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Nostradamus prediction on King Charles sparks fresh theories

<p>An eerie prediction on King Charles made by 16th century astrologer Nostradamus has resurfaced following the royal's cancer diagnosis. </p> <p>The French physician is known for his uncannily accurate predictions which he wrote in a tome called <em>Les Propheties</em> in 1555. </p> <p><em>Les Propheties</em> contains 942 predictions which have been analysed over the years, and some have claimed that it foresaw major events including  the Great Fire of London in 1666 , the French Revolution and even 9/11. </p> <p>It is also believed to have accurately predicted Queen Elizabeth's death, as in his book Nostradamus said that the second Queen Elizabeth would die in "22" at "around" the age of 96. </p> <p>She passed away on the 8th of September 2022 at the age of 96. </p> <p>The astrologer also predicted that in 2024, the royal family would face turmoil with a King “driven out by force”. </p> <p>“King of the Isles driven out by force ... replaced by one who will have no mark of a king,” the passage in the book read. </p> <p>Nostradamus expert Mario Reading initially interpreted the prophecy to refer to an “unworthy” and unpopular King who would be driven out by the wishes of the people and replaced by someone who "never expected to be King". </p> <p>But now, with King Charles' cancer diagnosis, many have shared their own predictions on what might happen to the royal, mainly him being forced from the throne because of his illness. </p> <p>Others have raised the question on who is the man they “never expected to be King”?</p> <p>If Charles abdicates, and Prince William declines the throne and the role of Prince Regent as he faces his own battle with Kate's cancer diagnosis, then would William’s eldest son George, 10, become king? </p> <p>In today's monarchy, what are the implications of a 10-year-old becoming King and would they instead consider an adult, aka the fifth in line or “spare to the heir,” Prince Harry as a better option for King? </p> <p>There are so many possibilities floating around. </p> <p><em>Image: Shutterstock/ Instagram</em></p> <p> </p>

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People are complaining about Mercury in retrograde. But what does it actually mean?

<p>Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun, whipping around <a href="https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/planetary/factsheet/index.html">our star every 88 days compared to Earth’s 365.25 days</a>. Mercury will also be the first planet destroyed when the Sun expands on its way to becoming <a href="https://www.space.com/22471-red-giant-stars.html">a red giant in about 5 billion years</a>.</p> <p>So it seems a bit rough that we <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/cnn-underscored/health-fitness/mercury-retrograde-2023">blame Mercury for all our problems</a> three to four times a year when it’s in retrograde. But what does it mean when we say Mercury is “in retrograde”?</p> <h2>A matter of orbits</h2> <p>Retrograde motion means a planet is moving in the opposite direction to normal around the Sun. However, the planets never actually change direction. What we are talking about is apparent retrograde motion, when to us on Earth it looks like a planet is moving across the sky in the opposite direction to its usual movement.</p> <p>Because Mercury is closest to the Sun and has the fastest orbit, it appears to move backwards in the sky more often than any other planet.</p> <p>Let’s use my dog Astro to help explain what’s happening when we see a planet in retrograde. Astro is a whippet, or a mini-greyhound, and he has a need for speed. If I take Astro for a run on my local cricket oval, he does super-speed laps on the inside while I run much more slowly around the outside.</p> <p>If we’re both going anti-clockwise around the cricket pitch, when Astro is on the opposite side of the oval to me it looks like he’s going left while I’m jogging right. But when he gets to the same side of the oval as me, it suddenly looks like he’s running right instead of left (retrograde).</p> <p>This happens because Astro is going much faster than me, and is inside my “orbit” of the oval.</p> <p><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2023/05/astro-Laura.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p>Because Mercury’s orbit is inside Earth’s orbit, seeing it from our planet is like me watching Astro run.</p> <p>But Mercury isn’t the only planet to do this. Venus also orbits inside our orbit of the Sun, zipping around <a href="https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/planetary/factsheet/index.html">once every 224.7 days</a>. This means Venus is in retrograde twice every three years.</p> <h2>The other retrograde</h2> <p>It works the other way around, too. The planets outside our orbit (Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune) also go into retrograde.</p> <p>To work this out, we need to swap our perspective. Astro is definitely not a deep thinker, but let’s imagine for a moment that he is and think about what he sees as he runs around the oval.</p> <p>He’s running around the oval and he starts catching me up from behind. At this moment it seems like we’re both going the same direction, to the right. But as he starts to pass me, it seems like I’m going backwards or left (retrograde) while he continues to run forwards to the right.</p> <p>This is what happens when we look up at the sky and see one of the outer planets in retrograde.</p> <p>Mars is in retrograde once every two years. The other planets are so far from the Sun and travelling so slowly compared to Earth that it’s almost like they’re standing still. So we see them in retrograde approximately once a year as we whip around the Sun so much faster than they do.</p> <h2>A well-known illusion</h2> <p>Retrograde motion bamboozled ancient astronomers since humans started looking up in space, and we only officially figured it out when Copernicus proposed in 1543 that the planets are <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/features/OrbitsHistory">orbiting the Sun</a> (though he wasn’t the first astronomer <a href="https://www.worldhistory.org/Aristarchus_of_Samos/">to propose this heliocentric model</a>).</p> <p>Before Copernicus, many astronomers thought Earth was the centre of the universe and the planets were spinning around us. Astronomers like <a href="https://blog.oup.com/2017/07/planetary-astronomy-ancient-greece/">Apollonius</a>around 300 BCE saw the planets going backwards, and explained this by adding more circles called epicycles.</p> <p>So, humans found out retrograde motion was an optical illusion 500 years ago. However, the <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-is-astronomy-a-science-but-astrology-is-not-192376">pseudoscientific practice of astrology</a> continues to ascribe a deeper meaning to this illusion.</p> <h2>There’s a retrograde most of the time</h2> <p>If we consider the seven planets other than Earth, at least one planet is in retrograde for 244 days of 2023 – that’s around two-thirds of the year.</p> <p>If we include the dwarf planets Pluto and Ceres (and exclude the other seven dwarf planets in the Solar System), at least one planet or dwarf planet is in retrograde for 354 days of 2023, leaving only 11 days without any retrograde motion. </p> <p>I like to think the biggest impact the planets have on Earth is bringing wonder and joy every time we turn our eyes (and our telescopes) to the night sky. Astro, on the other hand, is happy as long as he gets to run around the oval and bark at possums.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> <p><em>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/people-are-complaining-about-mercury-in-retrograde-but-what-does-it-actually-mean-205032" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>.</em></p>

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The royal family's most compatible couples, according to astrology

<p>An astrologer has revealed which royal couples are the most compatible according to the stars. </p> <p>Horoscope experts have shared that King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla's relationships is "tied by destiny" due to their star signs. </p> <p>King Charles, a passionate Scorpio, and Camilla, an easy-going Cancer sign, compliment each others powerful emotions and intuitiveness. </p> <p>"Scorpio and Cancer understand each other so well, they can have a whole conversation without a word," the experts at Psychic World added.</p> <p>Given this powerful combination, it's perhaps no surprise that the King's dating history includes five other Cancers: Princess Diana, Lady Jane Wellesley, Bettina Lindsay, Georgiana Russel, and Amanda Knatchbull.</p> <p>Another royal match made in the stars is that of Prince William and Kate Middleton. </p> <p>Prince William, a Cancer sign like his mother, matches perfectly with Kate's Capricorn sign, as they form a "celestial pairing of great determination".</p> <p>"Something about this astrological duo instantly tells them they need to be together," astrologers said.</p> <p>"William was probably more than a little dazed when he first met confident Kate, and Kate will bring security and stability to the sensitive William."</p> <p>Both signs are also "fiercely loyal" and "bring about a very peaceful, gentle relationship".</p> <p>On the other end of the compatibility spectrum, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, despite being famously loyal lovers, scored on the lower end of the scale. </p> <p>Prince Harry's earthy Virgo sign is not viewed to be matched with Meghan's zealous Leo, as a lot of their traits are often in conflict with one another. </p> <p>"Leo's are passionate and fiery, whilst Virgo is more calm and composed," horoscope experts said.</p> <p>"Typically, Leo's and Virgo's can struggle to find common ground, as the extrovert and dominant side of the Leo can take aback the shy Virgo."</p> <p>A similar astrological clash can be seen in one of the most famously long-lived marriages, that of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip.</p> <p>"Generally the Taurus and Gemini would be incompatible, however, the more reserved Elizabeth was smitten by Phillip's zest for adventure," they said.</p> <p>"Both royals shared a Rising Capricorn which allowed them to put on a front of power and professionalism as the heads of the family."</p> <p>"Whether love was in the air or not, Capricorns and Tauruses are fated soulmates," experts added.</p> <p>"And their friendship lasts a lifetime."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

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What Baby Sussex Archie's star sign means

<p>Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan welcomed their first child, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, on Monday – and astrologers have wasted no time in analysing what the stars hold for Baby Sussex.</p> <p>Archie was born on May 6 at approximately 5.26 am – which means that he is a Taurean, joining the likes of Queen Elizabeth, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. He is a Taurus sun, Gemini moon and Taurus rising.</p> <p>The Taurus personality is characterised by qualities such as solidity, level-headedness and perseverance, as well as a penchant for self-indulgence and practicality.</p> <p>According to astrologer Randon Rosenbohm, this means that Archie will “appreciate the material luxuries” of being royalty. </p> <p>“With his moon in Gemini in the second house, I think this is a very intelligent baby who will spend a lot of money on things,” she told <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.thecut.com/2019/05/royal-baby-birth-chart-sun-moon-and-rising-sign.html" target="_blank"><em>The Cut</em></a>.</p> <p>AstroTwins astrologer and author Ophira Edut agreed that Taurus is “a sign that's suited for royal child life”. </p> <p>She told <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.oprahmag.com/life/relationships-love/a27373475/royal-baby-taurus-sign-meaning/" target="_blank">OprahMag.com</a>, “Tauruses like the finer things, traditions and conventions. They can be kind of active as kids and pretty restless, but they do grow into the role well, so it's a good coincidence.”</p> <p>However, a deeper look into Archie’s birth chart shows that the newborn may be a Taurean of his own kind.</p> <p>“The royal baby is a very different kind of Taurus than his relatives,” said OprahMag.com resident astrologer Chani Nicholas.</p> <p>“This is because he has the sun conjunct Uranus, the planet of rebellion, upheaval, change and awakening. It’s a signature of being anti-tradition. His late grandmother, Princess Diana, was also very much her own person, able to carve out a place for herself outside of being in the royal family. This little one may share some of that innovative and rebellious flair.”</p> <p>The baby also seems to be set for greatness. Astrologers Monte Farber and Amy Zerner said Archie will grow up to become “<a rel="noopener" href="https://www.wellandgood.com/good-advice/royal-baby-sussex-birth-chart/" target="_blank">one of the greatest intellects and orators</a> ever to be a part of the Royal Family”, thanks to Gemini being his moon sign and in the First House of his chart.</p> <p>Considering Duchess Meghan’s Leo sign, astrologer Lisa Stardust believed that she will feel like “home” to her son. </p> <p>“He will have a materialistic view on self-esteem ingrained in him by his mother, but he’s a royal so it’s not too out of the ordinary,” Stardust told <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.cosmopolitan.com/entertainment/celebs/a27375242/meghan-markle-prince-harry-son-birth-chart-astrology/" target="_blank"><em>Cosmopolitan</em></a>. </p> <p>“His mother will challenge him and be more like a BFF than anything, offering advice throughout his life.”</p>

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Does your astrological sign influence your personality?

<p><span>Astrology has continued to be a staple in popular culture, despite the criticisms and stigma attached to it. </span></p> <p><span>The idea that our fate and personalities are somehow interlinked with star placements and celestial events may indeed sound controversial – some label it as satanic, others simply find it to be fraudulent and baseless. Regardless, many people still take horoscopes seriously, as they believe that the concept is an important part of their self that influences their personality, behaviour and outlook in life.</span></p> <p><span>To see if there is indeed a link between personality and astrological signs, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com.au/astrological-sign-personality-traits-2019-2"><em>Business Insider</em></a> conducted a survey with 8,800 Americans, who were asked if they identified with the traits commonly associated to their sign.</span></p> <p><span>Along with global survey research company Morning Consult, the website collected and listed characteristics that each star sign is generally linked with:</span></p> <ul> <li><span>Aquarius, born January 20 - February 18, is “progressive, original, independent, if temperamental.”</span></li> <li><span>Pisces, born February 19 - March 20, is “compassionate, artistic, intuitive, if fearful.”</span></li> <li><span>Aries, born March 21 - April 19, is “determined, confident, enthusiastic, if impulsive.”</span></li> <li><span>Taurus, born April 20 - May 20, is “reliable, patient, practical, stable, if stubborn.”</span></li> <li><span>Gemini, born May 21 - June 20, is “gentle, curious, adaptable, if indecisive.”</span></li> <li><span>Cancer, born June 21 - July 22, is “tenacious, highly imaginative, persuasive, if insecure.”</span></li> <li><span>Leo, born July 23 - August 22, is “creative, generous, warm-hearted, humorous, if inflexible.”</span></li> <li><span>Virgo, born August 23 - September 22, is “loyal, analytical, kind, practical, if critical.”</span></li> <li><span>Libra, born September 23 - October 22, is “cooperative, gracious, social, if confrontation averse.”</span></li> <li><span>Scorpio, born October 23 - November 21, is “resourceful, brave, passionate, if jealous.”</span></li> <li><span>Sagittarius, born November 22 - December 21, is “generous, idealistic, great sense of humour, if impatient.”</span></li> <li><span>Capricorn, born December 22 - January 19, is “responsible, disciplined, self-controlled, if forgiving.”</span></li> </ul> <p><span>The respondents were then asked to pick one of these possible 12 sets that described them best.</span></p> <p><span>The results are not great for astrology advocates. Fewer than one in five people, or 19.7 per cent of respondents, identified with their sign’s character traits, even after being given three chances to choose. Believers fared even worse – only 18.5 per cent who consulted astrology to make their life decisions picked the correct sign, even lower than the proportion of people who did not use horoscopes at all.</span></p> <p><span>However, it may not all be bogus. Ben Hayden, assistant professor of brain and cognitive sciences at the University of Rochester wrote in <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/blog/the-decision-tree/201107/science-confirms-astrology"><em>Psychology Today</em></a> that studies have shown some links between birthdays and personality traits. For example, a Japanese study discovered that people born between December and February tend to be less agreeable, while another study found that men born in the summer have lower conscientiousness.</span></p> <p><span>This does not mean that astrology is accurate, but more factors may need to be investigated for us to determine the exact relationship between birth times and character traits.</span></p> <p>Do you believe in astrology? Let us know in the comments below.</p>

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What Prince Harry’s star sign reveals about the royal dad-to-be

<div> <div class="replay"> <div class="reply_body body linkify"> <div class="reply_body"> <div class="body_text "> <p>Although some may not believe in star signs, every now and then you’ll come across someone’s star sign that explains that person right down to the letter. If you do believe in astrology, it can be a fun way to discover more about a particular person.</p> <p>Prince Harry has been in the spotlight since his birth. With such high scrutiny, people have taken to the date, time and location to discover more about the beloved red-headed royal.</p> <p>In order to figure out someone’s sun and moon sign, you need to know the following things:</p> <ul> <li>Where they were born</li> <li>What time they were born (down to the minute!)</li> </ul> <p>By inputting all of this information into an <a rel="noopener" href="https://astro.cafeastrology.com/natal.php" target="_blank">astrology birth chart calculator</a>, you’re going to discover more about a particular person and how the stars have influenced who they are today.</p> <p>As Prince Harry was born in St Mary’s Hospital, London, on the 15th of September 1984, his sun sign is a Virgo and his moon sign is a Taurus. </p> <p>As his sun sign is a Virgo, this means that he has a strong sense of responsibility. This works out well for him, as he’s consistently in the spotlight as a member of the Royal Family. Virgos are also known for undertaking worthwhile projects that can make them feel appreciated and useful. This is something they thrive on, which again, it seems like Prince Harry has brought forward into his life with his work on the <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.headstogether.org.uk/" target="_blank">Heads Together</a> program which aims to tackle the stigma surrounding mental health.</p> <p>The royal’s moon sign is in Taurus. This particular moon sign is very romantic, which might explain why he was in such a rush to introduce Duchess Meghan to the family. Moon in Taurus are known for being reliable as well as being strong-willed and rooted in their ways. This might explain why the army life appealed to Prince Harry so much, as he was able to follow a routine whilst protecting his country.</p> <p>As always, horoscopes and astrology aren’t specific to each individual. It is more of an overview that has parts that can be applied to specific people, so if you’re interested in looking up yours and you find it doesn’t apply specifically to you, take it with a grain of salt! </p> <p>Do you have an interest in astrology and follow star signs? Tell us in the comments below. </p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div>

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