Spring Equinox astrological world predictions

The spring equinox came at 5:16 AM GMT. We see the planets Mercury and Uranus conjunct the Sun, with Mercury retrograde, The Moon in Pisces opposite Mars retrograde in Virgo, and Jupiter with Venus in Taurus.

.

Mercury retrograde and combust the Sun is very weak, and will frustrate and confuse plans and decisions in world affairs made this year, especially through the spring and summer. The Moon opposite Mars retrograde shows repeated disputes, quarrels, public outrage, bloodshed, and rioting. A martial spirit of unrest is spreading through the world. Mars in mutual reception with Mercury, putting Mercury in opposition with the Moon, will complicate matters by causing controversies and disputes to arise in and between Governments. There will be disputes over treaties, as well as failed legislation; there will diplomatic troubles. We will see litigations involving matters of slander, and forgery. There will be dangers to travelers as well.

.

Using the system of Geodetic Equivalents, we find Uranus exactly on the Mid-Heaven of Bruxelles, the capital of the EU. This is ominous for the EU. Sudden and unexpected developments will arise in the top circle of the EU that will bring about defeat and resignation of leaders. Autocrats in Bruxelles will try to seize control of member states more and more. There will be attacks against people in high places and there will be public outrage. Uranus is exactly trine the Ascendent of Athens. Greece will rebel; the bully boys in Bruxelles will be shocked. The EU is headed for a well-deserved train wreck thanks to these stubborn dictators. Millions of people are suffering and will suffer as this insane experiment comes to its demise. Uranus transits over the Mid-Heaven of Bruxelles two times, the first time now, and the second time between November 13th, 2012 and January 10th, 2013. Mid-December will be a remarkable time in the crisis. Between January 20th, and February 20th, 2013 Pluto will come to conjunction the Euro Sun and the Sun of the United Kingdom. This will jolt the relation between Britain and the Euro-Zone. So, we see in this Spring Equinox chart, ominous signs for the Euro-Zone that will hit the wall before long. Also, we see, that transiting Mars will come to opposition with the Mid-Heaven of Bruxelles between July 11th and 12th. Mid-July is going to bring a potentially shocking event to the EU.

.

Mercury retrograde is exactly conjunct the Geodetic Equivalent Mid-Heaven of Paris in this chart. That means that there is a coming change in the Government; the public opinion is turning against the current head of state. He will lose the election or will become very weakened. The current Government of France is in confusing circumstances.

.

The matter of the EU won't come to its well-deserved end so quickly. We see Uranus coming to conjunction the MC of Berlin in April 2014. The current Government, if it can hold out that long, will be in ruins. The Government, holding onto the insane utopian dream, is causing untold suffering, and that suffering will only increase these coming months.

.

Interesting to note, the Geodetic Equivalent Mid-Heaven of Berlin, and the Geodetic Equivalent Ascendent of Rome are both 13 degrees Aries. With the upset of the German Government, Rome will be in a revolutionary mood. It might take until the spring of 2014 for Italy to break with the EU. We will see.

.

In 2014 transiting Pluto comes to conjunction the Geodetic Equivalent Mid-Heaven of Washington DC. This will deeply involve Washington in the European mess, and will bring the Administration then in power to a very difficult and ugly pass.

.

All is not doom and gloom, however. We see Jupiter on the Geodetic Equivalent Ascendant of Rio. Brazil is enjoying a period of increasing prosperity this year. This is good news for BRIC.

.

More on the Spring Equinox will follow in another article.

.

To follow mundane astrological articles such as this click the Join button at the upper right of this article.

.

Raphael is avaliable for personal astrological and psychic readings. To find out more about Raphael's services visit www.raphaelsimons.com

March 8th full moon seen in Western and Chinese astrology

The full moon occured on March 8th at 9:41 GMT, or 4:41 AM EST. In western astrology we see the Moon besieged between Mars and Saturn with the Moon conjunct Mars, Mars and Saturn being malefics. They act to tighten the activity of the Moon and bring some degree of anger to whatever changes she attempts to make now. People are in a critical mood. Mars just behind the Moon spurs her to make changes in a spirit of daring. Defiance is in the air. Changes made on impulse and by taking chances are preceeded by restlessness and followed by arguments.
.
The Moon is in her 14th mansion, called Achmech. It favors prudence and the ability to analyze, and it promotes divinatory powers. This is a good time to get your cards read. The wisdom of elders is favored by this mansion; listen to those who have experience. The 14th mansion does not favor traveling, nor does it favor early stages of relationships, but it won't cause any harm where there is love.
.
The position of the Moon in the chart at DC shows disputes and complications in international affairs. With Mars retrograde, however loudly the dog may bark, it won't bite. The Moon in this chart is also connected to concerns having to do with labor. Joblessness is a burning issue.
.
Mars is in a grand trine aspect with Jupiter and Pluto, and Venus is conjunct Jupiter. This promisses positive talks and plans in business and finance, based especially on concerns having to do with real estate, and the debt. But, Pluto is in the same degree as the lunar nodes with the lunar nodes approaching exact semi-sextile with Pluto. This presages upset relations between members of the Congress and the President for a change.
.
Mercury is conjuct Uranus, and Mercury is about to go retrograde. This frustrates matters connected to the people's concerns over the debt and poverty, and causes them no small degree of vexation. With Mercury turning retrograde, decisions made at this time will be undone; nothing will hold.
.
Uranus is in mutual reception Neptune. This gives flexibility to the people in connection with money. It says that if you are resourceful and inventive you can get around your perceived limitations.
.
The Chinese chart has the signs, Water Dragon for the year, Water Rabbit for the month, Earth Dragon for the day, and Wood Tiger for the hour of this full moon. The chart has a strong predominance of Wood element. This gives a restless, and easily angered spirit to the time. It also says that people can become confused when changing their plans. The chart has 6 Wood, 1 Fire, 4 Earth, 0 Metal, and 4 Water. 0 Metal gives trouble with boundaries. 4 Earth causes plenty of worry. Lots of worry happens when boundaries are unclear. Frustration and anger results.
.
The Chinese chart has 8 Yang elements and 6 Yin elements. This shows it to be a time to be active. In the Yin and Yang department there are strong imbalances in Yin Wood, Yang Earth, and Yin Water. This shows confusions over plans, and worries, coupled with willfulness: a sure recipe for trouble. The vital element of this chart is Fire. Fire tells us to act creatively. Be productive, and stay on course.
.
The chart has the stars called arts, money storage, and peach blossom. This encourages us to act creatively, put away some money, and socialize. Look your best, and be kind to one another. The chart also has the stars of benevolence and kindness. Kindness to others brings desirable rewards. The chart also has heaven medicine star. It is favorable for people who are ill at this time. If you use your intelligence you will be able to turn a difficult matter to your advantage.
.
The full moon, in Chinese reckoning, gives us the I Ching hexagram 20 (Observation, or Watching), line 6. It advises wise contemplation from a high place. Consider danger in a time of peace. Kind deeds will pay off. If you want to understand someone's frame of mind observe his or her words and actions. Be objective, and watch your own thoughts and feelings. That way you will gain insight and avoid misfortune.

.

To follow articles such as this in astrology click on the join button at the upper right of this article.

.

Raphael is available for private astrological and psychic consultations. To find out more about Raphael's services visit www.raphaelsimons.com.

Water Rabbit Month 2/21 - 3/22

Water Rabbit month, starting on 2/21 shows the following signs in Chinese astrology. The year is Water Dragon, the month is Water Rabbit, the day is Water Rat , and the hour is Earth Rooster. The total balance of elements in this combination has six yin and four yang, showing that this month favors finishing over starting. Finish what you are doing before starting something new.

.

The elements in the chart are 3 Wood, 0 Fire, 2 Earth, 1 Metal, and 5 Water. Five Water and no Fire gives a strong yin emphasis, and overbalance of Water. This favors concentration of attention. If you concentrate of matters at hand you will be able to bring them to completion. Do not give in to fear, panic, cunning, or self-centeredness, all these being negative qualities of water. The virtue of Water is concentration and clear reflection.

.

The vital element this month is Earth. Being practical and down to earth, trustworthy and forthright, while persevering and showing courage are best.

.

This month favors people working in creative, talent related professions, such as artists, entertainers, musicians, inventors, sales persons, diplomats, and lawyers.

.

The chart contains a star called Tien Yi, or Sky Medicine. It also contains stars called Knife Blade, and the Flower of Romance. Tien Yi is the luckiest star. It is viewed as a deity who repels bad luck. She encourages people to help one another along in life.

.

Knife Blade warns against becoming intolerant and angry. Hostilities in relationships under the sign of Knife Blade presage illnesses. The Flower of Romance lends a romantic atmosphere to the month, and encourages love to blossom. If you combine the Flower of Romance with Knife Blade you have a dangerous sign. Keep your eyes open. Be careful when dealing with strangers or with people you don't quite trust.

.

There is also a star called Peach Blossom. Peach Blossom encourages you to look your best. It encourages love and brings good social standing.

.

The lunar month comes mid-way between two solar periods, the first starting on 2/4 and the second on 3/5. This adds meaning to the reading. Reduced to I Ching hexagrams, using traditional methods, the two solar periods yield hexagrams 47 and 21. Hexagram 47 is called Oppression, and Hexagram 21 is called Biting through. The combination of the two hexagrams suggests a breakthrough, and advises to be careful not to trust the wrong people, and take corrective actions where needed.

.

The signs of this month interact with the 12 zodiac signs to give the following readings.

.

Rat clashes with Rabbit. Be careful of people who waste your time and energy; you can become intolerant. On the other hand, you are attracting a lot of admiration, and can win the affection of whomever you care to charm. You are in a leading position this month. Take advantage of your opportunities.

.

Ox will do well to keep their own counsel while bearing up politely with whatever burdens are heing imposed on them. Patiently bide your time. You are strong enough to carry it all. Exercise your ability to be trustworthy and responsible.

.

Tiger is in an active month. Take advantage of all opportunities to make effective changes at work. This is a good time to travel, to move house, or to rearrange your home and/or office. If you are thinking of looking for a new professional opportunity this is a good time to do it. You are now able to turn adverse conditions to your advantage.

.

Rabbit in Rabbit month is increases friends. Through socializing you meet people willing to assist you; you may be up for a promotion. If you have recently been in a predicament it will soon resolve.

.

Dragon clashes with Rabbit. You may find yourself becoming annoyed by distractions. The month favors making money and concentrating on creative projects. People demanding too much attention will try your patience.

.

Snake is supported by Rabbit. This is a good time to socialize, especially if in connection with your work. Take advantage of an opportunity that can lead to a promotion. Friendly people are there to assist you especially if you are sharp. Notwithstanding, beware of being robbed, not necessarily literally, but robbed of an opportunity.

.

Horse is nourished by Rabbit. This is an important month for you to assert yourself, turn the tide, and take the lead. If you don't you may find yourself having to deal either with an enemy or with adverse conditions that sap your energy.

.

Sheep has a friendly relation with Rabbit. This is a fairly even, productive month that favors making money, preparing for the future, and cultivating friendly relationships.

.

Monkey is now in a period that favors being productive at work and making money. It is to your advantage to cultivate kind-heartedness, practicality and stability to avoid unnecessary obstacles. If you are in a relationship this is a very good time to deal with the practicalities.

.

Rooster is now in a period that strongly favors love and pleasure. If you are in a relationship give it your best. If you aren't in a relationship, this is a good month to meet someone new.

.

Dog has a very good relation with Rabbit. This is a good month for creative work, making, and saving money, improving your home, studying, and enjoying your relationships.

.

Pig is in a friendly, supportive relation with Rabbit. This month favors cultivating friendships while maintaining your independence. The possibilities of making money are very strong especially if you are an entrepreneur.

.

Raphael is available for personal consultations in Chinese astrology and fengshui. To find out more about Raphael's services visit www.raphaelsimons.com.

.

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

The near future of Greece in astrology

In a nutshell, Greece is headed into well over a year of upheaval in which it is very possible they will default. The default could happen in March or later this year. The current Government will fall. The Government could be seized by EU technocrats or by an autocratic faction in Greece, possibly by the military, and that will lead to further violence and upheaval later in the year. It is probable that Greece is headed into a revolution. It will take Greece well into 2015, if not later, to stabilize. In the meantime, the situation in Greece bears upon the developing crisis in the Euro Zone, which, as we shall see will be in even more hot water later this year and into 2013 than it already is.

.

The democracy of Greece was established on July 24, 1974 at 4:00 AM in Athens. At that time Venus, Mercury, and Saturn were at 3, 10, and 11 degrees Cancer, respectively. The Ascendent was at 13 degrees Cancer. And Pluto and Moon were at 4 degrees Libra. Uranus was at 23 degrees Libra, and the Sun was at 00 degrees Leo. All of these planets along with the Ascendent are involved in significant aspects from transiting Uranus and Saturn. In light of these transits to the natal chart of Greece, we can say the following.

.

Between February 26th and March 15th transiting Uranus in the 10th house will be square to Venus in the 12th house of the chart of Greece. This marks disruptions of services in public institutions, increasing poverty, desperation, rising crime, and emergency-like conditions in the Parliament. Autocratic figures in the Government are crippling the people and are meeting with more and more challenges that promise their downfall.

.

Between March 16th and April 1st we see transiting Uranus in the 10th house of the chart of Greece in opposition to Pluto and the Moon in the 4th house. This points to emergency conditions in which it is possible that Greece will default. A default can happen either at this time or later in the year. Moon and Pluto opposite Uranus is explosive. There will be a popular uprising and probable overthrow of the Government, or, at least, the current Government will be removed. There is also the danger that autocratic technocrats from the EU will seize the Government. If that happens, there will be a lot of violence later on in the year. Transiting Jupiter will come to square Mars in the 2nd house of the chart of Greece between May 30th and June 2nd, timing more economic turmoil and loss.

.

The opposition of Uranus to Greece's Moon-Pluto conjunction is in effect during the spring equinox. This means that the entire spring quarter, and the entire year following, is going to be a time of severe upheaval for Greece. No matter how you look at it, Greece is in for a severely tumultuous year. Greece is very probably going to have a revolution.

.

Saturn comes to square Greece's Sun between October 6th and 13th pointing at the serious economic depression, and the unpopularity of whatever Government is in power this coming fall. Uranus turns retrograde in July and goes back to opposition the Moon-Pluto conjunction between November 13th and January 11th, 2013. Uranus then turns from retrograde to direct on December 14th. If the default hadn't happened earlier, it may happen in December. If it happened earlier, December will still be a time of crisis and upheaval for Greece. The situation for the Euro Zone and the UK at the end of the year and into 2013, especially in January and February will also be in hot water.

.

Uranus will come to square Greece's Mercury, Saturn, and Ascendent between March 7th, and April 29th, 2014, and then again, going retrograde and turning direct, square Greece's Ascendent between October 21st, 2014 and February 18th, 2015. Greece's Ascendent is at 13 degrees Cancer. 13 Degrees Cancer is a critical degree. When Uranus is moving back and forth square to the Ascendent, Greece will be in crisis. This means, that with all that is developing now and through this and next year, Greece will be coming into a greater crisis later in 2014 and into 2015. Beyond then, the country will begin to stabilize.

.

To follow articles such as this in mundane astrology click on the join button at the upper right of this article.

.

Raphael is available for private readings and consultations. To find out more about Raphael's services visit www.raphaelsimons.com

Water Dragon year Chinese astrological predictions

The Chinese lunar new year always starts on the second new moon after the winter solstice. The new moon of January 23rd, 2012 starts the year of Water Dragon.

Chinese astrology is read from the signs of the year, month, day, and hour. The sign for the year is Water Dragon; the sign for the first month this year is Water Tiger; the sign for the first day this year is Water Sheep; and the sign for the first hour of the new year in China is Metal Monkey, in western Europe is Fire Dragon, and in the US is Water Ox.

.

The element count for the new year chart in the US is 7 Water, 3 Wood, 2 Fire, 4 Earth, and 1 Metal. The element count for the new year chart in western Europe is 6 Water, 4 Wood, 3 Fire, 4 Earth and 0 Metal. The element count for the new year in China is 6 Water, 3 Wood, 2 Fire, 4 Earth and 2 Metal. The charts for the entire world show a strong over-balance of the element Water, strongest in the US. Because of the over-balance of Water, the vital element for the year for the world is Wood. Cultivating the qualities of Wood is how we can best handle the energy of all that Water. The virtues of Wood are planning and deciding. The relationship of Water to Wood tells us that the best we can do this year is to produce, and to be mindful of business and creative work. This is a year to be productive. The charts all favor independent professions, technical professions, and entrepreneurial ventures. Wood element rules writers, artists, strategists, designers, people in information fields, all technical fields, computer engineering, website designing, architectural design and decor, graphics, public relations, media, travel, telecommunications, radio, television, the music and recording industries, the film and animation industries, photography, lighting, textiles, paper, lumber, furniture, the building trades, contracting, printing, sign making, translation services, sports-related industries, and internet business.

.

The strongest element in the charts is Water. Water points to will power. This year supports focused will power as the way to overcome fear. Go forward with the force of running water. It is a good year for making changes in business, and, for many, if you are not moving house, to rearrange your home; the year calls for refreshment and renewal.

.

The chart for western Europe has no Metal element. This points to challenges coming up in the second half of the year. No Metal means weak of boundaries. The EU is vulnerable. The situation there is fraught with challenges through the fall and into 2013.

.

The chart for China has Monkey void in the hour. That means that business in China is not as stable as China might want you to believe. It also means that China is not in as strong a position this year as they might wish to be.

.

The new year chart has what is called Academic Nobleman Star. It favors people who are intelligent and gentle, and supports great achievements in academic studies as well as in areas of research, and cultural and artistic activities. Academic Nobleman Star offers the people of the world the opportunity to peacefully turn adverse circumstances into favorable ones.

.

The over-balance of Water in the charts also points to a general tendency in the world to feel fear. The fear will be most pronounced during the first two lunations of the year, from January 23rd to March 22nd, and again through the second half of the year, but especially into the winter from November, 2012 through to February, 2013. Water is fear and trembling. There is coming turbulence in the world, notably in Europe and America. Water element also means a lot of thinking. People are working overtime in their minds more and more. A lot of nervous stress will develop. More and more people will go mad toward the end of 2012 and into 2013. It is a good time for hypnosis for stress management.

.

The over-balance of Water also points to cold. The next couple of months may be cold, but the period of November through to February, 2013 may become severely cold.

.

The Shar, or negative direction on space, in the year of Dragon is south. If you sit in your office with your back to the south, or if the head of your bed is on a south wall, you can mitigate the Shar by putting something yellow or orange behind you on the south wall for the year.

.

In the Chinese 9 Star solar calendar this is called the year of 6 Metal. It favors creative activity. This year, in the solar calendar, we find the Star of Destruction in the southeast. If, when standing in your front door, looking out, you face the southeast, put five pennies under the doormat, either inside or outside the front door, and arrange them in an inverted V formation, the point of the V pointing out the door to mitigate the destructive force coming in this year from the southeast. In addition, the Star of Sickness is in the north this year. If, when standing in your front door, looking out, you face north, put five pennies the same way under the doormat in an inverted V formation to keep your home protected from undue illness this year.

.

The signs of the year of Water Dragon bring the following general fortunes to the other signs. If you know the signs of your day of birth, you can read the fortunes for both your year and day of birth.

.

For Rat this will be a lively year. You are attracting others. This will work positively for you personally as well as professionally. Romance is in the offing. The year favors traveling, moving house, changing your work, and rearranging your home. Go after your financial prospects with confidence, and, even if you are in a romantic relationship, take needed time out for your plans and moves. You are in the lead, and need to act independently. You may have a lot to do with friends and family this year.

.

For Ox this year favors spending time alone, getting in touch with your own thoughts, managing your stress levels, and working creatively. It is best to act in the spirit of Aikido so that you yield to outside pressures as a way turning undesirable confrontations away and protecting yourself. Use money conservatively. Don't take any undue risk. Be cautions about others coming to you with demands. While you are sharp and smart, you may need to reflect on how some people can rob you, not only of money, but of your time and energy. Don't cling.

.

For Tiger this is a year for traveling, moving house, changing conditions at work, and rearranging your home. There is nothing you can't figure out and solve by using your quick mind. People will come to your aid when needed. The year strongly favors creative activity and entrepreneurial ventures. If your work is in the areas of service, tourism, art, music, theater, or any other talent related professions, this promisses to be a fruitful year.

.

For Rabbit something comes to an end this year, be it a relationship or an old condition that is no longer working. The year strongly favors sorting out your situation. Someone, or some people, will be there to help you when or if you need them. Your ability to figure things out will turn adversity to your advantage. This year favors taking better care of your health, and looking into the future. You are in a strong position, and are able to take the lead expecially where and when you act independently. You will have luck in areas of entrepreneurship and where you express your creative talents. Take advantage of whatever discord you feel this year by looking forward. This is a good year to learn something new.

.

For Dragon a battle fought is a battle won, but don't beat yourself up along the way. The year will be particularly dynamic and challenging for those of you born in 1976, the year of Fire Dragon. This year will get off to a good start if you initiate changes early; the early bird catches the worm. The year favors changes at work, moving house, and rearranging your home. It also favors putting money away. This really is the year for you to face odds and take the lead; others will look up to you. People will be making demands on you. At the same time, if you take the initiative, you will be more successful in love.

.

For Snake this year may be winding down something that has taken a long time to develop. It is a good year forexploring ways to make changes at work, move house, or rearrange your home. It is good for taking the initiative to search out different money making avenues. You will be better off if you dont fall back on the same old thing. Someone is be there for you if you need help. On the other hand, be cautious and use your sharp intelligence to protect yourself against being taken unfair advantage of, or being robbed, either of your money, time, or energy. Not everyone is to be trusted. Pay attention to your health too. The year favors using divination to look into your future. You may be developing a romantic interest.

.

For Horse restless as you naturally are, this year's signs don't advise taking off and making any undue changes. New people are coming your way, at least one with romantic intentions, whether you want to become involved or not. And, even if you are already in a relationship, you may find being alone the welcome change. The year strongly favors paying attention to yourself, taking care of your health and taking time out to look into what you want to created toward the future. Professionally, the year advises staying on even keel, and keeping the status quo.

.

For Sheep whatever you yearn for, this is not the best time for making great changes. But, as Dragon is always friendly to Sheep, this year will be ok no matter what you do or don't do. The year advises you to pay attention to what nourishes you, and to put up with with the status quo unless you are determined not to. Money will be fair if you have established a stable pattern in the past. Whatever you have been developing will continue to develop. This is not the easiest year for a relationship, but it doesn't discourage you from developing a relationship; just keep your eyes open. The year does favor developing your talents, doing creative work and being productive.

.

For Monkey this is a year for self-development. It strongly favors looking into yourself and your future by divination. It also favors developing your talents and working creatively. And while you may attract others, due to your natural charisma, you may feel more inclined to spend time alone with your ideas.

.

For Rooster this year brings romance. If you are already in a relationship, or if someone new comes along, this year will bring you a lot of pleasure. You also can make plenty of new friends and enjoy yourself with those you already have. It is a good year for social involvements and activities. A Dragon may be particularly interested in you. The year also favors learning new things, doing research, and expressing your talents. If you are an artist, this is a good year.

.

For Dog this is a challenging year in which you will get the upper hand in the matter especially in the second half of the year. It is a year for you to rely on yourself, to take the lead and hunt for those opportunities you want. Look in new areas. Start something new. A change of scenery will be interesting.

.

For Pig this year increases your energies. It is a good year for you to take initiative, and, while there are friendly people all around, to act independently. Many people will find you a source of ideas for which reason you may be of much help. Take advantage of your opportunities, especially those coming through people who are interested in what you have to say.

.

To get your own personal in-depth Chinese astrological reading you may wish to contact Raphael. To find out more about Raphael's services visit www.raphaelsimons.com

.

To subscribe to articles such as this in Chinese and western astrology click on the join button at the upper right hand of this article.

.

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

The world Zeitgeist at New Year 2011

A chart made at Greenwich, UK at midnight January 1st, 2012 gives us somthing like a snapshot of the new year now beginning to unfold. It shows us the Zeitgeist, or the mood of the world going into the new year.

The planetary aspects are fairly much equally divided between hard and easy. On the hard side we have Sun square Moon, Moon square Pluto, Sun square Uranus, Mercury square Mars, Pluto square Uranus, and an opposition between Saturn and Jupiter.

On the easy side we have Sun trine Jupiter, Jupiter sextile Neptune, Pluto trine Jupiter, and Saturn trine Neptune.

The Sun is conjunct Pluto. This is a year of needed transformations in all areas of organization. Sun conjunct Pluto also says that criminal, underworld characters are at play in it and advises to stay clear of criminal activity. The hard aspects also tell us that this is a year for needed break throughs in face of complications, and challenges. Notable figures will leave the scene forever. We can anticipate plenty of political arguments, conflict and fighting; it does not necessarily mean a new war coming, but could. If the forces in the world opposing such conflict back down there can be a new war; it hangs in a balance. The year promisses to be turbulent. There will be increasing conflict between the tyrants and those who protest them. Saturn's opposition to Jupiter shows ambivalence in business. We can expect business still to be unstable.

Looking at the easy side, the Sun trine Jupiter brings prosperity and growth. Jupiter and Saturn in good aspects with Neptune give hope for social and economic reform. Pluto trine Jupiter reforms and resolves complications. There is reason for hope.

There are 4 planets in cardinal signs, 3 planets in fixed signs, and 3 planets in mutable signs. The Sun and Moon are in cardinal signs. The year brings a lot of activity and change. Moon in dexter square Sun is forcing break throughs. Uranus behind the Moon says that we can expect some changes to be disruptive and occur suddenly and unexpectedly. Moon between Uranus and Jupiter says improvements are coming; the future looks better than the past. The Moon is in her 1st mansion. This brings many changes in business. The job market will be changeable. The Moon in this position encourages us to be proactive. Don't look for miracles; make them happen.

To follow Raphael's articles in mundane and horary astrology, click on the join button at the upper right of this article.

Raphael is available for private consultations and readings. To find out more about Raphael's services visit www.raphaelsimons.com

The New Moon of 12/24 in Astrology

Following the winter solstice, the New Moon at 2 degrees Capricorn was on 12/14 at 6:07 PM GMT. The Moon's outstanding aspects are its conjunction with Pluto, square Uranus, and trine Jupiter. The Moon is also forming parallel aspects with Venus and Mercury. Saturn is trine Neptune, and Mercury is square Mars. We also notice that Jupiter is changing direction from retrograde to direct.

While the Moon is drawing our attention to the coming Uranus square Pluto aspect, she is also pointing to Jupiter's trine with Pluto. That with her parallels with Venus and Mercury are telling us that this month will bring some positive developments and opportunities to the world. Moon trine Jupiter favors commerce and trade. It brings growth. Moon parallel Venus says the same and favors social activities, festivities, and theatrical events. It also favors diplomatic relations and affords opportunities for international understandings. Moon parallel Mercury favors commercial activities, publishing, science, and speech making. This is a significant time to listen to what political figures are saying. All in all, despite the growing tensions shown by Uranus coming to square Pluto, this is an active month for business. It opens a window of opportunity.

The Saturn trine Neptune aspect points to the people benefiting through some political reforms in the making. Trade and the markets will benefit through this Saturn/Neptune aspect.

The Mercury square Mars aspect points to coming arguments. Mercury square Mars believes that the pen is sharper than the sword. It would suggest that the interests of business and commercial interests have a good chance to override the current sword rattling, at least for the time being.

The New Moon was in the 22nd lunar mansion. The 22nd lunar mansion enhances personal power, but does not favor making loans, nor does it does favor speculating. But, it will help you if you are trying to get out of a tight spot. On the personal level, the 22nd lunar mansion casts a shadow over marriage, and cautions about dealings with women in the family. Be careful.

To follow articles such as this in mundane astrology click on the join button at the upper right hand of this article.

Raphael is available for private readings and consultations. To find out more about Raphael's services visit www.raphaelsimons.com