The summer of 2013 in astrology

Summer solstice came on June 21 at 6:05 AM GMD. The Moon was at 27 degrees Scorpio, essentially void of course, but forming a wide square to Neptune at 5 degrees Pisces, and quincunx the Sun at 00 degrees Cancer saying that the summer quarter brings more confusion to the world's affairs that require adjustment.

The majority of planets at the solstice are in cardinal water, and we find a grand trine in water between the Sun, Saturn, and Neptune giving the world a feeling of tremendous emotional expansiveness. It also brings lots of water, as in flooding and rain. Cardinal water shows much popular activity, such as uprisings and protests which are to be expected across the world through the summer, and especially toward the later part of the season.

The solstice came two days before the full moon on June 23, showing the emotional current at the solstice running high. And, because it is the solstice about which we are talking whose affects last through the entire summer quarter, this emotional current will run high through the entire summer up into the Fall equinox in September. Flooding will also occur in storms that are bound to come toward that time. On the personal level the great activity of water this summer will make relationships a lot more active. Those that are false will be dissolved, and those that are true will become deeper and more pleasurable.

There are three new moons in the summer quarter, the first on July 8, the second on August 6, and the third on September 5. The new moons of August 6 and September 5 interact with the summer solstice chart significantly. The new moon of August 6 occurs exactly square the summer solstice north lunar node at 14 degrees Scorpio. This shows that in August economic challenges will increase in the world. The new moon of September 5 occurs square the summer solstice Mars; and Jupiter at that time will be exactly trine the summer solstice north node, showing increasing economic tension and popular outrage across the world.

Significant transits this summer include Jupiter entering Cancer, the sign of his exaltation, on June 26, allowing for even greater expansion of the emotional current in the world. Jupiter in Cancer can bring tremendous good fortune for those in tune with his vibrations, especially those who have natal Jupiter in a water sign (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces). When Jupiter is in opposition with Pluto in Capricorn and square Uranus in Aries in August there will be some violent repercussions in the world.

Saturn will turn direct at 4 degrees Scorpio at the new moon on July 8. This may very well time the death of a world figure, perhaps Mandela. And it will bring a turning point in the market. Saturn turns direct trine Jupiter at the new moon, bringing more upbeat developments in the market in July.


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The new moon in Gemini

The new moon occurred on June 8 at 4:57 PM GMD at 18 degrees Gemini. Mercury, the dispositor of the new moon, is at 11 degrees Cancer in mutual reception the Moon, and exactly square Uranus at 11 degrees Aries and opposite Pluto at 10 degrees Capricorn, Uranus and Pluto being square one another. The flexibility of the mutual reception between Mercury and the Moon will only serve to intensify the cardinal T-square of Mercury, Pluto and Uranus, showing that world political and economic conditions will continue to remain tense this month with little genuine cooperation to resolve them. No real progress will be made in a positive direction in political circles.

The chart also shows a grand trine between Mercury, Saturn in Scorpio, and Neptune in Pisces with Mars at 5 degrees Gemini exactly square Neptune. This points to the floods that are happening. Mars square Neptune is explosive. It suggests chaotic conditions, mass protests, secret crimes, possible assassinations and other such forms of chicanery and treachery afoot.

The new moon occurs in the 7th Lunar Mansion called Addyvat. This is the mansion of scholars. Its influence is on the mental and intuitive plane. It promotes friendship. This means that, for the individual, whatever discord there is in the new moon chart, it works itself out more on the mental than on the physical plane, and that, while the discord in the heavens will destroy relationships in which there has been treachery, i.e., false friendships, true friendships will only benefit.

The chart for the UK has the new moon in the 8th house along with Mars and Jupiter. This is a stellium. The afflictive aspect of Mars tells us of possible deaths in high circles amongst notable people. It also warns of sudden deaths by fire, accidents, and crime, as well as amongst men in military service. Mars rules the 6th house in this chart, confirming deaths of military men. Saturn is retrograde in the 1st house denoting a generally down, discontented mood amongst the people, but, at the same time it shows the people taking a stalwart, progressive attitude. Saturn retrograde in the 1st house, however, doesn't produce much good at all. The conditions faced by the people in the UK are hard.

The chart for the EU, made at Bruxelles is very similar to that of the UK, except that Saturn is exactly conjunct the Ascendant. This shows that the conditions in the EU are worse than in Britain. Mars, Moon, Sun, Jupiter, and Venus all in the 8th house, with Jupiter ruling the 2nd house, speak loudly of financial loss, and increasing poverty.

The chart for the US has Mars, Moon, Sun, and Jupiter in the 10th house with Neptune exactly conjunct the 7th house. Mars in the 10th house, especially square Neptune shows treachery on the part of certain foreign powers, and warns the nation of plots, schemes, and secret attacks. Neptune is in Pisces, the sign that rules oil. Neptune conjunct the 7th house cusp also denotes scandals and crime, and disgusting affairs in the Court. Mars in the 10th house points to increasing military aggression, and says that the Executive is in an angry mood. Militarization of the country is increasing. Mercury in the 11th house opposite Pluto in the 5th house is showing non-cooperation between the Congress and the Executive.

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The affects of the April and May eclipses

With three eclipses occurring at the same time as the solar flares we have been having, there has been a marked increase in volcanic and seismic activity in the earth, and a sharp increase in anger and violence in the world. The first, a lunar eclipse was on April 25; the second, a solar eclipse, was on May 10; and the third, a lunar eclipse, was on May 25.

The lunar eclipse of May 25 interacts with the April 25th eclipse. At the April 25 eclipse, Neptune was at 4 degrees Pisces, a critical degree. Neptune has since moved to 5 degrees Pisces. On May 25th, the eclipsed Moon was at 4 degrees Sagittarius exactly square the April 25th placement of Neptune, bringing up a great deal of confusion in the world, and a possible tsunami. Where that happens, if it does, could be Hawaii and/or Indonesia.

The chart made for Jakarta, Indonesia has the eclipse Moon in the 4th house with Mars conjunct the malefic star Algol at the zenith, a good indication of seismic activity to come.

The chart for Honolulu has the eclipsed Moon in the 1st house opposite the Sun in the 7th, both square Neptune in the 4th house, with Mars conjunct the 7th house cusp. This is rather violent. There are currently tremors occurring along the west coast with increasing volcanic activity. The Ring of Fire is very active, especially since the solar eclipse of May 10.

The lunar eclipse of May 25 occurred at 4 degrees Sagittarius, a critical degree. A critical degree denotes crisis. Aside from the probabilities of increasing seismic activity, a lunar eclipse in the first 10 degrees of Sagittarius warns of theft. This means that there is a rise of crime everywhere in the world both high and low. Sagittarius rules international trade relations, religious institutions, institutions of higher education and by extension all schools, libraries, courts, and so on. The eclipsed Moon square Neptune shows theft, fraud, and swindling coming these next few months.

Important aspects in the May 25 eclipse chart include the eclipse square Neptune, Uranus at 11 degrees Aries exactly square Pluto at 11 degrees Capricorn, and Mars conjunct the malefic star Algol. All of these show tremendous tension and potential violence in the world that is affecting everyone, one way or another.

In addition to the above mentioned charts, charts were made for the UK, Spain, Iran, Japan, and Washington DC.

The chart for the UK has the eclipsed Moon in the 6th house square Neptune in the 11th. There is a great deal of confusion in Parliament in connection with services and public welfare. Uranus is also in the 11th house square Pluto in the 8th. The UK has tremendous problems having to do with losses of money. At the same time Mars conjunct Algol intercepted in the 12th house shows that there is an increase in violent crime hidden away in slum areas. The public health is not too well either. Yet, the people in general appear to have a rather sanguine view of life these days.

The chart for Spain is rather alarming. The eclipsed Moon is in the 7th house, and Mars is exactly on the Ascendant. It shows much anger and violence coming. And, if there are fault lines in the earth, there could be an earthquake soon. Jupiter is in the 2nd house in this chart. It shows an increase in wealth. Uranus in the 12th house square Pluto in the 8th brings out major crime. There are those who will prosper greatly through theft in these difficult times in Spain.

The chart for Iran shows no earthquake activity as did the charts for the April 25 and May 10 eclipses. The May 10 chart showed trouble and possible failure for the Government. The current chart, with Uranus in the 10th house square Pluto in the 6th, shows sudden, vexatious developments for the Government, connected with the armed forces, that may lead to defeat if not handled carefully.

The chart for Japan shows no earthquake activity as did the chart for the May 10th eclipse. The May 10th chart showed strong probabilities of seismic activity in the western Pacific affecting the western side of the Ring of Fire. In this chart, the eclipse in the 3rd house square Neptune in the 6th with Uranus in the 7th square Pluto in the 4th is troublesome for foreign affairs involving neighbors, the military, especially the navy, international trade. The eclipse in the 3rd house suggests that if there are any earthquakes related to this eclipse they will happen in areas nearby. Indonesia is the most likely candidate.

The chart for the US has the eclipse Moon in the 10th house. This could bring tremors and very unsettled weather to the east coast. Traditionally, an eclipse, whether solar or lunar, in the 10th house generally points to disaster. It brings serious troubles to the Government, especially to the highest offices. The eclipse square Neptune in the 1st house causes agitation among the people, misleading propaganda, crimes, suicides, and much underhandedness and treachery among the people these coming months. It brings fraud and swindling. Uranus is in the 2nd house square Pluto in the 12th. It warns of unexpected losses, bankruptcies, and a potential crash, or strange, unanticipated occurences in the stock market, meaning much fear and unease in financial circles. Criminal activities in the banking sector will cause more harm. Mars is at the nadir of this chart, opposite the mid-heaven denoting extreme hostility against the incumbent coming from the opposition. A great deal of harm can be done which will affect both sides adversely. With all this, the eclipse in the 10th house on a critical degree goes against the national honor in the eyes of the world, and warns that the Government is in danger of defeat.

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The Taurus solar eclipse in astrology

The solar eclipse at 19 degrees Taurus occurred at 1:21 AM GMT on May 10. It was in conjunction with Mars and Mercury at 14 and 17 degrees Taurus, respectively. And it was widely opposite Saturn at 7 degrees Scorpio. The eclipse was visible over eastern Australia, New Zealand and across much of the Pacific, affecting the Ring of Fire where we may expect increased seismic and volcanic activity. The affects of the solar eclipse last over one year.

Where the eclipse appears in the angles of the chart (the 1st, 4th, 7th, and 10th houses) is where it has noticeable physical affects in the earth itself. Accordingly, the eclipse appears in the 1st house in Tehran, Iran, in the 4th house in Reykjavik, Iceland, in the 7th house in San Francisco, California, and in the 10th house in Tokyo, Japan and Sydney, Australia. There will be increased seismic and volcanic activity in Ring of Fire in the western Pacific and along the coast of north America and down into Mexico and beyond; there will be earthquakes in Iran, possible volcanic activity in Iceland and/or the Canaries, and possible tremors in the mid Atlantic and Caribbean.

The chart for Iran amplifies the prediction of earthquakes there from the lunar eclipse of April 25. A significant earthquake will very probably happen in the area around Iran, the Caspian sea and the Caucasus this year.

The solar eclipse in the middle decanate of Taurus conjunct Mars opposite Saturn is violent. A traditional reading of a solar eclipse in this part of Taurus points out dangers to travelers, and to women in childbirth.

The solar eclipse in the UK is in the 3rd house. it brings increased dangers of accidents in connection to roads and railways. Stocks in railways may lose value. It also spells losses in areas of literary undertakings, including publishing ventures in books, newspapers and magazines, and internet activity. There is also plenty of arguing and anger on the streets. The 4th house of the UK chart is at 25 degrees Taurus, conjunct the star Algol, saying that quarreling goes to the point of people losing their heads.

The solar eclipse chart in the EU as seen from Bruxelles is almost the same as in the UK. There is a lot of arguing going on. The 4th house cusp of the Bruxelles chart is at 29 degrees Taurus, conjunct the Pleiades. This says that the quarreling becomes a weeping matter.

The solar eclipse in Iran has Mars, Mercury, Sun, Moon, and Venus in the 1st house. Mars is closest to the Ascendent. The country is in a warlike spirit. Mars opposite Saturn in the 7th house is extremely unfortunate. It causes the people to become discontent. There are possibilities of riots, terrorist activity, crimes. The people are angry. If Iran is attacked this year it will be extremely unfortunate.

The solar eclipse in Australia, as well as Japan, has Mars, Mercury, the Sun, Moon, and Venus in the 10th house. An eclipse in the 10th house spells defeat of the current Government. Mars in the 10th house opposite Saturn brings much trouble to the Government, and a notable death in the highest of circles, possibly in the Government.

The solar eclipse in the US is in the 6th house with Mars and Mercury in the 6th house as well. This is unfortunate for the working class; there is an increasing sense of discontentment; the job market is weak. The general health of the people will suffer; Mars, Mercury and the eclipsed Sun in Taurus show a mood of depression. The eclipse in the 6th house also suggests that there may be a notable death in military circles, and that military affairs will tend to be unfortunate.

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Chinese summertime in astrology

In the Chinese calendar the seasons start mid-point the western seasons, spring beginning mid-point between winter solstice and spring equinox, or 15 degrees Aquarius, and summer beginning mid-point spring equinox and summer solstice, or 15 degrees Taurus. The solstices and equinoxes are considered the high points of the seasons in Chinese astrology. Summer began this year on May 4 at 16:28, Beijing time, or 8:28 GMT, and 3:28 EST. Because of the difference in hours the indications for different regions vary.

The signs for the year, month, and day of the beginning of summer are Water Snake, Fire Dragon and Metal Horse, respectively. In all regions of the world there is a predominance of Fire element showing that this summer is very active everywhere. The weakest element in the world is Wood. This shows that all the activity is not well planned, meaning confusion and mistakes especially in political and business circles. It helps to look at this season in the context of the year's predictions (http://raphael-astroblog.blogspot.com/2013/01/the-year-of-water-snake-in-chinese.html) to get an idea what this all leads up to as later summer and fall are going to be all the more active with possibilities of social turmoil and violent weather.

In general, this summer brings us the deities of talent, meaning that this is a very good period, despite turbulence in the world, for artistic, creative activity. It also brings the Flower of Romance making this a good time for love as well.

In the world of politics and big business this appears to be a time of shaky alliances, mistrust, and unstable fortunes, especially in the middle east. The chart does not favor political alliances anywhere.

The chart for China shows probabilities of accidents and disasters. It also shows China assuming a commanding, aggressive attitude toward achieving her goals.

The chart for the EU and the US has a maximum of Fire element, showing these areas to be extremely active and moving along very fast. The EU has more Metal than the other regions viewed. With the strong Fire this spells conflict. The tension in Europe is increasing.

The chart for the UK is showing sharp discord coming between the Government and the people with discord within the Government as well.

The chart for the US brings up Robbing Star, meaning sharp practice in business and in Government. It also warns of increasing criminal activity in all levels of society high and low.

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Astrological insights into the Boston Marathon bombing.

A chart (using the Koch house system) made for this unfortunate event in Boston 2:50 PM EDT, April15, 2013 shows the following. Mercury, Uranus, Sun and Mars were in Aries in the 8th house, and the Moon was in Gemini, intercepted in the 10th.

The event was deliberate (the Moon was applying the sextile the Sun, ruler of the 12th house).
The Moon waxing tells us that the activity will gain impetus, registering more and more to slowly complete activity in the matter in hand. There is a great deal of investigation going on.

The Moon was between Jupiter and Saturn, showing that a well-intentioned act in the past falls short now. The party involved appears to have split off from a larger group in order to take independent radical action, probably an alien. There is defiance in it appearing to come from behind the scenes arguments, vexatious developments, disobedience, a break, and rash actions.

The Moon in the last decanate of Gemini says that the action, while sudden, was long planned, and long thought out.

The Moon in the 10th house and intercepted shows a public event, but triggered in secrecy from within a room or vehicle or enclosure nearby. It may have been triggered from a cell phone.

The Moon in the Aquarian decanate of Gemini shows someone taking radical action, or a radical, anarchistic, rebellious, eccentric, extremist type taking action. It shows change without notice that is disruptive and political. Whoever did this appears to have taken advantage of the bomb drill happening that day.

The nature of the event is shown by the Sun. The Sun in the 8th house, ruling the 12th shows large scale damage, involving deaths and injuries, and involving investigations. It also may point to public moneys, books under examination, bankruptcy and financial losses.

The 12th house shows the event involving misadventure, clandestine activity, ambush, behind the scenes hushed-up matters, and persons represented as social misfits, unfortunates, criminals, ambushers, informers and liars, and involving misinformation, and the police.

The stellium of Mercury, Uranus, Sun, Mars in Aries in the 8th house is extremely violent. Sun conjunct Mars in Aries is deadly. There is much to question in this event. It is not wise to jump to conclusions and use the event to promote a pet theory. Something very underhanded,  secretive and criminal appears to be involved in  it. There are those who will use this event opportunistically to push their political agendas.

The Aries new moon in astrology

The new moon in Aries occured April 10 at 10:36 AM GMD at 20 degrees 41 minutes Aries. We had a stellium of Uranus, Sun, Moon, Mars, and Venus in Aries, with the Sun, Moon, Mars, and Venus in conjunction, producing a tremendous force that works both creatively and destructively. Sun, Moon and Mars together, in Aries, is brilliant, and shows little patience. The conjunction with Venus does little to temper it. Mars with Sun is extremely hot; there will be some violent storms. 20 degrees Aries is in the 2nd lunar mansion, producing enmity, courage, recklessness, and ambition. This month will be marked by dramatic events. The stellium of Uranus, Sun, Moon, Mars, and Venus in Aries points to countries ruled by Aries, namely UK, Germany, (France), Poland, Israel, Palestine, Syria, Japan, and in the United States the mid-Atlantic region. The Stellium in Aries strongly favors taking intelligent action. Six planets in cardinal fire is potentially violent.

The new moon in the UK occurred in the 11th house. There will be heated debates in Parliament. The ruling party is at odds with Labor.

The new moon in Bruxelles, affecting the situation in the EU occurred in the 10th house. We have in the 10th house Mercury, Uranus, Sun, Moon, and Mars. There will be heated arguments in top circles of Government in Europe. Mars warns of violence, and possible military or police activity. There will be much trouble in Government, and the possible death or removal of a notable figure. Europe is in turmoil.

The place where the new moon is most interesting, however, is in east Asia. In North and South Korea, and in China the new moon was in the 7th house with Mars. This is a warning that the situation around North Korea, unless checked, will heat up dangerously. The charts of North and South Korea have the Sun, Moon, Mars, and Venus in the 7th house. Mars rules the 7th house, and Venus rules the 1st in both charts; Venus and Mars conjunct and applying to parallel one another. This points to the danger of conflict. The chart of China has Uranus on the 7th house with Uranus, the Sun, Moon, Mars and Venus in the 7th house. China cannot help but become involved in an emergency if this continues. Uranus conjunct the 7th house cusp denotes an unexpected emergency in foreign affairs, causing agitation in the country. Uranus is square Pluto in the 4th house of the Chinese chart. This is potentially very troubling for China. The stellium of Uranus, Sun, Moon, Mars, and Venus are in the 6th house of the Japanese chart. If conflict erupts on the Korean peninsula there will be trouble in Japan as well; Uranus and Mars in the 6th house denote explosions and accidents. Uranus is square Pluto in the 3rd house denoting trouble in the neighboring territory. The situation in the far east is very delicate. The Ascendant of Japan is at 26 degrees Libra, a critical degree. If trouble breaks out in Korea it will be experienced as a crisis in Japan.

The new moon in the USA occurred in the 1st house. There we find Mercury, Uranus, the Sun, Moon, Mars and Venus all in the 1st house. The new moon in the 1st house denotes many changes in the country, and much activity this month. Conjunct Mars, the new moon points to much unrest and discontent. Public health is not good, and affairs are not going well. The new moon, Mars and Venus are in interception in the 1st house denoting frustrated activity. Uranus is square Pluto in the 10th house. The affairs of Government, especially involving international financial deals, debt, austerity, and matters of taxation, are at odds with the people. The incumbent party and its opposition are working together in this. Mars in the 1st house is warlike. The people are angry. And if the situation in the far east gets worse the US will have something to do with it, but is unlikely to go to war.

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