Libra Ingress 2012: Sync or Swim

 La Toilette de Venus

by William-Adolphe Bougereau (1873, oil on canvas)

The Sun’s yearly shift into Libra is the signal for all of us to…look up, look out and look at what we’re doing and who we’re being in the process of doing it.

This year finds that signal being sounded on Saturday September 22nd, at 2:50 in the afternoon, UT/+0 time.

In some ways the Sun’s passage of Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces could be paralleled to the idea of planet-direct versus planets in retrograde.

When planets are direct, their functionality is external, representing things which go on around us and with which we must interact and contend. And when planets are in retrograde, our life and times in the area that planet symbolizes point to internal developments and challenges…our working to understand how to do something, or why it isn’t working, or how to improve our abilities to get where we really want to go.

The first six zodiac signs (Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo) are about the growth and development of personal attributes. The second six signs of the zodiac represent where and how we take those attributes out into the public and worldly realms of efforts, interactions, relationships, commerce and the very sort of testing times which teach us what works, what doesn’t work and whether we know everything we might want to know about our world, our problems, our potential and other people.

This year, with the Sun entering Libra only a few days after Pluto goes direct, you might say there’s a ‘fateful’ quality to goings on. It’s time to get things done, and lots of people will be tackling efforts and embarking on personal journeys they’ve worked long and hard to reach. The Pluto signal tells us there will be a sense of urgency and intensity in the air.

Time is precious. There’s a lot to do and a lot to get done.

And with the Sun entering Libra with Polyhymnia and asteroid House just ahead at 4 Libra, there’s some reflecting and reflections (projecting?) going on.
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Here’s the setup: Polyhymnia is a muse. Muses represent inspiration. And House is all about ‘feeling at home’ which can be with your situation, in your skin, in your current environment, with what you are faced with doing – anything. So with the Sun coming into Libra, we are going to find ourselves being ‘inspired’ (Polyhymnia) by one things or another to consider how we’re feeling about various issues. Situations. Relationships. Choices to do or not do.

Whatever.

The tickler here is really 4 Libra, a degree which by decan is defined as personal, meaning it’s about us, our beings (body) or our actions or activities. More specifically, 4 Libra is about a reflexive sort of self-consciousness which in choosing the right or wrong kind of people to associate with represents the gains or missed opportunities we build into our ongoing life.

Then we add in how September 20th through 26th will also be colored by the Sun’s proximity to  supermassive Black Hole M87. Black Holes/Sun encounters are always a time ripe with the possibility to see ‘other alternatives.’ But are they the right way to go?

Black Hole lore being relatively limited thus far…(they are a pretty new in the astrological lists)…plus the fact that Black Holes are always a bit Alice-down-the-rabbit-hole (is it real? could it be real? would I want that to be my reality?)…that’s iffy. But the lore on 4 Libra does tell us that this degree is in essence a referendum on self-worth and self-respect issues. Those with the biggest problems in this regard will choose the flattering admirer or the overly cooperative person who says what they want to hear. That, we are told, is a sign that we need to reflect on what our problems really are, and why we have them.

To add to this reflection-festival, Pallas will be sitting in opposition to the Sun (and Polyhymnia/House) at 3 Libra at the Sun’s ingress. And ditto for Uranus, which is currently at 6 Aries.

 This ingress has a whole lot of oppositions going on!

In the above, the Sun is conjunct Polyhymnia/House and

in opposition to Pallas. Polyhymnia and House are in 

opposition to Pallas and Uranus (which are conjunct).

Mercury/Diadem are also in opposition to Pallas-conjunct

-Uranus, but Mercury/Diadem is not conjunct the Sun even

if it is conjunct Polyhymnia/House! 

Got that? There's going to be a quiz, so

sharpen those #2 pencils!

 

As we remind ourselves that Pallas and Uranus are doubling down on the ‘it’s all about me’ thing (one part being their placement in a first decanate degree and the second part being about the sign being "I Am” themed Aries) …what we end up with is a whole lot of Self being on the line.

Not exactly what you wanted to go into this ingress with? Sorry.

Listen, there’s a reason why I keep humming ‘The Times They Are a’Changin’’ And no, I don’t do a Bob Dylan imitation. I could, but I don’t!

Things have been topsy-turvy-intense of late. The metaphysical handwriting is on the wall telling us to change or be changed. Some of us are taking the hint, and some aren’t. And it’s the ‘arent’s who are making things tough – not only for themselves, but for the ‘are’s that they know (and who care about them pesky ‘aren’ts) and in general, simply because they’re clogging universal processes up.

But let us be frank, real and honest here: this Libra ingress ushers in a lot of major astrological movement. It ends with our rolling into and through that infamously famous end of the Maya creation round. Before that, Pluto will do it’s big shebang with fixed star Facies. (And not a moment too soon!)

And prior to all that we’re going to get a pair of November eclipses which are sure to mark thrills and chills of every type. The Solar Eclipse of November 13 will be at 21 Scorpio, guaranteeing much frustration and emotional struggle. And seeing that solar eclipses tend to being ‘breaking things down’ about six to eight weeks in advance of the eclipse date, we’re just in that zone.

Just to add sprinkles to your mental whipped cream, there will also be a corkscrew of a Lunar Eclipse at 6 Gemini on November 28. Usually Lunar Eclipses are rather like high tides of emotion which approach tsunami size. Yes, they can be good, but with this one being in conjunction with Black Moon Lilith and Aldebaran…well, let’s just say it’s a prime moment for doing stupid people tricks and when such foolish choices already made will come to light and slap us in the face like a giant wet fish tail.

With all those sabers rattled, back to the main program for today – the ingress itself. The details of those eclipses will be left for another blog on another day.

Pallas is about dispassionate knowing. If you think of Pallas as logic and reasoning, you simply can’t go wrong. And at the moment of this ingress we have Pallas sitting in a degree all about the following question: am I courageous or just darn impulsive (and maybe a bit vain)?

Can you say ‘internal conflict’?

Maybe this is a conflict you are putting ‘out there.’ Maybe you’re working to resolve a conflict? (That would be a good idea…!) Or maybe you’re all dug in about something and conflict is being foisted upon you. Are you being logical? Or is your lack of logic exactly what the challenge (read: problem) is all about?

Then there’s Uranus. Uranus is an edgy sort of energy under any conditions. But that’s the nature of the thing. When we’re not stuck in some rut and insisting on clinging to the past, having our way or not changing what we’re doing (or how we’re going about doing it) “Uranus moments” will signify when you finally get to that breakthrough point.

Or when situations break you.

Or foist change upon you.

Remember? Change, lest you be changed.

This is really, really, REALLY one of those times! Those who tackle the task, renovate, innovate and take on those ‘I don’t WANT to!’ beasties we all have stuck somewhere deep in our craw…for them, Uranus is that maximal critical mass which finally causes things to give way.

The question thus becomes…were you prepared?

Still, this isn’t darts being tossed willy-nilly at any dartboard. Uranus in 6 Aries speaks specifically to who we are – as individuals, I mean. There’s a whole theme which comes (free of charge!) with 6 Aries. It’s about every facet of leadership, ‘trying to get ahead’ and the achieving of personal goals.

The quirk here is how 6 Aries shows up any lacks in said regard. So with Uranus at 6 Aries, this is where inability, lack of balance or false fronts are likely to show up. The façade may crack. In speech or via product, some slip up may occur. Those too into materialism with a lack of spiritual balance or those entirely into spirit and faith who refuse to make pragmatic efforts…the highly independent person who can’t compromise or the person in a relationship who is afraid to be their own person…all these things get revealed. Or prodded. Or prompted.

Or they just plain fall out there for all to see.

Compounding Uranus’ position, another reason this would be a time for weak spots to show up is because of the very nature of Sun in Libra. The Sun rules Leo – the sign of self-conception which ideally leads to creative development others enjoy and appreciate you for. (Okay, so Leo can also be egotism and being totally absorbed in your own ‘stuff,’ yes!) The point is that the consciousness – the energy we associate with the Sun – is at ‘greatest (rulership) incandescence’ in Leo. Leo is the Sun at its sunniest, in other words. Replete with sunburns and sun-blindness, Leo is the Sun radiating brightly.

Manifesting as ‘life,’ the Sun is also exalted in Aries. An Aries Sun is filled with the consciousness of being. And thus Aries is a sign all about that which we do when we are conscious of our being.

Both these signs are where the symbolism of the Sun is felt and ‘acts’ in line with that conscious essence. That connection with the Self. Yet since all which is tossed up must fall down, so the signs in opposition to the Sun’s signs of exaltation and rulership are where the Sun doesn’t get to act all by itself (Aquarius: groups) or just for itself (Libra: partners and relationships).

We speak of the Sun in Libra as being ‘in Fall’ or somewhat ‘weakened.’ What’s meant by that is that the singularity of the ‘ego’ quotient is either turned down a notch, or engaged in an interactive mode.

In Libra, sign of balance, we thus attract counterparts for what we’re putting out there. Act badly and Libra becomes the sign of ‘open enemies.’ If you’re in need, Libra becomes the sign of those who support us when times are tough – clergy, doctors, lawyers, partners.
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So with Sun in Libra and Uranus (and Pallas) in opposition, this becomes dicey. We’re trying to get something done. We may feel frustrated, in which case Uranian energy could manifest as fractiousness, rebelliousness or even aggression or anarchy.

The idea is to be aware of what you’re putting out there…which takes us back to Pluto having just gone direct. Particularly if Pluto’s degree of station (6 Capricorn) aspects your chart, you’re already in a state of flux. Will you negotiate with others? Take a chance and put your best foot forward? Will you strike out? Will you try to bluff your way through this next while to come?

One more Uranus/Pallas note we need to think about is Mercury/Diadem at 8 Libra. The change (Uranus) we need to 'knowingly' (Pallas) make needs to take into account the idea of loss. Why? Because 8 Libra is all about loss. There is always a loss where 8 Libra is involved, and those of us who deal well with that loss become wise indeed.

Given this configuration, Mercury indicates the 'idea' of the thing. So this doesn't have to be an actual loss - it could be merely the letting go of some conviction, position or idea. Then again, it could involve letting go of a dream. Or the memory of someone once loved.

Or even the conviction or stance that you were right about something you know - deep down - you were not 'right' about at all.

Also worth noting is that Venus (ruler of Libra) is at the moment of the Libra Ingress at 17 Leo…in conjunction with Lust/Dionysus at 19 Leo and trine Eris (bless her dwarf planet core) at 22 Aries.

Venus in Leo wants to do what it likes to do. In trine to Eris, this could be the pleasure some take in upsetting someone else’s applecart.

Then again, this could be (and would work very well as) doing anything which helps improves a situation for everyone. Or at least some group.

Eris used for the benefit of others helps us learn that we’re bigger and stronger than we ever knew. Trying to use Eris for our own purposes however…? That’s seldom smooth sledding.

The last complex of ideas to consider here is that the signature for this ingress (and thus the celestial quarter) involves an out-of-sign t-square involving the Sun, Moon and (oh yes…) the Galactic Center.

Ordinarily, a t-square (or any simple square) links signs of like modality. On the horoscope wheel, these signs will be at a 90, 180 or 270 degree angle to each other.

In the above, the blue houses are those which with the Sun in Libra, would be the ‘natural’ signs for a t-square to be constructed from, should the Sun be at the ‘t’ of the t-square. (Which yes, it is.)

But since the Moon is in the very last section of Sagittarius (all signs having 30 degrees with the Moon at 27 Sagittarius), the Moon-to-Sun aspect is within the 5 degree orb of the Sun, if not in the “normal” sign we would think of first if talking about squares to the Sun in Libra.

Thus we have the ‘out-of-sign’ quality.

Libra is a cardinal sign. It’s modality (style of action) is direct. Do, and learn from the results is a cardinal mode mantra. Sagittarius…and its opposing sign (Gemini)…are both mutable signs. Mutable signs start something…then they see what happens…then they course correct and continue. Where cardinal signs do-then-learn, mutable signs learn-as-they-go.

Astrologically, this is not a totally smooth fit. What it will tend to manifest as is second guessing and interruptions in the process. You know…that ‘unexpected’ problem which needs attending to before you can continue with what you’re doing? The ‘wrench in the works’ which you hadn’t thought of? The objection which arises because of circumstances which just happened this morning somewhere overseas and which your boss knows about but you don’t?

Uh…yeah. That stuff.

With the Moon (the ‘value’ of the thing) absolutely and positively conjunct the Galactic Center, the object of all things is ‘catching the wave,’ as they say in surfing. This may be a matter of timing. It could be the need to appeal to a certain person, group of people or demographic.

Knowing what you need to be able to deal with (or appeal to) tells you what you need to do (Sun in Libra) in order to get either past ‘Go’ or to the point where you can go about your business as you want, need or prefer to.

As for the Galactic Center, that’s the final note here. The Galactic Center is a point which asks that we contribute. You only get what you want when others get what enhances their life.

That, by the way, is one of the big challenges with Libra. Libra asks that we get along…or that we lead…while requiring us never to lose sight of the idea that the ‘other party’ (or your audience) has value and values which must be part of our equation...this being why by our friends we are ultimately known, and a great driver of our reputation and ultimate success in our personal - and worldly life.

William and Kate: A Marriage Royal, A Human Relationship

 William placing the ring on Kate's finger

photo source: CNN

Anyone and everyone who cared about the grand affair which was the wedding of William and Kate got their chance to watch…once, twice...many times. The whole event was broadcast live, then re-broadcast over and over and over again.

Astrologically, the marriage is one chart – a chart timed for the moment when the vows are sealed.

 April 29, 2011 - 'Let No Man Put Asunder'

But the relationship which underlies that wedding? 

That’s a whole other thing. And when we talk about that 'whole other thing,' you'll even hear two versions talked about there.

One version is the astrological 'composite' chart. We take the Sun of one chart, the Sun of another, we translate the zodiacal positions into 360 (numerical) notation and divde that by two.

The composite chart is a great picture of what one person 'thinks' of the other.


What it isn't is the 'living' chart of the relationship...as in, "honey, we have to go away for the sake of the relationship." Instinctively we seem to recognize that when there are two people in the room there are three entities present: person one, person two, and the relationship which lies between them.


That relationship is a dynamic thing. A composite chart isn't. You can't look up its "date" in an ephemeris because it doesn't have one. Not even computer software will let you calculate with a composite chart because it's 'midpoint' construct does not reflect an actual point in time.

The 'actual point in relationship time' chart is called a "Davison chart." It's a chart erected for a midpoint in time, space and birth location between the two people involved.

I'll spare you the rest of this recitation...but trust me, I've done my homework here and Davison charts are for real.

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 William and Kate, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge

Davison Relationship/Aries Chart (No Time Known for Kate's Chart)

So we have one chart which is the chart for the sealing of the wedding vows. That's a regular, everyday  real-time chart which, given modern satellite technology and my watching the wedding in real time can only be mere seconds off the actual moment of sealing the marriage vows with the traditional ...let no man put asunder speech.

Against this we have the chart for William and Kate as a couple – the relationship chart. There we have a bit of a problem as there has as yet been no time confirmed for (as she’s now known) the Duchess of Cambridge’s birth. All we know is that Catherine was born on January 9, 1982 in Reading, UK.

For William, there's exact data – of course! But given that we don't have Kate's time, we do well to cast the Davison in Aries Wheel format.

The other thing we have an issue with because we don't have Kate's birth time is how we need to own that while the Moon of this relationship is more than likely in  Cancer, we can't swear to that.

But it is likely - and that's an interesting item to note seeing as we know William’s Moon is in Cancer and it's very highly mostly really likely Kate’s is too.

(And in case you're thinking that would be "automatic," it isn't. It's easy enough to have two people with Moon in Virgo and have the Davison Moon come out in any sign but!)

However! As we say this we do have a whole bunch of 'absolutes' and 'givens.' And that list starts with the lunar nodes of the Davison being positioned at 18 Cancer (North) and Capricorn (South)...which makes an  interesting statement.

How's that? Well, the North Node is what we should do. And this North Node being in Cancer speaks to how important it is for this relationship to be about family, heritage, one’s personal life and - since this is a royal couple - 'the people’: one’s native population and homeland.

Against this we have a South Node - the 'easy thing' - in Capricorn. Especially with Capricorn’s ruling Saturn strongly positioned in Libra, it's 'easy' for this couple of follow the rules. They will find things easier if they 'color inside the lines' - royal and otherwise.

This also suggests that when the day comes that William becomes King, his work will easily come first even though they know as a couple that in order to be figureheads for their nation they need to keep working on their relationship.

It's something of a dichotomy...and no, not at all easy.

Sitting at 19 Libra and the apex of a t-square with the lunar nodes, this Saturn is not quite conjunct Pluto at 25 Libra...and it's a couple of degrees out of strict Ptolemaic (5-degree) conjunction orb with Pallas at 12 Libra.

It's something of a picture of being between the rock and the hard place. And since in this picture the 'hard place' is pictured most immediately by the lunar nodes, the issue is social and societal obligation.

Then we add in Eris - aka Eris Discord. Conjunct Sabine (entrapment, slavery) in emotionally expressive degrees of Aries, Eris is in opposition to Saturn and square to the nodes, making this not a t-square but a grand square (also known as a grand cross).

Since all astrology is a two-way swinging door, this tells us that there will be times when the 'public call' is simply a pain in the low back and very frustrating. But there will also be times when discord strikes in the world and in response this couple of will react as a matter of course.

In other words, they're really very human.

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 Westminster Abbey witnesses yet another royal marriage

photo source: CNN

And this Eris/Saturn 'inconvenient timing’ issue doesn't end there. Though at 19 Libra Saturn isn't strictly conjunct a 12 Libra Pallas (wisdom) which is itself conjunct a 10 Libra Mars and Eros/passion, Eris IS positioned to be in opposition to Saturn and - SEPARATELY - opposition Eris...which is conjunct the couple's strong 10 Aries Sun.

Sun in Aries is very strong. Conjunct Eris and Sabine and in opposition to Pallas-Mars-Eros (and let's be reminded: Mars in Libra is hardly Mars at its most assertive!) this suggests that as a couple, William and Kate will defend their right to have a personal life.

It also suggests that the 'being apart' we saw in their dating life may yet happen again. That may be all about necessity, that may be because they need a bit of a break, that may be simply because William's work - whether in the military or elsewhere - that may take him away.


If this couple learns to handle the 'unevenness' of schedule to their advantage, they'll thrive. Is this likely? Well, Saturn's strength in Libra and the Sun's resilience in Aries says they have better than the average chance.


It also suggests this is a couple which knows how to disagree. And that life isn't all cupcakes and rose petals.

Another aspect of this is how the Mars-Eros-Pallas speaks to their understanding that they represent something to literally millions of people they will never meet. And how this couple is aware of the difference between the way they live and the lives of non-royals - which will like as not become far more evident and/or important William comes to the throne.

Even before that, one suspects.

Leaving that for a moment, let’s consider the Davison Juno at 7 Capricorn. This is Juno positioned as the apex of another t-square which might be a grand cross, though we can't know without having a birth time for Kate.

As it is, Juno sits at the half-way point between Sun in Aries and Mars-Pallas, which is clearly (among other things) the overhanging, omni-present fact that William is a member of "the Firm"...British royalty. Learning how to manage that? That's a huge piece in the relationship puzzle.

But without that Moon....?

The difference between t-squares (which are solvable) and grand squares (which are eternal challenges in one's life) is huge.

A grand square (or grand cross) is a figure of being pulled from all sides. In an individual’s natal chart, grand squares ask that we ‘pull all the corners together’ (symbolically) before we do any “heavy lifting” - or at least have any success with same. About the best image here I could give you is collecting everything off a table by pulling all four corners of the tablecloth together before you hoist; in a chart, the one ‘corner’ you miss will be the place where all sorts of havoc spills out, ruining your effort to get ahead.

Against this, the t-square is a hurdle. You have to understand where you're coming from, where you're headed and what about yourself (the 't' is part of your chart, right?) you have to get past or "over" in order to reach your goal.

In pragmatic terms, the difference between the t-square and grand square is one of degree of complexity…the number of details one must ‘pull together,’ as it were. In real world terms however...t-squares are often found in the charts of great achievers where grand squares are found more often in those who rise and fall at least a few times before figuring life out.

Still....whether or not the Moon is in aspect to Juno or anything else in this chart, by sign the Moon and Sun are in square. This is a classic indication of problems with timing. We saw some of this (or at least thought we did) with Kate’s having appeared to ‘decide’ William was her guy before he decided she was the woman he wanted to marry. Another form will like as not be a clashing of schedules we will never see – and perhaps never even hear about.

That Pluto (symbol of emotionally transformative experiences) had gone on station and retrograde at 7 Capricorn – the degree of Juno – is exactly what we would expect to see in the chart of a royal couple about to get married. Capricorn is traditionally the sign of ‘head of government’ and Juno a symbol of domestic leadership. With the wedding having happened with the Sun moving across first Sedna at 6 Taurus (the maturation process) on April 26 before ‘triggering’ Pluto’s 7 Capricorn station (and the Davison chart Juno) on the 27th…we get a real picture of this couple recognizing the enormity of the event their wedding would be.

Conversely, this also signals the wedding as an enormous public moment.

 Crowds lining the street, enjoying the moment

outside Westminster Abbey, London

photo source: CNN

For those who are dedicated royal watchers, there’s also the contemplation that in having gone into retrograde, Pluto will return to 7 Capricorn 39 on January 9th with the Sun doing a ‘lesser' trigger to this Pluto cycle on December 28/29 – which will be an interesting moment to watch. Will we be hearing more news from the Duke and Duchess as either of these dates roll by?

Yes or no, this is something interesting to watch for and very much how astrological research is done.

Meanwhile, the marriage chart…with it’s regal 15 Leo rising…it’s a lovely picture of a public royal wedding. Leo has always been known as a sign of royalty even though governance is a Capricorn attribute. The difference…rulership versus governance is one of perspective. But here we have the Sun which rules that 15 degrees Leo rising intercepted in the 10th house – a signal which on one hand speaks to the marriage being a matter of duty (interception) to the not just the (10th house/MC) nation.

And with 28 Aries on the MC/Midheaven of this wedding chart, with the Mars which rules that 10th house cusp in a triple conjunction (Jupiter, Mars, Eris all at 21 Aries) …all four of these points in degrees between 20 and 29 degrees (that being the 3rd decanate of the sign) we know…for absolute sure that everything which comes of and from this marriage will be reacted to by the public and ultimately ruled and regulated by that same public – and the world.

So much for a private union between two people, right?

As for 15 degrees of Leo, like 15 degrees of any fixed sign (there being for fixed signs: Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius) we are speaking of a ‘moving into the next phase’ or ‘taking a step’ in life – which marriage truly is.

 A lovely photograph of Queen Elizabeth II being greeted by

the Dean of Westminster as she arrives at Westminster Abbey

to attend her grandson's wedding.

photo source: CNN

The Ascendant being conjunct Photographica at 11 Leo puts the marriage in the public eye and tells us that it was carried out with an eye to (and on) the public.

But then things get…a bit less candid. That intercepted Sun is positioned in a difficult degree: 8 Taurus is known for sensitivity to teasing – which we know will come from the tabloids, never mind the public and possibly (?) the royal court. This degree is known for ‘fighting shadows’ and a general defensiveness which suggests an internal frailty which develops as demand outstrips ability to comfortably comply.

Added to this is fixed star Hamal plus Byblis, a more than difficult commentary. Hamal equals  independence and is known to take on the coloring of whatever else is present. Considering that the Sun itself is often an image of males and that Sun in Taurus is security and/or privilege of wealth, this can well speak to William’s already-demonstrated ability to eschew the trappings of royalty.

Then we add in Byblis. Byblis is an asteroid which is all about defending the indefensible. And thus we ask: will this couple run afoul of their very caring for common people and/or a ‘regular’ way of life? Will they prove sufficiently ‘independent’ as to offend those still ‘married’ to an older and more traditional role for royalty?

Phaeton/Hera speaks to the 'impulsiveness’ and ‘headstrong’ quality of ‘the mate’ – Hera usually being the wife. Does this mean that William will ultimately decide he chose a bride too early? Or will we end up seeing yet another example of a couple which in becoming entrenched in the duties of royalties rebels against it?

With Bali (paradise) and Deucalion (finding the moral path) in direct opposition to the Sun of this chart (and thus intercepted in the chart’s 4th house) we do understand that the marriage will always be understood to be of import to the public. Positioned at 9 Scorpio the underlying dynamic is emotional commonalty or agreement – that being the Scorpio part. With 9 Scorpio being a 1st decan degree (between 0 and 9) we know what this pair does is ‘the proof of the pudding.’

That this Bali/Deucalion is intercepted in the 4th says a lot about this marriage being founded in a (Scorpio) inheritance of native…and yes royal…tradition. And for those who wonder whether this royal couple will continue in what is seen by some as ‘a life of excess’ which has so typified so many royal households, that answer is ‘maybe not.’

Why not? Because fixed star Arcturus is exactly conjunct Spica as the objects closest to the 4th house cusp with Saturn (retrograde) at 12 Libra farther back in the 3rd house and in opposition to Venus at 10 Aries, Pelion at 11 Aries and Mercury at 14 Aries in the 9th.

Saturn retrograde in the 3rd either makes one pessimistic or says you think before you choose to do or what you do. In Libra, there’s a built in concern about what others think or how they’ll react.

Meanwhile, that Aries Venus-Pelion-Mercury in the 9th is something we already have heard about – the British Royal Family’s concern about how to hold a royal wedding during a period of financial struggle. Pelion is the ‘great mountain’…it can either be something you climb or that thing you’re sitting atop looking down at everyone else from. Add in Venus in Aries (the appearance) and Mercury in Aries (what I say, what people think of me) and you have a royal couple who is “saddled” with being emotionally aware of others.

Yes…its just William and Kate in this marriage. Plus the rest of the royal family. Plus the press. Plus the citizens of the UK and anyone else who cares to watch.

Neptune – pictured at 0 Pisces in this chart - is at this moment about to go station/retrograde. Come next June (2012) it will go retrograde at 3 Pisces, right atop the 8th house cusp of this chart. Since this 3 Pisces is also the position of Damocles (the dangers we don’t recognize until we take the job on) in the Davison relationship spot, it’s very likely this is a moment when a soft spot in the royal relationship is found, resulting in at least a bit of bruising.

 With festivities having begun inside Buckingham Palace,

people linger in the streets, still celebrating

photo source: CNN

Speaking of the Davison chart, June’s 24 Sagittarius Lunar Eclipse bisects the split between Black Moon Lilith/Ascendant at 21 Sagittarius (plus Ras Alhague at 22 Sagittarius) and Neptune at 27 Sagittarius conjunct fixed star Acumen at 28.

Acumen being ‘all we’ve learned’ in conjunction with Neptune is likely to be what some call ‘fuzzy math.’ With Black Moon Lilith (what you don’t want to admit about the world and what the world doesn’t or shouldn’t know about you) conjunct Ras Alhague…?

Ras Alhague is the really iffy coin toss here. Sometimes it’s a healing force and sometimes it’s the ripper (or ripping) which creates the need for healing. Given that this is about the Ascendant, IF William and Kate determine at this point to do something for others (or even issue a delightingly sensitive statement of some kind) …then can could count this for a plus.

But with Black Moon Lilith on the Ascendant/Ras Alhague of this chart virtually guarantees some sort of ‘paparazzi war’ at some point…if not consistently.

And let’s remember: the 11 Gemini solar eclipse happens June 1st. Occurring in that emotionally challenging 12th house, it’s in trine to Pallas/Mars and sextile Sun/Eris/Sabine…so something’s going on which is of an evolving/evolutionary nature. Keep your royal ears tuned in and take whatever happens during June/July seriously – take it as the start of a  process.

 The happy couple...happy (probably among other reasons) for

having gotten through the ceremony without any giant faux pas!

photo source: CNN

This is underscored certainly by the July solar eclipse (at 9 Cancer) being in opposition to the Davison Juno and maybe conjunct the chart’s Moon, though without an exact birth time for Kate we can’t be sure. Certainly in square to the Sun/Eris and Mars/Pallas, this becomes a testing time for the relationship.

What’s it about? Call it this: now that they’re married, now what?