Astrology, as I usually say, looks at trends and themes. It’s not a magic wand. Even a five-year-ago astrologer would notice a lot of action in early 2022 if they looked at all of these charts. And, yes, one country invading another could be a result of the current astrological. It could, however, be used to denote other big social or geopolitical events.
Consider the following scenario. In the spring of 2019, I predicted that the months of January and February 2020 will be ripe for a significant worldwide event best described as “structural collapse” (Pluto and Saturn meeting up in Capricorn). The significance of this Saturn-Pluto conjunction became clear once the COVID-19 epidemic broke out in early 2020. Astrology doesn’t tell you everything; it gives you hints and themes that steer you in the right direction.
Every nation, like every individual on the earth, has its own unique birth chart. With 195 countries (and their leaders), there are a lot of charts to keep track of. For all I know, a country’s chart in 2027 could indicate severe changes. But, because I don’t keep track of every country’s birth chart, that isn’t on my radar.
Many professional astrologers maintain eyes on their own countries’ natal charts and current astrological effects, as I do with the United States, and I wouldn’t be shocked if some Russian or Ukrainian astrologers spotted something similar on the horizon.
Because there is a lot to cover in this piece, I’ve divided it into six sections:
- The birth chart of Russia and the current transits
- The chart of Ukraine and its current transits
- Russia and Ukraine have an astrological link.
- The birth chart of Vladimir Putin, as well as current transits
- The birth chart of Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the current transits
- The current astrological landscape around the world
The day and time when the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics flag came down above the Kremlin and Mikhail Gorbachev, the final Soviet leader, resigned and handed over his powers to Boris Yeltsin are the dates and times I consider Russia’s “birthdate.”
The following are some key points to remember about this graph:
- Capricorn is the sign of the nation’s heart. Stout conservatism and rigidity are two of Capricorn’s shadow (or unevolved) traits. Capricorn signifies fascism, authoritarianism, repression, and strict law and order at its worst. The Russian government has often demonstrated that it is locked at the bottom end of the Capricorn energy spectrum. In Freedom in the World 2021, Freedom House’s annual examination of political rights and civil liberties around the world, Russia is ranked “Not Free.” Its LGBTQ+ community is discriminated against and marginalized on a regular basis. Same-sex couples are not eligible for the same legal protections as opposite-sex couples. Russia has no anti-discrimination laws in place for LGBT individuals, and hate crimes based on sexual orientation and gender identity are not prohibited. Russia has approved a new law under which anyone who uses the words “invasion” or “war” to describe… well, its invasion of Ukraine could face a 15-year prison sentence. According to the Russian government, news items portraying the Russian invasion of Ukraine as a “attack,” “invasion,” or “statement of war” must be removed.
- Jupiter squares Mars in Sagittarius. Jupiter magnifies things by a factor of a hundred when in a square aspect. Mars’ rage, violence, competitiveness, conflict, and love of combat are all discussed here. Mars’ characteristics are amplified when it is in a fire sign (Sagittarius). The term ‘bully’ (a Mars keyword) has been used to describe Russia’s global actions for years. This is simply a manifestation of Mars’ less evolved characteristics. At his best, Mars is an inspiring and daring fighter who fights for the rights of others. At its worst, it’s the playground bully who enjoys stirring up trouble and engaging in fistfights.
Can a country possibly hope to overcome its natal chart’s more troublesome blind spots and progress toward the healthier qualities? Yes, as long as the people in charge have natal charts that do not replicate or facilitate the country’s problematic features.
Russia’s horoscope is now influenced by the following astrological factors:
- Transiting Saturn will test its ascendant/descendant axis from mid-March to mid-September 2022, and then again from mid-December 2022 to mid-January 2023. Saturn will cross Russia’s descendant (where the 7th house of partnerships begins) and oppose its ascendant at this time (the sensitive angle that relates, among other things, to how we are perceived). It’s common for challenging Saturn transits like this one to feel solitary. It’s not surprising that Russia’s horoscope is afflicted by this crippling Saturn transit at a time when the country is being referred to as a superpower “Sanctions continue to pile up against Iran, and practically every country on the earth has condemned its behavior. This transit usually ends at least one key relationship in a person’s chart, or at the very least makes us pause and think about how our actions may be getting in the way of healthy partnerships. Those of you who have been reading my blog for a while know that I never label a planet or transit as “good” or “bad.” It ultimately boils down to your choice. By looking at a problem objectively (Saturn keyword) and accepting responsibility, this type of Saturn transit allows us to discover our mistakes and flaws, make amends, and strengthen (Saturn keyword) connections (descendant) (Saturn keyword). Of course, we might choose to ignore all of this and experience the Saturn transit in the opposite way: we can isolate ourselves and become morose, telling ourselves a story about how we got here “It’s us versus the world, and we’re going to burn bridges. Astrology is a great example of how the personal intersects with the political. The astrological archetypes are the same whether you’re talking about a person or a country.
- From March 13 to April 30, transiting Saturn will square its natal Pluto and Venus, and then again from July 15 to August 27, and finally from December 3 to January 16. This corresponds to the fact that Russia’s economy (Venus) is being suffocated by a slew of economic sanctions. All of this Saturn impact (notice that Saturn is the common thread in Russia’s current transits) also explains why Russia has had difficulty recruiting people to participate in this conflict, has witnessed major anti-occupation protests (within its own nation), and has generally become a global pariah. Belarus’ Chief of General Staff resigned at one time, unwilling to fight Ukraine. A ruble is now worth less than a penny in the United States, and the Russian economy is valued at less than half of what it was four weeks ago. If that isn’t Saturn conjunct Venus, I’m not sure what is. This Saturn transit will last for another ten months, giving the country ample opportunity to come to its senses and change course. If it doesn’t (astrology recognizes free will), Saturn (the planet of consequences and not getting away with anything) will make the terrain more dreary and difficult, particularly economically (Venus).
- Its advanced sun has just begun a conjunction with its natal Saturn that will last until December 2024 (this only happens once in 365 years, thus it’s a first in Russia’s chart). Saturn is the planet of karma and harsh reality checks, so keep that in mind. Free passes aren’t given out by Saturn. Even if Russia were to entirely change direction tomorrow, this trajectory shows that irreversible damage has been done, which cannot be undone, rationalized, or overlooked.
I hope you can perceive the link between Russia’s current and future astrological landscapes. Saturn is the planet of constraints, constriction, limits, isolation, and reality checks.
Ukraine is a Virgo, having was formed on August 24, 1991. Due to its huge fertile terrain, it is one of the world’s top grain exporters (Virgo rules agriculture and, specifically, wheat).
- Uranus is only two degrees away from the ascendant in the first house. Earthquakes, lighting, and electricity are all ruled by Uranus. It has a jolting, surprising, and innovative intensity. On the one hand, Uranus’ proximity to a country’s ascendant disrupts its stability. It essentially cements an energetic blueprint that is prone to change. On the other side, it creates a dynamic in which revolutions get ingrained in the national fabric. It’s not unexpected that a country with Uranus so near to its ascendant had the Euromaidan Protests in 2013 and 2014, which were successful public protests against corruption and in support of EU integration, leading to the ouster of then-president Viktor Yanukovych. Unfortunately, while Uranus is associated with progressive and egalitarian revolutions, he is also associated with disruptive situations such as the one currently affecting Ukraine.
- Pluto’s moon is square to it. This is a feature of a person’s chart that requires a lot of attention. It usually refers to a painful childhood experience (and usually a family lineage that is marked by trauma). We can find ourselves repeating relationship dynamics as adults if we aren’t self-aware. We can be abused, manipulated, and not seen or heard if we aren’t self-aware. When a person realizes how this component works, they go through an emotional death and rebirth, emerging emotionally strong and courageous. This can indicate a conflict-ridden history (before to its current form) on a country’s chart. For centuries, the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, Austria-Hungary, the Ottoman Empire, and the Russian Tsardom disputed, partitioned, and dominated what is now Ukraine. Following the Russian Revolution, a Ukrainian national movement for self-determination arose, and on June 23, 1917, the internationally recognized Ukrainian People’s Republic was established. The Bolsheviks forcibly recreated the short-lived state into the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, which joined the Soviet Union as a founding member in 1922. And, since its 1991 independence from the Soviet Union, it has been invaded by Russia, which took Crimea in 2014. In such a short period of time, there has been a great deal of trauma and violence.
- Jupiter is at 25 degrees of Leo, Mercury is at 26 degrees of Leo, Venus is at 28 degrees of Leo, and the sun is at 0 degrees of Virgo, making it an extremely powerful stellium (cluster of planets). The Jupiter-Mercury-Venus stellium in Leo, in particular, is a sign of resolve, fortitude, and resilience.
Ukraine’s natal chart is now influenced by the following factors:
- From late May 2021 to late May 2022, transiting Uranus will cross its IC (the sensitive degree dubbed the “basis of the chart”). This effect was especially strong in June, October, and early November of 2021, and it ‘peaks’ again in late March and early April of 2022. It’s time to expect the unexpected when Uranus passes a delicate aspect like the IC. This is frequently a sign of having to react to an unexpected external occurrence.
- From mid-March 2022 to mid-March 2024, transiting Neptune will be opposite its natal Mars. From May to August 2022, March to April 2023, and October 2023 to mid-February 2024, this will be especially powerful. Mars is a planet that denotes vitality, action, drive, and forward motion. Consider it a colossal ball of fire. Consider that ball of fire being wet by a GIGANTIC bucket of water (Neptune). This is frequently felt to be a crippling impact. This can feel as a moment of disillusionment, tiredness, nebulousness, or a sensation of ‘treading water’ in a person’s chart.
- From March 2022 to January 2023, transiting Saturn will be conjunct its moon. From mid-March to mid-April 2022, all of August 2022, and mid-December 2022 to mid-January 2023, this will be especially strong. Saturn’s tests and difficulties are like an automated tennis ball machine, bouncing from one to the other without much of a respite. As an astrologer who avoids doom and gloom astrology, I must emphasize that this is a transit that ultimately strengthens us while also putting our resistance to the test. However, I can’t deny that going through it is similar to walking on a treadmill with the slope set at 14.
- In February and March 2023, transiting Saturn will oppose its natal Mercury, Venus, and sun, and then again from late September to late December 2023. More Saturn challenges await us here. On the one hand, the next ten months will be exceedingly difficult for Ukraine as Saturn puts half of its natal chart to the test, challenges it, and pushes it to the edge. And there’s no sugarcoating the fact that there are so many Saturn issues at the same time. However, since Saturn will not be challenging anything in Ukraine’s chart for several years, the heavy Saturn effect will begin to fade by early 2024.
Two eclipses will have an impact on Ukraine’s horoscope this year:
- The solar eclipse on April 30 at 10 degrees Taurus is only three degrees from its IC.
- The stellium Jupiter-Mercury-Venus-Sun is squared by the lunar eclipse on May 15.
Eclipses accelerate the pace of events. Given that eclipses occur over a six-month period with specific hotspots, I believe the following times are critical:
- May (when both eclipses are highly active)
- November is a month of transition (we often see events related to eclipses six months after they take place)
If Ukraine were a client seeking advice, I would tell them that they are in for a two-year period of obstacles and tests (Saturn oppositions) that may feel like an emotional low point (Saturn conjunct the moon) and a loss of vigor (Neptune opposing Mars) as they adjust to unforeseen circumstances (Uranus crossing the IC).
The hard Neptune-Mars transit will end in the first few months of 2024, as will Saturn’s challenges to its stellium, so it appears to be a key turning point and a drastic tonal shift.
I use the composite chart to analyze the link between two countries.
the mathematical average of two graphs illustrating how they ‘melt’ together In essence, the composite chart is “the relationship’s flowchart
The composite chart can assist identify noteworthy periods because it is sensitive to transits.
There are a few crucial characteristics in the Russia-Ukraine composite chart that, if they present in the composite chart of two people, indicate a connection that will require considerable and determined effort to improve “a job
- Mars square composite When one person wants to move left, the other wants to go right, and this is the classic dynamic in human relationships. When one is pumped up and ready to go, the other wants to sleep. When one of them is craving a sumptuous meal, the other simply wants a green juice. While no single factor “makes” or “breaks” a relationship, this one does a lot to stifle compromise and cooperation.
- Mercury square composite Mercury-Neptune squares with composite Neptune diminish clear and healthy communication. In other cases, this manifests as one partner constantly fabricating false narratives (and acting on them), thereby dissolving (Neptune term) the relationship’s structure. While it is not my place to tell anyone whether or not they “should” be in a relationship, this is one composite feature that (when involving two people) necessitates major communication work. It is especially detrimental to negotiations in a two-nation composite chart.
- Venus square composite Squares are the most difficult aspect of composite charts to deal with. All other aspects (including some that appear to be difficult, such as oppositions and certain conjunctions, such as Mars conjunct Saturn) have ‘in case of emergency, smash glass’ backups that we can use if things start to go wrong. Squares are more assertive and obstructive. Countries, unlike personal partnerships, cannot go their own ways and never see each other again (when this happens with two people, the composite chart becomes inactive). They are interwoven and connected to varied degrees. This feature adds to the relationship’s instability and unpredictability.
These transits are currently affecting the Russia-Ukraine composite chart:
- A’reckoning moment’ in the relationship occurs when transiting Saturn crosses the Midheaven.
- Transiting Uranus squares the IC: the relationship’s basis is shaken.
- Next January and February, transiting Saturn will square the composite moon, signaling an emotional “low point.”
- The May 15 lunar eclipse is only two degrees away from the composite moon: for those keeping track at home, the May 15, 2022 lunar eclipse appears in this astrological analysis for the second time (it also affects Ukraine’s chart). It appears that the events of May will exacerbate the deterioration of relations between the two countries.
- The composite sun is active for six months, and the solar eclipse on October 25 falls square on top of it (so, through the last week of April of 2023). Because this composite chart is challenged through February of 2023, it could indicate some favorable events in March or April of that year.
Finally, the current astrological environment indicates that the relationship between these two countries (which already has a stormy history) is currently being tried from all sides and will be for another year.
In this birth chart, there are numerous points worth discussing:
- The sun is in the 12th house of the horoscope.
- Saturn is conjunct the Sun.
- Uranus opposes the Sun.
- In the 12th house, Mercury is conjunct Neptune.
- The Midheaven is conjunct Pluto.
“Wait. Is it possible that Vladimir Putin’s sun is in Libra? Isn’t that a symbol of diplomacy, cooperation, goodwill, justice, peace, and harmony? Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes
This is why I often emphasize that astrology is a holistic science that must take into account all of the variables in a chart. Focusing on someone’s sun sign to gain a sense of who they are is like to looking at a recipe’s components and ‘predicting’ that the end result will be savory based on the fact that it calls for a half teaspoon of salt (alas, most dessert recipes call for salt because it enhances sweetness).
Just as one ingredient in a larger recipe does not guarantee that the final dish will taste the same, one feature of a birth chart does not guarantee that the complete chart will have the same ‘flavor.’
It is true that persons with Libra suns should cultivate and display the best attributes of that sign (at least in order to live out the highest potential of their chart). However, keep in mind the following:
- Mr. Putin’s sun is in the twelfth house, and I always call twelfth-house suns “hidden in the bushes.” When the sun is in the twelfth house, it can be more difficult to express our solar sign’s healthiest and most mature features (the house that dissolves things). It is possible, but it will require more effort than, say, a first-house sun. This does not apply to Pisces suns in the twelfth house (the Pisces sun feels at home in the twelfth house and is less debilitated by this placement).
- The sun in Mr. Putin’s horoscope is conjunct. Any planet that is conjunct (next to) the sun infuses the sun with its properties. Saturn-Sun conjunctions establish a stoic, conservative, authoritative, and closed-off default mode.
- The sun of Mr. Putin is conjunct Uranus: As if the twelfth house placement and Saturn conjunction weren’t enough to stifle the Libra sun’s capacity to display its best qualities, this aspect adds volatility and unpredictability to the basic psyche. This *could*, of course, be expressed positively (e.g., an experimental artist who heads up a new, innovative style of design). In the worst-case scenario, this is the astrological sign of someone who sows the seeds of chaos.
Vladimir Putin was obviously not the only one born on October 7, 1952. Our family relationships, our schooling, our childhood experiences, our conscious decisions as adults, and socioeconomic contexts (to name a few) all play a role in determining which of the many routes in our birth charts we end up pursuing.
In conclusion, Mr. Putin’s Libra sun is in serious trouble. It is most certainly not the case that expressing its superior features is the case “This chart’s default setting.
Mercury in the 12th house (and conjunct Neptune, the 12th house ruler) is nurturing and empathic at its best. At its most difficult, though, it is deceitful, shrouded in secrecy, and constantly spins complicated (and misleading) webs to divert attention away from the reality.
Pluto conjunct the Midheaven is a potent combination. Of course, power can be used to further social causes, guide others in the right direction… or to establish dictatorship.
Pluto is also associated with paranoia and control. According to The Guardian, “The 69-year-old president is notoriously neurotic about Covid-19 and has mostly remained isolated from the rest of the world during the outbreak, taking safeguards far beyond his worldwide peers. Despite claims that Putin has had his vaccines and booster injection, the Kremlin continues to demand individuals meeting with him to quarantine for two weeks. His recent utilization of a 16-foot-long table for one-on-one sessions has also been linked to his concern of catching COVID.
It’s also natural that someone with such a prominent Pluto has been in power since 2000 and once worked for the Secret Service (a very Pluto career) (making him the longest-serving Kremlin leader since Joseph Stalin).
These transits are currently affecting Mr. Putin’s chart:
- Transiting Saturn conjuncts the IC/opposite MC: this transit, which occurs every 28.5 years, is widely regarded as a “dark night of the soul” transit. During this transit, we feel more alienated and alone (when I see it coming up for clients, I advise them to make an effort to be social or at the very least have interests and hobbies to keep them occupied), and it is frequently linked to a significant ending. When it comes to the opposition to the Midheaven (the sensitive aspect that links to our social standing, reputation, and professional life), this is frequently a time of tests and trials.
- This transit, with transiting Saturn opposing natal Pluto, is best described as a “pressure cooker.” Whatever has been simmering beneath the surface needs to be dealt with. When we step out of boundaries, it’s also a period when we face the repercussions of our conduct, as well as reprimand and discipline.
By the way, remember that the first part of this tale began in 2014, when Russian Armed Forces annexed Crimea from Ukraine.
Mr. Putin’s chart was influenced by the following factors during the time:
- Transiting Saturn squares his IC/Midheaven axis: this is an intriguing example of transiting Saturn activating his IC and Midheaven. This also demonstrates Mr. Putin’s lack of growth. Essentially, seven years later, he is repeating the same conduct, owing to a comparable astrological impact. We are not puppets on the stage of the universe. Saturn is impacting my IC/Midheaven axis! This isn’t a case of “I can’t help but launch an attack on a neighboring country!” It’s all about being unable to control and cope with Saturn’s frustrations and problems, and acting out in destructive and unhealthy ways as a result.
- Uranus opposes his sun in a transit that occurs every 84 years. An astrologer might advise a client to use this as a time of reinvention and experimentation, but to be wary about making rash or impulsive judgments (a hallmark of this transit).
- Transit Pluto square his sun: When someone with a really strong Pluto (like Putin) sees this once-in-a-lifetime transit, their Pluto energy can be enhanced for two years.
44-year-old woman Volodymyr Zelenskyy is Ukraine’s sixth president. At the age of 41, he took office in May of 2019.
Mr. Zelenskyy has worked as an actor and comedian in the past. One of his most well-known parts was in the television series Servant of the People, in which he played a high school history teacher who becomes president by accident after one of his anti-government rants goes viral.
His presidential campaign was ground-breaking, and he cemented his reputation as an anti-establishment figure. He didn’t have an official platform at first. He and his campaign developed one over time that was heavily impacted by ideas submitted by his social media followers. “I’m not a politician,” he said at one presidential debate. I’m a regular person who has come to overthrow this system.
It’s hardly surprising, then, that Mr. Zelenskyy’s chart includes:
- Aquarius is the sign of the sun.
- The ninth house is ruled by the sun.
- The moon forms a trine to Neptune.
- Jupiter is located in the first house.
- The Aquarius Midheaven
- Pluto opposes Mercury.
- Uranus is sextiled by Mercury.
The energy of an Aquarius sun in the ninth house is intended to be revolutionary, quirky, expansive, egalitarian, and out-of-the-box. The ninth house broadens horizons while Aquarius upsets the apple cart. Based on what we know about Mr. Zelenskyy’s life, I believe he is fully implementing his solar concept.
On his moon, I’d say the same thing. The moon in Leo is the moon of the performer at its best. Leo moons like attention and the limelight (acting is a great method to do it; Leo moons also do well in politics because, let’s face it, there is a large performative element there as well). Moon-Neptune trines are often associated with artistic sensibilities.
Any planet in the first house has a strong influence. In the first, Jupiter has a larger-than-life public persona (Jupiter) (ascendant). Surprisingly, this not only matches his prior performing career, but also his political career (he is globally referred to as a symbol of resistance and defiance).
His Mercury characteristics are also intriguing. The Mercury-Pluto square has to concentrate on fine-tuning its message. At its worst, this feature can speak with all the subtlety of a bulldozer, or at the very least, it can have trouble listening to others and refraining from dominating talks. Once this component gets past that blind zone, though, it may be a very effective (Pluto) communicator (Mercury). Remember that, while squares in a natal chart might be tough, once we’ve mastered the square’s teachings, we can tap into the more favorable aspects of that specific planetary discussion.
The sextile (a harmonic aspect) between Mercury and Uranus (the eccentric, alternative planet) makes perfect sense for someone with an irreverent and progressive comedy style who also campaigned in unconventional methods to get his message out to the masses (his presidential campaign was largely done through social media; Uranus rules social media).
Mr. Zelenskyy’s chart is now influenced by the following factors:
- Saturn is conjunct his Midheaven in transit: This transit occurs every 28.5 years on average, and it is frequently seen as a culmination of previous professional endeavors as well as a moment when our achievements are publicly acknowledged.
- Jupiter transiting his tenth house: this transit occurs every twelve years or so and considerably boosts our visibility. Mr. Zelenskyy gained a global household name (for very sad reasons) and a known public personality during this trip, which is not surprising.
- Transiting Saturn squares his natal moon: Emotionally, this is one of the most stressful and painful transits. We can feel alone, alienated, and as if we’re carrying a lot of weight.
- His natal moon is receiving a one-two punch from transiting Uranus. While Saturn instills a sense of duty in us and forces us to confront serious, emotionally exhausting situations, this Uranus transit is the emotional equivalent of wack-a-mole.
Are you beginning to notice a pattern? Russia, Vladimir Putin, and Volodymyr Zelenskyy are all experiencing hard Saturn transits. It’s strange.
Uncanny, too? The full moon on February 16, 2022 (which was quincunx, or 150 degrees distant from Pluto in an irregular, ‘bumpy road’ aspect):
- Mr. Putin’s ascendancy is squared;
- Mr. Zelenskyy’s Saturn was right on top of me;
- Fell directly on top of Ukraine’s Venus, was only a few degrees away from its sun, and was directly opposite its Saturn.
Full moons bring matters to a head by’shining the light’ on them. Russia attacked Ukraine eight days after the full moon. That full moon lit up the sky like a kerosene-soaked match.
This change of events, particularly the hazardous economic and political circumstances in which Russia has found itself, must be viewed in the perspective of Pluto’s transit through Capricorn.
Pluto did a fantastic job “From January 25 to June 14, 2008, he did a dry run in Capricorn before permanently entering the sign on November 27, 2008.
Pluto will then dip its toes in Aquarius from March 23, 2023 to June 11, 2023, before continuing its journey through Aquarius indefinitely o