An Astro-History of Northern Ireland

And is Irish Unity Likely Soon?

By Greg McMullan

© Greg McMullan - published by The Astrological Journal, 2025 / The Astrological Association of Great Britain / 08.10.2025

Key Solar and Lunar eclipses, not infrequently involving Saturn and Uranus, help to navigate us through the troubled history of Northern Ireland since its creation in 1921. Eclipses just ahead and the 2026 Saturn/Neptune conjunction suggest a major shift on the question of Irish unification.

On 3 May 1921, a notable event in British and Irish history unfolded: at 00:01, the Partition of Northern Ireland was formally enacted. An agreement between two governments established a border dividing a region. The primary objective of this division was to alleviate longstanding tension, conflict, violence, and sectarian strife in hopes of fostering peace. However, the anticipated resolution to these issues was not fully realised.(1)

Ireland, initially Catholic, came under English control in 1171 and experienced waves of Protestant settlement from 1610. Catholics faced severe restrictions: loss of land, closure of churches, and a ban on the Irish language. Though several uprisings failed, continued unrest led to a peace treaty in the 1900s, dividing Ireland. The six northern counties became Northern Ireland under British rule, while the rest formed the Irish Free State. In Northern Ireland, the Protestant majority maintained power, and Catholics suffered discrimination in areas like housing, jobs and education.

The sectarian divide continued as political decisions favoured one group, reinforcing long-standing grievances tied to violence, loss and land ownership. This ingrained a sense of victimhood and deep pain within families and communities (Chiron).(2)

Centuries-old identity struggles – British, Irish, Catholic, Protestant, Nationalist, Loyalist, Republican – complicated the region’s history. Partition aimed to resolve tensions but was poorly executed, leaving significant Catholic communities under Unionist rule in Northern Ireland. This led to systemic discrimination against Catholics in housing, employment, and education. Had the border encompassed fewer nationalist areas, partition might have been more effective, though this remains uncertain.(3)

The British/Irish identity conflict is closely tied to Protestant-Catholic divisions. While both faiths centre on Jesus Christ, Catholics emphasise the church and sacraments for salvation, whereas Protestants focus on faith and scripture. The Protestant Reformation began in 1517 with Martin Luther's challenge to Catholic doctrine.

The chart detailing the partition of NI is highly significant, as the energies subject to interpretation are related to the circumstances at hand.

Neptune square Sun highlights challenge associated with achieving unity and the ensuing disorder resulting from its absence. This aspect describes uncertainty (Neptune) regarding clearly defined territorial boundaries (Taurus) and indicates that aspirations for peace may be influenced by idealistic assumptions or insufficient consideration of all outcomes (Neptune).

The conjunction of the Moon and Uranus in Pisces, in opposition to Saturn and Jupiter in Virgo, is associated with collective sentiments characterised by compassion, unity, and a desire for liberation from political instability. This alignment may also correspond with sudden and unforeseen events that have the potential to cause significant emotional disruption and intergenerational trauma.

A Libra Midheaven often aspires to foster balance, fairness, peace and mutual respect; however, these qualities seem notably absent. The Midheaven's ruler, Venus, positioned retrograde in Aries, unaspected and located at the Imum Coeli (IC), reflects substantial challenges in achieving these objectives. Attaining respectability and mutual understanding is possible by transcending self-identifying labels (religious division: Catholic/Protestant) and focusing on genuine recognition of others. Venus’ influence can be heightened through transits, eclipses, solar arc directions, or secondary progressions.

Ascendant in Sagittarius indicates significant growth potential. There may be clear differences in religious beliefs, accompanied by notable achievements in education on an international scale. The square between Jupiter-ruled Moon and the Ascendant suggests a strong emphasis on recognising new opportunity and appreciating advantages present within the nation. Additionally, a Jupiter-ruled Ascendant is positive and correlates with students in general education outperforming those in other regions of the UK.

The chart shows a mutual reception between Venus and Mars, with both planets unaffiliated with any other planet or each other. This arrangement indicates limited interaction and connection between these two energies, which represent different traditions.

The Troubles

‘The Troubles’ (the Northern Ireland conflict) from 1968 to 1998 resulted in more than 3,600 deaths and at least 30,000 injuries. The conflict was rooted in disputes over British and Irish identity, sectarian divisions, and concerns from Nationalists regarding perceived inequalities in housing and employment.

1972

On 30 January 1972, the British Army fired on unarmed civil rights marchers in Derry (Londonderry), killing 13 civilians and injuring 15. A Total Lunar Eclipse coincided with Neptune in the NI radix chart, threatening peace. The worst day of the troubles. In the UK 1801 chart, Mars is within 13 arc mins of radix NI Sun. Mars (= Armed forces). Saturn in late Taurus aligned with unaspected NI Mars as the authorities' actions backfired, resulting in a surge of IRA recruits locally. The 2010 Saville Report found Bloody Sunday unjustified by the British Army, worsening conflict; Prime Minister David Cameron later issued an apology when Mercury in Gemini formed a t-square with radix Jupiter/Uranus, emphasising the extensive inquiry and its surprising outcomes.(4)

Notably, the Saville Enquiry was announced on 3 April 1998, as Mercury crossed the radix IC and the nodal axis activated the Jupiter/Uranus opposition.

The Bloody Sunday Lunar Eclipse was part of Saros Series 10 North, which recurs in 2026 and conjoins radix Moon while transiting (tr) Uranus shares the radix Mars degree! This eclipse series is noted for communication issues, and its origins in April 944 align with the NI radix chart, making it notable in the movement towards an Irish Unity referendum.(5)

1998

The Solar Eclipse of 26 February 1998 had a significant influence on the NI chart activating radix Uranus indicating the potential for major developments ahead.(6)

The Good Friday Agreement, announced shortly after the Saville Enquiry on 10 April 1998, marked the end of The Troubles in Northern Ireland, requiring conditions and concessions from both communities allowing the peace process to advance.

Key astrological events include the tr nodes activating the NI Jupiter/Uranus opposition, a Full Moon highlighting the MC/IC axis, and tr Jupiter conjunct the 4th-house cusp. The Aries stellium energises the 4th-house IC, signalling new beginnings, supported by Mars in its home sign. Recent Mars transit to radix Venus brings a focus on relationships and community themes.(7)

In the 1998 Solar Return, Pluto conjunct IC near NI radix Ascendant and Jupiter square Ascendant in Pisces indicated a major transformative shift, significantly altering political perspectives and future hopes for peace.

The Good Friday Agreement came into effect on 2 December 1999, coinciding with a Sun/Pluto conjunction in Sagittarius (in the 12th) aligning with radix Ascendant. At this time, tr Jupiter was conjunct unaspected Venus, and tr Saturn conjunct radix Sun. This development marked the beginning of a new era, strongly endorsed by the public through a joint referendum held on 22 May 1998 in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. The agreement received considerable support, with 71.1% in favour in Northern Ireland and 94.4% in favour in the Republic of Ireland. Tr Venus brings blessing for peace by her domiciled presence close to the radix North Node/MC.(8)

2016

The Total Solar Eclipse of 9 March 2016 has been pivotal regarding Brexit. This eclipse opposed Saturn in the NI radix chart, with tr Saturn near the Ascendant. Dr Bernadette Brady notes that the Saros 18 South family of eclipses often brings endings or separations. Jupiter, ruling the eclipse, is almost exactly conjunct radix Saturn, signalling international issues. Uranus forms a quincunx to radix Saturn, suggesting instability. Pisces dominates astrologically, while Taurus is weakest; this mutability may lead to instability and structural dissolution.

The day of the Brexit vote was anticipated as a point of change. According to a chart set for 7 a.m. in London, when polling stations opened, the Ascendant ruler, Moon, was in the 7th house, associated with foreign relations, and in the sign of independence (Aquarius). The Moon’s unaspected status may have suggested a focus on separation from external influences. A mutable Grand Cross involving Mercury, Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune exploits themes of collectiveness; Saturn in Sagittarius indicates pressure from international sources to stay, and Neptune in Pisces wants to go with the flow. Venus, ruling the 4th house and IC, appeared in Cancer conjunct Sun in the 12th house, suggesting emphasis on issues such as residence, healthcare and family. The Mars-ruled Midheaven in Scorpio points to potential change in financial structures and strategies related to domestic progress and reduced reliance on foreign connections.(9)

So, Moon unaspected in Aquarius in the 7th house; Uranus unaspected on the 10th-house cusp in Aries, square Ascendant. Sun and Venus form an unaspected duet in Cancer in the 12th, and Mars is unaspected in Scorpio. Seems like a call for an unpredictable transformation of epic proportion!

The chart for NI is significantly influenced by this energy. The presence of a mutable Grand Cross on the day of the vote affects nearly every major planet and sensitive point in NI’s radix chart, resulting in a potentially unstable choice of timing for determining the nation's future.

Making an informed decision on the optimal way to vote proved highly challenging due to the overwhelming volume of misinformation disseminated by politicians, media outlets and individuals online. As a result, many voters acted according to their own perspectives, awaiting the outcome to see how their choices would ultimately be reflected. Cancer emerges as the dominant sign on vote day, reflecting a focus on home and family. This suggests the vote may favour national and familial concerns, which aligns with the result: 51.89% voted to leave.

Interesting is the fact that one-off Solar Arc Neptune had just perfected an oppositional aspect to radix NI Sun, highlighting the theme of oneness, connectivity, empathy, understanding. Neptune has a wonderful way of dissolving things, making them go away, in this case, we’re talking borders, imaginary lines creating political and sovereign states. May 2016.(10)

2017

In September 2017, the solar arc Moon opposed radix Ascendant as Prime Minister Theresa May announced the Brexit withdrawal deal, supported by a majority in Parliament. Around this period, the 21 August Solar Eclipse and major planetary aspects significantly influenced the radix chart, with Sun and Moon forming a square to radix unaspected Mars in Taurus.

2020

The astrology of Brexit indicates instability. The Moon at Aries’ final degree, ruling the MC, reflects uncertainty and a sense that it’s too late to reverse course. Moon’s conjunction with Uranus in the 7th implies that the EU – rather than the UK – will shape the future, likely without much sympathy. However, the Sun in the 4th house, unaspected, points to new beginnings. Venus-Neptune in Pisces shows potential in the arts and limitless possibilities, but the square to Mars in Sagittarius (3rd) signals difficult communications regarding international trade, and bureaucracy pressures.

The Brexit chart highlights the significant issues regarding NI. Brexit Uranus is conjunct radix Mercury signalling trade issues, while the Neptune/Venus conjunction opposes radix Saturn, highlighting border control. The Northern Ireland Protocol placed a trade border in the Irish Sea much to the anger of the Unionist community. They argued that this puts Ireland closer to becoming united and lessened their British identity.

The 5 June 2020 Lunar Eclipse aligned with radix NI Ascendant and belongs to Saros Series 4 North (known for its challenging influence). This Saros Series began in 1389 with a Pluto/Node conjunction and Jupiter inconjunct, marking themes of transformation. Venus and Neptune were close to Sun in Taurus on the radix NI chart, indicating potential unity if we consider echoes from the past. The 2020 eclipse brings a Jupiter-Pluto conjunction in Capricorn, squaring radix nodes and Venus and trines Mars, underscoring impactful astrological shifts for NI.

Brexit has significantly affected Northern Ireland. The recent change from a Unionist to Nationalist majority could lead to a future referendum on Irish unity, influenced by the Northern Ireland Protocol and the so-called ‘Irish Sea Border’. Brexit presented complex challenges, and Unionist politicians voiced concerns to the UK government about issues of identity, arguing that the protocol affected their sense of Britishness. They brought their case before the Supreme Court which ruled that Northern Ireland Unionists remain British.(11,12)

2022

The Solar Partial Eclipse on 30 April 2022 is conjunct NI radix Sun and considered notable in relation to leadership in a political vote occurring at that time. Revolutionary tr Uranus makes a conjunction to the eclipse, highlighting a break away from the status quo. The Neptune square was activated. Tr Mars aligned with radix Moon. Solar arc Uranus opposed radix Ascendant. Uranus recently completed a triple transit with radix Sun. On 5 May 2022, Sinn Fein, a nationalist party, received the highest number of votes for the first time since the beginning of Partition, marking a shift in Northern Ireland’s political landscape.(13)

2025

The 2025 NI Solar Return features a 0° Pisces Ascendant, with Jupiter conjunct IC and Neptune conjunct Venus at 0° Aries, indicating new beginnings and unity. A Sun t-square with Mars and Pluto in fixed signs points to major transformation. Uranus conjunct NI radix Mars and sextile Saturn signals potential surprises, shifts in legislation and changes related to borders.

2026

The Solar Return for NI in 2026 features Jupiter conjunct Ascendant, forming a grand water trine with Moon and Midheaven. The element of water facilitates connections, while the Midheaven’s conjunction with radix Moon once again highlights themes of unity, subtly advancing the focus on oneness: 2026 will be significant for unity due to eclipse timings, the Saturn/Neptune conjunction, and their positions in the Solar Return and radix Partition chart.

Summary

Tr Uranus formed a conjunction with radix Sun in May 2021, November 2021, and March 2022 – a transit commonly associated with rapid and significant change. Historically, a prior Uranus/Sun conjunction was contemporaneous with the confirmation of Irish sovereignty under the Constitution of Ireland. During this period, eclipses from Saros Series 11 South and 12 North also played an influential role; these eclipses are anticipated to impact critical points in the Northern Ireland chart in 2027 and 2028, especially the Sun/Neptune and Ascendant/Descendant axes which are frequently involved in periods of transformation.

Significant change is anticipated, with the Saturn/Neptune conjunction in 2026 expected to have major influence. The sensitive radix Moon will be activated by eclipse with tr Uranus on radix Mars! A Solar Eclipse on 2 August 2027, will activate a key aspect in the radix chart (Neptune/Sun square). Sinn Fein asserts that a referendum on Irish unity will occur before 2030, though the Irish Taoiseach disagrees. Astrological factors suggest potential political shifts and increased nationalist efforts for a united Ireland in 2026, but a referendum is unlikely unless they secure enough voter support. The Sun’s degree at 11 Taurus matches the UK 1801 chart’s Mars; the 1972 eclipse at this degree saw heightened conflict in Northern Ireland. This time around there is no British army presence. Currently, the situation remains peaceful.(14)

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Endnotes

1. NI Partition (radix): 3 May 1912, 00:01, Belfast UK BST Equal House (shown).
2. Chiron in Aries conj. IC trine Ascendant, Neptune, 4th house.
3. Sun in Taurus square Neptune.
4. David Cameron apology: 15 June 2010, 12:00 London (not shown).
5. Bloody Sunday: Solar Eclipse: 30 January 1972, 10:58, Belfast, UK, GMT (shown).
6. Solar Eclipse: 26 February 1998, 18:25 BST Belfast (not shown).
7. Good Friday Agreement: 10 April 1998, Belfast (exact time unknown, chart not shown).
8. Good Friday Agreement effective: 2 December 1999, Belfast, UK, GMT (shown).
9. 23 June 2016 (07:00 BST), London, UK (not shown).
10. 6 May 2016, SA/Nep opp. NI radix Sun (not shown).
11. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-64558530.
12. Brexit Effective: 31 January 2020, 23:00, GMT, London (shown).
13. Solar Eclipse: 30 April 2022, 21:28, Belfast, BST (shown).
14. Solar Eclipse: 2 August 2027, 11:05, Belfast, BST (shown).

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Author: Greg McMullan

Greg embarked on his astrological studies in 2016, driven by a strong sense of curiosity. In 2017, he completed the Mayo Certificate course, establishing a comprehensive foundation in natal interpretation. He furthered his education with the LSA before obtaining the Mayo Diploma in both natal and Mundane Astrology. Greg recently presented at the 2025 Mayo Student Conference and is currently organising an astrology group in Northern Ireland. He remains committed to ongoing professional development and derives satisfaction from assisting clients in understanding their potential and interpreting life circumstances through astrology.
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