If you are an aspiring astrologer or even a full-blown astrologer for that matter, these five items you need to have in order to read charts effectively.
You may be attracted to a different branch of astrology than the next astrologer, but the basics to need are the same.
I am going to share with you the five essential things every aspiring astrologer requires to read a chart.
These items are distilled from many years of experience in my practice where I have cast and read charts for people.
Although you can have tons more books and goodies that can help with the process, I have trimmed the list down to the five basic necessities that you require to read a chart.
1) An Ephemeris
This is the best book you can have on your desk. An ephemeris contains the planet’s positions, retrogrades, eclipses, lunations and many other interesting facts about what the solar system is actually doing.
Back in the day (before we all had a computer to cast charts) you would need your ephemeris to calculate the chart in the first place.
Now you will reach for your ephemeris to quickly find when Pluto will enter your client’s eighth house for the second time, retrograde in a five-hit transit or to discover if it is going to be an appulse or total eclipse next autumn as you write you horoscopes for the following year.
If you never refer to your ephemeris for charts and forecasting it makes a great spot for your cat to sleep.
Still casting charts by hand I suppose. You do need some way to draw charts quickly and correctly if you read charts for a living.
I use Solar Fire and it is really powerful software and to be honest I don’t use all the features all the time, or even many of the features most of the time, but
I do use the powerful chart processing ability and its calculations for secondary progressions, solar arcs, solar returns, and transits. These are for client work and the chart for right-here right-now to plan my day.
You can get chart calculation apps for your iPhone like Astro Gold and this is wonderful for casting charts on-the-go. I use Astro Gold for pondering the charts of my clients as I always load their birth data into my phone, as well as Solar Fire, before the consultation so I can consider all the ideas I may have about their chart wherever I am in my day.
I can do this because I book clients usually one week ahead because I like to cast their chart and then mull over it for a few days so it can “speak” to me.
If you work differently (and you should follow your path) or work ahead of time as I do then, either way, you need powerful astrology software.
3) The Chart
You need the chart to do the interpretation. Usually, you will print the chart from your computer or draw it by hand.
But just having a plain chart is no good and you have to make notes on it, highlight special planets, draw attention to grand trines or yods and the like. This extra jotting on the chart is best done in color.
Emphasize the ruling planet in yellow wherever it appears on the page even in the aspectarian.
Color the grand trines and mini-grand trines in blue along with the normal blue trines for ease the T-squares in red (red is for squares in general), Thor’s hammers in tangerine (sesquiquadrates are always orange), emerald for yods (quincunxes are green).
You do this in color because after a time when you have looked at hundreds of charts they can easily blend into one in your mind. If you have each chart highlighted in color and the main features, planets, houses and major aspect patterns enhanced it is quicker to scan and immediately get up to speed on that particular chart.
It is a way to streamline your readings and stop you ploughing through all the myriad of details that each chart contains. By adding primary and secondary shades, as a component to clarity, you become more effective and just glancing at the wheel hues can become almost as a mandala when you contemplate many charts.
4) Your Astrology Journal
An astrology journal is every aspiring astrologer’s friend. You will always be learning new interpretations for charts. When you read astrology articles online, blogs or pieces in trade publications there is always something to learn.
It could be a technique or another way to remember planetary placement meanings, if you write them down you don’t have to remember everything.
You may not ever use these tidbits of information but then again you might. Points you find that may not make much sense today may be just what you are looking for in the next chart you read or maybe next year when you tackle another method that is new to you.
Astrologers are always learning and this is what the journal is for.
I use mine when I planning my horoscopes for next year or other writing projects that I may be developing.
5) Herb Tea
As you sit at your desk for a few hours each day working on charts and chatting to people it is nice to have a soothing cup of herb tea at your elbow.
Personally, I enjoy green tea, jasmine tea and now and then a refreshing Earl Grey. If you are not a tea drinker it doesn’t matter but you do need your favorite drink to hand.
Taking a beverage break lets you sit back, ease your shoulders that have become tense leaning in, drawing notes on your charts and making case notes for your charts.
Pausing for a drink gives you a time to breathe and make a moment of stillness in your day.
These are the five basics that should be on your desk. There is room for many more reference books (oh the books), but to cast a chart and read it you only need five things.
Start with these items on your desk and develop your aspiring astrology chart reading skills as you immerse yourself in the magical world of astrology.
I recently received this question about Saturn from a reader:
“I always watch where Saturn is transiting for me and I’m beginning to think that Saturn is not as bad as we understand. I have had some of the best things happen for me when Saturn is in a certain house.
Like when it was in my first house I stopped drinking, smoking and lost weight. Now it’s in the second house and I have never earned so much money in my life. I have a lot to pay but the earning is something else!
I think if we are aware we can make it [Saturn by house] work for us. Buckle down to the discipline and so on. We live in terror of Saturn and yet find incredible blessing in its transits.
What do you think Alison?”
Here’s what I think
How exciting that a relative novice at astrology has such insights. That by having even a smattering of information (Saturn in her houses) allows her to understand the complexities of the planetary astrology and how it actually works in her chart.
For a bit of background information, this woman is forty-something and lives a regular life in the suburbs. She and her husband enjoy a fulfilling life where they try to make ends meet at the same time educating their kids and enjoying their family with many dogs.
In fact they are a couple probably just like you or me.
The first house
The first house is about your physical appearance, vitality and how you look. It is the facade you present to others.
Any planet passing through (or transiting) your first house will change you in the nature of the transiting planet.
Saturn
Saturn is traditionally known as “The Greater Malefic” this means it is the biggest bad boy of the planets.
In case you are wondering Mars has the dubious reputation as “The Lesser Malefic” and on a side note Venus is the “The Lesser Benefic” and Jupiter is “The Greater Benefic” and we’ve got to love the old labels.
Saturn is the planet of control and discipline. It can be cold and hard but it does have its up side. When saturn bestows its gifts they are sometimes difficult to see.
Saturn brings things like:
Being able to master something
Finding staying power for the long haul
Building on a strong foundation
These are old fashioned virtues and don’t fit with the modern world of quick fixes, sound bytes and 7 day miracle diets etc.
Time is of the essence
Saturn takes time but if you do put the time in you will reap benefits from Saturn’s graces.
I often relate how Saturn works in your life, to the beloved character of Cousin Violet in Downton Abbey.
Here is a woman who is old and crusty, loves traditions but has staying power for the long haul.
The Dowager will prevail.
Reader insights and being self-aware
That our reader has noticed when Saturn recently went through her first house changing her physical appearance by her improved self care of cutting out drinking and smoking and losing some weight is excellent.
Yes, Saturn can change your life and yes, for the better.
Although you may not notice it at the time, you will be able to look back and see the improvements that have been made in your life.
Your vitality is as good as your first house.
Living every day with destructive habits can be stopped, or at least curtailed, and limited when Saturn passes through your first house. This is a perfect example of Saturnian energy.
Putting your back into your toil can benefit you through more work coming your way or an increase in your hourly rate. This usually means more pay.
You have to work hard but the cash is worth it and so are you.
I have often said that “good income equates to good self-esteem” and this is very much so when Saturn passes through your second house.
Forecast for Saturn in the third house
We can guess what will happen when Saturn enters her third house.
Perhaps she will find the time for her brother and sister, or she could easily take a stand on what is going on in her neighbourhood and perhasp build a fence to keep the dogs in or the passers-by out.
Our reader may decide to build on the successes she achieved when Saturn went through her second house of good work and income, and sign up for some more courses.
Maybe she will attend classes for something new that interests her or she could go back over classes she took in the past when Saturn first went through her third house, which would have been about thirty years ago when she was at school.
Perhaps she will make up a personal reading list and decide to get through one book a week for the year and a half that Saturn is in her third house. She could add some beloved classics to the list or try a modern author. Heck, she may even start her own journal, scribe poetry or teach others.
The possibilities are endless.
That we have given some ideas here will set our reader thinking on how best to use the planetary energies as they slowly transform her and she evolves in line with the potentials of her chart.
In reality an astrologer would look deeper into her chart and note the sign on the cusp of each house that Saturn is transiting and also how her natal Saturn is placed and how it contacts the rest of her chart through the dynamic aspects.
Of course there are many parts to a chart reading, and we have only looked at a small section today.
Further thoughts
Do you know which house Saturn is stimulating and transiting in your birth chart today?
Can you find the blessing when it passes by?
If you want to know more about astrology or your chart please contact me.
Of all the things you can do with astrology I believe that electional astrology is the best.
When used correctly an electional chart can make your life easier.
Everything has a time and place and this is where electional astrology excels.
It makes sense to go with the flow of the energy in the universe and not against it. This is exactly what electional astrology is all about.
Doing the right thing at the right time makes so much sense.
Why wouldn’t you use it?
Electional Astrology
Electional astrology is a technique used by astrologers to cast a chart to do something in the future.
An election chart it is set for a time and date in which you have selected, or elected, to do something later on.
It could be cast for next week, next month or for several months time.
What Electional Astrology is Not
Electional Astrology has nothing to do with political elections or voting for your candidate.
Election Chart Uses
Election charts (or elections for short) can be cast for just about anything you plan to do in the future.
The two most popular election charts arwe for wedding and business start-ups.
Wedding Election Charts
Election charts are excellent charts to use to select a date for marriages and wedding ceremonies because you can choose a time when the union is likely to grow and sustain the test of time.
Business Startup Election Charts
Elections are strong when used to find a time to open a business or register a domain name which you want to flourish. Every new business deserves the chance to last and prevail.
In fact if you can use an election for just about anything in life.
How to Cast an Election Chart
Election Chart House Reinforcement
You have to reinforce the house in which the election is found.
Astrologically all of the houses cover everything in life.
When you choose to do something it will be in one of the houses.
You have to make the planet that rules the activity robust and have it prominent and in good condition.
Electional Chart Houses
1st house – Cosmetic surgery, makeovers and haircuts
2nd house – Buying jewelry, art or financial instruments
3rd house – Short travel and weekends away
4th house – Buying or selling a house
5th house – Parties and conceptions
6th house – Job interviews and getting a new pet
7th house – Marriages and contracts
8th house – Signing your will and doing things you want kept secret
9th house – International travel, starting college and launching an advertising campaign
10th house – Business startups and IPO’s
11th house – Starting a group and mingling at social occasions
12th house – Going off the grid and being incognito
Election Chart Planets
Each of the planets has particular meaning very similar to natal astrology about it’s urges.
Remember, the planets are where the energy is in a chart and you want to energize an election chart with the correct planet being prominent.
Planets in Electional Charts
The Sun – Things for your personal benefit.
The Moon – Family and home related events.
Mercury – Interviews, exams, and brokering any deals.
Venus – Marriage, investing or decorating.
Mars – Surgery, sports events and running a marathon.
Jupiter – International vacations, starting college and publishing your book.
Saturn – Any business registration, company start or IPO and watches.
Uranus – Computers, software, apps and technology.
Neptune – Rehab, hypnosis and anaesthesia.
Pluto – Rejuvenation and spa treatments, surgery and donating blood.
The list does go on and you can find the correct house and planet for everything in life.
Tech Business Start Up Election Example
This chart is an example of a good chart for a tech startup business.
The main features are as follows:
10th House – Business House
10th Cusp
10th house cusp is Aries therefore Mars rules 10th to bring energy and action.
This suggests a startup as well.
Looking at the 10th hous eplanets in order that the meet the MC.
Mercury
Mercury in the 10th house indicates good communication in the business.
The owners will be able to get the word out.
Advertising will be easy.
Venus
Venus in 10th is beneficial for the style of the business and perhaps the branding will be tasteful as well.
Venus is super well placed in rulership in Taurus.
The business finances will be strong and steady.
The Sun
The Sun in the 10th House.
The Sun is the chart ruler and represents the heart of the enterprize.
Uranus
Uranus in the 10th house and conjoined Sun. Uranus rules technology and computers and so this planet in the house of the business is perfect.
Jupiter
Jupiter in the 10th house brings high profile fortune and luck to the venture.
Moon
Moon in the 10th house suggests there will be a family style about the business.
It is a New Moon phase chart which supports new beginnings.
Moon in Taurus is in exaltationa dn is super well placed.
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.
Transits begin to form or fade immediately in the days and weeks after birth. During this delicate time critical contacts from the outer planets can occur. This article looks at the transits of the three outer planets Uranus, Neptune and Pluto and the conjunctions to their natal positions in the first two years.
Transits are a popular technique and most astrologers are aware of the current planetary placements. When you know a planet’s position you can apply this knowledge to every chart for which you forecast in the next weeks. This information is transferrable which makes transits the most widely used predictive method by astrologers. Transits are powerful enough that many astrologers use only transits for predictive work and no other methods.
The planets are always moving but a birth chart captures a moment in time. Once a chart is cast, transits from the Moon and the faster moving planets will start to form aspects first. Then the chart will receive transits from the slower moving Mars, Jupiter and Saturn and finally the three outer planets, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto. It is only as the planets move from their radix position that they start to impact the birth chart and the child’s life.
At first glance it seems there is nothing to consider from the outer planets in the first year of life because they take so long to move through the zodiac. Outer planet movement can be like watching a sapling grow, you know the young tree is alive but the progress is so slow you can’t see it happening. It is easy to dismiss transits from the outers in the first year of life, but let’s take a closer look.
Adult and child charts
When you read charts for the majority of adult clients you address the usual issues of romance, work, health and family matters or other areas that have already developed during their life. They may have a job, be married or separated, have kids, be happy or not, and their life is on a well-established track. An adult knows some dreams will not be fulfilled and they accept they will never be a ballerina or an astronaut. When you read a chart for a newborn baby all possibilities are open. In an infant’s chart, no limitations are placed on their life from decisions taken in their past as they have not made any and no previous choices have been made which affect their future.
Many astrologers feel that there is no point to cast charts for babies and young children as their life holds so much promise and potential that it is difficult to read the chart of one so young. This attitude occurs because of the vast array of life options that the chart can offer, and there is the idea that an astrologer may somehow influence the future of the child by proclaiming a self-fulfilling prophecy. These may be valid arguments.
Planetary Returns
We refer to the time when a planet passes over its natal position as a return. This occurs when a planet goes back to its birth place in the zodiac measured in degrees and minutes. The planet has made a complete pass through 360° and once more assumes its position at birth. This takes place at different times for each planet due to their various orbital periods. The more well-known returns are the solar return, when the Sun reaches its natal position experienced every year near your birthday, and the Saturn return that happens around age twenty-nine as Saturn passes over its natal position in your chart. Pluto and Neptune will not return by orbit because they take more than a lifetime to transit through the whole zodiac. Pluto takes 248 years and Neptune takes 164 years to orbit the Sun. Uranus will make a return for everyone after eighty-four years.
Postnatal planet returns
In the early weeks and months of life the outer planets can go back to their natal position. This may happens in two instances; when an outer planet is retrograde at birth it will at some point station direct and again pass over the natal degree, and when an outer planet is direct and stations retrograde soon after birth thus going back over the birth position when it will station, move direct, and pass once more over the birth degree, in this case the planet makes two contacts to the natal placement.
Although these early outer planets are transiting their natal position, I hesitate to call them a return in the strict sense of the word (as they have not completed a full orbit of the Sun) nevertheless they have gone back to their birth position and for the purposes of this article we will refer to them as returns. Only some people will receive a postnatal outer planetary return. It depends where the planets were in their direct/retrograde cycle when you were born.
This year Pluto, Neptune, and Uranus are passing through the zodiac signs of Capricorn, Pisces, and Aries respectively. The three transpersonal planets will be either moving direct or retrograde. Their retrograde station happens once each year around the time when the angle with the Sun develops towards the waxing trine. If your birthday (in any year) was immediately after a direct station of Pluto, or Pluto is within one degree after the station point in your birth chart, you will not receive any returns from Pluto immediately after birth. For example, anyone born between the date when Pluto station direct September 15, 2015 at 12° 55’ Capricorn and November 9, 2015 will not get a return from Pluto.
If you were born at the Neptune direct station or within two degrees of the station you will not experience a Neptune postnatal return. If your birthday was at a Uranus direct station or within four degrees of the station you will not experience a Uranus postnatal return. It is only during the first two years of life that you may experience a Pluto, Neptune or Uranus return.
What to Look for in Outer Planet Returns
If a planet is retrograde at birth it will station direct and cross back over the natal degree sometime in the first year. However, if the planet is direct at birth you have to crack open the ephemeris or consult a graphic ephemeris to check if it will station retrograde soon after birth and whether it will it move as far back in the sign as the natal placement. If so, you know it will transit back over its birth position at least twice, once retrograde and once direct. Use an orb of 30’ for transits both applying and separating.
Stationary at Birth
If you were born at, or in 30’ orb of, a station of an outer planet then the meaning of that planet will be experienced longer, initially by its position in the birth chart, and by transit as it hovers in orb of the birth position near the station. This is a special case as the transit may not reapply to the birth position it just takes longer to separate from the birth conjunction. Outer planets can linger in orb for various times after birth, Pluto for up to forty-eight days, Neptune for as long as forty-four days and Uranus for a maximum of thirty-one days.
When Forecasting With Transits
Before any forecasting techniques are employed the birth chart needs to be fully understood. It has to be interpreted for both potential and natal promise. If an outer planet does not return soon after birth it is not part of the transit sequence and can be dismissed. There is a cycle to a multi pass transit and in a three or five exact contact transit sequence the influence of the transit typically develops as follows:
First direct pass – Present
As the transiting planet moves towards the exact aspect the situation unfolds in line with the potentials. This is shown by the transiting planet, the natal planet or point being aspected, the area of life suggested by the house and any other aspects to the planet within the chart.
Second retrograde pass – Review
When the transiting planet moves back over the natal degree, the situation or issue that was aired at the first pass is reviewed as new information comes to light. It is during this time that changes and adjustments can still be made. In the retrograde pass the transit suggests that the situation is still being developed and is in flux.
Third and Final Direct Pass – Resolution
During the final direct pass the transit potential has culminated and the issue will fade away as the planet moves out of orb, although changes or shifts in consciousness that occurred during the transit will persist.
Five Pass Transits
Occasionally Pluto and Neptune will make a five-pass transit to a degree in the zodiac. For a five-pass transit the reprocessing of review (first retrograde pass) and resolution (second direct pass) are repeated as passes four (second retrograde pass) and five (third direct pass).
Every chart is different and some planets will have more influence on you than another. If you have Pisces rising then Neptune will be an important planet. Transits from Neptune will have a greater affect than they would have on someone without Pisces prominent in their chart. Not all transit potentials will come into tangible fruition every time a contact occurs. Often they are experienced as a subtle shift in perception.
Below is a selection of possible outcomes, with particular reference to the newborn baby, during the early years of life. Some items or situations on the list below may seem highly unlikely, but in the interest of good astrology, it is best to bear in mind all the planetary meanings so to present a well-rounded forecast. It is best to constantly expand the possible scenarios in forecasting work.
Transiting Pluto Conjunct Natal Pluto
Pluto may cross a zodiac degree up to five times. For example, on March 2, 2015 Pluto will be at 15° Capricorn moving direct. It will station retrograde and cross back over this degree for the second time on June 2, 2015. Pluto again moves forward to transit 15° Capricorn on December 31, 2015 for the third time. It makes its fourth pass on September 8, 2016 and the fifth and final contact to 15° Capricorn will be on October 14, 2016. These are the dates for the exact hits and in reality there will be a period around these dates when Pluto is in orb of the exact conjunction that you will note. This five pass transit pattern provides the potential for a postnatal return from Pluto to occur up to nineteen months after birth for someone born at the first contact to 15° Capricorn on March 2, 2015. Bear in mind that this extended Pluto transit potential will not happen for everyone as it all depends on which day you were born and Pluto’s position in relationship to the Sun in your chart which determines where Pluto is in its direct or retrograde cycle.
When Pluto revisits its birth degree it may be a critical time in the life of a newborn. Pluto transits will be modified depending on its placement in the birth chart. For an example with reference to planetary dignities, Pluto in the natal eighth house is in accidental dignity (its natural house of rulership), and therefore is well-placed by house. This position suggests at the exact conjunction that any recovery or transformation will be great like the phoenix rising from the ashes. A natal Pluto in the second house (its natural house of detriment) may indicate that if something unforeseen does indeed occur at the transit that financial strain may surround the situation. Not all Pluto transits are bad news and there can be an upside through the transformative urges of Pluto, but in the delicate early weeks of life to pay attention to physical shifts in the new baby is key.
Pluto rules the reproductive and eliminatory systems in the body. It also has affinities with toxins and the decomposing function, in other words, the purging reflex of the body when something is not right and food going bad. During a postnatal transiting Pluto conjoining natal Pluto be aware of:
The mother’s medications becoming toxic to the child through the breast milk
Diarrhea and vomiting (purging)
Baby food and milk formula past their sell-by date
Using un-boiled or borehole water (found on farms) to make up bottles
Sexually transmitted diseases from the mother affecting the new born
Colic (the bowels cramping) abating
A transformation in the child indicating renewal of health
Transiting Neptune Conjunct Natal Neptune
Neptune may cross a zodiac degree five times. The time from a first contact (as in the birth chart) to the final conjunction can be several months. On May 9, 2015 Neptune is at 09°30’ Pisces moving direct. Neptune will station retrograde and pass 09°30’ for the second time on July 16, 2015 and then station retrograde and retrace its steps returning to the same zodiacal position of 09°30’ Pisces for the third time on February 29, 2016. Once more stationing retrograde and passing back over 09°30’ on October 19, 2016 to make its final forward pass of 09°30’ on December 20, 2016.
This suggests that a child born during May 2015 can be revisited by transiting Neptune with a conjunction as a postnatal Neptune return when the child is up to nineteen months old.
Any natal conjunction to Neptune will modify the effect of a Neptune transit directly after birth. For an example using aspects, natal Neptune conjunct the Moon may indicate the child’s fluid intake needs monitoring during a transiting Neptune conjunction as the Moon rules bodily fluids. Natal Neptune conjoined with Mars (heat and fever) suggests hot atmospheres, in other words, the child’s room may be too warm and stuffy for comfort at the postnatal Neptune conjunction. Neptune rules all medicines, drugs and anesthesia. In the body it correlates with the feet. It has affinities with being unconscious, sleep, dreams and nightmares. Neptune may make five or three passes, it depends on the birth date. During a postnatal transiting Neptune conjunct natal Neptune be alert to:
Administering the correct doses of any medication, be scrupulous with measurement
Incubator oxygen levels to high or too low, however unless you are the nurse there is not much you can actually do although you can be present
The baby being wrapped up or swaddled too tight or their all-in-one outfit is too small and hampering easy blood flow especially to the feet
Sleep apnea
A maternal drug habit may can cause withdrawal symptoms in the child
The infant finally sleeping through the night
Transiting Uranus Conjunct Natal Uranus
Uranus may make one or three passes through a sign degree in a chart. On very rare occasions it can make five exact contact but is often in orb of the perfection. It again depends on the birth date. On May 24, 2015 Uranus will be at 19° Aries moving direct. It will station retrograde and Uranus will again arrive at 19° Aries on September 29, 2015 to make the final pass to 19° Aries on March 14, 2016. This means that Uranus can potentially take up to ten months after birth to conjoin a specific degree in a natal chart affecting the child with a Uranus conjunct Uranus aspect.
When interpreting a Uranus postnatal return the house in the birth chart will give clues to the area that needs attention. For an example considering house meaning, if the ruler of Aquarius is in the third house (which relates to short journeys) check the car seatbelts holding the baby chair in the vehicle. With Uranus in the fifth house which has an affinity with play carefully look for cracks in plastic play items or torn soft toys. Uranus rules technology, gadgets and widgets. It also has an affinity with the unexpected. In the body Uranus relates to the circulation, synapses (electrical sparks in the brain) and the ankles. At a transit of Uranus to its natal position at the Uranus return pay attention to:
Sudden changes in the child’s behavior
Clothes too tight cutting off circulation – especially socks
Flat batteries in the baby monitor
Loose and broken baby car seats
Buggies and strollers with no brakes
Damaged baby equipment and gadgets
Unexpected recovery from any ailments
A thriving child
These are just some of the possible scenarios and certainly each chart and every child is different.
The Transiting Conjunction
A conjunction is usually viewed as a positive aspect. It makes a strong statement in any transit chart as the energies of the transiting planet are brought to the natal chart. Post-natal outer transits can contain special potential because they are effectively returns or in other words they reinforce the message the outer planet already has in the natal chart. As the conjunction becomes exact it stimulates all the natal aspects from that planet that are in the natal chart. It is like a recalibrating of the planet’s message for the individual.
Children’s Charts in General
If you regularly work with babies’ and children’s charts then if you like you can apply these ideas. If there is a transit it can be used for both improvement or tension and clearly these interpretations can be applied to both good and difficult situations.
Personal Research on Your Own Chart
Go back to your own chart. if possible ask your mother if you were ill after birth or needed oxygen etc. Check in the ephemeris for your early outer transits and see what your transpersonal planetary returns happened. If you have children or grandchildren check their charts for any post-natal outer transits. This is great research because you will have specific, on-the-spot knowledge as you bore witness to situations that may have arisen in their early weeks and months.
The Visible Planets
You can take this technique a step further and consider the other planets as they will no doubt make their returns in the early days and months of the infant’s life. For Neptune and Pluto the first two years are the only time in life that you may experience an exact conjunction from the two outer planets and there has to be a way to make the most of them.
If you are reading this article then it is too late for you to use this particular narrow focus prediction method on your own chart. You have to look to the soon-to-be-born and those very young children to discover the true potential of these powerful aspects and the changes they may bring to a infants’ chart.
Other Forecasting Techniques
If there are planetary transit returns in the first weeks, it will guide you to look for the same contact from the secondary progressions as the postnatal transit conjunction will make a progressed conjunction to their natal positions later in the child’s early years. A progressed outer planet conjunction to its own place will occur if there was a postnatal transit to its own place. Trends, such as those that developed at the very early postnatal transit, will again be brought forward at the secondary progressed conjunction. When you bring the two dynamic forecast techniques of transits and secondary progressions together you can develop a well-rounded prediction story. Much of that which is discussed here needs to woven into a fuller forecast picture. It is not advisable to focus in on one specific transit to announce a fact. Use all the techniques available when you make your predictions. Take your time and develop a rich forecast story for those critical early years. Most of all keep an open mind.
You can learn a lot about your spending habits by looking at your star sign.
Each of the twelve zodiac signs has a different approach to retail therapy. Next time you go shopping with your friends see their spending characteristics at play.
Check out each sign’s buying instincts below and see if you recognize yourself.
Aries
Aries rushes in where angels fear to tread, and in their hurry Rams want to be in and out of the shop. They buy with cash and online so as to grab the new stuff and be wearing the latest colors of the season.
This sign likes the challenge of hunting for a bargain and may easily tackle you to the ground at a fire sale.
Taurus
Taurus takes their time deciding on what to spend their hard earned cash. Bulls prefer to shop in stores, and not online, because they want to touch and feel the goods before buying.
After a day of trawling the shops they are just as likely to bank the money and go home empty handed. Sometimes parting with the cash is the quandary.
Gemini
Gemini likes buying on eBay and sniping the auction at the end. They order books and magazines, apps, games and puzzles. Twins are the best traders in the zodiac and will happily barter for stuff as the real fun is the actual deal.
You are more likely to see Gemini selling to you, than buying for themselves.
Cancer
Cancers like to feather their nest and will splurge on home furnishings and tableware. They like pretty cutlery and plates to match the occasion, whether for a barbecue outside or a Sunday lunch.
Every meal is important and this means the props as well. Crabs like home shopping and will spend on friends, family and will remember to take the office a box of chocolates.
Leo
Leos buy the best they can afford and that goes for luxury items as well. Lions take pride in their purchases and will enthral anyone who will listen about what they bought to adoring oohs and aahs. They will shop in groups and make sure each person has a little something to take home. Leo’s are generous and may spring for lunch as well.
They will shop in groups and make sure each person has a little something to take home. Leo’s are generous and may spring for lunch as well.
Virgo
Virgo spends in small increments and can drive the shop girl wild with their bag of small change for a fifty dollar purchase. They like to collect and will slowly attain the things they want.
Virgo likes things in patchwork, marquetry and paisley patterns. Virgins are more likely to go to the stores several times a day than do one big shop all at once.
Libra
Libra spends on themselves as much as their partner because there has to be a fiscal balance in their relationship.
Libra men may only buy one big item a year, like a car, but its cost will be equal to what their wife spent over the years. Shopping can be agony for Libra as they are not good at deciding and every transaction choice needs to be called.
Scorpio
Scorpio pays cash so there is no paper trail. They like acquiring things and surround themselves with items that mean something.
Scorpions will to remove price tags and hoard some attractive items of value. They like to buy things that others desire and may become a collector of rare books or surgical instruments.
Sagittarius
Sagittarius likes to buy when away from home. They are the ones for whom the souvenir shops were made. Archers seek out things that are difficult to find like a seed pod from a baobab tree or exotic spices from Asia.
This sign arrives home and flings the bags in a corner not even opening them, already planning their next excursion to the mall.
Capricorn
Capricorn invests. When the Sea Goat goes shopping the items they buy have to earn their place. Not for them trivial trinkets.
Capricorn likes quality and will pay whatever it takes to get items perceived as status pieces. Expensive handbags for the women and watches for men. Over the years they can amass a very respectable wardrobe or collection of goodies.
Aquarius
Aquarius like to buy a variety of goods. They love snapping up music and books online and gadgets. They get bored with their stuff and will move on to the next fad as soon as it takes their fancy. Water Bearers have basements full of old things and should invite Scorpio around to rummage through it all.
Water Bearers have basements full of old things and should invite Scorpio around to rummage through it all.
Pisces
Pisces enjoy art and soft and beautiful things. They are happy to tag along with the other signs on an outing to the shops. Fish like to buy only what is needed and can be frugal to the extent that they will “do without” when they should be buying things. Fish don’t like the crush of the malls and will shop late in the evening to miss the crowds.
Forecasting interpretations can get complex. Reading transits can quickly become confusing and it may seem like they’re out of focus.
You may start following Jupiter as it transits through your chart and Jupiter will offer growth opportunities as it passes by.
But what happens when it makes an aspect with another planet?
If Jupiter is square Saturn does it play out the same way for us all?
We all have our own charts and this is what makes the difference.
Example Transit
Take Jupiter square Saturn. These two planets bring the concepts of expansion and contraction together.
Whether you will experience expansion or contraction in your life depends on your chart. It matters whether Jupiter or Saturn is stronger in you natal chart.
Is either of them your chart ruler or do you have Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius or Pisces as your rising sign?
If one planet in a aspect rules your chart their trantits be stronger for you in general and will express themselves in your life in a clear way.
Cycles appear at all times. When you are on an up swing with one planet you may be on a down cycle with another.
The ability to see the difference between a transit from one planet which may or may not be overshadowed by another is the skill of reading transits.
Jupiter square Saturn is different for everyone. Don’t make the mistake of thinking one size fits all but understand what each planet’s energies are about.
Read each transit by itself and follow along with the cycle so you will have a better understanding of how to forecast.
Measuring Planetary Strength
Apart from the actual aspect involved to understand the strength of the two planets in a combination is the first step.
As the slower moving planets form and release aspects with each other it is good to know which one of the pair is a more important planet for you.
Pluto is important for you if:
You have Scorpio rising
The Sun is in Scorpio
More than three planets are in Scorpio
Pluto in the first or eighth house
Pluto is your final dispositor
Neptune is important for you if:
You have Pisces rising,
Neptune in the first or twelfth house
The Sun is in Pisces
More than three planets are in Pisces
Neptune is your final dispositor
Uranus is important for you if:
You have Aquarius rising
Uranus in the first or eleventh house
The Sun is in Aquarius
You have more than three planets in Aquarius
Uranus is your final dispositor
Saturn is an important planet for you if.
You have a Capricorn or Aquarius ascendant
The Sun is in Capricorn or Aquarius
You have three or more planets in Capricorn or Aquarius
Saturn is your final dispositor
Saturn is in your first, tenth or eleventh house.
Jupiter is an important planet for you if:
You have Sagittarius or Pisces rising
Your Sun is in Sagittarius or Pisces
You have three or more planets in Sagittarius or Pisces
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.
Gain insights on the symbolism of the Solar cycles, and focus on the solstices. Let’s explore the significance behind these celestial events and delve into the meaning they hold.
Author: Alison Price - Updated: March 2025 Artists Charts I'm not just an astrologer, but I consider myself as a hobby artist and crafter as well. Being creative and expressing yourself (and myself) through art is a great interest of mine. Art in a Chart When I...
This is it is good for love friendship and can offer excellent enduring romantic connections. Those you make contact with in this combination will forever be the “one that got away.”
With this combination there is competition between each if you. Both want to be in charge. This combination is good for challenging situations and can be excellent for business partnerships.
if can be good for true love, soul mates and friendship. Other people cannot see what you see in each other but it just works.
This is truly a good combination as the other person will stretch you as a person, call you out on your stuff and make you a better person in the end of your journey.
Signs that are six signs apart are:
Aries/Libra, Taurus/Scorpio, Gemini/Sagittarius, Cancer/Capricorn, Leo/Aquarius and Virgo/Pisces.
There are four seasons each year; spring, summer, autumn and winter.
The seasons start when the Sun enters one of the four cardinal signs which are Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn.
These seasonal ingresses are the time markers for the year and the basis for calculating the tropical zodiac, which is the one used on my site, and that references time not space.
The Sun spends three months, or one quarter of the year, in each season.
Autumn or Fall
As the Sun leaves Virgo and enters Libra the third season of the year Autumn begins.
During its passage of Libra, Scorpio and Sagittarius the autumn season develops and the beginning is very different to the end.
Mild temperatures at the start of Libra lead through to cooling and far crisper weather at the end of Sagittarius.
The Harvest
Autumn is the time to gather in the crops and store grains to sustain animals and us over the long winter and into the early spring.
We who live in the developed world and reside in major cities may be slightly out of touch with the sequence of growth and harvest for food.
We just pop into the local deli or bakery and pick up a fresh loaf of bread, baked and sliced that morning.
Rural dweller on farms and small-holdings do notice the changing year more closely.
Libra
Venus rules Libra and she also rules sugar and the fructose in all fruits and berries.
During the Libra part of autumn the late fruit is harvested (the early fruit harvest starts at Lammas on August 1st).
Typically at this stage the food plants have their sugars fully developed even in crops like onions and potatoes.
Plants are ripe and juicy.
Scorpio
As the Sun enters Scorpio the leaves fall profusely and annual plants start to decompose to provide nutrients for the next year’s trees and crops.
This is the transformation period of plant’s decay and part of the cycle of nature.
It is reflected in astrology by the Sun being disposed by Pluto as the ruler of Scorpio.
In many plants the seeds for the next year are being created in pods and flower heads and they wait for the Sagittarian breezes to blow them hither and thither.
Seed distribution is a process of autumn and can be spread over the whole three months.
Sagittarius
The last sign of autumn is Sagittarius.
By now all the leaves have fallen and bare branches abound and this allows the wind to whisk through the branches.
Jupiter’s influence as the planet of Sagittarius now disposes the Sun and we can see much further through the trees and our horizons are broadened at this time.
The late crops are now in and the animals have grown in their thicker coats ready for the cold ahead.
The final migrations have finished and long journeys by birds and herds have come to an end.
Did you notice? Really?
Did you notice all this going on?
No?
Neither did I.
But I live in Vancouver city where I can see the changing seasons by the trees in the streets being stripped bare and the varying colours throughout the city’s parks.
We have experienced several challenging planetary placements in recent years. I am of course referring to the Uranus Pluto square which has had astrologers and laymen alike buzzing with excitement.
Enter the Jupiter Uranus fire trine.
Whilst it is typical that we have both easy and challenging aspects within the zodiac at any one time, it is the individual and combined mixture of flow and resistance between the planets making the aspects that shape our lives.
That Uranus appears in both aspects (square Pluto and trine Jupiter) is telling. He seems to want to fit in and stick out at the same time.
We can live with this.
Aspects
One way to interpret an astrology chart is by a technique called aspects
Astrological aspects are the angular distances between the planets.
Every planet has a measurement in degrees with the other planets but only certain angles are noted in astrology charts.
By dividing the circle of 360 degrees by any whole numbers we get the aspect angles.
The Trine Aspect
If you divide 360 by 3 the result is 120 degrees (360/3=120) and this is the size of the trine aspect.
Two planets that are 120 degrees apart in the zodiac will be in trine to each other.
The aspect degree does not have to be exact but can be within 8 degrees (the orb) either side of 120.
So when the two planets become between 112 to 128 degrees apart they are considered to be trine to each other.
Transiting Jupiter Trine Uranus
When the slower planets like Jupiter and Uranus trine each other it is to be noted.
It is a phenomenon that only happens around every six years then there is a gap of seven years before the next trine.
The elemental sequence is fire, earth, air then water. With two trines in each element, one waxing and one waning trine. Then it slowly shifts into the following element.
The Jupiter Uranus Synodic Cycle
Jupiter and Uranus have a fourteen year synodic cycle.
This means they are together and Jupiter (which is quicker off the mark) races off around the zodiac as Uranus moves forward slowly. Jupiter will catch up with Uranus around fourteen years later.
In 2010 Jupiter was conjunct Uranus at zero Aries. They will next be conjunct in 2024 at twenty-one Taurus.
Looking further forward in 2037 22 Cancer direct and in 2038 at 20 Cancer retrograde.
This shows the conjunction moves around either 30 degrees when at the retrograde three pass conjunction, or around fifty-one to fifty-four degrees and fourteen years during a one pass direct conjunction.
Because there is a trine in place for such a long period, when planets pass through the other fire sign of Sagittarius, they will create a fire grand trine when they trine both Jupiter and Uranus.
The most frequent planet to do this is the Moon.
It will provide huge opportunities and original approaches to how you can use that planet in Sagittarius.
The trine from Jupiter offers good things in line with your natal planet being aspected and the trine from Uranus offers unique and up-to-date solutions which allow things to move forward with ease and flow.
Get fired up!
Fire is all about inspiration. It gets the juices flowing and everyone hot under the collar. It gets people raving about things and issues. It creates fireworks and burning issues. We can get incandescent and want to burst. We are filled with bright ideas and get excited about anything with fire in it like dragon’s breath, candlelight, torches, barbecues and camp fires.
As the planets wander through the sky they change positions against the backdrop of the zodiac.
This movement can be like a dance as everyone (the planets) take their place and enter the stage.
At anytime one or two of the planets will take center stage as the others fade into the background for a while.
Planets in prominent positions may have a story to tell, and we listen.
This time it is Jupiter as he enters the fifth sign of Leo. A fire planet (Jupiter) in a fire sign (Leo).
Up there right now the biggest planet in the solar system and the ruler of Sagittarius, Jupiter, is entering the zodiac sign of the Lion.
Jupiter in Leo Imagery
I often use the imagery of a hot air balloon to explain the astrological meaning for Jupiter.
Balloons are big, brightly coloured and when they drift by you simply can’t miss them. Much like Jupiter.
The collective noun for balloons is a festival of balloons which brings a fun and exciting element to ballooning. Much like Jupiter.
They travel on their journey, but to who knows where? Much like Jupiter.
They are filled with hot air or gas, and balloons will explode if over-filled. Much like Jupiter.
They often broadcast a message from their sponsors or promote special events (such as at sports events) written in huge letters on the sides of the balloon. Much like Jupiter
And I would imagine that the people who do take a ride in a hot air balloon say a prayer before launch. Much like Jupiter.
I have always fancied trusting the woven basket and journeying on a balloon flight and perhaps one day I shall. Much like Jupiter.
Benefits of Jupiter in Leo
Jupiter in Leo is especially good news for the fire signs and that means those with strong fire signs present in their birth charts.
I will tell you I am strongly Leo myself and I have been waiting for a while now for this shift in energy as Jupiter changes sign.
If you have an Aries, Leo or Sagittarian Sun, Moon, Ascendant, Jupiter or other cluster of planets in these three signs you will benefit during the upcoming year as Jupiter goes through Leo.
If your business chart has the fire signs emphasized as well your business can experience huge growth now.
If you are strongly Gemini or Libra you will see some support and some good things. You need to grasp any opportunities fleeting as they may be.
If you are strongly Taurus, Scorpio or Aquarius could face the difficult side and this may suggest the over excessive situations as mentioned later.
Those of you with strong Cancer, Virgo, Capricorn and Pisces may not see much change although you will try to make adjustments this year.
Jupiter in Leo is upbeat, positive and outgoing. It encourages taking chances and aiming higher in life.
Leo is the sign of the theatre and when planets enter the “stage” they will play their roles to perfection.
Using the theater analogy, Jupiter in Leo can either be the highly colorful swashbuckling much loved hero or he can be an overly costumed blow-hard in a pantomime.
The down side of Jupiter in Leo can be over-extension, over-doings things and excessive behavior. Or just too much of a good thing.
Pace yourself and all will be fine.
Jupiter in Leo, what’s in it for you?
Jupiter is the planet of growth and expansion.
It has to do with reaching for things just out of your grasp but it is the reaching that is important.
We like to s-t-r-e-t-c-h ourselves when Jupiter is active.
You can lift your eyes to gaze at your horizons.
Now is the time to aspire towards previously laughable dreams. Dust off your visions and start to believe.
When Jupiter is prominent by transit, and if it contacts your chart, you can raise your profile and aim for more in life.
Jupiter will support activities in broadcasting, promotion (self and business), publishing, gaining knowledge (as opposed to information), adult education, religious temperance, international travel and cosmopolitan situations.
Jupiter in Leo reinforces the theatre and daily dramas. See them for what they are.
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 atstarzology@gmail.com.
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Author: Alison Price - Updated: March 2025 Artists Charts I'm not just an astrologer, but I consider myself as a hobby artist and crafter as well. Being creative and expressing yourself (and myself) through art is a great interest of mine. Art in a Chart When I...
Sunsetting the Starzlife Paid Newsletter Thursday Edition After nearly a year, I’ve decided to sunset the Starzlife paid newsletter. This means the free Starzology newsletter will continue to go out every Sunday, but the exclusive Thursday edition for paid subscribers...
We are all about astrology here on this site and, having said that, astrology does have a broader sense through which it can be appreciated.
I realize that there is a thin connection from the plant world to astrology, but, I’m trying to express how astrology can be used in everyday life and not just as a horoscope column to be read on a Friday night to see how the weekend will go.
Some of you will appreciate that to accept astrological themes into your life can enhance your experience and understanding of the symbolic nature of the planets.
Four Beds – for Four Elements
Herbs are a diverse group of plants which have much to offer the windowsill grower or the real sized garden plants person.
Gardeners who plant formal herbs gardens typically segregate them into sections in line with their strengths.
Not all herbs are used for the same thing.
There are basically four types of herb that you can grow in a herb garden and they usually grow in their own bed.
Medicinal – Fire signs
Culinary – Earth signs
Fragrant – Air signs
Indigenous – Water signs
Medicinal Herbs
The medicinal herbs are associated to the fire signs of Aries, Leo and Sagittarius.
Medicinal herbs are at the root of all medicines we know today.
Examples of medicinal herbs are: Eyebright – for weepy eyes, mullein – used for bronchitis and the storax tree gum – used for coughs and cold remedies.
Culinary Herbs
The culinary herbs are related to the earth signs of Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn.
Culinary means you can eat them so all the herbs that can be used in cooking and meal preparation are culinary herbs.
Examples of culinary herbs are: Bay leaves in babotie, parsley typically as garnish, rosemary best with roast chicken and mint for mint sauce to accompany lamb.
Fragrant Herbs
Fragrant herbs are under the auspices of the air signs of Gemini, Libra and Aquarius.
Fragrant herbs are use for their smell and are often used in perfume, room cleansers and soaps.
Examples of fragrant herbs are: Jasmine, honeysuckle, lavender and rose all of which are the basis for the perfume industry.
Indigenous Herbs
Indigenous herbs are related to the water signs of Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces.
Indigenous herbs are those that naturally grow in an area and they can be home grown and they are different for each region.
Examples of indigenous herbs are: for instance, in South Africa the aloe Vera, in central and South America the cactus and in Canada the sugar maple.
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.
Mercury has more retrograde cycles than the other planets. Mercury goes retrograde three times each year. This occurs roughly at four month intervals and usually coincides with the same element for three consecutive retrograde periods.
Mercury is the planet closest to the Sun. It moves the fastest of all the planets. Mercury rules Gemini and Virgo.
All the planets except the Sun and Moon have retrograde periods every year. The exception is Mars which turns retrograde every two years. you can see that it affects many planets and that there is almost always one planet retrograde at any given time.
Mercury’s Upcoming Retrograde Periods
2023
During December 13th, 2023 to January 2nd, 2024 from 8° Capricorn to 22° Sagittarius.
2024
During April 1st to 25th from 27° Aries to 15° Aries.
During August 5th to August 28th from 4° Virgo to 21° Leo.
During November 26th to December 15th from 22° Sagittarius to 6° Sagittarius.
Mercury Retrograde Element Focus
Mercury’s current retrograde signs are mainly the Fire signs (Sagittarius, Aries and Leo) for 2024.
The Mercury Retrograde War Cry!
“Go back, go back, go back to the woods.
You haven’t, you haven’t, you haven’t the goods.
You haven’t the spirit, you haven’t the jazz…
You haven’t the moves that Mercury has!”
Pop Culture and Mercury Retrograde
As the details of Mercury retrograde permeate through to the general public the words, “Mercury retrograde” become a catch phrase and is diluted down into basic, and often most inflammatory words. You will hear things like, “don’t buy computers, cars or phones when Mercury is retrograde.”
Well yes, certainly those things can be said, but astrologers know there is a more subtle effect to the apparent reversal of direction for the innermost planet.
Your Natal Mercury Condition
As with all astrology good forecasting and interpretation for yourself hinges on your own chart. If you have a well-placed and robust Mercury you will withstand the influence of Mercury retrograde (or any retrograde depending on the planet) and still be standing as other folds under their weaker Mercury placements.
A broad generality is like saying, “All cars reverse (or back-up) badly” when really it is more that, “some drivers can’t reverse very well.”
You know yourself that you are better at some things than others and certainly you will do some things way better than anyone else. So saying we all suffer the same way when Mercury is retrograde is simplistic.
If you have Mercury retrograde in your birth chart you will withstand the negative effects of any Mercury retrograde period now and in the future.
How Retrogrades Affect Your Chart
Whichever house in your natal chart this retrograde occurs will be the area of life that is affected.
For example, if this Mercury retrograde period occurs in your fourth house then you will revisit family and home issues and you will need to go back and attend to them as drains, leaks and plumbing come to mind.
If Mercury retrogrades in your seventh house, your marriage will need further discussions and conversations and yes it will be about dragging up past issues (like affairs) to be once aired again as these things just won’t stay buried.
The Illusion of Aparrent Retrograde Motion
Retrograde motion is the apparent backwards movement of a planet.
The analogy I use when I’m teaching a class is that when you are on a train moving forwards then another train pulls alongside going at the same speed, if the second train slows down it appearsto be going backwards, although it is still moving forwards albeit slower than your train.
This is an optical illusion and clearly demonstrates planetary apparent retrograde motion.
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.
Join us for calm astrology themed fireside chats. We have conversations around transits, ingresses, retrogrades and lunations on the Starzology Astrology Podcast.
You find astrology on your own path and for everyone the road it is different because you each have your own chart this alone tells us that you will happen upon astrology in your own way.
It is highly unlikely that your career guidance counselor at school suggested you became an astrologer. They will probably have informed you that you should have become a doctor or a lawyer or a civil engineer.
Most people get into astrology by some form of side-stepping or as often is the case you stumble upon it one bright morn.
The time will come when you consider taking a class. when you finally end up at your first astrology lesson. I want to share my early journey on the road to astrological understanding with you.
My First Lesson
My interest in astrology was first piqued in a geography class at school when I was about fifteen. We were doing the solar system and after the module was complete the teacher sat on the front of her desk and read our Sun sign characteristics from Linda Goodman’s SunSigns which she had in her drawer.
As the teacher read everyone’s Sun sign out loud she finally got to mine. I could not believe how it described me and it all made so much sense. I was blown away. I began to pay attention to my horoscope in the women’s magazines.. I discovered I liked reading about astrology.
The fact that my Sun and ascendant sign is the same would have reinforced the popular horoscope predictions as is the nature of how they are written with each sign on the first house and the forecasts for the signs generated from there. But there it is.
However, one day it was not enough. I wanted more information and I needed my questions answered. Questions like, “When do the signs change?” and “What does the Moon mean?”
These were really simple when I look at them now but back then, and I’m sure it is the same for many of you just starting out, they were huge questions. Questions that deserved an answer.
But there were no answers and I had to find out more. I sought out someone to whom I could ask these tricky questions and who could explain them and other things to me.
My First Teacher
Eventually I found an astrology teacher offering a two-year astrology course which started from scratch. The class was to start the following Tuesday evening at 7 pm. It was exactly what I was looking for.
The place was not near my home but at that time in Africa to find anyone to teach astrology was like finding a diamond in the rough. Beggars could not be choosers and I was a beggar for knowledge.
I got home from work changed my outfit into something less businesslike, scooped up my notepad, pens and the R7 cash (about US$0.70) to pay for the class. Those were the days.
I jumped into my trusty car and drove off into the night. I crossed over the top of Johannesburg along what is known as the concrete highway for obvious reasons. I left home one hour before it was to start to make sure I was on time.
Parking in the driveway I went in. I was excited and anxious at the same time. Grinding over my insecurities. Perhaps I would not like them? Perhaps they would not like me? Maybe I would be lost as the class conversation moved ahead? Maybe I would be floundering today? Imagine if the others knew it all already?
It was crowded and there was standing-room only.
I was twenty years old and the youngest one there. Because seating was limited and my mother had taught me some manners I acquiesced my position to an older lady and I stood at the back with the other “young ones.”
My first teacher’s name was David and told us he was over seventy. He was thin, wiry and wore his long white hair over his shoulders like a merlin.
He began talking and we all put our heads down and started to take notes. He handed out some shiny photostats of a map of the world and other information sheets with complicated looking numbers.
As I was at the back of the room I had the privilege of turning on the hot water urn for the tea halfway through. It was my job to signal him when the water had boiled and made his hot drink which I did with pleasure.
The others crowded around and made their brew and stepped out into the garden to enjoy the break. The sultry evenings were filled with the sounds of crickets and someone had the fly swat to kill the mosquitoes which plagued us in the summer months.
Back again for the second half and more writing. Ok, I was scribbling now. Trying to keep up, hazarding a guess on how to spell some of the new words that would not roll easily off my tongue. I began to wonder if I would be able to decipher my scrawl when I got home.
The classroom was a converted double garage with wall-to-wall bookshelves. Back then the teacher imported the astrology books from America and we could buy them from him. In those days you could not find new age books available to the general public.
There must have been thirty people in that first class. By the next week it had shrunk to about twenty-five people. At class number three I could get a seat at the back and things settled down. Thus the rhythm of my life was set and I had my astrology lesson every Tuesday evening, from seven to nine and let’s not forget the tea break.
After two years of this there were only three of us left, myself and a married couple Marie and Arthur, of whom both I happened to know before I joined the class, serendipitous I call it. I am still in touch with Marie via a mutual friend but sadly her husband left this Earth a few years ago.
In retrospect my first astrology teacher was a fountain of knowledge. My initial tutor set standards in the knowledge that I rely on today. He too had passed but left many trained students behind to spread his life’s work. I hope you find a teacher to inspire you like I did.
When you have an astrology session/reading/consultation, call it what you will, all you see is the finished product.
That is your astrologer discussing your chart and maybe some specific issues you have previously highlighted for attention.
This is usually a one hour meeting and then it is finished.
When you meet your astrologer you don’t see what went on behind the scenes and the time and effort which went into the polished reading you are experiencing.
I want to share with you what goes into make up a client reading.
If you are my client, you may book your hour consultation with me, or sign up for a class or some mentoring and you will see me in action discussing your chart and referring to your charts, diagrams and colored notes.
I thought I’d discuss with you twelve important benefits that go on out of sight to make your personal reading the best you can get. I always think it is convenient that astrology has twelve signs as they can be used to underline different things, just like those here.
When you experience a reading with me you are not just getting my attention for one hour, you are benefitting from my years of dedication and passion for astrology.
I strive to present the very best information I can for you and to offer it in a way that you can understand. I am constantly on the look out for, and creating, new initiatives to appreciate astrology and all of these projects that I have up my sleeve will benefit you.
Taurus: A love of astrology
I love astrology, its value as a tool for self-understanding and how at times it unfolds in the most unlikely way.
I believe in getting to grips with the basics of chart interpretation and this comes from the long slog of learning all the building blocks of astrology which are the signs, planets, houses and aspects.
This is foundational information but you need to know it all before you can start a full interpretation for anyone’s chart. To be a good astrologer you have to pay your dues.
Gemini: Years of classroom learning and reading
I have spent many hours in assorted astrology classrooms. In my initial diploma course way back in the 1980’s for over three years and since then at various in between classes and during the past eight years through further study at the Faculty.
To my mind learning is an ongoing process as new things come up all the time and it is important that I, as your astrologer, keep up to date and hone my information to remain relevant.
Part of being an astrologer is knowing what you can and can’t do. You need to know where you are coming from and where you can confidently go with your clients.
This is what I do for you.
I know I only do western astrology, I typically have engaged and creative people in my practice and I prefer to inspire my clients to live their life through their charts.
At the same time I also know what I don’t do such as rectification or mundane work.
Leo: My creative expression of your chart
Much of my work these days focuses on finding the creativity and genius in your chart. Many of my clients want to know what they can expect and how they can work towards finding satisfaction in their lives.
I honestly believe that this shows in your natal chart and I endeavour to tease out all the creative possibilities I see for you so you can give birth to them.
Virgo: Attention to detail
The research work that goes into exploring your natal chart is detail oriented. There is lots of maths, fine tuning with small degrees and minutes that can make a huge difference in the timing of events in your future.
Checking your chart data and facts is essential for a thorough interpretation and this does take time.
The devil is in the details.
Libra: You and me
All consultations involve two people. You and me. We come together to explore your chart and find a balance, or a middle ground, between what you need to know and what you want to know.
Because we don’t have all day to spend looking into every nook and cranny it is important that I think about our personal one-to-one relationship and concerns and that I harmonise the session to suit you.
Scorpio: Your privacy
This means that I am mindful of anything that you wish to keep quiet about and I respect your wishes by being aware that what I may think is not such a big deal but you may be in angst about.
If you so desire I will help you tune in to your deeper issues but I will not force you to face things for which you are not ready.
A reading is not about doing the dirty laundry it is about being where you are at this time in your life and as your astrologer I will acknowledge that.
Sagittarius: Your vision for your future
My philosophy about your reading is much like, “What has gone is gone. it’s all about what you will do from this day onward.” This means that how you move forward in your life is more important than what has passed.
We all have issues or baggage and the day does arrive when it is time to branch out and strike a new path for yourself.
This forward drive will always be the focus of any reading I do for you as I show you the possibilities.
Capricorn: Respect for you
I am not here to tell you what to do or to urge you to live your life as how I see fit. That is not my role. I respect your chart, its message and the planetary combinations that make up the individual you.
You are your chart and I acknowledge this.
I will not try to change you or to dismiss any fears you may have. I will accept you just as you are.
I want you to achieve your full potential as shown by your chart and this is what I will hold up to you. You are in the driver’s seat and decisions you make are your choice.
Aquarius: Becoming friends
I would like to think that with all (or most) of my students and clients we have a rapport at the end. That when the period for us to come together such as after a class has finished or a reading is done that we can be friends and that we are at ease with each other in a social setting.
Now this does not happen every time but I’ve got to tell you, it happens most of the time.
It is as though my chart attracts those that I can help through my own planetary placing and that connection sustains us through into a future friendship as well.
Pisces: Offering you a place for reflection
As your personal astrology session draws to a close it is important for you to have time for reflection on what has been said in the reading.
I always let you know that you can email me if something comes up in the following few days or if you need time to compose a question upon which some light needs to be shone.
I leave you with time to pause and reflect on your consultation with me which is a very important part of the process and rounds it all off well.
Conclusion
These are some of the ways that I prepare for your personal astrology session.
Clearly it is not just sixty minutes out of my life, although it may be one hour out of yours. The background preparation for me is both intense and reflective.
The experience and skill of your astrologer will show through in the reading they can provide and the lasting value that is perceived by the most important part of this process, you.
In 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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Equinoxes
Equinox means equalnight 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’sAries ingress or simply as the Aries Ingress.
We can cast an ingresschart 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.
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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 atstarzology@gmail.com.
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You may have other thoughts to add and everyone is different.
What are you waiting for?
10 Reasons
If the mystical experience of a reading has never graced your life,
If a year has passed since the last time cosmic insights illuminated your path,
If you find yourself standing at the crossroads of life, pondering the next step,
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If your friend, recently touched by the magic of a reading, can’t stop raving about it,
If your mother-in-law, with a knowing nod, suggests that a reading might be in order,
If an inherent curiosity beckons you to unravel the secrets written in the stars,
If the luminous allure of a full moon casts a cosmic spell upon your senses,
If your upcoming birthday prompts a desire for celestial insights into the year ahead,
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
If your quest for seasonal gifts leans towards experiences rather than accumulating more possessions,
If you’re determined to stride into the New Year with the best possible energy,
If the pursuit of continual self-improvement is a cornerstone of your life philosophy,
If you find yourself navigating a profound spiritual journey, seeking meaning and connection,
If the arrival of your new bundle of joy sparks a curiosity about their celestial influence,
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If Mr. Could-Be-Right has entered your life, prompting a desire for astrological insights,
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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.
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).
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.
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.
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 5°25′ Virgo to 25°25′ Virgo.
Chiron
Chiron is at 05°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 howothers 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.
Advanced Topics
Here are some more advanced natal topics which you may enjoy.
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.
As the MC is the most elevated point in your chart any planet is measured for mostelevation 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.
Example Chart: Tony Robbins
In this example chart for Tony Robbins Uranus is the most elevated planet.
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 MCand 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.
Measure Your Most Elevated Planet
Use the quiz below to measure the strength, or not, of your most elevated planet.
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 atstarzology@gmail.com.
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Author: Alison Price - Updated: March 2025 Artists Charts I'm not just an astrologer, but I consider myself as a hobby artist and crafter as well. Being creative and expressing yourself (and myself) through art is a great interest of mine. Art in a Chart When I...
Sunsetting the Starzlife Paid Newsletter Thursday Edition After nearly a year, I’ve decided to sunset the Starzlife paid newsletter. This means the free Starzology newsletter will continue to go out every Sunday, but the exclusive Thursday edition for paid subscribers...
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.
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.
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).
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