Tony Blair
( a study in chart harmonization)
Tony Blair, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, received good news with the recent disclosure of the Hutton report, which cleared Blair of any wrongdoing and cast blame on the BBC for in essence doing what they had accused Blair of doing: sexing up the story.
According to Astrodatabank.com, Tony Blair's birth data receives a 'AA' rating:
According to Astrodatabank.com, Tony Blair's birth data receives a 'AA' rating:
Natal House
Vedic, Equal House, Lahiri
One of the most puzzling configurations in Tony Blair's chart is the conjunction of the 8th and 12th lords near his rising degree. For many, this should indicate a life filled with many problems, obstacles, and a general loss of happiness and success in life. Obviously, this is not the case. He was raised in a life of relative privilege and has had an extremely successful life, rising rapidly to power.
Harmonization of Mars and Venus:
It is my observation that astrologers should note the following principles:
In other words, certain planets naturally harmonize one another, and will always strive to do so. Mars and Venus fall within that category, regardless of natural friendship, functional rulership, etc. They are the Romeo and Juliet of the horoscope, being from different planetary families, but seeking union.
So, this is why you do not see any ill effects of a Mars' conjunction with Mr. Blair's Taurus rising. In fact, before ever seeing Tony Blair's astrology chart, I was always struck by how such a refined looking individual could have so much fight and tenacity inside him. I think this again goes back to being ruled by Venus, but having such a powerful Mars' influence on his rising sign.
Harmonization of Jupiter:
Jupiter is another curious planet to consider in this chart. Again, many astrologers think that the 8th house lord, being within 5° of Mars and 6° of the ascending degree, would also bring substantial problems. Yet, that has clearly not been the case. In fact, he became a lawyer, and later entered politics and rose rapidly during his Jupiter dasa. This is clearly not evidence of an afflicting Jupiter. Quite the contrary!
Another factor to consider is that exalted, or strong, malefics tend to behave better. The reason is that malefics (whether people or planets) tend to act in such a manner because they feel threatened in some way - whether it is a real or perceived threat. When a malefic planet is strong and confident, it will tend to behave more magnanimously.
Further, I think you will find there is a natural harmonization of Jupiter and Mars whenever it is at all possible. Why? They are naturally brothers, if you go back to astrological mythology. Beyond that, they too have a natural harmonization of energies:
Cardinal ruler Mars (of Aries) plus mutable ruler Jupiter (of Sagittarius and Pisces) balances out to a more fixed, stable fire/passion. Even if you take fixed Mars (of Scorpio) with mutable Jupiter, the energy becomes more of a controlled transformation process. In other words, the combination of Mars and Jupiter creates persevering passion and controlled transformation. It is a marvelous combination.
Harmonization of Saturn and Mercury:
Yet another powerful feature in this chart is the opposition aspect between Saturn in old age with Mercury in infancy. As I have said before, when the energy of youth is lent to the wisdom of old age, and vice versa, you have an extraordinarily powerful combination. Of course, in this chart, Saturn is already very strong through retrogression. This combination becomes even stronger still because Mercury is aspecting Saturn within a house ruled by Mercury.
It is an energy that is virtually impenetrable, associating great creativity, objectivity, and cool-headedness in the midst of any conflict, criticism, or opposition. It gives him clarity and objectivity in decision making, leaning toward adherence to duty, obligations, and hard work.
Political Outlook:
Some would find it ironic that Tony Blair has been exonerated during a Saturn-Ketu period, which he entered October 31st 2003. But, if you will go back to my article on Ketu in the premier issue, and consider Ketu's positive influence, it is not all that surprising.
Ketu brings a clarifying influence in whatever he influences. In this case, Ketu's conjoins the 3rd house and aspects its lord, thereby bringing about a clarification of matters in the written media, which is precisely what happened. So, the remainder of the Ketu period does not seem to indicate anything to alter Mr. Blair's political fortunes.
The same is not true of his upcoming Saturn-Venus cycle, which runs from December 9th 2004 thru February 9th 2008, during which time he will face re-election. What becomes highlighted here is the following:
Natal square aspect between Uranus and Venus
Venus unilaterally aspected by its sole enemy, Jupiter, in dasamsha
These two factors point toward troubled relations with others on multiple levels, and therefore indicates a declining period of grace from the end of 2004 until the elections of 2006, which will most likely result in his defeat. This also seems to be supported by the fact that transit Saturn (the MD lord) will be passing over the natal nodal axis in the 3rd, which I believe will thwart his professional ambitions.
- Ron Grimes
Harmonization of Mars and Venus:
It is my observation that astrologers should note the following principles:
- Mars conjoining a Taurus ascendant is always a beneficial influence.
- Venus conjoining a Scorpio ascendant is always a beneficial influence.
In other words, certain planets naturally harmonize one another, and will always strive to do so. Mars and Venus fall within that category, regardless of natural friendship, functional rulership, etc. They are the Romeo and Juliet of the horoscope, being from different planetary families, but seeking union.
So, this is why you do not see any ill effects of a Mars' conjunction with Mr. Blair's Taurus rising. In fact, before ever seeing Tony Blair's astrology chart, I was always struck by how such a refined looking individual could have so much fight and tenacity inside him. I think this again goes back to being ruled by Venus, but having such a powerful Mars' influence on his rising sign.
Harmonization of Jupiter:
Jupiter is another curious planet to consider in this chart. Again, many astrologers think that the 8th house lord, being within 5° of Mars and 6° of the ascending degree, would also bring substantial problems. Yet, that has clearly not been the case. In fact, he became a lawyer, and later entered politics and rose rapidly during his Jupiter dasa. This is clearly not evidence of an afflicting Jupiter. Quite the contrary!
Another factor to consider is that exalted, or strong, malefics tend to behave better. The reason is that malefics (whether people or planets) tend to act in such a manner because they feel threatened in some way - whether it is a real or perceived threat. When a malefic planet is strong and confident, it will tend to behave more magnanimously.
Further, I think you will find there is a natural harmonization of Jupiter and Mars whenever it is at all possible. Why? They are naturally brothers, if you go back to astrological mythology. Beyond that, they too have a natural harmonization of energies:
Cardinal ruler Mars (of Aries) plus mutable ruler Jupiter (of Sagittarius and Pisces) balances out to a more fixed, stable fire/passion. Even if you take fixed Mars (of Scorpio) with mutable Jupiter, the energy becomes more of a controlled transformation process. In other words, the combination of Mars and Jupiter creates persevering passion and controlled transformation. It is a marvelous combination.
Harmonization of Saturn and Mercury:
Yet another powerful feature in this chart is the opposition aspect between Saturn in old age with Mercury in infancy. As I have said before, when the energy of youth is lent to the wisdom of old age, and vice versa, you have an extraordinarily powerful combination. Of course, in this chart, Saturn is already very strong through retrogression. This combination becomes even stronger still because Mercury is aspecting Saturn within a house ruled by Mercury.
It is an energy that is virtually impenetrable, associating great creativity, objectivity, and cool-headedness in the midst of any conflict, criticism, or opposition. It gives him clarity and objectivity in decision making, leaning toward adherence to duty, obligations, and hard work.
Political Outlook:
Some would find it ironic that Tony Blair has been exonerated during a Saturn-Ketu period, which he entered October 31st 2003. But, if you will go back to my article on Ketu in the premier issue, and consider Ketu's positive influence, it is not all that surprising.
Ketu brings a clarifying influence in whatever he influences. In this case, Ketu's conjoins the 3rd house and aspects its lord, thereby bringing about a clarification of matters in the written media, which is precisely what happened. So, the remainder of the Ketu period does not seem to indicate anything to alter Mr. Blair's political fortunes.
The same is not true of his upcoming Saturn-Venus cycle, which runs from December 9th 2004 thru February 9th 2008, during which time he will face re-election. What becomes highlighted here is the following:
Natal square aspect between Uranus and Venus
Venus unilaterally aspected by its sole enemy, Jupiter, in dasamsha
These two factors point toward troubled relations with others on multiple levels, and therefore indicates a declining period of grace from the end of 2004 until the elections of 2006, which will most likely result in his defeat. This also seems to be supported by the fact that transit Saturn (the MD lord) will be passing over the natal nodal axis in the 3rd, which I believe will thwart his professional ambitions.
- Ron Grimes