28 July 2024
Well I hope your week has been better than mine! That Sun – Pluto opposition was tough, the beginning of my litter of four kittens falling seriously ill one after the other. I’ve pretty much lost the whole week to dealing with the crisis, which included going into the vets three days in a row in the soaring heat in an old car that has no aircon. Not one of my better experiences!
The last trip was yesterday, and thank all the gods I’ll be getting a home vet visit on Tuesday. There’s no vet in Nidri, only in Lefkas town which is 20 – 30 mins drive away depending on traffic.
The Sun is so important re health issues, vitality, the life force itself. Pluto is the opposite, god of the underworld, linking to death, darkness and endings. And this opposition (an annual event) fell at that critical degree of 0 and in Leo (felines).
This has been a week of fear as these babies have been with me since they were born and I just had to keep praying these last few days that I’d done enough and that they’d pull through. Two of them are still very poorly.
How do you locate your pets in your chart? Can you tell if there’s going to be a crisis? The astrology of how this is showing in my own chart will be included in tomorrow’s blog.
SUN IN LEO
Here’s my write up on Leo as a Sun sign from my book Essential Astrology –
As I was re-reading the piece and looking for other celeb examples to include here I was reminded of what a very strong sign this is, and how much those classic Leo qualities are unmistakable. It shows very strongly on the Ascendant too – eg Meryl Streep, Tina Turner, and Celine Dion who I’ll be featuring in the weekly blog tomorrow.
Here are my top 20 Leos followed by the description of the sign –
- Arnold Schwarzenegger
- Barack Obama
- Ben Affleck
- Bill Clinton
- Carl Jung
- Charlize Theron
- Daniel Radcliffe
- Dua Lipa
- J K Rowling
- Jackie Kennedy Onassis
- Jennifer Lopez
- Madonna
- Marine le Pen
- Meghan Duchess of Sussex
- Mick Jagger
- Robert de Niro
- Robert Redford
- Roger Federer
- Sandra Bullock
- Whitney Houston
Ruling planet: The Sun
Symbol: The Lion
Element and Mode: Fixed Fire
Key Phrase: I create
Spot the Leo
You only have to think of a fully grown lion to get the Leo picture. Regal, proud, sometimes imposing or magnificent, sometimes just plain cuddly these individuals are hard to miss, not that they would let you. This sign commands attention and Leos have a way of announcing themselves. While everyone else may walk into a room a typical Leo, consciously or not, makes an entrance and turns heads.
Leo rules the back and you can often spot this sign by their straight spines and excellent posture. Look out too for the graceful feline movements, the big cat profile, the broad face, Roman nose and the mane. Many Leos have long, thick or shaggy hair, and the women generally prefer to be blonde or to “big up” their tresses with highlights. Also look for sun kissed faces, bright clothing and statement jewelry.
The Leo Nature
As the only sign ruled by the Sun so are Leo individuals the center of their own universes. They have a knack for being at the heart of things, the one around whom all others revolve, and they make wonderful hosts.
The Sun rules the monarchy, pomp and circumstance and Leos are the kings and queens of the zodiac. They thrive on “strokes”, which they will court, either blatantly or subtly, and they gravitate towards the warmth of good feeling and bask in the rays.
Here is the image of the Big Cat, luxuriating, yawning and purring, at nobody’s beck and call but their own. Some Leos do have a tendency to indolence in this respect, but usually in this contented, relaxed, “don’t bother me” way.
Leo rules the heart too and this sign is hearty and expansive. You do get the small cat introverts but more typically a Leo is the one holding centre stage, lapping up attention and compliments. They also revel in a drama and can easily create one when life gets too tame, but all they really want is to be adored.
Love & Relationships
Leos are often the backbone of their family. They secretly like to think that everything would fall apart if they weren’t there holding it all together and, up to a point, they are probably right. They do however need to guard against arrogance, bossiness or interference.
They have to learn to bite their lip or look the other way when their fingers itch to take over a job, especially when preserving family relationships and equilibrium.
To be happy in love their golden rule is never to settle for half measures. Playing the hated second fiddle is never a workable option. The ideal Leo partner is someone who wants to make them the centre of their world, someone who makes no secret of their adoration, who is their number one fan, fiercely loyal and lavish with their praise, time, love – and money. Meanness is a Leo’s biggest no-no. They need a mate who takes genuine pleasure in spoiling them and boosting their confidence.
Big hearted, warm and generous they will naturally attract a gathering but genuine friendships are more hard won. They place enormous value on their personal dignity and find it hard to let the mask slip. Ask them how they are and nine times out of ten they will answer anything from “fine” to “fabulous”, no matter what ordeal or hardships they may be going through.
Vocation
Lions are at their best when they are Top Cat and ideally need to be self employed, the boss or in a position of responsibility. They are natural born organizers and have their biggest chance of success in any managerial or promotional role that allows bold self expression and creativity.
They love to stamp any enterprise with their own individual hallmark and strait jackets of any kind are a death knell. This sign rules jobs connected to the stage, amusements and gambling and produces many mesmerizing entertainers and performers.
True, they may have a tendency to take over at the drop of a hat, but such is the nature of their entrepreneurial spirit. They have vision as well as creativity, they can see how something needs to be done and they take a fierce pride in whatever stirs their dedication.
However, this is nearly always as much for personal satisfaction as for public acclaim. In the process the Leo lesson is to allow space for other people’s needs, opinions and egos, as embodied in their opposite sign of Aquarius, the sign of the group and objectivity. They may learn the hard way that pride goes before a fall but they have the courage to dust themselves off and start all over again.
Health
Both the Sun and Leo rule the heart and the back, the two major “life supports” of the body. Many Leos will suffer from a back problem of some kind in the course of their lives, especially when they feel unsupported, unneeded or unappreciated. This can lead to inertia, depression or illness and there is nothing sadder than an unloved Leo.
More than any other sign Leos thrive and survive on unconditional regard and wither without it. A broken heart or a healthy heart, so much depends on their ability to find personal happiness and contentment. Cholesterol levels are also especially important for this sign.
Solar herbs are sun seeking and life giving, including sunflower, sundew, passion-flower, saffron, heart trefoil, marigold and juniper. All citrus fruits also belong to the Sun and Leo.
In a nutshell: creative, proud, warm, self reliant, efficient, assured.
Textbook Leos
Fame and fortune for pure creative talent goes to J K Rowling for her magical hero Harry Potter. The books, movies and merchandise have made her a multimillionaire and she donates large sums to charity.
Madonna, the extrovert and frequently controversial Queen of Pop, famous for both her outrageous performances and her business acumen that has made her one of the top female earners of all time in the music industry.
Roger Federer, the ultimate athlete with the speed and agility of the Big Cat, turning every tennis match into a grand performance and captured as King Arthur for Disney by famous photographer Annie Leibovitz
SYNASTRY
Ever since I decided to do a Summer School course next year on relationships and synastry I keep seeing brilliant examples, maybe just because it’s on my radar more than usual, but also because there’s always a magical thread being pulled when an idea starts to appear and take shape for us.
Note that synastry is just as important in working relationships as it is in personal ones. Annie Leibovitz has her Mars exactly conjunct Federer’s Sun, both at 15 Leo, just brilliant for her artistry of capturing him wielding a huge sword, symbol of war.
SUMMER SCHOOL 2024 – 25
Two more courses to come in September, scroll down for those. Next season not fully decided but taking shape, two courses in June as usual, and two in September, the second week to be decided –
2025
WEDNESDAY 4 JUNE
8 of 10 Places Available
- SYNASTRY & THE ASTROLOGY OF RELATIONSHIPS with Joanna
WEDNESDAY 11 JUNE
7 of 10 Places Available
- MOONOLOGY – with Elisabeth Brooke
WEDNESDAY 3 SEPTEMBER
9 of 10 Places Available
- TAROT & ASTROLOGY with Joanna
Let me know if you’re interested in any of these weeks. Doesn’t commit you, just gives you first dibs. Full course descriptions available on request but will do a summer school separate mailing soon and let you know when they’re up on my website.
THE WEEKLY BLOG
Work in progress today and tomorrow morning, will be mailed out tomorrow Monday as usual.
NEXT WEEK’S BLOG will include –
- Monthly Lunar conjunctions – this week to Uranus, Mars & Jupiter
- Venus’ last week in Leo, and difficult aspects to navigate before changing sign
- New Moon 12 Leo
- Mercury SR – stationing to turn retrograde in a week’s time. How can we prepare?
- Celine Dion’s horoscope – her marriage, health and comeback
HOW TO SUBSCRIBE
- The weekly blog is 3k words, has now been going out every Monday for over 15 years
- How is the current astrology showing, relevant horoscopes, plenty of astrological craft tips and how to make sense of the week ahead
- Anyone can sign up via the PayPal box on my home page https://joannawatters.com/
- Or you can skip signup boxes and contact me direct for the fast track option
SUBSCRIPTION RATES
- Annual subscription £62.00 (£1.19 a week)
- Monthly subscription £6.45 (£1.46 a week)
- SINGLE ISSUE – any week, any time £1.65
SUMMER SCHOOL SEPTEMBER 2024
WEDNESDAY 4 SEPTEMBER
How to do Readings – with Joanna
https://joannawatters.com/course/astrology-readings/
Intermediate Astrology
Astrology is a fascinating and lifelong journey. It’s the gift that carries on giving. But do you sometimes wonder if you’re going to be the eternal student? Have you been studying astrology on and off, or even continuously, for years but still find yourself up against the stumbling blocks of accurate interpretation? Or do you see what something means but find it hard to communicate the info to others, including potential clients?
This course will teach you how to zoom in on the workings of each individual horoscope. You’ll learn how to take a chart apart and put it back together again, and in the process I’ll be showing you how to explain and communicate your findings, even to someone who knows no astrology at all.
You’ll also learn how to use the Ephemerides quickly and effectively, going straight to the important dates in an individual’s life, for the past, present and future. You’ll learn how to pack all these natal and predictive components into a consultation time of an hour and a quarter.
We’ll be working on your own horoscope and students are also encouraged to bring along another horoscope, one that interests you or, with permission, one that you might already be preparing for someone known to you. From horoscopes we are taught!
The aim of the course then is to equip you with the tools for doing effective readings for others, whether it’s for your own enjoyment or for preparing to embark upon your own client work.
WEDNESDAY 11 SEPTEMBER
Unlocking the Secrets of Medieval Astrology – with Chris Mitchell
Suitable for all levels
https://joannawatters.com/course/medieval-astrology-secrets/
https://almuten.co.uk/index.php/courses/
I’m delighted to announce that Chris Mitchell is returning for the second year running. This was a hugely successful week last year and for new or returning students this is a wonderful opportunity to learn from Chris in the perfect setting.
Chris is the total package – a fabulous teacher and a great socialiser, tireless and brilliant at looking after the group out of hours. You will never be on your own in the evenings unless you wish to be.
Chris’s area of expertise is the history of astrology and he’s a tutor on the Cultural Astronomy and Astrology MA course at the University of Wales.
Chris writes:
As modern astrologers, we’re used to drawing up charts in seconds on a computer, and using numerous techniques, outer planet transits and a psychological language to work with our clients. Ours is a rich and subtle art. How, then, did medieval astrologers manage with just seven planets and five aspects? Was theirs simply a limited cut-down version of what we have available to us in modern astrology? How did a society rife with political intrigue and power struggles, and the Black Death, do meaningful astrology without Pluto?
In this course, we’ll discover some of the richness of medieval astrology. Despite the lack of outer planets and modern techniques, medieval astrologers had a surprisingly large toolkit of methods lost to modern astrology. The recent resurgence of modern translations of ancient texts means that these fascinating methods have been rediscovered and can be adapted to our modern lives too. Join us and find out how you can incorporate these rich techniques into your own studies or practice.
This medieval astrology course is suitable for beginners and experienced astrologers alike, and will demonstrate some of the richness of medieval astrology that you can put to use in your own charts. Here’s an outline of what we’ll be exploring – there are plenty of hands-on practical sessions in an informal and friendly setting:
DAY 1
Stories of the Sky: where does our astrology come from?
The Sky is our Canvas: find your way round the night sky, and why the zodiac is so important.
The Medieval Theatre: meet the cast – the planets.
DAY 2
Who’s in charge around here? Finding your strongest planet. Essential dignities, and a practical session.
Friends and enemies: medieval friendship, aspects, and orbs.
How did I end up in this situation? Accidental dignity, and a practical session.
DAY 3
Working together: reception and a practical.
Welcome to my humble abode: medieval houses.
Give us today our daily bread – Arabic Parts. Find your Part of Fortune.
What’s round the corner? Medieval prediction: profections, solar returns and practicals.
DAY 4
Mapping out your life: Firdaria, and a scary-sounding technique.
Putting it all together: How to do a medieval chart delineation for yourself and others.
As well as the sessions on the four study days, I’ll be making a detailed handout available for you to download when you get home, and we’ll have plenty of chances to socialise over a glass or two – and I’ll show you how to do a bit of “quick and dirty” medieval fortune telling!
ALL ENQUIRIES & ANY QUESTIONS, NO MATTER HOW SMALL, EMAIL ME DIRECTLY joannaw@otenet.gr or WHATSAPP 00306976296085
