I recently had the incredible opportunity to embark on a family safari adventure in South Africa, an experience that will remain etched in my heart for years to come. The trip, organized by my father-in-law for his 85th birthday, brought together our entire family—my husband, son, sister-in-law, brother-in-law, niece, nephew, and me—for the first time on an unforgettable journey. While the awe-inspiring wildlife and landscapes were the centrepiece, the cosmic influences guiding our paths added a fascinating layer of meaning.
As a Pisces with Uranus in my natal 9th house, travel has always been more than just a physical journey—it’s a spiritual exploration – and I do a LOT of travelling. With Uranus transiting my 4th house during this time, it shows sudden changes and surprises regarding the home or family dynamics. This year has brought that to the plate. This trip is the culmination of yearlong separation between our family and my father-in-law. Thus, there was a clear sense of family bonds being redefined, expanded, and illuminated in unexpected ways. This trip, which involved traveling with family members I had never ventured with before, was a testament to the energy of Uranus, bringing liberation from old family patterns while creating new connections under the vast African sky.
Mars and Jupiter were transiting my 5th house during this time, amplifying the joy, creativity, and playful energy throughout the trip. The 5th house is all about pleasure, self-expression, and experiencing life with a sense of childlike wonder. Being on a safari daily with my family felt like the perfect expression of these transits—each day filled with excitement, curiosity, and shared enthusiasm as we explored the wild together. My son, niece, and nephew particularly embodied this energy, with their wide-eyed excitement and sense of adventure driving us all to see the world through fresh eyes.
According to the insights I’ve elaborated on in a previous post: Exploring the cosmic compass: Astrology and Travel, the 9th house rules long journeys and expanding horizons, both physically and spiritually. This safari was not only a journey through South Africa’s breathtaking landscapes but also a journey of growth and connection with my family. The experience challenged me to step out of my comfort zone, embrace the unknown, and revel in the beauty of both the wilderness and the close bonds that formed between us.
It’s rare for Uranus to deliver its gifts so harmoniously, but in this case, it offered both the freedom of exploration and the strengthening of family ties. As I look back on this incredible trip, I can see how the cosmic forces at play—Uranus shaking up our family structure, Mars igniting our passions, and Jupiter expanding our hearts—were perfectly aligned to create a memorable and transformative experience.
Family dynamics
It’s fascinating to consider the astrological dynamics of the family members during the trip, especially since it was a birthday celebration for your father-in-law, a Gemini. The diverse zodiac signs within the group offer a rich blend of energies that likely made the experience unique for everyone involved.
Gemini (Father-in-Law): At 85, my father-in-law’s Gemini energy likely brought curiosity and adaptability to the trip. Geminis are ruled by Mercury, the planet of communication, and this may explain his enthusiasm for organizing the trip and ensuring everyone had a good time. South Africa’s diverse landscapes may have appealed to his intellectual and social nature, offering plenty of stimulating conversation topics.
Aquarius (Husband): Aquarians are known for their progressive, forward-thinking mindset, and this energy may have been focused on exploring the wild with a sense of innovation. Aquarius is associated with independence, making your husband likely to enjoy the adventure and unique experiences without too much conventionality. South Africa’s wild beauty offered him the space to appreciate nature in a way that aligns with his humanitarian and future-focused ideals.
- Leo (Son & Niece): Having two Leos in the group—my son and niece—added a sense of playfulness and a desire for the spotlight during the trip. Leos are ruled by the Sun, and they thrive in environments that let them express their creativity and enthusiasm. Safari adventures provided the perfect backdrop for these young Leos to bask in the thrill of discovery, and their excitement was infectious, lifting the spirits of the entire group.
- Sagittarius (Brother-in-Law): Sagittarius, the sign of the adventurer, is naturally at home on a safari. Ruled by Jupiter, Sagittarians are seekers of truth and knowledge, and this trip definitely felt like an enriching experience for my brother-in-law. South Africa’s expansive landscapes and the opportunity to explore new cultures and wildlife would have perfectly aligned with his Sagittarian energy.
- Taurus (Sister-in-Law): My sister-in-law, a Taurus, appreciated the slower, more sensual pleasures of the trip—such as enjoying nature, food, and relaxation. Taureans are ruled by Venus and are known for their appreciation of comfort and beauty. A safari, with its combination of natural wonder and the chance to unwind in luxurious lodges, appealed to her love of sensory experiences.
- Cancer (Nephew): As a Cancer, my nephew brought a nurturing and protective energy to the group. Cancers are deeply connected to family and home, so he relished the bonding time with everyone in such a unique setting. His emotional sensitivity helped bring the family closer together during the trip – despite his young age (19 years old).
- Pisces (Me): As a Pisces, I naturally – like always😊 – brought a spiritual and empathetic dimension to the adventure. Ruled by Neptune, Pisces are intuitive and deeply connected to the mysteries of life, which definitively made the natural wonders of South Africa especially magical for me. The trip felt like a journey of both outer and inner discovery, connecting me with the larger cosmos. This is not the last time I will travel to Africa. I love the magic!
This astrological combination of signs shows that the trip offered something for everyone—intellectual stimulation for my father-in-law, excitement for the Leos, spiritual insight for me, and adventure for the Sagittarius. The diversity of energies made the experience all the more harmonious, as each person’s sign brought something special to the group dynamic.
Tips on including astrology in travel planning
When traveling with broader family, especially through the lens of astrology, the dynamics can become both a source of joy and challenge. Drawing from both Western and African astrology, as well as insights from sites like My Astro Site, here are three pieces of advice:
1. Acknowledge Each Person’s Elemental Nature
Every zodiac sign aligns with one of the four elements (Earth, Water, Air, Fire), and understanding these elemental traits can help harmonize the group dynamic. For example:
- Fire signs (Leo, Sagittarius) bring enthusiasm and a need for adventure. Include exciting activities like safaris to keep their energy alive.
- Earth signs (Taurus) appreciate comfort and stability. Incorporate restful moments and time to savor the beauty of nature to make them feel grounded.
- Air signs (Gemini, Aquarius) value intellectual stimulation and conversation. Provide opportunities for meaningful discussions, perhaps around the cultural significance of the places you visit.
- Water signs (Cancer, Pisces) are deeply emotional and family-oriented. Prioritize connection and give them time to reflect and absorb the experience.
By aligning activities with each family member’s elemental needs, you create a balanced itinerary that caters to everyone’s natural inclinations. As My Astro Site points out, understanding these traits helps avoid potential clashes during travel.
2. Plan for Flexibility and Spontaneity (Embrace Uranus Energy)
Transits like Uranus in the 4th house can bring unexpected shifts in family dynamics during travel, as noted in your own experience. To manage this, it’s crucial to plan loosely and embrace spontaneous moments. For example, leave room in the schedule for last-minute activities, and be open to changes, allowing flexibility in how each day unfolds. This approach lets everyone feel relaxed, especially the more adventurous or freedom-loving members (like Sagittarians or Aquarians), while keeping things adaptable for family members who prefer a bit more control.
As mentioned on My Astro Site, flexibility is key when Uranus is involved, as it can bring exciting yet unforeseen developments during trips.
3. Balance Individual and Group Needs (Family Astrology Dynamics)
Understanding each family member’s unique astrological makeup can help balance individual desires and group harmony. Some signs, like Leo and Sagittarius, may want to take the lead, while Taurus or Cancer might prefer quieter roles. Astrology highlights how everyone fits into the family structure, and acknowledging these roles can help with decision-making, reducing tension.
When traveling, offer space for independent activities while keeping family moments central. This can avoid feelings of isolation for water signs or burnout for fire signs, ensuring a blend of independence and togetherness. As My Astro Site emphasizes in their family. dynamics post, embracing both autonomy and unity is key in multi-generational travel
These tips, inspired by astrological insights, will help create a harmonious and memorable trip, allowing each family member’s strengths to shine.
Sites to explore for input on travelling: (Adventure Begins Here – TourRadar)(askAstrology).
Site to explore for fun – a different way of interpreting astrology: African Astrology – the ancient divination tool that may resonate with you – The Cornrow.
