The anaretic degree.
The anaretic degree is the degree of a planet between 29′ and 30′ degrees, or right at the end of the sign it is in. Recently, Neptune slowly moved through the anaretic degree of Pisces and then moved into 0 degrees Aries. Currently, Saturn is in the anaretic degree at 29’05 Pisces and will enter Aries on February 14th. Uranus enters the anaretic degree of 29′ Taurus on April 8th and moves into Gemini on the 26th of April. Jupiter will enter the anaretic degree of Cancer June 26th and enter Leo on July 1st.
Anaretic comes from the Greek anairetes (ἀναιρέτης) which means destroyer, murderer, a planet cutting short human life1 Although, this meaning might apply more in Mundane and Horary astrology, than the anaretic degree in Natal astrology.
What does the anaretic degree signify? A planet being at the final degree of a sign shows the ending of that sign’s experience and along with that comes a sense of urgency and a need to act and complete. Rash and unwise decisions can be made here, a ‘just do something!’ and also ‘it has always been done this way’. There is a feeling of urgency but also a weariness as this is a path long traveled.
Saturn currently in soggy Pisces is bringing huge deluges of snow and rain and also a revealing of past sins and addictions (arguably the depravity currently being exposed among world leaders) and the price to be paid (Saturn as Lord of Karma always exacts payment). Saturn is neutral, it gives gifts if the lesson has been learned or harsh punishment if it has not. In Greek mythology, hubris always followed nemesis.
So, what of the leaders in the news?
Trump has his Ascendant at 29′ Leo, Peter Mandelson has Saturn at 29′ Libra, Jeremy Corbyn has Saturn at 29′ Leo and Uranus at 29 Gemini. All three, you could argue are at the last minute of their careers and all three, in different ways are experiencing the death of their ambitions. Trump, his need to be loved (he is less and less) Mandelson to be among the powerful (he has lost all power and might end up in prison.)
Corbyn, because he is finally vindicated as the dirty dealings of Mandelson in sabotaging his leadership of the labour party are exposed. Corbyn started his ‘People’s Party’ with other Labour rebels, but it looks at present to be a non-starter due to dithering, internal wranglings and power struggles. His dream of a socialist party in government fading.
Nigel Farage has Venus at 29′ Taurus. His association with big money (Taurus) may also be his downfall, as Uranus hits this planet shortly. He might be another one to see his ambitions dashed.
While the new blood in politics (see my blog here ) has Mamdani of New York with Saturn at 0′ Aquarius and Mars at 0′ Scorpio, arguably the perfect combination of vision (Aquarius) and attack power (Scorpio) needed in American politics. In the UK, Zack Polanski has Mercury at 29′ Libra (enough of the sweet talk) and Mars at 0′ Capricorn showing ambition and steady progress in government (Capricorn).
The Royal family is also perhaps on its last legs due to the same revelations. King Charles has Jupiter at 29′ Sagittarius and Uranus at 29′ Gemini. His longed for reign, has been mired in scandal and his own poor health. Interestingly, Andrew just misses the anaretic degree with Jupiter at 28′ Sagittarius while William has lots of planets at 0′, suggesting a new beginning for him (Jupiter in Scorpio and Sun in Cancer). Pundits are suggesting the Royal family will not survive these revelations or it will have to adapt to continue.
Another newsworthy event is the Beckham family drama. David Beckham has his Moon at 29′ Capricorn, making a sextile to Saturn currently – his family troubles are shown by his Moon. His Uranus at 29′ Libra shows splits, anger and intransigence. Victoria Beckham has Saturn at 29 Gemini. I see Gemini as social media, so perhaps this represents her pushing too far with the exploitation her son that he complains of. Interestingly, Brooklyn’s Saturn is at 0’22 Taurus, he has slipped away from his parents into a new life of great wealth.
As these planets slowly move into the next signs, a new era beckons. The goddess Nemesis, follows on from hubris. Hubris, is when people (usually men) believe they are godlike and immune from the laws of men. Nemesis always follows hubris and powerful men are brought low. Rather fun to watch to be honest.
- Liddell, Scott, Jones, 1940, A Greek English Lexicon. ↩︎
Elisabeth Brooke 