The Royal Wedding

I really enjoyed watching the Royal Wedding today. I was too young when Charles and Diana married and so it was nice to actually watch a big event on the television live. Kate looked gorgeous on the day, and they really do make a lovely couple, so I hope this marriage lasts. I was listening to the build up in the morning and it really emphasised the Mars-Jupiter conjunction in Aries. The presenter described the crowd as feeling excited, and also over-enthusiastic after cheering a street sweeper who was passing by! The mood was described as positive, energetic, and celebratory (Mars-Jupiter). A significant Jupiter aspect on the day is a cause for celebration in itself, but the largest planet in our solar system (Jupiter) also rules expansion, prosperity and abundance. The Jupiterian element was also clear from all those horses on the day. All the military uniforms was defiantly some of the Aries influence, too.

The Sun is also trine Pluto and this is how I described this aspect from my April horoscope:

Sun is in Taurus trine Pluto in Capricorn representing a good time for material security and self-empowerment. Our Values are in harmony with realism, and this reflects a time for material achievement, money is an important issue and there is a greater degree of constancy. We might become a little fascinated with power and wealth and it’s a lovely time of renewal, and this leads nicely to some royal celebration.

As I was watching the wedding on television I kept slipping into a posh English accent, so I think all this wealth (Taurus) and status (Capricorn) and power (Pluto) got me a little fascinated, too. It's quite fun to play along with the event, and I am English, but not so posh. However, I was not as obsessed as some people on the day, who camped out for four nights outside the palace just to get a good view. I wonder if some of the little girls watching the big event pretended to be princesses? At least we had some wealth and status in our lives for a day, and it was a nice end to April.

Nicholas Sparks

I was looking at the chart of author Nicholas Sparks the other day. I have developed an interest him through the movies adapted from his novels. The Notebook, A Walk to Remember and the recent Dear John. I  have only watched the three films mentioned, but I find his storytelling inspiring, and I am completely drawn into all of his stories. I know that I should really read the books, and not take the lazy route and watch the film adaptations. Spark's stories basically revolve around two people who fall in love. However, in each of these tales there is always some terrible fate, or sudden tragedy that threatens to tear and keep the couple apart. The romance starts out wonderful, and it's what we all dream about when we think about falling in love.

Astrologically Nick was born with Mercury in Sagittarius in a tight square to the Uranus-Pluto conjunction of the 60's. Mercury represents how we communicate, write, exchange ideas, understand, perceive and digest experiences. The Uranus-Pluto conjunction which occurred in the 1960's is a generational aspect and it occurred in Virgo between 1962-1968. The period was a time of great volatility, acceleration and change on a global scale. The president of America was shot, and Martin Luther King was also assassinated. The times were unstable, and it was a period of deep upheaval.

In Nicholas Sparks' stories the characters he is writing (Mercury) about had this beautiful romance form between them, but they could not predict what fate lay before them. Nor could they foresee what would challenge and threaten their love for one another, and what would also test the strength of the couple's ability to make it through a turbulent and uncertain time. In one story a young couple, still in school, fall deeply in love, and then she suddenly reveals to her partner that she is dying and that they won't have much time together or even a long future. Another of Spark's story is about a woman who develops Alzheimer's and cannot remember the love of her life. A further story is a romance penned about a couple torn apart through a sense of duty, war and impending death of a close friend.

I haven't personally investigated whether the lives of Uranus-Pluto people experience these sudden turn of events. I know that when we have difficult transits from Uranus and Pluto we can have reversals in fortune, unexpected death, or a sudden fate imposed upon us. Uranus-Pluto conjunctions  represent the collapse of many outworn systems, and the overthrowing of governments. I feel that Nicholas is putting pen to paper about how this conjunction can overturn someone's life and send an individual down a completely unexpected (Uranus) path, and one that feels fated and unavoidable (Pluto) in many ways. Uranus and Pluto represent change on all levels. Uranus is the enemy of the tried and tested path. When Uranus is in the picture things don't go always go to plan, things come suddenly and unpredictably and they take us by surprise or shock. Pluto rules the underworld and represents the power of transformation, and it forces us to come to terms with the darker aspects of nature, and with fate. Pluto sees what we have to let go, and it rules death, hidden power, and the atom bomb. These astrological associations help us get a clearer idea as to how these energies might work together.

In the face of these sudden turn of events, fate and destiny, the couple in Spark's books, through their deep love for one another, manage to make it through these incredibly testing times. Maybe its the human spirit and our love for one another that weathers the difficult storm. I was reading something the other day which said that for all our potential destructiveness as human beings and our potential to fall into our darkest hours, what matters most is our love for others and remorse for our actions. There a number of tragedies/fates that happen in our lives, we can fall ill, face hardship, death and other losses. When we are in a relationship these are some of the things that threaten to tear us apart.

In The Notebook the love story is set in a post world war era. Noah and Allie spend the summer together, but their socioeconomic realities of the time prevent them from being together. Noah attempts to keep in contact with Allie, but his letters go unanswered. Noah returns home and restores an old house by the lake, and makes it into the paper. Allie sees it and goes back to visit him, and the love they have for one another has never disappeared. What I love about Noah's character is that he never stops loving Allie, and it's this type of enduring and unwavering love that warms me to him. To Noah, he only has eyes for one woman and he never gives up on her.

Another prevalent theme is the issue of fate (Pluto) and free will (Uranus) throughout his novels. These ideas are often seen as two very contrasting views. However, under the Uranus-Pluto conjunction the two worldviews come together. The Notebook suggests that people should exercise free will even as they move towards their fate. I get the idea from the movies that although we may meet fate no matter what we do, and it's inevitable, it's all about how we deal with our fate that is our choice/free will. In The Notebook the narrator said that "the romantics would call this a love story, the cynics would call it a tragedy"

Full Moon in Scorpio 2011

The Full Moon in Scorpio occurs on the 17th of May 2011, and the Full Moon in Scorpio falls at 26 degrees. I will be observing this Full Moon which falls at the end of my 3rd house and forms a square to natal Mars in my chart. I am wondering if this will flare up angry, resentful, jealous and hidden emotions (Moon in Scorpio). The sign of Scorpio and it's outer ruler Pluto, reminds me of the mythical creature Medusa. In myth she was a gorgon monster and if you gazed into her eyes you would turn to stone. Perhaps it's the penetrating gaze, vengeful emotions and destructive feelings which remind me of Scorpio. The only way to slay Medusa was to not look at her directly, but with the aid of a mirror. When the Full Moon occurs in Scorpio we could use this period as a time for reflection and ro use some detachment when viewing the part our lives which have metaphorically turned to stone, and to reflect on our anger, rather than venomously reacting to it.

Astrologer Liz Greene in her book The Jupiter/Saturn Conference lectures, discusses the gorgon as a universal image.

There are a number of gorgon legends in folklore. The commonest is that the gorgon was once a very beautiful woman. Some goddess is jealous of her, or some injury is done to her. Sometimes this is rape. The rape and violation of this woman spawn a sense of terrible outrage and a need to avenge the violation...She always has her tongue stuck out in a very phallic way, and there are generally snakes around. Sometimes her hair is made of snakes, as in the case of the Greek Medusa. Sometimes she has two snakes wrapped around each arm. She has very large staring eyes, and her gaze paralyses. She is an image of outraged, violated nature. I think it is difficult for a woman to actually recognise when the gorgon appears, because she simply falls into her, becomes her. Men spot it instantaneously. She has a characteristic voice, which is one of injured dignity and outrage. Her surface complaint may be typical, "How could you have hurt me?" or, "If you really loved me you wouldn't have done that." Underneath there is a deep ancient bitterness. It is the ancient bitterness of women feeling used, humiliated, trodden upon. This is a collective image, a very old experience, but a small personal hurt can plunge you into this voice that speaks with the pain of millions of years.

The emotions of a Scorpio Moon, Moon in 8th house, and Moon-Pluto aspects, do sometimes come across as vengeful, resentful or turbulent. Th issues appear to stretch back into the family history and there is a receptiveness (Moon) to all that is hidden in the family psyche. These particular natal Moon placements/aspects sometimes have to deal with the monstrous emotions inside of them, and a similar feeling of being humiliated and betrayed. Monsters played an important role in myth and heroes killed monsters to prove their strength and courage.

When the Full Moon is in Scorpio it will tend to emphasise our rawest emotions, and issues around dominance, control, jealousy and vengeance. It also represents the power of healing and transformation, but emotions will feel intense around this period.

Astrology on T.V: Neptune in Pisces

The astrology piece below is from the T.V show This Morning and it talks about the entry of Neptune into Pisces (briefly). I missed this discussion last time, but I caught the beginning of the show when the presenters Holly and Philip kept laughing about where Uranus was...Cheeky buggers, but I can see the funny side of it. I am always interested to see how astrologers present themselves on television, and I can always see that they fall back on the Sun signs of astrology, but this is possibly to please the wider audience's knowledge of only sun sign astrology. I do get the feeling the astrologer was also telling the viewers what they wanted to hear. However, she did mention more than Sun signs and it's a small slot on television and so we can't expect a full entailed reading.

I have dual feelings about astrology being called entertainment, there was a law brought out at one time where astrologers are now forced to claim that astrology is only a form of entertainment. I have seen one astrology blogger end her posts with a disclaimer that astrology is only for entertainment purposes. Astrology has its fun side, but it can be highly insightful and has its serious side, too. I don't mind astrology being used as a fun guide to love, life and career, but there is a greater depth behind our cosmological science/art, and this could be seen first hand if others would open up their hearts and minds to astrology.

Astrology on T.V

I was watching the television show This Morning yesterday and they include some astrology at times. On yesterdays show they had an astrologer talking about the compatibility between Prince William and Kate Middleton. The astrologer talked about normal sun sign astrology and combined it with Chinese astrology. However, he kept saying that Prince William and Kate Middleton were not astrologically compatible according to their star signs because William is a Gemini and Kate is a Capricorn. As most astrologers and students know, Prince William has his Sun in Cancer at 00.6 degrees, and he was born on the 21st of June and just makes it into Cancer. I don't believe in the he was born on the cusp of two signs idea, and so we can read both. You either have Sun in Gemini or Sun in Cancer, and in this case its definitely Cancer. We all make mistakes now and again, but according to astrodatabank he is a Cancer. I find the couple are compatible on a "Sun sign level" and I like to see opposite signs partner up. I haven't looked at the synastry chart or composite chart, and I may do this at some point, and it will give a clearer idea of what energy the couple are working with and, are up against. I just needed to get that off my chest...

Easter and the Blogging Journey

I hope you all had a good Easter. The kids are hardly ever in school lately, and they will be off once again this week. I take the holidays off now with my little boy, and then concentrate on my blog on the other days.

I am quite satisfied with the direction the blog is going and the search engines are ranking a lot of my articles. My aim for this blog is to provide most of the basic astrological readings - planets in signs, houses, aspects and so on. I never wanted to originally have a blog go mainstream, and I used to just please myself with what I wanted to write about. However, I decided to try and do both, and I have really enjoyed providing useful information to people. 

I was reading a book on blogging a couple a weeks ago, and it covered the topic of comments. As you know, I don't allow comments on the blog, and this is not because I don't like them. I have had lovely comments, critiques, personal experiences and more questions that people want answering in the past. I now, personally, find it easier to concentrate on writing articles and filling up the blog with content, rather than dividing my
time.

Other bloggers say a "blog isn't a blog without the community making comments." Yet, in this particular blogging book it stated that there should be no rules on how people blog, because then you start to make requirements from bloggers, rules and etiquette, so to speak. Blogs have always been a place for self-expression, or to discuss a topic which is within their niche. Do I think not allowing comments harms my blog? No. I am not a controversial blogger and so I can't imagine there are many other people on the other end of the screen trying to get their point across. I kind of like a non-stressful life, and blogging is something I enjoy, and hope to be involved with for many more moons to comes.

Venus in 4th House

Venus in the 4th house shows someone who loves the home environment and it can reveal an individual who likes to create a beautiful home and have loved ones living in a warm, loving and domestic situation. Venus here can create affectionate attachments in the family, and they also have a love of ease and need a comfortable lifestyle. Instinctively knowing how to create an appealing atmosphere in the household, they may value the home in such a way that, all of their income is spent on making the home a place of beauty and charm.

Venus in the 4th house love their roots, whether home and family, ancestors or history in general. The fourth house describes our background, family home and our inner private life. Venus in the 4th house adores pleasant surroundings, and they may enjoy interior decorating, entertaining at home, painting, music, gardening, art collecting, and any other creative outlet in the family. The home may even be a kind of art gallery for all of their beautiful collections.

Venus in the 4th house is a fortunate position and unless other horoscope factors are present it can show a happy childhood, contented family life and a loving relationship with the father. However, this feeling is sometimes an unconscious one, and with Venus as the significator for the father, he may have been perceived as an easy-going man, handsome, charming, or it could signify someone who completely avoided conflict in the home. The Venus in 4th house individual may also have a fear of causing disruption in the home and will want to maintain a harmonious and pleasant environment, and cannot live in a domestic setting filled with stress, strife, and discord.

The father or their childhood may have been creative, prosperous and a source of joy for the individual. Venus in the 4th house could indicate a past teeming with material comforts and parental affection. The person might have a family background where the women – sisters, aunts, cousins and other female relatives played a major role. Furthermore the individual’s sense of values and self-worth come from the people and early events from his/her childhood. Those with Venus here could even inherit benefits or receive a nice inheritance from the parents.

Venus in the 4th house needs to have security in the home, and it may show someone who is possessive, jealous and overprotective of loved ones, especially if Venus is challenged. The individual sometimes looks for a partner who also enjoys being at home, and they will enjoy romantic and cosy evenings in together. The partner may be someone they have known from the past, and they may want someone who can value the past and family tradition, an interest in roots and heritage. The partner needs to have a sense of familiarity, and their expression of love may be very deep and private.

May Horoscope 2011

May 2011 Horoscope, these horoscope predictions for May 2011 are based on the New Moon, Full Moon and planetary aspects.

The Sun moved into Taurus on April 20th and will remain there until May 20th. The Bull is a symbol of Taurus, and it represents the sign’s strong instinctual nature and creative power. Taurus is the second sign of the zodiac after Aries, and life tends to stabilize, slow down, and is self-sustaining and preserving. Taurus falls during spring, a period of natural beauty and sensuality and everything is in full bloom.

It’s not uncommon for Taureans to become completely stuck and unable to move forward. Taureans do not enjoy forced change and and they want tangible expression of secuirty through money, possessions, wealth, and status or wealth of a different kind, like knowledge. They know how to handle their finances, and like the simple things in life, good food, and pleasure. Taurus is about peace, calm, stability and placidity and this month indicates a time of personal gain.

Taurus is an earth sign, like Virgo and Capricorn, but it’s the earthiest of them all and also the most basic, and they have a deep rooted need for security. Taurus also has a flair for design, colour, and music. These people enjoy owning beautiful things. In the month of Taurus it is a good time to invest, and to be realistic in our goals.

On May 1st there is still a line-up of planets in energetic, robust and impulsive Aries. Mars is conjunct Jupiter in Aries and this signifies a bold, impulsive, confident and active period. The energy is entrepreneurial and fantastic for starting new projects. We can be more risk-taking at this time, and over-competitive. We have to be careful not be over-confident, over-enthusiastic and over-aggressive when going after what we want. The sky is the limit and there is an optimism that everything will work out.

On May 3rd the New moon falls in Taurus this month and it creates an emphasis on values, finances, and possessions. We may feel the need to acquire assets or we may look at how we can best utilise our talents, skills and abilities. Some people may make major purposes at this time, but we all need to look at our financial set-up. The Taurus New Moon may influence us into applying for a new loan, or beginning a project involving the arts. The New and full Moon always works in pairs and what is initiated at this time will reach full fruition when the Moon falls in Scorpio within the next two weeks. The more difficult aspects of Taurus are its stubbornness and inflexibility.

On May 9th Mercury is conjunct Venus in Aries and we talk about love, sex and romance. Good communication is important, but we may not want to remain in the emotional depths too long, and would rather flirt with words. Shared interests, stimulating conversations, and talking about our values are all on the cards. Talking about what we want in relationships is another way we can make use of this energy.

On May 11th Mercury, Venus, and Jupiter are all conjunct in Aries and all the above reading still applies. However, once we throw Jupiter in the mix, we are more philosophical, moral and hopeful about love. Jupiter is perpetually seeking meaning to the big questions in life, and Venus is idealistic about love. We may find some extreme expression and enthusiasm when discussing (Mercury) love matters (Venus). This planetary energy looks at love from both a physical (Aries) and mental perspective (Mercury-Jupiter).

On May 16th Both Mercury and Venus move into Taurus and we should feel a shift in energy where things begin to slow down and stabilize. We are now discussing and learning more about our practical values, and discussing our personal assets and sense of security in relationships. This isn’t the grand drama of the Mercury-Venus-Jupiter conjunction in Aries, and instead we are analysing the quality of relationships, but Taurus can be possessive in love and needs commitment.

On May 17th the Full Moon in Scorpio will have to do with joint finances, investments, death, and sex. We may need to take our relationships to a more intimate level, and the focus is on sharing what we have with others. We might need to work on matters requiring our deepest insight, and the occult or psychology could be a good focus for this energy. This is not always a comfortable or predictable time. It can be a time of emotional exposure, jealousy and hidden resentments.

On May 20th Mars joins the Venus/mercury conjunction in Taurus and Mars here is slow to anger, but when angered does not back down. Relationships are both sensual and sexual and we grind a lot slower. This is a strong aspect for love between the sexes and the bull is unlikely to give up on his/her affections. Again, this may create some possessiveness, and some people may not take no for an answer!

On May 21st Mercury, Venus, and Mars in Taurus all trine Pluto in Capricorn, and we value persistence, hard work, and working slowly towards our goals. Mercury trine Pluto analyses our security we are mentally realistic, and our ability to talk about our finances and achievements intensifies and deepens. This is an excellent time for investigating money matters, and how we should use our practical skills. We benefit talking about our talents and how use them in a practical manner.

Venus trine Pluto shows love reaching a serious and deeper level of commitment. Romances formed at this time show a bond of loyalty, affection, and profound intimacy. We successfully learn how to share what we have with others and combine our personal desires (Venus in Taurus) with others. Relationships are powerful and magnetic. We may see profound pieces of art or listen to sensual and deeply moving pieces of music. Those in relationships can focus on supporting eachother’s careers (Pluto in Capricorn) and striving towards a material life which reflects their achievements. Don’t wait around too long for affirmations of love (Venus in Taurus) and enjoy giving romantic gifts to the one you love, because they will be deeply appreciated at this time. Those who are single look at purchasing some clothes (only if your finances are sound) and having a nice makeover, a beauty transformation.

Mars-trine Pluto puts focus on our physical endurance and fulfilling our physical desires. We have laser-like focus and are determined in our ambitions. We are comfortable putting our desires first, and all forms of competitions will go well at this time. Sexual activities are favoured and we may encounter those with a strong sensual and sexual appeal. We may all enjoy exercising now; even if we are slow to get going, but once we begin we stay the course.

On May 22nd The Sun in Gemini squares Neptune and signifies a constantly shape shifting energy; we may become unduly sensitive at this time, vulnerable and moody. The energy is extremely adaptable, but it can distort our perceptions and bring disappointments and disillusionment. We enjoy involving ourselves in creative projects, and have a high sense of idealism. The main issues circle around communication and the Sun in Gemini doesn’t enjoy silences (Neptune in Pisces), but the latter enjoys subtler forms of dialogue. We may feel the victim, and the harshness in life is felt more than usual. We may even find ourselves talking in a more poetic, and diffuse way. We find ourselves in a state of confusion, and this combination of energy hates to feel pinned down. Try and avoid misunderstandings.

Prince William: Royal Wedding

Prince William is marrying Kate Middleton on the April 29th 2011; this Royal wedding occurs when transiting Neptune in Pisces is trine William’s Sun in Cancer. Astrology wise, I have dubbed this aspect the fairy-tale aspect because it often occurs in a person’s life when all their dreams and aspirations come true. Neptune yearns for something special, and when it positively touches our lives we experience its glamour, enchantment, and a little bit of magic. This is a dreamy time for Prince William and let’s hopes it’s a happy ending. The Prince has also been experiencing his Saturn Return in Libra, and this marks of time of maturation and some kind of commitment is made. Marriages, buying a house, having children, or beginning a new career are all common things which happen under this transit. In the book Surviving Saturn’s Return the authors say:

When the Saturn in Libra lady faces her SR, she might very well start obsessing over wedding gowns. The grand march to the alter can become the focus, and if there are any prospects around they better duck fast, for you have probably trained your laser beam betrothal detector on them. You want the security of a permanent bond more now than almost ever before, and you are probably willing to put important things aside to attain your perfect, storybook wedding.

O.K, the book is more focused towards woman and Prince William is less likely to be focusing on the wedding dress for the day and he should leave that to his bride, but the security of a permanent bond will soon be a reality. However, transiting Uranus is squaring his Sun and Moon in Cancer in the 7th house, and this can indicate great life changes and a shake-up in both his personal home, relationships, public life, and life in general. All this change can make security conscious Cancer, feel a little on edge on edge at times. The transit can affect the (moods) and make him feel like he is on a helter skelter ride emotionally.

Uranus transits signify an excitable time, but it can also be also be a restless, rebellious and self-willed period. There may also be a lot of nervousness and tension happening when we see these transits in a person’s chart. All Uranus transits move us forward in time and the individual is interested in progress and change, but it is still a highly tense time for the Prince and he may be suffering from pre-wedding jitters (Uranus) through all the media attention.

Sun Conjunct Neptune: The Art of Predictive Astrology

In my last post on the Sun conjunct Neptune aspect, Carter said this on the aspect: "C.E.O Carter believes this is the most common aspect in the charts of astrologers, especially those involved in the art of predictive astrology." The author also says that whatever subject interests the native, there is usually a life-long devotion." I thought this quote was rather eerie because Carol Rushman the author of The Art of Predictive astrology has an exact Sun-Neptune conjunction in Virgo in her 8th house.

Carol Rushman may have read Carter's aspect book, but she does appear to have a life-long devotion to the art of predictive astrology.

"In thirty years of working as a professional astrologer, I find that the predictive part of astrology is by far the most exciting. There was a time when predictive astrology was not the thing to do. It was the 1970's and astrologers were using their expertise strictly as a psychological tool...Astrology's insight into the future is part of the intrigue and mystery that draws people to it. The most popular astrologers with great followings know how to make accurate predictions. When you are new to astrology there is nothing like making your first prediction. I can remember it very clearly. I told a friend who was waiting to hear from a lover (she had not heard from him for five weeks) that word would come Thursday. When she called me that Thursday evening, I don't know which one of us was more amazed. He had called. There was no thrill quite like it. That was over thirty years ago."

I wonder if this real talent at making accurate predictions makes people in awe and inspired, and in idealization of these astrologers. It probably would clothe them in the mysteries of Neptune, and others would believe they had some special gift or power. In astrology Neptune rules intuitions, visions and dreams.

The Neptune astrologer would have more of glamorous image and their clients would be attracted to them. Its like the person has some special link to some kind of oracle (Sun God, Apollo) to be able to predict the future. When Neptune conjuncts my Sun in Pisces, I should open a fortune telling stall and set up my astrology chart readings, I could make a killing at this time. I am only joking, but I can see how some people easily idolize Neptunian astrologers.

Sun Conjunct Neptune

Those with the Sun conjunct Neptune have a hazy boundary line to the ego, and the personality can be extraordinarily sensitive, compassionate, and gentle. The person feels selfless and devoted, and is capable of surrendering to life. The individual is adept at making sacrifices for others. Sun conjunct Neptune’s vision is altruistic, and inspired. Stephen Arroyo says this combination is exceptionally common in those whose lives are guided by a larger, more encompassing vision than normal.

The Sun-Neptune conjunction can make the individual over-sensitive and vulnerable, and the nebulous influence of Neptune tends to confuse the personality. Sun-Neptune types can drift into the world of drink and drugs in order to avoid facing some of the harsher aspects in life. Confronting reality is not always easy for those who are prominently Neptune. It’s easy to wander off into their dreams and become lost in their imagination, Neptunian aspects have a tendency to live in their own reality.

Sun-Neptune’s self-image is attached to idealistic images and unrealistic expectations, which only leads to disillusionment and disappointment down the line. One of the hardest lessons for Sun-Neptune is facing the realities of life. The real self may be lost under Neptune, and the task involves trying to keep hold of their self-confidence even when it feels like it is slipping away, vanishing, and dissolving.

Sun conjunct Neptune can lose themselves in art, music, drama, film and photography and they are heavily influenced by fantasy, these people are tremendously creative. Another avenue for Neptune is working in medicine, social work, or in the community, and this helps the individual to serve the collective (Neptune) in some capacity, which can be highly fulfilling, because they have a strong desire to serve and please. The individual is easily inspired, and the gifts of Neptune come from the sea and so there is a great affinity with the ocean, and it channels itself through the conscious side of the personality. If this gift is successfully channelled it can benefit us all, and it can reveal a luminous experience behind life.

The intuitive and psychic ability is often well developed, and the individual is open to many different realities. Some astrologers even describe this placement as the mystic in the truest sense. C.E.O Carter believes this is the most common aspect in the charts of astrologers, especially those involved in the art of predictive astrology. The author also says that whatever subject interests the native, there is usually a life-long devotion.

The image of the father can be strongly spiritual, and there is a nebulous and confused image around him. The father and other male images are strongly idealized, and it may be difficult to get hold of the real father. Sometimes the father is highly religious or spiritual, gentle and sensitive. Sun-Neptune’s own self-image is hard-to-define, and their feelings and yearnings create confusion and self-deception. The father may have been thirsting for more in life, but sometimes this is the best combination for someone who goes after his/her dreams in life knowing the sadness one can feel when they live an unfulfilled existence. The personality is sometimes evasive, and the individual slides away from real confrontation, and this makes is difficult to achieve their dreams and follow their solar path.

The individual may be susceptible to illnesses, and they need to take care around drugs and medication as they are extremely sensitive. A couple of astrologers have linked this combination with suicide and this follows closely with Sun-Pluto aspects, too. It’s probably not hard to work out why, as both planets have a connection to death and other-realms. Some Sun-Neptune types have a strong avoidance of life and they long to escape it all. Neptune has to be handled carefully, but it can open up the person to strong creativity, sensitivity, and connectivity with others. Neptune can transform the personality, but Neptune can also elude the individual, and the most difficult part of the aspect is not having a clear, objective or accurate self-image, and then the personality gets moody and confused.

Neptune in Pisces: Talking Dolphins

 The Neptune in Pisces transit and the fishy pedicure news story reminded of the Nostradamus prediction interpreted by Liz Greene and Peter Lorie to possibly mean communication with dolphins.

“When the animal domesticated by man after great pains and jumps will come to speak: the lightning (Sun) will be harmful to the virgin (Virgo), taken from earth and suspended in the air.” By Nostradamus

Here we find something that, on the face of it, might take first prize for “weirdness.” Nostradamus is telling us about an animal than mankind has domesticated: a dog, cat, horse? But he elucidates further by emphasising the animal has suffered “great pains and leaps” before it comes to speak…One of the animals that fits this characteristic is the monkey, and monkeys have far greater instance of intelligence than any other animal, except perhaps for one – the dolphin…They are very loving creatures that follow commands and requests from us in a way that others do not. They also jump, and unlike other sea creatures of the sea, they are mammals and could therefore be termed “animals,” domesticated by man.

The reference to “lightening” and the “virgin” has some astrological significance, thus giving us the timing for this change in relationship, though some interpreters have inferred that it is more likely concerned with electricity, particularly suspended in air.”

The author didn’t expand on when this astrological timing would be. I personally would like to see such a development under the transit of Neptune in Pisces, as this is the sign connected to dolphins. I looked online for the development of dolphins’ communication, and they can whistle one another’s names; they are very friendly and social mammals. I don’t know if we will jump leaps and bounds in terms of communication with animals anytime soon, but I keep an open mind to the possibility of it happening.

Neptune in Pisces 2011: Fish Pedicure

The latest beauty surge in the salons is called the fish pedicure, and it involves customers dunking their feet in tanks to have their dead skin nibbled away by Turkish miniature toothless carp. The procedure leaves your skin feeling silky and smooth and helps to alleviate serious skin problems. The fish pedicure has been around since 2008, but has been gaining more and more popularity since Neptune has transited into the watery sign of Pisces.

In astrology,  Pisces governs the feet, and ailments of the feet are common in Pisces nativities. All twelve zodiacal signs are assigned a different part of the body, we start from the top of the head (Aries) and finish at the soles of our feet (Pisces). Pisceans can be described as having one foot in this world and one foot out of this world

The zodiac constellation of Pisces is represented by two fish swimming in opposite directions, sometimes joined by a ribbon. Water has always been a healing quality, and we are advised to drink 8 glasses of water a day, and bathing, and refreshing ourselves through is a much loved pastime. It also is said that life itself developed out of the sea, and many of the reincarnation theories use the idea of cyclic development, with spiralling, and it corresponds with a drop of water. Water can change forms, and evaporate, but it’s never the same as before. Neptune’s transit into Pisces is symbolic of sea-life healing techniques, and the exploration into the healing properties of water and fish.

Saturn and Chiron: Two Peas in a Pod?

Chiron was discovered in 1977 and astrologers slowly began their work to piece the asteroid’s astrological meaning together. The meaning, interpretation and symbolism for Chiron has come from the mythological Centaur who bears the same name. However, on the face of it, Chiron closely resembled Saturn, because both planets do have a lot in common. In the book Barriers and Boundaries by Liz Greene, Saturn and Chiron are discussed in depth. The author outlines the differences between them both and helps us the come to grips with Chiron in the natal chart.

“When we consider Chiron from the perspective of defences, we are once again looking at an area of life, or of the personality, in which we feel wounded or damaged. But there is a different quality to Chiron. With Saturn we feel something has been denied us, something withheld that we badly need. This lack or sense of deprivation makes us feel inadequate, and eventually forces us to develop self-sufficiency. With Chiron, there is a sense of something unfair hurting or humiliating us, something that we didn’t merit. We have been irrevocably spoiled or damaged…Something has crippled us and because of that injury we must take a different path in life, one which we feel we not have chosen if we had been left “intact”.

The author offers different examples for the experience of Chiron in the natal chart. For instance, illness, disability, our inability to have children, or something happening which ruins our career - like a dancer cracking his/her ankle and they have to give up it up. I have seen this experience in the charts of those with Chiron in the 5th house and the individual often makes a very good dance/art teacher. Astrologically Chiron is still the most difficult area to interpret and this “unfairness” of life is something which we all have to deal with and reconcile within ourselves.

The universe itself feels like an unbalanced place in terms of justice and punishment. In myth Chiron was a gentle and wise centaur, especially compared to the other centaurs that were wild and savage. Chiron understood all the secrets of herbal medicine which is often considered a fringe way of dealing with illness, and he understood the stars, and taught the art of astrology. Chiron is fascinating to study, but I haven’t been able to find the time to really study the centaur in depth, but some of these key notes may help towards understanding the wounded/healer.

Getting Organized: Self Development

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Neptune in Pisces 2012 - Titanic's 100th Anniversary

On April 15th 2012, the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic will be remembered around the world. The timing of the ship’s most significant anniversary transpires when Neptune returns to its own sign of Pisces for the long haul. Neptune was the god of the sea, and he lived in a golden castle on the floor, but he was also known to be a moody god and would strike the ground with his trident creating earthquakes. Along with the sensitive, dreamy and idealistic nature of Neptune, the ocean contains a powerful and violent force which must be respected.

When Neptune enters Pisces we should look out for stories about flooding, drowning, ships, piracy, deception, imagination, psychics, and ghosts. Neptune also represents images associated with death representing the passage of the soul from this world to the next. In astrology, Neptune is inarticulate and expresses itself through longing and terror, strange fantasies, and dreams. The Titanic was called the ship of dreams, and people were filled with hope and awe, not knowing what unimaginable terror awaited them on the ill-fated luxury liner.

At the time of the sinking, Neptune was in the watery sign of Cancer (container) and was square the nodes. Neptune in Cancer represents the idealism of sacrifice and family obligation. I think the Titanic’s anniversary is a preview of what we can expect during the transit of Neptune in Pisces 2012, and maybe there will be other significant sea-journey stories throughout Neptune’s transit in the zodiacal sign of Pisces.

A Day in History

It is interesting to research the news events surrounding the day of your birth. Take the recent Mars-Pluto transit and the stories of sexual abuse, murder and police investigations. Some of us are born at particularly stressful times in history, and at birth we receive this planetary energy. I remember reading something by Liz Greene about astrologers pointing at “nasty” aspects and making comments on world events. Yet, the same astrologer could be faced with a child being born with these same challenging aspects. The kinds of aspects we call “volatile” in horoscopes. I have witnessed professional astrologers appearing alarmed when they see a difficult Mars-Pluto aspect in their child’s chart.

My child has an exact Sun square Pluto aspect, and this planetary formation is also placed exactly on his Asc-I.C axis, and I do understand how easy it is for parents to feel afraid by these kinds of aspects in their child’s chart. Our children are our babies, no matter what age, and we don’t like reading about the difficult challenges or events that may happen in their lives.

I was born with Mars in Aquarius square Uranus (wide), and I often do research on Wikipedia for news events through the years. However, Wikipedia are not always the perfect choice for history timelines and many significant events are not posted. I was born in 1979 when Mars in Aquarius was square Uranus; this revolutionary and transforming energy was around at a time when there were some major attempts at overthrowing power, which involved revolutionary armies, and extremists who kidnapped the ambassador (he was later killed in a gunfight between his kidnappers and the police). I also have Sun opposite Saturn which deals with authority issues.

Furthermore, this explosive Mars-Uranus energy, signified a sex re-assignment surgery, and a gas explosion. I was also born the day after the total solar eclipse. On my birthday the police went on strike in New Orleans, so no law and order. I think this gives us some glimpses into the energy of a Mars-Uranus square, its rebelliousness, need for change, and the fact that it hates to be confined, and it believes strongly in freedom and the rights of the people and it’s not wholly fond of dictatorship.

On my little boy’s birthday on September 14th 2005, the largest world summit was held. The representatives included many leaders and it was described as a “once in a generation opportunity to take bold decisions in the areas of development, security, human rights and reform (Pluto) the United Nations. It was billed as the largest gathering of leaders in history. A lot of powerful (Pluto) leaders (Sun) in one place, trying to make changes. North Korea also agreed to stop building Nuclear (Pluto) weapons in exchange for aid and, co-operation.

Some people are born under major alignments like the Saturn – Pluto opposition when the U.S was rocked by a day of terror and the Twin Towers were destroyed. Others were born under the revolutionary times of the 60’s when Uranus and Pluto were conjunct in Virgo. You can read some more of those events in my article on Pluto in Virgo. It is really interesting to research events around the time of your birth, and gain more insight into some of the outer events happening at the time.

Progressed Moon in Gemini

These are some of the things I need to observe during this roughly two and half year period according to The Art of Predictive Astrology by Carol Rushman.

• A strong intellectual curiosity
• More Alert (waking up this day-dreaming Pisces zzzz)
• Easily grasps things
• Hungry for Knowledge
• Learn new skills
• Gemini’s duality (twice the fun or double the trouble)
• A light Fun time (Party Hearty, Marty)
• Relatives and young people more important
• A feeling of restlessness

Mars Square Pluto: April 2011 - Topical News

I have been following the events happening during the latest Mars square Pluto aspect in April 2011. I think it is important to follow-up on events on a worldwide scale, especially when writing about the planetary aspects each month. However, in my April 2011 monthly horoscope, the Mars square Pluto aspect passed by my radar, so apologies for missing this aspect in interpretation. In my defence you can blame my pregnancy hormones.

Mars is transiting through the warrior sign of Aries, and has signified an explosive period. Mars is powerful in its own sign, but with Mars in the cardinal sign of Aries it forms difficult aspects throughout the month of April to Saturn in Libra (cardinal Air), Uranus in Aries (cardinal Fire), and Pluto in Capricorn (Cardinal Earth).

Here is a quick summary of some of the events which happened under the Mars-Uranus conjunction in Aries. Astrologically the current Mars square Pluto has an enormous amount of physical energy; it is competitive, aggressive and dominant. On the darker side, it can show somebody’s will forced on another, bloody revenge, volatility, dangerous situations, and accidents. Mars square Pluto can be potentially ruthless, and people act with rage, anger and fierce competitiveness at these times. Natally the aspect has been related to sexual abuse, and sometimes it can be a common aspect in the charts of murderers, but this is not always the case.

The dangerous situation of this period is reflected by the Japan Nuke crisis rating reaching a level 7, the same as the Chernobyl disaster. The explosive energy is pretty much everywhere, and the bomb attack on the Metro station also reflects this volatile period. The news-story about gun gang members’ who in a revenge (Pluto) attack (Mars) against a rival gang shot an innocent woman dead in a pizza place; they have received heavy sentences for this brutal killing.

Another recent case involved exhuming the dead body (Pluto) of a sexual abuse case dating back 20 years. Belinda Day was sexually abused and violently raped (Mars-Pluto) by more than one person, and the police are looking for more evidence to successfully bring the offenders to justice. Furthermore, domestic violence deaths are to be fully reviewed, and the circumstances surrounding the victim's death will be fully looked into. From today all authorities who had contact with the woman will be compelled by law to conduct thorough investigations. One news reporter described domestic violence as a plague on our nation. In Long Island the police are searching for more bodies of a suspected serial killer, the victims are prostitutes.

Last night I watched the distressing events in Libya involving young children caught in the fire of the war. One young child was shown on television just after he was injured and his father rushed him to hospital, but sadly the young boy died. I felt angry watching these scenes and powerless, and wanted those in power to do more to help innocent civilians. It reminded me of this post on the World Government, and this was something Liz Greene predicted in her book -Nostradamus, and its something we desperately need.

Nostradamus indicates that a single world leader will emerge. For such an event to occur, there would have to be growth towards a global government.. According to a number of modern thinkers, the only solution to national conflict and individual state anarchy is through the existence of a global military force that is so great and so terrifying that no single nation would dare to break the rules. Stop war by the extreme threat of death. Nostradamus’ verse tells us that the first attempt at world leadership will be short lived and the first leader (monarch) will not succeed, not live too long.

The Nitty Gritty of Astrology

 It is difficult to sum-up the nitty gritty of astrology in one article, and there are plenty of fantastic books out there which explore the history of astrology and its modern day use. Astrology has a long and rich history, and a challenging one.

Astrology has many uses today, and it can be used in a generalized fashion, or in a more specialized way; astrology can bring up the most intriguing questions relating to what motivates us, what makes us feel and act in certain ways, and how we create a sense a self. Deeper awareness in these areas can lead us to self-knowledge, a better understanding of human nature, improved relationships, and increased effectiveness in the world. In short - astrology can make a real difference in your life.

Some of the earliest psychologists thought that human beings were born a “blank slate” ready to be written on by family and environment. Astrology strongly rejects this idea, and believes that we are already born with a set of characteristics, pre-set at birth. However, this doesn't mean that we are not influenced by our nurturing in the early years and it may have a profound impact on some of our already existing characteristics.

The nuts and bolts of Astrology basically involves understanding the twelve signs, four elements and three modes. The ascendant, planets in signs, planets in houses, and planetary aspects are also analyzed. These are the basic tools needed to interpret any birth chart. Astrology is 'the word of the stars' - from the Greek astra (star) and logos (word)). Many people find the technical terms difficult to understand in the beginning, and especially the calculations. Though, this has been made much easier since the introduction of the computer.

No one has to ‘believe’ in astrology, and it is something which requires ‘individual’ investigating by the student.  Astrology does appear to have fewer followers and more opponents discrediting the field. You could follow the crowd and say, “yeah, yeah, astrology is a load of rubbish,” or, you could study the subject and come to your own individual conclusion. Those interested in astrology can obtain a free chart from Astrodienst and begin their studies.

Astrology is basically founded on ‘observations’ over the centuries. Astrology’s depth still remains much of a hidden science, and the great truth of astrology is only observed through personal investigation. Unfortunately it is often assumed that the simplistic Sun-sign astrology found throughout newspapers and magazines is all there is to this complex study of the planets. I don’t criticize other astrologers who write Sun-Sign predictions and columns on their website and in publications, because it is often their bread and butter, and how they earn a crust. Sun-sign predictions in newspapers keep astrology in the mainstream.

Astrology has evolved over thousands of years, and continues to evolve as we gain new insights into understanding human nature; the patterns and laws of the universe, and a greater understanding of the celestial picture. Astrology is the study of relationship between events on earth and the influence of the planets. We could say its part science, in that it incorporates the physical observable movement of the planets, and part art, because of its heavy use of symbolism and interpretation. There is also a psychological aspect to astrology, and people consult astrologers to make sense of their lives. Astrology reveals an individual’s personality and we make some attempt to connect our experiences with the wider universe. The famous psychiatrist C.G. Jung developed from his theory of synchronicity of an essential pattern at work, and meaningful events occurring when the timing is right, and astrology follows much of this train of thought.

Pluto's Shadow and the Black Man

I once wrote somewhere on this blog about Liz Greene’s interpretation of Pluto in The Astrology of Fate as representing the black man. It was part of a dream analysis she was working through with a client. I also mentioned how astrologer Sue Tompkins related Pluto with the black culture:

Black Culture and Our Historical Roots

"White people who have black lovers often have Venus and especially Mars in aspect to their Pluto. In less enlightened times such intermingling was considered to be taboo. However, black people with white lovers do not on the whole have the same aspects. This leads me to believe that Pluto has a lot to do with the black culture itself. There is much evidence to support this view. For a start, there is no doubt that, right across the globe, black culture has been suppressed by white cultures. Also black people fared much better and gained greater political power when Pluto was in its own sign of Scorpio." Sue Tompkins – The Contemporary Astrologers Handbook

I do actually think that they have a valid point, and if we take this literally and associate planets to race, I get the feeling that white people are stuck with the planet Saturn, but other astrologers would probably strongly disagree with this statement. Astrologically, Pluto rules the collective shadow and describes elements we need to eliminate in life. The collective shadow represents material that has been repressed over a long period of time. When Pluto transits through a sign we see all kinds of eruptions, power issues, and control of the area of life which the sign rules. Pluto also describes where we are most likely to feel persecuted and exposed.

The turning point in the history of the American people happened when Obama became the first black president. Transiting Pluto was just about to enter Capricorn, and 45 years of racial segregation in the United Sates had come to an end. He came to power during a difficult time in U.S History, in the middle of an economic crisis. The black man ascended to the highest position in the land. Capricorn rules the 10th house and this house is positioned at the top of the astrological chart and it rules the government, authority, and people in “top” positions.

29th Degree Transits in Astrology

These transits are always fascinating to watch and with the latest giant wave in Japan it might just attest to the power of the last degrees of any sign. Neptune was on the last degrees of Aquarius and Uranus on the last degrees of Pisces (both in mutual reception) when the power of the ocean (Neptune) unleashed its full force.

It is worth paying attention to transits entering a sign as many changes can be seen. The beginning of a sign reflects the first rush of new energy and often exaggerates the sign’s energy. Look at Uranus’ current transit in the beginning of Aries and  the worldwide rebellions. Planets in the beginning of signs don’t like to enter or leave quietly.

I would imagine mundane astrologers circling the dates an outer planet enters and leaves a sign. Even natal planets are said to be more extreme in expression when placed in the last degrees of a sign. Events tend to be magnified under transits in the beginning and last degree of a sign, and we will all observe what happens when Uranus reaches the last degrees of Aries.

Astrologer Liz Greene describes the 29th degree as the ‘last fling’ and it often strongly marks the person with the characteristic qualities of the sign. The astrologer claims that the most typical expressions she has seen of any sign have been 0 degrees and 29 degrees.

Composite Moon in 8th House

The composite Moon in the 8th house indicates a relationship that is emotionally intense, and the feelings which are aroused between this couple are extreme and deep. The composite Moon describes the relationship's emotional coloration and requirements, and the 8th house rules the parts of life that no one wants to openly talk about. The Moon represents our need for security, refuge and retreat, and it isn’t always comfortable in the 8th house. The relationship is left sensitive to the feelings of being unsafe, threatened, and provoked. The couple may have to learn painful lessons about letting go. Futhermore, the couple might have to undergo emotional crisis and enormous change in their personal life. Almost everything in the couple’s world triggers powerful emotions.

The water houses also have something to say about the psychological family inheritance from both sides of the family. The emotional side of this relationship is hidden from other people, and the composite Moon represents the most sensitive and vulnerable area in the couple's life. The 8th house rules abuses of all kinds, secrets, and transformational healing. It’s here where the couple have emotional access to the hidden depths of relating and it also puts the emotional focus on the survival of the relationship itself.

The 8th house also deals with death, sexuality, psychology, shared resources, taxes and legacies. A really good way to understand how the composite Moon in the 8th house is operating when it is below the surface level of life is to observe what happens when a transit aspects the composite Moon. Pay attention to the heavy transiting planets – Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto. The Moon in the composite 8th house doesn’t reflect one individual emotional response; it is the feeling tone of the relationship itself.

If we were to separate from our partner we would not feel that we are pulled in emotionally to matters of the 8th house, unless our own natal chart indicates otherwise. However, it is only when we are deeply involved with this person that we feel the powerful emotional tension. There is a level of fate involved when dealing with the composite chart, and we are not always left with much of a choice.

The composite Moon in the 8th house can create an emotional storm, and if it is not handled well it may create deep seated, and underlying resentment. The emotional side of the relationship has the ability to re-new itself and transform deep rooted problems in the union. However, the couple may encounter some difficult emotional encounters together and feelings of emotional betrayal, and a kind of emotional nakedness between them. Emotions may become volatile, angry, jealous and possessive in the relationship.

The Composite Moon in the 8th house can move the couple to greater depths of relating. Emotional rapport needs to be courageously honest and without pretence, or the partnership can end painfully. Difficult emotional growth in the relationship is one way to describe the Moon in the composite 8th house. However, if you manage to weather the storm it can transform the union and be incredibly healing, but only once the couple understands the true emotional depth which the relationship requires.

Random Questions - Weekend

Over the weekend I will answer questions which have been floating about in my stats search box engine. I have just copied some questions down and will answer them at random. I like to shake things up on the blog and write about different and unexpected things. It also helps to broaden the topics on the blog, and people may be getting tired of me doing sign and house placements nearly every day.

There are some interesting questions that have not been covered on the blog. All the posts from the people out there will be filed under ‘Search engine Questions’, and whatever other astrological topic they fall into.

Mummy's Horoscope

The other day my little boy was watching me on the computer and he pointed at my chart and started asking questions about it. And it was kind of nice being asked about my horoscope in an open minded way. My son is only 5 years old and he doesn’t really understand what astrology is all about. I had to talk in child speak about the symbols and planets. He began counting around the 12 houses, and I told him these 12 houses represent twelve different areas in mummy’s life. He looked at my 10th house and remarked how there was nothing in this house.

I explained to him that this was the house of career and life goals and aspirations, and although mummy doesn’t have planets in the 10th house she has Venus in the 5th trine the 10th house and so her children, hobbies, and creative expression work harmoniously with mummy’s ambitions. Venus is in Capricorn, and this also says something about where our practical ambitions form. I probably lost him for a while somewhere in the middle of all that.

I showed him my Sun opposite Saturn and explained to him, that although mummy has no planets in the 10th house, Saturn naturally rules this house and is opposite the Sun. Therefore, mummy works hard for recognition, but she needs to build up her self-confidence and sometimes she feels blocked from success, and feels anxious and fearful about the future, but deep down she is honest enough to know that she still has to keep working hard to improve her craft (Saturn Virgo).

My son pointed to my nodes, and I explained to him that his mum’s South Node is in Pisces in the 7th house and she may have been too dependent on a partner/others, too sacrificing, escapist (Pisces) and she may have lost sight of her personal goals (Saturn in 1st house conjunct NN) and achievement, and in this life-time she needs to work on crafting (Virgo) her inspiration (Pisces) into something more practical, efficient and useful (Saturn in Virgo). She also needs to work on her physical self-confidence (Saturn in 1st house) and pay more attention to how she comes across.

My Astrology Chart

I then showed him my Jupiter in the 11th house in Leo and I explained to him that this is where mummy can grow and expand in the area of groups, Internet, community efforts and social activities and through creative efforts (Leo). I pointed out all my Pisces energy and explained to him how mummy can be super-sensitive at times, even when she puts up a wall (Saturn) and pretends she is strong and self-sufficient on the outside, once you get inside she is like a hard sweet with a super gooey centre.

Talking loud about my chart was very therapeutic, and cheaper than counselling. When I actually said the words it hit home harder. I liked his open minded curiosity of my horoscope, and I told him we are all a mini universe connected to some great design, I don’t know the architect behind it all, but he/she seems to have a plan in mind for us all, even if we don't always understand it (Uranus). Overall, it was a really nice experience to be able to share something I love with a family member, even if he never really grasped it all.

Venus in 6th House

Those with Venus in the 6th house promote harmony and balance in their place of work. Venus here brings pleasantness to day-to-day living, and they usually enjoy a peaceful working environment. They appreciate the smaller things in life, and when they care for others they like to serve them, doing something tangible to show their affection . The 6th house has to do with our everyday routines in life, our work and attending to our bodily needs. Those with Venus here are often popular with their fellow workers, and need to work in a pleasant atmosphere. The individual has the ability to co-operate with co-workers, and their relationships within the work setting are important to them. This position can indicate working with women on a daily basis.

Venus in the 6th house finds pleasure in the daily routine of life, and may express itself through an interest in health and beauty. This can extend to interior design, art, floristry, diplomacy or sociability skills. Whatever the situation, Venus here needs to find beauty in the work they do, and the individual needs to value their work, and dull and drab environments are not appealing to them. They have considerable artistic or creative skill and may sew or do other handiwork crafts. The key is finding a job they really like, love and appreciate, and they are suited to professions that please others. Enormous value can be placed on the art of service and a sense of productivity helps to boost self-esteem, and there can be a love of craftwork, design, and combining artistry with meticulous detail. The person might enjoy doing chores, and take pleasure in fine-tuning their daily tasks.

Venus in the 6th house may be prone to love affairs at work, and the working environment usually provides a venue for potential lovers. They may enjoy a combined work environment with their partner. The individual may fall in love with someone who provides a daily service, and this  placement can also indicate a love of pets, or someone who loves their work, and may substitute it for a partner. Health problems may stem from being overindulgent, lazy or there is a pronounced sweet tooth. The individual may enjoy physical fitness and health, and have a regular health or beauty routine everyday which makes them feel good.

Neptune in Relationships: Song Choice

 

A Neptune relationship is defined by planets in the 7th house aspecting Neptune. Neptune in the 5th or 7th house, and/or Neptune aspecting Sun/Moon/Venus. Neptune in relationships is emotionally rich and complex, and the experience of meeting a soul-mate to enhance, deepen our lives and fulfil our needs is given major importance. Although there can be hazy interpretations when trying to define a soul-mate. The consensus view is that it often describes two people instantly familiar with one another, as if they were created as one. Neptune seeks to merge with others at a deep level, and separation is unbearable.

A Neptune connection can be powerfully moving, even if it is sometimes filled with suffering. Such relationships are often based on a shared artistic or spiritual commitment, especially with a dominant Neptune in the composite chart. Neptune in composite relationships often comes together through sacrifice, shared guilt, and some sense of emotional need. Astrologer Liz Greene says that composite Neptune in relationships may even reflect a ‘fantasy’ love between a film or pop star or adoring fan who one can never hope to meet in reality.

Neptune in relationship can create, inspire, enchant, but it can also blind, hypnotise, and cause addiction. While under the spell of Neptune it becomes nearly impossible to gain perspective and realize what is happening. Neptune in synastry also creates this kind of tie between two natal charts, and it creates high idealisation, inspired love, but this can sometimes leads to bitter disappointment. Neptune in relationships may need to play the redeemer and “save” the partner from his or her emotional problems. This is a relationship filled with illusory expectations of rescuing a partner. Neptune is also a highly compassionate planet and feels another’s pain as if if were their own. And they sometimes believe that with enough love, sympathy and understanding they can save an individual from his/her terrible childhood, addiction, and misfortune in life. The Neptune partnership can be intoxicating, and filled with seductive manipulation.

When such a relationship breaks down the loss of the dream union and powerful emotional connection is disillusioning, and enormously devastating. Neptunian love can be dark and destructive and can result in illness, depression and dependency when the relationship dries up. Issues which need to be looked at in such damaging relationships is unconscious martyrdom, manipulation and self-destructive passivity. Greater self-sufficiency in partnerships needs to be developed to overcome dependency on a partner.

 Neptune relationships may leave both partner’s deceived and disillusioned. Neptune’s propensity is to fall in love with qualities in the partner that may not actually be there. Neptune is an over ‘imaginative’ planet and another one of Neptune’s foibles is the inability to face reality. Although this article has slid into darker territory, many Neptune relationships are emotionally fulfilling, healing, compassionate and understanding. No two relationships are the same and a lot depends on the level of awareness of both people. All partnerships have some level of idealisation and longing in a relationship, and we all have a composite Neptune. The usual confusion, chaos and unmanageability of Neptune in a relationship are other things to observe with the couple.

Dream Lover (Mariah Carey)

Sweet Dreams (Beyonce)

Pretty World (September)

I'm Over Dreaming (Over You) (Kylie Minogue)

Girl Overboard (Girls Aloud)

We Belong Together (Mariah Carey)

Addicted (Kelly Clarkson)

Secret Garden (Rachel Stevens)

Love Mist (Alexis Jordan)

Lost Without You (Delta Goodrem)

April Horoscope 2011 Review - Mars conjunct Uranus

I have recently begun my monthly horoscopes and I have been observing what has been happening. I particularly watched what happened on April 3rd when we had the New Moon in Aries with Mars conjunct Uranus in Aries. Here is my interpretation of this energy from the April Horoscope 2011:

Mars is also conjunct Uranus in Aries and this energy is courageous and fearless or reckless, rebellious and self-willed. We see this trailblazing energy awakening our needs to see change and progress. The Sign and planet are independent and can appreciate one anothers need for change, innovation, and original thinking. The pioneering spirit combines with Uranus’ broad minded interest in human potential. It can be a highly exciting and stimulating time and we will rebel against constraints. It can feel like a collective time bomb ready to go off in a series of disruptive fireworks across the populations. Freedom is very important, and self-expression and it tends to be accident prone, too.

On the day of this planetary lineup there were a couple of bomb explosions, one in a Sufi shrine, and the attack was a double suicide bombing killing more than 50 people and wounding 120. The bomb occurred when thousands were gathered for the celebration. Another 25 year old man was killed in a car bomb in Omagh, Co Tyrone. Other stories centered upon rebellious (Uranus) young men (Mars) starting fires in the area and being warned by the police, and quite a few areas were hit by fire during this month.

Footballer Wayne Rooney used offensive language at the cameras and is facing a two match ban. The Mars-Uranus conjunction in Aries was squaring his natal Neptune, and so we have some rebellious behavior, and sudden (Uranus) and violent (Mars) outbursts.

Mercury Retrograde in Aries

 I take the Mercury Retrograde period lightly in most circumstances, and I have bought things and signed papers under this time frame. Sometimes it is unavoidable and I don’t think the planets should dictate what you should do, but we should still pay attention to these phases. All Mercury Retrograde periods signal a time to look backwards, and we might need to go back over something we thought was completed.

It’s funny to see Mercury in Aries Retrograde; Mercury in Aries is pretty confident and rushed in its decisions, and headstrong, too. Aries is impatient and doesn’t like to back up or retreat. The sign strives for progress, rather than reversals and restraints. Mercury in Aries has an immediate and urgent impact on all forms of communication, spoken and written, and transportation. It is often said it is not a good time to buy any form of transport, or to take trips unless you don’t mind delays. With Mercury Retrograde in Aries we may revise any previous rushed decisions. Mercury will spend 3 months in Aries rather than the usual 3 weeks, so we might want to make sure that we think before speaking, signing contracts, and making decisions.

I have had Mercury retrograde in Aries in my 8th house and I have been discussing with my partner whether or not we should be so quick to sign financial payment schemes which would put the house at risk. The 8th house rules shared finances, taxes, and the hidden aspects of life. Mercury retrograde is a good time for researching our options and talking to other financial advisers before rushing into a decision.

Neptune in Pisces 2011-2025

 

Neptune has entered Pisces and represents our need to merge with something greater and trust in something bigger than seen in our reality. The connection with a more powerful source is found in nearly all cultures and spiritual beliefs. Seeking and trusting in a power beyond ourselves has a transforming impact on our lives.

Many of the alcoholic groups, practice this belief as part of their twelve step programme. Neptune in Pisces asks us to surrender, admitting powerlessness and unmanageability and break out of a self-defeating cycle of repeated patterns and habits. Some people seek relief through an ideology, love, and others seek this oblivion through substances such as alcohol or heroin, for the illusory state of oneness.

When Neptune transits through Pisces we long to transcend our sense of limitation and individual separateness. The planet puts us in touch with the fact that we need to have faith, to take us through changing states of doubts and confusion. The last transit of Neptune occurred in 1847-1861 and spiritualism was born along with a growing interest in the occult, and the afterlife. The welfare of the poor and sick became a public concern.

Neptune’s transit through Pisces occurred just after its discovery on 23 September 1846 at 26 degrees Aquarius conjunct Saturn on the same degree. When Neptune was at 0 degrees of Pisces in 1847 The American Medical Association was founded and is the largest association of physicians and medical students in the United States. The AMA’s mission statement was to promote the art and science of medicine for the betterment of public health.

We sometimes see ourselves as separate from other people and their suffering and with Neptune in Pisces we are asked to be more compassionate and imagine ourselves in the same position, we need to ‘feel’ we have an identification with the human race. Neptune represents the compassionate part of ourselves who wants to help those in need.

However, Neptune verges away from the logic and Scientific methods of healing and believes in the power of faith, prayer, meditation and visualisation. Neptune in Pisces also rules the imagination, and this is seen through art and music, theatre and imaginary play. The misuse of the imagination can lead to hysterics, hallucination, disorientation, mental and physical disintegration.

I have a mutable chart and most of my planets and angles will be aspected by Neptune in the coming years. It’s the first time I have had strong aspects from Neptune in my natal chart. The last time Neptune aspected my chart heavily was when I was born. I have my two luminaries (Sun and Moon) in Pisces my chart ruler Mercury in Pisces and Moon-Mercury conjunct in Pisces square Neptune.

Those with planets in Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces will experience the heavier aspects of Neptune. Those with planets in the water signs (Cancer and Scorpio) will experience the trine aspect. In a follow up article I will look to see what happened to some of our fixed sign celebrities when Neptune transited Aquarius. Here is what happened in music, technology and film when Neptune transited through the revolutionary zodiacal sign of Aquarius.