Tag Archives: astrology

Another Installment of ‘What You’re Asking’

12 Monday Jan 2009

Posted by in aspects and placements, astrology, Capricorn, Jupiter, Mercury retrograde

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There were so many great topics this week, I’m going to be doing this in two parts, and keeping answers brief (at least for me!) First up:

Is it okay to travel when Mercury is retrograde?

Excellent question, the kind of thing we think about when we try to apply astrology to real life, and find that sometimes it gets in the way! Why would travel be prohibited? Chiefly because Mercury rules movement, transportation, and in retrograde hitches are common, so we have a smaller chance of things running smoothly at this time, in a mechanical sense, and the electrical systems of vehicles can be more testy than usual, as well. But I think the real difficulty lies in the planning and communication aspect of things; inevitably, we think we’ve planned carefully for our moving day, only to find our route is blocked by a three-hour parade, or we agree to be at that place by the thing where we went that time, for lunch, and we think that means 12, and our meetee thinks lunch starts at 1. Where mechanical hold-ups can be addressed, and even anticipated, with a little care, it’s the thought processes behind our travel that may suffer, and upon which we can have least conscious effect.

Because of this, I wouldn’t recommend travel, particularly the kind where we’re at the mercy of a form of transport where we are not in charge (such as an airline or train) or where we’re at the whim of someone who may speed along well ahead of schedule and miss us (like a bus). Of course, there’s no reason to stop living life, just be prepared to deal with glitches and difficulties as they arise; typically the biggest problem is delay, and in this case, a little flexibility in expectations goes a long way. Best methodology for coping during travel on Mercury retrograde: use your intuition (Venus) in the moment; where the mind is muddled on the retrograde, the intuition is right on, and can, if accessed, make the trip an easy, and sense-filled, delight.

For more on activity during Mercury retrograde, see this https://juliedemboski.wordpress.com/re-examining-mercury-retrograde/

What is the combust degree for each planet?

Since we measure combustion from only one source, the Sun, all planets and bodies are considered combust within the same frame: 17 minutes from exactitude to 8.5 degrees, and other bodies cannot be combust each other–if we say “Mars is combust Venus,” well, we’re speaking gibberish! Closer than 17 minutes to the Sun is cazimi, a condition of fusion that is believed to greatly strengthen a planet. For more on the whys of all this, see https://juliedemboski.wordpress.com/mercury-combust-and-retrograde/

What are the likely health effects of Jupiter in Aquarius?

This question is highly individual, depending on how Jupiter and Aquarius are hooked into the health picture of the natal chart. We can venture a few guesses, though, mainly on what may be more susceptible at this time; for example, Jupiter rules the liver, and Aquarius is a fixed Air sign–under the ‘right’ circumstances in an individual’s chart, this could signal a hepatic embolism, or CNS damage (Aquarius) that comes from or causes liver damage; we might even see the pain of the intellectual situation spurring some toward drink; or when we look for society-wide effects, with Aquarius ruling the higher functions, and Jupiter symbolizing expansion and the social order, advances in autism studies and therapies are possible, or perhaps we’ll see a resurgence of interest in ‘remote viewing’ experimentation, or in good old mental health programs, and we may see fads in the direction of outdoor recreation, perhaps involving Jupiter’s big animals, such as equestrian events, or for international events, such as chess–or, Mathlympics, anyone?

How do I seduce a Venus in Capricorn?

Hey, is this the same person who asks about Capricorn every week? Haven’t you given up on Cappy yet? Or are Capricorns the latest irresistible sign, with their frowns and rules and big bulging wallets. Well, no matter, let’s see what we can do here. Venus tells us what appeals to someone; it explains their tastes in a sensual way, what’s pleasing, what’s appealing. We take a chance when we look only at Venus’ sign, though, as contacts can tell a much more effective story: Venus in Scorpio says they want a little mystery, but if that Venus is connected to Pluto, we might see a preference for dangerous sex (sex with strangers, sex on cliffs, sex in public), a taste for S/ M, or just someone who associates (sadly) pain, punishment, or destruction with love (and not even with sex, at that). So, Venus in Capricorn suggests the appeal of security, of rules and ‘safe’ words (in bed, or at a party, like when you say in the presence of your partner, “I love cupcakes!” when you desperately want to leave) and Cap finds the beauty in order and constraint–you can flirt with Venus in Capricorn by simply lifting an eyebrow, crisply serving a summons, or folding his or her laundry, really really neatly.

Seduction, however, is another matter; since seduction is about persuading, in essence gaining control of another, or at least drawing them to do your bidding, it is the antithesis of what Venus in Capricorn is about: he or she is in control of the sensual, of love and sex, thank you very much, and the goaty Venus will resist (and resent) mightily any attempt to connect that smacks of you having more control than they. So, the seduction scenario of Venus in Cap isn’t promising, because if they even get an inkling that they’re being seduced, they will bound up the rocky ledge of indifference and cold shoulder you until you go away. So, I’m sending all who are interested over to the experts at Sasstrology http://sasstrology.com/2008/09/astrology-of-kink-complex-capricorn.html  Or, for relationship analysis that gets into the whys and wherefores of attraction http://dogandsunflower.wordpress.com  Happy goat herding!

More to come!

Jupiter into Aquarius: Testing the Social Order

02 Friday Jan 2009

Posted by in astrology, Jupiter

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The Aquarian vibe can take us by surprise; at a personal level, this will almost certainly be highly dependent on what Jupiter will aspect in terms of natal placements as it passes through Aquarius (please, don’t ask me to interpret the meaning for you personally, either in the comments or at my email, unless I specifically solicit this–those days are over, for my own sanity! –consultations are available at very low cost–and this is why they are so low cost, so that everyone can afford them–please see WANT MORE? for details). If you happen to have placements very early (in the first 2 degrees) of any sign, though, you will receive an initial effect that lets you know just how thoroughly the social ‘background’ to your personal situation is changing. For once this effect is not reliant on transiting Jupiter being in hard aspect to the natal placement; it is much more about Jupiter’s ‘new’ character casting its big, unavoidable shadow onto specific portions of your nativity. For everyone, whether Jupiter moves into Aquarius and aspects something or not, the place where this occurs in the natal chart will be a symbolic point of upheaval and change, bringing revolution of one kind or another, your own mini-Age of Aquarius.

Jupiter is ushered in to Aquarius at 6:49 AM PST on January 5th. Think back to late January of 1997, when Jupiter made its last foray into the sign of the Waterbearer (but keep in  mind, despite the symbol for the sign involving water, this is a Fixed Air sign–and thus mentally oriented, and a wee bit determined/ stubborn!) At that time it was on its way to conjunction with Uranus, and had recently conjuncted the Sun, Ceres, and Neptune; this suggests an atmospheric picture that was highly charged with the spirit of change in the name of a new order, of rebellion that offers a fresh perspective, of challenges to and Self-adoption of authority’s role and privileges, and that served as a major outlet for imagination and inspiration (with the added possibility that major delusion could’ve been adopted at this time, as well). astrological-signs-5

Now Jupiter enters Aquarius when the Moon is Void (at 29 Capricorn 28)  and it squares Vesta at 01 Taurus 00. To me this suggests we will be subjected to a sudden shift in the atmosphere that may frustratingly lead nowhere, or that could spawn unforseen events (especially emotional ones) of an Aquarian nature, that leap forward as if cut from whole cloth. The home front, the sex life, and all that we hold sacred may conflict in some important way with our social role(s) or the social milieu in which we find ourselves; the prevailing attitudes that surround us may all at once have a very different tenor than they possessed just a day before. The primary effect, then, may be more disorienting than anything else, a feeling of ‘There’s no going back’ in some important area of our lives (likely represented by the House in which the move occurs, or possibly by matters of the House Jupiter rules natally). The changes may test the social order as you currently perceive it, and maybe even challenge you to re-define what, precisely, you want on the home front, in the sex life, and what you will be willing to dedicate your life to (Vesta effects).

And now I’m testing the social order, as this blog is intended primarily as a place for me to express and observe on the subject of astrology, and as such content is determined solely at my discretion: AS OF JANUARY 2ND, I will no longer be allowing comments to stand that contain Self-promoting links or addresses, or same of any kind–NO EXCEPTIONS. For those who are actually commenting or sharing based on the material, this will be no problem; for those who have attempted to use this blog to promote themselves and their businesses, I would ask that you respect my choice not to subject my readers to your ads. If they find you scintillating simply from what you observe and share in your comment, you can use your full name and they can and will google you, and you will find your audience; you are more than welcome here as a commenter, sharing thoughts and theories. In my view, instituting this policy is better than ending comment ability altogether, as some beleaguered bloggers have done. I find this intermediate step necessary to stop a growing wave of opportunists who are taking more and more of my time as I am required to judge and moderate each entry, and I have been, at times, erring on the side of inclusion, despite the fact that I find such advertising offensive. To all who are interested, please continue to visit, and comment, but please understand that what I allow, and what I give away, on this site are my choice alone.

A Mega Installment of ‘What You’re Asking’

31 Wednesday Dec 2008

Posted by in 6th House, aspects and placements, astrology

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Now, let’s talk a little first about what I have to sort through to put ‘What You’re Asking’ together. I’m not talking about searches using keywords that don’t make an explanatory concept; that’s understandable, and an efficient way to look for connections. No, I’m talking about queries that show unclear thinking, and perhaps an imperfect understanding of what’s being sought. In fact, these show such a lack of clarity (for instance, “Cancer in Leo”–huh?) that I have to skip considering them altogether. I guess what I’m saying is that if one doesn’t have a clear idea of what is being asked for, then one has little hope of finding anything that makes sense–and if one is trying to learn about astrology, nothing beats establishing a firm foundation (such as the difference between planets and signs, what planets rule what signs, what an aspect is) before chasing concepts that are in essence nonsense. Of course, it’s no matter to me if these searches continue–just thought I’d offer a word to the wise. As well, searches such as “When will the Moon be in the 7th House” leave me mystified–do they mean their natal 7th, in which case they should be looking for the dates when the Moon will be in that sign, or is there a misconception that the 7th House in place at that spot in the current moment means something to the individual? Again, a thought that your best results come from knowing precisely what you’re asking for in the first place.

Now, on to what we’re here for! There were lots of queries related to the meaning of particular Moon positions and certain subjects; here are the best of these:

What does the Moon in the 1st say about the mother?

Excellent question, as the symbol for the mother falling in the House of Self as we present to the world naturally suggests she may have a big influence on our personality, and our way of conducting ourselves, especially upon first encountering someone or something, in life. What we tend to see, in the most general terms, is a confusion of mother’s issues with our own; with some maturity, we may begin to ask ourselves, does Mom feel that, or is that what I feel? Emotional closeness to the mother is definitely present; it can be debilitating or even destructive if we are unaware of the influence she has exerted, or if we are enmeshed and are being used, one way or another, to provide emotional sustenance to Mom. We can get a lot of information from the sign this falls in, and as well, we can see how Mom views the 1st House Moon offspring by inspecting that sign in her chart. A 1st House Moon in Pisces, with Pisces on Mom’s 7th, might hint that there is a lack of appropriate emotional boundaries, and that the mother feels it’s quite natural (even a right) to fuse her own emotional state with the child’s. In another instance, a Taurus Moon in the 1st, with Taurus on Mom’s 3rd, could say that the emotional sharing the mother engages in with the child is a form of communication, likely imparting values and material standards (Venus rulership, Taurus). With a 1st House placement I have often seen the child feel they must provide emotional security or ‘happiness’ to the mother, sometimes at cost to their own well-being, though with this manifestation there is no suggestion that the mother asks for this, unless sign and House relationships say otherwise–it is offered by the child, who sees it as appropriate. Aspects will also have some say; for instance, a 1st House Moon in Capricorn square Saturn in the 4th says quite clearly that Dad probably plays a big part in Mom’s emotional life, and also in that of the child, perhaps to the point of being overwhelming, with the square suggesting that the influence might have been repressive in some way for mother and offspring, with the potential to put up barriers between mother and child, for the comfort of the father. In any case, 1st House Moon is sensitive, and often begins life with the emotions showing ‘on the sleeve’; and it usually takes some time for differentiation of the emotional state from the mother’s influence to occur.

Are health professions connected to Moon in the 6th House?

Usually I refuse to draw such simplistic assessments as equating any single placement with a particular talent or professional area, but 6th House placements in relation to the health professions are the exception that proves the rule. Consistently I’ve noted 6th House placements tieing the individual to the helping professions in some form; with the Moon, obvious manifestations are nursing, caregiving, dietician, therapist, social worker, and less obvious (and, as with everything, relying on other supportive indicators) such as psychic, manufacturer or preparer of dairy products or dairy farmer, addiction counselor, child advocate (such as those who represent children in the courts), or stylist (the quick changes of the Moon suggesting an ability, when in the 6th, to read and respond to everyday trends).

With other energies in the 6th, we can also look for the ways these connect to health and helping professions, and consistently we will find some kind of link. Uranus, for example, might suggest one who helps/ guides with the intellect, aids by or using technological or social innovation, or who works with the healing or function of the nervous system and brain; the Sun might be a heart specialist, symbolic or otherwise. So, yes, I do see a connection between Moon in the 6th and health, healing, and helping professions, but the forms this can take are numberless, and the essence of the helping individual, a caring attitude, can literally fit any profession existing.

 And, with the 6th House still in mind, we see another query: What indicates ability to heal others after a near death experience?

This, of course, would be a very specifically individual signature, largely shown by particular natal placements triggered by Solar Arc or tertiary progression, or possibly secondary progression–and again, there’s no special placement that shows this potential, but I have described the ability to heal in the chart of one who could (Ellen Yoakum) and in one who portrayed this in the movies (Ellen Burstyn), both of whom have 6th House Moon https://juliedemboski.wordpress.com/2008/10/09/natal-moon-in-the-6th-house/

One thing I would say about healing ability and a near death experience: a near death experience does not change who we are, it changes how we see things, our viewpoint, our perspective–so potentials were there all along, or not at all, one is not suddenly endowed with special abilities or powers because of an event. There is also the danger in just that, in seeing an ability, any ability, as special–not only is this inaccurate, it promotes a doctrine of ‘betterness’ and a mentality of separation, neither of which is present in a true healer.

I had a number of searches that centered on music, such as What indicates musical talent in astrology?

With any talent or ability, we must understand that expression of potentials occurs because of an auspicious confluence of interest, opportunity, ability, persistence, all of which may or may not converge with a ‘right place, right time’ that allows one to concentrate on and develop the talent even further. So, talents are often best delineated from their life expression back to the chart, as many potentials that exist in the chart may never see the light of day. That said, traditionally Neptune is associated with music, so we would perhaps start our search, in a very general way, there. We might also look to Neptune in contact with Saturn (giving form, and perhaps showing performance or recording), Venus (beauty), and Mercury (writing), a connection to the Sun (suggesting Neptune as part of the Soul plan), and connections to the 7th House might be appropriate, for featuring the audience and connecting the Neptune to a public or open forum/ expression. And of course, there are all the other sensibilities that might come into play, such as Pluto with ‘Death Metal’ and Chiron with the torch song genre.

And someone searched simply Opera Voices + astrology, and for this we would likely look for big, dramatic expression, and a classic connection to Taurus (voice) would be in order. See a consummate professional’s chart and assessment here https://juliedemboski.wordpress.com/she-finds-her-voice/

Have a wonderful and safe New Year celebration–see you next year!

What You’re Asking Vol. 2

17 Wednesday Dec 2008

Posted by in 1st House, 5th House, astrology, Capricorn, Jupiter, Mercury combust

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There were some excellent topics searched for this week; let’s get started!

Can I get a job if Jupiter is transiting my 1st?

My first thought here was, why wouldn’t you? Jupiter would, barring other circumstances, bring opportunity to you as you contact the world. The main, job-destroying possibility with the planet of expansion and abundance moving through your 1st might be seated in the personality; since 1st House traits will be exaggerated as Jupiter moves through, seeking a job where your personality might need to be downplayed may put you at a disadvantage. For instance, if you’re being considered to model clothing, the designer wouldn’t want a model who takes attention from his or her designs. This isn’t about you doing anything in particular; it’s about others’ perceptions of the persona you use to meet life. And, if you suffer from any unfortunate personality ‘tics’ these could be overblown, and be off-putting to an employer–a normally harmless tendency to chatter when nervous, for example, could become voluminous and signal (incorrectly) to a prospective employer that you lack Self-control. So, the best ‘defense’ for a Jupiter 1st House transit when seeking employment is a keen awareness of how you come across–in which case some brutally honest friends and a video camera might be your biggest help in interview preparation.

What is the effect of Mercury combust the Sun on career?

This is a great question, and also impossible to answer with any specificity without an individual chart, so we’ll look at what we can surmise generally. Combustion is when a planet is between 17 minutes and 8.5 degrees from conjunction with the Sun (less than 17 minutes is another condition, cazimi, and a condition extending out from 8.5 degrees is known as Under the Sunbeams). It’s not unusual for Mercury to sit combust the Sun, considering how closely they travel together. Opinions on span of influence and on effects vary widely; in my view, combustion suggests that the Soul (Sun) is ‘in charge’ of the communication function (Mercury), rather than, as in a typical conjunction, which functions as a fusing of the two energies. Because of this, much of the effect will depend on the sign in which this occurs. I’ve seen combustion result, in the case of Mercury, in a scenario where the essence and manner of the Sun seems to override the purity of the communication function. For instance, if the combustion occurs in Libra, the individual may exhibit an emphasis in communication on relationships and relating that takes a highly subjective view, where the person is constantly measuring her or his communications and the impact they have on others–it’s as if Mercury can’t  function in any objective way–the Sun’s bias is always there, coloring everything said, done, thought, and processed. This can, on the other hand, make for Soul’s ability to communicate itself that is eloquent and very true to the individual’s intent–so in some careers this can be a great asset. We can’t forget that the Houses ruled by Mercury and the Sun will play a big role in delineating where this expression (or its lack) will show up.

How do Capricorns show they’re into you?

Wait a minute–weren’t you here last week? (See previous post, ‘What You’re Asking’). Capricorn, Capricorn, Capricorn–you’re the star right now, as the Sun prepares to enter your territory, and this seeker wants to know how you show your interest. I’ve got one word to describe a Capricorn who wants to get to know you: serious! You’ll likely get a lighter, initial approach (Capricorn will play it cool, if Venus sits in Aquarius, or act the bon vivant if Venus is in Sagittarius) but she or he will quickly get down to brass tacks. The primitive types will try to push you to commit immediately, and may even try clubbing you and dragging you into their rocky hideaway; run from this one at all costs. The healthy ones are cautious. Because they take even the most casual commitment so seriously, Capricorn may eye you for awhile before approaching–but when Cappy makes his or her mind up, there’s no mistaking their goal of making things solid, establishing rules and boundaries, and building a little love nest together. You’ll notice Capricorn when they’re finally ready for a relationship; Cappy will be the one standing ramrod straight at the back of the room, grim-faced and determined, clutching a bouquet of posies, hoping to win your attention, and your love.

Bonus hint on keeping Capricorn’s love: never ever ever embarrass them.

In what way is fame connected to the 5th House?

Signatures within the chart indicating fame are as individual as the persons who attain this, and are so intimately connected to the reasons they’ve attained that fame that it’s impossible to suggest ‘fame indicators’ ahead of time. My personal feeling is that people tend to make much too much of the 5th House in terms of potentials for creativity, which so many of us see as vital to positive attainments of fame; the 5th is below the horizon, a personal area, and in that way is indicative of seed, of potential, to some extent–but seed needs water, sunlight, the right conditions, to avoid attack from pests and disease–and all these ‘growing’ conditions are found elsewhere, and tell the real story of 5th House potentials. As well, creativity is found in many other areas of the chart, so I see the 5th as a repository of mostly unconscious creativity, that ‘leaks’ out via the connections to other points; after all, creativity is a very vague concept–without shape, form, impetus it’s really just a notion, a wisp of idea with no innate push to become concrete–other energies drive that. Think of 5th House potentials as you do the potential to have children, another 5th House subject, and you’ll see how much energy and intent are needed to turn creative potential into creative accomplishment.

That said, we can suggest a few things that might fall into the fame mix: prominent or angular Pluto is common, perhaps because these people are in some way driven, and certainly they in some way interact with or attract power and power positions; Saturn in some relative strength in the chart–this suggests a modicum of Self-discipline (in instances of fame achieved, rather than stumbled into accidentally), also that the world may take one seriously, and that one can make some impact on reality; the chart ruler (ruler of the Ascendant) prominent in the chart, suggesting a force of personality; the Midheaven and/ or Sun usually vital to the aspects that show what the individual is famous for; and some significant Nodal involvement with the other energies. Just some suggestions, of course–it’s up to the individual, not the chart, to take what we’re endowed with and shape it into something worthy of the regard of the rest of humanity.

New Feature! ‘What You’re Asking’

09 Tuesday Dec 2008

Posted by in Capricorn, Elements, Eros, Grand Trine, Nodal Axis, relationship astrology

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I’ve decided that one of the best ways to serve readers may be to look through what they’ve been searching and try to address the topics that brought them here in the first place. To that end I’m creating a new feature, ‘What You’re Asking,’ that will on a weekly basis explore some of this material, and some of the topic queries, in a question and answer format. First up:

Can a Grand Trine be made up of different elements?

Yes, and when it is they become of prime importance in delineating the meaning of the aspect. We have a good example in the chart of Osama bin Laden (granted, even the date of 10 March 1957 Riddah, Saudi Arabia is in question, but if this is right . . . .) He shows a Grand Trine of the Moon at 00 Cancer trine Vesta at 26 Aquarius trine Neptune at 2 Scorpio–and we might guess that this config might have played out solely within his personal life if all positions had been in Water, but with the addition of Vesta in the intellectually-oriented Air placement of Aquarius we see the elevation of pure, basic emotion (Moon in Cancer) and emotion-keyed ideals/fantasies/delusions, possibly with a destructive bent (Neptune in Scorpio) to the level of philosophy and mental contemplation; and from there, it’s not hard to imagine the ‘action transit’ (a Solar Arc of Mars, perhaps?) that could’ve set bin Laden’s viewpoint into real-world motion.

What are the signs that a Capricorn male has lost interest?

Sometimes things just don't work out

Sometimes things just don't work out

Just knowing a Sun sign is not much to go on, but presuming that he is ‘typical’ (whatever that means!) then we can make a few guesses. Since Capricorn may be prone to expressing love through (in positive manifestation) the desire to ‘build’ something, tangible or intangible, for the object of his interest, then we may see him quietly (for the goat can be a stealthy creature) withdraw his efforts or support to very practical, day-to-day kinds of nurture. This is the kind of guy who offers to make your dream of a backyard retaining wall or cedar lined closet a reality, or he organizes on-line bill pay for you, or drives you to work every day–and then one day he is not working on the project, or administering the billing account, or you are curtly informed that he won’t be able to drive you–and there’s no mention of future availability. With a less healthy Cappy, this may show as an end to trying to make you conform to certain standards, no more dictation of your agenda or priorities, and no more judgment, ‘rules,’ or suppression–and it may take a minute, but soon you’ll feel the blessed relief of having his cloven hoof removed from your back!

What are the common mother/child connections in astrology? madonna-and-child

Though this can be a highly varied subject, with indicators keyed to the involved individuals, there are a few fairly consistent guidelines to look for. Almost without exception, I’ve seen contact in the form of conjunction between a personal placement of the child (very often the Moon) and one of the mother’s ‘public’ angles, typically the Midheaven or Ascendant–makes sense, as the birth of a child easily changes the way one presents oneself (ASC) and/ or the public image (MC). Contact between the Jupiter of one with a personal placement of the other (often Sun–identity–or Moon–mothering or role as mother) is common, with Jupiter in this instance representing the social role or place in society. Transits or Solar Arcs of Pluto to the mother’s chart can often signify pregnancy, and so the child will have a Pluto in relative proximity or close aspect to something important in the mother’s chart.

And we’ll wrap it up with aspect analysis: Eros conjunct Node  That gives us two possibilities: South and North. Eros conjunct the South Node marries the desire nature to the past–so what we find erotic may have been formed very early or even (if we believe this) in another life. With the North Node, this suggests that the desire nature may be a driving force behind our destined direction, and thus our life choices. If we’re talking about cross-chart contact, the stronger connector is by far one party’s Eros to the other party’s South Node–and this may be whirly-swirly with conflicting ideas and motivators; with Eros in one chart conjunct North Node in another, this could bring the Eros person into the picture as he or she looks to further the other’s life course, so overall this contact may feel a little user-y, with the Eros person being the ‘giver’ and the Node person the one receiving all the benefit (even as the Eros person desires to help).

Hope you’ve enjoyed this first installment of ‘What You’re Asking.’ See more about Eros in relationship in my book, THE ASTROLOGY OF INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP.

Monday Poll Round-Up, Past and Present Collide, and the Fog Rolls In

17 Monday Nov 2008

Posted by in aspects and placements, astrology, current events in the sky, Mercury, Neptune, Pluto

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We only had one poll this week, ‘Is Love or Money your big ‘danger area’ with Venus in Capricorn?’ As of this morning, 28% say Love, 33% say Money, and a puzzling 39% are looking forward to this, as their natal Venus is in Earth; and I say this is puzzling, as we might expect more like 25% of readers to have Earth Venus placements. So what does this say? Maybe that people who are practical and concerned about concrete Venusian issues read astrology blogs out-of-proportion to their Airy, Watery, and Fiery counterparts.

I’ve had some intense, jarring experiences in the last few days where past and present have met in some unusual and intriguing symbolisms. People I haven’t thought of in years have popped into my head (or my dreams!) and the same seems to be happening to people around me–and I’m assuming, to you, too. What’s driving this? Perhaps Pluto at 29 of Sagittarius, exorcising the distant past, and conveying information about the now at the same time–if All is One, and there is no time in a linear sense, then a window is open that allows us to connect and synthesize elements of the past as they apply to the future, surely a delicious opportunity for understanding and acquisition of knowledge.

The Cancer Moon today (the 17th) quincunxes Pluto, suggesting that the emotional implications of the past and present reconciling will be at the forefront of our emotional reality; the Moon will also trine the Sun, then, when it enters Leo, trine Mars at 00 Sagittarius, and what action we might take will come clear. On the 21st the Earth perfects a quincunx to Pluto, bringing the material impact of all this Plutonian dredging and examining into focus (would that we could see this first, then receive the Mars/ Moon impetus to act, but ours is not to question why  . . . ) The upcoming Sun/ Mercury Superior Conjunction on the 24th brings the final message–believe what is communicated at this point, as it will be the key to finishing up with Sag issues successfully.

The fog rolls in–literally, as it has done here in Seattle, and figuratively, with the Mercury/ Neptune square. We know the drill here, know all the keywords that can describe Neptune’s effect on communication, information, short-distance travel, sibling relationships, and so on, so how do we determine which one of the scary (delusion, illusion, deception) or uplifting (inspirational, idealized, dream fulfilled) banners should be hung on Mercury for us as individuals? It’s elementary, dear Watson: look at the emotions behind the messages (Merc in Water) and the ways in which they clash with our ‘mental pictures’ (Neptune in Air). A secondary method involves looking to the positions of transiting Merc and Neptune in the natal chart, noting what they may be aspecting (anything at approx. 19-23 degrees of Air and Water signs, plus the ‘off’ measurements of the quincunx and semi-square)–if this puts at least one of them in hard (conjunction, square, semi-square, opposition, quincunx) aspect to something in the natal chart, then your message and meaning come here–and don’t forget, this is a conflict-meeting of the rulers of several Houses in the natal chart–look here, too, for meaning. If you’re having trouble, describe the situation of the transiting planets in your chart in the comments section (not to my email!) and I’ll see what I can see!

And in the meantime, have a great Monday!

Monday Poll Roundup, the Wisdom of Bumper Stickers, and Expanding the Mind, No Matter What

27 Monday Oct 2008

Posted by in astrology

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So let’s see what we can surmise from answers to the polls featured here this week. The first question (this poll is now closed) was “Does knowing about aspect possibilities ahead of time help you deal with the energies?” This was pretty straightforward: 79% yes, 21% no, with nobody seeing it as irrelevant–not too surprising at an astrology site!–though I am concerned about that 21% who answered no, as the essence of astrology is understanding what isn’t apparent on the surface–and this answer suggests that these people are suffering a disconnect between the information offered and the ability to apply it in their own life–and that, of course, is the goal of astrology. In my experience, that disconnect usually (but not always) indicates that there is some distortion in how we’re seeing the circumstances of our life–if there weren’t, application would be clear (even if it’s not easy!)

All the rest of the questions are still open, but at last peek, the second question, “Have your chickens come home to roost?” referring to the Mercury direction, showed a startling 21% of you noticed no effect at all, with 43% dining on their spoils and a sad (or angry!) 36% feeling that the Universe was requiring them to clean the coop. Hooray for the 43%  of happy diners–they’re obviously doing something very right! The unhappy 36%, though, aren’t necessarily doing anything wrong-instead I suspect they’re being offered an opportunity to weed out some Mercury-related elements of the life that aren’t serving their best interests. And to those who felt no effect–either they’re not terribly attuned to Mercury, or they’ve missed the signals, and will get a surprise that something developed right under their noses and without their knowledge, with the likely reveal coming at the Superior Conjunction of the Sun and Mercury (25-26 November).

“About What Venus subject are you most trepidatious right now?” A full 52% answered money–upcoming posts will address this subject as much as possible. 29% said love–also a topic I’ll make an effort to concentrate on (or see my book ‘THE ASTROLOGY OF INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP’). 10% of you said Art was the Venusian subject most on your mind–check out Neptune for hints as to where and in what way you could be aided in your quest to create. And the final 10% are split evenly between Beauty and Other–Hmmm.

As to the question of anticipating whether Saturn-Uranus or Neptune will exert the biggest impact on you, more than a third (35%) are betting that Neptune is deluding, deceiving, or confusing them. I was not happy to hear this–M. Scott Peck defines confusion as one of the hallmarks of the influence of evil, and I think he might be right, if we define evil as any influence not seated in a Loving intent (and thus working against the best interests of the individual, likely by seeking to prevent the individual from accessing his or her own resources–and that can be anything positive–in order that those resources can be available to someone else). There is a lot of hope, with 26% believing that Neptune is acting as inspiration of one kind or another, and 22% see the stronger influence for them personally in the Saturn-Uranus opposition, with this implying a pretty clear cut (and thus more easily resolved) dilemma. 9% of you are focused on Pluto–understandable, as this can be a formidable energy, requiring all one’s attention when active in the chart–but a puzzling 9% are focused on other matters–and I wonder, what influence could be superseding these powerhouses in the individual’s life?

And finally, a whopping 57% of you do not identify with your Sun sign, feeling that there’s much more to who you are–and all I can say is, Yes! I love it when readers want to grasp the nuances and tackle the complexities–it makes for very interesting individuals! But, those who do identify with their Sun (a full 29%) strike me as individuals who aspire to purity in the best sense–who respond to the clarity and definition offered by identification with the Sun. And 14% were playful (and honest!), answering that they identify with the Sun sign, but only when they like the description! Now there’s a group that’s flexible, and willing to roll the dice!

Now here’s a thought to mull over, bumper sticker wisdom if I’ve ever seen it (don’t discount the power of such a simple thing, though–sometimes it reaches right to the heart of what we must address). The question is, ‘What are you pretending not to know?’ I’d love to hear from each of you, gentle readers, about what this might bring to mind. I’m still mulling it over, as this turned out to be a powerful question for me, but will share when I’ve worked it all out.

Here is a really eloquent example of what it means to expand one’s worldview and one’s thinking, without the permanent Self-pity, anger, or depression that might overcome and destroy those of us who hold a lesser consciousness: http://blogs.suntimes.com/ebert/2008/10/i_think_im_musing_my_mind.html

A fine explanation of Diwali (perhaps familiar to fans of ‘The Office’ if not through other means) here: http://blogs.astrology.com/vedic_astrology/2008/10/happy-diwali.html#more

You may want to check out this lovely essay that delves into the spiritual significance of autumn http://laurenlesko.com/398

And now for something completely sweet (literally!): http://buttersugarflour.com/

Happy Monday!

The August Eclipses, 2008

28 Monday Jul 2008

Posted by in aspects and placements, astrology, current events in the sky, eclipse, Moon

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The August Eclipse set will fire us up (Leo) and present us with a distinct mental challenge (Aquarius): do we put ourselves first, or do we go with the group? For some, this will translate into an even more personal dynamic, with a twist: the dilemma will be between weighing the efficacy of what we must do to earn individual glory, versus the temptation to rebel against group demands, which offer an implied glory for the individual (likely of a reflective nature, where the individual basks in the glory of group achievement or ascendancy), just without the personal ‘spotlight’ effect. So, the essence of the eclipse influence will be a measuring of action (Fire) in terms of a kind of ‘attention payoff,’ with the main question involving whether the choices must be independent and Self-focused to attain Self-glory, or whether acts must comply with what the group thinks, wants, requires in order to earn its acclaim.

The total Solar eclipse of August 1st occurs at 3:12 AM PDT at 9 Leo 32, and is part of a single configuration; the Sun/Moon conjunction, opposed Earth, forms a T-square with Vesta in Taurus (see previous entry for other aspects active at this point). A fire lights us from within as the Moon and Sun meet; the aspect pattern says we will assess our material situation to see how this fits with the urge to act, and it also implies our conflicts in this regard will be presented by the home situation, the sex life, and/ or those subjects we hold sacred. That’s a formidable challenge, and one that is at the core of who we are; in order to successfully negotiate the eclipse energy, we must determine what our essential sacred values are, and then we must act accordingly. This is, however, only the initial phase of the set, and so we look to the Lunar eclipse that follows for clues as to how this scenario will play out.

The two weeks between the eclipse points will be fraught with tension, at least as regards our personal ambitions and our urge to forward our own cause. Though some may paint this as too much Self-focus, too vain, it is an absolutely appropriate response–no time should be wasted in judging ourselves for what occupies our attention. Instead we must make a concerted effort to understand our priorities, and what we need to fulfill the Leonine desire for acclaim. Focus on the Leo related elements of your natal chart will outline the methods, venues, and most effective approach(es) that you can take in dealing with the initial eclipse energy. During the two week interim both Mercury and Venus move from Leo to Virgo, and gently move our processing abilities from concentration on ego needs to the categorization and details that will help us implement the actions we’ve discovered we must take in order to thrive. When each of these energies meets Saturn (Mercury the 15th, Venus the 13th) be prepared to be presented with either an actual material manifestation of the action-need, or with an idea or concept that will point the way to fulfillment–either way, it will be solid; the only thing preventing successful use will be an unwillingness to recognize what’s come to us.

The partial Lunar eclipse (Full Moon) arrives at 2:15 PM PDT on August 16th at 24 Aquarius 21. Is a partial eclipse less powerful than a total one? I like to think so, simply because ‘total’ suggests an overwhelming influence we can’t avoid, while ‘partial’ gives us wiggle room, and possibly implies that some will remain largely unaffected by this contact unless it also aspects a personal natal placement or point.

This is a meshing of Moon and Earth, a blending of emotion/ intuition and the material; the Sun in opposition puts ego and Soul urges ‘out there,’ either in direct contrast to, or unavailable or unrelated to, the Moon/ Earth combo. The Soul/ ego/ identity becomes ‘the Other,’ and our focus becomes the emotional reaction to the material surroundings/ situation. We look to the feeling reality to guide us in material choices; the sensibilities respond to the unseen behind the physical world and the everyday object. We can make decisions about material matters with uncanny emotional accuracy at this point, if we can allow intuition to work ‘in the moment’–trying to get intuitive insight ahead of the game means we will be relying on every faculty except the intuitive–keep this in mind if you happen to be one who finds it difficult to walk into something without your mind already made up.

At Lunar Eclipse time we also see Mars exactly square Pluto and sextile Ceres, Chiron less than one degree from conjunction with the North Node, and Venus exact trine Vesta. Less precise in aspect, but still of note, are Ceres sesquiquadrate Juno and quincunx Pluto. These aspects suggest the atmosphere we’ll face as we are immersed in the emotional/ material meld. The ego Self will be bent on destruction or transformation, either in concert with or on its own authority; action feels both necessary and justified, but that authortiy on which we rely, whether personal or external, may need adjustment in order to truly be in our own best interests, the kind that keep us empowered, and again, the destruction/ transformation urge is linked with this. With Chiron/ NN and Venus trine Vesta we see elements of (misperceived) fatedness or woundedness, and a possibly too-adamant reverence for the sacred, enter the mix. These can make us intractable, unreasonable, and can give the ego too strong a foothold on the action, as it uses what we hold dear to justify nearly anything it wants. On the positive side, we may see Chirotic skills brought to the fore, and a true appreciation for relationships/ assets; we may even profit from events.

Though eclipse effects are strongest at the event itself, influences will play out through to the next eclipse set in January/ February 2009. Matters of Self, Self-promotion, and absorption/ resistance to the group will be recurring themes; look to the Houses of the natal chart where the eclipses occur for the areas of your life mostly likely to be affected.

Watch the eclipse here: http://oregonspacegrant.wordpress.com/2008/07/24/view-a-full-solar-eclipse-webcast-live-at-omsi-august-1-2008/

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