The Astrology Blog 11 April 2022
All times in BST
“I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.”
Number 1 of the 5 Top Deathbed Wishes – as written by a hospice nurse about her cancer patients
“It is not true that people stop pursuing dreams because they grow old, they grow old because they stop pursuing dreams.”
Gabriel García Márquez – 6 March 1927, Sun conjunct Jupiter in Pisces
https://www.astrotheme.com/astrology/Gabriel_Garc%C3%ADa_M%C3%A1rquez
READINGS IN APRIL
2 of 15 SLOTS AVAILABLE
A reminder that the usual “Mercury turning direct” readings during the week that Mercury turns and throughout the following couple of weeks, up until Mercury comes “out of shadow”, are not going to be possible next time around. Mercury will turn direct 3 June, in the middle of the first Summer School courses, so the next readings have been brought forwards and are scheduled for the few weeks prior to Mercury turning retrograde (10 May at 4 Gemini).
This means starting from Tuesday 12 April. There are 2 of the 15 slots available and you can choose from –
- Astrology – 45 mins/£75.00 – looking at where Mercury will turn retrograde in your chart and how that fits in with the other astrological activity happening for you now and over the next 6 months
- Tarot & Astrology 1 hour/£95 – looking at your general situation and answering specific questions with tarot spreads, and how the cards reflect the astrology currently unfolding in your own chart
I’ll include a look at the huge Jupiter – Neptune conjunction too so that you can see to what extent this major event is relevant for you.
THE WEEK AHEAD
Here’s your “at a glance” rundown of the main features of this week, and the beginning of next. You can see it’s action packed, two big conjunctions, starting with the hugely hyped Jupiter – Neptune and ending with the Mercury – Uranus in the early hours of next Monday, which in turn is linking up with Venus and falling immediately after the Libra Full Moon –
Monday 11 April
- Mercury ingress Taurus 03.11
Tuesday 12 April
- Jupiter conjunct Neptune 24 Pisces 15.46
Wednesday 13 April
- Sun 23 Aries sextile Saturn 23 Aquarius 01.16
Thursday 14 April
- Sun 24 Aries semi-sextile Neptune 24 Pisces 00.50
- Sun 24 Aries semi-sextile Jupiter 24 Pisces 09.15
Friday 15 April
- Mars ingress Pisces 04.07
Saturday 16 April
- Full Moon 27 Libra 19.56
Monday 18 April
- Mercury 13 Taurus sextile Venus 13 Pisces 02.10
- Mercury conjunct Uranus 13 Taurus 05.52
- Venus sextile Uranus 13 Taurus 16.12
JUPITER – NEPTUNE
Tuesday 12 April
- Jupiter conjunct Neptune 24 Pisces 15.46
Thursday 14 April
- Sun 24 Aries semi-sextile Neptune 24 Pisces 00.50
- Sun 24 Aries semi-sextile Jupiter 24 Pisces 09.15
Friday 15 April
- Mars ingress Pisces 04.07
So the huge Jupiter – Neptune conjunction is upon us, the Sun plays into the conjunction and Mars then also arrives in Pisces, it’s getting more and more watery by the minute and the astrological news is full of words like psychic, magic and miracles. Well, bring it on, and am certainly not saying that these things are not possible, but why are these words so linked with this conjunction/sign, and what can we really expect to see with such a rare event dominating our skies?
Starting with some context, slow moving Neptune has a cycle of 165 years whereas Jupiter’s cycle is 12 years, which is why Jupiter catches up with Neptune once every 13 years and in consecutive signs. The last one was a three-legged conjunction in Aquarius (May, July and December 2009) and the next one will be in Aries on 23 March 2035.
So it follows then that these conjunctions, in terms of signs, repeat every 140 years-ish, so they’re always one offs. And this one is considered to be super special as these two planets come together in their own sign – Jupiter (traditional ruler) and Neptune (modern, or co-ruler). This will never happen again in any of our lifetimes.
Here are the themes to look out for, especially if you have planets or Angles at or very close to 24 Pisces, the opposite sign of Virgo or the other Mutable signs of Gemini and Sagittarius –
Mr Big Jupiter – main principle is expansion, including things like inflation, but usually anything that makes our life bigger and better. Known as the Greater Benefic Jupiter brings the things or the people into our lives that are helpful and good for us. Planet of opportunity, luck, liberation, good fortune, abundance, generosity both giving and receiving, learning, publishing, truth and justice/all legal concerns. Long distance travel, foreigners, and all matters or people related to overseas.
Neptune – main principle is Redemption. He rules our night world of sleep and dreams, and any altered state of consciousness. He is god of the seas, rules everything to do with water/liquids, and psychologically his realm is fusion, the boundless watery world of the emotions, ruling the fuzzy world of falling in love right through to the suffering of loss, grief or personal sacrifice. On the plus side the Neptunian nature is magical, healing, boundlessly imaginative, empathic with highly developed instincts or psychic talents. The trickier side is subtle, seductive and addictive – ruling alcohol and recreational drugs as well as pharmaceuticals – mysterious, confusing or disorientating.
Pisces – sign of Mutable Water, belongs to the 12th and final House, the realm of suffering or sacrifice, the Vale of Tears. An excerpt adapted from Be Your Own Astrologer –
Like water Pisceans will take the shape of the vessel, easily or unconsciously fitting into other people’s moulds and expectations. If they confuse you that’s nothing compared to what they do to themselves. Finding their own firm sense of self is possibly their biggest challenge.
Pisceans are also natural rescuers. They will do anything for you, especially if you are in genuine need. They are also great at getting you to do things for them, in a subtle way that is not immediately obvious. The attraction to those who suffer and the collapse of personal boundaries can unfortunately lead to all kinds of relationship disasters. Often their own need to be rescued is projected on to others and the lesson to be learned is that they cannot heal a lover’s early trauma or support the struggling artist forever. …
Dreamy Pisceans often struggle with the realities of physical, day to day life on dry land. They have to figure out a way of satisfying their creative appetites as well as paying the bills. Once they find their way upstream they can achieve great things, but until this turn is made they can only splash around in the shallows, small fishes in big ponds. It is vital for a Pisces, however, to find their true vocation. Although they are highly adaptable the grind of the average soulless 9 to 5 can make them depressed or ill. Usually they are born along with a natural gift, something innate that could never be taught.
Inside every Pisces is a thespian struggling to get out. Many wonderful actors are born under this sign, they can be whoever you want them to be, and you can also add an astounding number of theatre workers, musicians, writers, artists and poets to the list.
Just from these themes and keywords you can now see how the magical and miraculous would certainly fit the bill, as would a “take” – a possible meaning that fits the symbolism – of world peace. Let’s pray that some of that finds its way to Ukraine. Russia is suffering too with a collapsing economy and soaring inflation, apparently some foodstuffs have nearly doubled in price since the beginning of the year and millions are in danger of losing their jobs.
But with Neptune’s links to liquids and gas there’s a glimmer of hope in the headline of a statement from Dr Illarionov , a former aide to Putin, who says that if Western countries “would try to implement a real embargo on oil and gas exports from Russia… I would bet that probably within a month or two, Russian military operations in Ukraine, probably will be ceased, will be stopped”.
https://www.bbc.com/news/business-61040424
With Jupiter you can put the word “big” in front of all the Neptune concerns – so everything from Big Dreams to Big Grief. It’s easy to see how the flipside of magic might be intensely emotional experiences, situations that bring overwhelm or suffering on a large scale.
PERSONAL HOROSCOPES
A few weeks ago I was talking about the importance of the correlation between current planetary alignments and natal ones. In other words, if a current feature reflects one in your own chart then it will be extra significant for you. For example, we had the Venus – Saturn conjunction at the end of March, important for all of us but especially so if you have Venus and Saturn in any relationship in any signs in your own horoscope.
At the time I was writing about the release of Raif Badawi, we don’t have a time of birth for him but natally he has a Jupiter – Neptune conjunction. As these slow moving planets hardly shift in the space of 24 hours he has Jupiter 28 Sagittarius conjunct Neptune at 29 Sagittarius, regardless of the time of birth. Without the time we just don’t know which house this conjunction occupies.
https://www.astrotheme.com/astrology/Raif_Badawi
So even if you haven’t got natal planets or Angles close to this Jupiter – Neptune degree (24 Pisces) you might find that this conjunction is especially relevant for you if you’re a Neptunian. By this I mean if you have Neptune or any other planets in Pisces strongly placed in your horoscope.
Neptunian types are primarily sensitive, often artistic, vulnerable and acutely receptive to other people’s feelings and moods, running the gamut from empathy to paranoia. And as noted earlier they often have some kind of gift that nobody could possibly teach them, or which they couldn’t possibly teach in return, they’re just born with it. For example –
- Princess Diana, Sun in Cancer, Neptune in Scorpio and Chiron (the Wounded Healer) in Pisces, all linked to each other in a Grand Trine and to Pluto (creating an aspect pattern called a Kite). This reflects the life and personality of a woman who captured the imagination of the world, known for her emotional wounds and for the empathic skills that characterized her charity work. When she died her key charities said that she was simply irreplaceable.
Have you noticed that all of your Neptunian or Jupiterian friends are suddenly filling up your inbox, claiming your thoughts and attention, or is it just me lol? So many of mine are full of news, and here are the ones that have popped up just in the last few days –
- Moving into a house by the sea (natal Sun Scorpio trine Jupiter in Pisces)
- Recognising that an abusive relationship can never change and the need to reclaim own life and dreams (natal Sun at 23 Pisces, Jupiter conjunct Neptune in Scorpio conjunct the Descendant)
- Clearing a parent’s house after their death, an experience of “emotional overwhelm” (a natal Grand Trine of Sun Pisces, Mars Scorpio, Uranus Cancer)
- A sudden illness and the need for meds (natal Sun opposite Neptune, Moon conjunct Mercury in Pisces)
The Jupiter – Neptune combo is visionary and I think is also very much linked to plans and dreams that are now getting started, the things that can’t happen immediately but which are taking definite shape for the future. So it’s timely to remember that Jupiter just loves to sow seeds. Take special note of what unfolds for you right now and during the next few weeks, the conversations or thoughts you’re having, the events you’re experiencing, as you may well look back on this week as pivotal.
JUPITER – NEPTUNE RESCUER V VICTIM
Judging from my current client work and other personal stories from friends I think it’s worth paying attention to this huge theme, and it’s why I chose the deathbed wish for one of this week’s quotes. One close friend actually said the words, do I get out and change my life or do I just roll over and lie there with all four limbs in the air?
In the world of celebs it’s interesting that it’s Jada and not her husband Will Smith who has the natal Jupiter – Neptune conjunction, but it’s Will who’s having the big transit as his Jupiter – Pluto is at 20 – 23 Virgo, the opposite sign. I realize now that in spite of what else we might think of the event, Jada actually didn’t need “rescuing”. She’s a powerful woman in her own right with a personal net worth of $50 million. This is without doubt having a massive impact on their relationship and it’s the end of any more Oscar dreams for Will.
https://www.astrotheme.com/astrology/Will_Smith
https://www.astrotheme.com/astrology/Jada_Pinkett_Smith
But there are all kinds of rescuing other than misplaced and ill timed acts of impulse! The important thing is to distinguish between the well timed gift of much needed helping hands and the kind of rescuing that springs from being manipulated, consciously or unconsciously, by someone else’s neediness and which consequently destroys lives.
For example, when we donate to Ukraine or any other fund raising to help those who literally can’t help themselves, this is doing our bit and it feels right. When we go out of our way for friends at the expense of our own time or needs, knowing without doubt that they will be there for us too when the roles are reversed, this also feels right. It’s called unconditional love – no conditions, no agenda, no strings attached. Like Juliet to Romeo –
My bounty is as boundless as the sea
My love as deep; the more I give to thee
The more I have, for both are infinite
Conditional love is “you owe me” and keeps a secret balance sheet. And whenever we get the word “rescuing” we get the word “enabling” trotting along beside it. What does that mean? It’s compassion gone wrong, when what is intended or thought of as help is actually only perpetuating a problem or an unhealthy situation, like buying an alcoholic another drink. Like constantly bailing out your children or lending money, again, to someone whose life is chaotic, watching it being swallowed up, never to be repaid. Like constantly sorting out other people’s problems, constantly rushing to the rescue, while the “poor me” victim stays in passivity.
If you recognize any of this in yourself or in a personal relationship the big watchword is BOUNDARIES. As one of my students posted a while back on Facebook, words from her own brother which I quoted at the time but which are definitely worth repeating –
The only people who get upset about your setting boundaries are the ones who were benefitting from your having none
Brilliant!
WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING THIS WEEK?
Wednesday 13 April
- Sun 23 Aries sextile Saturn 23 Aquarius 01.16
Saturday 16 April
- Full Moon 27 Libra 19.56
Monday 18 April
- Mercury 13 Taurus sextile Venus 13 Pisces 02.10
- Mercury conjunct Uranus 13 Taurus 05.52
- Venus sextile Uranus 13 Taurus 16.12
I’m not a great fan of the Lights (Sun or Moon) being in aspect to Saturn (enemy of the Lights, being in detriment in their signs of Leo and Cancer respectively) but this one has some good things going for it – the Sun in his sign of exaltation, Saturn in one of his signs of dignity, and the aspect is the harmonious sextile, the planets being in masculine signs exactly two signs apart.
After all that boundlessness of the Jupiter – Neptune there’s a definite sense here of order and method. Definitely a time for putting boundaries to the test and enjoying the positive results. Definitely a time for imposing order on chaos. Anything that needs organisational skills should prosper so well worth some extra effort.
Mercury has just arrived in Taurus, our only earth until the Sun also moves into this sign in the middle of next week, so that’s also something we associate with “down to earth” or stability. For me it’s showing literally as this is the week that I get started on the garden and the flowers, time to get my hands dirty! After a very cold winter it’s glorious to have sunshine again with all the doors wide open.
But Mercury isn’t working alone, we’ve got the conjunction with Uranus (once a year) coming up at 13 Taurus which coincides with Venus also arriving at 13 degrees of Pisces. Regular readers will know that I usually refer to Uranus as the rug puller, he’s the opposite to stability and loves to shake the ground under our feet, but on this occasion I think we’ll also see his better side. Any Mercury – Venus combinations are good news, and Uranus in the mix can be surprises or spontaneity of the welcome kind as well as those wtf moments! So also be prepared for changes of plan and look out for hidden costs, as both Taurus and Venus rule money. Keep it real.
Uranus also rules the collective and groups so again this is already showing for me in terms of summer school. It seems that everyone is determined to travel and I’ve never had courses book up so far in advance. I can’t wait to get started.
Finally in the middle of all this rather crazy week is the Full Moon in Libra, sign of the Scales that is associated with indecision and weighing things up. While those factors may well be in play the real issue for Libra is relationships as the two sides of the Scales symbolise the balancing act of relating, how what one person does automatically affects the other. This is underlined by the fact that in the natural sequence of things Libra belongs to the 7th House of partnership.
Full Moons, coming full circle, enlightenment, new faces coming into the picture, relationship issues in the spotlight whatever those might be, heightened emotions and things going temporarily crazy in a fun or intense way, depending on your context. Certainly if you’re single and searching then I would say this is a top week for meeting someone but it’s also a top week for “make or break” in any troubled relationship, most likely break for the ones that are clearly already well past their sell by date.
Whatever we need to do to feel alive, fully alive, may well include putting our love lives high on the list of priorities or, if needed, under scrutiny. But it will probably also include following at least one dream that has so far gone unfulfilled. Take a long hard look at what has been holding you back and a long hard look at how you can start creating fulfilment instead of regrets.
The five top deathbed wishes article is something I’ve posted several times in the past but it moves me afresh every single time and the full version is below. It reminds us of how vitally important it really is to honour our dreams. In the spirit of Jupiter – Neptune we’re in a time of onward journeys and “sea changes” – notable transformations. Your life is yours – don’t sacrifice it,
Until next week, with love from Greece
Joanna
https://www.astrotheme.com/astrology/Will_Smith
https://www.astrotheme.com/astrology/Jada_Pinkett_Smith
https://www.astrotheme.com/astrology/Raif_Badawi
5 Top Deathbed Wishes – written by a hospice nurse about her cancer patients …
- I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.
This was the most common regret of all. When people realise that their life is almost over and look back clearly on it, it is easy to see how many dreams have gone unfulfilled. Most people had not honoured even a half of their dreams and had to die knowing that it was due to choices they had made, or not made.
It is very important to try and honour at least some of your dreams along the way. From the moment that you lose your health, it is too late. Health brings a freedom very few realise, until they no longer have it.
2. I wish I hadn’t worked so hard.
This came from every male patient that I nursed. They missed their children’s youth and their partner’s companionship. Women also spoke of this regret. But as most were from an older generation, many of the female patients had not been breadwinners. All of the men I nursed deeply regretted spending so much of their lives on the treadmill of a work existence.
By simplifying your lifestyle and making conscious choices along the way, it is possible to not need the income that you think you do. And by creating more space in your life, you become happier and more open to new opportunities, ones more suited to your new lifestyle.
- I wish I’d had the courage to express my feelings.
Many people suppressed their feelings in order to keep peace with others. As a result, they settled for a mediocre existence and never became who they were truly capable of becoming. Many developed illnesses relating to the bitterness and resentment they carried as a result.
We cannot control the reactions of others. However, although people may initially react when you change the way you are by speaking honestly, in the end it raises the relationship to a whole new and healthier level. Either that or it releases the unhealthy relationship from your life. Either way, you win.
- I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.
Often they would not truly realise the full benefits of old friends until their dying weeks and it was not always possible to track them down. Many had become so caught up in their own lives that they had let golden friendships slip by over the years. There were many deep regrets about not giving friendships the time and effort that they deserved. Everyone misses their friends when they are dying.
It is common for anyone in a busy lifestyle to let friendships slip. But when you are faced with your approaching death, the physical details of life fall away. People do want to get their financial affairs in order if possible. But it is not money or status that holds the true importance for them. They want to get things in order more for the benefit of those they love. Usually though, they are too ill and weary to ever manage this task. It all comes down to love and relationships in the end. That is all that remains in the final weeks, love and relationships.
- I wish that I had let myself be happier.
This is a surprisingly common one. Many did not realise until the end that happiness is a choice. They had stayed stuck in old patterns and habits. The so-called ‘comfort’ of familiarity overflowed into their emotions, as well as their physical lives. Fear of change had them pretending to others, and to their selves, that they were content. When deep within, they longed to laugh properly and have silliness in their life again.
When you are on your deathbed, what others think of you is a long way from your mind. How wonderful to be able to let go and smile again, long before you are dying.