This is the free fortnightly newsletter that goes out to everyone on my general mailing list, even if you haven’t subscribed to the weekly blog. This newsletter contains info about the content of this and next week’s blog and how to subscribe if you’d like to.
You’ll also find updates on Summer School courses for September, the lowdown on Leo, and info about Gemini and Cancer as Rising Signs, the second pair in a series on Ascendants that I started last time.
I’ve noticed countless times how everyone loves to talk about rising signs and in fact that was the subject of my last workshop in London that got cancelled in April 2020 because of the pandemic. But this topic will be a significant part of the course material for the Astrology of Relationships, first course in September that is now suddenly less than 6 weeks away! There are 2 places left for that week, scroll down for more.
NEXT WEEK’S BLOG
If you’re not already on the subscribers list and missing the weekly blog you can start your subscription from last week and get the 17 July issue today, or start receiving on Monday.
Topics covered in last week’s blog (3.5k words) include –
- Horoscopes for – Huw Edwards, Wimbledon champions Markéta Vondrousová, Carlos Alcaraz and the astrology of winners, who to put your money on!
- The lowdown on a stationing retrograde Venus – how this was showing in terms of Venus being love & sex, money, and – in the Sun’s sign of Leo – heat
- How Venus’ five retrograde periods within every 8 years creates a five-pointed star or rose pattern – what is repeating in your own life?
- The Mars – Saturn opposition – why is it so tough?
- New Moon in Cancer
- How Jupiter and Uranus are already working as a team – many months ahead of their exact and rare conjunction
WHAT’S COMING UP THIS WEEK?
It’s a quiet week in terms of hardly any major aspects being formed but the backdrop has a lot to say.
- THE MOON’S NODES – What are they and why do astrologers attach so much importance to them? They take 18.6 years to complete a cycle, changing sign approx. every 18 months. This has just happened, North Node into Aries so South Node into Libra – what might this mean?
- MERCURY also steals the headlines with one more aspect to before changing sign
- That aspect is a conjunction with A NEWLY RETROGRADE VENUS 28 Leo, who will be retrograde for the next 6 weeks – what might this mean?
- Mercury then enters his feminine sign of Virgo (masculine and better known rulership is Gemini) at the end of the week
- IMPORTANT! Mercury will get as far as 22 Virgo and then turn retrograde 23 August – how can we prepare?
- Because of the retrograde loop Mercury’s speed changes dramatically and will be in Virgo from 28 July until 5 October
- How to get the best out of the Mercury in Virgo combo
HOW TO RECEIVE THE WEEKLY BLOG
It’s easy to subscribe to the mailing, just click on this link and it will take you straight to the blog page on my website –
Scroll down and you will see 2 payment options, for monthly or annually –
- Monthly subscription of £5.95 – works out at £1.37 a week
- Annual subscription £57.00 – works out at 20% less over the year, at £1.09 a week
You DON’T have to have a PayPal account to use the PayPal button. You can pay as a guest using the yellow button. Ignore the black one, it’s more complicated but PayPal just automatically put it there.
OR you can skip the online purchasing procedure completely and do bank transfer, just reply to this newsletter or start a new email joannaw@otenet.gr
GREEK ISLAND SUMMER SCHOOL – SEPTEMBER COURSES
All courses comprise of 4 study days during your week and are £345.00. Group meals arranged for all evenings, more info about all courses on request.
WEDNESDAY 30 AUGUST – The Astrology of Relationships – with Joanna
2 of 10 PLACES AVAILABLE
Level – Beginners/Refreshers, but this is a fast moving course, so even if you’re a higher level you can still learn a lot and plug your gaps!
Any practising astrologer will tell you that it’s virtually unheard of to do a reading that doesn’t include questions about love, marriage or affairs. So the focus will be on putting theory into practice, working on plenty of horoscopes including your own.
WEDNESDAY 6 SEPT – How to Make Predictions – with Sally Kirkman
Suitable for all levels
SORRY – NOW FULL
For future reference I’m sure this won’t be the last time we see Sally Kirkman in Greece. Sally is brilliant at prediction work in connection to events – eg she got all five categories right for the last Oscars – and her series of books on Sun signs show that she knows her astrology inside out.
WEDNESDAY 13 SEPT – Cards & Charts on the Table – with Joanna
Refreshers/Intermediate Tarot & Beginners Astrology
2 of 10 PLACES AVAILABLE
A repeat of the June course but with more focus on the tarot, especially in relation to card meanings and how to interpret your cards within the context of specific spreads. Introducing astrology to enrich your understanding of the cards and to assist with timing measures.
ONE BEACH STUDIO LEFT where four other students are staying – this link will take you to a series of photos for the room, 2nd floor, mountain view at 60€ per night.
link http://www.aktistudios.eu/Images/sitephotos/2ndFloor/8/images.html
FLIGHTS
Prices change all the time. The best way to keep track is to use Skyscanner. Here’s the link if you want to check prices and the destination airport is Preveza (PVK), 45 min transfer to Nidri –
THE LOWDOWN ON LEO
So tomorrow at 02.52 BST the Sun enters his own sign of Leo, sign of Fixed Fire, less than ten minutes after the Big Event which is Venus turning retrograde in Leo.
Here in Greece it’s definitely a case of living in fiery conditions as there’s no respite from the heatwave with temperatures sticking at 39 – 42, with a “feels like” hotter of several degrees on top. You may have seen from the news that there have been the inevitable horrors of wildfires, across southern Europe and parts of Greece, but thankfully not on Lefkada so far.
I’m aware that I haven’t answered several emails, info and readings requests but please forgive me, this kind of heat puts a stop to normal functioning. It isn’t just a question of feeling too hot, big heat drains your energy out of every pore and even the simplest of tasks are exhausting. As the day goes on any kind of mental sharpness is replaced with brain fog. This feature will give you an idea …
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-66273287
The weekly blog averages 3k words and last week I ended up doing it in three sittings, my study was unbearable after 1pm. It’s at the front of the house and under full sun in the afternoons.
But the good news is that I’ve had a new aircon unit fitted in my study (the other two units in the house don’t reach this room) and it’s life changing. You still have to move in and out of the heat as daily life goes on, but to come home to a cooler house is heaven on earth, and I can now work into the afternoon without wanting to pass out.
And you can sleep better, but don’t recommend sleeping with aircon on all night, it dries you out! Some years ago a friend of mine who’s a great cook did all the catering for her daughter’s wedding, left all the dishes under cloths and left the aircon on so it wouldn’t go off, and woke up to unrecognizable lumps of dried up food that all had to be thrown away. She said it was the worst day of her life, not hard to believe.
Anyway back to Leo, here’s the lowdown on the Kings and Queens of the Zodiac from my book, just been relaunched last week under the title of Essential Astrology. This link takes you to the book on Amazon, and it’s a timely moment to announce that the other reason for the new aircon unit is I’m now starting a new book, more info on that in the coming weeks –
Spot the Leo
You only have to think of a full 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 – who in turn has Mars (men) at 15 Leo exactly conjunct Federer’s Sun also at 15 Leo. He was the perfect candidate for her photography project!
THE ASCENDANT – or RISING SIGN
These sections on the Rising Signs are also taken from my book but I’ve updated the celebrity lists at the end. Go back to the last free newsletter for the full write up that explains what the rising sign is and how it works. But in brief it’s the cover to our book, and how we approach the world. It’s arguably the most vital point of the horoscope as it marks the beginning of the 1st House, the front door to every chart.
Gemini Ascendant/or Mercury in any sign in the First House
With a Gemini Ascendant, regardless of the Sun sign, the ruling planet of the horoscope is Mercury. This planet’s sign and house will be a primary consideration in the process of interpretation.
Physical characteristics: youthful appearance, fidgety or distinctive mannerisms with the movement of the mouth or hands, small neat features, glittery eyes, usually thin, wiry or willowy frames.
Manner and speech: can come across as nervy, chirpy, flippant or highly curious. Often they are animated conversationalists with a childlike sense of fun. Everything is flavoured by speed or versatility, whether it is actions, thought processes or the speaking voice. Individuals with this rising sign or a first house Mercury usually have a way with words, including perfect comic or theatrical timing or a quick wit. The flipside is flightiness, a tendency to blow hot and cold or to mask real feelings behind a jokey “don’t get too serious” attitude.
Health: A fast metabolism and a tendency to run off nervous energy but bounce back easily from minor ailments. Prone to problems with the respiratory system, the shoulders, arms or hands, including repetitive strain or other muscular injury.
Famous Gemini Ascendants:
- Drew Barrymore
- Gene Wilder
- Gordon Ramsay
- Kiri te Kanawa
- Lady Gaga
- Mick Jagger
- Reba McEntire
- Sandra Bullock
- Virginia Woolf
- Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Cancer Ascendant/or the Moon in any sign in the First House
With a Cancer Ascendant, regardless of the Sun sign, the ruling planet of the horoscope is the Moon. This planet’s sign and house will be a primary consideration in the process of interpretation.
Physical characteristics: amiable and mobile features, highly expressive, roundness in the face, “apple” cheeks sometimes fleshy, full lips and a wide smile, crinkly or luminous eyes, either large and round or deep set, experts at the sideways glance.
Manner and speech: can come across as evasive, ironic, courteous or cautious. As with all the water signs the approach to new people or situations is somewhat guarded or tentative as they check their findings on an emotional or slightly suspicious barometer. Outwardly, however, this is hard to detect. Individuals with this rising sign or First House Moon tend to converse with soft, even tones that express interest and concern, naturally steering the conversation away from themselves and deflecting intimacy until they are ready to drop their guard.
Health: A highly sensitive gut, susceptible to acid stomach or intolerance to particular foods. Prone to inherited genetic conditions or problems in the chest/breast area. The women may also be susceptible to gynecological ailments, especially uterine.
Famous Cancer Ascendants:
- Adele
- Angelina Jolie
- Ben Affleck
- Cameron Diaz
- George Michael
- John Travolta
- Judy Garland
- Kate Hudson
- Matt le Blanc
- Princess Charlotte