rome, and Prague. Philadelphia could experience an uptick in violent crimes.

How negative or positive this eclipse is is shown by aspects of the Sun, the ruler of the eclipse. The Sun is exactly trine Uranus at 28 degrees Aries. The Sun, in the Aries decanate of Leo, also points to Mars. Mars is 20 degrees Leo (conjunct the Sun) exactly trine Saturn, 21 Sagittarius (trine the Sun), and exactly sextile Jupiter, 20 degrees Libra (sextile the Sun). In short, Uranus and Mars give the Sun good support. This eclipse, despite all, ultimately proves more positive than negative in effect.

This eclipse is also conjunct the star Regulus, one of the 4 Royal Stars. With the Sun, Regulus gives power, authority, great influence over friends, honor and riches, but danger of violence and ultimate ruin. With the Moon, as the Moon is eclipsing the Sun, it gives powerful friends but danger from false friends and enemies. This could be taken as a warning to the President.

A solar eclipse in the 3rd decanate of Leo (between 20 and 30 degrees Leo) is said to cause profanation of holy places, churches, and sacred edifices, monuments, also rioting and destruction of towns. We have already seen this happening in the days leading up to the eclipse; there will be more following.

It is possible that this eclipse will also set off earthquakes. It is interesting to note that the maximum eclipse appears to happen near the New Madrid fault, but points as well to Oregon. There are a number of areas that may be touched off within a year.
Where the eclipse appears at the zenith, in MDT, is also where there could be earthquakes.

The eclipse taken at the Washington DC, the capitol, is in the 9th house. In the 9th house we find Mars, the North Node, Moon, Sun, and Mercury, retrograde. The eclipse is trine Uranus, Mars is exactly sextile Jupiter and Saturn. So, the 9th house stands out as very important. The 9th house is the law courts, legal matters, religion and clergy, foreign trade, science, invention, etc.
There will be important, far reaching developments in the area of foreign trade, as shown by this eclipse. Mars, the ruler of the 5th house, involves diplomacy, and Moon, the ruler of the 8th house, speaks of finances.

The eclipse is 28 degrees Leo exactly trine Uranus, 28 Aries. Uranus is in the 10th house of the New York Stock Exchange chart. This is indicative of growth.

The Washington chart shows the following about the President. He is ruled by Mercury, as Mercury rules the 10th house. Mercury is in Virgo in the 9th house retrograde in orb of opposition Neptune in the 3rd, also retrograde. Mercury in Virgo is in his best place and strong. Retrograde in the 9th is shying away from public notice. Opposite Neptune is subject to many false rumors. The media and press, ruled by the 3rd house, promotes false rumors. Mercury and Neptune, both retrograde, will repeat and repeat. There is a terribly dysfunctional relationship between the President and the media.

Mercury retrograde shows some plans falling through or being postponed. The President changes his mind and backs out of whatever he's planning. Mercury is zodiac square to the Ascendant showing his changes of mind disadvantageous to some, but is mundane trine to the Ascendant, showing the opposite. Some will like him and some won't is what it boils down to.

Donald Trump's birth chart, Ascendant is at 29:58 degrees Leo, and his Mars is at 26:47 Leo. The eclipse, at 28:52 Leo is midpoint his Ascendant and Mars. This will impel him to take some very strongly assertive actions. Nothing about war is shown.
If the eclipse were exactly conjunct his Ascendant or Mars, which it isn't, there would be reason to predict Trump's demise. However, it is unlikely. It is clear, nonetheless, that he has serious challenges coming up.

Early repercussions of the eclipse are shown on September 2nd and 3rd when Mars passes over the eclipse degree. Also on September 4th when Moon comes to opposition the eclipse degree. Also September 3rd through 7th Mercury stations conjunct the eclipse degree. Mercury turns direct on September 5th. So, the entire 1st week in September will be interesting to watch.
There will be a number of other times of repercussion; the coming solar eclipse on February 15, 2018 at 27 degrees Aquarius, opposite this eclipse, for example.
Stay out of trouble.

Raphael gives in-depth personal astrological readings. For information, go to  www.raphaelsimons.com

The lunar eclipse of 8/7/17 in astrology

The lunar eclipse occurs at 7:22 PM GMD. It is visible in India, as you can see. It appears to reach exactitude in northeast India, where there is a dispute going on with China about Doklam. This does not bode well for India. It will cause considerable stress there. On average, the effects of an eclipse last a period of 3 months.

There are these three aspects happening in addition to the eclipse. Sun is conjunct Mars; Mercury is opposite Neptune, (mitigated by sextile Venus); Jupiter is square Pluto, (mitigated by sextile the Sun, trine the eclipse, and sextile Saturn).
With this eclipse, there is considerable stress, especially between Jupiter - Pluto, and Mercury-Neptune, and Sun-Mars. In short, it shows aggression, duplicity, and lying.

In India, the eclipse Moon (in Aquarius) is in the 10th house opposite the Sun and Mars (in Leo) in the 4th house. This is seriously bad for the Government, and the national honor (the 10th house), and it is over land (the 4th house). Neptune in the 11th house opposite Mercury in the 5th shows treacherous diplomacy. However, it won't go too far because Venus, in mitigating aspect with Neptune and Mercury, brings peace in the near future. Venus is in the 2nd house showing what's coming up the near future. India will have to withdraw from Doklam. It is doubtful that India will be sincere about this, however: Venus, ruling the Ascendant in India, is in Cancer and the same sign as the 3rd house cusp (Cancer), showing a reticent outlook and dissatisfaction over the matter.

Meanwhile, an old prognostication of a lunar eclipse in the 2nd decanate of Aquarius is that it universally damages the seeds of the earth. This warns of coming food shortages.
Earthquake in western China.

In UK and the EU The eclipse moon is intercepted in the 1st house opposite the Sun and Mars intercepted in the 7th. The eclipsed moon in the 1st house shows unrest and discontent. The interception shows much going on behind closed doors.
Pluto is conjunct the Ascendent square Jupiter in the 8th house. The eclipse is also trine Jupiter. This gives and invitation to deal with the matter of finances. Jupiter square the Ascendant forces it; it must be dealt with; it must be settled. Mercury and Neptune feed into this as well. They are in the 7th and 1st house respectively. Mercury in the same sign as the 8th (Virgo) and Neptune in the same sign as the 2nd (Pisces) show the matter of the money is unsatisfactory and fraught with chicanery.
In this chart there are 7 Planets in signs that are on the next following house: (Pluto in the 12th in the same sign as the Ascendant; Neptune in the 1st in the same sign as the 2nd; Uranus in the 2nd in the same sign as the 3rd; Venus in the 6th in the same sign as the 7th; Mercury in the 7th in the same sign as the 8th; Jupiter in the 8th in the same sign as the 9th; and Saturn in the 11th in the same sign as the 12th), giving them all 12th house relationships, and making the affairs of the chart generally unsatisfactory. No one is happy.
Mars is in the 7th house intercepted. This will bring international disputes, disagreements, and unsatisfactory relations. Mars points to the east, eastern Europe.  
In all likelihood, nothing will be settled.

In the US the Sun, opposite the eclipse moon, is conjunct the Sun of Robert Mueller's birth chart. The coming three months for him will be especially challenging.
The eclipse Moon is in the 3rd house intercepted, and the Sun and Mars are in the 9th intercepted. It may be that much will be going on secretively behind locked doors. Meanwhile, Mercury in the 10th house is opposite Neptune in the 4th, so the people will be entertained and distracted by scandals. The public outlook, as shown by Saturn retrograde in the 1st house conjunct the 2nd house cusp, is seriously worried about the future financial outlook. The ruler of the Ascendent is Pluto. Pluto, in the 2nd house and retrograde, confirms what Saturn is saying.

Raphael gives in-depth personal astrological readings. For information, go to  www.raphaelsimons.com



                                                                                                                                                                                         

Summer solstice 2017 in astrology

The summer solstice arrived on June 21st at 5:25 AM GMD in Greenwich, UK, or 00:25 AM EDT in Washington DC.

Charts for the UK, the EU, and the USA were drawn up.

The UK and EU
The Sun, at 00:00 Cancer was in conjunction with Mercury at 29:30 Gemini, and with Mars at 10:54 Cancer at that time. Mercury is combust; not promising much reasoning. So close to the Sun, his main concern is facts. What that is may turn out to be not so factual as being head strong. Mercury at 29:30 is out of patience.  Mars, in his sign of fall in Cancer, and conjunct the sun and Ascendant, is scrapping for a fight. Mars is also square Jupiter, amplifying the matter. So, the climate this summer, especially in Europe, is fraught with conflict; Mars is conjunct the Ascendant in both London and Bruxelles. It moves very quickly.
Uranus is sextile Mercury and the Sun, and trine Saturn, Saturn being opposite Mercury and the Sun. This may actually help matters to some degree. Both Mercury and Saturn are intercepted in the 12th and 6th houses respectively. There are seriously difficult obstacles (hidden), behind-the-scenes; Mercury opposite Saturn points to shrewd dealings.
The Moon is in her sign of exaltation, Taurus, in conjunction Venus. This will affect Mars, as Mars is in the Moon's own sign, to soften him and calm him down to a degree over time. Moon and Venus in the 11th houses of the UK and EU along with Uranus promises to give the matter of Brexit a hopeful atmosphere and guarantees the respective governments will come up with a deal that will work for all, despite diplomatic opposition shown by Jupiter in the 5th house in T-square Mars in the 1st and Pluto in the 7th house, a very critical aspect.
The Moon and Venus are also sextile Neptune and trine Pluto. There is an intention to avoid the worst.
There is a Yod aspect between Jupiter in the 5th house, Moon-Venus in the 11th, and Neptune in the 10th house. It forces attention on the opposition.
Jupiter, 13:25 Libra, a critical degree, is square Pluto in the 7th house and Mars in the 1st house. Among other things, international relations and trade are in critical condition. Because Pluto is retrograde, it will take time to sort out. Mars on the other hand pulls toward resolution.

The chart for UK has the Ascendant at 7:44 Cancer, and Mars at 10:54. The chart for Bruxelles has the Ascendant at 10:38 Cancer and Mars at 10:54 Cancer. Mars in such close proximity to the Ascendant, especially in Bruxelles, sets the tone of the chart. It is warlike and aggressive. Not only affecting the UK-EU matter, but the whole of England and Europe this summer. It will not come as a surprise if there are several terrorist events this summer.

The USA
The chart for the USA has 11:25 Pisces rising with Neptune at 14:16 Pisces.  Neptune is ruler of the Ascendant. Neptune is trine Mars in the 4th house, and sextile Venus and the Moon in the 2nd. This is a very colorful position and promises a lot of money.
Jupiter, the other ruler of the Ascendant is in the 7th house in a critical degree, square Mars in the 4th house and Pluto in the 11th house. While there will be some disputes with foreign powers over finances and trade, adjustments, of necessity, are being made; Jupiter is in a Yod configuration with Neptune and Venus-Moon. The country will enjoy an increase in money this summer. It looks very good for the Stock market.
Saturn is in the 10th house opposite Mercury, and the Sun in the 4th house. This is not a good position for Saturn, showing, in spite of the increases of money, troubles to the Government and especially the President this summer. Saturn is retrograde, and in peregrine, therefore weak, and rules the 11th house in which we find Pluto. This bring up questions just how much respect and cooperation the President is getting from his own party at this point. The troubles affecting the Government and President are coming from members of congress, from the opposition party, and from difficulties in trade relations with foreign powers.
The Sun is in the 4th house, The Sun rules the 6th house. In spite of the money shown by Uranus, Venus and the Moon in the 2nd house, there is opposition developing in the country, as shown by the Sun in opposition with Saturn. Some kind of deal will have to be cut, as shown by Saturn opposition Mercury, to avoid the worst. The Sun, as ruler of the 6th points to the matter of health care. It looks like the President is caving to pressure from his own party now, and needs to step up.

Raphael is available for personal astrological readings. For information, go to  www.raphaelsimons.com

Vernal Equinox 2017 in astrology

The vernal equinox was on March 20, 2017 at 10:30 AM GMT. I have made charts for UK, Bruxelles, and Washington DC.

The chart for UK, has the Ascendant in Cancer, showing the effects of the equinox not lasting beyond the Summer Solstice. Sun is in the 10th house, separating from square Saturn in Sagittarius, and Moon applying to conjunction Saturn and square Sun from Sagittarius. There is an element of cruelty in this aspect. All the same, it favors for the government, but Moon, ruler of the Ascendant and the 2nd house in conjunction Saturn in the 6th house shows sickness and discontent among the people. Saturn in the 6th confirms illness among the people, and discontent among the lower classes and in the armed forces, in particular the navy.
Neptune, ruler of the Navy, is also in the 10th house, showing the importance of Naval affairs at this time. Neptune is also sextile Mars in the 11th house, showing trouble involving the liberals, and unrest among sailors. There also may be some scandal in military circles.
In the 11th house we have Venus, Mercury, Uranus, and Mars. This has much to do with the Parliament. Venus is in mutual reception with Mars. This puts Mars in the 10th house. Mars in the 11th house brings trouble to Parliamentary circles, and party splits, and discussions concerning arms. In the 10th house, it points a more bellicose attitude especially coming from the Prime Minister. She is determined.
Mutual reception Venus is sextile Neptune in 11, a very fortunate aspect. Neptune is the ruler of the 10th house. The sextile from Venus favors the Prime Minister; she gets help from hidden sources.
Mercury in 11 is square Pluto in 7 and opposite Jupiter in 5. This brings and element of extreme confusion to foreign affairs. There is a lot arguing with the EU, and with Scotland.
Uranus in 11 is also square Pluto in 7 and opposite Jupiter in 5. Diplomatic relations are being strained. Pluto in 7 also points to terrorism. On 3/23 Mercury comes to exact square Pluto. What this means is that during Brexit, Britain is under attack, not necessarily by arms, but, it seems the EU, in its desperation, will try anything.

The chart of Bruxelles has Neptune, Sun, and Venus in 10. Mercury is conjunct the 11th house cusp. Mars is intercepted in the 11th house, but comes out of interception and goes to the 10th house. Other then this there is no difference between the charts. The Ascendants are 3 degrees apart. The affairs in London will affect Bruxelles, and the EU very strongly.

The chart of Washington DC has its Ascendant in Pisces. Affects of the equinox will therefore last until the fall equinox. It has Neptune conjunct the Ascendant, the Sun, Venus, Mercury, and Uranus in the 1st house, Mars in the 2nd house, Jupiter in the 7th house, Moon and Saturn in the 10th house, and Pluto in the 11th.
Neptune conjunct the Ascendant in Pisces gives the country a vision, or visions.
Five planets in the 1st house are very strongly positive for the people of the country; the outlook is sanguine.
Mars in the 2nd house shows ups and downs in money, with possible losses in the stock market. Mars is also sextile Neptune, showing possible overoptimism and a need for caution. But Mars by mutual reception with Venus is taken out of the 2nd house, and replaced by Venus. showing financial increases. Money will move fast. It looks interesting for business. There will be a lot of money put into the military. Jupiter is in the 7th house retrograde. Foreign affairs may be subject to some dispute, but there is no war.
Moon and Saturn are in the 10th house. The President may take on a rather fierce, unbending attitude, but the country will become more productive. (It is interesting that the Moon and Saturn are pointing toward the galactic center; the President is convinced of his vision.) There is no sign of the President being impeached or ousted in any way. Jupiter is the ruler of the 10th house. Moon in 10 is separating from sextile Jupiter in 7. There may be those who like him and those who don't. But, the chart shows him productive and serious. And it looks like the people are generally doing well.
The T-Squares are between the 1st, 7th, and 11th houses. Pluto is in the 11th. This shows tension in the area of foreign affairs, and illegal aliens. Pluto in the 11th house complicates the affairs of Congress. Pluto in 11 shows the Congress confused. They may act eccentrically, undependably, rebelliously, and radically opposed or defiant to the President; they cannot be trusted. Mercury, ruler of the 4th house is in opposition with Jupiter, ruler of the 10th. There is no agreement between the Democrats and Republicans in Congress and elsewhere at this time.
The condition of affordable care would be shown by the Sun, as the Sun rules the 6th house. In the 1st house, it is very much on the minds of the people. Sun separating from square Saturn with the Moon applying to square the Sun, there is not much encouraging or conclusive that can be said about it. Pluto afflicted in the 11th house shows Congress no better than a mad house; it is full of duplicitous characters. Neptune exactly on the Ascendant in the 1st house suggests that the people are in the dark. Venus, ruler of the 3rd house of the media is in mutual reception Mars saying that the media is shifty. So, where that is is undetermined at this point.

Raphael offers in-depth personal astrological readings. For information, visit  www.raphaelsimons.com

The full Moon of 3/12/17 in astrology

The full Moon came on 3/12 at 2:55 PM GMT, or 10:55 AM EDT.  The Sun is at 22:13 Pisces, and the Moon is at 22:13 Virgo. Moon is in a T-Square with Mercury and Saturn. Mercury 27:31 Pisces is square Saturn 27:18 Sagittarius. And there is a T-Square of Uranus 22:40 Aries opposite Jupiter 21:21 Libra retrograde, square Pluto 19:01 Capricorn.

In the UK and EU the Moon is in the 2nd house, showing a full awareness and a coming of changes or a turning point in matters of economy. Mercury is the dispositor of the Moon and is ruler of the 2nd house. Mercury in the sign of his fall and square Saturn shows that these changes are disadvantageous. Opposite Moon, Mercury shows headaches to come. Mercury is in the 8th house of debt, and Saturn is in the 5th house of diplomatic relations. An afflicted Mercury in the 8th house shows changes coming to the Privy Council. The Privy Council is a formal body of advisers. Its membership consists of senior politicians who are members of either the House of Commons or the House of Lords. 
Jupiter is in the 3rd in T-Square with Uranus in the 9th, and Pluto in the 5th. Jupiter in the 3rd retrograde shows talks delayed. They pertain to foreign trade and matters of diplomacy. This pertains to Brexit, no doubt.
Moon in the 2nd house afflicted by Mercury and Saturn shows great uncertainty and fluctuation in the money and stock markets with resultant losses.

The chart in Washington DC has Sun, Mercury, Venus, and Uranus in the 11th house, giving emphasis to affairs in Congress. Moon is in the 5th house opposite the Sun and Mercury in the 11th, square Saturn in the 7th. Saturn, in mundane trine, eases tensions to a degree, and allows for productivity, so that, even though there is considerable tension especially between Congress, (11th house), and diplomats, (5th house), they may be sorted out, but not without considerable pains. Saturn in the 7th house is just not good for foreign affairs, and will bring up problems with foreign powers, danger of depressed foreign trade, and long term difficulties especially involving Arab countries. (Saturn is in Sagittarius; Sagittarius rules all Arab countries).
Mercury rules the chart at Washington. The Ascendant is Gemini 7 degrees. Mercury is in the 11th house in the sign of his fall, Pisces, square Saturn, conjunct the Sun and opposite the Moon. The general outlook is a bit troubled. The press, also ruled by Mercury, is making sure of that.
The President is ruled by the 10th house and its ruler. In the 10th house we have Neptune. Neptune is domicile in Pisces, and is semisextile Venus, but Venus is in mutual reception Mars, putting her in sextile Neptune. Venus sextile Neptune is a very fortunate aspect. The President appears to be acting independently and eludes attention. Venus' sextile Neptune comes from interception. It also suggests a woman, unknown because of interception, helping him.
Uranus, the ruler of 10, is in 10 opposite Jupiter retrograde in 5, and square Pluto in 8. The President, although under a lot of fire, rises above his opposition. Uranus is surpassing Jupiter and Pluto. Nonetheless, Jupiter in 5 causes failure in speculative adventures. Uranus in 11 runs into extraordinary difficulties in dealings with Congress, and Pluto in 8 shows losses of money. The matter of Obama care is a mess.
Generally as long as Mars is in Taurus and Venus is in Aries (until April 2) it's a good period for cutting deals. The mutual reception means there's nothing you can't get out of that you got in to.

Generally the effects of the full Moon last two weeks until the next lunation, but can last for 6.

Raphael also gives in-depth personal astrological readings. For information, visit  www.raphaelsimons.com

Solar Eclipse: February 26, 2017

The solar eclipse of 2/26 has some interesting aspects. There is a stellium of Mercury, the eclipsed Sun and Moon, and Neptune, all in conjunction. Then there is a configuration of Mars conjunct Uranus, opposite Jupiter, square Pluto, and trine Saturn. This is a very malefic picture.

The eclipse was not visible in the northern hemisphere, so it acts more like a strong lunation. But, it was visible  across the southern part of South America, and across into Africa where it's effects will be more directly felt. There will probably be an earthquake in Argentina or Chile, as shown by the map of the eclipse path.

A solar eclipse in the 1st decanate of Pisces is unfortunate for the sea-coast. This one was at 8 degrees Pisces. It could point to danger of a tsunami.

The eclipse chart at Washington DC has Mercury, the Moon and Sun, and Neptune all in the 11th house in interception. There is something going on in Congress behind closed doors, in secrecy. This is confirmed by the ruler of the 11th house, Uranus in the 12th house, exactly conjunct Mars ruler of the 12th house in the 12th, opposite Jupiter in the 6th house, and square Pluto in the 9th house. The ruler of the 10th house is also Uranus. This involves the President as well as the Congress. Uranus, ruling both the 11th house and 10th house, is semisquare the eclipse in the 11th house. This denotes considerable friction between the two factions. Attempted reforms are being met with turbulence and danger of violence. An eclipse in the 11th house denotes a possible death in that house. Uranus and Mars in conjunction and afflicted in the 12th house denotes a rise in criminal activity, violent protests, and possibility of terrorism.

Raphael Simons
www.raphaelsimons.com

Chinese new year's predictions for year of Fire Rooster: 2017

The new year came in Beijing at 8:08 AM, 1/28, or 7:08 PM 1/27 in the USA. The charts are showing the East more active than the West, this year. In the chart at Beijing there are 4 Wood and 2 Metal, Wood showing the east and Metal showing the west. In the charts for the EU and UK there are 4 Wood and 1 Metal, and 3 Wood and 1 Metal, resp. In the chart for the USA there are 3 Wood and 4 Metal.
The US may pose a challenge to China, but China is leading now.
The chart for China is positively expansive, or yang, whereas the chart of the US is contracting, or more yin. 
Strong Wood and Fire generally predict storms, and high winds, especially in Asia.


The Year's predictions for each of the 12 signs. This is only general. For complete personally accurate predictions, you should have an astrological chart made and read to you.
These prediction are for the year and/or day of your birth.

Rat is neutral, neither good nor bad, with Rooster, but the relationship is productive. Business and creative work are good. If there have been predicaments, they should resolve this year. You may receive assistance and a promotion. The year may also bring love to you. This year favors all talent related professions. 

Ox is favored by Rooster. Ox is in a relation to Rooster of being resourceful; it finds expression in caring for others.  You need to watch your health. The study of medicine, psychology, philosophy and divination are good this year. This year favors psychics, astrologers, scholars, doctors, researchers, and writers.

Tiger is neutral, neither good nor bad, with Rooster. But Tiger is lucky this year, and if there have been problems, you will find the way to resolve them. Tiger is challenged to stand out and take the lead. Your intelligence becomes sharper. There is a danger of being robbed, however, or of having others take unfair advantage of you and your time. This year also brings love to you. The year favors finances, entrepreneurship, investment, and trading.

Rabbit clashes with Rooster. Rooster brings the necessity of change to Rabbit. Rabbit can take advantage of this by taking the lead and looking for better conditions at work. Greater prosperity is possible. The year favors speculative professions such as stocks, trading, bonds, and so on.

Dragon is in harmony with Rooster. Dragon is in a relation to Rooster of being resourceful. It finds expression in caring for others. Love comes to you. If you are involved in any art, this is a good year for you.  This year also favors teaching, nursing, researchers, and so on.

Snake is favored by Rooster. Nonetheless Snake is challenged to stand out. Snake will succeed. But, be careful not to lose your patience, your temper, and become overly aggressive, causing you unnecessary trouble. This year favors administrative, managerial, legal, and legislative fields.

Horse is neutral, neither good nor bad, with Rooster. You are challenged to stand to stand out this year, however. There is love, and the prospect of greater prosperity for you. There is also the danger of being robbed, cheated, or having others take unfair advantage of you. Your intelligence is sharp. This year favors adventure. It is good for instructors, judges, specialists, doctors, the military, and so on.

Sheep is neutral, neither good nor bad, with Rooster. Sheep is in relation with Rooster of being resourceful. It finds its best expression in caring for others. It is a good year for artists of all types. It is also good for metaphysical studies, psychics, astrologers, scholars, designers, librarians, and so on.

Monkey is favored by Rooster. It has the possibility of love. The year favors adventure. You may need to engage is independent trades with no constraints to be happy this year.

Rooster clashes with Rooster. This is a dynamic year, when you show your best (and worst) qualities. If you have been having problems they should resolve this year. You will glow with vitality and vigorously carry things through to the end. This year holds the promise of increasing fortunes, and is very good for practicing divination, astrology, and religion. You can stand out to advantage. You will be happy if you are independent and work for yourself. This year favors being friendly but independent.

Dog is in an ambivalent relation with Rooster. It can get along well, and it can clash. So the year may be marked by ups and downs. Dog is in a position of resources to Rooster, best expressed by caring for others. But others can take unfair advantage of you, either robbing you of your time or money. The year brings the possibility of love. It favors teachers, philanthropists, nurses, researchers, metaphysicians, artists, and so on.

Pig is neutral, neither good nor bad, with Rooster. Pig is in a supported relation with Rooster, good for pursing business interests and creative work. Take command this year and move forward with your career. This year favors all arts, invention and innovation, also careers in sales, foreign relations, and so on.

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

The Inauguration of Donald Trump in astrology

Donald Trump was sworn in as the President on 1/20/17 at precisely 12:00 PM in Washington DC. This put the Ascendant at 14 degrees Taurus. The middle of fixed signs, especially Taurus, shows the country with a tight grasp on money. We find Mercury, and Pluto trine the Ascendant from Capricorn in the 9th house, and Neptune and Venus sextile the Ascendant from Pisces in the 11th house. This means positive developments will be seen coming from the areas of foreign trade and from acts of Congress. There will be far less wasting of money by the Government.

Venus rules the chart. Peaceful Venus is 17 degrees Pisces, the sign of her exaltation in the 11th house. Venus is exactly mid-point and besieged twixt Neptune 10 Pisces and Mars 24 Pisces, and exactly sextile Pluto 17 Capricorn in the 9th house. Venus will rise above and take advantage of otherwise untoward circumstances. This is very hopeful.

The Sun is 00 degrees Aquarius in the 10th house, conjunct the Mid-Heaven, widely square the Ascendant, and separating from square of the Moon. The square to the Ascendant says Trump MUST lead.

The Moon at 9 Scorpio has the following aspects. She is separating from square Sun, and separating from sextile Mercury. Then she is applying to trine Neptune, sextile Pluto, trine Venus , square the Part of Fortune, and trine Mars. All in all, she is showing a struggle in the past that lead up to the present, and relatively smooth progress coming.

Looking at the Moon more in depth, she in in the sign of her fall, thus prone to go to extremes if provoked. She is in the 6th house having to do with the workers, and the armed forces. She is also in her 18th Mansion, Alchas, the heart of the Scorpion. According to old books, "it causes discord, sedition, and conjuration against princes and powers, and to the revenge of enemies, but it delivers captives, and makes good for buildings." It also takes time for the Moon in the 6th house to get thing sorted out.

Also Moon is between Jupiter and Saturn, Jupiter behind her, and Saturn up ahead. The squandering of the Government is coming to an end. The money, as ruled by Mercury depends on foreign trade, as Mercury is in the 9th house, trine the Ascendant, is very sanguine. Meaning foreign money will come more and more into this country.

Now, there is a lot of blabber about the T-square of Uranus, Jupiter, and Pluto and all the horrible things it is doing. In this chart we find Uranus intercepted in 20 Aries, opposite Jupiter intercepted in 22 Libra, square Pluto 17 Capricorn, showing the tide of crime being contained, and dealt with.

The T-square is otherwise mitigated by Saturn 23 Sagittarius, Pluto 17 Capricorm, and the Part of Fortune 22 Aquarius, all forming good aspect to the opposition of Uranus - Jupiter. The Moon coming to square the Part of Fortune shows the President's ultimate rise to success. At any rate, the Moon's final aspect shows how it all works out. Her final aspect is trine Mars, and Mars is in the 11th house which is proof against all untoward conditions.

One more aspect to be looked at is Mercury trine the north Lunar Node. The Node is in the 5th house, confirming diplomatic relations dealing with foreign trade.

This is the chart of Donald Trump's inauguration.


Raphael Simons  www.raphaelsimons.com