Multiple Views of Bad News: Part One

This post is the initial post of a series involving three characters; Charles Stuart, his wife Carol, and his brother Matthew.  In the course of this series, all three will be found to have died by various means; murder, suicide, drug overdose. The timed charts for all three are available and the various derived charts to be covered may include transits, secondary progressions, solar returns and progressed daily angles charts, Moon-to-Sun and advanced charts — the “multiple views” noted in this post’s title.  Over the past few years a great number of cyclic charts have been presented.  Very few “conventional” methodologies such as secondary progressions and transiting charts have been offered.  I feel that it is time to provide a little contrast in the many methods of prediction that might be utilized by many astrologers.

The events covered in this post-series commence in October of 1989 and in the months that immediately followed except for one person whose story ends more recently in 2011.  Charles Stuart was. at this time, a General Manager for a Boston, MA furrier located on trendy Newbury Street.  Carol Stuart, Charles’ wife, was working as a tax attorney and was carrying their first child.  Matthew Stuart was Charles’ brother.

The primary incident of this story occurred on Oct. 23, 1989 in Boston, Massachusetts.  A violent car-jacking attempt was reported to police.  Charles had been shot in the leg, Carol had been shot in the head.  The perpetrator was said to be an African-American male.  A news team arrived on the scene along with the police and filmed the ambulances removing the victims from their car.  We will first look at the natal chart and the Oct. 23, 1989 transits for Charles Stuart.  Charles Stuart was born Dec. 18, 1959 at 5:16 AM, Boston, MA 071w0337  42n2130.

Charles Stuart’s natal chart, shown above, has four planets rising in the first house.  Mercury is close upon the Ascendant, suggesting one who is engaged with others as a means of a communicative life style.  Mars follows, then Jupiter, with Mars being at the midpoint of Mercury and Jupiter.  Mars = Mercury/Jupiter suggests (according to Ebertin’s COSI) “action guided by common sense, oratory, the execution of plans, a good critic, a discussion-speaker.  Speaking and acting in coordination, etc.”

Sun is a bit further into the first house, broadly positioned between Jupiter and Saturn;  His views, intent and actions are very much at the center of “the business of life” (Jupiter & Saturn as a pair).  An opportunist as well as a planner, one who is organized about how he conducts himself.  I find it interesting that Saturn is opposed by the Part of Fortune from the eighth house; are plans really thought through or are they based on false premises?  Mars squares Pluto in the 9th; one tends to overact, to not know when to stop or use moderation.  The trine between Pluto and Saturn can suggest a casualness about controlling one’s impulses.

One of the tools available to astrologers using purchased software is the availability of many tools that can help us to view a chart in greater detail or to form differing perspectives.  Below is a time line graph for a four day period around the Oct. 23rd, 1989 date, and which indicates transits to natal planets.  On my computer this graph is all in colors, in a file it has been turned to grayscale.

The colours and shading used in the on-screen chart are such that one can see when a transit (or a progression, when looking at a long-range scale chart) is intensifying.  The exact date is indicated on any bar-line area within the chart’s boundaries.  While it may be difficult to read here, I’ll offer comments on some of these transits.

t/Saturn close to n/Saturn (July 27 to Oct. 25 of 1989): during this first Saturn-Return period (age 28 to 30) he is taking life seriously, questioning major commitments and past decisions.  This is a period in which to reflect on where life might be taking you as a result of the past.

t/Saturn sextile n/Neptune (Sept. 19 to Nov. 1, 1989):  An increasing awareness of the needs of others, or their expectations of you, governs some of your thoughts now.

t/Mars sextile n/Uranus (Oct. 21 to Oct. 22, 1989):  Impulse, physical thrills and action have a strong appeal on these days.  Acting upon spontaneous impulses or crazy desires will lead to surprises.

t/Mercury sextile n/Jupiter (Oct. 21 to Oct. 22, 1989):  Optimism, hope and being forward looking brings into focus plans that you may put aside earlier.

t/Venus conjoining n/Jupiter (Oct. 21 to Oct. 23, 1989):  Feeling confident on high on yourself is fine, but others need to be included in this upward feeling period.  Over-extending oneself can be a bad thing.

t/Sun squaring n/Moon (Oct. 23 to Oct. 25, 1989):  Tension in your home life, conflicts between work demands and personal needs or unresolved emotional tangles are likely to arise now . . . a side of you which is usually hidden or in the background is likely to emerge now . . . (this is taken from the computer interpretation available with the time-line chart)

t/Mercury sextile n/Uranus (Oct. 24 to Oct. 25, 1989):  Predictable actions are not satisfactory, you want to break with the routine.  Impulse is the name of the game, today.

This is part of the new approach to prediction taken by some astrologers.  Basing one’s view of the charts on “canned” astrological software writings is both good and bad practice.  It is “good” in that one tends to not overlook any important details.  It is “bad” if it detracts from one’s own ability to understand what the symbolic message is.  Given that time is an important component of doing readings for friends, family and clients perhaps this new form of “reading” a chart has its place.  

So, on this date, we have seen the natal chart and its transits for Charles Stuart.  The event associated with this chart is the shooting of both Stuart and his wife Carol in a car-jacking attempt that was reported to the police.  There are many twists and turns to this famous local story.  You will not want to miss any of the following posts.  Dave.

Whose Chart Should We Look At?

I have a problem.  I can’t decide on a subject for my next series of postings. Normally I get an idea from the news, looking at CNN’s Entertainment web site, going through my file cabinets, etc.  Nothing seems to appeal to me. 

If you have a suggestion, leave a name in the comments area or e-mail me at the following: dadsnook@charter.net

Dave

Armstrong places his pedalling feet in his mouth

With all of his past glory, denials of doping, and charges of cheating in his pursuit of the cycling world’s highest honours, Armstrong finally crumbled before the onslaught of accusations.  He decided to “admit his deceit” with an interview done by Oprah Winfrey.  All of this humiliating effort seems to be an attempt to clear away the damage done to his name and record and to find a path back into participation in the cycling world.  Anything to control his life and future.

Two charts, a Moon-opposite-Sun Return and an Advanced chart are offered below.  The commentary is given in an MP-3 format and can be listened to by clicking the link below the second chart.  Dave 

The above chart is a Moon-opposite Sun Return chart, 5th to the 11th houses.

The below chart is Advanced to Jan. 17, 2013, airing of the first half of the interview with Oprah Winfrey.

Lance MoppS 1-16-2013M

Thanks for visiting my blog.  Feel free to comment or to e-mail me at dadsnook@charter.net              Dave

Coca Cola: Drink less more often

With its new advertising theme, Coca Cola seeks to link itself to moderation and also acceptance as a healthy drink.  Whatever that argument is in terms of a degree of being appropriate, Coca Cola has to shift with the market in order to prosper and live well.  Staying in the public mind is very important.  Staying in the public favour is also important.  In an age when trends come and go more quickly, every brand name is at risk.  The chart below is cast for the date, January 14th, when the new Coca Cola advertisements were released and reported on the TV news.

In this advanced Moon-to-Sun Return, set for Jan. 14th, 2013, we immediately note the t/Moon & t/Neptune on the Desc. angle:  an illusion (Neptune) is presented to the public (Moon).  Ideas, as advertising, can be viewed as an illusion or as a story.  The Moon is representative of the public as well as more personal concepts.

t/Sun (Coca Cola’s present self-interests) conjoins t/Mercury (the message of those self-interests) and opposes n/N.Node and n/Moon in the 11th:  Coca Cola seeks to link its message to an association (N.Node) in the public mind (n/Moon).

t/PoF (at 18 Libra) broadly squares n/Pluto and t/Mercury from the 2nd house: “Chance and change” relating to one’s resources and value may be challenged by how well the message is received.  n/Mars at the IC angle points to the aggressiveness of the company’s new push to keep Coca Cola, the beverage, within the public’s new ideas of what health is.  With t/Jupiter near the chart’s MC angle, this advertisement should be a positive one for Coca Cola.

Now, this is not an earth-shaking chart or a huge event, but this chart is a fine example of how we can look at mundane and minor events that occur every day in every area of our lives.  I find it helpful to take note of almost any news theme that can have a “birth date” and time attached to it, and to then run a chart or two to see what is displayed.  I learn so much from being curious.  Dave

In the next posting we will need to go back to Lance Armstrong and review his recent news-worthy activities plus his natal chart to explain his current actions.

Coca Cola: A New Twist On An Old Bottle Cap

Coca Cola was incorporated in Atlanta, GA on Dec. 31, 1925 even though the company had been in business since 1919.  TV news has noted today that advertisements have been released (Jan. 14, 2013) that now promote a message of moderation and support for the public’s concern over sugar-related soft drinks.

Coca Cola’s advertisement notes that if one takes in calories and does not then expend those calories that a weight gain will result.  A very simple message that appears to place Coca Cola on the same perception path that the U.S. public is following concerning the battle against obesity.  However, one has to note that a sugar-calorie is not the same as other nutritional-value calories. Perhaps future advertisements will clarify this and expand the company’s position on public health and their product’s role in that issue.

A Moon-to-Sun 5th house Return chart is shown below.

The Fifth house t/Moon-to-n/Sun indicates, in part, “a risk taking approach through the promotion of the ideas of others (the public and media-supported battle against obesity).  Special skills (corporate image held by the public, and long-established use of advertising as an American icon) are the key to success.  The expression of one’s values.”

t/Neptune opposes the Asc., from the Descendant angle, indicating (among many things) an illusion for others.  n/Part-of-Fortune conjoins n/Pluto in the 12th house; a risk or “chance & change” will be taken in a private (12th house) manner to reshape that which the company fears (its iconic image being lost or damaged).

Not noticeable at first glance is a sort of juxtaposition between t/Sun opposite n/Moon and Moon conjoining n/Sun.   This is not a rare pattern, but it also is not that common of a pattern, happening only once or twice in several years time.  It suggests some form of struggle over how one keeps one’s balance in life — here, how can Coca Cola maintain its market share around the world while seemingly “migrating” its image to being “with the public’s concern over obesity”.

In the next post, I’ll advance this chart to Monday, Jan. 14th, 2013 when these positional advertisements appear to have hit the air waves with the Tuesday newscasts picking up on this new public-perception program of Coca Cola.  Comments on this important issue are welcome.   There can be many ways of looking at both the chart symbols and the public education being promoted by many interest groups.  Let us see what we might learn from this and other charts as well as the developing news and views of all interested parties.  Dave

Are You Being Served? — another view of the first TV presentation

We can now take another astrological view of the first TV presentation of the British comedy, Are You Being Served — the core cast photo is shown at the right.  From back-left to bottom right: Captain Peacock (floor-walker supervisor), Mrs. Slocombe (ladies department head clerk), Mr. Granger (tailor), Mr. Lucas (2nd Men’s Counter clerk), Miss Brahms (2nd Ladies Counter clerk), and Mr. Humphries (men department head clerk).   John Inman, the actor who plays Mr. Humphries is also shown at the right.  One memorable series scene shows how adept he is with customers, one of whom does not like the fit of his too-large trousers.  Inman pulls the trousers tight from the back side while showing the customer how nicely they fit from the front in the full length mirror, then deftly pulling the pants tight from the front as he shows the customer how well they fit in the rear while looking in the mirror.  His deftness conversationally was equal to his manipulative skills.

Let us look at his Moon-opposite-Sun Return of August 27, 1974 chart.

This is a t/Moon opposite n/Sun from 2nd to 8th house Return chart.  More commonly, this type of return chart applies to financial affairs.  When we examine the basics, n/Sun in the 8th relates to a successful image, an understanding of one’s own expectations and ideals, a degree of emotional detachment on how others see one’s efforts and actions in public life.  t/Moon in the 2nd points to a minimization of emotions while seeking to support others.  How would Inman’s over-the-top character be perceived by the public?  How would the mix of character’s work out in terms of which would prove more popular and therefore beneficial to the individual’s career and income levels.

The MC-IC axis of this chart is heavily populated: one’s skills and resources are linked to one’s public status.  t/Jupiter and t/PoF at the IC indicate a solid opportunity and reception of Inman’s skills as an actor.  t/Sun, t/Mercury and t/Mars, along with n/Neptune near the MC point to Inman’s character (Sun), his presentation (Mercury and Mars) and showmanship skills (Neptune) all speak strongly of his place in the TV sit-com, Are You Being Served?  The n/Jupiter near the Ascendant doubles-up with t/Jupiter at the IC; success and good fortune (note the PoF being included) will be his without reservation. 

Advancing this Return chart to the shows date of airing on Sept. 5th, 1974 provides the following view of that date.

Two striking features are seen in this chart.  n/MC is at the Advanced chart’s IC: A career challenge or opportunity is at hand.  This is a critical date in his career-life.   Next, t/Moon opposes t/Uranus from the 5th to the 11th.  Acting skills and future results are affected by the public reception to his stunning self-identity (character).   Also, note the t/PoF conjoining his n/Sun:  Opportunity (chance and change) comes to his basic sense of self.  His ongoing place in the world receives a boost on this date.

And, that is how the charts are read.  When we work with cyclic charts, we have an ongoing context of our (the subject’s) life that frames our view.  Within that context the chart symbols become clear and easy to understand.  There is no rocket science involved here, just the basic use of astrology.  It is the underlying methodology of applies the Moon’s cycle to the natal Sun (established identity) that makes this form of charting work so easily.  It is my contention that this form of Lunar Return charting is far superior and easier to use than is the conventional type of Lunar Return.  Dave.

Are You Being Served; War in the Ladies Department

On September 5, 1974 the pilot showing of “Are you being served?” was aired on British TV.  This opening show found the Grace Brother’s Department Store in an uproar due to the Men’s Department being relocated onto the same floor where the Ladies Department was.  Space had to be rearranged, there were more staff crowded into the area, making it difficult for individuals to operate in their usual area or behind a given counter.  The haughty Captain Peacock had to manage the difficulties that arose.  Mr. Humpries took up the prime position behind the Men’s counter displaying socks and shirts, and near the trouser’s rack where he received baleful stares from the formidable middle-aged Mrs. Slocombe.  In spite of his innocent-eyed and mild manner,  jostling and innuendo filled the air.  Actor John Inman was in the perfect role of the artful manipulator of both conversation and people.  After only a few episodes the show had become widely popular.

 We will look briefly at two charts, the precession-corrected Tropical Solar Return for 1974, occurring a few months before the airing of the first show, and the Progressed Daily Angles chart for that first TV airing.

The first and most obvious feature of this chart is the proximity of the daily angles to the natal angles:  When this relatively rare occurrence is found, it always signals a period of momentous change in one’s life.  This can be for the better, for the worse, or for something that is just different.  This event, due to the 9 month and 2 week period of the MC-Solar Cycle occurs for one day during each year for the most part.  It is our personal “power” day.  For this to happen in a Solar Return day, well, that only happens once every 39 years.  Note that in 1974, Inman was 39 years old, having been born in 1935.

Now, note natal Pluto at the S/R Ascendant, 26 Cancer, and transiting Pluto at the IC, opposing the natal MC and widely opposing the S/R MC.  Doubled-up Pluto’s signify wholesale change in one’s life.  

The midpoint of the Asc./MC is 5 Gemini, conjoing the transiting Moon:  the public will be very much involved.  Hopscotch-jumping from the transiting Moon to the natal Moon (at 23 Libra, in the 4th house) we find t/Moon and t/Uranus opposing n/Uranus.  Another doubled-up planet,  Surprises are in store for this year. 

This is all we have to look for to understand what this year will mean for John Inman.  His life is about to be changed and defined, forever.    Let us look at the daily chart for the first showing of this comedy series.

Note the daily MC at 22 Gemini, the daily Ascendant at 24 Virgo.  For these angles, natal Mercury is angular at the MC, with transiting Mars and Mercury at the Ascendant.  Again, a doubled-up planet, Mercury in this case, is angular.  Mars/Mercury points to the forceful projection of the person, the introduction of a star.  

Again, this is all of the angular factors involved.  Yet, these few, simple symbols tell us the story.  There is no need for more complexity.  More detail is not needed.

Do you disagree.  Keep in mind the eventful Solar Return chart.  Keep in mind the context of John Inman’s life at this moment — he was an actor, he was part of a new comedy series being produced and introduced to British TV.  From these charts, in that situation, what could be said differently?  Your coming year is going to a life-changing period.  Your life from now on will be very different.  On Sept. 6th, your words will mark your career (Mercury at the MC), and your presence (Mars/Mercury) will reach out into TV land.  Seems simple enough.  We are always working with cyclic charts.  Each day’s chart will present a small piece of the life-story.  We have to keep the context of our life in mind while we look at what each day brings us.  The charts reflect the reality.  Dave

Are You Being Served? — Part One

On March 21, 1973 British TV watchers were treated to the first airing of a new comedy show;  Are You Being Served? This show took place on the clothing floor of Grace Brothers, set in a mid-1900’s atmosphere of an almost-high-end establishment complete with the requisite floor-walker and supervisor, Captain Peacock (3rd from right) and the subject of this series, Mr. Humphries as played by British actor John Inman.  The mincing, limp-wristed, always smiling lead seller at the men’s counter (hand on the cash register) became one of TV-land’s favourite characters. 

John Inman natal chart June 28, 1935            @ 6:00 AM

Preston Lancashire, England

002W42  53N46

 

 

 

 

 

John Inman’s Sun is in Cancer, the 12th house, a position that often portrays one who is very visible in their circles although they tend not to be self-promoting in their manner and activities.  As Mr. Humphries, his character knew his place in the pecking-order of the store but he always managed to find himself at the center of every sort of calamity that resulted from the inept management and the inventive staff.

Saturn opposes Neptune, 9th to 3rd, with a broad square to the Part of Fortune; an imaginative bridge-builder between what is achievable and what one’s private dreams are, with a sense of when the winds-of-chance need to be claimed for his own use.  Sun is close to the midpoint of Pluto and Part of Fortune; It would seem that John Inman recognizes, instinctively, the winds of fortune and chooses to intensify every opportunity.  N.Node at the Descendant tells us of his affinity for reaching out and including others, a friendly nature.

In the coming days we will explore Inman’s situation at the opening of the TV show, Are You Being Served, the last airing, his late-in-life marriage and untimely passing shortly afterward.  I hope that all who enjoyed this most-popular comedy show will enjoy this kick-off series for 2013.  Dave