Holistic Astrologer Blog

Natal Venus and Your Relationship Effectiveness

2011-05-10T23:00:00.001-04:00

In your natal chart, Venus shows how you need to relate to others in order to be most effective.

Venus is the magnet that attracts others to us and makes them want to stay in a relationship with us. In business, friendship or romance, expressing the qualities suggested by your natal Venus may help you attract (and keep) better relationships.

Elements of Your Venus Sign: Necessary Qualities in a Relationship
Consider the element of your natal Venus sign as shown below. Are you currently expressing the qualities associated with your natal Venus?

Fire (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius): Enthusiasm, Confidence, Humor, Faith

Air (Libra, Aquarius, Gemini): Intelligence, Knowledge, Communication, Interest in Others, Diplomacy

Earth (Capricorn, Taurus, Virgo): Getting things done together, doing things for others, giving gifts, making practical, helpful improvements

Water (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces): Compassion, Caring, Nurturing, Empathy

Example and Application: Barack Obama's Venus
When Sun and Venus occupy different signs, expressing the Venus' quality may not come naturally to you. However, successfully integrating & expressing the Venus energy is vital to your relationship effectiveness.

Consider President Obama's horoscope with Leo Sun, Gemini Moon, and Cancer Venus. For sure he had shown all the confidence and the theatrical energy of Leo Sun, as well as the wit and eloquence of the communicative Gemini Moon.

However, arguably, what really made him so popular with the public was the depth of empathy and caring he was able to convey through his speech: in other words, his Venus in Cancer (on Aries Point, no less) gave the sense "I really feel and care about you."

We could say that this watery energy of empathy gave him the necessary softness required to win American public's support, as well as the Nobel Peace Prize. If he did not utilize his Venus' energy, he may have ended up sounding clever and flashy but not particularly likable.

More Examples of Sun and Venus in Different Elements
If you have the Sun in a Water sign but have your Venus in a Fire sign, it may prove to be a lot more effective if you spoke up more, projecting more confidence and enthusiasm than you may naturally feel. To stay introverted (as Water sign Sun tends to do) and sensitive all the time would not be the best strategy in this case.

If you have a Sun in an Air sign but have your Venus in an Earth sign, you may want to consciously explore ways of giving tangible evidence of your love to others, rather than just talk about it all the time.

On the other hand if you have a reverse combination (Earth Sun and Air Venus), then you may need to work on verbalizing your love by saying things like "I love you" on a more regular basis, rather than assuming that being a good provider is enough.

Conclusion: What Does Your Natal Venus Say?
This exploration does not have to end with analyzing the natal Venus' sign. The sign and aspects (and even the house position) of Venus give helpful insights on how best we can relate with others.

What does your Venus say about how you can relate with others in order to be effective? Please feel free to share your experience and/or questions through emails or comments.

(Top Photo: Ray Lopez Bottom Photo: BarackObama.com @ Flickr)

Taurus New Moon: Creative Ideas for Practical Success

2011-05-02T22:56:00.006-04:00

Taurus New Moon occurs on May 3, 2011 at 1:50AM EDT

Taurus archetype offers a path of growing through achieving tangible results. Hence it is frequently associated with the creation of material wealth in all forms, including money, possessions and fine arts.

In today's New Moon chart, we see that the New Moon conjunction in Taurus forms an exact quintile (72 degrees) aspect from Neptune in Pisces, suggesting a birth of new intention (New Moon) toward peace and financial stability (Taurus) through creativity and inspiration (quintile, Neptune in Pisces.)

We note that the tension forming T-square consisting of Pluto, Saturn and the Aries stellium is still in force, albeit looser than last month. The New Moon conjunction trines Pluto in Capricorn, which also suggests an opportunity for solid material empowerment.

A List of Several Possibilities for This New Moon

1) If there is a lot of interpersonal tension in your work or home life, there may be a way to channel the energy into a new, more inspiring direction through the use of creative visualization (i.e. sharing of ideal vision for the future, working on creative projects, introducing aesthetic elements in work or home life.)

2) In your work or business, there could be a lot of built-up energy that is waiting to be channeled creatively, leading to productive initiative and increased sales.

3) You could simply come up with creative ways to make extra money.

4) Because Neptune in Pisces is involved, we could also think in terms of increased compassion toward others somehow releasing the built up tension in relationships.

Summary

If you're an entrepreneur, writer, artist, etc, this New Moon seems to offer a good opportunity for coming up with creative ideas and putting them into action. For me I'm working on a few projects right now, and feel inspiration bubbling up from my subconscious. How about you? Do you have any creative projects you're about to begin in your work or at home? Feel free to share through emails or comments!

Related Post:
Quintile Aspect: Creativity and Innovation

***PS: I'm very excited that my post on 6th house just got picked up by Donna Cunningham's Sky Writer blog. For those of you that haven't visited there yet, it's easily one of the best astrology blogs out there in terms of content and discussion. Please check it out: http://bit.ly/jSDTh7

Astrological Meditation: On the Quality of the Moment

2011-04-26T22:50:00.001-04:00

"Anything born in the moment of time carries the quality of that moment"
Carl Jung (1875-1971), famous Swiss psychologist who privately used astrology for over 25 years.

This famous quote illustrates the basis of why we cast a horoscope for the birth of our body, relationship, business, nation, etc. The beginning of each significant event carries myriads of potentials that are reflected in the horoscope of that time. Through the study of the birth chart of any event, we gain insights into the "quality of that moment" in human terms.

Consider the moment when a significant event or a relationship began in your life (e.g. a move, a new position, a birth of a child, etc.) Did it coincide with an important transit or Solar Arc measurement? This question is important, not to prove astrology, but to help you consider the significance of that particular event or relationship in terms of that transit or Solar Arc.

If we follow the line of thought provided by Jung's quote, we can infer that such event or relationship would carry the quality of the transit or Solar Arc you were experiencing at that time. Consider the following case example:

A Case of a Sudden Job Loss - Where Astrology Told a Different Story

A man suddenly lost his job while experiencing transiting Uranus quindecile Pluto. At that time he said something like "I don't know what happened. I was having the best month ever in my career. It was so unfair!"

While such reaction is completely understandable, the astrology of the moment (illustrated by the powerful transit of Uranus quindecile Pluto, along with a couple of other measurements) suggested that there was a quality of intensified independence, coupled with demand for empowerment to this significant event.

What happened was that the job loss led this man to throw all of his energy into his then-part-time business that was his passion. After a couple of months of hard work, he was able to increase his income to where it was before the layoff, only this time he was doing what he loved full-time, working for himself.

Consider the level of independence and empowerment he must feel from undergoing such transformation! Astrology clearly suggested this possibility at the moment the transition began, in the guise of a job loss. He took the opportunity with courage, and made it happen. What a story, eh?

Summary: Astrological Meditation of the Current Moment

Even when an event looks one way from a "normal" perspective, it's worth contemplating if the astrological symbolism of that event is suggesting a rather different possibility. Are you going through an important change in your life right now? Is there a corresponding astrological transit or Solar Arc that would provide a supporting, or alternative, perspective? Please feel free to share through emails or comments.

Related posts:
Astrological Perspective of Significant Events in Your Life

Quindecile explained:
Exploring the Quindecile Aspect

Midpoints in Astrology

2011-04-17T00:01:00.003-04:00

The study of midpoints offers an added dimension to natal chart and transit/solar arc interpretation. Although it is frequently called an advanced technique, its premise is quite simple to grasp, and hopefully will be of interest to this blog’s readers.

Definition of Astrological Midpoints

The base premise of midpoint interpretation is this: “A planet located equidistant from two other planets (i.e. midpoint between two planets) has a relationship to both planets.” In practice we also include the Angles (Ascendant and Midheaven) as well as planets in midpoint interpretation.

Standard Midpoint Notation: Above Picture Reads "Mercury equals Saturn Pluto", which means Mercury makes a hard aspect to the midpoint of Saturn and Pluto.

Midpoints Notation

The midpoints method relates 3 symbols toward one another, in the context of one planet (or point) being in the middle of 2 other planets or points. This is expressed as:

A = B/C

“B/C” denotes the midpoint of B and C. A is the planet or point in the middle (midpoint) of B and C.

The equal sign “=” denotes that A makes a contact by a hard aspect (conjunction, square or opposition) to the midpoint of B & C. Hard aspect has to do with life development and change, which is why we only consider the hard aspects for the midpoint interpretation.

Regarding B/C: Slower (i.e. further from the Sun) planet influences the faster (closer to the Sun) planet.

Regarding A (the planet aspecting the midpoint): it will affect the midpoint, or be affected by the midpoint – again, depending on the apparent speed of the planet’s movement (see metaphor below.)

Metaphors for Interpreting Midpoints

Picture yourself as a child, and in between your parents. Being in the middle, you were greatly affected by the quality of their interaction (e.g. were they warm or cold toward each other? Did they argue a lot or ignore each other? Etc.) In the same way, a planet in the midpoint of two other planets that are more powerful (i.e. that have slower orbits) will be greatly affected by their interaction.

Now consider another metaphor: This time picture yourself as the adult, sitting between your two children. Just by being in their middle, you affected the quality of their interaction (e.g. they either behaved themselves better, or became more obnoxious toward each other by trying to compete for your attention, etc.) In the same way, a powerful planet in the midpoint of two lesser planets will strongly affect their interaction.

Example of Some Midpoints:

Mercury/Jupiter: Midpoint of Rewarding and Expansive Communication

Jupiter (being the slower planet) influences Mercury: So this midpoint represents the experience of being rewarded (Jupiter) for one’s communication. Any planet in hard aspect to this midpoint will carry this sense of expansive communication. This is why MC (midheaven) = Mercury/Jupiter often denotes a professional writer.

Venus/Mars midpoint: Midpoint of Passionate Involvement

Mars influences Venus: Romance and relationship is heated up, made passionate. This is the midpoint of sexual and artistic passion. Saturn placed at this midpoint (Saturn=Venus/Mars) will necessitate restraint on passion, whereas Jupiter or Uranus placed here may intensify the passion to excess.

Sun/Moon midpoint: Midpoint of Relationship Fulfillment

Sun influences Moon: One’s Reigning Need (Moon) is fueled by Life Energy (Sun). This is the strongest point of individual need fulfillment, and thus it has to do with relationships and self-acceptance on a deep level. Neptune placed at this midpoint (Neptune=Sun/Moon) may suggest bewildering experiences in relationships, whereas Saturn placed here will necessitate growth and maturity in relationships.

Further Applications: Transit and Solar Arc

Even without any natal planet or point to occupy it, a particular midpoint can be activated via transit or solar arc. For instance, a prolonged transit of Uranus to Mercury/Jupiter midpoint could excite the expansion of communication, perhaps resulting in new ideas or fresh business deals.

An outer planet transit or solar arc to the Sun/Moon midpoint often has a deep impact on our relationships and self-image.

How to Calculate Midpoints

You could simply calculate the degree difference between 2 planets or points and divide in half.

Or, you can just use this link for Calculating Midpoints Online

If you have an astrological software that calculates midpoints, you can print a “90 degree sort” table, or “Midpoint Tree” in order to get all midpoint pictures in your natal chart.

Usually an orb of 1.5~2.0 degrees is suggested to calculate midpoints.

Summary and Recommendation for Further Study

Over the last 7 years I’ve studied well-known works on midpoints interpretation by various astrologers, and use them regularly in my consultation practice. They truly offer a fascinating additional dimension to the interpretation of natal chart and transit & Solar Arc development.

Because study of midpoints is a huge subject, it would take a lot more than this introductory post to cover adequately. For those of you who’d like to study more, I’d recommend two works especially:

- Noel Tyl’s midpoint interpretation book is available as an appendix to his popular book “Solar Arcs”, or his 1000 page text “Synthesis & Counseling in Astrology.”

- Don McBroom’s book “Midpoints” also offers an alternative interpretation that is quite helpful to anyone who wants to use midpoints in an empowering way.

There are other well-known works on midpoints, notably by Reinhold Ebertin (Combination of Stellar Influences), but the above mentioned books are more modern and accessible compared to this 60+ year-old text.

Do you have an interesting midpoint picture that gives additional insights into your character and motivation? Please feel free to share through emails or comments!

A Limited Time Offer:

If you have a question about a particular midpoint combination in your horoscope, please limit it to ONE midpoint per person and email or leave comment, and I’ll answer either in comments and/or as a later Q&A post.

(photo by Tambako the Jaguar)

Aries Stellium: Taking Action for Change

2011-04-03T09:36:00.001-04:00

New Moon Chart for Apr 3, 2011 (house position varies by location)

A Stellium is a Focal Point of Energy

A stellium is when 3,4 or more planets are found in 1 sign. Today's New Moon highlights a whopping 6 planets in Aries, including the Sun and the Moon.

In a natal chart, a stellium in a sign represents a tremendous focus of energy placed on the needs and values of that sign.

Interpreting the New Moon Chart
For a New Moon chart like the one above, which represents the quality of the new monthly cycle about to begin, we can appreciate the emphasis on Aries as indicative of taking an action or a stand, in order to begin in a new direction.

In this horoscope, 8 of the 10 main astrological bodies are found in Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn), representing a new beginning.

The New Moon conjunction itself is opposed exactly by Saturn in Libra, illuminating the importance of concrete, committed action (Saturn) with awareness of others (Libra), with full awareness of the consequence. Taking together with the Aries stellium, this pattern could suggest bold, assertive (if not aggressive) action or stand taken against others in order to protect one's individual integrity.

What This New Moon Could Suggest For You
From personal to national level, this horoscope could suggest aggressive actions taken to gain new status, or making a tremendous effort to begin anew and establish a new identity. The high energy for change found in this New Moon chart can mean that you can use this month to ask yourself - "Who am I ready to become? What do I want to change in myself? What actions can I take right now to ensure that this change happens?" (Note that Mercury is retrograde, suggesting a period of reflection needed prior to initiating change.)

Do you feel an urge to make a new beginning? What sort of change is in the air? Where do you feel the need to take a stand, to draw a line in the sand? Please feel free to share through emails or comments.

Noel Tyl on Japan's Crisis

2011-03-18T21:09:00.003-04:00

Dear Holistic Astrologer Blog Readers,
I was greatly comforted and uplifted to read the following magnificent essay from Noel Tyl, addressing the recent calamity in Japan due to earthquake, tsunami and now nuclear threat. While this essay is due to be published in Japan's astrological communities shortly, he graciously gave me permission to share it here. Please read, enjoy, and discuss...

Hiroki Niizato

What’s Happening Now?

Oh, the upheaval of Nature! Inscrutable; unpredictable.

And an embarrassment for Astrology: while it can deeply appreciate the human being in society and life-development time, it can not understand or grasp the positioning of Earthquakes, Floods, giant Fires, or plagues in the scheme of human existence. For reasons unknown, we can not harness knowledge of natural eruption and horror upon the planet. Perhaps the reason is because Astrology is a human, phenomenological art-science evolving out of human behavior not natural cataclysm.

It is almost as if we are not yet supposed to have such knowledge of Nature. And perhaps that teaches us something: perhaps it is not to study the calamity but the people within it. --Of course, pre-warning of explosion can help us lessen impact on our life, but the fact remains that the explosion will take place, regardless, and it is for the people to grow through it, for populations to be adjusted, for nations to recover in their individualistic style. --Throughout history, it has been so.

Horoscope of Japan [Presentation of Post WWII Constitution]

We think we know the horoscope of modern Japan [The focusing of the Constitution, November 3, 1946 at 8:30 AM in Tokyo]. The national image shown in the horoscope speaks eloquently of the noble discipline of the Japanese people living within a highly focused idealistic sense of purpose. Above all, modern Japan needs to be helpful to the world --technologically inventive and relating it all to social progress. This is Japan’s identity.

When the massive earthquake occurred, the planet Uranus was dramatically involved with a synthesis point of the Japan Sun and Moon. This is a simple but powerful astrological glimpse of the tragedy. It suggests enormous, sudden upheaval, much like a divorce in a marriage; on a national level, we can expect chaos.

The astrological signature also brings forward the dramatic energies of individualism, the Japanese people dealing with awesome difficulty with innovation and improvements.

So easily, people can question --or even blame-- their God for the horrors of loss, the wreckage of life. Someone or something must be behind it all for some purpose! But this question of intent or plan is equally inscrutable with reference to the causes of the calamity. It helps us not.

Perhaps a better view is this: through this chaos, we see dramatic intensification of our awareness of the human condition, fragile and strong at the same time. This is what rescues us and this is what we already see active throughout the Japanese population hard at work upon recovery.

And we see how the ever-maturing national image and new energies of resurrection in Japan are attracting the loving, empathic care of the rest of the world. --The answer to the Why? of this terrible happening is transcended by acknowledgement, collectively and individually, of the Goodness of Spirit. This keeps us alive. This tells us all who we are.

Bless you, Japan!

Noel Tyl

Astrology at Work: Abandonment Issues in a Horoscope

2011-03-09T22:05:00.002-05:00

A good percentage of my clients have suffered abandonment as children (perhaps not surprising, considering my strongly placed Neptune and Pisces Ascendant.) The effect of abandonment is insidious, but is rarely discussed in psychological or self help literature, let alone astrology books.

Childhood Scenarios of Abandonment

In her excellent book “The Journey from Abandonment to Healing”, author-therapist Susan Anderson lists several scenarios in which a child experiences the feeling of being abandoned (excerpt from page 91-92):

Illness of one of your parents
Death of a close family member, one you counted on for attention and emotional support
Loss of a beloved grandparent
Parents preoccupied with fighting, bickering, or their divorce
An earthquake in your family structure – your father or mother moving out
Older sibling leaving home – one who had been your champion, role model, or supporter
Workaholism in one or both parents
Alcoholism in the family system
Chaotic family – sometimes when you most needed them, one or both of your parents weren’t available
Moving – breaking social ties, being new kid on the block over and over
Parents dealing with prolonged conflict or grief; they emotionally withdrew from you
Depression, mental illness in the family
Birth of other siblings, relegating you to an emotional back burner
Death or illness of a sibling, which absorbed your parents’ full attention
Parents whose behavior is defined as self centered, narcissistic, or insensitive

Astrologically, each of these scenarios will have a correlating measurement, both natally and through transit or Solar arc.

Legacy of Abandonment Wound

The psychological effects of abandonment during childhood vary – and some children are more resilient than others (usually owing to the help of a remediating, supporting figure coming to the rescue of the child’s self concept.) In general, repeated experience of abandonment will be internalized as beliefs that sound something like: “I’m not worthy of love/I’m unlovable/There is something wrong with me/I cause other people to reject or leave me.”

As adults we usually get over these beliefs to one extent or other, but these old feelings may resurface when we’re faced with fresh rejection or abandonment.

Some of us repeat the pattern of abandonment in our adult relationships through choosing emotionally unavailable partners. It’s as if we’re unconsciously hoping to cure the original wound through playing out the same scenario again and again, hoping for an alternate outcome.

Abandonment and Anxiety Toward New Life Experience

Study suggests that survivors of childhood abandonment tend to respond to new situations in life with worry and anxiety rather than excitement– thus they tend to be hesitant to try new activities or seek out new relationships.

Possible Horoscope Signatures of Abandonment

Astrologically, the planet Neptune and the 12^th house have been linked with abandonment issues. When Neptune is in hard aspect with the natal Moon, Venus, Saturn or the Angles (Ascendant or Midheaven) or with key midpoints such as the Sun/Moon midpoint, there could be a seed of insecurity from feeling abandoned and rejected as a child.

Similarly, when the 12^th house ruler is strongly placed in a natal chart, or the inner planet is located in the natal 12^th house, there could be a legacy of childhood abandonment, subtly undermining the present relationships.

Working with Abandonment Issues

Abandonment wound is characterized by a sense of emotional hunger. When feeling such hunger, you may find that your craving for instant gratification increases, in the form of food, drink, sex or any other behaviors that serve to temporary shut off the pain.

Perhaps Neptunians’ susceptibility for escapist, addictive behaviors originate from not being able to bear the pain of abandonment they suffered.

Like any other Neptunian disorder, abandonment issues need to be healed through emotional and spiritual work (there may even be a support group for abandonment survivors in your city.) Most of us benefit from having others that can support us in the healing process.

Many of the healing methods focus on being in the moment (another facet of Neptunian experience), and being present to our own pain in a compassionate way. Others focus on using our power of visualization in a positive way (another Neptunian activity), through reawakening the old, broken dreams and taking positive actions to pursue them.

It takes true courage to work through the insidious effect of severe abandonment trauma, but we become more empowered by choosing to do the healing work, and learning to celebrate our individuality rather than perpetually mourning over the separation.

Did you experience abandonment as a child, and if so, how do you think it affects your attitude today toward relationships? Does your horoscope reflect it? Please feel free to share your thoughts through emails or comments.

(photo marcp_dmoz)

Happiness Project (12) Pisces New Moon: Be In The Moment

2011-02-27T19:21:00.003-05:00

Every month, I'm adding new intentions/activities for my happiness project during the new moon. Feel free to play along & set your own new monthly goals!

New Moon in Pisces Occurs on March 4th, 3:46PM EST

During the few days surrounding the Pisces New Moon, you may experience heightened emotional sensitivity in general, as well as an increased need to be alone. Let's see why this might be a good thing.

Pisces and Emotional Intelligence

As a result of social conditioning, our ego (represented by Saturn) places a lot of value on "having it all together." This leads us to develop discipline and self-control, which are good and necessary qualities. However, when self-control is cultivated to excess, our psyche goes out of balance: we tend to lose touch with the "right-brain" part of us that is more intuitive and free flowing.

When ego's tendency to control and discipline goes overboard, we also begin to lose compassion toward "weaker" people that may have less discipline compared to us. At work and in relationships, this may manifest as an overly controlling and judgmental behavior toward others. Worse still, as the ego's lust to control goes unchecked, we gradually begin to lose touch with our feelings altogether.

Each of the 4 mutable signs has to do with a development of a particular kind of intelligence: Gemini the cerebral kind; Virgo the hands-on, detail oriented kind; Sagittarius the intuitive, philosophical kind. Pisces has to do with the development of what's known as the emotional intelligence. This is the unstructured and free flowing "right brain" part of us that can access the feelings within our bodies, as well as instinctive signals from our unconscious that we call "hunches" or "gut-feelings."

Being in the Moment: Letting Go of the Excessive Need to Control

During this month it may be a good idea to pay more attention to what your body and feelings are trying to tell you. In order to do this, it's necessary that we learn to be in the moment rather than anywhere else, such as worrying about the future or brooding about past events. You may be wondering "How do I do that?" Here are some ways in which you can practice being in the moment:

Practice spontaneous creative activities that forces you to feel rather than think. Dancing, playing improvised music, writing poetry or just a stream of consciousness journaling that starts with "I feel~." Whatever you do, don't overthink the process - you're trying to access a different part of your brain separated from your conscious mind.
Stop trying to figure everything out. That's our ego trying to control the results. Even though it's a necessary quality to have, excessive reasoning tends to create worry and not much else.
Use your 5 senses: How does the air feel? The lighting? What do you smell in the air? What do you hear? When you're fully immersed in your senses, you're in the moment. Usually we only stay in the moment for a few seconds at a time before we start analyzing, judging, weighing and figuring things out. Practice having longer moments where you're fully present.
Meditate. Turn off TV/internet for a while.

Summary: Messages From The Unconscious

During this month, it's good to take time to be alone. By choosing to be with yourself, you're giving your psyche a chance to regain the necessary balance between the rational and the emotional self. You may also begin to recognize the existence of emotional wounds that may be in need of healing at this time.

It's important not to try to fight the emotions that come up during your solitude, since they're most likely messages from your unconscious, saying that it's time for you to heal and move on to the next level.

Related post: Gemini - Virgo Syndrome: Therapeutic Balancing of Hyperactive Mercury

(photo by Juan Rubiano)

Elemental Compatibility: Why Some Couples Should Not Sleep on the Same Bed

2011-02-11T00:01:00.000-05:00

Elemental Attunement and Compatibility
If we consider the horoscope as a map of our psychic energy system, then a dominance in one or two elements will suggest that we're naturally attuned to that element.

Of special importance are the two "lights" - the Sun and the Moon. Sun's elemental energy is the fuel that we burn, and the Moon's elemental energy represents what we need in order to feel emotionally fulfilled.

The idea of elemental compatibility is very simple: If you have a Sun in a certain element (Fire for example), then you tend to get energized by the presence of someone who also has the Sun in the same element (Fire), or at least in a compatible element (Air in this case.)

If, on the other hand, if you are in a prolonged contact with someone who is attuned to an incompatible element from yours (Water or Earth in this example), then you may start to feel drained, and may need to get some space in order to regain your energy.

Just to review the basics, Fire signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius) are compatible with Air signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius), and Water signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces) are compatible with Earth signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn.) Each element is, of course, compatible with its own element. All other combinations are considered incompatible.

Why Some Couples Should Not Sleep on the Same Bed
I'm sure you've seen married couples that seem to spend all of their time together, wherever they go. If you find out their birth dates, you'll probably find that their horoscopes have a very similar (or compatible) elemental attunement. They energize each other, or are very comfortable in each other's presence.

On the other hand, there are some married couples that hardly see each other - they sleep on a separate bed or have separate bedrooms. In some cases the couple meet only on weekends because of work arrangement. And somehow this does not bother them. Rather, when one of the couple retires and starts spending more time at home, it seems to create more problems between them.

If we can find out their dates of birth, we'll probably find that their elemental attunement is not compatible with each other - so they need to give each other some time and space to recharge, and allow the other person to have the room to be who they are, without interfering with each other's energy system.

This seems like such a simplistic idea, but empirically it seems to have some validity. Now let's take it a step further and consider your own horoscope:

The Elements of Your Natal Sun & Moon
If your Sun and Moon occupy the signs in the same or compatible elements, then there is a natural harmony within your energy system, which makes it easier for you to spend a long time together with someone who is compatible with you.

If, on the other hand, your Sun and Moon occupy the signs in incompatible elements, then there is a disruption in the energy system, creating a seasaw effect (i.e. forcing you to switch between two incompatible elements.) This means that whoever you'll have a relationship with will likely be compatible with 1/2 of your energy system, and be incompatible with the other half.

To be sure, you could be with someone with a very similar set of Sun-Moon blend as you, which may make things a little easier - but still, half of you will be drained by the other person, while the other half may be energized. Either way, this means you'll need to allow each other some time and space for recharging, in order to maintain the integrity of your psychic system.

According to Stephen Arroyo, the most compatible energies seem to be those belonging to the same element (e.g. Fire and Fire), but preferably of a different sign (e.g. Aries and Leo, or Leo and Sagittarius.) The exact same signs seem to lose any sense of energy flow or movement between them, which may cause stagnation or loss of perspective.

The compatible energies (Fire and Air, or Water and Earth) work well together for a long time, but they still require some time of separation in order to maintain energetic integrity. People with incompatible energies (e.g. Water and Fire) could learn from each other a great deal - but this tends to be more of a short, growth oriented interaction rather than a prolonged, comfortable intimacy.

Summary: Working With Elemental Compatibility
Simply looking at the elemental compatibility between the couple's Sun signs could reveal a great deal about their energetic interaction, and how much space they need to allow each other. Compatibility between their Moon signs is also important in gauging how emotionally comfortable the couple can be with each other, especially in a domestic setting.

When considering these ideas in the context of your own relationships, do they seem valid to you? Have you known couples that spend a great deal of time with each other to also have their Suns and Moons in compatible elements? How about the couples that sleep separately and/or spend very little time together with one another? Please share through emails or comments!

(photo by Josh Liba)

Happiness Project (11) Aquarius New Moon: Form Your Own Mastermind Group

2011-02-01T23:55:00.000-05:00

(photo: qthomasbower @ flickr)

Aquarius New Moon occurs on February 2nd, 2011 at 9:31PM EST (US)

The strength of Capricorn archetype is that it doesn't mind working alone to get things done. Taken to the extreme, however, this could create a loner who is too self-reliant and misses out on the opportunity to benefit from others' support.

Aquarius archetype comes after Capricorn, in order to open up the psyche to the transformative potential of group synergy. Where our own efforts may not be enough, a truly great accomplishment or advancement is possible through the formation of a supportive group, working toward shared goals. Such group is usually called a Mastermind group.

The Mastermind Group: Its Definition and Purpose

The concept of a Mastermind group was introduced by Napoleon Hill, who wrote the self-help classic Think and Grow Rich. Hill defined the Mastermind group as a "coordination of knowledge and effort of two or more people, who work toward a definite purpose, in the spirit of harmony."

If you have a significant goal you're working toward, then most likely you'll benefit from the support of a Mastermind group. Here are some examples of the purpose of a Mastermind group:

To become more successful: small business entrepreneurs could form a Mastermind group in order to support each other in building and developing their businesses. Another common example is that of an investment club.
To become more healthy: people form a Mastermind group in order to lose weight, or to support each other in combating a certain illness or working through other health condition.
To become happier: there are groups that work on Happiness Project and other uplifting programs in order to increase their enjoyment of life.
To increase knowledge & skill: Toastmasters, a book club, a writer's club, etc.

There are many benefits to forming an alliance with a like-minded, supportive group of people:

You could pool your knowledge and resources together, ending up with much more than you could gather on your own.
You can keep each other accountable through regular meetings.
You can support and inspire each other through tough times.

Your Horoscope and the Mastermind Group

Astrologically speaking, such group synergy is invaluable in that other people's energy and perspective will tend to offset the imbalance you have in your natal chart.

For instance, my horoscope lacks an opposition aspect. As opposition aspect frequently is needed to establish a full perspective on any issue (as in "looking at things from both sides"), this means I have a tendency to lose sight of wider perspective without wise counsel and feedback from others.

I have a lot of conjunctions in my chart, which suggests that I have a strong drive and an ability to concentrate my effort. Combined with the lack of an opposition aspect, this means I could drive very fast toward a wrong direction, unless given proper feedback from others. So for someone like me, a Mastermind group support is essential in professional or personal growth.

Another example is a lack of certain element or a modality in a horoscope: If your horoscope lacks emphasis in the Fire element (Aries, Leo and Sagittarius), for instance, you may need the help of others in order to find the necessary inspiration.

If your horoscope does not have a Fixed emphasis (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius), you may need the Mastermind group to help keep you accountable, so that you can finish the projects you start on time.

This Month's Challenge: Form Your Own Mastermind Group

Are you serious about the goals you wrote down during the Capricorn New Moon? Do you feel that a support of a Mastermind group could help you accomplish your goals faster, and in a better way? If so, I challenge you to form your own Mastermind group during this New Moon.

It does not have to be a huge endeavor. Your Mastermind group could be composed of just two people - it will still have a powerful effect, so long as you both remain committed to your own goals, and in supporting each other.

In my case, my life coach is definitely a part of my Mastermind group. I could also use some more support in the area of astrological writing and consulting practice - so God willing, I'll be able to form another Mastermind group composed of people that share these goals.

Do you already have a Mastermind group, or are you motivated to find or create one? What is the Mastermind group about? Feel free to share via emails or comments!

Relationship Astrology: The 6th House and How You Work With Others

2011-01-15T16:59:00.003-05:00

6th House is a Relationship House

Even though 6th house is known classically as the house of work and service, its experience covers more than just your job or volunteer activity. As the house hugging the Descendant along with the 7th house, 6th house has much to do with our personal relationships.

Specifically, 6th House represents your dynamic of working together with others. Regardless of what you do for a living or who you live with, the quality of your natal 6th house will show through in the manner in which you tend to work with others.

6th House in a Marriage or a Partnership

Successfully living together in a home, perhaps raising children, is an undertaking that may come close to running a small business: the couple needs to get organized, divide responsibilities, define goals and keep following up on small details to ensure that everything is in order. Since it's often too much for one person to handle all of the tasks, cooperation is essential.

Often, it is an imbalance in this area that builds frustration in a relationship: one partner may feel that the other person is not doing his/her share, and has to be constantly reminded to do what's necessary. The level of responsibility may not be divided equally, resulting in one person being exhausted all of the time to keep up with everything. It could be worse - if both partners cease to take responsibility in doing what's necessary, then things could spiral down quickly.

Advanced students of astrology know that 6th house is the derivative 12th house of the 7th. So the 12th house dynamic of "self-undoing" could happen in a relationship when the partners fail to cooperate with each other in meeting various responsibilities.

Planets in Natal 6th house: How You Need to Work With Others

Planetary placement in your natal 6th house could represent your unique needs and style in working together with others.

Sun in the 6th house: Working together invigorates you. Although this will depend on the Sun sign, this position could suggest that you need to assume a leadership position when working with others, or be given enough autonomy and independence so that you can do your own thing.

Moon in the 6th house: This has been called the "workaholic Moon" for a good reason. However, it's also useful to think about the importance of cooperative dynamic for someone with this Moon position: She does not want to just work - she wants you to work with her and celebrate the accomplishment together when you're done.

It's probably correct that such a person cannot be happy with irresponsible partners that won't show up to tackle projects with her.

Mercury in the 6th house: Others you work with may perceive you to be a born communicator. There is a need to express yourself fully, with skill and knowledge, while working together.

Venus in the 6th house: A need to work harmoniously with others. This position seems to indicate a natural grace in cooperative relationship. Depending on the rest of the horoscope, it may also suggest the need to work with others regarding artistic or beautiful things.

Mars in the 6th house: If Mars is under tension, this position could suggest a tendency to express anger or outrage while working with others. It could be an outrage against injustice, or a drive to protect someone or something that's weaker than you. Another expression is that of working together with others in a physically demanding task.

Jupiter in the 6th house: A need to work with others in an inspiring or uplifting way. A need to achieve and succeed through cooperation. Feeling of being capable, an optimism about teamwork.

Saturn in the 6th house: This placement may suggest someone that likes to work alone, or at least with the capacity to work well alone. There may be a need to work with others in an organized, structured, or experienced manner.

Uranus in the 6th house: A need to work with others doing what you perceive to be significant. A need to work with unusual, unconventional people or issues.

Neptune in the 6th house: This may suggest cooperating with others in order to help others. There may be a strong idealism connected to the cooperative relationship.

Pluto in the 6th house: There may be a need to work with others in a deeply insightful way, to bring about meaningful transformation.

Closing Thoughts: Impact to the 7th House
One or more planets being in the 6th house creates a powerful need to be doing something with others, both at work and in close relationships. Usually, the energy of 6th house cannot be contained by just your personal relationship, and has to be explored as concrete work projects or home improvement plans that you can accomplish.

Failure to fully express the energy in the 6th house could create major frustration in your intimate relationship, since your partner cannot give you the experience of work accomplishment that you should be looking for with others. So if you feel that there is a call on your life to be doing something significant with others, chances are that you may need to look outside of your primary relationship - and that's a good thing.

What does your 6th house say about your experience and style in working with others? How does that impact your primary relationship? Please feel free to share through email or comment!

(photo: MorBCN @ flickr)

Happiness Project (10) Capricorn New Moon: Time to Set Goals

2011-01-03T22:22:00.001-05:00

Every month, I'm adding new intentions/activities for my happiness project during the new moon. Feel free to play along & set your own new monthly goals!

New Moon in Capricorn Occurs on January 4th, 4:03AM EST
For many people reading this blog, Sagittarius' free-spirited exploration last month may have helped you discover what makes you feel passionate, alive, and happy. Now the question is, how can we structure our life so that it reflects more of what's really important to us? Capricorn New Moon suggests that it's time to decide and act so that our important values can be realized.

Goal Setting and Action
Maybe you want to be healthier, become more successful at work, or be more peaceful inside. Whatever it is that you desire, experts agree that it definitely helps to set a concrete, achievable goal (e.g. lose x lbs, exercise x times a week, close xx deals a month, meditate x times a day, etc.)

Most of us know what feels right and important for our happiness. But frustration and even depression can result from our not taking action toward these things that really matter. Goals and action plans help us to express our values in practical terms.

The Capricorn part of our psyche does not appreciate people that are "all talk and no action," including ourselves. This means there is a price to pay when we renege on our promise, even if it was only made to ourselves - usually in terms of lowered self esteem.

On the other hand, the same Capricorn within us loves honest effort toward worthy goals. This is perhaps the reason why we feel good about ourselves when we make New Year's resolutions and work to keep them.

Conclusion: Decision and Action
How do we keep a goal alive, no matter what? We need to make a decision to really achieve it, and be ready to recommit even if we fail time and again. You may notice that really important goals will keep coming back in your mind every year, asking for your courage to decide again, to do and be your best.

I've set several goals in different areas, but the biggest one will be to recommit on my spiritual practice. If you've made important decisions for the coming year and want to share, please feel free to post a comment or send me emails.

(photo: stuck in customs @ flickr)

Lunar Eclipse Solstice - What It Means In Your Horoscope

2010-12-22T23:59:00.013-05:00

Many late-nighters got to see the total eclipse of the Moon on December 21st. I'm sorry to say that I wasn't one of them (3 am is a bit much), but I keep having this strong feeling that something significant has happened, so I'll write about it here.

Why This Lunar Eclipse was Significant

Astronomically, a lunar eclipse occurs when the Sun, Earth and the Moon are exactly aligned with Earth in the middle, so that Earth blocks the Sun's rays from reaching the Moon. This eclipse was rare in that the total lunar eclipse has coincided with Winter Solstice, for the first time in 456 years.

Lunar eclipses always occur during the Full Moon. This time, it occurred during a Full Moon in Gemini. Sun was at the 29th degree of Sagittarius, about to enter Capricorn; Moon was at 29 Gemini, about to enter 0 Cancer. (For beginners, Winter Solstice occurs when the Sun enters 0 Capricorn.)

In astrology, the degree in which an eclipse occurs is considered significant, especially if it coincides with a planet or an Angle in your natal chart. This time the event seems doubly significant, because the eclipse occurred on an Aries Point (i.e. 0 degree of Cardinal signs.)

In a natal horoscope, Aries Point is the point of public projection: you have a potential to become known to the world through the quality of the natal planet (or the midpoint) on an Aries Point. In mundane astrology, transits to Aries Point often coincides with significant events.

Eclipse is often considered as a foreshadowing event, suggesting an important development to come through the natal planet or point it touched (usually through conjunction, square or opposition.) Considering that this eclipse aspected everyone's Aries Point, there could be noticeable change that could be felt by many.

Interpreting the Lunar Eclipse in Your Own Horoscope

There is a Pluto-like quality to the symbolism of lunar eclipse, as the light of the Sun is temporary blocked, and a deep abyss opens into one's emotional self. For some, this could signify an emotional breakthrough of some sort, as a result of seeing deeper into themselves. For others, surprisingly powerful emotions could be felt from within, empowering the psyche.

On the other hand, the lunar eclipse could coincide or foreshadow an emotionally stressful event, which may result in grief, or even despair. If you're prone to negative thinking, it's important not to draw far reaching conclusions from challenging events that may be going on at this time.

If you have a planet or an Angle within 2 degrees of the Aries Point, then pay special attention to it for the next 6 months or so, and see how your life develops in terms of the symbolism. Some examples follow:

Saturn on the Aries Point in 5th house will highlight your business, serious hobby, your father, or your child. The eclipse could suggest the beginning of a transformation in the way you work, or how you relate with your father or your child.
Venus on the Aries Point in the 7th house will highlight your popularity with the public, as well as your marriage/relationship. The eclipse could bring up uncomfortable issues, but may also strengthen the emotional bond you have with people.
Neptune on the Aries Point in the 3rd house will highlight your creative imagination and inspiration expressed to others, or perhaps your confusion and escapist tendencies. The eclipse could intensify both positive and negative potentials of Neptune archetype.

If you have a midpoint on an Aries Point, then consider its symbolism in terms of the planets involved, and see how they may be highlighted for potential development and expression in the near future.

Conclusion and Further Discussions

Have you felt differently during or after this lunar eclipse? If you feel subtle or intense emotional shift at this time, it may be helpful to pay attention to how your horoscope has been touched by this rare celestial event.

In your natal chart, do you have a planet or a midpoint on the Aries Point? If so, what developments could they signify to you? Feel free to discuss your thoughts and experience through emails or comments...(note to use tight orb, 2 degrees from 0 Cardinal.)

(photo courtesy of Vic Acid in flickr)

Happiness Project (9) Sagittarius New Moon: Explore New Territories

2010-12-04T17:53:00.004-05:00

Every month, I'm adding new intentions/activities for my happiness project during the new moon. Feel free to play along & set your own new monthly goals!

Sagittarius New Moon occurs on Dec 5, 2010 12:36PM EST

After Scorpio's deep, intense focus on a chosen area, the psyche is ready to expand again, to seek and explore new horizons. With the New Moon in Sagittarius, we can ask ourselves: "What area in my life do I feel the need to expand? What new adventures could I embark on?"

Choose Where You Want to Grow

As we've cleaned out the old, dead energies during the Scorpio New Moon month, there now should be more room for growth and receiving new things. There could literally be fortunate turn of events that will lead you to grow in a new area - an invitation to join a study group that share your passionate interest, an offer to build a new web site for your business, or a life changing seminar.

While being open to such new beginnings, you can also try to step back and look at the big picture: where do you want to be in 5 years from now? What do you need to start doing now, in order to grow in that direction? So while a new action is definitely implied by the Sagittarius New Moon, there is a bit of introspection involved as well.

Sample of Areas to Explore

Consider taking a short study course on something that you're interested in, perhaps related to your business or a hobby. I've recently made a commitment to take an online course on blogging following Donna Cunningham's advice. I'm looking forward to powering up this blog through this study!
Another strongly Sagittarian area is that of athleticism - this could mean starting a new exercise routine that seems fun, or joining a local sports group.
Lastly, the area involving the higher mind is also under Sagittarius' domain: spiritual studies and practices such as meditation may become more meaningful during this time.

Many Possibilities for Growth

Approach this New Moon period like an explorer facing a whole new territory. What new area do you wand to explore? How do you plan to grow in the direction of your dreams? Feel free to share your thoughts & plans via emails or comments!

Can Your Horoscope Show If You're an Optimist?

2010-11-20T12:20:00.005-05:00

Could one's horoscope suggest a tendency toward optimism or pessimism? We could start the exploration by listing the often sited differences between optimists vs pessimists:

1) Power to Affect Circumstance
When faced with a challenge, optimists tend to believe that they can find a way to overcome their setbacks. Pessimists tend to feel that nothing they do makes a significant difference.

2) Timeframe
Optimists tend to believe that setbacks are temporary, whereas pessimists tend to believe that their setbacks will last for a long time, perhaps even for the rest of their lives ("You never change"; "It will always be like that.")

3) Apportioning Blame
Pessimists tend to blame themselves for any and all setback, even when they're not at fault ("It must be my fault that I didn't get the deal closed." "I must've done something wrong to upset him.") Optimists tend to apportion blame to outside cause ("It was just bad luck." "Wow he was rude. He must've been having a bad day.")

4) Perspective on Life Areas
Even when experiencing difficulty in one area of their life, optimists tend to be able enjoy other areas of their lives. Pessimists, on the other hand, tend to have their problem bleed all over their life areas (e.g. they can't enjoy their meals or being with their spouse because of a problem at work), unable to have a good day until the problem is solved.

5) Generalized Self Image
Generalization is when we think in terms of always or never. Pessimists tend to generalize toward the negative ("I'm no good at sports", "I'm unattractive to the opposite sex", "you never listen to me." etc.), while being specific about the positive events ("I happened to prepare well that day"; "It must've been my dress that night that attracted him/her.")

Optimists, on the other hand, tend to generalize toward the positive ("I'm effective." "I'm attractive to the opposite sex"), and be specific about negative events ("I'm not so good at tennis." "I guess I wasn't his/her type." "You seem preoccupied today.")

Both groups generalize, but in a different direction.

Some Astrological Measurements That May Pertain to Optimistic/Pessimistic Tendencies
Let me begin with a caveat: Studies show that optimism or pessimism could be learned or unlearned, so we need to be a bit careful not to make the following into a rigid interpretation.

1) Saturn - Mercury hard aspect (conjunction, square, opposition, quindecile) has been linked with depression. When the mind is presented with seemingly insurmountable obstacles for a prolonged period, a "learned helplessness" could develop, resulting in severely diminished perception of one's power to affect circumstances. Along the same line, we can check for strong tension in the 3rd house or its ruler.

2) Aspects to the Sun affect life outlook as well as self image. Jupiter-Sun aspect has been linked with optimism, due to the elevated expectation about life and self.

3) Idealism is prone to be turned into disappointed outlook: Sun-Venus aspect, or Sun-Mercury aspect are both linked with strongly idealistic outlook, wanting life to be beautiful, "the way things should be." When this outlook is not strengthened with achievement (I can make a difference, to make the world more beautiful), again learned helplessness could result.

4) Jupiter enlarges and expands whatever it touches - a strongly placed Jupiter (Angular, unaspected, or linked to the Sun or the Moon) will give the mind a tendency for sweeping generalizations and exaggerations. With enough positive reinforcement about the self, this could turn into strong optimism ("I'm competent" "I'm born to succeed" "I'm irresistible") - but the converse is also true, that a strong pessimism could result if no encouragement was given about one's innate good qualities.

5) The ruler of the Ascendant being retrograde suggests difficulty with ego development. Ascendant ruler under heavy tension might suggest the ego's vulnerability to being prey to the negative generalization about the self.

6) Neptune has been linked with a sense of guilt, and so has the sign of Virgo. Perfectionism and introspection might make one vulnerable to blame the self even when others are at fault.

7) Pisces' negative potential as a martyr suggests that this archetype (as well as Neptune and 12th house) could be twisted into attitude of learned helplessness. Many Neptunians turn to spiritual inspiration, as a way of believing in positive outcome while accepting ego's powerlessness.

Conclusion & Further Questions
By understanding the components of optimistic vs pessimistic tendencies (power to affect circumstance, timeframe, perspective, generalized self image), we could examine corresponding astrological measurements that may indicate vulnerability within our mind.

Are you more optimistic or pessimistic? Have you always been that way or did you have to work toward becoming more optimistic? How does your horoscope reflect such process?

PS: As an extra credit, I'm curious if Jupiter retrograde tends toward more pessimistic tendencies - if you have natal Jupiter retrograde, feel free to share your opinions and experience!

Happiness Project (8) Scorpio New Moon: Elimination & Regeneration

2010-11-02T23:00:00.004-04:00

Every month, we're adding new intentions/activities for our happiness project during the new moon. Feel free to join in and/or set your own new monthly goals!

Scorpio New Moon occurs on November 6th, 2010 at 12:52AM EDT.

If you're stressed and feel overwhelmed, this will be the month to get things back under control. If you feel stagnant and frustrated in any area of life, this will be the time to gain a fresh inspiration.

...But first, you'll need to get rid of some things.

Scorpio rules elimination and regeneration - getting rid of old, dead energy in your life, to make space for the new. There are several things to consider this month:

1) Give/throw things away: In a feng-shui like fashion, elimination of physical clutter tends to free up more energy within us. You can begin by doing it a little at a time (giving away a few clothes here, throwing away a few old items there.) You may find it hard to stop once you get started - it's very energizing to fill a large plastic bag with clutters that were filling up your desk or closet.

2) Detoxify your body: If you like to clean out your body periodically, this is a good time to do it. Methods vary a great deal, but lots of fresh fruits & vegetables along with plenty of water might be a good start....And a lot less of sugar and caffeine, if you're one of those disciplined souls.

3) Let go of self limiting thoughts & behaviors: instead of holding onto negative feelings, see if you can throw them away and replace them with love. Such deep transformation is possible, even in difficult relationship circumstances.

Conclusion

Over time, we tend to accumulate things, thought patterns and beliefs that tend to make us rigid and weigh us down. Whenever we let go of old energies, we feel regenerated and alive.

Are you ready to open yourself to new opportunities in life? What can you do to create more space for the good? Feel free to share your plans...

Related Post: Pluto Says Happiness is Getting Rid of Things

Uranus in 12 Houses: The Power of Creative Network

2010-10-22T23:30:00.004-04:00

Uranus archetype represents internal and external network, consisting of unique ideas and people that interact with each other. Creative ideas do not happen in a vacuum: they are born out of your connection to others that are different from you.

Think of the people that are well known for their creative work, and you'll probably see that they either worked as a team, or were a part of a larger network of unique individuals (think jazz, or Florence during Renaissance.)

Network Leads to Cross-Fertilization

Creative people know that they can gain inspiration from other disciplines: painters could be inspired by the work of composers, who could in turn be inspired by architects, etc. Mathematics inspired many arts, as did philosophy. Writers inspired filmmakers, but the reverse is also true.

Creative people thrive from diversity, and their mind is able to accommodate disparate groups of people and ideas. Many study the work of the past masters of their art, delving deeply into history and absorbing the styles from different eras. The key is that they've reached out to people that thought & worked differently from them, and were open to learn from them.

Uranus in 12 Houses: Creative Networking

The placement of Uranus in your natal chart may suggest where such creative network would be most necessary for you to avoid being stagnant.

Uranus in 1st House - could be called a mark of the Renaissance Man (or Woman). This placement suggests that your self image is defined by the vitality of your creative network. It seems likely that you'll need to be constantly involved with interesting people from various walks of life.

Uranus in 2nd House may suggest a network tied to your business or finances. A wealth minded Mastermind group? Sure, go for it.

Uranus in 3rd House may indicate a network of writers, teachers, or any other communicators, including IT professionals. Perhaps a network of people who are "in the know."

Uranus in 4th House could imply a diverse group of people gathering in your home, most likely since you were very young. While it could have been a bit unsettling, getting exposed to diversity early in life may have helped you make friends easily later on.

Uranus in 5th House could suggest a playful network of people that share a creative or athletic interest. Another possibility is the network of people who work with children.

Uranus in 6th House might indicate a network of helpers and service oriented people. A group of animal lovers might also fit in the picture.

Uranus in 7th House suggests relationships marked by disparity and diversity. The friends could be so different from us that we can't help but feel unique.

Uranus in 8th House may point to a network of healers and consultants that are into health and well-being. It could also suggest people that share an occult interest.

Uranus in 9th House might highlight an international network based on a cultural or philosophical belief. We can also consider networks of academics, lawyers, or writers.

Uranus in 10th House would suggest the importance of networking in the unfolding of your vocation. Professional associations, or cross disciplinary connections (i.e. connecting with people in other fields of work) could become important in future.

Uranus in 11th House may indicate networking with a group of friends that strive toward a shared purpose.

Uranus in 12th House can suggest a network that has to do with crisis or recovery.

Summary

If you want to be more creative, the easiest thing to do is to be a part of a network of people and ideas. Without any creative input from others, we tend to stagnate. Internally, we can also seek to cultivate a robust network of ideas through studying others' works through books and other media.

Looking at your own horoscope, what does the placement of Uranus suggest? How do you network with others in the area specified by Uranus? If you feel a bit stagnant right now, do you think reaching out to other people's works and ideas can help you be "unstuck" in that area?

As usual, feel free to share through emails or comments...

Happiness Project (7) Libra New Moon: Make Inner Peace The Priority

2010-10-05T23:00:00.003-04:00

Every month, we're adding new intentions/activities for our happiness project during the new moon. Feel free to join in and/or set your own new monthly goals!

Libra New Moon occurs on October 7th, 2010 at 2:44PM EDT

Balance. Fairness. Peace. When you make this month's resolutions, consider the balancing scale that represents the Libra archetype. My resolution is to make inner peace the first priority this month.

As the delicate image of the scale suggests, maintaining inner calm is a balancing act at the best of times. Internally, most of us are a mass of conflicting priorities and responsibilities, each of them vying to take the center stage of our psyche.

As a worker, a family member, a spouse or a parent, we're pulled from so many directions at once, that being stressed out could become the habitual response to life. During this month, however, you may find it easier to to experience inner calm and peace by making it a priority.

Several benefits you may experience:

1) When you decide to make inner peace the priority, you may notice that there will be a shift in awareness, and you begin to be less affected by thoughts of stress.

2) You might become aware of "missing elements" in your life that would make you feel more content and calm on the inside. I've recently began drawing again using a tablet, and somehow that seems to fill the missing piece inside, perhaps by allowing the creative expression from my inner child.

3) Your relationships will improve. You realize that you can't afford to hate anyone while trying to experience inner peace.

On Venus Retrograde: October 8 - November 18, 2010
Libra's ruler Venus will turn retrograde a day after the new moon, making this a perfect period to improve your relationship with yourself. To be a soulmate, you need to first nourish your own soul. Cultivating inner peace seems to fit well with Venus retrograde, and so does developing self love, through new ways of nurturing ourselves.

What will your resolution be for this period? Feel free to share through email or comments...

Mars in 12 Houses: Where Courage and Fear Reside

2010-09-18T07:30:00.000-04:00

Courage is the ability to confront fear. Like two sides of the same coin, courage and fear cannot exist without each other. We can't be brave without experiencing fear - if something doesn't make you feel afraid, then it doesn't take any courage to do it.

So even though Mars is associated with courage, we can also say that it represents fear.

Mars in 12 Houses

In your natal chart, the house occupied by Mars shows where fear tends to be present. However, this also means that we have an opportunity to express true courage in these areas.

Mars in 1st house (self image & ego) may suggest the fear of being weak or ineffective. At the core, there may be insecurity about one's physical appearance or personality. Courage is needed to radically accept one's own self, and to make necessary changes to be stronger and more effective.

Mars in 2nd house (money & self worth) might indicate the fear of not having enough, or not being enough. Spending money could be fear inducing, even when necessary. In this case, you might end up short changing yourself, not giving yourself what will make you happy. You may need the courage to affirm that "I'm worth it! I can buy myself nice things as long as I can afford it."

Mars in 3rd house (mindset & communication) may bring up the fear of not being understood. Failure to communicate could lead to serious frustrations, leading to cynical or resigned attitude toward oneself and others. Courage is needed to express oneself clearly, as well as learning to communicate effectively.

Mars in 4th house (home & family) might suggest that there had been a fearful or hurtful atmosphere in your early home, full of criticism or anger. Consequently, such anger or fear might have become a part of your emotional foundation, making you feel unsafe at home. Courage is needed to make a break from the past, and form a new beginning, with a new family.

Mars in 5th house (creativity & children) may indicate a fear of expressing your "inner child." Fear of being emotionally vulnerable could be masked by bravado and sexual conquests, leading to inner isolation. Courage is needed to make meaningful connections with others, through the honest expressions of feelings and creativity.

Mars in 6th house (service & cooperation with others) can suggest the fear of servitude, which can feel like a loss of dignity. Courage is needed to find self respect through work well done, and to value our own contributions to others.

Mars in 7th house (relationships) may indicate the fear of trusting others, which can lead you to "test" people by fighting them. Courage is needed to see that trust does not equal weakness, nor being taken advantage of.

Mars in 8th house (other's self worth and well being) could reveal the fear of not matching up to others. This may lead to a trap of constant self comparison, and your feeling diminished by others' success. Courage is needed to build up other people's self-worth, as much as your own.

Mars in 9th house (higher mind, other people's thoughts) suggests the fear of having your own worldview discredited by others. This may lead to a belligerent, know-it-all attitude where beliefs are concerned. Courage is needed to be receptive to other people's views and opinions, and allow the possibility that they may hold the other side of the truth that you need to hear.

Mars in 10th house (career, vocation) may indicate the fear of not being successful or respectable. The anxiety to succeed quickly may result in rash career decisions. Here you may need to ask yourself how you'd like to contribute to the world, and have the courage to begin pursuing your purpose in life.

Mars in 11th house (friends, love hoped for) could suggest the fear of not being loved or accepted by others, which could lead to feeling alone even among friends. Courage is needed to love and accept yourself first, so that you may begin to receive from others.

Mars in 12th house (secrets, self undoing) often indicates hidden fears, which may lead to some irrational behaviors at times. Courage is needed to look within, and confront the inner demons of fear, shame and anger.

Looking at Mars in Your Natal Chart

Mars archetype is that of a Warrior: whenever you feel uncomfortable or afraid, it helps to be able to identify the cause of the fear, so that your inner Warrior can confront it.

In addition to Mars' house placement, your Mars sign may suggest how you deal with fear, and the Mars aspects may link several areas of your life together, to be faced with courage and determination.

What did your learn from your natal Mars placement? How does the fear and the courage manifest in your life? Feel free to discuss with emails or comments!

Virgo New Moon: Doing What Needs Doing, Today

2010-09-06T17:20:00.006-04:00

On Virgo New Moon & Small Daily Effort
In many ways, sober and detail oriented Virgo corrects the enthusiastic, larger-than-life promises of Leo. During the Virgo New Moon, it is advisable to look at what's in front of us that needs doing, as much as the dream of a distant future.

When thinking about your long term goals, consider the small steps you can take today that will get you there. For example:

1) What do you need to do today in order to reach the optimum physical condition (weight, muscular strength, well being) that you know you want to have? What do you need to eat? How much do you need to exercise?

2) What do you need to do today in order to achieve your career goals?

3) What do you need to do today if you want to live in a beautiful, clean home? To have a nice time with your children or your spouse?

4) What can you do today so that you'll not be overwhelmed for the rest of the week/month/year?

Consider making a daily or a weekly plan that you can keep. Do a Mind Dump if you have to. Schedule to study for a certain number of hours per week, if that's what you need to do in order to study nutrition, health, or anything else that pertains to your long term goals.

Even 30-minutes a day spent toward a certain goal can make a huge difference over the course of several months or years. One step at a time: one article, one painting, one song at a time, we grow closer to excellence.

Virgo's attention to minutiae is really the capacity to make small changes, which over time will result in solid accomplishments and mastery. Virgo New Moon is the optimum time for starting such a new habit of incremental improvements.

What small step can you take today to get closer to your dreams? How would it change your life if you can make it a habit? Feel free to share your thoughts via email or comments......

Working With Saturn: Internal Boundaries

2010-08-22T18:00:00.003-04:00

Saturn rules necessary boundaries of all types. External world has boundaries such as laws, policies and regulations. Internally we carry boundaries in the form of psychological limitations. Some of these limitations (usually good common sense) are absolutely necessary; others need to be discarded as we mature and develop as a person.

Saturn Aspect to Inner Planets

Regardless of the type of aspect (square, trine etc.), Saturn's touch is especially visible on inner (a.k.a. personal) planets:

Saturn - Sun aspect will define boundaries regarding self image and life direction. There may be perceived limitations with regard to what's possible in career, relationship and overall well being. One's life expectations might be based on the father's life, or be influenced by problematic relationship with him.

The positive manifestation of this aspect includes integrity (knowing my values) and a sense of positive ambition (recognizing my potentials to grow & achieve more). The negative manifestation includes the loss of authenticity (not knowing who I am), and underachievement.

With Saturn - Moon aspect, the limitations are placed on emotions. Guilt or anxiety can be felt whenever one oversteps the perceived internal boundaries. How did the parents (especially the father) define what emotions were acceptable and what's not? What was the acceptable behavior in the early home? What happened when you deviated from it?

The positive expression of this aspect includes emotional maturity and reliability. The negative expression includes chronic guilt and anxiety.

Saturn - Mercury aspect defines mental outlook. As intellect thrives on clearly defined boundaries, this aspect is thought to suggest capacity for a deep study of any subject. If not positively encouraged, however, a lack of confidence with regard to one's mental capacity could be felt.

The positive expression here could be deep thinking and a dedicated pursuit of an intellectual subject, which can make you an expert in the chosen area. The negative expression can include a tendency for depression and difficulty in focusing attention.

Saturn - Venus aspect defines relationship orientation. The boundaries defined here could include: Whom to trust? How much to give/receive? How lovable am I? Like other aspects, the good/not-so-good modeling provided by the parents are influential (how did they express affection? Anger? Disagreement?)

When positively expressed, this aspect suggests capacity to build trusted friendships and partnerships. Negatively expressed, it could suggest wrong choice in friendships, and consequently building psychological walls around oneself.

Saturn - Mars aspect places boundaries on how we apply our energy. Paternal encouragement/discouragement tends to influence how one deals with failure and anger.

The positive manifestation of the combination includes resourcefulness and indomitable will to succeed, regardless of how many setbacks you experience. Negative manifestation includes resignation due to fear of failure. In the former, the energy of frustration is directed at solving the problem no matter what. In the latter, the anger is directed unto oneself, leading to implosion and depression.

Summary: Saturn & Internal Boundaries

Over time, Saturn creates numerous internal boundaries which generally serves to make us more mature, savvy and discerning with regard to many things. The downside often felt when Saturn contacts the emotional planets (especially Moon or Venus) is that it leads to shrinking and hardening of the heart, so that there is less room to let others in, or to experience enjoyable emotions.

The outer planets (Uranus, Neptune and Pluto) often work to destroy old boundaries that are no longer necessary, so that our hearts may learn to expand again, learning to hope & trust while still keeping the maturity and discernment you gained over the years.

If you have natal Saturn aspecting an inner planet, how did its boundaries serve you as you developed in the area represented by the inner planet? Are there old boundaries that seem to be outdated and no longer necessary? Feel free to share through emails or comments....

Happiness Project (5) Leo New Moon: Living From the Center of Our Being

2010-08-08T23:00:00.002-04:00

Every month, we're adding new intentions/activities for our happiness project during the new moon. Feel free to join in and/or set your own new monthly goals!

New Moon in Leo happens on August 9th, 2010, 11:08PM EDT

Archetypally, Leo is the sign representing both the Inner Child and the King. Ruled by the Sun, it represents our heart. So the symbolism suggests that in order to have the joy and dignity which all human beings deserve, we need to be operating from the center of our being.

This Month's Intention: To Identify & Live From the Center of My Being

The center of your being is where you feel calm, powerful, and on purpose. You may find it while meditating, walking, writing, learning, taking care of your loved ones, or engaged in creative work. Whatever it is, this is where you'll get a glimpse of who you really are.

Living from the center of your being really means living straight from the heart. While we lack adequate language to describe what this entails, we can feel qualities such as purposefulness, compassion, enthusiasm and intuition as byproducts of the heart-centered life.

One clarification that may help is that living from the heart does not mean being "an emotional person." We're not talking of losing control through anger, fear or depression. On the contrary, such emotions actually indicate malnourished conditions of our heart.

Living from the heart means we know what's essential to our core happiness as a human being, and we never lose sight of it despite what anyone else says. In this way a purposeful life is possible, where the head and the heart unite as one, and our actions are congruent with our deepest motivations.

To the degree we learn to live from the center of our being, we begin to shine more and more like the Sun. We all know people like this: we like to be around them just to be near their joy, enthusiasm and warmth. If you feel that you've been off-center for a while, then this is a fantastic opportunity to come back to the center. Let your light shine...

Venus Archetype: How & Where We Must Develop In Love

2010-08-03T23:00:00.004-04:00

Each planetary archetype represents a pathway of growth. As the goddess of love and beauty, Venus sets our path through matters pertaining to our heart and aesthetic sensitivity.

The Natal Placement of Venus: How & Where We Must Develop In Love

Venus' sign defines how best we experience emotional connection with others, whereas its house placement suggests what area we'll need to focus on in order to develop our capacity for love.　Here we'll group the measurements by several key themes:

Theme #1: Greater Self Acceptance

Those with natal Venus in Fire signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius) need to feel accepted, loved and honored for who they are. In order to have others love and honor them, however, they first need to love and accept themselves.

Similarly, Venus in 1st house requires working on loving oneself. Often there is a negative self image that prevents one to receive love from others - so this must be eliminated first through cultivating self acceptance, and positive self talk.

To whatever degree we have been able to accept and love ourselves, we'll be able to generously share that love and acceptance with others.

Theme #2: Emotional Healing

Those with Venus in Water signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces) need to be comfortable with their own vulnerability, lest they choose to build walls around their heart, or altogether shy away from relationships. Any past hurts need to be healed so that they don't taint the present relationships.

Venus in 4th house requires deeper acceptance of one's roots. There may be painful memories associated with one's parents that might lead to a feeling of guilt or shame around one's family.

By working on emotional wholeness, we open ourselves to greater intimacy with others. We'll be able to heal from our past hurts without holding on to them.

Theme #3: Expressing Appreciation

Those with Venus in Air signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius) especially need to be appreciated by others. In order to receive appreciation, however, they need to first learn to give it. This means becoming more tuned in to what makes other people interesting, helpful or special, and developing the habit of speaking appreciatively of their contribution.

Those with Venus in 7th or 11th house similarly need to learn to build up their partners and friends before being able to experience the reciprocal appreciation.

Cultivating the habit of appreciating others will serve to attract the same in return, as well as transform the negative, critical thought patterns into positive, edifying ones.

Theme #4: Practical Contribution

Those with Venus in Earth signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn) place greater value on practical contributions as opposed to warm emotions and loving words. Whether it's by taking care of the family financially, fixing things around the house, or helping someone stay organized, their contributions need to have tangible results in order to be satisfying.

Those with Venus in 2nd, 6th or 10th house more or less need to feel that they can contribute in a real way. For them, financial success may become one indicator to assess their level of contribution to the world.

Through helping our partners in a solid way, we learn that love can be shown through silent, every day contribution.

Conclusion

Whether through greater self acceptance, emotional healing, appreciation or contribution, we increase our capacity to love through developing in the ways suggested by our Venus' natal placement. While it's not possible to please everyone, enough of "right people" will come into our lives as we continue this journey of the heart, so that we'll always have people to love.

5 Tips for Pluto in Capricorn Era

2010-07-19T10:45:00.007-04:00

Pluto Transits in Capricorn Between Feb. 2008 - Jan. 2024

Capricorn represents tradition and old age. During the 16 year transit of Pluto in Capricorn, our culture will be forced to rethink some of the traditions that are taken for granted today, as well as how we deal with aging and retirement.

Already we saw the first African American President in US; the cracks in the foundations of our banking industry; the warning signs pertaining to our culture's insistent craving for oil (US consumes almost 20% of world's entire daily oil usage volume - more than China, Japan, Russia and India put together.)

5 Tips for Pluto in Capricorn Era

Some of the social structures we're familiar with today might cease to exist by 2020. On an individual level, what can we do to thrive in this era of change? Consider the following ideas:

1) Be Skeptical of Tradition: "The way it has always been" might not last, whether in business or finances (e.g. a strength of a certain business sector; US dominance in economy; male dominance in politics, etc.)

2) Take Charge of Your Finances: The observable trend toward the breakdown of social security and corporate pension plans are heralding an era of individual financial management and entrepreneurship.

3) Take Charge of Your Health: Government might be able to improve the health care system - but not your health. The increasing trend toward obesity in US is alarming, to mention only 1 issue.

4) Strengthen Your Family Ties: Realize that you'll most likely live long after retirement - maintaining emotional connections with your loved ones will help you stay healthy. The current trend toward family separation will create a lot of unhappy elderly people if not consciously changed.

5) Find Ways to Contribute: If you're growing old, how can you benefit the younger generations? If you're young, how can you make life better for the elderly? Both represent an opportunity for a fulfilling life and a career.

Have any other ideas about this era? Feel free to share via emails or comments!

Happiness Project (4) - Cancer New Moon: Time for Making a New Start

2010-07-10T19:30:00.003-04:00

Every month, we're adding new intentions/activities for our happiness project during the new moon. Feel free to join in and/or set your own new monthly goals!

The New Moon in Cancer occurs on July 11th
Going with the symbolism of the sign Cancer, our intentions for the month will be twofold:

1) Develop our emotional awareness

2) Make a new start to address our fears and concerns

Developing Emotional Awareness
If you tend to suppress uncomfortable emotions like fear and anger, this might be a good time to cultivate emotional awareness.

Many times, anger is just a cover-up for fear. If I'm frustrated and angry a lot on a given day, I check for what I'm scared about.

If you're angry at a person close to you, that's especially a good time to look at what you're afraid of. Sometimes you're actually angry at yourself, for your own behavior.

Usually, it comes down to a fear of loss. In a recession, the fear of financial loss is common, and tends to spill over into other areas of life such as relationships.

Money represents different things for each individual: freedom, self worth, power, control. If we know what money means to us, it may offer some clarity as to what exactly we fear losing, and change our perspective (e.g. can you cultivate a sense of freedom and self worth even during a recession? I think so.)

4 Steps for Dealing with Negative Emotions
1) The first step is to become aware of negative emotions: If you do not feel happy but are not in touch with your own emotions, you may want to try journaling to see what's bothering you underneath the conscious awareness of your mind.

2) The second step is to accept all emotions you feel. Embrace your fear, anger, and whatever else you feel. They are a part of you, and you can't release them until you accept them.

3) The third step is to release the negative, fearful emotions. You may want to look into different methods for releasing stuck emotions that work for you - it's better if it involves your physical body in some way, as emotions tend to be stored in the body.

4) The fourth and final step is to take action to address the source of fearful emotions. What positive actions can you identify that will improve your situation, so that you do not have to keep feeling the negative emotions you've identified?

It's Time to Make a New Start
As a Cardinal sign, Cancer rules new beginnings. If you've identified what's been pressing you down emotionally, then this is an ideal time to initiate a major change. It could be as simple as a change of your daily attitude and routine. It could also entail new commitment for healing, recovery, and/or success.

Without taking a decisive action, chances are that you'd go back to being victimized by your feelings, even after you go through the exercise of emotional release.

There is a good chance that what you start now will take root and bear fruits for a long time to come - as the seed will be deeply rooted in your emotional being. Choose wisely what you decide to sow.

For me, I've learned that my spiritual and personal development is deeply important for my emotional health. I'm feeling a new surge of courage and enthusiasm, as I renewed my commitment in areas such as meditation and career. How about you? What new start can you make?

Aquarius Archetype: Going Beyond Old Boundaries

2010-07-03T16:35:00.001-04:00

The ruler of Aquarius is the sky god Uranus, the Lord of All Space. Hence the path of growth for the Aquarian psyche is to move beyond boundaries of all types.

Mythology of Uranus
In ancient mythology, Saturn castrated Uranus in order to rule the earth: by cutting through the boundless space, Saturn created numberless boundaries such as age (generation), nation, religion and race.

The cut-off genital of Uranus dropped into the sea to create Venus, goddess of peace and beauty: this suggests that the origin of peace and creativity comes from beyond the boundaries created by Saturn.

Aquarius in Your Horoscope
Keeping the myth in mind, any planet located in Aquarius will be called to see beyond the personal or cultural boundaries. Whenever the Aquarian planet is transited by the heavy hitters (Saturn through Pluto), some assumptions may need to be questioned:

Venus in Aquarius: Question your assumption of what's possible in love or finances. Is your parents' experience the basis for your expectation of how well you'll do in relationships or finance? Do you need to widen or shorten your list of possible friendships? Is it about time to choose new kinds of relationships?

Mercury or Jupiter in Aquarius: Question what you know & believe in. Is it possible to expand your skill and knowledge? How about a more liberated understanding of spirituality? Do you need to think bigger about the possible reward you can receive?

Mars in Aquarius: Question your self interest. Does personal concerns of "me & mine" dominate your daily life? Is there a desire to reach out, to help others? Can you find a way to help out?

Saturn in Aquarius: Question your ambition and authorities. In any life area, you may have accepted a certain view from an authority in that field (your father, boss, teacher, minister etc) that "this is what you should be doing." Does the perspective still hold, or is it stifling your growth? Do you need to set new goals?

Sun or Moon in Aquarius: Question yourself. Who am I? Who am I for? Am I really right in the position I've taken? Is there a way I could be contributing in a better way?

Allow for a Time of Confusion
What tends to happen in times of crisis is that these questions will naturally arise, and then a period of deep confusion sets in. Aquarius is a fixed air sign: it makes decisions slowly, and then will hold on to it for as long as possible. Old belief is hard to let go until all angles are considered - but once a new truth is accepted, there will be strong commitment. Take time to find your truth.

Conclusion: Outer Planet Transits of Aquarius
Uranus transited over Aquarius between 1995 - 2003. Neptune's transit over Aquarius has begun in 1997, and will continue through January 2012. During the last 15 years the world has firmly transitioned into the internet age, which enabled global collaborations on creative or humanitarian projects.

If your natal chart has a strong Aquarian component, chances are that you're in tune with this trend toward globalization and humanitarianism. Depending on your situation, this may represent a necessity for a change of perspective, or an opportunity to start making a unique contribution to the world.

Do you have a planet or two in Aquarius? How did the transit of Uranus and Neptune shift your perspective? How have you begun contributing to others in your own way?

Happiness Project (3) - Gemini New Moon & The Affirmation Month

2010-06-09T00:01:00.002-04:00

Every month, I'm adding new intentions/activities for my happiness project during the new moon. Feel free to play along & set your own new monthly goals!

Gemini New Moon occurs on June 12th, 2010. My friend Kathy Rose says this would be an ideal month for doing some affirmations (Gemini being the sign of thoughts & communication), so I decided to dedicate this month to finding and practicing good affirmations.

Affirmations are especially helpful when we try to change existing limiting thought patterns - it can be spoken, written down, and/or sung with emotion. If you feel challenged in any area of your life, this upcoming new moon might just be the right opportunity to start a new thinking habit, by choosing & practicing the appropriate affirmation.

Here are some positive affirmations for each of the 12 houses (many of them have been pulled from Louise Hay's book "You Can Heal Your Life"):

1st House (Body, Self Image)

I love myself, therefore I take good care of my body by exercising and eating nourishing food.
I am beautiful and attractive. I take good care of my appearance.
I love and accept myself.
I now discover how wonderful I am.

2nd House (Money, Self Worth)

I am enough.
I love and bless my current salary (or anything else you appreciate.)
My strong points are ____________ (list them.)
I deserve to prosper. There is plenty for everyone, including me.
I deserve to have and enjoy nice things. I am a magnet for divine prosperity.

3rd House (Mindset, Communication)

I voice only love.
It is safe to speak.
I am safe. I trust the process of life.
Divine Intelligence gives me all the ideas I can use.

4th House (Home, Past or Present Family, New Start)

My home is safe. I am safe.
Family comes first.
I have the perfect living space.
I love myself; therefore, I forgive and totally release the past and all past experiences, and I am free.

5th House (Children, Play, Sexual Identity)

This child is divinely protected and surrounded by love.
I decide to be me. I approve of myself as I am. I am wonderful.
I lovingly and joyously accept my sexuality and its expression. I accept only thoughts that support me and make me feel good.

6th House (Service, Work Relationship)

I always work for wonderful bosses.
I work with and for people whom I love, and who love and respect me, in a wonderful location and earning good money.
My boss is generous and easy to work for.

7th House (Relationships)

I love myself; therefore, I behave and think in a loving way to all people for I know that which I give out returns to me multiplied.
I only attract loving people in my world, for they are a mirror of who I am.
All my relationships are harmonious.

8th House (Other People's Money and Well Being.)

I rejoice in others' good fortune. There is plenty for everyone, including me.
I am generous with tips and compliments.
I love and bless my bills.
I accept compliments well. I respond with a genuine "thank you" when someone compliments me.

9th House (International Travel, Religion, Higher Education, Publishing, Law.)

I experience love wherever I go.
God loves me.
I attract the right teachers that can help me grow & learn.

10th House (Career)

Everything I touch is a success.
Golden Opportunities are everywhere for me.
There are plenty of customers for my services.
I establish a new awareness of success. I move into the Winning Circle.
I love what I do. I am able to express my authentic self through work.

11th House (Friends. Love Received From Others.)

Love is everywhere. I am open and receptive to love.
I am lovable.
Others only reflect the good feelings I have about myself. I love and approve of all that I am.

12th House (Self Undoing. Illness. Spirituality.)

Every hand that touches me in the hospital is a healing hand and expresses only love.
Everyday I feel better and better.
I am willing to release the pattern in my consciousness that has created this condition.
I am healing rapidly, comfortably, and perfectly.

Conclusion
With practice, affirmation could help us develop a new, empowering thought pattern to replace the old, limiting beliefs. You can pick a few from the above to practice, or make your own. Feel free to share your favorite affirmations, either from the above or from your own collection...

6th House Zen: Practicing For Success

2010-06-05T17:00:00.003-04:00

The House of Servant
6th house planets are like zen apprentices practicing to be a master someday. The idea is that service leads to personal growth, and continuous service leads to excellence.

Whereas 10th house may include the glorious experience of career success and public achievement, 6th house activity is more humble in nature, such as:

Management of daily tasks
Learning how to cooperate with others
Working to serve customers or a boss
Practicing to improve oneself or one's performance (e.g. a musician practicing his instrument or a martial artist practicing his forms.)

If you have a planet or two in your natal 6th house, it may be useful to consider your daily work as a "practice" that can make you grow. By faithfully meeting the challenges of daily life, you could be making yourself ready for a new level of development in your career or relationships.

Planets in 6th House: Training to Serve
The condition of your natal 6th house can represent the kind of attitude you might have about daily work and service, as well as the manner of your growth. Whatever planet you have in the 6th house will be your strength that allows you to succeed, after you have some years of practice under your belt.

Here are some examples:

Sun or Moon in the 6th house: Identity or emotional needs are tied to your daily work, so much so that you may begin to define yourself through your work (or service). This can lead to excellent quality of work, which is energizing. If out of balance, this could lead to exhaustion through self defeating perfectionism. Look to the Sun or Moon's sign to see what quality will become your strength later on.
Venus in the 6th house: Developing relationship skills through daily work. This may also suggest a pleasant or aesthetically-oriented work environment.
Mars in the 6th house: Building strength, courage and competence through daily work (practice.) There could be fights or problematic relationships at work due to clash of egos.
Saturn in the 6th house: Developing responsibility and authority through daily work. By working with integrity, more responsibility can be entrusted to you later on.
Uranus in the 6th house: Development of individuality through daily work. Progressive co-workers. Possible feeling of alienation at work. Unique ideas or style could become the asset later on.
Neptune in the 6th house: Possible feeling of victimization or sacrifice during daily work. Compassionate understanding may develop as time goes on. Another possibility is that creativity reigns in the workplace.
Pluto in the 6th house: Development of a deeper perspective through daily work. Possible power struggle in workplace, having to do with controls and intense emotions. There may be a deeply significant reason for wanting to serve others.

Conclusion
The planets in 6th house represents the qualities that you're developing through daily work and service. Next time you have a difficult day, consider what qualities might be being developed through this challenge. Is there a consistency to the pattern of work challenges? (i.e. do you always have a problem about similar things? Can you do something to change it?)

Do you have a planet in the 6th house? What role does it play in your daily work? How important has it been for your success so far?

Relationship Astrology: Leo Archetype and Personal Recognition

2010-05-27T14:30:00.003-04:00

As a sign ruled by the Sun, Leo tends to be a dominant voice in our psyche when we have a planet or two in it.

Any planet occupying the Lion's sign has an energy that burns for personal recognition. This part of us needs to be appreciated by others. When the desired recognition is not forthcoming, feelings get hurt and tempers can flare up.

If you know someone with a planet or a stellium in Leo, you can assume that this thrust for personal recognition is there no matter how quiet and unassuming a person looks. So how do we meet this need?

5 Simple Ways to Love the Leo in Everyone

Let them know they're important to you - this can mean remembering birthdays, giving them a call to show that you care, or doing something special for them.
Show respect to their opinions and feelings - if you act as if their views do not matter, you will invite trouble.
Always thank them for what they do for you, and let them know how much you appreciate them - Leos especially do not like being taken for granted.
Point out their special talent, ability and strong points - Leos respond beautifully to genuine compliments, and will respond in kind.
If possible, recognize their good quality or contribution in front of others.

People with a healthy Leo complex tend to automatically behave in the ways describe above, because they want and expect similar behavior in turn from you.

A Stifled Leo Energy
Some parents might teach their children that it's not good to think so highly of themselves. Others are outright abusive and tell their young that they're stupid, will never amount to anything, etc, etc. Children of these families may learn to suppress their innate Leonine urge to stand out and freely express themselves. As a result, they may adopt a critical attitude toward their own (or other people's) creative and emotional expression.

The antidote for such "plumbing issues" might be to express praise and appreciation for yourself and others. If you have a few planets in Leo, then chances are that you recognize your ability to make other people feel special and appreciated. By giving others what you want (i.e. appreciation & recognition) you're more likely to receive the same gift from others.

When Leo Is Mixed With Other Elements
If there is a strong Virgo or other Earth component as well as Leo, then the person will likely perform a lot of work and services in the silent hope of winning personal recognition. Even when this person looks very professional and self possessed so as to not need any outside approval, a word of appreciation and acknowledgment for her competence and hard work goes a long way.

If there is a strong Cancer or other Water components in addition to Leo, then the person would want to be recognized for his/her caring heart. Acknowledge her emotions, and praise her for having a big heart.

If there is a strong Libra or other Air components beside Leo, the need for personal recognition will be fulfilled through entertaining and communicating with others. No matter how smooth and confident he seems, he'd still appreciate praise for his humor, wit and thoughtfulness.

Conclusion:
A healthy Leo archetype within our psyche is a special, precious and vulnerable part of us that can give and receive generously. We can make others - and ourselves - happy by simply learning to recognize, praise and appreciate the good qualities in each other - a worthy challenge.

Do you or your loved ones have planets in Leo? What else besides the above makes your inner Lion roar with happiness? Please feel free to share with emails or comments...

Happiness Project (2): Taurus New Moon

2010-05-13T00:40:00.004-04:00

Taurus New Moon occurs tonight (May 13, 2010.) Continuing with the happiness project from last month, this is a good time to sow more goals & intentions for the month.

Building on Past Month's New Intentions
Taurus is a sign of the builder, which stabilizes and maintains the new projects pioneered by Aries. If you started with several new intentions during the last new moon, this is a good time to recommit.

Last month my intentions were to: a) Be More Physical, and b) Bite My Tongue.

I'm happy to report that I've been quite active physically just about everyday, with a much better walking habit. As a result, I have a lot more energy.

I've also been mindful of keeping my mouth shut even when I don't feel like it. Remembering this intention actually helped me be less offended on the inside as well.

So part of my intention this month will be to maintain these newly acquired good habits.

Developing Security & Stability
Taurus represents security and stability. This means both the Buddha-like internal calm, as well as having financial security (one could hardly argue with the notion that having enough money in the bank contributes significantly to our inner peace.) So this would be a good time to work on developing both.

Bearing this in mind, I have two new intentions for the month:

1) Be Less Touchy
Though I'm pretty easygoing and laid back, I'm still too sensitive in some areas, and others' comments could hit my nerve unexpectedly. By having this intention to be less touchy at least for one month, I'll be reminded not to take things personally even if someone criticizes me, or seems angry with me.

2) Worry Less & Be More Grateful About Abundance
Another thing I want to let go is my tendency to worry about things going wrong, be it business or relationships. Instead of worrying and destroying my inner peace, I could increase my sense of stability by being more grateful about all the abundance in my life. I live a truly blessed life, and need to appreciate it more rather than waste it with worry.

Conclusion: Money, Arts & Other Possibilities
Any project or intention that will move you toward increased security & stability will be suitable for a Taurus new moon.

You may also want to consider Venus' placement in your natal chart to come up with more intentions. My Venus in Sagittarius is located in 9th house, widely conjunct Neptune (a bit of over-sensitivity.) This particular placement could easily tie in with foreign language, educational pursuits, as well as enjoyment from music and art.

More Taurean ideas include learning to spend more/less money depending on which extreme you tend to lean toward. If you tend to overspend, maybe coming up with a monthly saving/investment plan would be in order.

If you tend to underspend, maybe you need to have the intention to go out and buy what you need, whether it's new clothes or office equipment you've been procrastinating on getting.

How did you do with the happiness project from last month (if you played)? As usual, feel free to join in and share your own intentions for the month...

Neptune Archetype: Dissolving The False Self

2010-05-11T16:30:00.003-04:00

Each astrological archetype represents a unique pathway of development. We could metaphorically say that astrology is a school, and planets are the teachers.

In Neptune's case, his lesson is to remind us of our boundless nature, through dissolving the false limitations we've imposed upon ourselves over the years.

Neptune and Dreams
We can experience Neptune most strongly at the moment between dreaming and waking.

In many dreams, we are a different person with a completely different purpose and a mission. When we wake up and regain our normal identity, we somehow feel refreshed and expanded for a time.

This is because our consciousness is boundless by default, and it doesn't react very well to being confined in ego's narrowly defined identity. Dreams (and other Neptunian activities) let us escape our self defined barriers for a time, and allow our consciousness (our real self) to become whole again.

The blissful sense of wholeness that we experienced as a newborn child could be said to be the normal state of consciousness. But the wholeness slipped away from us little by little, each time our ego was defined by boundaries such as gender, race, nationality, religion, and countless judgments we received from others regarding our ability, intellect, attractiveness and lovability.

As a result, our ego is like a thin slice of the vast pie of consciousness; it represents only a fraction of who we really are.

These socially defined boundaries give us a sense of identity necessary for functioning in the world. But so often we acquire false beliefs that don't serve us, which limit our growth. Neptune can dissolve such unnecessary limitations and increase our resourcefulness in life.

Neptune in Houses
Here are some examples of how Neptune might function during transit to a certain house. Natal house placement of Neptune may also behave similarly:

Neptune in or transiting 1st or 7th house: The relationships that define our identity might be dissolved. This period can offer inspiring opportunities to redefine and expand our self definition.
Neptune in or transiting 2nd or 8th house: Our standard for self-valuation might be gradually dissolved and expanded. We may begin to value different things in others as well. The traditional measures of valuation (money and success) may stop functioning altogether, or may be redefined as means to help others.
Neptune in or transiting 3rd or 9th house: Our mind will learn to expand beyond traditional ideas and beliefs that are common in the culture we're born in. Some grounding is necessary to keep everything real.
Neptune in or transiting 4th or 10th house: Our family or career could undergo a process of dissolution. There could be a feeling of uprooting or a "wipe out." Our sense of belonging and life direction will be dissolved, and then expanded afterward.
Neptune in or transiting 5th or 11th house: This transit dissolves the boundary of our social circles. Your circle of friends may expand, or dissolved to be completely replaced. This might be a good opportunity to let go of limiting beliefs concerning love and creativity.
Neptune in or transiting 6th or 12th house: The consciousness might be drawn to explore itself through meditation and other subtle practices, striving to escape the shackles of ego in some way.

Conclusion and Examples
Our identity is fiction, and is based on myriads of opinions placed upon us by others since birth. Much of unnecessary suffering is based on this false sense of self, and Neptune offers a way out through temporary or permanent dissolution of these limiting boundaries.

I have Neptune conjunct Moon and square Ascendant, and had to find a way to experience the vastness of who I felt myself to be, through undoing years of conditioning. Music helped me, and so did meditation or reading fiction. My natal Neptune is in 9th house, and now I live on the other side of the world from my country and feel quite at home. My spiritual search has taken me away from traditional worldview, and I feel alive and grateful because of it.

How does Neptune work in your chart? Feel free to share through emails or comment...

Pluto Says An Opposite of Depth is Nothingness.

2010-05-01T19:00:00.002-04:00

Pluto is the symbols of depth, as befitting his title "god of the underworld." Depth, as in deep knowledge, emotions and beliefs.

The opposite of depth is not height, but shallowness. Pluto is the symbol of extremes, and it can represent the height of ecstasy as well as the depth of despair. Its opposite is simply nothingness.

Nothingness, in the sense that "nothing happens." No ecstasy or despair, no wild success or failure, no risk and no reward. Like a flat line in EKG that symbolizes death.

Pluto Aspects Demand Depth...Or Nothingness
Whatever Pluto touches in your horoscope will have this quality of "all or nothing" extreme:

Pluto conjunct, square or opposition Venus (also, Pluto in 7th house) will assure that relationships will be accompanied by extreme emotions. So much is expected in terms of intimacy - there needs to be absolute honesty and depth of sharing. It's either that, or 'nothingness' of shallow relationships which are unsatisfying.

Pluto conjunct, square or opposition Mars will necessitate intense burst of energy, a show of force. Action must be taken to fulfill desire. Energy must be exercised to the limit of one's capacity. Otherwise, the energy might implode unto oneself in the form of weight gain or depression - a common yet tragic result from the decision to do nothing.

Pluto conjunct, square or opposition Mercury will demand Herculean exertion of the mind. Mind must acquire power to know, speak and influence to the n-th degree. Alternative is the shallow stream of daily conversations about nothing - which creates deep inner anxiety and frustration.

Pluto conjunct, square or opposition Sun will necessitate deeply authentic personal expression. Shallowness means denial of one's deeply seated problems. Nothing happens until honest confrontation with oneself has been achieved.

Pluto conjunct, square or opposition Moon will similarly suggest the necessity for authentic emotional expression. As a child, one's emotions might have been hijacked by a powerful adult (most likely the mother.) Emotional patterns inherited from parental figures might need to be examined and discarded if necessary.

Pluto conjunct, square or opposition Jupiter suggests depth of faith in oneself or a higher power that is needed in order to function well. Pluto conjunct, square or opposition Saturn requires depth of commitment, effort and integrity that is required to succeed. A choice to avoid depth in these areas leads to underachievement.

A Hint About Depth
Usually a prominent Pluto placement suggests a trauma, a wound of some sort that needs to be healed. If there are no such personal issues to be solved, most likely there will be other issues that will take us deeper - like confronting the injustice that abound in the outside world. Either way, it's heavy stuff.

With Pluto, the awareness of wounds or injustice already exists, at least subconsciously. So the choice to do nothing equals denial, which drains our power and deadens our emotions.

Wherever Pluto is found in the horoscope, we may need to bravely confront what is wrong within ourselves or our immediate environment. The alternative is stultifying, frustrating nothingness...

Are you a Plutonian? How do you deal with this need for depth, and an aversion to shallowness in the area touched by Pluto?

2nd House Meditation: Practices That Build Self Worth

2010-04-27T23:30:00.000-04:00

In classic astrology the 2nd house represents material security. A human being would become self-aware (the 1st house), and then proceeds to buy a cow (2nd house & Taurus symbol). In old times the cow offered a continuous source of protein from its milk, which probably made the difference between health and starvation.

Today we're way beyond starvation in many countries - chances are that everyone reading this blog will never have to worry about food, clothing or shelter as long as we live. Yet so many people suffer from a sense of insecurity or anxiety about themselves and their purpose in life. This raised the awareness that 2nd house also represented the concept of "self worth" in modern society.

Building Self Worth
Dr. Nathaniel Branden, who has written extensively on the subject of self esteem*, says there are six basic practices that build self worth:

1) Living Consciously: Mindful awareness and desire to learn and grow.

2) Self-Acceptance: We acknowledge what we think, say or do without denial or condemnation.

3) Self-Responsibility: Giving up blame, and focusing on doing what needs to be done.

4) Self-Assertiveness: Being authentic in front of others; willing to stand up for ourselves or our ideas.

5) Living Purposefully: Identifying and working toward short and long-term goals. Being organized for that purpose.

6) Personal Integrity: What we think, say and do are congruent. We honor our commitments to ourselves and others.

Each of these can be a major growth area for many of us. It's interesting that all of the 6 practices involve our personal will, and none of them could be accomplished without a conscious choice. So it seems that we don't mindlessly stumble onto increased self worth, nor can we hope that a favorable transit will boost our self esteem by itself.

Respecting Reality: Role of Mercury and Saturn
Astrologically, Saturn and Mercury seem to be the key psychic factors in facilitating these practices, since all of these practices have to do with respecting, and working with, reality. We don't run from uncomfortable facts - reality is not something to be avoided, but is something to be embraced with full awareness.

Respecting Reality II: Examining Neptune in Your Horoscope
We could imagine how Neptune could complicate things through denial, suppression and fantasy. It may be useful to examine whether we tend to avoid reality in the area represented by the house and planet Neptune touches. Such examination might actually help us to respect and work with reality more fully, thereby boosting our self worth.

Examples:

Neptune in 4th house may call for an examination of the early home environment - was there rampant escapism, with little respect for reality being modeled by parents?
Neptune in hard aspect to Sun or Moon may cloud one's perception of the self. Realistic evaluation of oneself may lead to increased self confidence.
Neptune in hard aspect to Venus may inject too much wishful thinking into relationships. Realistic look at both partner's behaviors may lead to empowering realizations.
Neptune in hard aspect to Mars may introduce doubts, fears and misunderstanding that interfere with self assertion and purposeful action. Confronting such fears may clear the way for a decisive action.

Conclusion: Self Worth and Working With Reality
If there is a glaring chronic problem in our personal life that we know needs to be dealt with, we need to face it squarely if we want to build self worth. Whether it's about weight loss, addiction, a messy closet, or a psychological trauma that needs to be healed - avoidance of issues usually spills over into other areas of life.

The good news is, the moment we begin to work in harmony with reality, our sense of self worth begins to build. When working with this month's resolution "to be more physical", I had to acknowledge the simple fact that I wasn't exercising enough (a problem which led to lower physical energy), which motivated me to schedule time for more walking in my week - a simple change with very satisfying results.

What helps boost your sense of self worth? What compromises it? If you have thoughts or experiences you want to share, feel free to send emails or comment below.

*In this article, the word "self esteem" is used interchangeably with "self worth". Please enjoy Dr. Branden's classic essay if you're interested in the subject of building self esteem.

Happiness Project: An Astrologer's Version

2010-04-13T23:00:00.003-04:00

Today is an Aries New Moon - a good time for a new beginning.

I've been wanting to begin an astrologer's version of the happiness project for a while, and this is a good time. If you like this kind of thing, I invite you to play along with me.

What to do: For each New Moon we'll make a few resolutions that fits with the archetype of the sign where the New Moon occurs. Throughout the month we'll be conscious of working with the resolutions, and then will review the result after 1 month.

The benefit of this is that we become more conscious of the improvements we want to make in our lives, and hopefully will acquire a few good habits by the end of the month.

Here are two resolutions I made:

1) Be More Physical: All too easily I spend my whole day in front of a computer. Being cerebral to begin with, I could feel like a disembodied spirit if I don't take time to be in, and enjoy, my physical body. I go to taichi class 1~2 times a week, which is a joy, but I wanted to do more.

Walking more: We often hear that walking 10,000 steps a day helps us to remain mentally alert & physically healthy. When I became conscious of how little I walk each working day, I started taking more short and long walks, to my pleasure (I usually am a regular walker, but this long & hard winter really kept me in. Now Florida is finally warm.)

Even during working hours, I could go take a mini 5 minute walk around the block every 90 minutes or so - which will add up to about 30 minutes of walk daily - not a bad idea.

2) Bite My Tongue: Anger is technically a Mars subject, which rules Aries. As my natal Scorpio Mars is squared by Saturn, it calls for learning wisdom and restraint where expression of anger is concerned (the measurement does have a positive side, but here we're talking about making small improvements...)

I heard Caroline Casey say Scorpio Mars has a black belt in tongue karate. While I manage to be quite civil in most occasions (Mercury in Libra), under duress I'm capable of lashing out at people before I can stop myself. I find this to be especially true when someone else is angry at me - I have the temptation to respond in kind, and to do it too sharply. Whether in speech or email, this kind of indulgence never leads to good things.

Lately I've been careful not to be harsh or critical even when I find someone else's behaviors frustrating, and whenever I manage to do this, I really feel good - and the quality of my relationships is maintained or even improved by my exercise in restraint. I want such wisdom to be second nature, so will be working with it for the next month.

Aries Keywords to Help With Your Brainstorming
Here are some Aries keywords that might help you form a meaningful resolution:

Courage: This keyword brings things up such as "being willing to risk more failures or rejection" if that's relevant to your current goals.
Physical body: Other than exercising, another area might be to take care of your physical energy through going to sleep early for 1 month (I'm debating whether to take this on myself, but am not sure if I can.)
Independence: This may entail resolutions such as "do not worry what others say or think about me" or "to not depend on my spouse to make me happy" etc.
New Beginning: This may entail starting on that new project you've been wanting to do for a while.
Self Assertion: This may mean taking a lead in a group project that you know you'll be great at, and will help everyone involved. Or it may mean planning & initiating fun new activities with your loved ones.

I feel that more practical the resolution is, the better - in other words, it'll be good if the resolution is something you can act on each day. For me "being physical" and "bite my tongue" are great reminders that I'll have plenty of opportunities to practice.

As 2010 promises to bring radical changes for everyone who seeks it, this kind of mindful exercise should help a lot. If you have your own monthly resolutions that you want to share, please feel free to email me or leave comments.

Working With Saturn: The Servant & Master/Ruler Archetype

2010-04-08T23:00:00.000-04:00

In this Saturn post, we'll discuss the often underrated Servant archetype in connection with its counterpart, the Master/Ruler archetype.

Transformation of the Servant to the Master/Ruler (Or Vice Versa)

In Judaic myths, the servant archetype is often associated with future elevation. The story of Joseph the slave becoming the ruler of Egypt is well known. It's interesting that even in his elevated position, he was essentially the servant of the king - so the archetype was consistent despite his changed circumstance (i.e. the ruler.)

Another well known story is that of Elisha following and serving the prophet Elijah until his death, afterwards receiving the power to work powerful miracles and becoming a prophet himself. In these and other biblical stories (starting with Moses), the leader of men are portrayed to be the servant of the Creator, despite all their power.

In India there are stories that go in the reverse direction, where kings, prince/princesses go seek the wisdom of spiritual masters, who are often in the serving class (a weaver, shoemaker, gardener etc.) Some of them give up their wealth and status to become the servant of these lower-born sages.

While the difference of life direction suggested by the Western and Eastern myths is interesting in itself, for our purpose it's sufficient to see how the archetypes of Servant and Master/Ruler seem to be connected, like two sides of a coin.

Saturn Cycle and the Evolution of Servant/Master Archetype

Wherever Saturn is found in the natal and transit chart, there could be a sense of mastery and authority that accumulates as a result of years of service (i.e. work done in a spirit of cooperation, improvement, or love.) As a result there could be elevation of status or increase in responsibility.

Another possibility is that you temporary experience katabasis (descent) and even feel "down and out" in the life area suggested by Saturn, as a process of intense learning and self knowledge. (Consider Joseph being thrown into a pit, then becoming a slave, then becoming imprisoned. That's katabasis.)

Saturn's 29.5 year cycle could be divided into roughly four 7 year quarter-cycles. We could experience some rise and fall (and rise again) as Saturn makes its hard aspects (conjunction, opposition, squares) every 7 years with a given planet or a point. Here are some examples:

Saturn conjunction, square or opposition to natal Saturn: As Saturn represents our core structures in life, Saturn's transit to its natal position every 7 years could signify major changes in our social status, including work, marriage and family. Frequently there are greater opportunities to serve. Sometimes there are necessary experiences of descent. [Note: Saturn's transit to Midheaven could be interpreted in similar way.]

Saturn conjunction, square or opposition to natal Venus: Venus represents our ability to create emotional connection with others. We 'serve' in relationships all the time, but every 7 years our depth of commitment to serve those we love is being tested. [Note: we could interpret Saturn's transit to the Descendant in a similar way.]

Saturn conjunction, square or opposition to natal Moon: Moon represents our emotions and inner being. Every 7 years the Servant archetype will clash with our emotional needs (I put it this way because most of us are not emotionally wired to serve - serving is a learned behavior.) During this period we might need to put our own emotional needs aside for the sake of others - or figure out a creative way to serve in a way that somehow satisfies our own needs as well.

Saturn conjunction, square or opposition to natal Mars: Mars is the sword of the Sun - it represents our power to act and achieve our objectives. Every 7 years this power clashes with the Servant archetype, and must be harnessed for the sake of others - or else there could be frustrations.

Conclusion & Personal Example

Each time transiting Saturn approaches a certain point of your horoscope, it may be useful to consider how you might be facing an opportunity to serve in greater ways. Your natal Saturn placement through sign, house and aspect may also suggest ways in which you're being called to serve - in this case, transit to natal Saturn will reinforce this natal tendency.

My natal Saturn is square Mars, and throughout my life I've had to learn to submit to various authorities, while working on understanding why it was making me so angry. I could say that my natural tendency was to use whatever abilities I had for purely personal goals, but that somehow wasn't working - which prompted me to seek out agreeable ways of serving others while using my Mars talent (which happens to be in Scorpio & 8th house).

If you can relate with Saturn and the Servant/Master archetype in your horoscope, please feel free to share your thoughts and experience through emails or comments.

Relationship Astrology: 4th - 9th House and Different Kinds of Relationships

2010-03-24T23:00:00.007-04:00

The Importance of Relationship

The circle of the horoscope is actually a spiral - each time a transit cycle (e.g. Saturn cycle) is completed and a new cycle begins, you're on a different level and able to grow further than the last time around. At least that's how it happens for most of us, as long as we continue to pursue happiness in whatever paths we've chosen.

The key ingredient for this spiral growth (or at least one half of it) is our relationship with others. We need others in order to grow, to survive. Without meaningful relationships, it is difficult to get our needs met, and we live without the vital nutrients for personal development.

In our natal chart, at least one half of our horoscope (the Western hemisphere) has to do with relationships with other people. Let's look at each of the houses in the Western hemisphere to see what needs are being fulfilled through each kind of relationship:

4th house (home, family): In this life area, your need is to experience and provide nourishment, protection, and unconditional support to the closest circle in your life, which you may call a family.
5th house (children, love affair): Through loving your children, romantic partner, or your audience, you get to express your passion, enthusiasm, humor and creativity to others - showing you at your best. You may also be in the receiving end of other people's passionate interest and creativity.
6th house (work, cooperation): You get to experience self confidence and show/increase your competence through working with others for the common goal, most often in your work. The experience of being taught first-hand by a skillful mentor is also a part of this house.
7th house (partnership): Here you gain self knowledge through the mirror of relationships. There is support and encouragement from others to help you be the best "you" possible. In other words, these are people that "get" you, and vice versa.
8th house (healing): There is a potential to experience deep healing and well being through alternative healing methods or counseling. It's often about releasing emotional wounds. In turn you may help heal others emotionally or physically.
9th house (higher education, religion, publishing): You get to expand your mind, find life direction, or gain a new worldview through the relationship symbolized here. You may meet a deeply influential spiritual teacher, or a favorite author/professor/scholar that profoundly impact your mindset. In turn you may provide such mind expanding opportunities for others through sharing your knowledge.

A Few Comments On Relationships in Your Natal Chart

Venus in one of the relationship houses imply an important connection (or connections) to be found in that area. A musician may have Venus in 6th house (working together with others to create art), whereas an aspiring yoga student may find her Venus in the 9th house of philosophy, spirituality and internationalism.

Saturn in a relationship house can suggest several things: 1) You tend to be quite self reliant in that area, and experience relative isolation as a result. 2) You tend to attract older or serious (i.e. Saturnian) people in that life area. 3) You're somehow going to play the role of Saturn, i.e. the wise teacher, in that area for others.

Pluto in a relationship house can suggest profound emotional experience in that life area. A lot of repressed emotions may be brought up as a result of the relationship suggested by the house. Another possibility is that the relationship represented by that house is very intense, emotionally.

If most of the planets fall in the Western (right) side of the horoscope, chances are that too much energy is being given to others, and not enough for your own well being.

If most of the planets are in the Eastern (left) side of the chart, there could be a tendency to defend and withdraw into the self (i.e. too much energy goes to protect the Ascendant), which is another way to be out of balance. You could still link to the relationship houses through the planets' rulership connections (i.e. which planet rules the 7th house, etc.) and arrive at similar interpretations.

Conclusion: Personal Examples

A difficulty in one or more of the relationship houses will profoundly impact your level of happiness and personal growth. At the same time, these very difficulties may provide the opportunity for you to heal the wounds that you may have been carrying for a long time.

If you feel that some of these houses are not at all activated in your life, but you see planets in it, then that may be a cue to start looking for new connections in that area, or to find ways to be more deeply involved with others. Usually the planet within a house also represents the kind of person you'll attract.

I have Mercury and Pluto in the 7th house, and naturally I have a life coach (both Plutonian and Mercurial) that I see regularly, which is having a profound impact on my growth (Both planets are in Libra in my chart, which learns better through relationships.) This investment in turn helps me to help others through astrological consultation, in which case I'm using the Mercury-Pluto energy for the sake of others' benefit.

If you relate strongly to your natal planetary placements in the relationship houses, please feel free to share your experience through emails or comments.

International Astrology Day: A Huge Blog Event

2010-03-19T10:33:00.006-04:00

Every Spring Equinox is an international astrology day (it's the day Sun moves into 0 degree Aries, and hence is considered to be the beginning of astrological new year.)

This year a few astrologers coordinated a HUGE collection of good blog articles related to Saturn, Uranus and Pluto in order to discuss the upcoming cardinal T-square between these heavyweights. My article on Saturn also is in the collection.

The main event page is here.

You can also directly visit the coordinators' page: Mandi Lockley, Donna Cunningham or the Auntie Moon blog. Enjoy reading!

Working With Lunar Cycles

2010-03-18T23:00:00.005-04:00

New Moon Meditation
The light of the Moon is hidden once a month during the new moon - suggesting the end of the previous cycle, as well as signaling the imminent birth of a new cycle. The darkness of the new moon is pregnant with new possibility - and if we choose to, we can become a conscious participant in the next growth cycle.

Sowing New Seeds With The New Moon
Just like farmers sowing a new seed during the new moon, we could contemplate sowing a new intention for our life during the new moon, as well as starting a new project.

Normal lunar cycle takes an average of 29 1/2 days to complete (this can be measured by calculating the time between two full moons.) In astrology there are longer lunar cycles (such as the secondary progressed lunar cycle) that take longer to complete, and thus reflect longer range projects, goals and phases of life. First we'll look at the regular monthly cycle:

Simple Ways to Work With the Monthly Lunar Cycle
1) We can begin by paying attention to the dates of new moons (many calendars provide this.) If you have a choice at all, try to start a new project or new meeting around that day. Just as the farmers get good results from sowing and transplanting around the time of a new moon, a new beginning marked by new moon tends to feel empowering and in harmony with the universe.

2) In the absence of a concrete project to work on, try sowing some intentions for the month during the new moon. You could meditate on the symbolism of the sign where new moon occurs in, to see if you feel any deficiency in the area of life suggested by the sign that you'd like to improve.

For instance, the recent New Moon in Pisces could lead someone to set an intention to cultivate faith rather than worry, or go with the flow rather than overanalyze (Pisces being the opposite of Virgo.) Another possibility is that we set an intention to open ourselves to abundant inspiration and creativity everyday, so that our receptivity in this area improves over the course of the next month.

Here is the list of new moons occurring in 2010:

2010 New Moon Calendar

Jan. 15, 2010 New Moon in 25° Capricorn
Feb. 14, 2010 New Moon in 25° Aquarius
Mar. 15, 2010 New Moon in 25° Pisces
April 14, 2010 New Moon in 24° Aries
May 14, 2010 New Moon in 23° Taurus
June 12, 2010 New Moon in 21° Gemini
July 11, 2010 New Moon in 19° Cancer
Aug. 10, 2010 New Moon in 17° Leo
Sep. 8, 2010 New Moon in 16° Virgo
Oct. 7, 2010 New Moon in 14° Libra
Nov. 6, 2010 New Moon in 14° Scorpio
Dec. 5, 2010 New Moon in 13° Sagittarius

Now let's briefly discuss the longer cycle:

Secondary Progression: Working With Longer Cycles
Secondary progressed (SP) lunar cycle is probably the most common longer cycle used by astrologers - it takes 29 1/2 years (instead of days) to complete, and thus corresponds to the beginning (new moon), development (1st quarter moon), fulfillment/awareness (full moon) and ending (3rd quarter to next new moon) of major life commitments and goals. Here you may need a software or an astrologer to help you see where in the cycle you are.

Conclusion: Personal Examples
My personal example of the secondary progressed lunar cycle is pretty clear cut: in mid 2003 I experienced SP new moon, and this is when I decided to become a professional astrologer. Soon afterward I began the certification course with Noel Tyl, and completed it after 3 years.

Now 7 years later, I'm going through SP 1st quarter moon (since the SP cycle is 29.5 years long, you can think of it as roughly a 7 year cycle) and it seems like my practice is growing and I'm going into a new level. I made some commitments to ensure that I keep growing (such as the biweekly coaching sessions or the tai chi practice) so that I can be more helpful to people that I serve. Next 7 years look very promising and exciting.

How do you work with lunar cycles? If you have experiences with monthly or secondary progressed lunar cycles corresponding to significant decisions or events in your life, please feel free to share through email or comment.

Pluto Says Happiness is Getting Rid of Things

2010-03-01T23:00:00.001-05:00

Recently I've been reorganizing my office space, largely due to reading Getting Things Done by David Allen. Tonight I had to force myself to stop after filing or throwing away tons of files until 10:30PM (you tend to become ~~quite obsessed~~ focused for a long time if you have a large dose of Scorpio and other fixed signs.)

It may sound strange, but the more old files I threw away, I realized how much energy it has been costing me just to have them around. While the reorganization project is far from complete, I already feel more focused and energized. This process of eliminating the old applies to so many areas of our lives that it's worth taking a look at.

Pluto As The Archetype of Elimination
We know that Pluto archetype signifies literal and figurative death. A pertinent image here is that of a burial - a dead body that used to contain the live spirit is buried underground, no more to be seen. In the same way, Pluto helps us get rid of things that no longer contain any life for us in the present. What happens when Pluto touches different areas of our lives, either through natal or transit symbolism? Here are some examples:

Pluto - Sun aspect: There is a continuous sense of "letting go of the past," since one needs to keep releasing the old self image in order to be empowered.
Pluto - Moon aspect may necessitate getting rid of old emotional patterns that are at once familiar and toxic.
Pluto - Mercury aspect suggests letting go of old ideas that no longer work, which entails continuous pursuit of deeper insights.
Pluto - Venus contact challenges us to let go of outworn relationship patterns that no longer serve to bring happiness.
Pluto - Mars aspect gives us an opportunity to let go of old anger.
In general, Pluto transiting within a house will help to clear out old issues we have within the symbolism of that house, i.e. body/self image, self worth, ideas, family, sexuality/creativity, service, partnership, death/healing, education/religion, success/life direction, friends, illness/spirituality etc.

A Wardrobe Metaphor
We know that it's good to change the content of our wardrobe from time to time. We can usually tell just by feeling the piece of clothing in our hand - after a while it starts to feel "old" for no reason.

According to my Feng Shui expert friend, this is a sign that the clothing has become infused with (my) old energy, which is incompatible with who I am today, since I'm vibrating at a different level now compared to 6~12 months ago. When this happens, it's time to give some clothes away and make room for new ones.

In the same way, we may have outgrown many of our old patterns without fully realizing, and yet still may be stuck with these tired habits. Pluto transit may bring about a change of our (metaphorical) wardrobe, forcing us to part with the familiar but disempowering thought patterns or relationships.

If you're undergoing a Pluto transit and experiencing difficulty, consider what you're being forced to part with: Is it possible that this parting is creating a space for something better in your life? Who will you become as a result of this experience? Please feel free to share your thoughts and experience through emails or comments.

The 4 Angles of the Horoscope: How We Fit Into The World

2010-02-24T23:00:00.005-05:00

The Ascendant represents our external and internal development: when it is functioning properly, we might feel the following:

I'm happy with my body; I love exercising and keeping in shape.
I take good care of my health through eating well.
I take care of my appearance; I am happy with the way I present myself.
I accept and like my unique personality. I enjoy who I am, as well as who I'm becoming.

On the opposite of Ascendant, Descendant represents our relationships with others. When this life area is properly functioning, we may feel one or more of the following:

My spouse/partner believes in me and wants the best for me.
I've met my match.
I am appreciated for being me.
I'm surrounded by amazing people.

At the zenith of the chart, Midheaven represents our career - when this aspect of our life is functioning well, we may feel some of the following:

I know what my work in life is.
I'm being recognized in my field.
I'm making a good contribution to my field.
I love what I do.

At the nadir of the chart, IC represents our family and emotional foundation*. When this life area is working well, we might say:

There is a place I belong to.
I love my home.
Family comes first.
My family is loyal to me, and I to them - we stand up for each other.

So we can see that the four Angles of the birth chart represent key areas that anchor our life to the present. This is why it tends to bring up fear we when we see that one or more of these life areas are about to change - it may feel like one corner of the table suddenly got taken out.

The Importance of Anchors For Success
Often when a man is about to make a huge career change, his wife can be the one that encourages him to do so, through her faith in his potential to succeed (we can probably say the same for women, but I haven't heard too many stories on that side.) Or, if one day he loses his job, the thought of his family could be the single motivating force that propels him to seek another work. So we can see that the changes involving the 10th house (career) become easier to manage if one is securely anchored in 4th and/or 7th house (as well as his faith in himself, i.e. the Ascendant.)

In an extreme scenario, suicide or other mental illnesses may result if one is unable to anchor himself in one or more of the 4 life areas for a prolonged period. Such a person may lose the sense that he/she "belongs" to this world, and pursue varied ways to escape. This may result in depression or addiction, if not outright self destruction.

Conclusion: What It Means to Fit Into The World
Most of us are vulnerable in one or more key anchor areas of life, since none of us have a perfect family or a relationship (or perfect personality and body.) The thing is, anchors tend to reinforce each other - so doing well in one area is usually good for the other. By growing in each of these areas, our sense of security and effectiveness in the world increase, thereby giving us confidence that says "I can fit in just fine."

What anchors you securely in the world? Does that allow you to take more risks in another area? If an anchor in your life is being pulled out right now, where else can you go for support? The horoscope speaks eloquently about each of the 4 Angles - for example, you may have a concentration of planets in one area, making it the key anchor of your life. Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences through emails or comment.

*'family' here can come to include one's nation, or some other kinds of brotherhood that give us a sense of belonging.

Somewhat related post: 12th house transit & crossing the threshold

Consideration of Level

2010-02-18T23:00:00.002-05:00

In a vocational consultation, the Level of life expression frequently becomes a concern: on a scale of 1 to 10, where are you in terms of how much you're able to exercise your talent and ability through your daily work?

Let's say a vocational analysis of your horoscope brings the focus onto the 3rd house (sales, communication.) This person needs to 'sell' an idea or things, as well as be informative and communicative. But astrology doesn't say where the person's Level is (i.e. she could be a retail clerk, a teacher, or a sales executive for IBM.)

The higher up we go in the archetypal elevator, our rewards tend to increase - often both economically and socially, as well as in terms of personal satisfaction. So astrologer's work often involves a) identifying optimal channel of vocational outlet, and b) opening up possibilities for a higher level expression, through the mixture of vision and practicality.

Life brings us opportunities to move up a Level from time to time, through changing jobs or asking for increased responsibility within the existing work. Astrology often corroborates such change through the involvement of Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus or Pluto (Neptune tends to be significant for people in entertainment industry, but not so much for others.)

Going Up a Level Often Means Letting Go
Often what the key transits or Solar arcs suggest is not so much an increase of income, but of letting go of the old patterns that kept us stuck at the current level. To go through briefly:

Jupiter conjunction to the Sun happens once every 12 years, signifying a time of opportunity for increased Level of personal/career expression. In other words, this is a good time to let go of limiting beliefs that kept us small, in fact, too small for our potential.
Saturn transit to Midheaven or Ascendant axes often suggests a time of growth and maturity, where a specific path is chosen in exchange for unlimited potential. In other words, you make a commitment to grow within the path you've chosen.
Uranus transit to MC or ASC axes implies a time of greater individuation. Here we're learning to let go of the need for other people's approvals, and give ourselves the freedom to be who we are*.
Pluto transit to the Angle suggests a metaphorical (sometimes literal) death, which will be followed by the beginning of a new life. Here we have an opportunity for profound regeneration through a deep change of perspective.

Conclusion: Assessing the Level in All Areas
The consideration of Level actually applies to all areas of life. Sometimes it's useful to ask ourselves: At what Level am I functioning in my current career or relationships? Am I content to remain here, or is there more that I want to be doing?

How does astrology help to show you where you can do better in terms of Level? Do you have an experience of moving to a different Level during an important transit? What did you have to let go, if any? Feel free to share via comments or email.

*An interesting, albeit painful, example is that of Tiger Woods' fall from grace, which coincided with transiting Uranus conjunct his Descendant between November 2009 - January 2010. While this was indeed catastrophic, we need to consider what it might mean for him to be finally free from the impossible-to-live-up-to public image that had a life of its own since he was 2 year old. Here the concern of Level exists in a deeply personal realm of emotional intimacy.

Your Ascendant and Physical Characteristics - Classic Views Shared By Noel Tyl

2010-02-08T23:00:00.003-05:00

Different Sun or Ascendant signs usually have different physical characteristics. If a birth time is unknown and the person has a physical characteristic that is not associated with her Sun, Moon or anything else in her horoscope, chances are that it is coming from the Ascendant. This is by no means an exact science, but is very interesting and often works.

Physical and other characteristics traditionally associated with each Ascendant

During the Newark seminar Noel Tyl mentioned the following traditional characteristics associated with each Ascendant (with the caveat that they don't always work):

Aries rising: Longer and/or pointed jaw*; favors the color red.

Taurus rising: Stocky build.

Gemini rising: Nervous energy - watch for biting of nails, wiggling/tapping of foot (these characteristics can also be observed with strong Uranian energy, e.g. Uranus square Sun.)

Cancer rising: Round face, the pot belly, emotional caring. Color preference: silver and/or white.

Leo rising: Hairline is forward (like Scorpio); grandeur of expression; loves to be in the Sun.

Virgo rising: The distance between the eyes are close together (in order to focus on the minute details, I suppose.)

Libra rising: Carrying a mirror all the time (literally or figuratively); narcissistic look (e.g. John F Kennedy, Bill Clinton.)

Scorpio rising: Hairline is forward; hairy arms.

Sagittarius rising: Large feet; outdoor, rangy look.

Capricorn rising: Oval face, receding hairline. Color preference: black (definitely not pink.)

Aquarius rising: Prominent forehead. Color preference: Sunset color (rust, orange.)

Pisces rising: Dreaminess; wistfulness. Color preference: dark blue.

Conclusion: I have to say I fit quite well with the description for Pisces rising - how about you? Feel free to share through email or comment (or even add your photo for reference!)

* The picture of Bill Cosby (Aries rising) above shows a classic Aries jaw - long and pointed.

Moon and Its Dispositor

2010-02-01T23:00:00.005-05:00

Newark seminar with Noel Tyl has been a blast - I'll be sharing the more accessible materials in this blog over the course of next few months. Here we start with recapping the all-important "reigning need" of the Moon.

Moon represents our core emotional needs. Thus our key concerns or best memories in life usually reflect the needs symbolized by our natal Moon. In the seminar Noel Tyl shared pithy phrases to be helpful to each Moon placement, so I'll quote or paraphrase them below.

Moon in Aries: The need to be confident, to be Number One. Put another way, this is a need to lead and excel (Kathy Rose said there is a need for physical expression with this Moon).

Moon in Taurus: This Moon often suggests a reluctance to change due to a fear of transient insecurity. In working with it, we may need to list and identify old, outworn thought patterns and behaviors we can safely let go.

Moon in Gemini: The need to be articulate, playful and communicative. The sibling may enter the picture as an important influence early on.

Moon in Cancer: "The need for relationship reliability; management of emotions on a secure base." Hence it's difficult for this Moon to be alone.

Moon in Leo: The need to be loved and appreciated for dramatic self expression. "The King (Queen) complex."

Moon in Virgo: The need to be on top of details.

Moon in Libra: Needs relationship dynamic for societal reflection of our ego.

Moon in Scorpio: "Needs a mission, assignment, or a plan of attack."

Moon in Sagittarius: Needs to have opinions respected; needs audience and credentialization.

Moon in Capricorn: "Needs an army." Like Alexander the Great. The sense is that of ruling and controlling many people in order to make things happen.

Moon in Aquarius: The need to help people. Noel mentioned that natal Aquarius accentuation is 'hot', because our culture is putting a premium on it right now (referring to the strongly humanitarian emphasis of our era.) Helping leads to appreciation from others, which is ultimately what this Moon needs.

Moon in Pisces: "Needs to add practicality to ideals."

Moon and Its Dispositor
We know that aspects modify or suppress the expression of the Moon. Here we'll also consider the placement of the Moon's dispositor (i.e. the ruler of Moon's sign.) For example, Aries Moon's confidence and thrust for excellence will be expressed through Mars.

If Mars is retrograde in Cancer, we can expect some complication in the Aries Moon's need fulfillment process. Depending on aspect and house rulership, we can assess how much and where such tension will most likely manifest. This becomes an important key in interpreting how best to to allow the Moon's need to be fulfilled.

Similarly, For Gemini or Virgo Moon the communicative or intellectual drive will be expressed through Mercury, and its placement and aspect become important in assessing the Moon's need fulfillment process.

Personal example:
My Sagittarius Moon is desposited by Jupiter. So the Moon's need* for audience and credential will be expressed through Jupiter (which rules higher education, philosophy, and wide worldview.) In my natal chart, Jupiter in Taurus is unaspected in the 3rd house of communication.

Jupiter's Taurus placement is idealistic and practical at the same time. Unaspected (called "peregrine" in Noel Tyl's methodology) planet tends to have almost unlimited expression within the psyche - in my case I've spent too much time in college, as well as studied astrology and spiritual philosophy for a long time. I'm usually obsessed with learning.

Jupiter's 3rd house placement suggests I definitely need to talk or write about what I learn and think. So all in all, the need of the Sagittarius Moon (i.e. to have my opinions respected) will have a free reign within my psyche, making it very important that I somehow attain audience and credentials (i.e. to learn enough to have something worthwhile to say.) So the continuation of learning becomes an important key in fulfilling my Moon's need.

Conclusion
The possibility for creative synthesis is enormous with the Moon. We can go further than this by considering which house the Moon's dispositor is involved in (through tenancy or rulership.)

If you can relate to your Moon sign ruler's placement, and how it supports or modifies your Moon's emotional need, please feel free to share through email or comment.

*As an aside, all mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces) have a need to grow and develop mentally or intellectually. In the case of Sagittarius (a Fire sign), the element of self assertion seeking recognition enters the picture, hence the need to show and assert to others what one has learned.

Newark Seminar 2010 with Noel Tyl

2010-01-29T06:10:00.003-05:00

Just a quick note to say I'm flying to Newark now for the annual Newark seminar with Noel Tyl. It's going to be 3 full days of astrological learning for the pros, in which we go through many horoscopes and consultation tapes.

I plan to document and blog some pieces of it this weekend and later.

A Quick Comparison Between Gemini and Sagittarius

2010-01-12T23:00:00.001-05:00

Information vs Meaning

Gemini gathers information, Sagittarius makes sense out of them.
Gemini is unattached to any single idea, while Sagittarius has a definite opinion about which idea is good and true.
Gemini is a perpetual student, Sagittarius a teacher.
Gemini continually seeks exposure to new ideas, while Sagittarius seeks to find the one idea that really work.
Music analogy: Gemini is happy to have access to a million songs, while Sagittarius will stick with the top 40. (Substitute words such as ideas, websites, books, stocks etc in place of songs.)
Gemini seeks to share information, while Sagittarius seeks to transmit his beliefs and values (i.e. the way he interprets the information.)
Gemini likes to be informative and entertaining. Sagittarius needs to be respected for his opinions.
Left alone, Gemini moves toward variety and chaos, while Sagittarius seeks simplicity and order.

Horoscope Application
Natal emphasis in one or both signs suggests that a lot of energy needs to be dedicated to learning, teaching, and growing mentally.

Gemini emphasis: Energy comes from learning, communicating and gathering information. Love and curiosity guides the mind toward more and more information. Learning to trust one's own judgment becomes the key in making use of the vast knowledge thus acquired.
Sagittarius emphasis: Energy comes from teaching and self assertion. Passion for significant knowledge becomes infectious to others. Needs to keep seeking important knowledge in order to stay motivated.

Conclusion
Gemini can't be a Sagittarius and vice versa. If one or the other sign is emphasized in your natal chart, it's recommended to focus on the strengths of each sign. My horoscope is decidedly Sagittarian, and I feel a lot of energy when speaking or writing about something I believe in. If I try to be too Gemini (or other Air sign) like in my writing, my passion starts to dissipate.

If you have either signs emphasized in your horoscope and can see how it reflects on your method of learning/communicating, please feel free to share your experience through email or comment.

On Uranus Archetype: Part 2 - Significance of Transit or Solar Arc Uranus

2010-01-02T15:00:00.002-05:00

Being in touch with the Uranus archetype (the Wild Man/Woman discussed in part 1) means you're true to what makes you happy, and is able to choose a lifestyle (e.g. vocation, hobby, relationship, spiritual practice) that uniquely fulfills you, no matter how "different" it may make you from others around you.

During important Uranus transits, you may realize that you are not being fulfilled - perhaps even bored - within the current life direction you've chosen. This means it's time to question your values and motives - is "playing safe" and "not rocking the boat" suppressing your creative spirit? What's to stop you from pursuing a new course of action?

Significance of Transit or Solar Arc Uranus
Often we may choose to suppress the part of ourselves that don't fit in, simply because it's often the wise & necessary thing to do in order to keep the career or the marriage going. But there may come a time when the cost of suppression becomes too great, and trying to conform may damage the integrity of your soul.

Such turning points come several times in everyone's life (consider Uranus' transit or Solar arc to the Angles, or the Uranus' transit opposition to its natal place that happens when we're about 42 years old.) During such times, you would definitely want to consider taking extra time and space to be by yourself, questioning your values and reexamine what is meaningful and important.

If the Uranus transit involves a relationship (e.g. transit to Ascendant-Descendant axis, Venus and/or the 7th house ruler), this suggests that a time of testing for the relationship has arrived - you may need to have the courage to pursue what feels important to you without necessarily having the approval/involvement of someone close to you. In some cases your partner will be the one that can encourage you to take the plunge into the new direction. Either way, a new element will be introduced into your current relationship.

If the Uranus transit involves a career (Midheaven-IC axis, 6th or 10th house ruler), you may need to consider the possibility of a vocational development that is more in line with your true interest/passion - is your current job merely a result of conforming to other people's expectation (i.e. paying bills and supporting a family)? Could the transit be suggesting that you're actually in a position to be able to pursue the work you really love?

A few more Uranus transits to serve as examples:

Uranus transit within Ascendant (1st house) and its ruler helps us to ask the question "who am I and where am I going?" Odds are that by the time the transit is over, our answer will be different from before.
Uranus transit to Venus or 2nd house (and its ruler) brings up the question "How valuable am I?" Usually financially and socially. There is going to be an intensified drive to prove (and confirm to oneself) one's unique value through relationships, work or hobbies.
Uranus transit to Mercury or 3rd house (and its ruler) may require that we switch our mental gear and seek out new, stimulating information that energizes us (traditionally this transit is also associated with "sudden travel plans," which may have the same effect of stimulating our mind.)

Conclusion
In this way, you'll have opportunities to update or reprogram the areas of your life touched by the transit/Solar arc of Uranus. Sometimes a person or a group will come into your life that help you to go into the new direction. For me, last year's Uranus transit over my Ascendant changed everything through bringing me into new responsibilities, social contacts, and long term goals - and I had several mentors who played a very important part in making the transition.

During 2010 Uranus will be in late degrees of Pisces, except when it starts to go into 00-01 degree of Aries between May-July. If you have pertinent examples or a story regarding a key Uranus transit in your life, please feel free to share through emails or comments.

Holiday Gratitude and Good Wishes

2009-12-23T23:00:00.004-05:00

Gratitude: I'm grateful for all the blessings I continue to receive, especially from the good people in my life who give me love and their presence, along with their unique perspective.

Good Wishes: I hope you will receive all you need this holiday season, and have 2010 be the best year yet in what matters most to you - family, relationships, career, spirituality...I look forward to continuing the journey with you next year.

Astrologically, we have Mercury retrograde beginning on Saturday Dec 26th, lasting through Jan 15th next year, which may be a good period for R&R if you're able to take time off...For me I'll be attending a 4-day meditation retreat starting tomorrow.

All the best to you and yours,
Hiroki Niizato

On Uranus Archetype: Part 1 - Wildness of the Soul

2009-12-16T23:00:00.000-05:00

Every person deals with the world in a skewed way, only we each do so a little differently - many of us learned to be good at hiding our own particular quirks early on (since the alternative meant risking rejection from others.) But underneath, we're still a little bit weird (or unique.) In astrology, Uranus is the symbol of that quirk.

If you ever feel less than excited about your own potential, consider where Uranus is emphasized in your natal chart through house rulership, placement and aspects: chances are that you will find plenty of energy there, just waiting to be released from our self-created constraints.

A Few Images for Uranus Archetype
In the language of archetypes, Uranus is the Wild Man (Woman), or Mad Scientist, or the Rebel of the psyche: this part of us is ferociously independent, doesn't care about people's opinions, let alone rules and regulations. It wants space to be itself, and likes to follow its own path into the woods, into the trails less traveled.

Understandably, the Wild Man elicits fear from the more civilized part of our being - God knows what'll happen if we let it out at work! What would happen if we let the Mad Scientist out in a business conference?* Can the manager let their inner Rebel run the show?

There is a good chance that the Uranian energy will not be welcomed in a peaceful and orderly environment, where we're doing business as usual. So often we just exile this part of ourselves, and choose to be more or less like everyone else (follow the news, talk about investments, economy, politics etc.)

Uranus in a Natal Chart
Like other outer planets, Uranus must be somehow integrated into the overall expression of the psyche before we can experience its intensity in a healthy manner. Because this part of us always likes to "push the envelope" of what's possible, there is a fresh energy to be had each time we visit it, if we're able to release the conformist fear that says "this may be too weird, what will people think of me?" etc.

Consider the following:

Uranus aspect to the Sun brings the issue regarding conformity to the center stage of our consciousness. There is an acute awareness of our difference from others - often this difference marks the existence of some challenges as well as gifts.
Libra is more or less about conforming (and being popular among other conformists.) If your Libra and/or Venus is involved with Uranus, the challenge is to step out of the conformity in a graceful manner.
Mars or Aries is more or less about doing one's own thing - when combined with Uranus, the intensity of ego's pursuit can be a bit too much for others - it's like Wild Man with spears - of course others will feel threatened. How/where do you direct such temperamental energy?
Uranus in Angular (1st, 4th, 7th and 10th) houses suggests active, visible utilization of our unique energy by the personality - making the person unforgettable in some way to others (some examples: 1st house - because of the way I look, act and speak; 4th house - because of my parents; 7th house - because of who I'm in relationship with; 10th - because of what I do for a living.)
Uranus in hard aspect to Saturn means at some point, Saturn will need to let Uranus out of jail - meaning that new modes of thinking, talking/behaving must be cultivated in the area represented by these two planets. Noel Tyl calls this aspect "clash between the old and the new."
Uranus in or ruling the 12th house suggests that this archetype either acts up in self-defeating ways (e.g. through rebellion and indifference to others), or you've banished it into the far corners of your psyche, thereby losing touch with it completely.

No matter where you find it in your horoscope, this archetype will be highly charged, ready to give us energy and direction if we'll suspend our fear of rejection long enough. If you relate to your natal Uranus placement, please feel free to share your story/experience through emails or comments.

In the next part we'll discuss Uranus transits and ways to be in touch with the Wild Man.

*Actually it could turn out to be wonderful. Like Hans Rosling (not to say he's a mad scientist, but we can feel similar intensity and genius when he talks.)

Inspirational Ebook Well Worth a Look

2009-12-16T08:57:00.004-05:00

Seth Godin's new ebook "What matters now" is out, and is available for free download - it's a gorgeous compilation of short, memorable ideas from today's big thinkers.

Link to the original post

Working with Jupiter (5) How and Where We Look For Rewards

2009-12-06T22:00:00.004-05:00

Jupiter & How We Expect the Rewards
In astrology Jupiter represents our capacity to expect and believe in the future reward. Hence aspects to this planet, or its retrogradation, tend to affect the level and quality of our mental outlook. Here are some examples:

Mars - Jupiter aspect unites action with expectation for reward, resulting in motivated or aggressive pursuit of goal achievement. When out of balance, this could lead to overconfidence or overdoing for the sake of accomplishment.
Saturn - Jupiter aspect demands realistic expectation and long lasting rewards. Here the mature, practical expectation often leads to tangible achievements, as long as one does not succumb to cynicism.
Uranus - Jupiter aspect adds an element of intensity and individuality to the expectation of reward. There may be a passionate pursuit of unusual rewards, which could distinguish one from his/her peers.
Neptune - Jupiter aspect may raise the expectation for reward to an unrealistic degree, creating dangers of escapism or disillusionment. The challenge here is to seek the reward that would keep satisfying your highest ideals, while keeping your life in balance (and sobriety.)
Pluto - Jupiter aspect may suggest the power to expect and believe in large scale rewards, as well as seeking the reward while going into the underworld of hidden or forbidden matters.
Jupiter retrograde may have difficulty showing enthusiasm or positive expectation - in such cases we may need to ask ourselves where we've succumbed to chronic negative expectations.

As Jupiter represents our power to believe, if we find that we're less than optimistic, chances are that our belief is dedicated to some kind of limitation (I can't do this because it's always been this way) or negative consequences (I'd hate to rock the boat, etc.) Rest of the horoscope may show where such limiting expectation has been learned.

Where We Seek the Rewards
Life coaches and therapists will attest that these beliefs can definitely be changed, and more positive outlook can be acquired. Astrology may be able to provide an additional resource, through giving us an insight where we may be seeking our reward.

For example my Jupiter is in 3rd house of communication while ruling the 10th of career, so we can say a lot of my expectation is tied to these two areas. In addition I have planets contacting the Jupiter with quindecile aspect from 8th and 9th house, which also suggest strong drive to seek the rewards through alternative healing, internationalism, writing and spirituality.

If you relate strongly to your natal Jupiter placement and how/where you seek your reward, please feel free to share through email or comments.

Moon and Experience of Early Emotional Bonding

2009-11-20T23:00:00.000-05:00

The Primal Mother-Child Bond
Moon in a horoscope represents the quality of initial bonding that takes place between a mother and her baby - arguably, it is the deepest and most passionate link we will ever form with the outer world, as our life - being a newborn - literally depends on the strength and endurance of this bond.

Every connection that comes after this initial bonding will be defined in comparison to that first relationship, albeit subconsciously: we tend to expect the same type/strength of emotional expression, as well as wanting to maintain the same length and depth of affectionate communication we enjoyed with our mother.

(Some examples: How often and how long did your mother hold you in her arms and spoke to you lovingly before turning her attention to something else? If your mother had mood swings or fits of temper, how many good days were you able to have with her before she lost it? How many bad days? If your parents fought a lot, how many good days were you able to have before a fight?)

As children we cannot choose what we will bond with - what if we see in our mother's eyes, instead of love and admiration, a resentment or lack of interest? We may have no choice but to bond with whatever level of hostility or disinterest we perceive in the environment, and to begin defining our world from that primal template (i.e. expecting certain level of anger or emotional disconnection as the norm in relationships.)

This may explain why some people need more "space" than others in relationships or some couples fight more often than others. Often an ethnic culture carries its own relational template, which is passed down from generations - thus giving some culture a reputation for being passionate, while giving others a reputation for being restrained*.

Moon in Your Natal Horoscope - The Quality of Early Bonding
While the entire horoscope must be studied to assess the quality of the early bonding experience, the sign, house and aspect placement of the natal Moon offer some clues. I'll list a few key measurements that stand out in analysis:

Moon in Fire Sign and/or Mars-Moon aspect will increase the need for independence and ego gratification. The question is, how did this come about? Was there a great deal of time spent alone, or a special reward given for exceptional performance?
Moon in Air Sign, and/or Moon - Mercury or Venus aspect will accelerate the urge to connect and communicate with the environment. What factors facilitated communication in the early environment? Were there siblings that acted as continuous friends? Was the communication around you positive?
Moon in Earth Sign and/or Saturn aspect will increase practical orientation. How did the environment make you aware of the real world issues around you? What caused you to grow up so early?
Moon in Water Sign and/or Neptune increases emotional sensitivity and introversion. How sensitive were your parents? What caused you to hurt, and to be afraid of being hurt?
Moon - Jupiter aspect will increase expectations for reward. How were you rewarded as a child, and how does it influence your motivation today? What was your mother hoping for in life?
Moon - Uranus aspect will increase the intensity of the above expressions, as well as adding further element of individuality - What disrupted the flow of mother-child bonding? How can you come back to center?
Moon - Pluto aspect will increase emotional power, intensity and weight. How powerful was the mother, and how was the power used in relation to the child?

Conclusion
These are small examples of how we may approach the question of early life bonding experience. What I find is that, even in adult life, a challenging relationship situation tends to evoke an emotional experience that is similar to that of my early childhood (e.g. fear of abandonment, or insecurity about self) - it is as if the universe brings up these emotions in order for me to heal them properly.

If you have your own story about a mother-child bonding that is reflected within your horoscope, please feel free to share through emails or comments.

*note that Asian culture in general are more restrained in emotional expression, as the shame-based value system is passed down from generations. In Japanese art forms (such as haiku, noh or sumie), rather than do away with this restraint, they try to work within it by mastering the art of expressing more emotions while saying less.

Traveling to Japan Between Nov 3rd - 17th (Taking Reader Requests & Questions)

2009-11-01T23:31:00.007-05:00

This is a quick note to let you know that I will be visiting my family in Japan from November 3rd - 17th. I'll be finishing the last consultation on Monday the 2nd, and will be available again after the 18th.

I'm looking forward to seeing the beautiful autumn leaves, and hope to take lots of photos.

In general I have more time to think, meditate and write during travel, so if you have requests or questions about a certain astrological topic, please feel free to send me an email or post a comment, and I will be happy to write about it and post the reply when I get home. Thanks so much for reading & enjoying the blog!

Solar Return and the Intent for the Next Year

2009-10-26T08:30:00.000-04:00

Birthday is a terrific time to appreciate the development of the past year and look forward to a new cycle of growth. As the Sun returns to its natal position each year, it shines light on our core life intent and makes it easier for us to live from our center (i.e. the place of rest, peace, power and authenticity). Many people consult their astrologers around their birthdays for this very reason.

Today is my Solar return, and I wanted to meditate a bit on the core life intent represented by my natal Sun:

Sun's Sign & House Placement
My Scorpio Sun in the 8th house suggests that one of my core life intent is to heal and integrate a wide range of human emotions, from the deepest feelings of anger, fear and shame to the height of joy, unity and compassion. The 8th house association with "matters of death" in this case also suggests a process of ego transformation, which is basically dying to your old self again and again.

Position of Sun's ruler: Pluto
The position of the Sun's ruler may also illuminate where the core focus of life will be. Scorpio Sun's ruler is Pluto, and in my case Pluto is found in the 7th house of relationships with others. This has varied implications, from whom I will forge lasting significant relationships (people with deep insights and emotional intensity) to what will catalyze my transformation.

The "T" Word Is...
Transformation is a euphemism for the intense emotional process that involves many unpleasantness (for me, at least.) Typically you don't "transform" when everything is going great in your work, relationship and family - so universe sends you challenges. Repeatedly. Until you get it.

Recently the challenge that has been coming up for me was how to let go of needing people's approvals in order to feel okay. A situation has come up where I felt attacked and disapproved by others, which really bothered me for days.

To come back to my center, I had to let go of my pride again and again, which definitely felt like dying - but otherwise I couldn't function in compassion. I'm learning that forgiveness is a gift not for others but myself, and that my pride has to die in order for me to give this gift to myself.

Operating From the Center : Intent for the Next Year
For centering, meditation helps, and so does contemplative physical exercise. I started the morning with some tai chi and meditation, and I feel more centered than I have in days. For today, my practice will be to operate my whole day from this restful place. For this year, my intent will be to keep discovering what takes me away from the center, and to keep letting go of my old emotional wounds as they surface, so more of my inner light can come forth.

If you recently had your birthday or are expecting one soon, what does your Sun's (and its ruler's) placement suggest your core life intent is? What can you do this year to live more from that intent? Please feel free to share through email or comments.

Working with Jupiter (4): Success, Intention and Growth

2009-10-15T23:00:00.006-04:00

(photo source: reuters.com)
Success is a New Beginning
Jupiter is frequently associated with success and reward. In Disney movies success comes at the end of the story, and people live happily ever after. In actual life, success almost always is a beginning of a new journey.

Famous Examples of Success & Reward During Jupiter Transit
Jupiter's orbit is 12 years, so the "planet of reward" touches the sensitive spots in your horoscope once every 12 years*. While not all Jupiter transit will coincide with breakthroughs and huge success, here are some well known examples:

1) Last week President Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize, surprising pretty much everybody. Transiting Jupiter conjoined his Ascendant exactly within 1 degree orb. (link to chart)

2) When Oprah Winfrey first began hosting a low-rated morning show called AM Chicago, transiting Jupiter was about to conjoin her Ascendant. Within a matter of months, AM Chicago became the number one rated morning show in America, and later was renamed Oprah Winfrey show.

3) Pope John Paul II was unexpectedly elected to be Pope on October 16, 1978. Transiting Jupiter was exactly conjunct his Midheaven.

4) Pamela Anderson was accidentally discovered during the Summer of 1989. Within a few months she was selected as the cover model for October 1989 issue of Playboy magazine. Transiting Jupiter was conjunct her Ascendant in June '89, and then went on to conjoin her Sun in September of '89.

Jupiter's Reward as the Bridge to Future
In all of these cases the reward or "success" that coincided with the Jupiter transit was a beginning of a new career or a new phase of responsibility. In the case of Obama's award of the Nobel Peace Prize, almost everyone - including the President himself - saw the prize as a "call to action" in the upcoming future, rather than the reward of past achievements.

Intention and Growth: How to Work with Jupiter Transits
Whenever Jupiter crosses an Angle (especially Ascendant and Midheaven) or the Sun in your natal chart, we can consider that period as a peak in its 12 year journey**. While the precise interpretation of the transit varies with each birth chart and other measurements, this is a good time to ask yourself "What new path is opening before me? What do I want the next 12 years to look like? Looking back at the past 12 years, what old habits and thought patterns can I leave behind?"

Asking ourselves these questions during a major Jupiter transit will help us respond positively to the opportunities and reward that are present at these times. By setting our intention for future growth at this time, we may well be sowing a seed at precisely the right time, which will result in our reaping the desired fruits at the appointed time in future.

If you have upcoming (or recently occurred) Jupiter transit to an Angle or the Sun, please feel free to share your experience and intention for your next 12 year journey. I will share mine when Jupiter transits my Pisces Ascendant next Spring.

*In the case of retrograde motion, Jupiter may contact a particular spot a few times over the span of several months.

**So you can see that there are several peaks and valleys within the journey, and their sequence differs with each horoscope, creating a unique landscape over the field of time.

Related posts: More "Working with Jupiter" posts from the past.

Archetypal Musings: the Solar Journey

2009-10-07T22:00:00.003-04:00

The Sun and the King Archetype
In astrology the Sun represents our core authentic self. The Solar journey is a quest for true self knowledge and authenticity.

Think of the last time you felt really centered and able to feel the joy of being fully alive in the moment. That was a Solar moment, where you were most likely expressing true facets of your being. All of our fears, challenges and personal shortcomings fade away when we are in that special moment.

Robert Bly called this Solar experience as "being in the presence of the King." King (or Queen) is an image frequently connected to the archetype of the Sun. Like all archetypes this image is embedded in our collective consciousness. The King archetype brings order into the psyche and the world: we usually project it onto National/Religious leaders and celebrities (Obama, the Pope, or Oprah etc) because our psyche desperately needs these figures to make sense of the world.

The Natal Sun and The Solar Quest
The placement of the Sun in your horoscope represents the path you must take to reach the King archetype (i.e. the state of true authenticity.) In my case I have a Scorpio Sun in the 8th house of occult, ruling the 6th house of service: thus I feel very centered when helping others through astrology.

To get a full picture of the journey, however, we must also take a look at the challenge that our natal Sun placement suggests: in the case of a Scorpio Sun in the 8th house, we can expect deep, dark emotions that must be confronted within the psyche, such as fear, shame, jealousy, resentment etc. These emotions somehow need to be successfully integrated along the way before a King can be reached.

The Threat of Non-Authenticity
For me I start to feel scattered and unfocused (i.e. King-less) when I'm not paying attention to my deeper emotions. By choosing to ignore the messages from my deeper psyche, I in turn lose touch with my Solar self. Often the reminders are painful - I may need to feel the emotions of fear or anger that I have been ignoring for some time - just acknowledging their existence can bring more centered-ness, reminding me to stay on the path of healing the wounded emotions.

For other Sun placement it is most likely different - a Leo Sun may begin to lose touch with its authentic power when it doesn't confront someone that mistreated him/her. A Sagittarius Sun may wither if not allowed to assert itself. A Capricorn Sun may get lost without setting real world goals to make happen, whereas a Cancer Sun needs to nurture others and herself to be fully in the moment.

Summary: Our Individual Solar Journey
The natal Sun placement can be regarded as a prescription for authenticity and aliveness. With a Scorpio Sun in the 8th house, there is no way I can be an easy going person with lovely thoughts all the time and be authentic - when I try that I get anxious, obviously because I have yet to finish with my underworld journey! For me the jewels lie beneath the turbulent ocean of feelings. While I don't always engage in emotional work, I know it is what I need if I'm not feeling as alive or centered as I want to be.

This exercise can be expanded to include the aspects to the Sun. If your Sun placement suggests a definite need of taking a certain path toward centered-ness and authenticity, please feel free to share your story through comments or emails.

Astrology of Time Management: Bringing Balance Into Productivity

2009-09-29T23:00:00.008-04:00

[New Visitors Welcome! This post is included in the collection of Saturn related articles in Astroair Astrology by Mandi Lockley as a part of International Astrology Day Blog-A-Thon held during March 2010.]

Being extremely busy is inevitable for most of us some of the time - especially if you have passionate commitments in several life areas, and/or you need to support your family. During certain heavy transits or progressions (e.g. Pluto's hard transit to Saturn* or vice versa), the responsibility and workload may increase to an overwhelming degree, creating potential for a lot of stress.

When feeling overwhelmed, it's important for us to gain a clear perspective. Here I share with you a tool that I learned in one of my coaching sessions. You might have heard of it:

The Mind Dump
It's very simple - you take a sheet of paper (larger the better), and begin writing everything you want/need to do that is on your mind, in any areas of your life. Don't stop to figure out how to complete each task at this stage, just keep listing your problems, goals, concerns etc, from the most mundane (change the light bulb, make a minor car repair, call that person) to most significant (your life goals, or dreams of traveling to a foreign country etc.)

If you're overwhelmed, chances are you'll end up with a quite long list. I just did mine and ended up with some 80 or so tasks...No wonder I was feeling overwhelmed! The benefit of taking time to do this may be self evident as you go through it, but here are some of them:

It frees up the mind enormously not to have to carry these tasks/concerns in our head.
By having it on paper you can begin to tackle the tasks one by one, and ensure to get everything done eventually.
It's easier to prioritize between tasks if you have them listed in one place.

If you feel overwhelmed or stressed out (or if you simply want to be more productive,) give it a try - I promise you will feel a lot less burdened after completion.

Mind Dump & Holistic Time Management - Astrologer's Version
Here is how you might want to work with the result of the mind dump: As I went through the list, I noticed that about 75% of the tasks were related to work/business, and other 25% of them related to nonprofit work. As these have to do with 10th and 6th house (and naturally correspond to 2nd house of finance and self worth, as well as 8th house of others' well being), you could say these are the high priority life areas for me at this time in my life.

The thing is, I can easily make myself work from morning to late evening and burn myself out - that would be an imbalance, with too much focus on 10th and 6th house. However, if I find myself avoiding work and spending lots of time doing other things (say 5th house of entertainment or 9th house of inspirational study) I'd be out of balance there as well.

To be balanced, I'd need to recognize my priorities, then manage my time accordingly, without losing sight of other important life areas. Consider the following life areas:

12 Houses and Possible Ways of Spending Time
Fire House (Improving Self image; Re-creation, Inspiration)

1st house - Taking time to exercise and reinforcing a positive body image as well as improve health.
5th house - Entertainment (TV, reading fiction, sex, watching sports, and creative hobbies.) Taking care of your children. Letting your inner child come out and play.
9th house - Elevating the Mind: Studying a spiritual text, traveling abroad, learning about another culture or language, attending an inspirational seminar, etc. Changing the worldview.

Earth House (Work, Service, Creating Values)

2nd house - Taking care of your finance (saving, investing long term etc.) Improving your self worth. Clarifying what you value.
6th house - Engaging in service of/with others. A job. Helping people.
10th house - Your career and vocation. A calling in life. Taking on responsibilities in an organization.

Air House (Intellectual growth, Social Life, Relationship)

3rd house - Reading periodicals (keeping up with news), gathering and sharing interesting/useful information. Fixing your car. Commuting.
7th house - Relationships with significant others, or the public in general.
11th house - Being among a group of like minded people. Helping others.

Water House (Nourishing Emotions, Intuitions, and the Spirit)

4th house - Taking care of your home and family. Nourishing yourself through physical/emotional food. Home improvement. Or simply relaxing at home.
8th house - Healing activities. Being a custodian of others' wealth or well being.
12th house - Private suffering. Enjoying solitude. Having a retreat. Working with dreams (taking time to sleep). Meditation. Releasing ego's attachment to all other houses.

Summary
If you feel overwhelmed with too much to do, try the Mind Dump. See where your priorities are, and where your time is going. For me, I found that I wasn't taking enough time with Water house activities (or non-activities) - and being a very Watery-horoscope person, I felt dried up after a few weeks of overwork. I took time for Fire house activities through exercise, entertainment and inspirational study, but they didn't substitute for the rest and quiet time represented by the Water houses.

If you try this exercise and make any helpful discoveries, please feel free to share through comments or emails.

*Saturn represents responsibility, and Pluto transit magnifies its symbolism to an extreme degree. Hence the hard aspect transit/progression between these two planets signify hard, hard work, with emphasized threat of loss (Saturn.)

Author bio: Hiroki Niizato is a professional astrologer residing in Tampa Bay, Florida. He is a highest-honors graduate of the demanding Master's Degree Certification Course in Astrology by Noel Tyl, and a long time practitioner of an Eastern meditation. Hiroki has been practicing astrology professionally since 2001, and is available for phone or in-person consultations.

Related posts in the Saturn series:

Libra Archetype and the Balance Test

2009-09-21T17:00:00.006-04:00

Sun enters Libra on Sept 22nd amidst Mercury retrograde conjunct Saturn, giving us an opportunity to reflect on the discipline of being balanced.

The Discipline of Balance
We know that Libra the Scale represents the ideal of balance and equilibrium. Despite these peaceful sounding words, anyone who tried to balance a scale knows that it takes an effort to manage the state of equipoise, and how fragile that state is.

In other words, being in balance isn't a static state that involves no conscious effort on your part. If we are passive and unaware, the scale starts to tip in one direction or the other all too easily, leaving our lives out of balance.

Is Your Life In Balance? Mercury Retrograde Review
Since it's Mercury retrograde, it's a good time to reassess and review our lives. I invite you to reexamine each of the following life areas to see whether you are in or out of balance:

Work: Do you work too much or too little? Do you spend time working on what matters, or are too busy spending time in nonproductive areas of your work?
Exercise: Do you exercise your body too much or too little?
Diet: Do you eat too much or too little? Do you take care to eat nourishing, nutritious food or find yourself eating comfort food and drive-throughs?
Water: Do you drink too little water? Did you know that water is the only liquid that can cleanse some of your organs (i.e. not teas, coffee, juice etc)?
Rest: Do you sleep too much or too little? Do you stay up much later than you know is healthy?
Relationship: Do you make sure to spend quality time with your family and loved ones? Do you find yourself spending most of your time interacting with people that are relatively important/unimportant to you?
Fun: Do you spend time doing what you enjoy? Do you do that too much or too little?
Education: Do you spend time learning something that will make you more effective in life, or do you find yourself watching mindless programs on TV or internet?
Money: Do you spend too much on frivolous purchases? Or are you too tight with your money, afraid to purchase something you need or want?
Appearance: Do you take care to groom yourself and look nice? Do you spend too much or too little time working on your appearance?
Spirituality: Do you take time to be connected to your inner source? Are you inspired?

My Review and Re-commitment
Looking at this list made me realize that I was off in a few areas. For me daily meditation practice is crucial for staying in balance, yet it has been suffering due to my staying up way too late over the course of several weeks - which makes me too tired to get up early in the morning, etc. I was out of balance.

The lesson I'm learning now is that being in balance is about discipline and commitment - two Saturnian words - hence we have Saturn's exaltation in Libra. I'm recommitting myself to my morning & evening meditations - which tends to have a beneficial influence on all other areas of my life. I'm also recommitting on drinking enough water, etc.

If you found yourself to be out of balance in some areas after reading the list above, perhaps you could also pick an area or two to recommit yourself to being in balance. If you feel so inspired, feel free to share your intentions with me through email or comments, I'll be happy to support you. Have fun re-balancing!

Mercury Retrograde as a Transit

2009-09-14T22:50:00.001-04:00

We're 1 week into the current Mercury retrograde period, with 2 more weeks to go.

Play of Words
Someone said activities that start with 're' is appropriate during Mercury retrograde cycle. According to an etymology dictionary, re means "back to the original place, again," also with a sense of "undoing," as well as "again, back, against."

Here are some common activities during Mercury Rx period:

Repair: you may find that your cars and electronic appliances may be in need of repair

Review, reevaluate: looking back to reassess priorities, values etc.

Reconnect: meet the people that you haven't seen/heard from in a while

Retrace: 2 steps forward, 1 step back. No worries.

Relax: take time to retreat, rejuvenate, reflect, etc.

Mercury Retrograde as a Transit
Last Mercury retrograde occurred in early Gemini/late Taurus, and Mercury ended up transiting over my 3rd house Jupiter 3 times during the retrograde cycle (direct, retrograde, direct.) Besides being a great period of study, so many ideas came to me during this period that I was able to write enough blogs to last me several months (I published them as weekly posts.)

So in this case, Mercury transiting the 3rd house Jupiter several times was clearly an emphasis on study and communication (the combination of Mercury and Jupiter in general seems to be conducive to writing, as it represents big ideas and growth through study/communication.)

The current retrograde in early Libra/late Virgo is happening in my 7th house, involving no planets in particular. I still see it as a welcome period of reflection, but I'm also rather busy participating in many meetings and group projects. In keeping with Virgo archetype, perhaps, I'm also dealing with personal feelings around guilt and imperfections.

Summary
Mercury retrograde is a time of retracing steps, of going back to retrieve something of value, or a time of renewal. Depending on where it occurs in your horoscope, there may be an intense mental focus on the planet/points transited by the Mercury retrograde. If you are experiencing significant transit of Mercury retrograde, please feel free to share/discuss via emails or comments.

Archetypal Scenes of Life: Metaphors for Transits & Progressions

2009-09-06T23:55:00.004-04:00

"Planets don't do anything, people do" is an oft-repeated phrase that astrologers use to discourage fatalism. With this in mind, what do transits and progressions "do"?

My view is that astrological transits prepare the environment in which you exercise your free will. In looking at upcoming transits and progressions, a part of astrologer's work is to capture the quality of the environment that is being prepared for the client.

Consider the following archetypal scenes, each with a set of possible astrological measurements:

1) The Scene of War: There is a power struggle between two opposing forces. This can be a literal war between two people, or an internal war fought within your psyche, between the two selves. Does the fight result in a victory or a stalemate? Does either side win? What happens as a result?

Example: Uranus and Saturn represents the New and the Old, respectively, and when these two planets are in hard aspect, there is a clash between the old and the new.

Noel Tyl stated that whenever this happens, Uranus must win. Note that the two planets were in exact opposition during the 2008 election; President Obama's victory represents that people collectively voted for change (Uranus.)

If Uranus transits your natal Saturn, consider similar battles taking place within your life or your psyche. Another important point in your horoscope is the Sun/Moon midpoint, as it represents a point of psychic union (or separation), and heavy transits to this midpoint can also stir up long standing issues between the opposing forces within you.

2) The Beginning: There is a beginning of a new journey or an adventure. This can be a new job, new relationship, or a new place to live in. What story will unfold? What changes will you go through as a result of this new journey? Where are you going?

Example: Ascendant and the Midheaven axes are the threshold of life development. Transits to these points often coincide with new beginnings and new directions.

3) The Setback: the protagonist faces considerable odds, perhaps going back to square one, seemingly lost. This can be the literal loss of a job, health or relationship. Or it could be an internal setback - being paralyzed by fear or disappointment with self. The story halts for a moment - the pause can last a long time - the question is, what will it take for you to move through the setback?

Example: Saturn transit can provide such challenging environment, wherein your only option seems to be to persevere with your effort (you could always give up, but that doesn't make for a particularly good story - unless you decide that you shouldn't have begun that particular project in the first place. That happens too.)

Summary
So you can see that the list of archetypal scenes and their astrological correspondence can be quite long if we keep exploring. If you want to play with this idea, please feel free to email me or leave comments with an archetypal scene of life, along with possible corresponding astrological measurements.

Working with Saturn, Part 6: On Fear of Restrictions and Limitations

2009-08-31T23:00:00.002-04:00

Saturn gets a bad rap as the symbol of limitations & restrictions in life, but it's the very knowledge of our limitations that lets us enjoy. Consider this:

1) Saturn represents work and all the responsibility it entails - from our work schedule to company policies we must follow, we are forced to come under the rule of authority.

While many people claim to enjoy the freedom of leisure more than the restriction of work, this is found to be untrue once someone actually retires or loses a job - people do not thrive without feeling the sense of value they derive from working.

2) Saturn represents old age and the sickness & death it brings - illness or loss of our family makes us appreciate our health & life more fully. The awareness of limited time we have on earth increases our productivity and gratitude.

3) Saturn represents commitment - a voluntary restriction of possibilities: we choose one project, one career, one relationship as our life path, and decide to explore it fully and deeply - the reward is self evident.

Summary
When Saturn transits the sensitive spots in your horoscope, it helps if we do not fear work, commitment, or even loss. We could argue that there is nothing inherently pain inducing with work, commitment or death - it's our wrong conception of them that create the suffering.

Work can be joyful, commitment deepens growth, and death is a sublime reminder of the miracle of our existence. If we live this way, Saturn becomes your friend. And if you can befriend Saturn, what have you to fear on heaven or earth?

Leo the Gatekeeper & Intercepted Virgo - Reader Question

2009-08-25T23:00:00.002-04:00

After the previous post on Virgo archetype, someone emailed me to ask about her natal configuration:

"I'd be interested to see what you thought of my Virgo 'set up'. I have Leo rising at 23 degrees, Virgo intercepted in the first house. Mars at 7 degrees Virgo, Pluto at 19 degrees Virgo and Uranus at 22 degrees Virgo. Pluto and Uranus are opposed by Moon, Chiron, Saturn in Pisces in the 7th."

I will use the answer to discuss the interception of signs.

1) Intercepted Virgo: [For beginners, interception means the entire sign is contained within a single house. In this case Leo is on the 1st house cusp, and probably Libra is on the 2nd house cusp, thus containing the whole sign of Virgo within the 1st house.]

Whenever a sign is intercepted, often there is a difficulty accessing its energy directly. Consider the sign on the cusp (in this case, Leo) as the gatekeeper, and the intercepted sign (Virgo) as someone living deep within the house, in a room with no windows. Before you can let the Virgin out of the house, you need to be on friendly terms with the gatekeeper.

So in the above example, this lady needs to be comfortable with expressing the Leo energy (i.e. self love, enthusiasm, creativity & generous expression of emotions) before the Virgo attributes can shine.

2) Gatekeeper (i.e. sign on the cusp) can pose a challenge: Often the challenge with interception is to successfully find a blend of two incompatible energies (in this case, Leo & Virgo.) One or the other won't do - both signs need to be successfully expressed. This calls for some time to adjust & refine the approach throughout your life, before you can find what works for you.

In the example given, the Pisces Moon is under quite a bit of stress (from Saturn, Uranus, Pluto & Chiron) which suggests interruption in the nurturing bond with the caretaker.

Depending on how deep the wound is, there will be a varying degree of challenge in self-acceptance and self love. This in turn will affect how comfortable one is to express the child-like enthusiasm associated with Leo (which in turn will affect how one behaves in intimate relationships, etc.)

3) If you skip the gatekeeper, the power diminishes: if the growth path of Leo is skipped (i.e. no effort is made to boldly express one's passion), you may express the Virgo energy in its lower form - i.e. utilizing your analytical skills for unsatisfying careers, or being lost in criticizing and analyzing yourself.

Summary & Further Thoughts
Here the ideal blend of two energies results in a bold expression of one's analytical intelligence, used to gain personal significance in one's field. The ego is grounded in reality and service, but is free from paralyzing self doubt. You express yourself through the quality of your work.

We can do this exercise with any intercepted signs - because the two consecutive signs are often incompatible in nature, it calls for a more creative expression to successfully blend together. In my case I have Pisces rising with Aries intercepted, and self assertion must blend with a degree of compassion - otherwise it just doesn't work...So Pisces is the gatekeeper for me.

If you have intercepted signs in your horoscope and would like to try the exercise, please feel free to share comments or send me an email.

Virgo Archetype & The Path of Perfection

2009-08-22T06:00:00.001-04:00

The Sun Enters Virgo today, and it may be a collective opportunity to realize where we can improve through loving attention to detail.

Virgo archetype symbolizes the mind's double edged quest for the ideal of perfection. While walking on Virgo's developmental path, we simultaneously recognize that "God is in the details", but that perfectionism sucks the joy out of work.

A planet or a house affected by this sign needs to pay attention to the details and seek perfection; at the same time it must maintain trust (a word favored by the opposing sign Pisces) that everything will work out fine, even if not 100% perfect.

It may be interesting to see where Virgo falls in your horoscope, as there you'll need to "have it together", seeing the details and ready to be the one to correct the situation when needed. If a significant number of planets occupy Virgo, then your path will be that of responsibility to detail, and an ongoing quest to improve yourself, others, or any project that you or they are working on.

It's interesting that some people may be a complete master of detail in one area while quite relaxed in others. The psyche needs to balance somehow - so allowing relaxation is necessary. True masters of arts (including martial arts) report a combined state of relaxation and focus, an awareness of detail (Virgo) and the whole picture (Pisces). Perhaps this is the goal of the Virgin's path.

I have Pisces rising and thus Virgo in the 7th house cusp - so for me, relationships open the door to the Virgo archetype. I do attract responsible, detail oriented people in my life, and I've learned and absorbed much of their positive characteristics over the years. People usually see me as detail oriented and organized - I've also had much attraction to people that have perfected a certain form of discipline, such as music, martial arts and meditation - these things all have to do with focus and attention to detail, but the masters are in complete, relaxed flow.

So look at your horoscope, see where Virgo falls in terms of a house cusp, and ask yourself "How does this life area open me to the archetypal growth path of Virgo?" Please feel free to email or comment to share what you see!

Working with Saturn, part 5: Older and Wiser?

2009-08-16T23:00:00.002-04:00

Saturn the Old Man
Imagine a man in a certain sign, and make him really, really old: He went through phases of being a hotheaded youth, vigorous middle year prime, and now he is in considered to be an elder in his community. This is the archetypal picture of Saturn, who is often associated with old age.

Older = Wiser or Bitter? Two Types of Old Man
The Old Man went through many successes and failures in his long life; he knows what works and what doesn't, so he naturally wouldn't make the same mistakes that the young people make - but he wouldn't take as much risks either.

Let's say there are two kinds of old man: the one that became wiser through his various trials and errors, and the one that became embittered through his many disappointments. The wise old man preserves many of the characteristics he had in his youth - there is a twinkling in his eyes, and compassion for the mistakes of youth. If he was born in the mythical tribe of Leo, he is still very much a Leo, but through the years he has learned to express his creativity and humor in a graceful manner, that takes into consideration the feelings of others around him.

The bitter old man is very different: if he was born in the Leo tribe, then he has been so hurt by unsuccessful attempts to win the applause of everyone, that he is determined never to "make a fool of himself" again. He is jealous of young people expressing their creativity, and is often critical of their imperfections. He's determined to maintain a semblance of respectability by not failing, which often means not trying at all.

Wherever Saturn is found in your birth chart, you will find both types of old man there. Let's see a glimpse of how they will behave according to the tribe (sign) they are from*:

Saturn (a.k.a. Two Elders) Through the Signs
Saturn in Aries: The "need to be Number One" is tempered by old age. In the case of wise elder this means you are willing to develop leadership qualities in younger people, and other people's success do not threaten you. The bitter elder will resent other people's leadership.

Saturn in Taurus: The need to build and maintain security is perfected in old age. The wise elder is a good steward of his resources, while the bitter elder is always suspicious of someone taking what he has. The former is more emotional secure and confident, while the latter is inflexible and fearful of change.

Saturn in Gemini: The need to communicate and diversify is matured in old age. The wise elder will have a lot of interesting knowledge, and is a master of conversation. The bitter elder tends to think and say negative things about everything.

Saturn in Cancer: The need to be emotionally secure is tested in old age. The wise elder has shown much love and compassion for others during his long life, that he is loved by his family and honored by others in the community. The bitter elder has neglected to nurture others in his lifetime, and thus leads a lonely life.

Saturn in Leo: The need to be loved and honored is tested in old age. The wise elder has entertained, inspired and encouraged others during his lifetime, that everyone naturally loves and respects him. The bitter elder was too prideful to show much interest in others, and consequently was forgotten once he was past his prime.

Saturn in Virgo: The need to refine and discriminate is matured in old age. The wise elder has achieved mastery in his specialty, and his attitude to be helpful to others is such that people come from all over to receive his services. The bitter elder is also good at what he does, but he can't understand why people don't "get it" the way he does. He tends to be unforgiving of his own and others' shortcomings.

Saturn in Libra: The need to be fair and popular is perfected in old age. The wise elder is completely charming and thoughtful, that he is naturally elevated in social status wherever he goes. The bitter elder is still nice to others, but tends to be more withdrawn.

Saturn in Scorpio: The need to be deep, reliable and in control is intensified in old age. The wise elder has achieved a remarkable depth of character, and is an agent of transformation himself. The bitter elder is hungry for power, and will use manipulation to control weaker people around him.

Saturn in Sagittarius: The need to have one's opinion respected is tested in old age. The wise elder has spent his life learning from many wise teachers, and is happy to share his wealth of knowledge with young seekers. The bitter elder was too prideful to continue learning from others, and thus does not have much to say despite being verbose.

Saturn in Capricorn: The need to make things happen is perfected in old age. The wise elder is a powerhouse of vision, leadership and resourcefulness; he continues to make one thing after another happen for a meaningful cause. The bitter elder thinks small due to his past failures, and is envious of wise elder's achievements.

Saturn in Aquarius: The need to be socially significant is matured in old age. The wise elder has a big vision for helping a lot of people, and has enough friends in right places to make a difference. The bitter elder didn't have the courage to stand for his vision, and consequently hangs out with people that don't inspire him.

Saturn in Pisces: The need to "identify the ideal, and work with the intangible" is tested in old age. The wise elder has developed his art and consciousness to an impressive degree, and he is often in a state of creative or blissful contemplation. The bitter elder has scattered his days in unsuccessful attempts to escape reality; now he is spiritually impoverished.

Which of the two elders is stronger in your life? Which one do you want to be when you grow old?

*Here the analogy of tribe is used to describe the 12 signs; more is discussed in this post, where signs are considered as "clans."

Can Astrology Tell When You'll Suffer Rejection?

2009-08-09T23:00:00.002-04:00

Several months ago, I was working with my life coach about some issues I had around rejection. In our work she helped me realize that pretty much all of the pain was self-created, and in most cases it wasn't a rejection at all, but perceived as such.

"No" is not a rejection
Whether in relationships or career development, we're bound to hear "no" sometimes, i.e. someone you really like are interested in someone else, or a position you really want gets filled by someone else. The thing is, many times we go through several "no-s" before succeeding in finding the right partner or the right position.

Consider a case of a successful car salesman - how many customers must he make his pitch for before someone buys a car? In this case, he obviously doesn't take the "no" personally, and just moves on to sell to someone else. In the span of one day he may go through 10 no-s but sell 2-3 cars, and go home happy and elated because he was so "successful."

It's a little tougher to not take "no" personally when it's about marriage and love relationships - we tend to feel rejected if someone we lived with for a long time says they don't want to be with us anymore, etc. But again, we see that successful people usually don't make the "no" to mean something is wrong with them.

So rejection isn't a matter of someone saying no, but about our own self worth: if we feel worth "less" because someone said no to you, then we've created that pain by judging ourselves and making the rejection personal.

"It wasn't a rejection at all, because it wasn't about you," my coach told me.

Astrology of Rejection, Recession etc.
So my thesis is that you don't see rejection coming up in astrological transit, progression etc, but what you'll see is the time where your self worth will be challenged. Among other things, this would be the time where 2nd house significator (i.e. planetary ruler or planets in 2nd house), and perhaps Venus, will receive tension from the transiting/progressed planets.

Consider the recession going on, and relate it to the 2nd house significators of your chart - doesn't it challenge your sense of self worth if your income has suddenly gone down (or vanished, if your company shut down)? But does it mean you'll end up jobless during this period of time? Of course not - you keep finding ways to survive.

In this example, you'll go through as many "no-s" as necessary before you'll find work. In the process, you'll feel more confident, because you've proven it to yourself that you can overcome the challenges (the "no-s" of life) and produce the outcome you wanted.

So astrology doesn't show rejection per se, but rather it shows a time of opportunity for you to reevaluate your sense of self worth, which brings up hidden insecurities so that they may be released.

Bill Clinton & Aquarian Triple Conjunction

2009-08-05T17:30:00.003-04:00

Astrologers have been writing much about the current triple conjunction of the Jupiter-Chiron-Neptune in Aquarius. While the archetypal range of its expressions can vary, one possibility is that of reawakening faith and hope in the universe, perhaps especially with our humanitarian efforts to heal the world.

Today we saw one such hopeful expression of the triple conjunction:

Freed Journalists Home in US After N.Korea Pardon

Former president Bill Clinton was exactly the right person for this delicate diplomatic mission, and his success has resulted in well deserved public recognition and admiration.

Astrologically, Mr. Clinton's Sun has been closely opposed by the triple Aquarian conjunction for the last several months. In a way he became an individual channel (a living symbol, if you will) for the expression of the collective idealism and hope (Neptune and Jupiter).

If a sensitive part of your horoscope is touched by the triple conjunction, you're quite likely to experience some manifestation of their symbolism. If you have any story to share, please feel free to send me an email or leave a comment below.

Neptune and Pluto in Natal Chart, Transit or Solar Arc

2009-08-02T22:00:00.000-04:00

Neptune and Pluto: Collective Unconscious + Desire for Power
In Escape from freedom, social psychologist Erich Fromm suggests that the reason Hitler was so successful in gaining power over people was that he has expressed what the masses felt at the time: "the craving for power over men and the longing for submission to an overwhelmingly strong outside power." Astrologically, this domination/submission instinct is represented by Pluto (which is often associated with sadomasochism.)

Neptune rules mass consciousness (or collective subconscious): for example, it rules television and arts, which are both transmitters of the collective desires and values of that time. Noel Tyl ascribes the element of "charisma" (a power to attract and influence others) to the combination of Neptune and Mars in the natal chart.

Interestingly, Hitler has Neptune conjunct Pluto in his natal chart*: this suggests that the issue of dominance and submission was coming up in the collective unconscious at the time of his birth - and Hitler became the chosen representative of the era as he became the focus for this collective energy, to express and act out the darkest possible spectrum of human desire for dominance and submission.

There are other famous leaders born with the same conjunction: Mao Zedong of China, Ho Chi Minh of Vietnam, and Dwight D. Eisenhower of United States - each of them expressing their political power quite differently.

Other expressions of the Neptune-Pluto combination, in natal chart and in transit/solar arc:
Pluto-Neptune conjunction can be seen in a number of well known spiritual leaders that you might have heard of: Paramhansa Yogananda, Swami Sivananda, Sri Meher Baba, Jeddu Krishnamurti. The transit or Solar Arc involving the conjunction, square or opposition of Neptune and Pluto is known to correspond with a time when paranormal or spiritual dimensions of life is emphasized in the individual's life.

In science, Niels Bohr, a Nobel Prize winning physicist who was involved in the creation of atomic bomb (symbolized by Pluto,) has Neptune conjunct Pluto. There are two other Nobel Prize winners with the same conjunction: Walher Bothe (radiation of neutrons) and Louis de Broglie (wave theory.) So we could think of the combination of Pluto and Neptune (in natal chart and transit) to include the openness to explore a deeper, more subtle dimensions of life.

Whether it's science, spirituality or politics, the combination of Neptune and Pluto in a natal chart will reflect humankind's collective subconscious desire to gain power. Most people will not come in position to wield much power over others, but those that do will be challenged to use it wisely, for there will be a lot of power to do both good and harm, affecting possibly millions of people.

*This is an extremely rare historical conjunction, occurring just under every 500 years. The next conjunction will be in 2384...perhaps a plenty of time for mankind to forget its lessons learned during the 20th century - should we inscribe a warning for a second Hitler on a stonewall somewhere? (Just kidding...or maybe not.)

Too Much Sun? Balancing Solar and Lunar Habits in a Hyperactive Culture

2009-07-26T23:00:00.001-04:00

Our culture is hyper yang, which exhausts the Leo or Solar part of ourselves - we're expected to remain upbeat and social at work in order to be successful, and at home we bombard our senses with TV programs that insist on fast, intense activities.

The problem is, most of us hardly spend any quality time with ourselves, due to all the responsibilities and the emphasis on speed and action. This can cause our inner creative well to dry up, which leads to unexplainable 'down' feelings periodically (uncontrollable mood swing is a complaint from the Lunar half of our psyche.)

We periodically need to disconnect from outer strivings and obligations in order to reconnect with ourselves. Astrologically, we know Leo (self expression) follows Cancer (emotional introspection), which is to say there needs to be a yin (Lunar) habit that supports the yang (Solar) expression...So it's about balancing the culture's emphasis on extroversion with our own introspective habit.

Some Lunar habits recommended by creative professionals
Julia Cameron suggests cultivating the following three habits:

1) Write 3 pages every day about anything that's in your mind and heart (this is called Morning Pages, as she suggests doing it first thing in the morning.)

2) Take yourself to a walk several times a week.

3) Take yourself on an "Artist Date" once a week - take time for yourself, and do something that feels nourishing to the creative child within.

Another writer suggests going for a walk alone every day, for an hour. You can tell that creative people can be pretty hardcore about scheduling time to connect with themselves. They probably know that otherwise their inner creative wells start to dry up from too much Solar activity.

Lunar times
Astrologically, Mercury retrograde period seems to be especially well suited for reflection. So is a Neptune (and sometimes Pluto) transit period to any significant point in a natal chart. Neptune seems to represent a force in the psyche that acts to counterbalance the hyperactive Solar ego - to help it calm down, get in touch and renew one's perspective.

So if you feel exhausted, you may be in one of these Lunar periods where the psyche is acting to rebalance the yin/yang scale. After you've cultivated some Lunar habits during this period, you're bound to feel a lot more inspired and able to continue being creative. The Solar/Lunar cycle can thus begin anew.

Chiron Monthly Ephemeris

2009-07-24T21:45:00.002-04:00

Chiron monthly ephemeris - courtesy of Eric Francis at Planet Waves Astrology News...A very generous offering.

Saturn, Venus & the Fear of Intimacy - A Reader Question

2009-07-23T12:00:00.005-04:00

Someone emailed me to ask about Venus - Saturn aspect and the fear of intimacy:

"I was looking for the deeper connection to Venus 12th square Saturn 3rd natally. I am a 49 year old female approaching a chiron return, and in the midst of awakening to the fact that I have repressed/feared emotions-intimacy as I never received any.

...Your article helped me to integrate/understand why I have fears...now I have to figure out how to let them go. Is Venus in the 12th also about "clandestine affairs" due to the fears of emotional intimacy? My natal chart speaks about the almost certainty of 'affairs'?"

So we see two questions here...One about how to increase the capacity for emotional intimacy, and another one about whether she is prone to having secret affairs due to the configuration of her natal Venus.

Question One: The Affair
To answer the easy one first: we can probably agree that the clandestine affair doesn't solve the intimacy problem in the long run, as such relationships are based on fantasy and not responsibility (recall the recent post on Venus, Saturn and the balance between play and responsibility in love), but it may be tempting because it lets you forget the issue for a while...No one can judge that.

If you choose to go through this path, a part of you will know that you're trying to take the easy way out - so my feeling is that the pleasure will not last very long, thereby perpetuating the traditional interpretation for Venus in 12th house square Saturn. Ultimately Venus can't act without Saturn due to the emphatic natal connection - here the difficult balance of love, playfulness and responsibility will need to be achieved.

Question Two: Developing the Capacity for Intimacy
We probably need to choose a more difficult but ultimately more rewarding way: by answering the tough question of "how to release fears of emotions and intimacy."

Saturn in 3rd (mindset) square Venus in 12th suggests that some factors in the environment interfered with the development of emotions and social confidence (hence her saying she never received any intimacy.) This factor most likely led to a serious mindset, possibly with a tendency for depression.

The challenge here is how to uncover the numerous mental defenses and get to honest feelings within. With this pattern in a horoscope, often there will be an elaborate mental structure that keeps one from experiencing the core emotional pain.

To approach this task, you may need outside help; an experienced counselor or a coach will be able to see where your thinking is leading you away from experiencing the real emotions. That said, you can usually begin by keeping a daily emotional journal, through gently describing what you're feeling at the moment, and what that reminds you of from your past.

You don't have to push; you can choose to take it as slowly as you like with yourself. It's an ongoing process, but the more you go through this Plutonian process, you'll feel closer to yourself and more empowered in romantic relationships.

The barrier to intimacy is created within ourselves - because first we alienate ourselves from ourselves. No matter how close your lover is to you physically, he/she will not be able to cross the invisible wall you have elected around your core emotions, until you begin to remove them a block at a time.