Mundane Astrology on St. David's Day: Cosmic Insights into Wales' Past and Future

As the daffodils bloom and the gentle aroma of freshly baked Welsh cakes fills the air, St. David's Day offers more than just a celebration of Welsh heritage—it provides a unique opportunity to explore how the celestial bodies above have influenced Wales' political journey.

St. David's Day: A Celebration of Welsh Identity

St. David's Day, celebrated on 1st March each year, commemorates the death of Dewi Sant (St. David), the patron saint of Wales, who died in 589 CE. As Wales' national day, it's marked by school children donning traditional Welsh costumes, people proudly displaying daffodils and leeks, and communities gathering for eisteddfodau (cultural festivals). This celebration of Welsh culture has endured for centuries, becoming increasingly significant as Wales has sought to assert its distinct identity within the United Kingdom.

But beyond the parades and patriotic displays, St. David's Day presents an intriguing moment to reflect on Wales as a political entity through the fascinating lens of mundane astrology.

Understanding Mundane Astrology: Reading the Stars for Nations

While most people are familiar with personal astrology—the practice of interpreting how celestial bodies affect individual lives—mundane astrology focuses on how these same cosmic forces influence nations, governments, and major world events.

Mundane astrology, derived from the Latin "mundus" meaning "the world," is actually one of the oldest branches of astrological practice. Before personalised horoscopes became popular, astrologers primarily advised kings and leaders on matters of state based on celestial movements. At Wilfred Hazelwood, we've found that mundane astrology offers compelling insights into political transformations and national identities.

This ancient practice examines several types of charts:

Ingress charts: Cast when the Sun enters cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn), marking seasonal changes
Lunation charts: New and full moons affecting a nation's short-term developments
Eclipse charts: Powerful celestial events with potentially years-long effects
Planetary cycles: Especially the slower-moving outer planets that correspond to generational shifts
Foundation charts: The "birth chart" of a nation or institution, cast for the moment of its founding

Through these cosmic snapshots, mundane astrologers identify patterns and potential developments in a nation's journey. For Wales, with its complex constitutional evolution, these charts reveal fascinating insights.

The Astrological Fingerprint of Welsh Devolution: 1997's Cosmic Alignment

The year 1997 marked a watershed moment in Welsh history. On 18th September, the people of Wales voted (albeit by a narrow margin of 50.3%) to establish a National Assembly, setting Wales on a path toward greater self-governance. This pivotal moment occurred under remarkable astrological conditions that merit examination by budding astrologers.

Looking at the actual chart for 17 September 1997, we can see several significant planetary positions that created a cosmic environment ripe for constitutional change.

Key elements in this devolution referendum chart include:

Sun at 24° Virgo: Positioned in the meticulous, service-oriented sign of Virgo, emphasizing practical governance and attention to detailed structures
Ascendant in Libra: With the rising sign in diplomatic Libra, the chart shows a focus on fairness, partnership, and balanced power arrangements
Venus in Virgo conjunct Pluto in Sagittarius: This aspect shows transformation (Pluto) of values and relationships (Venus), particularly regarding governance structures
Uranus at 8° Aquarius: Positioned in its home sign, Uranus was empowered to bring progressive, revolutionary change to societal structures
Moon in Pisces: The public mood (Moon) was idealistic and compassionate (Pisces), creating emotional support for a new vision
Jupiter and Saturn in opposition: This significant aspect between the two social planets represents tension between expansion (Jupiter) and limitation (Saturn)

Particularly revealing is Neptune in Capricorn in the 4th house of foundations and homeland, suggesting a dissolving (Neptune) of traditional governance structures (Capricorn) affecting Wales' sense of home and identity (4th house). The Mars-Pluto square visible in the chart further indicates the power struggles and transformative energy that characterized this pivotal moment in Welsh history.

What makes this chart especially intriguing for astrologers is how the troublesome Pluto-Uranus square manifested. Rather than causing chaotic upheaval (as this aspect can sometimes do), it facilitated a relatively orderly, if contentious, constitutional evolution. The aspect's expression was tempered by Jupiter's beneficial influence, allowing for transformation without complete rupture.

The Cosmic Blueprint of Leadership: Eluned Morgan's Natal Chart

To understand contemporary Welsh politics, examining the astrological makeup of its current leader offers valuable insights. Eluned Morgan, who became Wales' First Minister in December 2023, brings her own celestial influences to Welsh governance.

Born on 16 February 1967, Morgan's natal chart reveals a fascinating astrological profile that seems cosmically aligned with her leadership role.

Examining the actual chart, Morgan's astrological makeup includes:

Sun at 26° Aquarius: Positioned in progressive Aquarius, showing her independent thinking, humanitarian values, and interest in collective well-being
Moon in Scorpio: Her Moon placement indicates emotional intensity, determination, and an ability to navigate complex power dynamics
Mercury in Aquarius: This placement suggests innovative thinking and communication that can bridge diverse groups
Venus in Pisces: Reflecting compassion, idealism, and an inclusive approach to relationships
Mars in Aries: Showing leadership drive, initiative, and the courage to pioneer new paths
Jupiter in Cancer: Indicating a nurturing approach to expansion and growth, with strong connections to homeland and heritage
Saturn in Pisces: Suggesting disciplined idealism and the ability to give structure to compassionate visions

Particularly noteworthy in Morgan's chart is the Midheaven in Scorpio with Pluto nearby, suggesting a destined role in transformation and power. This placement indicates someone who can effectively navigate significant change and regeneration in her public role.

Morgan's Aquarius stellium (grouping of planets) aligns remarkably well with the Aquarian energy present in the 1997 devolution referendum chart. This cosmic synchronicity suggests she may be particularly attuned to furthering the progressive vision that sparked Wales' journey toward greater self-determination.

Wales' Astrological Horizon: Cosmic Patterns and National Destiny

As we celebrate St. David's Day and reflect on Wales' journey, mundane astrology offers intriguing glimpses into potential futures. The current planetary positions, particularly the approaching Pluto ingress into Aquarius (which began its initial foray in 2023 and will be fully established by 2024), suggest another period of significant transformation for Wales.

This transit will activate the Aquarian energy present in both the 1997 referendum chart and First Minister Morgan's natal chart—potentially strengthening Welsh identity and further evolving its governance structures. The next few years may see Wales asserting greater autonomy within the UK framework, particularly around environmental policies (reflecting Neptune's current transit through Pisces) and economic development (as Jupiter cycles through Taurus and Gemini).

For those gathering to sing "Yma o Hyd" on St. David's Day, there's cosmic reassurance in these astrological patterns. The famous chorus—"Er gwaetha pawb a phopeth, ry'n ni yma o hyd" (Despite everyone and everything, we are still here)—resonates with the persistent Capricorn energy that anchors Wales' astrological signature, suggesting endurance through challenging times.

Whether you're an astrology enthusiast or simply curious about Wales' future, these cosmic patterns offer a unique perspective on the nation's journey. They remind us that, like the celestial bodies above, nations move in cycles of growth, challenge, and renewal—with Wales currently positioned for an interesting phase of development.

So as you pin your daffodil to your lapel this St. David's Day, perhaps glance skyward and consider the cosmic forces that have shaped, and continue to shape, this ancient land of dragons, poets, and enduring spirit.

Yma o Hyd - Still Here

You may say that I am just a dreamer,
That the hope in my heart is in vain,
But my language is alive,
And the voice of my people
Will be heard in the land once again.

Chorus:
We are still here,
Despite everyone and everything,
We are still here,
Despite everyone and everything,
We are still here,
We are still here,
Despite everyone and everything,
We are still here!

The Druids, the Romans, the Normans,
The English – they came, they conquered,
But our nation is still standing,
And today we proclaim,
We are still here!

(Chorus repeats)

A Personal Connection: Leadership in Action

It's worth noting that Eluned Morgan's leadership style, reflected in her astrological chart, extends beyond policy to personal engagement. In 2022, while many local representatives were absent, Morgan took the time to attend Martyn's election campaign in the Ynyscedwyn ward, bringing her staff to show support. This personal investment proved pivotal, contributing significantly to Martyn's successful election. Such grassroots involvement demonstrates the Aquarian community-mindedness and Scorpio loyalty evident in her chart, showing how astrological influences can manifest in meaningful political action that strengthens local democratic representation. At Wilfred Hazelwood, we believe these personal connections between national leaders and community candidates represent the best traditions of Welsh politics—traditions that the stars suggest will continue to flourish under the current celestial alignments.

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