Astrology: Planets Rising

Moon Rising often accentuates the sign's qualities in some way, and it is thought the individual may be very involved with the public. The position can lend empathy and the ability to nurture and please others. The person may approach others wanting to care and protect, and there is usually a responsive and adaptable approach to life. With the Moon hanging heavily over their life they may have had a strong female presence growing up, and the mother may be a very influential figure. These people are also sensitive and receptive to everything in their environment, have a vivid imagination and are intuitive. Vocational astrologers often list these people as being attracted to caring professions, gardening, and working with the public.

Mercury Rising is usually highly inquisitive for knowledge, and has a powerful need for mental stimulation in their environment. They come across as intellectual, witty, youthful and may be recognised for their communication or writing skills. They may also be noted for their versatility and adaptability, but much of this depends on the sign. Some notable professions include: lecturing, writing, and public speaking. This is someone who needs to analyse their environment, collect information, and be noticed for their knowledge. We may find someone who is very talkative or who likes to write a great deal, and they express themselves through the sign of Mercury. This placement is frequently listed as one of the top aspects for great writers. All planets ascending in the horoscope are important but those nearest the cusp have the highest influence, and Mercury, the planet of writing, communication and studying finds its strongest expression when placed on an angle.

Venus Rising is a good position for working in relationships and they sometimes have natural mediator qualities and seek to always be fair with others. Venus powerful in the chart usually has a strong need to be liked and to be popular. They may express themselves through art or beautiful clothing from jewellery to make-up. They often possess a strong artistic sense and view the world through what aesthetically pleases the senses. Maybe there is a powerful drive to make one as beautiful as possible. There is also a powerful need to please others, and a strong urge to create peace and harmony in their environment. Depending on the sign of Venus a strong affectionate nature may also be present in the individual.

Mars Rising tends to be assertive and likes to initiate plans and ideas, and they may also be highly competitive and challenging. Astrologer Sue Tompkins notes these people as having a vague feeling that conflict is about to break out at any minute, and that sometimes the person is born is born into a competitive environment or raised in an early atmosphere of conflict. Depending on sign and aspects these people tend to have a go-getting approach, and when Mars is sitting right on the ascendant this can sometimes represent early births.

Jupiter Rising is often optimistic, generous, and enthusiastic in approach, and there is a powerful need to explore the world around them. They may be interested in teaching, travelling, sports, or even religious pursuits. Jupiter rising is usually keen to get on with life and enter each new phase of growth or adventure with an open mind. Life seems to offer them a chance to grow and explore the world around them. As part of their development they need to take on these risks and venture out further, past the usual boundaries. Distant horizons will beckon, and their life is set to undergo a process of great change and expansion. A Jupiter rising individual is born to develop new and greater potentials, but sometimes they are prone to feeling intensely restless and discontented. They need to open up windows and view life through a larger lens and see what’s outside for them. Jupiter rising individuals are intuitive and gifted at making connections and develop a deepening of faith in life as they grow.

Saturn Rising can have an isolating influence which sometimes blocks the individual from social life and they can be highly defensive and self-protective. The planet Saturn is so self-sufficient the individual sometimes stands alone rather than relying on others to help them out. The foundations of their individually are likely to be tested periodically, and may bring about deeply embedded fears and anxieties. Saturn rising people must learn to have more faith in their own talents and abilities and they will be constantly “tested” throughout life. The goal is to cultivate self-reliance and the ability to cope with separateness. Sometimes they are overly influenced by what others think about them, but there is real ambition here and the real test is learning how to define their individuality and make something of themselves in the world. These people are realistic and extremely cautious in their approach, and many are leaning to be these things and to carve out goals, and think more seriously about what they want to achieve in life.

Saturn rising may be drawn to science, architecture, or the study of older subjects, but vocationally a lot depends on the nature of the rest of the horoscope. This placement gives a drive for success but it is only usually won through hard-work, determination and self-control. It is believed by astrologers that a Jupiter rising soul is eager to get out into the world and can’t wait to be born, whist our Saturn rising friends are less reluctant to jump into incarnation or even to be born at all! This reading is completely reminding me the movie Chances Are. Whatever the case, it is believed that there may be some form of waiting or delay at the time of birth.

Uranus Rising often makes the native very original or even eccentric, and sometimes very sudden in their movements. The individual may have some unique and unusual ways. They are usually drawn to groups and organisations where they can express their ideas and progressive natures. Sue Tompkins believes these people may look and be different in some way compared to others, and she lists them as being quite tall in height. They may experience some very sudden shifts and changes in their life. Uranus on the ascendant is sometimes associated with an unusual birth, or some kind of shocking event happening ‘out of the blue’ at the time of their arrival or even in early childhood. The early environment may have pegged them out as different in some way or even outstanding.

Neptune Rising gives great sensitivity to life and sometime psychic qualities are present. They need to follow a path that puts them in touch with this inspirational and deeply sensitive side, but one that does not allow them to lose their way in life. The boundaries of Neptune rising are weak, and they are usually attracted to the helping professions, healing, art, music and film. Marilyn Monroe (Neptune rising in Leo) lived life through the lens of a camera (Neptune); she was extremely photogenic, and acted as a medium for the feelings and thoughts of others.

The birth stories for a powerful Neptune rising are quite interesting and some involve the heavy use of anaesthetic, but sometimes there is a flood, or a highly sensitive and emotionally un-stabling event happening in the environment at the time of birth/early childhood. Maybe the heavy use of drugs in the environment may have been a problem. The astrological associations for early events are endless and the individual will best describe what sort of “Neptunian” experience was felt early on and it may be less dramatic than the above examples.

Pluto Rising gives a measure of intensity to the personality and it’s something that not everybody can handle. They need to deal with power issues-their own and others. They are also interested in anything which explores the hidden depths of each situation. Those with Pluto rising often report that there was a death in their early environment, and sometimes it was a parent, or a close relative. The individual may have had a traumatic birth or there is some kind of issue around survival. Either way, Pluto rising seems to set up a dramatic situation in order for the person to grow and change. The planet Pluto resents stagnation in life, so these people are always forced to change in some way. Often these individuals are exposed to the darker sides of life earlier than usual, like abuse, family secrets, early trauma, but this also makes them highly sensitive to danger and extremely self-protective. Sue Tompkins likens these people to wearing sun glasses, so they always keep a part of themselves hidden from view, but she also notes that this need to hide can be crippling to their sense of personal identity. Sue Tompkins also links Pluto to the personal grandmother and noted that she may have a powerful and even domineering role in the individual’s life.

Everything at Once

I have been having a hectic schedule lately. I am 36 weeks pregnant and anticipating the birth of a new baby. I am trying to get everything ready at home. I have also been getting the house prepared with my mother moving in, and renovating the garage. Everything is all over the place at the moment, and I have been hard-pressed to settle back into a routine. Please bear with my sporadic posting for the time being, and once the baby is born allowing things to settle down. Hopefully things will return back to normal as soon as possible.

The New Moon in Libra squared transiting Pluto which is sitting on my 5th house cusp (children) and it seemed to kick off some strong braxton hicks contractions for the last couple of days. It really highlighted the immediacy of getting everything ready for the birth, so perhaps the New Moon kick-started the process. As an astrologer I have been looking for things in my chart that could start labour, some sneaky clues lol. I haven't researched anything and so I am none the wiser, but the New Moon squaring Pluto on my 5th house cusp definitely stirred some changes in that department. I will await the Full Moon in Aries in my 8th house to see if anything unfolds. However, I could go right past my due date, so things are uncertain at this point.

On a final note, I found my lost - rising planet readings, so I will post them early today because I'm going out shopping for last minute baby-stuff and household items. I have been looking for the file everywhere, and I had them written out some time ago. The Sun rising is not included as I have posted the reading on my blog. However, I may delete the Sun rising reading and add it to the next post at some point.

Julie.

Moon-Mercury Aspects

All Moon-Mercury aspects suggest a connection between the mind and the unconscious part of the personality. The thinking and emotional facets of the personality combine and the thinking may be more emotionally based. Whilst depending of the sign and element, one might expect a sensitive way of communicating and an individual who readily sympathises and understands others. In Astrology Mercury signifies the ability to learn and communicate, and the Moon represents feelings, moods, habit patterns, intuition and imagination. The Moon is also domestic and signifies our closest family.

The conjunction and easy aspects between these two planets enable the individual to understand how others tick, and it is helpful to understand how others think and feel. The best way to use this contact is to try and communicate something both accurately and sensitively and it could be said that those with this contact are probably the most adept at delivering bad news and softening what needs to said and understood. Moon-Mercury may like to make others feel comfortable by communicating in a responsive, thoughtful and concerned way, responding sensitively to their needs and viewpoints. Not infrequently those with strong contacts between these planets are excellent at imparting advice and discussing feelings.

When the Moon and Mercury come together is aspect the individual may be intellectual as well as imaginative. Many are able to absorb information quite easily. The Moon retains impressions, feelings and memories and rules all of our habitual habits, so information is taken in without much conscious effort. Astrologer C.E.O Carter describes this combination (conjunction) as possessing a powerful brain and fertile imagination and it may be found in the charts of those with high intelligence. Usually Moon and Mercury together have the ability to recall information and express what is understood. People with these aspects may also find that their gut feelings often lead them to the right conclusion. In all ways they absorb information hungrily, and are usually well read on many subjects.

A talent in communication is often present and many are extremely helpful in public relations having a real rapport with everyday people. This is a fine aspect for writers and journalists, and for storing and handling information. Home-studying, personal reading and learning everyday may be very important aspects to life, as there tends to be great flexibility of body and mind. They might even read or write about subjects that stir them emotionally, or enjoy talking about the past, and many will often keep a diary and write down their personal experiences and feelings. What this person says may touch others emotionally, and they are usually interesting people to be around, and are clever at interpreting what is happening around them daily.

Moon-Mercury hard aspects (conjunction, Square and Opposition) usually show a life-theme around being particularly sensitive to criticism, and thus it may provoke an over emotional or over rational response to any situation. Therefore it may be difficult to keep the emotional responses and rational ones separate. Sometimes their emotions alter the clarity of their thinking, or they over analyse a situation at the cost of emotionally reacting. They may even over-evaluate their own emotions or perhaps those with this combination enjoy talking about how others are feeling.

The easy aspects between Moon-Mercury (sextile and trine and often the conjunction) have often been noted for its common sense especially if the earth signs are involved, and the domestic life will be well organised and systematic. All types may work from home communicating and writing, and there may be natural gifts involving speech, literacy, information and knowledge, and with an insatiable curiosity or need to know about certain subjects. This could be the aspect of the perpetual student, reflecting someone who is mentally agile and adept, quick witted and good with languages. This is one of the best aspects for someone who enjoys writing daily. Discussing, observing and analysing is nourishment to the soul, and the person should find it fairly easy to communicate what they are feeling. The flowing aspects suggest a good head and heart rapport, so there is less tension between what the individual thinks and feels. Emotionally they are drawn to people who are intelligent and combine the art of communication with feelings. A partner who is helpful in business matters and domestic matters may be attracted and the individual may talk a lot about home and family concerns.

Sometimes with the conjunction, square and opposition it indicates problems in communication with the mother and difficulty in understanding one another, and maybe later the individual finds a partner who never really understands them, and may feel they are always being over-critical and not taking their feelings and needs into consideration. Moon-Mercury can also reveal insecurity around intelligence and ability to be understood by others, and a genuine unease and un-comfortableness with criticism, reacting rather defensively. The opinions of the Moon-Mercury person may be changeable and fluctuating, depending on their mood at the time. The hard aspects indicate that possibly issues from the past dominate his or her thinking and issues can sink deep inside the mind. The emotions and intellect pull in two very different directions, and deeply ingrained emotional complexes colour and obscure their interpretation of life. Perhaps differences of opinion at home make the individual prone to nervousness and to worry excessively about family problems.

Hard aspects can represent a head vs heart clash in personal issues, and maybe one is living too much in the head and feels uncomfortable with their emotions or maybe their feelings are always hurt by what others say. Some with this aspect will find that their head will tell them to do something which isn’t in line with how they are feeling, resulting in the changeable moods and opinions on the situation. They may also feel uncomfortable explaining how they feel, and there might be too much emotional bias when expressing their opinion and they could be way too sensitive and touchy in communication, but it is only because they are looking for understanding rather than criticising. Moon-Mercury aspects may also be prone to gossiping and talking about everyday matters, and over-talking about trivial matters. One thing is certain, they need to learn, talk, write and exchange daily what is happening to them, enabling them to understand others and themselves more intuitively.

New Moon in Libra: Cast a Love Spell

I once read that the New Moon in Libra is a good time to find new love and that this was an excellent time to cast a spell for a new relationship. I have no clue to whether or not this is true, but it sounds fun. The New Moon in Libra on the 27th of September also squares Pluto and so perhaps a bit of black magic may not fail at this time. However, they do say love spells are quite manipulative (Pluto) and it is against a person’s free will (Uranus) so beware of forcefully trying to steal someone's love and affection. I doubt love spells really work, but it would be nice to attract someone that balances out your own energy and is right for you under this New Moon.

When the New Moon is in Libra and aspecting Pluto then relationships may contain some jealousy; we might have a stormier time, and feelings are more profound and intense around matters of equality and relating to the opposite sex, especially within the house the New Moon falls in our horoscope. All New Moons pertain to beginnings, and this period will also indicate a new phase in an already existing relationship which may begin with some difficulty. This cycle will continue until the Full Moon when this lunar energy reaches its full potential and maximum power in Aries. We need to work with both natal houses when interpreting a New-Moon and Full Moon cycle as they always work in pairs and as an axis. The house of the New Moon is the background theme for this period, and all New Moons have an Aries flavour to them, they act wilfully, plant new seeds and begin a brand new cycle.

The New Moon's square to Pluto, describes partnerships and dealings with the opposite sex being dominated by endings, wiping the slate clean and beginning anew on fresh ground. The whole destruction and beginning again process, colouring this New Moon is also opposing Uranus (liberating), and so there is a rush of electricity, sudden emotional changes, and personal shocks. The New Moon will show our unconscious needs unfolding in relationships; something is born and will evolve over the next couple of weeks. With Uranus and Pluto in the mix there is a lot of electrical magnetism in the air, and we will need to take others into consideration during these phases and see opposite points of view, but this will balance itself out.

The usual Libra issues may come into new focus like justice and equality. Saudi’ Arabia’s King, after much deliberation, has just announced that Saudi women will be allowed to vote and stand for election, so maybe this New Moon in Libra has already brought in empowerment (Pluto) and reform (Uranus) for the nations women, and it has been described as a giant leap forward. Uranus’ transit through Aries correlates to freedom for individuals, especially those that have been repressed. I see this as a positive movement in the collective, and on a personal level we may look to see whether our relationships are evenly balanced in the give and take department. Libra understands both sides of it, and the New Moon initiates cooperation, and it’s good for showing the other side of any person or situation.

Here is New Moon in Libra song. “Let’s’ bring it back to ‘You and Me, it’s just the two of us…and if it all falls down nothing else matters, I am not giving up on us, I am not giving up on love.” A lovely song by the classy, Ms Bextor (Sun in Aries), about Not Giving Up on Love - even through a storm.

Libra: Justice and Partnership

The Sun enters Libra and will form a conjunction to Saturn in the same sign by next month. Saturn rules the shadow side of our personalities, and the Sun will illuminate all of Libra's meanings for the month and will also cast a shadow on our Librian defences, fears, and complexes. Saturn is also about assuming responsibility, taking charge, and showing experience in whatever area of the chart Saturn happens to fall. Libra is the seventh sign of the zodiac. It is the second Air sign. The ruler of Libra is Aphrodite, Goddess of Love, aesthetics and beauty.

Libra is about partnership and working towards our ideals, learning to be fair and equal and live in harmony. It’s about making fair deals, and taking a more civilised approach to life's hardships. Righteousness in Libra is not perceived to be based on feelings and sentiments, but more on intellectually constructive and balanced views. It is strongly believed that emotions distort our way of thinking about justice. Yet a sense of injustice leads people to experience intense feelings of rage, anger and the need to seek revenge (Scorpio and 8th house).  We can see how next door neighbour- signs (Libra and Scorpio) contrast sharply, and there is some commonality in both Libra and Scorpio with their need to restore balance, but they come from two very different standpoints.

Scorpio takes the idea of Justice from Libra and turns it into an avenging justice. Scorpio is profoundly sensitive to the issue of fairness and seeks out a “real” sense of reckoning, on a powerful, gut-level emotional reaction to being treated wrongly. There is the desire to hit back, get even, dish out punishment, and to retaliate. Scorpio will see it as somebody having taken something from them, and a debt which needs repaying. Scorpio tears the Librian blindfold off and sees the landscape in all its ugliness, violence and hostility, but it can be argued that the blindfold serves to keep the judge impartial and others cannot see his emotional response to a case. Scorpio adheres to the "eye for an eye" type of restoration, and  Justice is really in the eye of the beholder. It could also be argued that this type of mentaility makes the whole world blind. Scorpio’s do find it the most difficult to “let go” when they feel that they have been betrayed by life.

Libra is the scales of liberty and to achieve balance we need laws, contracts, agreements, and a system of justice. The ideal justice is what is right and appropriate for others, attaining a loftier level of integrity, beauty and peace. When I think of Libra, images of perfection and pure white buildings reaching into the sky come to mind, and qualities such as goodness, equality, and restoring equilibrium. Libra reminds me of everything that is unsoiled, undamaged, and has not yet been spoiled. Libra is orientated towards the thinking function, but this is more focused on abstract theory, rather than concrete practical thinking. Obviously Scorpio follows Libra and we come face to face with life’s rawness and naivety and everything is less innocent. However, before we reach this point we are in Libra’s world of perfect symmetry and in this domicile, personal bias is not welcome. We are in a place of reasoned outlook, and seeking to make the best decision for all parties involved. And all this talk of symmetry brings us to a common fairy-tale associated with Libra and that is the one of Snow White:

“Libra’s must rectify what I call the mirror-on-the-wall complex. Snow White is a Libra. How do I know? Well, how many dwarfs did she live with? Seven. Her stepmother was also a Libra. How do I know? Well, who else would stand in front of the looking glass all day asking, “Mirror Mirror on the wall, who’s the fairest of them all?” The stepmother committed myriad atrocities because she yearned to be the most beautiful woman in the kingdom. She was overly obsessed with superficial beauty. ..Libra constantly compares themselves to others, and this propensity causes them great pain. They obsess over what other people might think of them. By Cosmic Navigator

In relationships many partners may fall short of  Libra's ideals, but they do long for someone to share their life with. Though all marriages start out with perfect ideals of how husband and wife “should” live. In Marriage, however, facets of the personality that remained safely hidden during courtship come to the surface, and we enter into the dark side of relating through Scorpio. We married in Libra, in harmony, togetherness, and a willingness to share our lives together. In Scorpio we make love, face conflict and search for a deeper relationship, and this is where the transformation of two individuals happens and we merge as one. Libra will always try to smooth troubled waters (Scorpio) over and encourages compromise, avoids violence and seeks diplomacy, and believes in giving and receiving in equal measure. Scorpio beleives in giving and receiving in equal measure, but on a completely different level. Though both Libra and Scorpio may argue about justice and partnership we can see how both views are valid.

Astrology: Stalking and the Pluto Effect - Part 2

After examining the charts of women who were stalked by their partners, the thing I noticed with the length of time between a break-up and violent attack is that for some it was an immediate threat and for others it happened a year after a separation. Stalkers don’t let go easily of their feelings and are still emotionally, deeply aggrieved and injured, even after splitting up. Below are some astrological examples of women who were stalked and eventually killed by their lover. A noticeable pattern running through the charts was a strong Neptune aspect. In astrology Neptune rules fantasy, make-believe, delusion and anything we want to “imagine”. Therefore it is not hard to see why Neptune would be involved in some way in relationships that are not based on reality. It could represent men/women who have not got a firm grip on reality and will not see the truth. Also at the time that these women were most at risk from stalking from a partner, transiting Pluto formed an aspect to the natal Sun (rules the men in our lives).

When Pluto transits the fifth house, enters the sign Leo, or aspects the Sun, you could have an obsessive love affair that controls your life. There could be radical changes with children, particularly the first born child, or your life could be dramatically transformed because of the birth of a child. There could be an obsession with creative projects, such as a book or artistic conception. Your self-image and self-perception will undergo a change. You may be drawn into power struggles or have control issues with a man. After the transit, a new and better sense of your personal power will have been defined as well as a new, more confident sense of identity. By Carol Rushman –Predictive Astrology

I had transiting Pluto square my Sun in the 7th house when I was involved in power-struggles with a male who tried to dominate my life. Kim Bassinger also had transiting Pluto conjunct her Sun when she had a bitter custody battle with her ex-husband, Alec Baldwin. Bassinger’s attorney said that Baldwin suffered from “severe emotional problems” and that he had been accused of domestic violence in the past. Kim had also been blamed for being emotionally unstable and that her panic attacks and agoraphobia put a strain on the relationship. Baldwin accused Kim of having a pathological need to turn his daughter against him, and the intensity of this battle flared up in intensity under Pluto’s passage over Bassinger’s natal Sun. Poltergeist star, Dominique Dunne, has a natal conjunction of Sun-Pluto and she was strangled and killed by her ex-boyfriend.

Here are more examples with chart placements and transits at the time they were attacked:

Victims of Stalking

Rachel Miller was stalked and battered by her first husband; she had Sun opposite Neptune natally, and Mars square Uranus/Pluto (this is sometimes indicative of an unpredictable and violent configuration). At the time of her murder transiting Pluto formed an opposition to her natal Sun, and transiting Neptune trined her Sun.

Heather Lynne was stalked, Beaten, and Stabbed to death by an ex- boyfriend 9 months after ending their relationship. Heather had a stellium in Taurus and a Sun/Mercury conjunction in trine to Pluto. Mars is conjunct Saturn and square Uranus. She was murdered when transiting Pluto was opposite her Sun and formed a trine to natal Mars, and transiting Neptune trined her sun.

Melissa Lonan was Kidnapped and shot to death by her estranged boyfriend and father of their children, when she tried to end their relationship. Heather had Mercury trine Pluto natally, and the Sun and Mars are placed in Taurus, with Mars opposite Uranus. At the time she was killed transiting Pluto was again in opposition to the Sun and transiting Neptune trined the Sun and Venus.

Wylea Smith was stalked and murdered by her ex-husband. Natally Venus is square Neptune, and Mars forms two exact inconjunct aspects to Uranus and Pluto, Saturn is also opposite Pluto. For some time Neptune had been transitingng in square over her natal Sun and Mars, but at the time of the murder transiting Uranus was square Mars, and transiting Pluto was trine Mercury and Saturn.

Tammy Gail Morris was stalked and shot to death by the husband she was divorcing. His statement at the time of his arrest: "If I can't have her, no one is going to." Tammy had Sun square Mars and Saturn trine Pluto natally. At the time of her death transiting Pluto was opposite Venus (fatal attraction aspect), and trine Mars, and transiting Pluto had formed an exact inconjunction to the natal Sun and transiting Neptune was square Sun.

Kim Reilman was attacked and beaten in the head with a hammer; several of the 5 blows penetrated her brain. Her husband broke into her home only four days after being released from jail for breaking an order of protection against him. She lived on life support for three days before she died. During her attack her step father went to check on her and he also was beaten with the same hammer by Kim's husband. He has permanent brain injuries to this day. “In many cases there is physical violence from the beginning. In our situation, he was never physically abusive to her, not until he realized she wanted a life without him. “ Kim has Sun/ Mars opposite Uranus/ Pluto natally (again a possible violent configuration), the Sun is trine to Neptune. Both Neptune and Pluto form a yod to Venus (planet of relationships). At the time of her murder transiting Pluto was square her Sun and Mars in Pisces. Transiting Pluto formed the apex of a T-square to Sun/Mars- Uranus and natal Pluto.

Janice Marie Jones was stalked, raped, and murdered by an ex-boyfriend. The murder took place in front of her two children, ages 11 and 13 at the time. Although the autopsy and death certificate states the cause of death as homicide, her killer was charged with Involuntary Manslaughter without Malice. He served 18 months and is now free because he murdered her with his fist and not a "weapon" and thus why it was considered "without malice". Janice has Venus trine Neptune natally, Mars square Pluto and trine Uranus. The Sun in Pisces is trine Mars in Scorpio, and Venus is square Mars exactly. At the time of her murder transiting Pluto was beginning a trine to her Sun and transiting Saturn in Scorpio squared Pluto.

Cynthia Cruz after escaping her abuser twice and having a reprieve of only one month of hospitalization, Cindy was convinced by her abuser that he was in therapy, and he was so sorry, and that the violence he had committed against her was now at an end. Three days after returning to him, she was murdered. He stabbed her 21 times. Cynthia has Sun trine Venus in Pisces square Mars in Scorpio. At the time of her murder transiting Pluto was square Venus (fatal attraction) in Pisces and transiting Neptune was conjunct the sun.

Stalking can be based on a form of idealization, romantic love and infatuation which could bring in some Neptunian elements. However, since Neptune and Pluto travel in and out of sextile, they can form an opposition and trine to the same planet in transit, but it makes the influence no less powerful.

Stalking a Celebrity

Most celebrities are prone to stalking and so it is not uncommon for them to be a target, but some attract more serious stalkers than others. Take Jodie Foster, some have suggested she can make a man do crazy things, and having had 3 stalkers is excessive. Jodie was born with Venus conjunct Neptune in Scorpio, bringing the element of Neptunian fantasy, idealisation, and the obsessiveness of Scorpio. Venus in Scorpio forms very strong emotional bonds and attachments, and they can love with great intensity. Jodie's stalkers longed for some kind of relationship with the star, and with a stellium in Scorpio, she draws some pretty extreme experiences in life, and on screen she has also had some tough acting roles. The Moon is also conjunct both Uranus and Pluto and a Moon-Pluto contact reflects her emotional depth and feelings and desires that are compelling and draws in volatile and stormy emotional experiences. Stalker John Hinckley attempted to assassinate the U.S President in order to impress the actress, and this is a reading by Sue Tompkins on the Venus-Neptune aspect, but in this case the fantasy with X is Jodie and aspects can work either way:

When I first started practicing as an astrologer I was several times caught out by Venus-Neptune clients requesting chart comparisons bwtween them and their partners. ‘Caught out’ in that I entered into their fantasies only to discover, after further, usually very directive questioning, that they were not actually having a relationship with the object of their desire. It could be said they were having a relationship, but only with a fantasy and certainly without the other person physically participating in it! Obviously the fantasy is very important and the fact that a relationship with X is yearned for is interesting and provides fertile ground for the astrologer to explore with the client. Why has the person ‘fallen in love’ with this particular person? What kind of fantasy does he or she embody?

Yet, in this case we would have to reverse the question and ask the astrologer why Jodie is the poster girl for the criminally insane. It’s not something most women would want projected upon them. How would she protect her Neptune boundaries? Like Christopher Renstrom stated, Neptune is a psychic billboard for all kinds of dark (Venus in Scorpio) fantasies and ideals when connected to relationships (Venus).

As a child of Neptune you are a natural screen for others’ projections. When they look at you, they see the embodiment of their hopes and wishes. Like the Sirens of myth, you become the ideal partner, friend, love interest, or employee. This is wonderful if you happen to be a fashion model or spokesperson, because what your Birthday Planet does is transform you into a psychic billboard.

Astrology: Stalking and the Pluto Effect - Part 1

I have been listening to Sophie Ellis Bextor’s album, Make a Scene, and there is a song called - Dial my Number. In the lyrics Sophie narrates about putting up with a text stalker sending her unwanted messages through the day. I was inspired to look at the aspect of obsession from an astrological point of view.

Stalking captures the obsessive and murderous thoughts of Othello; this dark and compelling aspect of human beings has affected thousands of individuals. It is believed that the primary motivation for stalking is not sexual, and victims of stalking suffer from trauma, and often feel that some aspect of their life is taken away. The behaviour of the stalker tends to be intrusive, and they often use threats as a form of control; try to coerce their victims into doing what they want, or try to seduce them by forceful persuasion, and this powerful cocktail of behaviours is best summarized by the planet Pluto.

Most cases of stalking that I have examined often involve strong Pluto aspects, and this should come as no surprise. Pluto rules obsessions, compulsions, and fixation, it is a fixed planet and signifies an uneasy kind of fascination, interest and attraction. Pluto is the planet that has the most difficulty “letting go”. Once an individual has become possessed by a thought, emotion, and feeling there is a struggle to let go of it. Pluto is placed in the charts of the victims of stalkers, and so there may be a pattern in these charts for attracting a certain type of individual. I would also strongly suspect that Pluto is heavily involved in the chart of the stalker.

Take Moon-Pluto aspects, they have often been noted to signify an over-possessive mother, and one who may find it the most difficult to let-go of her offspring, and in the end devours them. Of course this is the most extreme and dramatic portrayal of such an aspect, but she may be over-protective and unwilling to let go. I have observed this aspect occur in transit when domestic (Moon) abuse (Pluto) has occurred and another lady was the victim of a relentless stalker under this pairing. With Pluto aspects if one hasn’t had enough of something they cannot let it go lightly. The Plutonian will not take a superficial bite to satisfy their appetite, they want everything, body, mind, heart and soul.

In a normal, mutual relationship a Plutonian aspect of their personality is present in partnerships that are full of depth, commitment and intense emotions. However, in a difficult relationship there is an all or nothing approach, summing up their emotional depths. With Pluto there seems to be no limit to which he will stop. Pluto is also a place in our souls where we are unable to forgive life’s awfulness, destructiveness, and horribleness. Pluto strips everything down, takes away all of our pretences, likability, and reveals the rawer stuff that we are made of underneath. It also reveals our more destructive feelings lurking below the surface, and ones that we would rather remained hidden.

Plutonian people often have a great deal of buried rage and pain, and even under Pluto transits we may all shout that "enough is enough", so we can sympathise.  Plutonians also have a powerful gut reaction to everything that happens. All that happens is a life or death situation, and even though I do admire the intensity of Pluto’s feelings and the depth they bring; their ability to fight tooth and nail for anything they truly desire, and not backing down, taking what they want by force. There is also a time when they need to know that "enough is enough" and they need to let go of the pain, anger, and self-destructiveness which they hold on to with the claws of death. Pluto rules over the sign of Scorpio and the 8th house and these type of individuals have deep embedded feelings, which can cause a volcanoe-like eruption. Consumed by fiery passions; they are learning to let-go, but have difficulty rising above feelings of hostility, revenge, and damaging emotions.

I was looking through some cases of women who have been stalked, but all of these women were murdered, and I didn’t want the examples to be so extreme. I was hoping for more general cases, but usually when a stalker is violent they aim their intent towards the victim or a person who they perceive is interfering with his access to the object of their affection. The power to control and take away/take over someone’s life is another aspect of Pluto’s domination. In the next post I will explore the charts of women stalked and reveal what aspect is most prevalent at the time that she was at her most vulnerable to danger. There is also another planet which plays an important role in this scenario that you might not be surpised to see. It is quite fascinating to observe a similar pattern emerge through-out the transiting charts, especially at the time they were most at risk from a partner fuelled by both fantasy/delusion and power. I will also take a look at a female celebrity’s chart and someone who is incredibly prone to making men act crazy over her, so look out for part 2 and find out what the attraction is all about.

Venus-Uranus Aspects

Those with Venus-Uranus in aspect usually have very liberal attitudes towards love, and some bypass the whole formal exchanges of love altogether or view relationships in a very different light than most. These individuals hate to bring in a sense of duty and obligation into partnerships, and don’t always go for conventional people. Relationships also need to have fresh life breathed into them daily, and must feel alive and stimulating. Quite often an interesting partner needs to be chosen, or they become easily bored, and nothing could be worse than a deadening, stagnating, or old, tired and predictable partnership.

At times a relationship is chosen where there isn’t any sense of a “normal” routine with the partner; their mate may work unusual hours, be away from home for long periods, or simply follow their own interests. In some cases this may create a kind of “cut off” feeling and eventually they may seperate. However, the individual with this contact may highly value freedom and love in all their relationships and so they are the most liberating people to be involved with, especially when it comes to exploring our own values and personal interests and both independence and love is sought with an assurance of equality and the pleasure of love. Maybe these people do sometimes strive for a relationship that is impossibly idealistic and has way too many standards for a normal human relationship, but it also contains greater freedom for both individual values and describes a relationship that is less limited and defined by social expectation.

Venus-Uranus may pick an unconventional partner – one that is very similar to Katy Perry’s (Venus conjunct Uranus) attraction to unusual, but extremely bright comedian, Russell Brand. Venus-Uranus types are incredibly drawn to eccentric, genius, and new agers or they may be scientific, highly individualistic, occult minded, experimental, ahead of their time, or even culturally very different from the norm. On the other hand they may attract partners who are unstable, unpredictable or otherwise unable to commit. These people generally don’t care what others think about their choice of mate, and are open-minded and non-judgemental and some may even enjoy shocking others with their choice of partner. Venus-Uranus contacts need to choose their own partner and choose their own sexual expression, choose whether and when to marry and may enjoy challenging the conventional view of relationship.

Relationships tend to be independent and often need a certain amount of freedom and space, and they would hate to feel any form of claustrophobia, demands, and rules. Some of their relationships can be very unconventional. It is not unusual for some with this aspect to be bisexual and experimental sexually in their love lives, and of course we have Katy Perry’s fun take on Kissing Girls and Megan Fox’s (Venus opposite Uranus) open accounts of bisexual relationships, and Angelina Jolie’s earlier relationships with women (Venus square Uranus).

Relationships for Venus-Uranus types may also begin and end suddenly and they have instant attractions to people. Venus conjunct, square or opposite Uranus are the “divorce prone” aspects, but this is more of an indication of their powerful need for freedom, and there is a general sense of emotional restlessness, and there may be many passionate and intense love affairs, filled with high emotional tension. The Venus- Uranus combination may also be extremely touchy in cooperating, and there is often a powerful self-will operating in all of their relationships.

Venus-Uranus tends to be excited and free spirited about love, and there is a sense of rebelliousness in relationships, and they or a partner may express an excessive need for independence or it might represent one or the other who is simply incapable of commitment, and avoid it like the plague. Obviously this can be very painful for Venus-Uranus types, but it may express an inner need to develop their own independent values and needs in love. Astrologer Stephen Arroyo believes there needs to be some balance with such an aspect and that one should learn to give freely – without detaching oneself from human feelings.

There is often a need for perfection in relationships and a seeking of the ideal, and violent battles may break out over the need for personal space, and lead to a wild and erratic kind of love. Relationships may have a tendency to begin and end explosively and there may be sudden and unexpected fluctuations in all of their relationships. Sometimes the spouses become weird, inconsistent and unreliable. Or they may demand a divorce and openly engage in an extramarital affair. Amongst other things, Venus-Uranus types may be found jumping from one relationship to another or this aspect can show a tendency towards on-off relationship patterns (Elizabeth Taylor - Venus conjunct Uranus)

If they are involved in beauty, art or music they tend to be original, unique and experimental. This is a combination which usually suggests unusual taste and there is a very electric quality to their style of relating, or it may show through their choice of dress or appearance in general or a partner may look very unconventional. They could receive unexpected money, gifts or favours from the opposite sex, and may have a taste for unique jewellery, clothing, and distinctive accessories, enhancing their attractiveness and sexual desirability, and there is often a strong need for social excitement coupled with personal freedom, and they try to get along with all kinds of different people.

The Astrological Moon: Time of the Month

The Moon represents the passive feminine principle, and a part of us that is incredibly receptive to outside experiences. The Moon reflects the unconscious mind, behaviour and patterns formed in the past. The Moon has a tribal feeling, and has also become known as the Queen of the night and the Goddess of darkness. Cancer, first of the water signs, is governed by the moon, the lady of the waters, and has influence over the tides, and menstruation.

The Moon became known for defining the 28 day lunar month. The 28 day moon cycle is related to the female menstrual cycle. In older times the words for Moon and Mensuration are closely linked. French peasants describe menstruation as le moment de la lune, which means Moon. The menstrual cycle is part of our sisterhood and like or loathe it, view it as something negative or positive, we become aware of our natural rhythm. Women living thousands of years ago all bled with the Moon, and the first time we ever got our period was like an initiation into womanhood, and being part of the clan.

The Moon and Cancer both rule over the stomach, breasts and ovaries and we may get that crampy feeling in our belly, and tender breasts just before a period is due. The emotional crabbiness, moodiness, abnormal mood swings and general feeling state is one that has fascinated scientists for years. Still, not every single woman reacts in this way just before her period, but the more we understand the Moon in the astrological chart, we can readily comprehend why these images have come about.

Before a period some women may comfort eat, particularly chocolate, or go all weepy, and generally feel bloated. Women have been stereotyped for being emotionally crazy at this time, and becoming irritable, unpredictable, emotionally manipulative and due to fits of crying, hysteria, hypochondria and overreacting. However, many women feel angered by having the dark side of the Moon projected upon them, and most of these descriptions can be torn right out of any astrological textbook relating to the sign of Cancer, on a bad day. Yet these traits can be emphasised by any male or female with the Moon or Cancer strong in their charts.

The poor sign of Cancer gets dragged into all of this, but in crablike-Cancer fashion there are many stories in societies were women withdraw during their menstruation to special houses. In some places it was to protect the menfolk from us women during our blood loss, and it was believed that we were more open to supernatural forces. I think this superstition still exists in some men’s unconsciousness today and they still fear our time of the month! Though it’s more humorous nowadays and some are apprehensive over what mood we will be in during our cycle. In older times a woman during her period was considered to be dangerous and ‘untouchable’. The Moon has always has some powerful, emotional images attached to her, and there are plenty of superstitions abounding around the time of the Full Moon.

“This face of the Moon is often what emerges when we get drunk, or lose control of solar consciousness. One can find a glimpse of Atermis in one’s own emotional savagery, if the instinctual needs are violated or threatened. The wolf is also her creature, and the myth of lycanthrope or werewolf…The werewolf appears when the Moon is full, and it is said to destroy only those it loves…Lycanthropy in folklore is a state of possession by a supernatural bestial force which turns savagely against those upon whom the person is emotionally dependent. The werewolf can only be destroyed by a weapon of silver, the Moon’s traditional metal – as though only nature itself can tame or contain nature…We do not often meet this face of the Moon in astrological textbooks. Yet it is a dimension of the full rather than the new Moon, when the lunar light is at its most powerful and the matriarchy rules. By Liz Greene, The Luminaries

This describes a Moon in Cancer person I know perfectly and why she reacts quite violently and destructively to the ones she loves the most.

Astrology: Photographic Memory

Some people have a vivid memory for visual images and can recall everything in one picture in astonishing detail. I was researching the signs, aspects and planets associated with this ability from various astrological authors and the sign Cancer appeared frequently, probably due to their ability to retain feelings, keep scrapbooks, photographs, and possessing a good and long memory. Pisces also showed up and is a sign that communicates intuitively, imaginatively and sensitively, they have a vivid imagination and the ability to visualize, and they sometimes possess special gifts for art and music and other forms of creativity. However, apart from the first natal chart I looked at for “signs” of a photographic memory these signs were not pronounced. I found the particular gifts of these individuals were described more by the other signs and aspects in their horoscope.

It is a common factor for people with autism to experience vivid displays of memory recall. An example of this ability is seen in the chart of Stephen Wiltshire who has been diagnosed with autism, and is famous for his ability to draw a landscape after seeing it just once. He was diagnosed at age three and began to communicate through his art. At the age of eight he began drawing imaginary earthquakes, cities and cars. His teachers encouraged his artistic abilities and found that he could look at a picture once and draw it in amazing accuracy. Stephen is considered one of the gifted people of our times. Astrologically he was born with the Sun in Taurus and many of these natives are innately artistic and may pursue art, music, or beauty. The Sun in disposited by Venus in Pisces square Neptune, and this is one of the most prominent aspects observed in the charts of people who are extremely creative and possess artistic ability.

Jupiter is also is Pisces square Neptune revealing a heightened perception, great sensitivity, but they are not always grounded in reality. Stephen also has a Mars-Saturn conjunction in Cancer and so he is sensitive to his early environment, and this can show early frustration and hardship. The planet of communication –Mercury is placed in Aries and is directly opposite Uranus, symbolising a quick, intuitive, fast thinker. Uranus accelerates the speed of mental assimilation, and perhaps this shows the swiftness of his mind.

Another example of somebody with a photographic mind is Laurence Kim Peek, his ability is possibly related to developmental disabilities, and he was the inspiration for the character of Raymond Babbit in Rain man. However, Peek was not autistic, but by the age of 16-20 months he was able to memorize things. He read books and memorized them and when he was finished he placed them upside down on the book shelf to show that he had finished reading them. He could read a book in an hour and remember vast amounts of facts, and it was believed he could recall the content of over 12,000 books. Peeks’ chart does not show any Cancer or Pisces planets or any Neptune aspects. We don’t have an accurate birth time to assess the 12th house or angles in the natal chart. Peek has read over 12,000 books, and so is taking in a grandiose amount of information into his head. The planet Mercury in his chart is placed in the large sign of Sagittarius (knowledge) and forms an exact trine to its dispositer Jupiter in Aries (learning, Knowledge, and growth).

Mercury-Jupiter is a very enthusiastic learner, and they love to explore all forms of knowledge, and increase their understanding of the world. They may always be on the quest for more and more knowledge, and have a broad intellectual scope. Sometimes they are involved in publishing, writing, universities, or religious/spiritual interests. Some people have gone back to college when Jupiter has transited over natal Mercury and so it rules all places of learning and growth.

The Sun in his chart is in Scorpio square Pluto creating an intense, obsessive, and penetrating personality. Pluto is known for taboos and this could be a related theme around mental disability, and the things in society that we choose to sweep under the rug because they are too uncomfortable to look at. Mars is also in the sign of Virgo and describes energy put into details, precision, skill and methodology, and this placement attributes to his energy and passion for studying and often asserts itself in a precise manner. Laurence could stop people in the street and ask them their birthdate and report everything that happened on this day.

Daniel Tammet is another example of someone who is said to have a photographic memory, he also has autism, and is particularly gifted in mathematics and languages. In maths he can intuitively see results of calculations without using conscious effort. He sees the visual images of numbers, and holds the record for reciting Pi from memory to 22, 514 digits in 5 hours, and he speaks ten languages.

Daniel has his Sun, Mercury and Mars in Aquarius, and this is the sign associated with number based systems, and they often like the fact that everything in the universe can be understood in terms of mathematical equations. The Sun in Aquarius also forms a wide square to its ruler, Uranus. Astronomy, astrology and science all work within an intellectual framework.

Greek science perceived every aspect of life as part of a huge living sysyem. Consequently, the development of Greek geometry is based on the idea that the inner structure of the cosmos is number. If we consider the Pythagorean concept of the cosmos, we get profound insight into Uranus. Anything that exists in manifestation starts with an abstract idea, and the purest form of that abstract idea is number. First there is one, or One; and this One can be expressed by both a point and a circle, never beginning and never ending. …One gives birth to two; two generate three; and then a plane figure can be formed. Number is the most essential quality in the universe. Number eventually results in the plane figures, of which trisngle is the first, followed by the square; and the plane figures then become solid figures, of which the pyramid is the first, followed by the cube. The solid forms, which Plato wrote about extensively, lie behind the structure of what we perceive as manifest reality….Plato insisted that the study of geometry, like the study of astrology to which he related it, was guaranteed to lift the mind to “external realities”. This is another way of understanding the fire which Prometheus steals. The cosmological system, be it astrology, kabala, “sacred” geometry, higher mathematics, the structure of music, or anything else that teaches us the essential pattern and functioning of the universe, is the quintessential stuff which Uranus reveals to us. By Liz Greene, The Art of Stealing Fire – Uranus in the Horoscope

He learned Icelandic in one week and was described as not human, but that’s not a nice way to speak about Aquarius, and we know astrologers call Aquarians detached, robot-like and walking computers, but at heart they mean well. He was also described as a genius; Aquarius is symbolised by a human and cares about humanity as a whole. Similarly, Tammet believes we should all liberate our minds (how Aquarian). Aquarius believes in freedom, progress and raising human consciousness. The fact he could learn languages quickly is something we usually relate to Sagittarius, the 9th house and Jupiter. Tammet has Mercury opposite Jupiter. However, according to astrologer C.E.O Carter, Aquarius is a sign often gifted with learning languages because if we put Sagittarius as the 1st sign, Capricorn in the 2nd and then Aquarius is the 3rd sign, we have an association with speech, languages and the written word connecting back to the 9th sign, in Carter’s view. I really have no idea whether this is true, and only those with planets in Aquarius could probably know if this idea holds any water (pun not intended).

Overall I didn’t find any signature throughout the charts for a photographic memory, but their different gifts in diverse areas were explained astrologically.

Full Moon in Pisces: Why Do I Feel so Sad?

The upcoming Full Moon in Pisces is approaching and I feel out of it emotionally. The Piscean Full Moon falls at 19 degrees on the 12th of September, landing on my natal Moon in Pisces and squaring Neptune. I feel I am carrying the emotional weight of everybody in the world. I haven’t even been in the mood to do anything, and just simply letting time pass by. Piscean sadness is usually elicited by a feeling that something is lost and a painful yearning for it to be returned.

A Pisces depression is a lack of interest in formally enjoyed activities, and is usually accompanied by a feeling of dissatisfaction, tearfulness, and feeling blue. The Full Moon in Pisces enhances the feeling of swimming in the ocean, shape-shifting emotions, mood altering perceptions, and turbulent storms rising from the depths of the soul. The Pisces Moon flows this way and that, helplessly reacting to each and every emotional stimulus, until her emotions are engulfed and she finds it hard to be separate, detached and unconnected. An important need for Pisces during these moments is to find time to spend in the unconscious, in the dream state, or just secluded reading, writing, working on creative projects. A Pisces Moon is sensitive, emotional, intuitive, and it is a good time to develop our psychic abilities, write a haunting poem, and listen to moving music. The twelfth sign is extremely caring and compassionate, so its energies tend to be more empathetic and understanding right now.

The Pisces Moon is also mysterious, strange, and difficult to understand, things can get distorted, blurred and mis-leading. However, she can unlock our perception of reality, and if you can imagine descending deep into the seawaters, eventually you reach a point where no light can penetrate any further as you enter the subterranean, dark, ocean. The Piscean Moon processes many of our emotions that we do not wish to experience or think about in our awareness, and in the deep, darker reaches of our soul we may bring it back upwards and find the pieces of ourselves that have been lost, denied, and forgotten about.

We may be swimming in the ocean of the unconsciousness and realize that we are too far out or caught in the current. Most of us have no awareness of what is down there, and we may believe that it is best off floating, and relaxing. If we try to struggle to swim against the current we may wear ourselves out and increase our chance of drowning. The Ocean like our emotions can be gentle or rough; we may see tidal waves, indicating that we are feeling overwhelmed, and need to protect ourselves from depressing emotions and energies floating in the sea.

The ocean is a symbol of enormity and knows no limits. Pisces is associated with no limits, sometimes non-existent self-boundaries. Poor boundary making is not having the capacity to say no when it is not in our best desire, like taking a friend’s phone call when we are too tired to talk, and rather than set a clear boundary we just avoid hurting people. Some Pisces people need to stop apologizing and submitting to others feelings of hurt and anger. Boundaries are an essential foundation to identity (Aries), they give us a clear sense of where “who I am” begins and ends.

The Bluest Moon is as endless as she is deep, but she has a tendency to mirror and reflect the feelings of others, and may thus be the key to understanding empathy – our capacity to share the feelings of another. Pisces waters reflect and understand our unlived dreams and longings, and she is also exceptionally skilful in the art of imitation. This is something young children are very gifted at, and is crucial in understanding the intentions and meanings of other people as expressed through non-verbal communication.

The Pisces Moon is the ocean of emotion and the shedding of tears and feeling intensely sorry for ourselves are common themes. Pisces is a sign that can feel drained by the energy of others, and a full Moon in Pisces will bring up all sorts of themes along the lines of sacrifice, playing the victim or saviour, and healing. Pisces is about the things that feed our souls, like poetry, music, creativity, and using our vivid imagination. Pisces is prone to being uninterested in mundane things, material possessions, work and routine. The Piscean needs to feel inspired, and when she doesn't have any heart to put into her normal routines; the emptiness inside overtakes.

Pisces needs to feel her work has meaning, and a soulless routine makes her look sad, dreary and depressed, like the soul has been sucked right out of her body. A routine that is empty, feels mechanical, or worn needs to be avoided under the Pisces Full Moon, and we need to find something to feel inspired by, that lifts us out of the mundane and into the world of feeling, visions and dreams.

Synastry and Composite Charts: The Difference

The synastry chart describes the chemistry between two people, and defines how the couple affect one another. It is generally descriptive of how two people make each other feel when they are interacting.  Both Synastry and Composite charts can be analysed for all types of relationships, such as parent-child, husband-wife, siblings, a business partnership or friendship.

We observe feelings of affection, communication, sexual compatibility and/or attraction through synastry which signifies an interchange of the cross-energies between two individuals. We could describe the synastry between two people as the dialogue, and the disparate tones, contents and resonances of the lines spoken. The chemistry of a couple is an important aspect in relationship analysis, and shows how the relationship connects, and reveals why we have such a fascinatingly powerful and magnetic response to one person and not another. A synastry chart is useful for sorting out and connecting the bits of information the couple presents. Through assessing the synsatry chart we can instinctively weigh the pros and cons of their respective similarities and differences. A synastry chart is all about how we click, and connect with others, and the aspects between our planets represent degrees of attraction, and how we connect emotionally, mentally and physically.

A composite chart combines two natal charts from a mysterious fusion of two into a manifold one, the composite chart takes the same planet from each chart and marks the midway point, and this forms a new Sun sign and house position for the relationship, and a different Mercury, Venus and Mars. The composite chart is very similar to a natal chart, and describes something new emerging. The new chart has its own purpose, needs, mode of operating and even growth and cycles reflected by the transits to the composite. We can also compare our own natal chart to the relationship’s to determine how this partnership affects us.

The Sun in the composite describes the identity of the relationship and the focus of the bond, and the whole chart identifies the challenges in the relationship, and describes the qualities of the relationship itself. We may also observe where the composite Sun falls in our own personal horoscope and this will tell us where the life-force and purpose of the relationship animates and lights up a particular area in our natal chart. Astrologer Liz Greene describes the composite chart as having a curious fated feeling, and both people must learn to live with certain patterns of energies, which is constellated whenever they interact. This third wheel in the relationship which we call the composite, defines some of the roadblocks that exist in the relationship itself, and these kinds of things are usually more accurately described within the composite than through a synastry chart which only shows our interaction.

I have read some opposing views on the composite planets and how this new energy is expressed, and one astrologer would not consider that two quiet and shy individuals can become more confident and outgoing in one another’s presence, but other astrologers maintain the view that this can happen. I think the best way to ascertain this is to see how you feel when acting as a couple. I believe the latter is true and we do act differently with other people, and sometimes we act markedly different in a relationship than when we are acting independent of the bond. A composite chart also reflects the general atmosphere we create around us as a couple. Planets rising in the composite greatly colour how others perceive the relationship. We can interpret a composite chart in exactly the same way as we would read an individual chart. The signs in the composite chart describe the basic temperament of the relationship and the planets are the dynamic forces, and the houses describe the spheres of life through which the planets express themselves.

A Sun –Saturn aspect in the composite chart would reflect roadblocks constantly occurring in the couple’s joint goals, purpose and the forming of an identity, but these events our outside of our personal control. It could happen through such a situation in the couple’s life that there may be certain boundaries they can never cross, restrictions imposed upon them. This makes the relationship feel limited at times and even frustrating, but the separate individual charts will describe how such a couple copes with these inbuilt limitations in the relationship.

Here is an example of a Sun-Neptune aspect in the composite chart by Liz Greene which may help towards understanding how to read aspects in a composite chart:

“Most powerful is a composite in which the Sun makes a strong aspect to Neptune, for then the essential goals and meaning of the relationship are coloured by Neptune’s longing for fusion and flight from the pain of the mortal world. Such relationships are often based on shared spiritual or artistic commitment. If this kind of container can be provided, darker Neptunian elements may not prove too great a problem. Where no such container exists, the relationship may require some form of abnegation which, with or without the consent of the individuals, denies the possibility of it being sustained in the world of form. Sometimes the relationship comes into being through shared guilt, or an obligation such as unplanned pregnancy. “ By Liz Greene, Neptune and the Quest for Redemption

The Astrology of Introverted or Extroverted: Introverted Water?

I have touched upon some of Jung’s typology on this blog, and this is somewhat easy for all people to do. For example, if you have several planets in fire signs, you are an “intuitive” type of individual, planets in earth signs mean you relate to “sensation”, planets in air signs are the “thinking type”, whilst planets placed in the water signs are “feeling types”. In Jung’s typology method we can further split these types into introverted and extroverted.

I was reading through Jungian Horoscopes by Arthur Dionne and statements presented for the introverted personality and extroverted one were fascinating, and I agreed with all the introverted ways of relating to life. Dionne describes the extroverted types as happily outgoing, always on the move and devoid of inner motive, observer of objective data, and seeing how everything appears to be on the outside. Meanwhile the introvert relies on inner, subjective values and is concerned with the personal level of an experience.

Here are the contrasting statements below:

‘How should I relate myself to the rest of the group’ (extroverted)
‘What does the group mean to me? (introverted)
‘Most bachelors over 40 will never marry’ (extroverted)
‘It depends on the individual’ (introverted)
‘I ought to make an effort when the in-laws arrive’ (extroverted)
‘If I am not in, they miss me’ (introverted)
‘Television can often spoil the art of conversation’ (extroverted)
‘It depends what you’re watching’ (introverted)

I am a feeling type and asked if I would be classed as Introverted Feeling? Conferring to Jung’s typology of introverted feeling these types are difficult to understand because so little appears on the surface. According to Jung, the expression “still waters run deep” applies to such persons. The sign of Scorpio is ruled by the element of water and they are famous for being difficult to understand as so little appears on the surface level; they can be secretive, and remain a mystery to many people around them.

Scorpio type people are thought to be deep souls, but often display a cool façade. Out of all the signs Scorpio is labelled highly introverted, full of depth, and they tend to keep a lot of their energy in reserves, and some may say they come across as having a hidden agenda. The "feeling" sign of Cancer is believed to live in a protective shell, but then astrologers point out that they make more overt demands and express more neediness outwardly.

Jung says the introverted feeling type strives after inner intensity, and the depth of their feelings can only be guessed – but never clearly grasped. They are mostly silent, inaccessible, hard to understand, and their temperament is inclined to melancholy. The other introverted feeling definitions given are being non-judgemental, understanding and forgiving, fitting in with my Piscean qualities and values in life. On the other hand it says that introverted feeling types make no attempt to show regard for others, and I don’t think I fall into this category. The introverted feeling types are described as having feelings that were not extensive but intensive. Now Pisces is known for more extensive feelings and Scorpio is intensive.

Statistical studies on astrology have tried to determine in advance if astrology could predict whether an adult would be introverted or extroverted and they all had their scores tabulated according to standard personality tests, but he results were not really conclusive.

Astrologer Liz Greene believes there are two types of any sign:

The extroverted version of any zodiacal sign tends to express himself out in the world. So the extroverted Aries finds challenges in the world, the extroverted Sagittarian explores the world, the extroverted Pisces projects his visions into the world and so on. The extroverted Virgo no doubt tries to apply his need to classify and order and synthesize at a worldly level. The introverted versions of the signs express their natures though an inner reality. So the introverted Capricorn is spiritually or psychologically ambitious, the introverted Sagittarian travels the boundless leagues of the mind and spirit, the introverted Pisces communes with the depths of his own inner ocean with its mysterious denizens, and the introverted Virgo attempts to order and synthesize himself. Which means that the sink may well accumulate a truly ripe treasure trove of week-old dishes, the house may accumulate a formidable array of objects in general disarray, and the world may well go to pieces as far as Virgo is concerned- so long as he is performing that long, alchemical labour within the depths of himself? By Liz Greene – Astrology for Lovers

The Fire Signs: Too Much of Something

The fire signs, Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius have the gift of seeing life’s opportunities, and having lots of planets in the element of fire often signifies a person with great reserves of energy, passion and enthusiasm. Fire signs express warmth, radiance and simply glow.

Fire wants something exciting to happen in their lives, and they are very self-motivated, daring, enterprising and possess plenty of personality. The behaviour of these signs is usually very open, honest and frank. Still sometimes fire may cast a vision, but leave others behind to implement it as they often lack the patience it takes to follow it through. Fire applies all of his or her passions to their purpose in life, but sometimes their fiery desire can be too extreme, and so they are at risk at choosing unwisely. Fire has an openness to life, and trust what will be, keeping themselves open to new experiences, new risks and taking chances.

It is believed that the only way to an active and exciting life is to be excited and exciting. The only way to achieve love is to be loving, and its thought what we decide to be is reflected back to us. Hence fire lifts us above the limitations of the past, and moves us towards a more spiritual identity, and even sense of divinity, especially when trying to free ourselves from the limitations of material reality. But not all fire signs are super confident and outgoing, although they all share a sense of self-belief; the introverted fire signs live a very rich inner life.

People who are self-motivated feel confident, positive, and can see the purpose of doing something. They try to see the widest range of possibilities. Fire people are frequently drawn to high drama situations, and life itself needs to be colourful, mythical and grand. They are emotionally intense and often dislike responsibility and being hemmed into a daily routine, and stable conditions suffocate fire.

Too many planets in the fire signs can lead to some problems with tactfully and subtly dealing with people and there may be impulsiveness, restlessness, and self-centredness. They may also be prone to violent, physical passions, overlooking physical confines, and repressing the material world. Fire ignores the needs of the body because they have difficulty with earthy reality (earth is their psychological opposite) and they also have the most trouble with feeling trapped in marriage. The element of fire hates to feel smothered, and you can’t trap fire in a box, for it will burn more intensely and will seek escape and you will get badly burned by them.

“The fire signs tend to be impatient with more sensitive or gentle people, especially those who are dominantly water and earth. The fire signs feel that water will extinguish it and earth with smother it, and they often therefore resent the heaviness and emotionalism of these signs." By Stephen Arroyo

In Jungian astrology the fire signs are called the intuitive types, and Jung believed these people imagine the possibilities, not necessarily concrete reality (earth) and that intuitive people are adept at sensing patterns rather than focusing on precise details and therefore capable of seeing future events, and foreseeing new possibilities. Intuition is thought to be an unconscious perception that would give birth to sudden ideas and hunches.

The word intuition is commonly confused with the element of feeling (water) but it is rather different. When focused on the intuitive we are immediately aware of the meaning and potentialities and significance found in events, and psychologists have referred to this function as possessing a kind of sixth sense, and often not knowing how the idea got there. Sometimes they have been accused of possessing a kind of blind faith, and what earth (sensation) would call a stomach-turning optimism.

Here is a good example given for the difference between earth signs and fire.

“The difference in perception might be summarized as that between actuality for sensation (earth) and abstraction in imagination for the intuition. The house hunting person operating in sensate mode notices the weeds in the lawn, the dripping tap, and the broken door hinge. The person paying more attention to intuition (fire) experiences the house as it might have been, or as it might become. In the minds of the beholders these are different houses." Jung for Sceptics, by Bob Dick

It is also believed that intuitive types have an image making propensity that gives life to new potential, and that this tendency means that they are often artists or prophets, with an intense loyalty to their vision. These people allow meaning to emerge from mundane events and all mystical experiences have placed intuitive perception at the centre of religious experience.

Fire people are very self-aware and with an emphasis of fire in the chart their energy can be excessive which results in excessive behaviour, and they may be involved in high-risk activities, but they seem to be quite lucky in life. However they may need to balance their vision with a little more realism, and they may also leave too much to chance and live too much in the future, and seldom think about rainy days.

Pisces Needs the Ocean

The majority of astrological authors describe the Pisces woman as a sensitive, sympathetic and understanding creature, but with the proclivity to dream and fantasize too much. In which case, she is not the most grounded of astrological signs and wants to escape the domestic side of life. Perhaps it depends on what is meant by the term "domesticated", nobody can fully domesticate Pisces, and it would be a rather sad sight to see this fish swimming around in circles in a small glass bowl.

Pisces needs to explore the world through her imagination and swim into the ocean of life moving unrestricted through her feelings, dreams and longings. In Pisces, the imagination knows no bounds, and she frequently ventures off somewhere else, even though she may be there in body, her soul finds replenishment in other realms.

If the Pisces woman suffers from a broken heart, and feels unhappy at home, she may be lost her forever. The ocean is a powerful source and should not be disrespected, and a fish deeply hurt by life goes into deeper and deeper waters and never returns entirely. When the world out-there gets too hard for her sensitive skin the only place she has to go, and where she feels safe - is into her soul. A Pisces woman needs creative outlets and some creative form of expression for the inner oceanic world which she holds inside.

Astrologers believe Pisces matures into the wisest of souls over time, but considers that she lives her early life like a naive child. Pisces is considered the ultimate feminine sign, her mode of action is mutable and she is ruled by water. Neptune rules the zodiacal sign of Pisces. Neptune is the planet of illusion where all is not what it seems, and the Piscean connects on a different plane and so you will never really understand everything there is to know about her. Pisces is a nonverbal sign, unfathomable and it may look like she has zoned out and isn’t paying attention, but she often comes back with something profoundly insightful that hits right at the source of your dilemma, and it is in these moments that you feel that there is someone out there who really understands and knows how it feels.

Pisces also knows the secret of “letting go” and she has the capacity to see that there is something larger out there, a great big ocean, and it’s something universal which lies beyond what our eyes can see, and at some point we will all return there once again. Pisces has a knowing or an intuitive understanding that there is a deeper reality behind the struggles of human existence. Astrologers point out that Pisces has difficulty dealing with reality, but if you have ever watched a mermaid movie, you will see that a part of her always belongs to the ocean. As much as she loves her friends on land, a fragment of her longs to return to the water, and you have to accept this part of her nature. The ocean may represent a multitude of things that she needs to explore so that she can refresh herself. It could symbolize her art, music, creative passions, imaginative outlets or some kind of service. Pisces and 12th house people are thought to channel their artistic vision and intuitive gifts from a hidden realm.

In the worst case scenario she may find more negative escapist sources such as drugs and alcohol and general over-indulgence. In these times she becomes a fractured and fragile picture of a human being. Weighted by sadness and despair, she goes with the flow, even if it’s in the wrong direction. Feeling the pain of the world leads to avoidance and because she is so physically sensitive and has compassion for all creatures, this poor soul gets “bluer” than the ocean. This is when she is in most danger of being driven to addiction, “nebulousness” deception and self-deception, losing her way, wandering around aimlessly and becoming unstable. Pisces is prone to wishing away reality by simply ignoring it, trying to forget all about the pain. The water then becomes limitless and she floats down to the darkness at the bottom of the sea where shapes both monstrous and beautiful swim through the waters, and she is sucked into a whirlpool of oblivion. Hopefully she pulls her self together in time.

Many astrologers believe she embodies all 12 signs of the zodiac. If this is true, it is no wonder she is so easily split and fragmented by life. There seems to be no human dilemma that she does not recognise or cannot empathise with, and she sees every shade of emotion, and so it’s easy for others to try and manipulate her empathetic nature, and she may need to constantly defend herself against exploitation.

The Astrology of Child Abuse and Murder: Observing Mars-Pluto in Aspect

This is a difficult subject to tackle, and Astrology will never show evidence in a natal chart for child cruelty, and so there always needs to be some element of caution before moving on. We can’t go and assume that everybody with this aspect will experience abuse.

However, in the few cases of severe child abuse and murder in the family as seen below, the Mars-Pluto aspect shows up too frequently to be a “coincidence”. Tragically, it is at home-where a child is supposed to feel safe and loved-that most abuse occurs. For many Mars-Pluto individuals the “Apple Pie” life at home is not what they have experienced and “family” is a place filled with anger, yelling, insults, sexual violence, beatings, and even killings.

Astrologically Pluto rules what is taboo in our society, what is considered shameful and appalling. Mars rules anger, rage and violence, and tense aspects between these two planets are the most forceful and violent and can be lived out in the most positive or destructive way. Mars-Pluto is sometimes be found in the charts of people who suffer from a violent death, but there is also a very intense need to fight for survival. An aspect between these two planets doesn’t always lead to violence and the individual may find an outlet through sports, or competitive intellectual challenges, depending on what houses are involved.

There can be a lot of rage and destructiveness inherent in Mars-Pluto, and it reflects considerable passion and violence. However somewhere in this rage lies the seeds of considerable strength of will and survival ability. At times Mars-Pluto aspects can run through a whole family. I once looked at a group of family charts and the mother and father both have the contact and the two daughters. The father was violent towards his sons and therefore the mother was sexually involved with an abusive man and experienced the destructiveness of her Mars-Pluto aspect through him. The two daughters have very opposite personalities and the Scorpio daughter is violent towards her partner and children and has a vicious temper, she has been reported to social services many times. Meanwhile the Piscean sister dates a violent boyfriend, and has been attacked down an ally way. It is a complicated aspect running through the family creating a dark history of violence, rage and impotence, and somewhere along the line the cycle needs to end.

Individuals with a natal Mars-Pluto who have experienced violence in their childhood may go onto have abusive relationships, and recreate an old, familiar family pattern. The violence can be so deep rooted and many Psychologists believe that violence against children has deep historical roots that continue into the present day.

If you are undergoing this aspect in transit, astrologers warn you to be very careful around these times; this can include dating, walking home alone, and any other aspect of life which might leave you vulnerable. They basically tell you not to get yourself into a dangerous situation, and from a personal perspective I don’t think these warnings are too heavy-handed.

“Mars-Pluto is definitely a violent aspect. It is one of the rape aspects, either Mars conjunct, square, or opposite Pluto. I always worry about these aspects because it is important to use this energy up properly, otherwise it could manifest in a negative way…The other thing that can happen with a Mars/Pluto aspect is abuse, battery, or violence. I saw a client who had her Mars opposite Pluto from the first to the 7th house. I said to her, “You know you have to be very discriminating about who you go out with. You have to be very careful when you date. “ I was saying all the things you would say if somebody had that aspect. And she said , “Well its already happened to me. There was a lot of violence in my home growing up and then in my marriage.” She continued, “As a result of that, I now run a shelter for battered women.” By Carol Rushman – The Art of Predictive Astrology

Here are some case studies below on child abuse and murder and all have a contact between Mars-Pluto in their horoscopes. I will warn you that these cases are very distressing to read. I am not going to pretend I know why such violence has occurred, and I can't even begin to comprehend the reasons why. And no astrological aspect explains any of these terrible crimes against such innocent children, and having a Mars-Pluto aspect doesn't mean that violence will occur. As many times as it has happened, there are probably an equal number of cases where nothing of the sort has presented itself in an individual's life.

Elisa Izquierdo was a six-year-old Cuban American girl who became a symbol of child abuse in the USA after being beaten to death by her mother Awilda Lopez, a New York City drug addict, in 1995. Her story first made city and then national headlines when it became clear that New York City's Child Welfare System (now the Administration for Children's Services) missed many opportunities to intervene with her family and to save her life.

In the media, Elisa was frequently called a modern-day Cinderella because she had been under the protection of a loving father, Gustavo Izquierdo, until his death from cancer on May 26, 1994 (the very day he'd planned to send her to Cuba to protect her from her mother), and had befriended Prince Michael of Greece through her school before coming into her mother's custody. Her life story became the subject of much speculation in the media, from local tabloids such as the New York Daily News and The New York Post to the cover of Time Magazine. Her story was featured on an August 1996 episode of Dateline NBC. Her funeral drew an estimated 300 mourners.

Astrologically Elisa has a Sun-Mars–Pluto aspect in a T-square and Venus square Pluto.

Nixzmary Brown endured torture, and was later learned to have been bound, molested and beaten and killed by her stepfather, César Rodriguez in a spate of rage that began over a cup of yogurt and a broken printer. Her stepfather, quoted in an article published in USA today, called her a "troublemaker". On the night of Wednesday, January 10, 2006, Rodriguez beat Brown to death. Her mother, Nixzaliz Santiago, ignored Rodriguez as he slammed Brown's head into a bathtub and doused her with cold water. Both Santiago and Rodriguez were charged with second-degree murder and child endangerment. Rodriguez was convicted on verdict of first-degree manslaughter and other charges, and was sentenced 29 years in prison. Rodriguez and Santiago each accused the other of inflicting the final, fatal blow. The indictment also alleged that Rodriguez abused the little girl for months and smashed her head against a bathtub.

Nixmary’s chart contains a yod configuration involving Mars-Saturn-Pluto.

Justina Morales was a young girl from the Bedford-Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn, New York, USA who was killed at the age of eight years by her mother's boyfriend, Luis Santiago, on New Year's Eve in 1995. Morales' body was never found. Her murder case gained notoriety primarily through the New York City newspapers.

Morales' disappearance had gone unnoticed for more than a year. Teachers and school officials failed to take note of her long absence. In February, 1997, a relative informed the police that Morales had been missing and was possibly killed. The subsequent investigation, similar to those in the deaths of Elisa Izquierdo and Nadine Lockwood in the same time-frame, disclosed shortcomings of the New York City child welfare system.

Justina’s’ Sun is at 0 degrees Pisces (Pisces is a sign of disappearance and is at a critical degree). Mars is in Aries in a wide (11 degrees) opposition to Pluto in Scorpio. Some astrologers would extend oppositions to a 12 degree orb, and she is only 1 degree out from my usual 10 degree orb for oppositions in the natal chart.

Joseph R. Wallace was a two year old boy who was murdered by his mother on April 18, 1993 in their Chicago, Illinois apartment. Joseph's death gained statewide and then national speculation because he was known to the state's child welfare system.His mother tied an extension cord around his neck and kicked the stool out from under him.

Joseph was buried with a Sesame Street video by his side. Joseph was removed 3 times from his mother's home to foster care, only to be returned to his mother's care because it was believed that it would be in his best interest to be raised with a natural parent, even though each successive time that Joseph was returned to his mother's house it was clear that he was being physically and emotionally abused, to the extent that his foster parents would notice bald spots on his head from physically pulling out his hair.

Joseph has Sun square Pluto, Venus in Cancer square Pluto and Mars in Taurus opposite Pluto in Scorpio. Though there is some discrepancy with dates, and a couple of sites have him listed as being born in 1989 and Wikipedia are showing 1990. The 1990 chart shows the Mars-Pluto opposition.

13-month-old Carla-Nicole Bone died after a frenzied attack by her mother's boyfriend, Sandy McClure. Carla-Nicole endured cruel and sustained abuse in the months leading up to her death. McClure force-fed her, holding her nostrils, and made her stand unsupported for long periods in an attempt to get her to walk. He would scoop up her vomit from her bib and put it back on her plate.

When she died she was covered in bruises to her face, forehead, around her jaw, the left side of her torso and her back. She had suffered a fractured skull and swelling of the brain. McClure had flung Carla-Nicole from wall to wall "like a pendulum", splitting her skull, because she was unable to keep her balance. McClure was sentenced to life imprisonment for murder. Carla-Nicole's mother, Andrea Bone, was jailed for three years for failing to protect her daughter (She had later had her conviction over-turned)

Carla has Mars-conjunct Pluto in Sagittarius.