Neil Spencer

Your Stars 30 May 2010

Posted on 30 May 2010

“June is busting out all over
The saplings are busting out with sap!”
- -Oscar Hammerstein II

Uranus has always been trouble. Take its name – William Herschel, who discovered the planet on 13 March 1781, wanted to name his discovery named after his king (George III), a proposal that outraged among French astronomers in particular. For a while the planet was named simply ‘Herschel’ until Uranus was chosen, on the basis that this was the first planet beyond Saturn and Uranus was Saturn’s father.
Astrologically, the name is a poor fit. Whereas the god Uranus is a tyrannical father (against whom Saturn rebels), Uranus the planet signifies revolution, modernity, sexual ambiguity and more. This is, after all, the only planet that spins on a vertical axis.
A solution to this non-sequitur has been proposed by philosopher and astrologer Professor Richard Tarnas, who argues that Uranus’ flashing, humanist impulses clearly belong to the myth of Prometheus, the Titan who taught humanity the arts of navigation, astrology, mathematics and architecture and who, as a rebellious firebrand, stole fire from Mount Olympus to give to humanity.
The arrival of Uranus/Prometheus at the start of the zodiac last week promises dramatic developments on the world stage this summer (yep, more of them), though it will probably not be until said planet contacts Saturn, in July, that we will see them unfold. A revolution or two or a massive technological breakthrough would fit the bill.
Incidentally, I have no idea why everyone received an alert for my 21 March forecast last week, it certainly had nothing to do with me. I note, however, that it happened just as Prometheus arrived at the spring equinox point of the zodiac.
Just to emphasise we are moving into what they call ‘warp space’ in science fiction soap operas, Saturn and Neptune both change direction today. Maximum concentration called for…

Gemini

Look sharp! Geminis don’t need to be told to recognise and seize an opportunity. Whether it’s someone surprising presenting themselves for your attention, the sniff of a new business/career deal, or a fresh way to bi-locate, there’s a change of weather in your zone of the zodiac. This being your birthday month, you also have the Sun to help; brazen self-promotion won’t harm your prospects one jot. Wild birthday party? Bring it on.
Even those of you who have been wrestling with the burdens of officialdom, family and property (especially 17-20 June birthdays, who might re-read last week’s forecast) have arrived at the point where your ‘problem’ becomes as much an opportunity as a burden. This is not the moment to let your knees buckle and throw in the towel, though with Saturn stationary, it might feel like it.
If you have overseas contacts, it’s a likely week for them to get in contact, or vice versa. Romance? A work in progress, especially with any new arrivals.

Cancer

Swinging on a star? You have the right star, Venus, for chilling out, entertaining, getting creative (in kitchen, wardrobe or studio) and charming the designer socks off people who can help you. Best not try said charms on open enemies (or even stern spouses) in the early part of this week, when Luna, Cancer’s celestial body, is in uncompromising opposition. Better to present a moving target.
Your options, which must have felt frozen in mud at times this year, are opening up, both for gainful employment and romance. If you’re looking for work, think unconventional – even a job you never imagined you’d undertake.

Leo

For the last six months the warrior planet Mars has variously energised, goaded and tormented your sign, with particular reference to your key partnerships, be they romantic, business or some odd, in-between hybrid. As Mars is heading out of your skies in a mere week’s time, you might expect the issues and solutions to now burst into clarity and get resolved. Uh-uh. The red planet’s opposition to Neptune this week is a case of impatience versus evasion. By all means ask searching questions but don’t expect straightforward answers, and if you’re in a spin over somebody, this is hardly the moment to ask for commitment. You will be in a far stronger position to judge the realities of your situation next week.
In money matters, on the other hand, you can now tie off arrangements in a civilised, binding way (i.e. you still have to pay your debts). In business and career, you are best served by being here, there and everywhere.

Virgo

Decisive phase in progress, whether you’re dusting your hands of someone, getting serious about a commitment or just keeping the wheels of industry humming. For the last activity, the planetary clockwork is very obliging – only now are you free from the convolutions of April and early May. The boss (or someone who thinks they are) can be dealt with plainly; your integrity is what counts. Stalk your social networks, and make your reach far (across seas even).
As for those commit or quit scenarios: a pair of planets exiting your partnership zone is a cue to redefine what you want or expect from one particular association. Is it mutually beneficial? If not, what’s the point?

Libra

High profile and mobile is the way to be now. A heavy hand on the work tiller is probably unnecessary, it’s enough to let events unfold at their own speed, your part in affairs being availability, an open heart and an elegant manner. The closed, purposeful work ethic will be required soon enough, in late summer. This is a period of research, preparation and self-advertisement. Give your public what it wants.
The early part of the week could be a bit of a stand-off, nonetheless, when you may have to give the bosses what they want. Don’t flip into adversarial mode.
Planets arriving in your house of partners and open enemies mean that brand new crushes and brand new rivals both have to be taken seriously. With a fresh current of energy in play, the singles bar looks unusually busy for the next few weeks. If you’re in a couple and tussling over the same-old, then here comes a tie-breaker.

Scorpio

It’s time to stabilise. Professionally that shouldn’t prove so hard. Consolidate done deals, shake on those that can now be brought to fullness, and shake also on those you have to let go. It’s a moment for cold-blooded professionalism, with its attendant question – what’s in it for you? There are major developments imminent in the realm of work and the particular skills that you can bring to it (nor is it ever too late to learn new ones).
Romance? It’s a good time to re-balance awry partnerships. For once, long, detailed conversations help. Any amor fou on which you have been able to lay your sensuous grip has more juice in the tank. Might as well see how far you can push things; this week is well primed for abandon, delusion and excess. Good luck.

Sagittarius

Last week’s Sagittarian full Moon may not have amounted to a ‘crossing the Rubicon’ moment, but it was a boundary between 2010’s first and second half. There is, for sure, old business to be cleared up between here and the new Moon of 12 June, but you have passed one particular professional audition (or decided it isn’t worth a Centaur’s spit). Optimism and a brave spirit – your birthright according to astrological lore –count for double over the course of the summer.
We remain in Gemini, your opposing (albeit partnership) sign, so conservation of your physical energy is a must. The Sun’s opposition also means it’s best not to try and call the shots with significant others. At this point, only someone flamboyant and electrifying is likely to shake you from your course, but should you sight such a personage, then go with your instincts, immediately!

Capricorn

Here’s valuable breathing space, perfect for a re-assessment of long-term schemes and short term strategies. Saturn, your governor, is now stationary, offering you a commanding view of the last two years and the next. Decide what (and who) belongs to past and future. Try and be clear about what you are undertaking professionally, starting later this summer.
Pointless to postpone too many decisions: a fat Moon in Capricorn today and tomorrow pushes you onwards; good for brow-beating others into line as only you know how. No need to strong-arm your other half – make enjoying their charms, rather than their compliance, your aim.

Aquarius

Mars has made many Aquarian relationships a none too merry dance over the last six months; compulsive or combative maybe, but merry? No. This week’s opposition between the red planet and Neptune brings this particular cycle to a probably welcome close. As Neptune’s upside is inspiration, and its downside illusion, best suspend judgment for a week or so when considering the value of an existing partnership or a ‘can’t shake off the ex’ scenario. Enough, for now, to let relations advance or fade as they will without presuming any particular outcome.
Considering upgrading your technology – computer, mobile phone, sat-nav and the ilk? You have a green light to do so this month, but again, a week’s research before making investing in any big-ticket items is advisable. Research.

Pisces

No-one need remind a Pisces that nothing is forever – yours is the sign of imminent, actual and perpetual change! This is a week to keep your antennae tuned while going with the flow. Pisces’ planet, Jupiter, promises to slip out of your skies with a flourish; a cool job offer, a free stack of chips at the casino, a relationship that suddenly seems untenable.
As planets elsewhere sparkle with good contacts, possible deals, quick fixes and fast friends, you’re best served by slipping around and seeing what everyone is up to, in that nicely nosy way of yours. Friday and Saturday, with the Moon in your skies, are especially favoured for being at the centre of the action and, perhaps, conducting it.
Sitting on a fat, personal secret? Make sure it doesn’t escape this week.

Aries

If you are game to make a big change, this summer certainly looks obliging. The arrival of Uranus in the Ram’s skies is a harbinger of upheaval, though primarily for birthdays immediately after the spring equinox (21-24 March). No need to get ahead of one’s self in any case; this week is as much about tender, secretive issues as making a splash in the outer world. One hush-hush project or discreet affair may need to be tied off before you can move on to the brasher few months that are in store – what’s more, a heavy handed manner won’t work. You’re trying to unpick a lock, not smash it open.
Planets elsewhere in your ‘scope encourage an outgoing, inquisitive manner; ‘see and be seen’ makes a fine prelude to the more demonstrative phase that begins next week; at dawn next Sunday to be precise.

Taurus

Try to be the one setting the pace. Professionally, whether you are a solo act or are tied in to a collective, your voice currently counts double. Stay mobile and lead by inspiration. One long cherished project looks to have reached lift-off, but be prepared to fight for its survival and co-opt others to do the same. With two major planets (Saturn and Neptune) changing direction simultaneously, this is a moment of flux, calling for maximum concentration.
Romance? Here, too, there’s a subtle change in the air whose outcome is in the balance. You have more clarity about other people’s intentions in one short week’s time.