Los Angeles "Station" Wildfire

Found a source for the beginning so the humungous Station Wildfire in Los Angeles (listed below) which has been determined to be set by arsonists. Amazingly, the highly volatile t-square of Mercury-Mars-Pluto is crossing the angles of the charts at this time. Apex Mercury 1 Libra is squaring the Mars-Pluto opposition from 1 Cancer to 1 Capricorn is conjunct the 28 Sagittarius Ascendant-Gemini Descendant. At any rate, Mars on the Descendant will show a criminal in the midst. Pluto on the Ascendant will show perhaps show intention. Uranus is very widely filling in the other end of the t-square from the 3d house. If that were the case the event could have been partially an accident. The Sagittarius Ascendant could indicate strong opinions, indicatinig anything from a sports enthusiast to an educator to a lawyer to a clergyman to a person from a foreign land so this doesn't help much. The strong Mercury influence could indicate a motorist. The Mercury-Mars square shows young people, probably male.

There are many elements in this chart that indicate unusual volatility. To add to the idea of "volatility" in this chart, the rising sign is firey Sagittarius, the sign most connected with rapid growth and anything large scale. And there is a double whammy Moon-Mars connection. Both planets are out-of-bounds and in the signs of their fall. This means that they stand out in the chart by being in signs in which they don't function well and their influence is somehow extreme. When working together they can show extremely angry emotions and insanity. At any rate, it is very interesting that the chart shows strong intent for this eventand it turns out that the fire was intentionally set. I can't understand pyromania at all so I tend to assume that things like this are accidents.

It's interesting that there are a total of 4 planets in this chart on the first degree of a sign. That's the 3 mentioned above plus Venus at 1 Leo which is placed in the 7th House, very close to conjunction with the 8th House cusp. Could "Arson" somehow be connected with planets crossing over into new signs? Sparking, Ignition? The Cardinal Sign t-square already addresses this idea. I wonder if a female could also be involved, or some kind of crazy relationship problem?

It seems that Grand Trines are often involved in disasters that are difficult to contain. The potential for ease of growth is just too difficult to control. Perhaps I'll call Grand Trines the Roller Derby Queens of Weather events indicators? In this case the Grand Trine is involved in a Kite figure. The linking planet here is Uranus in Pisces in the 3d house that opposes Mercury Libra (H9). I read on another astrology site the insight that many communications towers for Los Angeles were at risk, as well as the Mount Wilson Observatory.

A couple of my relatives are buried in a cemetery in that area so perhaps they are the cause?

Station Fire, Los Angeles, CA
Aug. 26, 2009 3:30 pm near U.S. Forest Service Ranger Station Highway 2, Mount Wilson

Sun 4 Virgo; Moon 28 Scorpio; ASC 28 Sagittarius; MC 16 Libra; NN 29 Capricorn

(source: http://cdfdata.fire.ca.gov/incidents/incidents_details_info?incident_id=377)

Incredible Time Lapse Photography of the Los Angeles Wildfire.








http://gizmodo.com/5352814/five-shocking-time+lapse-videos-of-the-los-angeles-wildfire

Land Ahoy in Water World

Looks like a big outer (and inner) Kite pattern coming up over the Summer of 2013. On June 23, 2013 the Sun 3 Cancer will be conjunct Jupiter 30 Gemini (with Lilith wedged between so somebody's gonna get tossed off the gang plank). This will oppose Pluto 11 Capricorn conjunct Moon Capricorn. And the Sun-Jupiter conjunction will be in a Grand Trine with Saturn 5 Scorpio and Neptune 6 Pisces.

What? That's an awesome aspect for an artist or an empire.

This is right between the Eclipse sets. There will be 3 in Spring and 2 in Oct-November. None will be total.

Hmmm, what could it mean? The Earth will have lined up with the Galactic Center in 2012 and then this.

Rembrandt the Musical

Inspired by the Sun in Libra and Jupiter's passage over my 7th House cusp I decided to take a look at True Love in an artist's chart. I decided to study the chart of Rembrandt with his first wife Saskia who seems to have been his first Muse. I figured it would be a good start. Well, I started there not knowing anything about Rembrandt's story... Apparently I didn't choose the right guy for the job.

Rembrandt's first wife, Saskia, was the subject of many of his most beautiful paintings. He is said to have loved her deeply. The couple's first 3 children died tragically shortly after their births. Saskia died shortly after giving birth to their 4th child, Titus, at Age 30 (Saturn Return).

Rembrandt immediately took up with his wife's nurse, a widow, Geetje Dircx. (Scorpio Rising and Moon can't go for long without the Sex relations?) Dircx nursed son Titus in his early life. Rembrandt didn't love her and had affairs, and Dircx flew off into rages. After 6 or 7 years Rembrandt got his new 23 year old maid, Hendrickje Stoffels, pregnant and Dircx sued him in court for breach of contract. In turn, Rembrandt had her committed to an insane asylum for 12 years. That was pretty nasty. This was the woman who nursed his son. Geertje Dircx was let out after a number of years, not the original 12, but she died soon after her release. Really tragic. Someone wrote a Musical about this love triangle which is performed periodically on Broadway.

Astrologically, what's interesting is that during the whole time all this chaos was going on, Pluto was traveling through Rembrandt's 7th House. The minute it hit his 8th house cusp, Rembrandt almost had to declare Bankruptcy (along with other aspects). Apparently his son and his mistress rearranged his finances so that he wouldn't lose everything. He never married his mistress because he was living off of his first wife, Saskia's money and would lose it if he ever remarried. Pluto doesn't provide easy answers, especially when it comes to Love and Money. But it does provide the stuff that Broadway Musicals are made of... You could call this story "Testing True Love" or "Why Is Cupid's Arrow So Damn Sharp?"

Rembrandt van Rijn
b. July 15, 1606 3:00pm Leiden, Netherlands

Sun 23 Cancer; ASC 17 Scorpio; Moon 25 Scorpio; MC 7 Virgo; NN 24 Virgo.

Saskia van Uylenburgh
b. Aug. 2, 1612 Leeuwarden, Netherlands

Sun 11 Leo; Moon Libra or Scorpio; NN 29 Taurus

Geertje Dircx
b. born 1610-15

Hendrickje Stoffels
b. 1626 Bredevoort, Netherlands

Rembrandt has a really magnificent chart, it's pretty ridiculous to pick apart for relationship issues. Like Beethoven, he was born with a Grand Earth Trine between 3 Outer planets, Neptune, Pluto, and Saturn. Neptune, planet of Art is conjunct his Virgo Midheaven.

But this chart goes beyond that because it just misses making a Grand Sextile Hexagon of Sextiles. (The orb between the Sextile of Chiron to Saturn is too big.) But the Grand Trine does expand out into two Kites: Neptune-MC opposite Jupiter in Pisces is the axis of the first Kite and Mercury in Gemini opposite Saturn makes the axis of the 2d Kite. Almost all of his Planets are in Water and Earth. Most descriptions of his art include the words "Emotional Depth" "Emotional Power" and "Sympathy for Humanity" This is a Cancer Sun with Scorpio Rising and Moon. (Technical Genius as well: Neptune-MC in Virgo).

The Water-Earth dominance does explain why he got bogged down in relationship and financial problems. Rembrandt had no planets in Fire which is interesting because he is known for his Brilliant Lighting techniques. A lack in a person's chart makes them want to seek it out either through relationships or through work or other means. Rembrandt would show light shining from within a person or from unknown sources or directions in order to emphasize the spirituality of the person or the situation or to enhance the design of the picture. "Rembrandt Lighting" is a special way of lighting a subject's face which is particularly flattering for the shape of their face.

Rembrandt's Venus (Art) is located in his 7th House. It's in Gemini and is a singleton in Air. And I suppose that's a great position for a Portrait Artist who needs to build a business (Gemini) around flattering (Venus) others (Venus). Venus rules Artistic Design and Proportion through it's relationship with the Golden Mean. I took a drawing class once and the instructor picked up a book of Rembrandt drawings to explain the Golden Mean. Willy nilly he went through the book measuring out Golden Means sketch after sketch. Rembrandt had a natural sense of divine proportion.

But, Venus in Gemini can also show a person who multi-tasks in the relationship department. And that's where we get gossipy about his Love Life. The relationship axis is telling. Rembrandt had a conjunction of Moon and Mars in Scorpio in his 1st House which opposed Uranus at 29 Taurus in his 7th House. That shows emotionalism, upheaval and erratic happenings in the relationship sector. Along with Uranus, Venus was in his 7th.

Pluto ruled both his Chart and his Moon and his Mars so it's transit would have an extra powerful effect on his life. Shortly after Pluto entered his 7th House, a Collector took a big interest in him and his career took off. Pluto also rules Fame and Famous people. He became very successful and attracted big commissions and attracted a wealthy wife. Pluto likes to build you up before he tears you down. Pluto was 3 degrees away from conjunction with natal 7th house Uranus when Rembrandt married Saskia and was within orb the whole time they were married so the Opposition was always under fire by Pluto while they were married. Pluto, Uranus, Moon and Mars working together, that's stormy weather.

When Saskia died Pluto was applying to conjunction with Venus at 8 Gemini and squaring his IC-MC axis. Pluto and Venus rule his 1st and 7th Houses. T.Neptune had just passed over his Ascendant was now in conjunction with his Moon-Mars conjunction and it looks as though he went through years of running around in a haze, struggling in his relationships and declining financial circumstances. Of course, Neptune aspects are great for Artists but generally to the exclusion of dealing well with real life. Pluto-Venus transits wreak emotional havoc in relationships and finances. He didn't treat his mistress well and she tried to get her fair share. But she was a mere woman and was dealing with a well respected artist and a double Scorpio-Cancer type whose bite was worse than his bark. He would certainly have been better respected by the courts than she was. Well, and the screaming didn't help. A lesson for us all.

I'm fuzzy on the dates around the time that he got involved with his final mistress, Hendrickje Stoffels. It looks like his Progressed Venus had just passed over his Natal Sun and his progressed Sun was conjunct his MC-Neptune with the Nodes passing over that angle. They had a daughter Cornelia together (b. 1654). Their relationship seems to have been solid but they never married due to the financial circumstances. Rembrandt outlived Hendrickje and died shortly after his Son, Titus, died, on Oct. 4, 1669.

Alex the African Gray Parrot and His Person

While web surfing today I once again saw the now famous last words of Alex the African Gray Parrot who recently passed.

"You be good. See you tomorrow. I Love You."

Alex was a Research Bird who had phenomenal abilities to communicate. His ability to distinguish colors and numbers and to crack one-liners made him world renowned. He had a vocabulary of 100 words, that's better than I can brag about, for sure. The woman who worked with him, Dr. Irene Pepperberg, bought Alex in a Pet Store in Chicago back in June, 1977. Alex was 1 year old at the time. He was 31 years old when he died of unknown causes on Sept. 6, 2007 at Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts.

Alex
b. 1976
d. Sept. 6, 2007, Waltham, Massachusetts

Dr. Irene Pepperberg
b. Apr. 1, 1949 Brooklyn, NY

Sun 12 Aries; Moon Taurus; NN 26 Aries

Rex Bills is in the car, but I'm just going to assume from looking at Irene Pepperberg's chart that Mercury and Virgo rule Parrots. She has a tight inconjunct of Mercury at 1 Aries to Saturn at 1 Virgo. Mercury-Saturn aspects can show a sharp mind, sharp verbal skills, great analytical skills. Why shouldn't it indicate Parrots? The inconjunct, being an aspect that links two signs that have no common basic characteristics, seems appropriate for trying to break through a communication barrier between species.

Also in her chart, Dr. Pepperberg's Sun is opposite her Neptune. This can show an ability to relate to others at a psychic level. In her case this aspect is very strongly emphasized. Her Sun is in Aries ruled by Mars and Neptune is in Libra ruled by Venus. Rulers of these signs, Mars and Venus are both conjunct her Sun. Mars and Venus also rule the signs which her Nodes are in. And Aries and Libra rule the relationship axis.

In addition, Dr. Pepperberg's Sun is in a Grand Trine with Pluto in Leo and Chiron in in Sagittarius. Along with the opposition to Neptune it almost makes a Kite Pattern, the sextile between Neptune and Chiron is a little wide. But this shows that the opposition works to focus the easy flow of the Grand Trine. Sun-Mars, Pluto (Fame, Research, Secrets), Neptune (knowing the unknown, No boundaries) and Chiron (Teacher, Wounding), that's a strong focus on working with the life force in some way, especially connected with Sun c. Mars in Aries.

The numbers involved indicated strong Saturn Returns influence. Alex and Pepperberg worked together for 30 years. She was 28 when she bought him and is 58 now...
She wasn't yet having her Saturn Return when she found Alex. Saturn had to pass over Pluto in Leo before getting to her Saturn at 1 Virgo. It was conjunct Pluto when she found Alex and they began a long term research, working relationship together. Not only that but Neptune was conjunct her Chiron so two points of the Grand Trine were experiencing major slow aspects.

That doesn't necessarily indicate Kismet, but this does: Pluto and the NN were close to conjunction with Dr. Pepperberg's Neptune. The transiting South Node would have been conjunct her Sun-Mars-Venus. I've experienced something close to that aspect on my ASC-DESC line. Fish were literally having stare out contests with me (I had eye witnesses, ok?). I dropped everything in my life to spend as much time as I could with my old cat. Pluto-Neptune conjunctions are true magic in relationship with everything in the world except people who are simply too inferior to relate on that level. On a practical, earthy level they are often not so hot.

Pepperberg had her first Saturn Return right after she started working with Alex. Saturn at 1 Virgo inconjunct Mercury a 1 Aries. Virgo represents hard work and clinical settings. Saturn returned to that point this month.

I was curious about the surprise demise of Alex; supposedly he wasn't sick and nobody knows what caused his death. I can't find his birth info so we can't even guess. Seems that Uranus must be figuring strongly. It's interesting that Dr. Pepperberg's Solar Return for this year has an exact conjunction of Mercury-Uranus and the North Node at 16 Pisces. Natally she's got a Mercury-Uranus square. I have no idea what to do with this information, just thought I'd mention it.

So, Alex, Thanks for Blessing Us with your Wonderful Self. Rest in Peace, Beautiful Bird.

Prescott Bush and Geronimo, Thief's Bones

This is an addition to my blog about Geronimo written back in November where I found a common theme in Geronimo's (The Apache chief) chart in regards to his Saturn Returns. His Saturn is heavily emphasized in his natal chart. It's in Leo and I've come to think during this latest transit that this is a wild placement for Saturn leading to dramatic actions in life. Also, Saturn is involved in both a Kite pattern of 4 outer planets (Uranus opp. Saturn trine Pluto and Jupiter) and a Mystic Rectangle (Uranus, Pluto, Saturn, NN). This can indicate a person who strongly represents his Generation. It also seems to indicate that when he went through his Saturn Returns, many powerful elements of his chart lit up at the same time in strong aspect to themselves and to each other. Many elements of his life were interdependent on the others.

Subsequently, Geronimo went through unbelievable losses. First Return, his entire family was killed. Second Saturn Return, he surrendered his people to the White Settlers. On the 3d Saturn return he was dead and buried at Fort Sill in Oklahoma, but according to many reports his Bones (Saturn ruled) were stolen from his grave by Prescott Bush and a friend who were stationed at the base. Bush (GW's Grandfather) is said to have taken the bones with him to the Skulls and Bones society at Yale where they were used in ceremonies. On this last Return, his Grandson requested the Bones be returned and a memorial set up in New Mexico.

I looked at Prescott Bush's chart finally.
b. May 15, 1895 Columbus, OH

Sun 25 Taurus; Moon Aquarius; NN 20 Pisces

Geronimo
b. June 16, 1829 Turkey Creek, Arizona (date is from Wikipedia)

Bush had no planets in Fire and a Sun Singleton in Earth, otherwise he was all Water and Air.

Uranus in Scorpio is very strong in Bush's chart. It trines his North Node, opposes his Sun, rules the sign of his Moon and maybe even squares it. Combined with the Taurus Sun shows interests in Banking and Business, being able to distance one's self from the emotional side of things. Also, a humanitarian side, which brings in the Public Service side. Neptune rules his North Node and squares it. He was born during the Pluto-Neptune conjunction in Gemini with both planets in conjunction with their dispositor, Mercury. So the guy could tell a story, if you know what I mean. And he wouldn't be averse to stealing during his lifetime.

What's interesting with regards to Geronimo is the relationship of his inner Cancer planets to Geronimo's. They both had Venus and Mars in Cancer in conjunction with each other and out-of-bounds. When you consider that Cancer is the sign that rules domestic relations and patriotism this gets really interesting, because Geronimo held out longer than anyone against the white man. It's almost as if Prescott really was stealing Geronimo's spirit along with his bones. His chart certainly shows the psychic abilities to understand these forces if only on a subconscious level. Geronimo's chart shows lots of Fire. Stealing Fire?

Prescott's Venus is at 4 Cancer and out-of-bounds at 25 degrees 21 minutes N declination and Geronimo's is at 3 Cancer and out-of-bounds at 24 degrees 5 minutes N declination.

Prescott's Mars is at 15 Cancer and out-of-bounds at 24 degrees 7 minutes N and Geronimo's Mars is at 16 Cancer and out-of-bounds at 23 degrees 40 minutes N.

An interesting item to note regarding Prescott's Cancer planets is that he was one of the first advocates of Birth Control in the 1940's. During this time his Sun was progressing through Cancer and over these planets. This just strikes me as funny since Cancer is supposed to be the sign of procreation.

Is Prescott related to Prescott, Arizona by the way? Because Geronimo was born in Arizona just South of there.

My article called "Barfing and Bloodlines" shows a progressed Solar Connection between Prescott and first his son George the President and then his Grand Son, George the President II.

"The Castle"

Do buildings have charts?

On yesterday's Full Moon, there was a groundbreaking ceremony for a $50 Million replica of the Alhambra in Morgan Hill, CA. It will house "The Institute of Mathematics" a 7-year old "School" that gathers the world's greatest mathematicians to solve the world's toughest mathematics problems. The founder of the Institute, John Fry (founder of Fry's Electronics) conceived and is paying for the building. His college buddy, Steve Sorenson, is in charge of managing the construction. An architect from Santa Fe, NM, Jay Bonner, is designing the building.

"The Castle"
groundbreaking ceremony: May 31, 2007 11:30 am Morgan Hill, CA

Sun 10 Gemini; Moon 8 Sagittarius; ASC 24 Leo; MC 18 Taurus; NN 12 Pisces

What better aspect for building a "Castle" than Leo Rising with Sun is in the 10th house? Saturn is conjunct the ASC and is trining Jupiter in the 4th house of "Place and Home". Jupiter rules higher education. Saturn also trines Pluto in Sagittarius in the 5th house: serious ambitions for pursuing deep thought and higher learning.

The Full Moon in Sagittarius is conjunct and disposits to Jupiter opposing Sun in Gemini. This is perfect for an educational, intellectual pursuit. The Institute was conceived by Fry and Sorenson when they were in college (Jupiter) together. John Fry went on to make his money through the Fry's Electronics chain. Moon conjunct Jupiter in its own sign promises Luck. A place (Moon and H4) of Higher Thought (Jupiter) of International (Jupiter) Fame (Scorpio IC). Moon is also conservative, the design will be an imitation of a building from the past. All the Fry's stores are decorated with historical themes as well.

The ceremony (Leo ASC c. Saturn) went from 11:30 am to 1 pm. At this point there was a Grand Fire Trine of Jupiter in Sagittarius-Saturn in Leo-Mars in Aries that extended out to a Kite through Saturn's opposition to Chiron in Aquarius. Saturn is also opposite Neptune and this opposition is closely conjunct the ASC-DESC line. A strong focus on gathering people to work in partnerships.

Scorpio rules the IC, indicator of a need for privacy, great for a retreat to discover deep secrets of the universe and also beneficial for fame and power. John Fry didn't attend the ceremony as he dislikes publicity. How Scorpio!

Pluto opposed by Mercury from H5 to H11, respectively. Another indicator of "deep thinking," especially through communication with others (Opposition).

As the purpose of building this building is to encourage great Mathematicians to gather and share knowledge and to work in teams I figured Uranus/Aquarius should be looked at. Gemini rules the 11th house and Mercury (communication) is placed there. The Nodal axis spans H1 and 7 indicating strong drive to work with others. The mutual reception of Uranus and Neptune is aspected in H7. These are the outer most planets, representing the most advanced intuitive (Uranus) and spiritual (Neptune) thinking that Man is capable of. Uranus is squaring Jupiter.

The focus of creating beautiful grounds like the Alhambra as inspiration: Venus in Cancer on H12 cusp trining Uranus in Pisces on H8 cusp.

Big Fat Hollywood Production

The Oscars.

Thought I'd look up charts and try to guess who will win but I'm too lazy.

Mark Wahlberg interests me. I had no idea he was Marky Mark the underwear Model and the guy who starred in "Boogey Nights." He's awesome in "The Departed" and on talk shows. Guess all this fragmented imagery is typical of his Sun Sign, another Gemini.

What's wild is his wayward childhood. He harassed some black children in a school playground when he was 15 and blinded a Vietnamese Guy when he was 16 for which he was convicted for aggravated assault. Later on at Age 21 he broke a neighbor's jaw. Supposedly that wasn't his fault, the neighbor must have been white. Wild Guy who has done very well for himself.

Mark Wahlberg
b. June 5, 1971 7:15am Boston, MA (from astrotheme)

Gemini Sun, Cancer Rising, Moon in Scorpio, Pisces MC

So. His Mars is conjunct his North Node in Aquarius. The aggression is part of his Fate. Hopefully he'll never go into Nuclear Physics. Mars-NN involved in a Grand Trine with Sun and Uranus (which is on his IC). This expands out to a Kite figure with Chiron opposite Uranus. Not exactly what one would figure for a bigot but maybe some self-perpetuating problems with impulse and aggressive ego. Perhaps he will eventually use his success and fame to show love for humanity on a large scale.

Most interesting is Marky's Moon. It's the Ruler of his chart and is in Scorpio unaspected. That's an indicator for strong emotional needs that can get bottled up. How fitting that he modelled underwear and starred in the role of a porn star. His troubles seem to have peaked when his Sun progressed into Cancer at age 16. When the Sun progresses into a Sign the ego and how one shines can go through a difficult adjustment period, especially when the planet that rules the new sign is afflicted. Along with his impulsive Sun-Mars-Uranus grand trine he needed to learn to control his impulses. But, also, this expresses itself as strong, virile, straight-forward energy such as the role of the good cop in "The Departed." Wahlberg's progressed Sun was still in his 12th house when it changed signs; the 12th house rules incarceration and jails, as well as music and film.

When Wahlberg cut his record as Marky Mark in 1991 his progressed Moon was passing through his 1st house, the sign that it rules.

When he began his Acting Career in 1993 his Ascendant was progressing into Leo, the sign of the performer.

Wahlberg's natal Moon is in his 5th house which is natural for a performer. His children are probably a very positive influence in his life. On Wikipedia it says that he plans to retire when he is 40 to spend time with them. With Pisces MC, a career in film is a natural, especially with ruler Neptune conjunct Jupiter also in the 5th house.

Also very interesting is that Will Smith, my personal favorite for the Oscar, also has a Scorpio Moon, possibly unaspected as well, but in his 12th house natally. Another rap artist who turned actor.