The new leader of the Alberta PC Party, and was born on May 11, 1951 in Mundare, Alberta.

Since we have no accurate birth-time, I can only analyze the planets, starting with the Sun, Moon, and his ruling planet, Venus.

Taurus is the sign of practicality it makes him steadfast, lends endurance and consistency. The Sun conjunct Mars in Taurus - the sign of its detriment and a feminine sign. This conjunction waters down the aggressive combative Martian force. The sextile to the Moon makes him confront difficulties in a direct, no-nonsense sort of way. It also gives him courage, energy and a strong vitality. Mars in the third decanate tells of quiet ambition, with the power to organize, manage and direct. His stamina and persistence is his greatest strength, but it can also work against him, as he can get caught in a rut and refuse to seize new opportunities - playing it safe could limit him.

Stelmach is willing to work hard for what he wants, through keen judgement and constructive action - he will achieve success in his life. He possesses the gift of endurance and perseverance, once he decides he wants something, he’ll do it even if it takes forever. He chooses practical, realistic goals and pursues them step-by-step in a well planed, organized manner. He enjoys working in solitude, and does his best work when he is alone.

The Moon is in its own sign of Cancer:

Dominated by his feelings and fluctuating moods. He is easy going and sociable, but can also be introverted and conservative. He is also very sympathetic and understands the unspoken feelings and needs of others intuitively. The Moon is just past the conjunction to the Sun (New Moon) therefore it carries all the practical, patient Taurian qualities into his emotional being. This quality influences the square to Mercury as it enables him to control his emotions. The Moon also squares Neptune, influencing the subconscious feelings of insecurity, and again the Taurus takes over and suppresses the unrealistic side by not only dreaming but by acting.

The basic need is security. Venus here operates subconsciously, by its emotional and instinctive dependency on persons or material possessions. Conjunct Uranus, Venus is spontaneous and easily excitable. Both Venus and Uranus are square to Jupiter. This indicates great restlessness there could be conflict between the status quo and the desire for freedom and independence. He can be direct and forceful in expressing his ideas. His reflexes are fast and his mind is keen.

I call this Mercury the late Bloomer, as fulfillment of visions come later in life with great success. Ed is oriented toward goals and purposes. He plays the games by the rules - whatever he conceives those rules to be. He is wary and dutiful, and puts his faith in principles and obligations. Mercury rising before the Sun does not need any social authority to sanction actions He does what is expedient or convenient, rather than what will be thought praiseworthy by others.

This tells us he will use this energy to examine, scrutinize and probe everything that comes his way if someone makes a proposal, he will investigate and ask questions until he knows exactly what the proposal entails.

This is a difficult aspect; he may not have the energy and the necessary vigour to overcome the restrictions, as this may cause frustration and irritation for him - unless he follows a well-established pattern. Saturn is concerned with objective reality; one has to stick to his duties and responsibilities. Saturn does not deny if the demands are met, he will bring gratification and advancement.

He may want to restrain and economize Government earnings and spending. He will also demand loyalty and soberness from his peers.

This is just an overview of our new Alberta Premier, who will lead our province for the next few years.

written by Liz Swoboda