Ireland’s future written in the stars

As our country celebrates its birthday today, astrologer Margaret Neylonsees hope on the horizon — maybe even a Euro 2012 win

JUST as every person has a birth date so, too, does every country. This is based on the date on which a significant change was made to their constitution which still exists today.

The USA celebrates the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, while England’s date is when the Magna Carta was signed, June 15, 1215. Ireland’s birthday is when we became the Republic of Ireland, on April 18, 1949. Therefore, Ireland’s birthday is today.

When making predictions for the year ahead, we look at the Natal Chart, then compare the transiting planets moving over that chart during the following year. Like all predictive analysis, it suggests opportunities to be offered, but the outcome can only be the individual responses to that information.

Before predicting how the transiting planets are going to affect us, let’s look at some salient aspects of Ireland’s Natal Chart.

Simplistically, the Sun (in our case Aries) is how we shine and, with Gemini as our Ascendant (what we need to achieve) we can see why the Irish shine in global media and communication. Aries is the pioneer of the zodiac and, being a Fire Sign, usually suggests lots of energy and often single-mindedness. The Moon, which denotes hidden emotions, is in Capricorn. This Earth Sign is slow to change, aligns itself with structures and organisations and can be ‘victim-conscious’.

There is some truly transformational energy affecting everyone right now. Pluto (the planet of enforced change) entered Capricorn in January 2008 where it will stay until November 2024. It became impossible to cling on to outmoded ways of living, clinging to the old world of man-made structures and organisations, hence the fall of banking, religious organisations, employment for life, etc. Pluto will not let us cling on to the wreckage, we simply have to change.

Uranus moved into Aries in May, 2010 (where it will stay until March, 2019) bringing with it insurrection and revolution. These two planetary influences can only suggest change, and plenty of it. How will they affect Ireland? Transformational Pluto has been very close to our Moon since January 2011. As mentioned earlier, this is the influence which explodes limiting structures and organisations. While it will have an effect on us for the next 12 years, it will be particularly demanding until the end of 2012. Whether it relates to banking, the public or private sector, education, health, religion or the legal system, if we want to make things more palatable we need to make some very fundamental changes. The status quo will not work any more. The quicker we make the changes, the better for everyone.

Uranus, the planet of revolution, has been in Aries since 2010 and will remain there until 2019. Uranus is also known as ‘The Great Awakener’. It’s time to awaken to our innate spiritual power. It’s about inspiration and vision. Ireland Inc. totally sidestepped the Industrial Revolution, but we are now perfectly poised to lead the way in technology and science, if only we would take that leap of faith.

Humans tend to fear change and try to remain in our comfort zone, even though it may actually be more uncomfortable. Uranus is making us change fast.

The best approach is to look at these changes as an opportunity for adventure. However, there may be some people who refuse to budge, and will have to be dragged kicking and screaming into the promising new era. Tunnel vision must be annihilated once and for all. Ireland should take advantage of being more independent and being a leader. We were one of the first countries to face the economic downturn and there is no reason why we cannot be one of the first to rise above it if we grasp the opportunities for change. It is important, however, to ensure these changes are measured.

The twin influences of Pluto and Uranus will also demand healthy changes in relationships, whether these are in the home, in the workplace or on the political front. These may cause problems in the coalition between Fine Gael and Labour, or Ireland and the EU. Communicating openly and being willing to compromise with the other party will be paramount, for there is no space for ego battles with these influences abroad.

Saturn is known as the ‘teacher’ and can bring a rather dour influence to bear, and until September of this year Ireland will have every opportunity to face her responsibilities with this planet’s help. If we do so, we will earn the respect of others all over the globe.

There are some nice influences on the horizon for Ireland. While events may be rather fractious at the end of May going into June, it seems some very cheerful energy is waiting for us, specifically from June 10 to 19. This is thanks to generous Jupiter, and Ireland should be feeling happier and more optimistic than before.

It’s a good time to take a fresh look at our situation and we should have the confidence to make any necessary positive changes for the future.

Football fans will instantly recognise those dates as covering the Republic of Ireland team’s Euro 2012 games. Sounds promising.! Perhaps you should start brushing up on your Esperanto and book your holiday for mid-June.