Astrology and Herbs

Astrology and Herbs

by Alison Price

imgresIn astrology the planets rule many things in daily life of which some examples are the days of the week, our body parts, colours, birthstones and plants. Most plants fall under the auspices of one of the planets. Therefore each planet has many plants to which it is related.

Some planet/plant affinities are clear to see such as that the sunflower comes under the Sun, and the Moonflower under the Moon but others are not obvious connections at all.

These planet to plant connotations and affinities have come to us through the ages over time. For those early correlations we have to go back to the older herbalists who were often astrologers as well.

See Gardening with Astrology for more on general gardening.

Nicholas Culpeper

The most famous herbalist is probably Nicholas Culpeper (28 October 1616, 12:12pm). Born in Oakley, England he was, amongst other things, a herbalist and an astrologer.

I refer you to Culpepper’s Complete Herbal for many of the planetary correlations I refer to here.

I am also a huge fan of Margaret Roberts from Johannesburg, South Africa who is a charismatic herb grower and author of many wonderful books on herbs and herb growing.

Herb gardens

I used Margaret Roberts schematic for the laying out and planting for both of my herb gardens that we built in Cape Town and Phalaborwa.

The first one in was in a new house in Table View, and yes that means with a view of Table Mountain, this first garden was laid out behind the house in a thin strip of land but a spot onto which the dining room faced.

Here I was able to position the birdbath (which is the focal point in any herb garden) in the centre of the window scape as you looked out at dinner. Those were the days when we as a family ate at a table each night.

The second herb garden my husband built with his own fair hands at a time when I was recovering from a most difficult surgery and could not rise from my sickbed for about a month. He wanted to create something for me to get out of bed for and hopefully to aid my long and painful recovery.

I must say I was intrigued from the enthusiastic stories from the kids about what Dad was doing as I flopped about unable to stand unaided. It worked, and indeed one day I managed the long walk to freedom down the passage and outside the house into the back garden.

What a beautiful sight to behold the red paving bricks were in a ten metre circle and all the little paths where they should be. He had been listening all those days in the past when I was chattering on about the importance of the circle and the measurements of the whole thing. I was very impressed and immediately set about making a list of the plants I now needed to fill the beds.

But when it came to it I did not need that many plants as my “sickroom” visitors came with not just gifts of biscuits and cake but of little herbs plants, packets of seeds and cuttings from their garden. The word had spread to the small community in which we were living and everyone who heard about my herb garden wanted to be part of it. Even the teachers from our kids little school donated something living like a plant or seeds with the potential for life.

For this generosity I am grateful.

But sadly we moved away and now new people have the benefit of a well stocked herb garden. In fact I believe the herb garden was a selling feature for the house when we moved. It was the only formal herb garden in the town when we built it and it maybe so today.

Definition

Herbs are a group of aromatic, culinary and medicinal plants typically grown in the subtropical regions from the 23rd to the 35th parallel on the Earth in both the northern and southern hemispheres.

Herbs are usually small leafed and grow under one meter in height.

Examples of herbs are parsley, sage and thyme.

Spices are usually grown in the tropical regions on the Earth between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn from the equator to the 23rd parallel and therefore are usually naturally found closer to the hotter areas than herbs. Spices are often harvested for their roots, seeds and leaves which pack a powerful heat and taste.

Examples of spices are turmeric, ginger, and peppers.

Therefore herbs have a wider growing area parallel to the Earth’s equator and so are cultivated in many countries.

Some tree bark, leaves and fruit are also loosely considered “herbs” and in modern culture we accept cinnamon, the bay leaf and elderberry etc.

Herb growers

In my experience people who grow herbs are the nicest and most generous spirited folk as they readily share their bounty of seeds, cuttings, and flowers and homemade produce of soaps, jams and preserves.

Herb growers typically spend many hours a week in their herb garden or tending their pots of little plants on their windowsills.

Herb benefits

We have known of the benefits of herbs for centuries. Many have connotations with the planets and astrology and it is interesting to see which plants related to each planet and sign.

In future posts I plan to discuss the astrology of herbs and those that I like and find the most useful.

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Your Natal Promise and Your Potential Energy Planet

Your Natal Promise and Your Potential Energy Planet

Natal Promise

One of the techniques in astrology when assessing chart potential is to consider natal promise.

This is what is in the chart at birth and all the planets placements, condition and angle positions show what is possible for you in this lifetime.

It is what your chart promises and if something is promised like Sun conjunct Midheaven being well known and well respected and well thought of it may come to pass.

If it is not promised (weak MC) therefore it may pass you by.

Just because something is promised does not mean it will happen, but if something is promised you can focus your energy on bringing it to fruition.

I’ve often heard the adage, “The harder you work the luckier you get,” and this may indeed be the case. By focussing on your strengths you actually can diminish your weaknesses.



Criteria for Natal Promise

For example, you won’t win the lottery if you don’t have a strong fifth house.

Winning things like lotteries and sweepstakes are areas of life associated with the fifth house of risk and gambling.

For this type of natal promise to manifest you will need:

 

  • The 5th house ruler to be well placed and not afflicted.
  • The benefics (Venus and Jupiter) well placed and not afflicted.

Your Potential Energy Planet

Expend your efforts on the good things in your chart like:

 

  • Planets free from affliction – No squares, oppositions, semi-squares or sesquiquadrates and throw in the semi-sextile and quincunx as tough aspects too
  • Houses with many planets – One of your houses will have more planets that the others
  • Signs with many planets – One sign will have more planets that the other signs and it may be different than your Sun sign
  • Easy aspects joining two planets by trines or sextiles

Find Your Natal Promise through your Potential Energy Planet

Highest Essential Dignity Score

In your chart find the strongest planet by essential dignity, position and condition.

The planet with the hoghest essential dignity score may also be your potential energy planet.

Moving on…

 

Free from Affliction

Now find any planet which is free from affliction which means it has no challenging aspects like squares or oppositions from the other planets.

I refer to this planet as your potential energy planet it is the one most likely to work well for you.

Follow that planet’s message.

This is where your potential lies.

One Potential Energy Planet

In every chart, one planet will be less detracted from or diminished than the others and have more potential.

Find that planet.

Understand its message.

Work it daily.

Author Bio

Alison encourages you to explore your unique creativity and live a satisfying life through your personal astrology. She offers her insights from the heart and with a sense of humor.

Go here to read more about Alison’s story.

If you want to send Alison a quick message go here.

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Venus Sextile Uranus

Venus Sextile Uranus

Venus sextile Uranus. Sextiles are very energetic and agreeable, so Venus sextiles one of the best aspects to find in relationship charts.

Venus Sextile Uranus

Venus Sextile Uranus

Venus sextile Uranus. Sextiles are very energetic and agreeable, so Venus sextiles one of the best aspects to find in relationship charts.

International Astrology Day

International Astrology Day

International Astrology Day

Date

Every year on or around March 21 the Sun enters Aries and we celebrate International Astrology Day. This day is chosen for its special status because it is the time when the Sun commences the annual astrological cycle on its journey through the zodiac

 

Podcast

 

International Astrology Day : 2024 Chart

Below is the chart for International Astrology Day in 2024. It is set on the Zero Aries house system and can be used all over the world. You can cast one specifically for your location if you wish.

Ingress Chart

This is an ingress chart for the exact moment that the Sun enters Aries.

international-astrology-day-chart-2024

Equinoxes

Equinox means equal night and therefore equal day. The day and night are twelve hours long which when added together makes up the usual twenty-four hour day.

The equinoxes occur on the day when the Sun is directly overhead at the equator, or in other words, at zero degrees of celestial latitude. To be specific there is a time in the day that this happens it does not occur at midnight. Each year is different.

There are two equinoxes each year and they are six months apart. The first near March 21st and the second on or around September 21st. The date slowly shifts back and forth over the years as we adjust the calendar for leap year.

The spring or vernal equinox is in March and the autumnal equinox is in September. This naming of the equinoxes is northern hemisphere related and my friends in South Africa, Oz and Middle Earth will experience the opposite seasons.

It is at the vernal equinox when the Sun enters the first sign of the zodiac Aries. The twelve zodiac signs are in sequence as follows: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces.

Cardinal Ingresses

The four cardinal signs are Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn.

An ingress is the term used to define when a planet, or the Sun or Moon, leave one sign and enter the adjacent sign. So you can refer to this event as the Sun’s Aries ingress or simply as the Aries Ingress.

We can cast an ingress chart for the exact time, to the minute and second, of the Sun’s entrance into Aries and this chart and it’s meaning will be in effect for three months until the Cancer ingress or one year until the following Aries ingress.

 

Yearly Cycles

All cycles have a beginning and an end. In this case the new beginning suggests hope and eagerness to start things afresh. The sign of Aries is one for initiating things, starting a venture or turning over a new leaf.

If you have a project that you want to start and get going quickly then do so after International Astrology Day and try not to start before that date. You can certainly plan and work over the strategy required for your actions but wait for the Sun to shine from Aries and use this strong energy.

How to Celebrate International Astrology Day

Typically you can celebrate in several ways:

  • An astrology group meeting.
  • Lunch or dinner.
  • Bake a cake.
  • Share and discuss the ingress chart.
  • Other types of get together.
  • Perhaps you can make some personal affirmations for changes you would like to see flourish in your life.

It is not necessary for everyone to acknowledge this day.

international-astrology-day

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Author Bio

Alison Price: Professional Astrologer

Alison helps you uncover your individual creativity and lead a fulfilling life using your own astrology. She shares her wisdom from the heart with a touch of humor. She offers Consultations for everyone and Coaching for Aspiring Astrologers.

If you’d like to get in touch with Alison, you can reach out to her via email at starzology@gmail.com.

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Venus Trine Neptune

Venus Trine Neptune

Learn about Venus trine Neptune in astrology. Anticipate a bit of delusion because that’s what Venus-Neptune aspects do brilliantly.

Your Saturn Returns

Your Saturn Returns

Your Saturn Returns The Saturn Return is becoming one of the most talked about astrological events in people's lives. It is the third most popular astrological topic for the general public after, "What is your sign?" and  "Did you survive Mercury retrograde?"...

Retrogrades

Retrogrades

Cycles

As astrologers we can look at each year in many ways. During any given year there are the natural planetary cycles.

We also note the retrogrades as a background ebb and flow similar to radio static from the Big Bang.

On top of this, we can consider more specific movements of the transiting planets and then drill down to a closer inspection of your particular chart, it’s unique placements and the personal effects that you experience.

Retrogradation of the Planets

Retrogradation is the optical illusion of a planet stopping and moving backward and after a while turning and going forwards again. We see this because of our moving viewpoint from planet Earth.

A planetary station is the exact time and position that a planet turns direction either from forwards to backward (stations retrograde SRx) or from backward to forwards (stations direct SD).

All planets except the Sun and the Moon have retrograde periods.


Note: Having a retrograde Sun is an old astrology joke so don’t get caught nodding sagely to that old chestnut.


During the whole year, there is always at least one planet retrograde. It really is a natural state for us to experience and not the dreaded time that many believe.

Embrace each planet’s retrograde period and make the most of the natural slow down that all planets experience during any given year. As above so below.


Top 10 Reasons to Book an Astrology Reading Now

Top 10 Reasons to Book an Astrology Reading Now

Top 10 Reasons to Have an Astrology Reading Now

You may have other thoughts to add and everyone is different.

What are you waiting for?

 

 

10 Reasons

  1. If the mystical experience of a reading has never graced your life,
  2. If a year has passed since the last time cosmic insights illuminated your path,
  3. If you find yourself standing at the crossroads of life, pondering the next step,
  4. If the idea of exploring the celestial mysteries strikes you as an enjoyable endeavor,
  5. If your friend, recently touched by the magic of a reading, can’t stop raving about it,
  6. If your mother-in-law, with a knowing nod, suggests that a reading might be in order,
  7. If an inherent curiosity beckons you to unravel the secrets written in the stars,
  8. If the luminous allure of a full moon casts a cosmic spell upon your senses,
  9. If your upcoming birthday prompts a desire for celestial insights into the year ahead,
  10. If you aim to gift the extraordinary experience of a reading to someone truly special, then the time for an astrological rendezvous may be ripe.

And 10 Bonus Reasons

  1. If your quest for seasonal gifts leans towards experiences rather than accumulating more possessions,
  2. If you’re determined to stride into the New Year with the best possible energy,
  3. If the pursuit of continual self-improvement is a cornerstone of your life philosophy,
  4. If you find yourself navigating a profound spiritual journey, seeking meaning and connection,
  5. If the arrival of your new bundle of joy sparks a curiosity about their celestial influence,
  6. If understanding the cosmic blueprint of your children intrigues you as a parent,
  7. If you’ve encountered Mr. Right and wish to explore the cosmic compatibility,
  8. If Mr. Could-Be-Right has entered your life, prompting a desire for astrological insights,
  9. If the pursuit of personal enlightenment is a guiding force in your life’s journey,
  10. If you’re an astrology student eager to witness seasoned professionals in action,
  11. If the joyous occasion of marriage beckons and you want celestial blessings woven into the union, then consider the gift of astrological services—a unique and meaningful way to enhance various facets of your life’s journey.

 

What are you waiting for?

 

More >>> Book Your Personal Astrology Reading Now

 

 

Pisces Horoscope

by Alison Price

About Pisces

The Fish

February 22 – March 22

Negative – Water – Mutable

Key phrase: “I believe.”

Ruling planets: Jupiter as classical ruler and Neptune the modern ruler.

Pisces is the sign of the Fish. It symbol is two fish tethered together each swimming in the opposite direction.

If you are born under the sign of the Fish it means you fall under the fluid and flowing element of water, the quality of mutablity which suggests you are flexible and the passive polarity indicating you will take in and absorb things more than most. This can mean you empathize with others.

Pisces will make sacrifices and are understanding. They will blend well with others and can be arty. They may drift a bit in life but they have compassion. They are idealistic and can become disillusioned at times. They may be glamorous.

They can be vague, kind and will be happy to surrender. They may retreat near the sea, are spiritual and devoted.

Pisces positive traits:

Sacrifice, understanding, blends, compassion, idealistic, longing, glamour, vague, artistic, kind, surrender, retreat, spiritual, devotion, specter and ghostly.

Pisces challenging traits:

Rudderless, lost, disillusioned and elusive.

Pisces body parts:

The feet.

Pisces careers:

Artist, anesthesiologist, care worker, crystal ball reader, custodian, glazier, hypnotist, musician, magician, medium, museum worker, nurse, podiatrist, psychic, shoe salesman, therapist and zoo keeper.


The zodiac signs

Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces.


Summertime and the Living is Easy – Sun in Leo

Summertime and the Living is Easy – Sun in Leo

by Alison Price

Life Comes in Cycles 

One of the more obvious cycles is the seasonal changes you experience as the Sun moves through the zodiac when it enters a cardinal sign every three months.

This is the start of the four seasons.

The Zodiac Year

The year begins as the Sun enters the first sign of Aries and spring officially begins. Summer starts as the Sun enters Cancer around July 21st. Autumn is ushered in late September and winter draws in from December 21st at the Sun’s ingress to Capricorn.

Midsummer – Sun in Leo – What to expect



Here we are in the early degrees of Leo. It is just about mid-summer. But what can we expect?

That depends on whether you have a strong Leo presence in your chart from planets or your Ascendant or your Midheaven is placed in the sign.

Or, if you have a chart where there is no Leo influence at all and you have zero planets or angles in the sign of the Lion. 



If you do have a natal Leo influence

As the Sun moves through its own sign it will connect with any planets or chart points in Leo.



This will stimulate that planet or point and you will become aware of creative potentials as suggested by the strength of the contact,

Having Leo planets already in your natal chart will be reinforced as the Sun comes through. Things can become over-the-top but to express your individuality is key this month.

If you do not have a natal Leo influence

When the Sun transits Leo, and if you have no Leo signature in your chart, it becomes an opportunity for you to experience your inner child and express yourself in ways in which you would not normally.



Yes, at times it can get dramatic and loud but it can also be a lot of fun.

Summer is always good to kick back, relax and when you can be the star in your own life production.

It is a great time for a vacation or at least relaxing at home lying barefoot in a hammock. 

Everyone

Enjoy the simple pleasures of sunbathing, sun-downers (drinks at sunset) and sunbeams playing in your windows. Be kind to yourself. Soak it up and make the most of the Sun in Leo.

You can’t keep up a punishing work pace all year. Even the tireless practitioners amongst you need a break from your grueling schedule of clients, preparations, and research.

Don’t be too hard on yourself.

You can’t be going at full tilt all year.

Going forward into Virgo

Face September with renewed enthusiasm and bring your relaxed and refreshed self to your business and clients.

Alison

(Note, All these comments are for the northern hemisphere. For southern hemisphere reverse the seasons, but maintain the dates).


 

Your Gauquelin Sectors

Your Gauquelin Sectors

Your Gauquelin Sectors

Advanced Chart Technique

On your astrology journey there are many avenues of knowledge to wander down.

Once you have the first twelve months of study under your belt, where it is all about the signs, houses, planets and aspects, continuing to study astrology opens up like a fan into a whole new world.

I often relate learning astrology to the medical profession where, everyone is a doctor (who knows the basics and can save your life) but some of them continue into speciality fields such as dermatology, neurosurgery and anesthesiology.

The analogy here is that all astrologers can interpret your chart (and most are very competent) but some continue to learn new techniques and gain more knowledge even if it is simple small pieces that can be used to tweak their readings and become more detailed in their interpretations.

To my mind using the Gauquelin sectors fall into the “nice to have” skills of any astrologer.

Two Main Gauquelin Sectors

There are two Gauquelin sectors in every chart.

They span a section of the zodiac which is different for every chart.

There is your Ascendant Gauquelin sector and your Midheaven Gauquelin sector.

Not every chart has planets in the Gauquelin Sectors, but if your chart does then those planets are important both in natal interpretation and forecasting work.

 

Explore more >>> The Ascendant

People in Astrology Michel Gauquelin (1928 – 1991)

A French husband and wife team Michel and Francois Gauquelin originally set out to disprove astrology and ended up creating the most in-depth proof for astrology.

Their most famous research is known as The Mars Effect.

Briefly, they checked hundreds of charts to see if a particular planet was prominent, or on the ascendant or Midheaven, of people who had the same job.

 

How to find your Gauquelin Sectors

The Gauquelin sectors cover ten degrees of the zodiac on both sides of your ascendant and your Midheaven for a total of twenty degrees each and forty degrees in all.

Both sectors together cover one ninth of the 360° wheel.

 

Example 1: Say your Ascendant is at 15° Gemini then your ascendant Gauquelin sector spans from 5° to 25° Gemini.

Example 2: Say your Midheaven is at 2° Aries then you Midheaven Gauquelin sector is between 22° Pisces and 12° Aries.

 

Gauquelin Sector Planet Houses

Planets in your Gauquelin sectors are usually in the first, twelfth, ninth and tenth houses.

 

Explore more >>> The Houses

 

Gauquelin Sector Planets Conjoined the Angles

Planets in a conjunction aspect (orb 8°) to your Ascendant and Midheaven are automatically in your Gauquelin sectors.

Example Chart – Justin Bieber

Birth data 12:56am, March 1st, 1995, London, Ontario, Canada.

 

Ascendant Gauquelin Sector

Bieber Ascendant is at 29° 02′ Scorpio therefore his Ascendant Gauquelin Sector is from 19°02′ Scorpio to 9°02′ Sagittarius.

 

Pluto

Pluto is in his Ascendant Gaquelin Sector.

Note that Pluto is also conjoined the Ascendant so it will automatically be in his Ascendant Gauquelin Sector.

Midheaven Gauquelin Sector

Bieber’s Midheaven is at 15 25′ Virgo so his Midheaven Gauquelin Sector is from 10°25′ Virgo to 05°25′ Libra.

 

Chiron

Chiron is at 04°48′ Virgo so the Wounded Healer is in his Midheaven Gauquelin Sector.

Also note that Chiron is NOT conjoined the Midheaven.

Chiron is a true Gauquelin Sector planet and needs careful consideration when interpreting this chart.

Ascendant Gauquelin Interpretation

Planets in your Ascendant Gauqueline sector typically:

 

  • Show how others see you through the urges of the planet.
  • Can be a rising planet.
  • Are stronger when applying to a conjunction to the Ascendant.
  • Are weaker when separating from a conjunction to the Ascendant.
  • Are highly prominent planets.
  • Are high profile planets.
  • May easily be the strongest in the chart.
  • Will affect yoru appearance.

Midheaven Gauquelin Sector Interpretation

Planets in your Midheaven Gauquelin Sector typically:

 

  • Indicate how the world sees you through the urges of the planet.
  • This planet may be the most elevated planet.
  • May be conjunct the Midheaven.
  • Are strong when applying to the Midheaven.
  • Are weaker when separating from the Midheaven.
  • Suggest a career in line with the nature of the planet.

 

If there is more than one planet in these sensitive areas of your chart they have to be interpreted in a blended way as they will all influence you from their position in the Gauquelin sectors of your chart.

Author Bio

Alison Price: Astrology Coach

Alison wants to help you uncover your individual creativity and lead a fulfilling life using your own astrology. She shares her wisdom from the heart with a touch of humor.

Learn more about Alison’s journey.

If you’d like to get in touch with Alison, you can reach out to her via email at starzology@gmail.com.

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Your Most Elevated Planet and How to Find It

Your Most Elevated Planet and How to Find It

Most Elevated Planet

Only One Planet is the Most Elevated Planet

In your chart there will be one planet that is the most elevated planet.

This special planet is the one near the top of the chart.

It is the planet that was highest in the sky at the time of your birth.

 

Not all most elevated planets are made equal and in some charts, they will be stronger than in others.

If you have a well placed most elevated planet you can use it towards supporting your career, reputation and public image.

 





How to Find Your Most Elevated Planet

The most elevated planet is the planet closest to the Midheaven (MC) in degrees of longitude on either side of the MC.

The MC is the intersection between the prime vertical and the plane of the ecliptic.

The most elevated planet is frequently in the ninth or tenth houses or close to the Midheaven, but can be in any house in the chart.

The Dispositor of the MC and Most Elevated Planet

If the MC is in a sign which is disposed by the most elevated planet (by essential dignity) it gains weight.

Rulership and exaltation of your MC add to the power of your most elevated planet.

Detriment and fall reduce the effect of your most elevated planet.

Examples If your Midheaven is in Libra…

  •  and if the most elevated planet is Venus, it will add power to the most elevated planet because Venus rules Libra.
  • additionally, if your most elevated planet is Saturn, it will add weight to the most elevated planet due to the fact that Saturn is exalted in Libra.
  • aa well as if your most elevated planet is Mars, it will reduce the power of Mars as the most elevated planet as Mars is in detriment in Libra.
  • and if your most elevated planet is the Sun, it will reduce the potency of the most elevated planet because the Sun is in it’s fall in Libra.

Read more on essential dignity here.

 





The Nature of Your Most Elevated Planet

As the MC is the most elevated point in your chart any planet is measured for most elevation in relation to your MC.

Therefore any connection between the MC and the most elevated planet by aspect reinforces the potential of the most elevated planet in your chart.

The Midheaven shows for what the world knows you.

Any planet connected to the Midheaven (as in a conjunction, sextile or square) will influence this.

What this means is, if your most elevated planet has an aspect to the MC then it gains weight or power in your chart.

In Aspect to Your Midheaven

If your most elevated planet is in aspect to your Midheaven it supports the meaning of the planet.

If it is not in aspect to your Midheaven it has a neutral influence.

Conjunct your Midheaven

This is the power position for the most elevated planet as it could not be more elevated than the Midheaven.

Any planet conjoined your Midheaven will be a huge focus in your life.

Almost as if it is lighting the way for you like a torch. When the most elevated planet is conjoined the MC think star over stable in Bethlehem.

Sextile your Midheaven

A most elevated planet sextile the Midheaven will work together with the meaning of the Midheaven and support the nature of the Midheaven.

Planets is this position usually indicate latent talents which can be utilized by the Midheaven for your career and public image.

Square your Midheaven

When your most elevated planet is square your Midheaven it is in an aspect of tension.

However, this is an aspect where progress is strived for, in the nature of the most elevated planet.

This will not always be easy, in fact it can be difficult at times, but squares will always be on the front burner of your chart.

Weaker Below the Horizon

Depending on the latitude of your birth place, sometimes the most elevated planet can actually fall below the horizon.

That is under the ascendant/descendant axis or in the northern hemisphere of the chart.

Although the planet will still be most elevated it loses much of its potency when it is below the horizon.

In this case it can be dismissed as a strong influence on the MC.

Generally a most elevated planet works well for you if it is high in the chart, aspects the MC and disposes the Midheaven by rulership.

Not all most elevated planets will benefit you.

If you do have a well placed most elevated planet it makes sense to work it to your advantage as best you can for career, reputation and public image.

 





Stephen King

In Stephen King’s chart below it is quite clear that Uranus is his most elevated planet.

The birth chart of Stephen King

Want more information about your chart?

Receive a PDF copy of your natal chart suitable for use in astrology exploration or, you can get your personalized one hour reading from me.

 




Your Quiet Month – Sun Transits Twelfth House or Less is More

Your Quiet Month – Sun Transits Twelfth House or Less is More

by Alison Price

There are a few weeks when the Sun and the inner planets, Mercury and Venus, pass through and transit the twelfth house of your chart.

This is a time of the year to slow down, rest and take a pause from life. It is a period of about one month when:

  • your energy and drive becomes less prominent (the Sun),
  • your reading, thinking and conversation turns inward (Mercury) and
  • personal relationships, your social life and romance become less active (Venus).

In a way it is like having a dimmer switch on your life which reduces the glare and allows your eyes to adjust to the darker world where you can see what is lingering in the shadows that you have been ignoring up until now.

You will once again be back in the spotlight when the Sun crosses your ascendant and announces your personal New Year.

For you to be able to step onto the stage of life with vibrancy and confidence (which comes from the Sun) you are required to rest up, recuperate and chill as the planets move through the twelfth house of your natal chart.

Every year is different

Each one of you will have a different “quiet month” depending on which other planets are passing through your twelfth house at the same time.

It also changes tempo depending on whether the Sun leads the charge through your twelfth house or Mercury or Venus gets there first.


 

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The Elements in the Garden: An Astrology Tale

The Astrological Elements in the Garden

This is the shortest story about how the four elements of fire, earth, air and water express themselves through astrology.

Element Count

The four elements are Fire, Earth, Air and Water.

Each chart will have a predominant element which is the element containing the most planets.

Count how many planets you have in each element.

If you have a tie then count in the Ascendant and Midheaven.

 

Elements Story

The four elements fo Fire, Earth, Air and Water were friends.

 

Fire Element

It all began when Fire was out and about in the garden and, standing in a sunny spot, had an inspiration.

“Let’s create a fabulous place and encourage all these birds which visit our garden to rest here,” said Fire.

 

Earth Element

“I will design and make a shelter for the birds,” said Earth.

He went off to purchase building materials at the hardware store.

Next he made a sturdy home for their winged friends.

 

Air Element

“We will call it Chateau Cardinal!” decreed Air.

“I will inform everyone that I have named it so,” she said.

Air dashed off to spread the word.

 

Water Element

Water arrived carrying a bag of birdseed and a water dish.

“I will care for these birds. I will provide food, clean water and nurture them,” said Water carefully eyeing-up next-door’s cat.

 

Conclusion

And so it was, that each element brought their own strengths to the same issue to encourage the birds to live in their garden.

Venus Sextile Uranus

Venus Sextile Uranus

Venus sextile Uranus. Sextiles are very energetic and agreeable, so Venus sextiles one of the best aspects to find in relationship charts.

Venus Sextile Uranus

Venus Sextile Uranus

Venus sextile Uranus. Sextiles are very energetic and agreeable, so Venus sextiles one of the best aspects to find in relationship charts.

Learning Without Tears – Book Review

Learning Without Tears – Book Review

Overview

Discover how the Mercury Model (TM) can: 

  • Identify a child’s unique learning style
  • Unlock a child’s true potential
  • Turn tension into talking

Buy this book on Amazon.


Introduction

Of all the astrology books I have had the pleasure of reviewing over the years Learning Without Tears is in a class of its own. Connerr takes the Mercury archetype, well known by astrologers, to a new level.

The author does not complicate the information being presented with an excess of technical terms, words and astrologese. She specifically uses regular dialogue to get her message across to the layperson.

There is the option to skip the detailed astrological explanations, if you wish to clearly focus on the child’s learning style, and not where it originates. With this brilliant approach the author has subtlety woven birth chart features into mainstream education which is directly aimed at parents and teachers.

We often hear the lament that astrology is not taken seriously by science. It is portrayed as the poor relation to astronomy and psychology. This fact was brought home to us during the 2011 online heated discussions. Here lies the beauty of this original book from an astrologer’s point of view. The author has parlayed astrology, and its centuries old traditions, into mainstream educational thought even perhaps without its detractors noticing.

 

Three Parts

This book is divided into three parts.

Part I – Individual Learning Styles and How They Interact

In the first section she discusses each of the twelve possible learning styles and how they manifest in every child. Presented with colorful animal characters clearly identifying each role.

Areas of similarity and difference are brought out in a subset by the style groupings and divisions which are easily recognizable to the astrology student as polarity, quadruplicity and element.

Connerr presents some real life parent and child scenarios and the resolutions are provided using the Mercury model.

We are challenged to explore our own learning style as parents and to consider how we default to that particular method by personally giving it preference and value

 

Part II – Variations and Background

She discusses how features in the whole nativity can influence each personality and provide modifications. Then goes on to explain the extraction of the essence for each Mercury archetype during individual analysis.

 

Part III – Identify a Learning Style

The author provides yearly assessment tables (Mercury ephemeris) to discover each persons learning style.

 

The New Physics and Essential Mercury

Helyn Connerr MSc is well qualified to write this book. Her background is impressive and she has studied astrology for over thirty years. She brings a scientist’s mind to an astrology problem.

Believing you can observe the energy principle of Essential Mercury in action and watch its effects, she discusses how the principles outlined are shown by planet, element, music, animals, literature, esoterica and the physical body. That Mercury, as an information receptor, is inherent in how we live, breathe and perceive.

 

Final thoughts

Although this book is aimed at educators, parents and children, one wonders if astrology teachers, when using this method, will find their students benefit and grasp new information in a way each learner can assimilate.

It is quite apparent that we retain our learning style throughout life. If as grown-ups, we choose to embark on further study, we will benefit by aligning ourselves with our own Mercury model.

This simple practice would enhance the adult education process. Rather than thinking, “I’m too old to learn this” perhaps we need to open up our minds, because, obviously we can learn if we are presented and communicated information in a way we each can appreciate

Learning Without Tears comes highly recommended for students, parents and educators.

 

The Yod: Major Aspect Pattern

The Yod: Major Aspect Pattern

Some students may think it is odd

to work with the finger of God.   

One sextile and two

quincunxes to view

and now we all call it a yod.

The Yod Limerick

Most of you are probably wondering what the heck this limerick is all about.

Let me explain.

A Yod is an astrological major aspect pattern sometimes found in birth charts.

It comprises of one sextile aspect (blue line) and two quincunx aspects (green lines).

 

Yod Bearers

An aspect is an imaginary line drawn between two planets in a horoscope.

People who have a yod in their charts are known as Yod Bearers as it indicates there are burdens that need to be carried through life.

The image is that of an isosceles triangle where the short side is 60 degrees and the two equal longer sides are 150 degrees.

The shape is somewhat reminiscent of an arrow or finger pointing thus the nickname of The Finger Of God. It is also referred to as the Finger of Fate.

In chart interpretation the area of life that the yod is pointing at is highlighted and becomes an important focus for that person.

 

The Yod Major Aspect Pattern

A Yod is an astrological planetary configuration also know as a major aspect pattern which is formed when three planets line-up in a particular way.

A Yod is an aspect pattern composed of one sextile and two quincunxes. It looks like an isosceles triangle with one short side and two equal length longer sides.

A yod looks like a triangle. But it is different to a grand trine, T-square or a Thor’s Hammer because of the aspects it contains.

In the example chart of Margaret Atwood, she has a Neptune Yod with the Moon and Saturn as the base planets.

The Aspects in a Yod

Sextile

A sextile is an aspect 60° wide or two signs. The orb for a sextile is 4° degrees.

It is an aspect of ease and it suggests your latent talents.

Quincunx

A quincunx is an aspect 150° wide or five signs.

The orb for a quincunx is 2°.

It is an aspect requiring constant adjustment and causes mild irritation.

 

How to Interpret a Yod

The broad stroke with interpreting yods is to look at the one planet being quincunxed (the green lines) by the other two.

This is known as the focal planet and is a sensitive spot in the zodiac which will be reflected in your chart by the house placement.

  • Pay special attention to the focal planet and interpret it thoroughly. Check the essential dignity of the planet and its condition.
  • Look at the house or the area of life that is bringing pointed to.
  • Look at the sign that the focal planet is in, this shows the type of energy that the focal planet can express.
  • The two planets in sextile are the support for the yod and offer up their energy and qualities to the focal planet.

 

Double Yod Key

If there are two yods lying side by side (so four planets and three quincunxes) then it is known as a “double yod key”.

This will reinforce the general meaning of the yod for the person.

What to Consider in a Yod

The focal planet at the end of the quincunxes, is the most sensitive planet as energies flow to it from the two other planets.

The two planets in sextile are known as the base of the yod and work together harmoniously.

The planetary ruler of the sign of the focal planet is important.

Interpretation of a Yod

Charts with yods suggest the person is independent and driven.

Due to the nature of the quincunxes they can be constant and unchanging but fraught with the constant adjustments demanded. T

his person may experience a crisis of energy and find they are constantly battling to stay on track.

There is a certain spiritual element to this pattern and these people can be lofty.

The meaning of the house and sign of the focal planet points (as the pointed in the shape) to the issues that need addressing in this person’s life.

Starzclass

Aspiring Astrologer Activity: Yod

In your astrology journal and referring to a chart with a yod major aspect pattern, please do the following:

  • Name the two aspects that form a yod, their angles and orbs.
  • Note the three planets involved.
  • Name the focal planet.
  • List all the individual aspects that make up this yod.

Extend Yourself

  • Write a brief interpretation for the sextile aspect and consider the two planets, houses, signs, and the aspect (100 words).

  • Write a brief interpretation for the first quincunx aspect and consider the two planets, houses, signs, and the aspect (100 words).

  • Write a brief interpretation for the second quincunx aspect and consider the two planets, houses, signs, and the aspect (100 words).

Extend Yourself Further

  • Write a detailed interpretation of the yod incorporating the meaning of the individual aspects and try to weave a comprehensive interpretation (250 words).

Mars in Aries – Fireworks!

When Mars enters Aries it is at the beginning of the zodiac

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/embed?listType=playlist&list=PLOcSgrrClIM81-brB-jsqVIUIt3RUO11g[/embedyt]

Where does the zodiac begin?

The zodiac starts at zero degrees Aries. Because the Sun on its path, the plane of the ecliptic crosses the celestial equator at zero declination on its path towards the northern hemisphere.

The Sun crosses the celestial equator twice a year at the equinoxes. Once going north March 20/21st (the Aries ingress) and once going south on September 22/23rd (the Libra ingress).

Planetary Ingress

An ingress is when a planet enters a sign or house either moving direct or retrograde.

As Mars enters Aries it is going home to the sign it rules.

The Aries Point

The Aries Point is zero degrees Aries in any chart. Some astrologers take any cardinal sign’s zero degrees as an Aries point. The cardinal signs are Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn.

What to expect when Mars is in Aries

  • Action
  • Energy
  • Heat
  • Competition
  • Masculinity
  • Activity
  • War
  • Conflict
  • Confrontations
  • Excitement
  • Sexual awareness
  • Fires
  • Push, push, push

All of these things are ruled by Mars. When Mars is in its own sign it can operate cleanly and clearly at its true meaning.

Whilst Mars was recently in Pisces it was not a good place for Mars’ energy to be expressed.

Precession of the Equinoxes

This is the phenomena that the point of the vernal equinox (when the Sun enters Aries going north) is moving backwards through the constellation signs at the slow rate of one sign over a two thousand (ish) year period.

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/embed?listType=playlist&list=PLOcSgrrClIM_WD4BsEkltgb8paS0V08_l&v=nsTvpSRmD7s[/embedyt]

The Great Years

In astrology a great year is almost 26000 years and each Great Year is divided into twelve Great Months or Ages of around a two thousand year (give or take) period. You have heard of these Ages as for example the Age of Aquarius.

Therefore the Age of Aries came before the Age of Pisces. Before the Age of Aries was the Age of Taurus.

In Ages each sign is before the present one going backwards through the signs. The “Ages” are reversed because of the precession of the equinoxes.

Great Years show large sweeps of history and are background noise for each time period.

The Age of Aquarius

We are now living in the Age of Aquarius (which began around the year 2000AD) and will last for just over two thousand years until about 4000AD. The symbol for Aquarius is two wavy lines like radio waves or microwaves and all technology waves and wireless devices and gadgets.

The Age of Pisces

Looking back, the Age of Pisces occurred from about year 1AD (at Christ’s birth) until 2000AD. The symbol prevalent at this time was the fish and this can still be seen on bumper stickers to indicate a Christian.

The Age of Aries

The Age of Aries was from +/- 2000BC to 1AD which is again a two thousand year period or “Age”. The symbols used in this age were the ram which is a male sheep. In Egypt Rameses I, II and III were cracking the whip. And the Romans developed metal armour and weapons to wear in battles and wars.

When considering this information you can see that the Mars ingress into Aries is highly important.

Mars enters Aries and starts the whole cycle again every two years. This is the time it takes Mars to make one orbit of the Sun and is the length or a Martian year. Obviously we are not experiencing Mars entering Aries for the first time it has happened. Mars get around.

We experience a Martian ingress into Aries every two years.

Mars disposes planets in Aries

As Mars moves through Aries it disposes planets in that sign. When Mars is in Aries it is a prime position to be final dispositor. Always give a quick scan to see if this is the case.


 

The Victoria Landscape Zodiac on Vancouver Island

The Victoria Landscape Zodiac on Vancouver Island

by Alison Price

Victoria

Victoria is the capital of the province of British Columbia in Canada. The city is situated on Vancouver Island on the west coast and is named after Queen Victoria.

I have a particular interest in the Victoria Landscape Zodiac as it is very close to my home. This is an example of local astrology at it’s best.


Landscape Zodiac

Low Res VLZ map for Alison Blog

A landscape zodiac is found when you lay the planisphere (a star map of the northern skies) over a street map of a place (in this case the city of Victoria on Vancouver Island in Canada) or other land area and find correlations between the astrology sign meanings and the topographical geography of the earth.

These correlations can be in the forms of street names, parks, buildings, cemeteries, hills, streams, marshes or ponds.

Polaris Star as the Center Point

In the Victoria Landscape Zodiac, the north pole star Polaris is centered on the city at the aptly named Pointer Place.

The wheel is then adjusted until some form of connections is determined. Once the rotation angle has been decided the zodiac is set to that degree on the city map. In this way, the city of Victoria is segmented into the twelve signs.

Once the rotation angle has been decided the zodiac is set to that degree on the city map. In this way, the city of Victoria is segmented into the twelve signs.

Sidereal Zodiac

The constellation shapes created by the stars do not line up with the tropical zodiac because of the precession of the equinoxes. This is well known phenomena of which astrologers are aware.

Effigies

The shapes of the sign symbols, when laid on a map, are known as effigies. These sign animal shapes (except Libra which is the scales) are then drawn onto the city map. See image. 

Tropical Zodiac

The astrological tropical zodiac is placed on the outside which is similar to a natal chart.

At this point, your natal chart can be overlaid on the city map and your personal natal planets will be in the same position of longitude and in a particular position in Victoria.

Discovery

People in the history of the discovery of Landscape Zodiacs are Katharine Emma Maltwood, Mary Dowds and most recently Donald Allen who is the latest dynamic researcher working on the Victoria Landscape Zodiac.

Donald Allen has explicit permission to use the information and maps drawn by Mary Dowds to continue his exploration of the Victoria Landscape Zodiac.

He has successfully discovered the Victoria Cancer and Pisces effigy on the map which adds to his knowledge base.

Southern Hemisphere Landscape Zodiacs

Research into landscape zodiacs in the Southern Hemisphere using the southern skies planisphere and the southern cross will have to be pursued. Come on South Africa!

Your Chart Overlay

If you would like to see your natal chart overlaid on the Victoria Landscape Zodiac please contact Donald Allen with your details and for a modest research donation ($19.99 by PayPal) he will provide you with a full-color image of your chart married to the beautiful city of Victoria. He looks forward to hearing from you.

About Donald Allen’s ongoing research

Donald is actively researching the Victoria Landscape Zodiac and he would love to hear from you.

You are invited to contact Donald Allen by email at victorialandscapezodiac@yahoo.com and you can visit his Victoria Landscape Zodiac Facebook page.

All images in this post (c) 2013 Donald Allen

The VLZ project is a work in progress I hope to keep you up-to-date with developments.


 

Mars in Pisces

Mars in Pisces

Mars in Pisces 

Mars as the ruler of Aries and Scorpio is not particularity at home in Pisces.

Mars in Pisces will slow the pace for a few weeks.

You will have some breathing space, but if taken to extremes, the days can drift by with you lolling about in your pj’s watching old movies.

So what to do now?

This placement inclines towards creative expression like a step session, Zumba or Dance, Dance Revolution.

Go with the flow of the music or shuffle round the house in your slippers but let it drive itself.

Energy needs an outlet and the Mars powerhouse within us all has to come out somehow even when Mars in the soft sign ruled by Neptune.

 

Submarine Volcanoes

Another analogy of Mars in Pisces are the undersea volcanoes.

These mainly lie between the tectonic plates, for example in the atlantic ocean, where the Earth’s crust is opening up as the continents of America and Africa drift apart.

The gap allows magma to ooze or gush (depending on the place) and the red hot volcanic flow (Mars) is immediately cooled and hardened by the cold sea (Pisces).

This product can sometimes be referred to as volcanic glass and Neptune rules mirrors and glass.

Heat is released and warms the deep ocean creating a haven for obscure fish and marine creatures to live.

These animals do not exist anywhere else on Earth.

 

Flash Mobs

It seems the flash mob phenomena was born during a Mars transit of Pisces.

This is where a large group of people get together and dance in synch to blaring music.

These events appear spontaneous (but clearly are well rehearsed behind the scenes) and are usually held in a public place.

If you’ve ever seen this dance in action it gives the impression of a shoal of fish swimming through the ocean, changing direction sharply and in unison trying to evade predators.

 

Mars goes Back to Square One

When Mars enters its own sign of Aries at the start of the zodiac it will be back to full steam ahead.

Author Bio

Alison encourages you to explore your unique creativity and live a satisfying life through your personal astrology. She offers her insights from the heart and with a sense of humor.

Go here to read more about Alison’s story.

If you want to send Alison a quick message go here.

More Articles

If you enjoyed this post you may find more interesting articles on our blog.

Venus Sextile Uranus

Venus Sextile Uranus

Venus sextile Uranus. Sextiles are very energetic and agreeable, so Venus sextiles one of the best aspects to find in relationship charts.

How to Cast a Chart without a Birth Time

How to Cast a Chart without a Birth Time

How to Cast a Chart with No Birth time

If your client does not know their birth time (and they are not interested in rectification) how do you cast their chart and find some information that you can use?

This frequently comes up in chart readings. You need to help your client and there are acouple of ways of tweaking the chart.

Here are some simple steps to overcome the issue.

 

The Noon Chart

It is best to erect your client’s chart for noon on their birthday. Then you can only be twelve hours out.

Clearly this is not an ideal situation but better than twenty-four hours off the birth placements.

Experience will tell you that many people’s birth information is suspect at the best of times. You have to constantly be on the lookout for incorrect data and the chart results when face-to-face with your client.

 

The Moon in a Noon Chart

The Moon travels about twelve to fifteen degrees each day. With this movement halfway through the day (at noon) it will be six to seven and a half degrees out either way and may or may not be of use. However you could ascertain the lunar sign because if the Moon is between seven and a half degrees and twenty-two and a half degrees of a sign at noon, then you know for sure it is in that sign in the birth chart. Because the Moon would still be in the sign for a birth first thing in the morning and last thing at night.

 

Natal Noon Chart

With a “noon chart” the planets in the signs and planetary aspects are correct (except the Moon) but there are no angles or houses.

This means of the possible 100% information shown in a normal chart you only have 60%. The point is that the 60% you do have is still 100% correct.

There is less quantity of information available, but it is still quality information when you interpret a “noon chart”.

Planets on Sign Cusps

You do need to watch out for other planets near the cusps of signs and weigh the possibilities of them being in the next sign or the previous sign for retrogrades.

 

Planetary Stations

If a planet is stationary on the birthday you can bet it is in that position dead-on in the natal chart.

Forecasting with a Noon Chart

Forecasting with transits and solar returns (by planetary sign position not houses) can be used as well as secondary progressions and solar arc directions the latter two with care.

There are many ways to rectify a birth chart but that is a discussion for another day.

 

 

Virgo Gets Things Done

Virgo Gets Things Done

Virgo Gets Things Done

If you have planets in Virgo you can get things done.

Virgo is a modest sign. Often people with many Virgo placements brush off their accomplishments as old hat when others comment on their abilities by replying simply “Oh, but everyone can do that.”

Well no, not everyone can do the things those with a strong Virgo chart can.

A strong Virgo signature is a chart where there are three or more planets or the ascendant in the sign of the virgin with Mercury direct.

 

Imagery

The imagery for Virgo is a maiden holding a sheaf of wheat.

Now I propose she did not just get the bundle of cereal handed to her off camera. I imagine she donned her wellies and was down in the field and harvested the grain herself.

Miss Virgo then paused for the photo opportunity (our imagery of the constellation) she turns, walks over to the millstone and thrashes the wheat from the chaff.

She gathers up the germs of goodness and enters her kitchen to bake bread.

When the loaves are prepared she calmly places them on a clean gingham cloth in a wicker basket. Then serves her nutritious sustenance to the workers in her village.

Simple food, not flashy but full of goodness.

Very practical.

 

Mercury

The ruling planet for Virgo is Mercury and there are clues in the affinity Mercury has with the hands, handiwork, and craftwork.

Women with Virgo planets are often knitting, baking and crafting things.

These seem to be skills which are slowing disappearing as not all girls are taught these subjects anymore.

Men with Virgo placements are definitely handy to have about the place. Mr. Virgo is a guy who can wire a plug, chop onions and bath the dog.

Maybe not at the same time.

Perception

Perhaps the true skill of Virgo is that they look like they don’t know how to do things but in actual fact they do.

They don’t yell from the rooftops about what they have done but go about their business attending to what needs doing on a daily basis.

Richard Branson’s Virgin International’s tag line is “More experienced than our name suggests” which about sums it up.

 

“More experienced than our name suggests”

 

If you are lucky enough to have Miss or Mr. Virgo living in your home you maybe taking them for granted…

Do you have a strong Virgo signature?

Do you have planets in Virgo?

Can you get things done?

I really don’t expect any comments as the Virgo’s themselves don’t think they are that important.


 

Author Bio

Alison encourages you to explore your unique creativity and live a satisfying life through your personal astrology. She offers her insights from the heart and with a sense of humor.

Go here to read more about Alison’s story.

If you want to send Alison a quick message go here.

More Articles

If you enjoyed this post, you may like some more astrology related articles from our blog. 

Venus Sextile Uranus

Venus Sextile Uranus

Venus sextile Uranus. Sextiles are very energetic and agreeable, so Venus sextiles one of the best aspects to find in relationship charts.

My Little Darlings

My Little Darlings

I talk a lot about children’s astrology here on this blog.

Recently I have received several emails asking about my family dynamics and my children so I thought I would share a little about that.

At the same time respecting our Little Darling’s privacy.

My husband and I have four children. They are nearly all grown up and have almost left home.

This means I have more space to peruse my interests.

Time is the one luxury that I never had when the youngest was born and they all needed my attention.

I started studying and practicing astrology long before I had children. In fact my mother was an astrologer and she taught my sister and I lots as kids at the kitchen table.

The best laid plans

I knew the importance of the Sun in a chart and I wanted to select a child to be born with a Sun sign compatible with mine (Leo).

We decided to go for a fire Sun sign and the one that came up first that year was Leo. I fell pregnant and she was due on August 6th that year and bang in the middle of Leo.

But nature has a way of pulling off her joke and our daughter was born an amazing three weeks early when we welcomed in a beautiful little Cancerian Sun baby.

As the first grandchild in the family she was heralded as perfect in every way.

Our daughter’s birth story taught me much about taking life as it comes and accepting that things may not be as we might wish but that nature can make them better.

Accepting the fact that I could not organize a particular sign for my child to be born under led me to let nature take its course.

With the other children’s births, well they came in their own good time.

Astrological influence

So, as a mother and an astrologer to boot did I influence my children and raise them with the insights astrology?

I would like to answer “Yes, I did” but the truth is the kids are so very much their own people living their lives through their charts.

Where I felt I could have an influence is when rules had to be brought in and I became the voice of authority in the parental role.

Each child required a different carrot and still does.

You may also like:

Children’s astrologer Alison Price – Video interview.

 * * *

Fibonacci Aspects

Fibonacci Aspects

Aspects of the Fibonacci Sequence

To remind you the Fibonacci sequence is a pattern in numbers where the previous two are added together to result in the next number in the sequence.

1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21…

One plus two equals three, two plus three equals five, three plus five equals eight and so on.

It can be drawn as a widening spiral. This shape is found in nature in plants and animals and can be clearly seen in the nautilus shell chambers and in the head of a sunflower.

The numbers build on the past sequence to create the future patterns.

It seems to me that this reflects a natal chart as it begins to progress and develop by building on what has gone before. The progressed chart unfolds over time from a base point in time i.e. the natal chart.

Situations that occur in life must have been in the natal promise to start with.

 

Read more >>> Aspect Basics

 

Fibonacci Aspects

The aspects in the Fibonacci sequence are:

 

  • Conjunction (1)
  • Opposition (2)
  • Trine (3)
  • Quintile (5)
  • Semi-square (8)
  • Baker’s dozen (13)

Missing Ptolemaic Aspects

In this sequence of numbers we see that the square (4) and the sextile (6) do not appear. Nor will the semi-sextile (12) aspect.

So what? Well, astrology is a system of patterns and symbols. We happily take chart divisions from one to twelve and for the simple reason that every number is represented.

We are also ok to extract the hard aspects in the eighth harmonic (1, 2, 4, 8) and call them manifesting aspects. Surely if the Fibonacci sequence occurs in nature and so is part of the Earth experience, should we not consider this group of aspects in a particular way?

 

Quintile

Perhaps because the quintile aspect is found in the Fibonacci list that is our first clue. Quintiles are closely associated with your creativity and genius.

 

13th Harmonic a Baker’s Dozen

What about the thirteenth harmonic?

Keywords transformation and values. This is not an aspect that is widely used in general astrology but can it be somehow associated with the meanings of the others in our sequence, maybe following the quintile theme?

I’m not sure, but using the Fibonacci aspects in a particular way as a group is a theory that has been buzzing in my thoughts for a while now. I wanted to put these ideas out there for consideration.

 

Author Bio

Alison Price: Astrology Coach

Alison wants to help you uncover your individual creativity and lead a fulfilling life using your own astrology. She shares her wisdom from the heart with a touch of humor.

Learn more about Alison’s journey.

If you’d like to get in touch with Alison, you can reach out to her via email at starzology@gmail.com.

More Articles

If you enjoyed this post, you may like some more astrology related articles from our blog.

 

Do You Need Astrological Certification?

by Alison Price

“Most people can fry an egg but they don’t call themselves chefs.”

Astrological Certification

Today I want to look at astrological certification and whether you need it or not.

Certification really means taking lessons and sitting a series of exams at the beginner, intermediate and advanced level of astrology. In this way you meet knowledge criteria.

No, you don’t

The short answer to this question is no, you don’t need certification. Anyone can set up shop and call themselves an astrologer. There are no regulations as there are with realtors or psychologists. To my mind, it is like being an artist. Whether you are doing fine art in oils of making wooden birdhouses it is still considered art.

Many famous astrologers are self-taught. They don’t get certified because they don’t have to. When you have spent twenty or thirty years learning your art you do know what you are doing. There is a point when experience kicks in and overcomes formal training.

Astrology is not widely considered a serious field it is generally used “For entertainment purposes only” and this sentence is recommended by legal consultants when opening an astrology business.

Yes, you do

The long answer is it depends on what you want to do with your astrology. There are two instances when I recommend taking the class and exam route.

  • If astrology is a brand new subject for you (that is if you have been studying for less than twelve months). If you are learning from scratch you have the potential, in formal classes, to learn all the things you need to know without having gaps in your knowledge which frequently occur when you are self-taught.
  • If you want to be considered an authority in the astrology field either by the general public or the astrological community.

In the end, I believe it is a personal choice.


Astrological certification bodies:

Australia:
Federation of Australian Astrologers (FAA)

Great Britain:
Faculty of Astrological Studies London, England.
London School of Astrology (LSA).
MA, Cultural Astronomy and Astrology – the University of Wales at Lampeter

USA:
International Society Astrological Research (ISAR)
National Council for Geocosmic Research (NCGR)
American Federation of Astrologers (AFA)

There are more but theses are the ones that come to mind.


The Sixth House and Herb Gardens

The Sixth House and Herb Gardens


The 6th House and Herb Gardens

Herbs and herb gardens are shown in your sixth house.

 

Uranus conjunct Neptune

During the Huge Conjunction of 1991/93. Uranus conjoined Neptune for the first time in 170 years this time in Capricorn.

At the time I was a mamber of the Cape Town Astrologroup.

They had a particular meeting to celebrate the conjunction of Uranus and Neptune.

The activity that night was to get into huddles depending on which house the conjunction occurred in our natal charts.

6th House

For myself it was the 6th house.

I joined with the other astrologers in the clutch who had the Uranus Neptune conjunction in their 6th houses as well.

This is not the most exciting house in a chart because it is about health, daily rituals, service and work.

They began discussing their work and how busy they were, but it did not resonate with all the group members.

Someone said they had started gardening.

Well that was the catalyst for an animated discussion as we all had taken up gardening recently.

Then we got onto herbs… 🌱

 

My First Herb Garden – Cape Town

I was able to tell them about the new herb garden I had recently designed and had constructed in my garden.

It was down a narrow strip of land behind our house.

I explained how herbs had suddenly had more meaning for me.

That year I had been growing and cooking with fresh herbs and making interesting meals for my family.

Cooking with fresh herbs was something I had never done before.

It was glorious. I loved it.

Small plants are shown in your 6th house.

My Second Herb Garden – Phalaborwa

We later moved to another house right on the Tropic of Capricorn (that is another story) and again the garden needed care.

My husband and his guys laid out a beautiful 10m x 10m square herb garden with appropriate circles and a birdbath in the middle.

At the time of construction, we made sure that money, yes cold hard cash, was buried below the concrete of the water feature.

This was to provide for the garden.

A nice touch.

I often wonder what those gardens look like today having had thirty and twenty-five years to establish themselves.

Inspiration

The inspiration for both layouts was based on the designs in Margaret Robert’s book Guide to Growing Herbs in South Africa.

Below is a simple plan for a four square herb garden.

See more about the sign elements and herbs.

Author Bio

Alison encourages you to explore your unique creativity and live a satisfying life through your personal astrology. She offers her insights from the heart and with a sense of humor.

Go here to read more about Alison’s story.

If you want to send Alison a quick message go here.

More Articles

If you liked this post you may enjoy some other astrology related articles from our blog.

Venus Sextile Uranus

Venus Sextile Uranus

Venus sextile Uranus. Sextiles are very energetic and agreeable, so Venus sextiles one of the best aspects to find in relationship charts.

Venus Sextile Uranus

Venus Sextile Uranus

Venus sextile Uranus. Sextiles are very energetic and agreeable, so Venus sextiles one of the best aspects to find in relationship charts.

How to Interpret a Retrograde Sun

How to Interpret a Retrograde Sun

Retrograde Sun

Introduction

Everything you wanted to know about a retrograde Sun, but were too afraid to ask

There really are only two responses to the title of this piece. Ok, maybe more than two, but the essence of each will be the same as they are just variations on a theme.

The first response is “I have to learn about this new feature in astrology” and the second reaction is “What’s she banging on about now?”

 

Part 1: If you don’t know about retrograde Suns

Read this part if you have a retrograde Sun in your chart, if it is in a member of your family’s nativity, if it has cropped up in a friend’s horoscope or if you wish to learn how to interpret one.

 

  • Decide if it is a daytime or nighttime birth
  • Check for converse progressions
  • Realize that astrology has many confusing details
  • Calculate the chart with Regiomontanus house cusps
  • Book in for the class “Astronomy for Astrologers”
  • Make sure to discuss this interesting phenomena at you next astrology meeting

Part 2: If you do know all about retrograde Suns

Read this part if you know about retrograde Suns or if you have come across them before. Here are some thoughts on how to proceed.

  • A little knowledge is a dangerous thing
  • Choose your mentors wisely
  • Always be on the lookout for a sense of humor
  • Know that not all those reading this have your powers
  • Get behind the “All practitioners must get certified” regime
  • Go outside, stand in the Sun and smile

Remember everyone sees the world through the lens of their own chart. What one person sees is often different to how you view things.

Who is correct?

Sometimes it is not easy to tell.

Let astrology inspire you.

 

Author Bio

Alison Price: Astrology Coach

Alison wants to help you uncover your individual creativity and lead a fulfilling life using your own astrology. She shares her wisdom from the heart with a touch of humor.

Learn more about Alison’s journey.

If you’d like to get in touch with Alison, you can reach out to her via email at starzology@gmail.com.

More Articles

If you enjoyed this post, you may like some more astrology related articles from our blog.

 

Mars in Capricorn: 10 Things to Do

Mars in Capricorn: 10 Things to Do

Mars in Capricorn.

The Red Planet’s energies mesh well in the sign of the Sea-goat as the principles of drive (Mars) and ambition (Capricorn) combine in a supportive manner.

We also note that Mars is exalted here.

If you have a Capricorn Sun or ascendant you’ll get a burst of energy as Mars rolls in.

There will be a time when Mars joins forces with Pluto and two of the bad boys of the zodiac gang up.

More on the Mars Pluto conjunction later.

What to do When Mars is in Capricorn

The knack to using astrology is to work with the planetary energies and not against them. Let’s have a look at the best way to work this placement.

  • Take steps to get your career on track.
  • Be assertive not aggressive.
  • Attend company sports events.
  • Participate in the office Year-end festivities.
  • Become the Go-To guy or gal.
  • Compete at work.
  • Address issues with your father.
  • Kick limiting strategies.
  • Master headaches.
  • Own your own life path (not your parents).

Surviving Mars in Capricorn and coming out strong is within everyone’s grasp.

Make your move.

Mars in the Signs

Below are some more sign placements for Mars. As I write more I’ll add them here.

Alison

Author Bio

Alison encourages you to explore your unique creativity and live a satisfying life through your personal astrology. She offers her insights from the heart and with a sense of humor.

Go here to read more about Alison’s story.

If you want to send Alison a quick message go here.

Venus Sextile Uranus

Venus Sextile Uranus

Venus sextile Uranus. Sextiles are very energetic and agreeable, so Venus sextiles one of the best aspects to find in relationship charts.

Venus Sextile Uranus

Venus Sextile Uranus

Venus sextile Uranus. Sextiles are very energetic and agreeable, so Venus sextiles one of the best aspects to find in relationship charts.

Astrological Holy Trinity

Astrological Holy Trinity

Learn about my current research into the Astrologer’s Holy Trinity and the highest-level temperature of the chart thus reducing it down to only four values.

Solar Eclipses in Astrology

Solar Eclipses in Astrology

Solar Eclipses are Cool

A Solar Eclipse happens when the Moon moves in front of the Sun. 

The Moon blocks out the light and the heat from the Sun.

Usually the birds stop tweeting as well which is a strange thing about solar eclipses.

 

Eclipse Conversations from our Podcast

For more inspiration on your eclipse journey, Alison and Arwynne have listed all their eclipses podcast episode as they are published.

 

My Solar Eclipse Story

I first experienced the cooling effects of a solar eclipse when we lived in a town called Phalaborwa in the province of Limpopo in South Africa.

This place name means The Town of Two Summers as the temperature is hot in winter and hot in summer.

Phalaborwa is situated right on the Tropic of Capricorn and experiences relentless dry heat all the time.

It is a mining town and copper is the reason the settlement is there at all.

In Phalaborwa, any tree is a good tree because it is a shade tree.

In the three years we lived there is rained three times for ten minutes each time.

Dry, dry, dry.

The Eclipse Starts

It was about 2pm and a hot afternoon.

I was ready for the solar eclipse and had the special eclipse glasses for all the kids as we sat in the garden sipping lemonade.

Looking up into the clear blue sky we watched the Moon slowly creep over the face of the Sun.

But, that’s when I noticed the drop in temperature and the chill of the eclipse.

Bearing in mind that temperatures were normally 40C at midday, suddenly it became cool and dark.

Not fully night as it was a partial solar eclipse, but still enough to reduce the light to dusky levels.

Cold and gloomy the kids ran inside and were excited and anxious at the same time.

Within five minutes, the Moon had moved over the disk of the Sun and again the bright light and heat came flooding back to the afternoon.

Almost as suddenly it felt as it had never happened.

Such is the nature of a Solar eclipse.

If you get a chance to experience a solar eclipse, pay attention to all your senses and not just sight and you will have a richer eclipse experience that will stay with you for the rest of your life.

New Moon

Every month there is a New Moon which occurs in the same sign as the Sun.

Each New Moon is usually in the following sign from the last one.

When the Sun is in Libra we have the Libra New Moon.

When the Sun is in Scorpio it will be the Scorpio New Moon.

A New Moon is a time to sow seeds, begin things and start a new course of action.

A New Moon will affect all the things shown by the area of life (house) in which it occurs in your natal chart.

If you know where this is going to happen you can plan ahead.

Types of Eclipses

There are two types of eclipse, a solar eclipse and a lunar eclipse.

Either type of eclipse occurs when the Sun, Moon and Earth line up exactly in the sky.

For a solar eclipse the sequence is: SunMoonEarth. 

For a lunar eclipse the sequence is: SunEarthMoon

 

Solar Eclipse

A solar eclipse happens when the Moon moves in front of the Sun and blocks out the light.

If the Moon is close enough to the Earth that its umbra (main) shadow can reach Earth it will cast a shadow across the face of the Earth, this is known as the eclipse path.

The eclipse path is usually quite thin and can be up to 170km wide crossing the face of the Earth.

This width varies with each individual eclipse.

Only places on Earth on the eclipse path and in the full shadow of the Moon will experience totality.

 

 

Solar eclipse October 22, 2014

Annular Solar Eclipse

It depends on how close the Sun is to the node whether it is a partial, total, total annular or hybrid (a bit of both) eclipse.

When the orb between the Sun and the node is less than 9 degrees it is an annular eclipse.

If the Earth is also at perihelion the Moon can fully cover the Sun’s disk and it is a total solar eclipse.

If the Moon does not fully cover the Sun’s face then it is a partial eclipse.

The Eclipse Path

Solar eclipses can only be seen during the day when the Sun is above the horizon.

An eclipse is visible from all places where the Moon’s shadow crosses the face of the Earth.

It you are on the eclipse path you will see the eclipse.

When

An eclipse will occur at different times depending where on Earth you are and you can catch a glimpse of one if you are near the eclipse path.

The Astrology of Eclipses

All eclipses are not created equal. Some are simply more dynamic and have a greater potential within themselves than others.

Each one has to be judged on its own merits.

Astrologically eclipses are both general and personal.

It depends on the eclipse chart (see above) and your own birth chart and if and how they connect.

Therefore some eclipses have a deeper and more profound effect than others.

General Effects of an Eclipse

  • This eclipse will be in a sign and the ruler(s) of the sign will have influence over the eclipse.
  • If it is an eclipse at the Moon’s north node it indicates that we are focussing on future things and drawing in people, goods and experiences to ourselves.
  • If it is at the Moon south node it suggests that we are letting go of people, stuff and emotional baggage.
  • The Sun and Moon may be conjoined a planet which inclines towards discussing the issues brought about at the eclipse and the meaning of the planet.

Personal Effects of an Eclipse

  • Whichever house the eclipse occurs in your natal chart will be the area of life that will be affected. For example in your first house your looks, seventh house your romance, partner, relationship or in your tenth house your career and goal setting.
  • If it is your birthday on the eclipse day you will feel the most effect from the eclipse.
  • If your Ascendant is on the eclipse degree the effects of this eclipse will be impressive and there may be a huge change for your life, your personality and how other see you.
  • If you have any planets in your natal chart at the eclipse degree they will be stimulated by the eclipse.

 

Read more >>> Upcoming Eclipses

How Long an Eclipse Lasts

The actual eclipse lasts about one hour but the effects of the eclipse are usually for around six months.

If a particular eclipse connects with your chart by any of the ways mentioned above it will have an effect on you for about six months.

This depends on how close the eclipse falls to your chart planets and points (Ascendant, MC, nodes, Vertex or Part of Fortune).

There are specific timing strategies that astrologers use which can change this six-month pattern.

You would have to consult with myself or your astrologer to fully determine how each eclipse in the next year or so will affect you directly.

Eclipse Seasons

Every six months the Sun draws near one of the lunar nodes and we have eclipses.

Sometimes only two and on occasion three.

It depends on how close the Sun is to the nodes in degrees.

The closer the orb the more likely eclipse.

Solar Eclipse

Eclipses at the New Moon are always solar.

Solar eclipses impart a masculine or yang feel.

This means it is an active eclipse where you can get started on your intentions right away.

North Node Eclipse

Eclipses is at the north node suggest the future is improtant.

Your future can be supported based on intentions begun now.

South Node Eclipse

Eclipses at the south node suggest the past is important.

Your past may be influencing your present situation through memories, people or events.

Happy Birthday

If your birthday is on a solar eclipse day, you will feel that particular eclipse intensely because it forms part of your Solar Return chart whose celestial energies are in place for you for the next twelve months.

Eclipse conjunct a natal planet

Now and then an eclipse will be right on the degree of a natal planet, ascendant or MC in your chart.

Obviously, this doesn’t happen often but when it does you need to pay attention.

An astrologer can quickly tell when this will happen for you.

Starzclass

Aspiring Astrologer Activity: Solar Eclipses

In your astrology journal, and referring to the next solar eclipse, please do the following:

  • Find the exact position of the solar eclipse in degrees and minutes.
  • Note which house in your chart the solar eclipse will fall.
  • See if the solar eclipse will conjoin any of your natal planets or points.

Extend Yourself

  • Write a general interpretation for the eclipse hat can be used by everyone or in your horoscope writing. Include the sign, the node and any planetary conjunctions to the eclipse (use a 1 degree orb) (100 words).
  • Write a personal interpretation for the eclipse including the house and any conjunctions the eclipse will make to your chart (100 words).

Extend Yourself Further

  • Cast the charts for every solar eclispe that will occur this year and next year. Use the Zero Aries house stystem.
  • Write general interpretations for each upcoming eclipse. This will be useful for you as an aspiring astrologer for your forecast work (100 words per eclipse).