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Astro 101: Introduction to Aspects

Are you ready to step a bit deeper into Astrology?

If so, I got your hookup!

Let’s review what we have learned so far:

Astronomy
Basic Jungian Psychology
Gender
Orientation
Elements and Signs
Houses

Now, before we get started on the planets (they are next), I want to spend a blog post on aspects.

What is an aspect? (GEEK ALERT)

First, you need to imagine a circle – in this case, the horoscope, which is a circle (360 degrees) that is divided by 12 and creates the signs you know and love. These twelve signs are 30 degrees each. (For the math geeks…30X12 = 360)

Next, you need to remember that planets are constantly in motion and move around the signs based on their speed. The Sun moves at about 1 degree per day, so it moves around the entire zodiac every year. The Moon moves faster than the Sun and moves through every single sign in about 28 ½ days. However, the outer planets (Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto) move very slowly and can spend many years in a sign. Hence, the further away from the Sun a planet is, the longer it takes to go around the Sun. It is generally accepted that the further a planet is out, it will tend to dominate or color the aspect, but you need to keep both in mind while doing an interpretation.

In this blog post, I am going to focus on the major aspects that I use regularly in charts. There are many minor aspects, but I feel that they provide nuance to planets, but add little to the discussion. I may do another post on them in the future. So, you won’t see any dociles, reptiles, or imbeciles (these aren’t really minor aspects) here.

The Conjunction:

This is the most powerful aspect in a chart and it corresponds to the circle being divided by 1. In astrology, the conjunction reflects a marriage between two planets. This means that these two planets are wedded together through the course of a lifetime and these two planets will forever be intertwined together. In some cases, these two planets get along and in other cases their energies are so incompatible that it can cause great difficulties if it is not managed and worked out later in life.

For example, the Sun conjunct Mars is a very powerful and dynamic aspect which gives enormous drive and ambition. These two fiery planets highly compatible. However, Venus conjoined with Saturn reflects feelings of inadequacy and often struggles through relationships because of deep insecurities.

One thing to note about conjunctions is that the energy is very pure because the division is by 1. Therefore, all potentials and possibilities of the aspect lie within the conjunction. I personally use very large orbs and I suggest using 8-10 degrees for a conjunction and you should pay close attention to them because they can often take over an entire chart because their energy is so strong.

The Opposition:

In the mystical kabbalah, the number ‘2’ is associated with the beginning of fragmentation. The potential of the 1 has now been divided into 2 and reflects a pair of opposites and although these opposites are very much alike they represent two different sides of the same coin.

Here is a list of the opposing signs:

Aries – Libra
Taurus – Scorpio
Gemini – Sagittarius
Cancer – Capricorn
Leo – Aquarius
Virgo – Pisces

These pairs are similar in modality and gender, but oppositions in regards to how they express these energies. So, within this aspect, there is tension, uncertainty and often doubt.

Let me give you an example – Aries has to do with individual development. It is the sign of ‘me’. Whereas, it’s opposing sign which is Libra, has to do with relationships. Taurus has to do with resources, but its opposite sign Scorpio has to do with joint resources. So, there is a natural disharmony within this aspect that needs to be reconciled and you have to find a way to give life to both sides of the aspect.

In the natural horoscope (this signifies starting with Aries and working our way around to Pisces), oppositions strongly influence relationships (because it evokes a natural 1^st house – 7^th house relationship). You will often see one side of the opposition projected onto relationships and our partners carry the parts we do not carry for us until we integrate the opposition. Essentially, the opposition is an aspect of conflict and it can evoke struggles and enormous tension within the horoscope.

Here is another example:

Let’s say you have a very earthy chart, which would reflect a tendency to need things solid and secure. Reliability is very important to you, as is dependability. In your chart you have Venus in Taurus opposed to Uranus in Scorpio. Your natural inclination is to claim Venus (since she is earthy and in an earthy sign) and project Uranus onto your relationships. So, although you value relationship structure and do not like change, you will invariably find change and unpredictability in your personal relationships and in your relationships with the outer world.

You feel stable, but everything else feels chaotic and a bit unpredictable. It becomes necessary to eventually bring these two poles together in a way that gives you meaning and eventually allows you to contain anxieties that might occur because of the opposition. In the case of Venus oppose Uranus, often there is a difficulty holding onto relationships because once you try to structure them, the partner often needs freedom. This can be very stressful and it requires you to look at your own ambivalence in relationships (after all this is your Venus-Uranus aspect) and to face the fact that ultimately, sooner or later, everything changes and nothing is permanent. If you are doing shadow work, then oppositions are important and need to be examined closely.

I use 8-10 degrees for an opposition.

The Trine:

Are you really good at something? I am. I am great at studying and putting things together that are often difficult for others. I can see things quickly that other people do not notice or often ignore. Some people would say this is a gift, but I think it’s more Mercury in trine to Saturn.

Trines are the result of dividing a circle by the number three and is considered an aspect of harmony and ease. Psychologically speaking, a trine reflects a part of the psyche that the ego can easily manage. However, the difficulty with this aspect is that it often lacks the tension necessary, for growth and can create laziness if it isn’t actively pushed or challenged.

Trines are also considered lucky. If we look at the natural horoscope trines involve elemental similarities and gender identification.

Here are the groupings:

Aries – Leo – Sagittarius
Taurus – Virgo – Capricorn
Gemini – Libra – Aquarius
Cancer – Scorpio – Pisces

Let’s use the aspect that I presented earlier from my chart – Mercury in Virgo trine Saturn in Taurus.

As you can see this is an earth trine and is concerned with what is real and practical. Mercury is concerned with how we understand life and perceive the world and Saturn is disciplined and critical. In the ease of the trine, these two planets work together harmoniously. So, you get an individual who carefully and methodically looks at life and circumstances that are presented to them, analyzing it wholly in order to come to a conclusion because the powers of the mind are disciplined and tend to not stray into the world of fantasy and possibility. Mercury trine Saturn is concerned with what “is” rather than what could be.

The difficulty with Mercury trine Saturn is that it can sometimes ignore opportunities because it is so focused on the ‘now’ and the big picture can often be ignored because it is too much of a risk or a gamble. This can often leave you trapped in duties and responsibilities and joy and happiness are often sacrificed for the bottom line.

I use an 8-degree orb for trines.

The Square:

Brace yourself! It’s about to get real. When you divide the zodiacal circle by four, you get an aspect that is known as a square. Out of all the aspects, it is probably the most difficult to experience and the hardest to integrate because the planets involved in a square have little in common with each other.

Here are your squares:

Aries = Cancer + Capricorn
Taurus = Leo + Aquarius
Gemini = Virgo + Pisces
Cancer = Aries + Libra
Leo = Taurus + Scorpio
Virgo = Gemini + Sagittarius
Libra = Cancer + Capricorn
Scorpio = Leo + Aquarius
Sagittarius = Virgo + Pisces
Capricorn = Aries + Libra
Aquarius = Taurus + Scorpio
Pisces = Gemini + Sagittarius

The square is a high tension part of the chart and the planets involved usually reflect areas in your life where problems are likely to occur because the planets tend to be at war with one another throughout your life. However, because this aspect is so intense, it’s an area where tremendous potential can occur because it makes us determined and restless.

In many ways, the square is the exact opposite of the trine. Trines are extremely easy aspect that tend to become lazy because they are rarely challenged, but square are extremely difficult and often provide tremendous drive and motivation.

Like oppositions, squares tend to influence our relationships. If you count 3 signs over from Aries (30 degrees per sign X 3 = 90 degrees, which is a square) you come to the sign of Cancer and if you do it again in reverse, you come to the sign of Capricorn or the 4^th/10^th house axis, which I have taught previously has a lot to do with our parents, early childhood, and how this leads to our formation as individual or our relationship to the world. So, squares usually reflect long term issues from childhood that have an enormous effect on our personality.

Let’s work with the example of Mars in square to Saturn:

Mars and Saturn are not the best of friends. Mars likes to act and can be extremely frustrated when he is restricted. He builds up steam and often picks a fight when he does not get what he wants. Saturn is the epitome of restriction and limitation. Together you can see how this can be difficult – every time Mars wants to act, Saturn frustrates him.

This aspect tension can usually be found in early childhood in which our ability to get what we want is often denied. This can build up to feelings of inadequacy, vulnerability, and often being predisposed to failing. As a result, it can create an atmosphere of aloofness which can alienate those around us that could help us get what we want, but are less likely to do so because we appear cold and detached.

In some cases, Mars square Saturn can overcompensate by becoming extremely ambitious and determined and will expend enormous energy to achieve something. In other cases, Mars square Saturn will simply give up. This is a constant cycle that on one level or another, will constantly arise for the Mars-Saturn native.

In order to work with this aspect effectively, Mars square Saturn needs to be more approachable and accommodating with others. This will allow him to feel support by those around him and be able to receive assistance in helping him achieve his goals. Further, he needs to try to slow down and be patient and perhaps succeed at things one-step at a time. This helps to develop self-confidence and self-worth.

I tend to use large orbs with squares. 8-10 degrees is recommended.

The Sextile:

We arrive at the last of the major aspects. The sextile is formed by dividing a circle by the number 6 and coming up with an angle of 60 degrees.

The sextile is considered a harmonious aspect and many astrologers consider it a weak trine. However, unlike the innate luck attributed to trines, sextiles need to be worked on in order for their potential to be realized.

The difficulty with the sextile is that it is a mental aspect because it is connected to the 3^rd and 11^th house or Gemini and Aquarius. Sextiles can easily get trapped in thoughts and ideas and may have difficulties taking advantage of the aspect by giving it form. So, sextiles can be considered opportunities, but they are not innate.

Signs in Sextile:

Aries = Gemini + Aquarius
Taurus = Cancer + Pisces
Gemini = Aries + Leo
Cancer = Taurus + Virgo
Leo = Gemini + Libra
Virgo = Cancer + Scorpio
Libra = Leo + Sagittarius
Scorpio = Virgo + Capricorn
Sagittarius = Libra + Aquarius
Capricorn = Scorpio + Pisces
Aquarius = Aries + Sagittarius
Pisces = Taurus + Capricorn

Let’s work with an example – Mercury sextile Mars.

Mercury is the planet of communication and Mars is the planet that gives us drive and determination. When you combine these two archetypes together, you get a very active mind and excellent communication skills. People that have this aspect usually latch on to things quickly and your ability to observe things around you is heightened.

Mercury sextile Mars also makes you an amazing negotiator, and your ability to compose arguments that get your point across clearly and precisely, gives you an edge in business matters. However, you have to manage knee-jerk reactions because Mars has little self-control – especially if your opinions are challenged. This aspect values freedom of thought and freedom of expression and is willing to fight for them. So, you will often find people with this aspect gifted with a silver tongue, which can be biting at times.

As I said earlier, sextiles are not as easy as trines. People that have Mercury sextile Mars will often have to work at it for the aspect to express itself optimally, but on a more positive note, it also does not tend to become lazy. In essence, it is developed over time and once developed provides the native with opportunities that otherwise would not be available.

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Decoding Mars Retrograde

Guess what?

It’s time for a planet to go retrograde.

So, batten down the hatches and secure the battlefield – it’s about to get real!

Oh and it’s not Mercury that’s our planetary villain (although he does go retrograde later this month). Instead, the planet that is up to bat is Mars, the planet of war and aggression.

Over the next few days you are going to see tons of information about Mars retrograde across social media and the blogosphere.

Here is what you are going to see:

Don’t argue.
Avoid starting new activities because you will run out of steam before Mars goes direct.
Don’t start or initiate a lawsuit – because you will lose (Hint: Let the other person file first).
Don’t buy anything mechanical – cars, gardening equipment, cutlery, or anything that cuts.
Don’t have surgery.
Don’t start a war – again you will lose.

Now that is some list! On the practical level, these tips are valid and they do need to be taken into consideration, but what does this really mean on the inner level and more importantly how do we use Mars retrograde effectively.

Let’s start by defining Mars.

The world of literature is filled with gods, literary figures, kings, and creatures that embody the expression of the planet, yet I think the figure of Ares (God of War) from ancient Greek mythology stands out the most. In Homers ‘The Iliad,’ Ares is described as a 300 foot hairy, sweaty being that frequently goes berserk, lusts after everything he sees, and on the battlefield likes to destroy and devour human flesh. This is clearly not someone you want to take to a social event, yet despite Ares vulgar and crude imagery, he was honored and held a prominent place in both Greek and Roman culture. In fact, all the war gods of myth are often revered and dignified.

But, why?

In ancient culture, war was personified as the glorious expression of the human spirit. Ares was revered because he stood for not only our struggle for survival and as the champion of the weak and less fortunate, but as an archetypal image willing to fight for our integrity and our will to survive in a world that is often against us. Without him (and without a Mars) we would have nothing to fight to make each of us special, vibrant, or unique individuals.

On the planetary level, Mars is the desire principle. His only function is to go out into the world and get what we want in order for us to feel fulfilled and he is always in service to the Sun (our individuality and what makes us feel special). Mars needs victories and he does this by meeting not only our desires, goals, and ambitions, but by helping us defend ourselves from an often hostile world, which is not only competitive, but is fundamentally opposed to individual expression. Our need to fight comes packages in many ways, such as fighting for our families, country, religious principles and even occurs in our relationships and the work place. In essence, Mars is the fighting principle in order for us to achieve self-definition, individuality, survival, and on one level or another our Mars is always at war with something each and every day.

When Mars is retrograde it brings to the surface those issues where we are blocked from getting what we want. This can come in a variety of shapes and sizes, such as career dissatisfaction, relationship disappointment, financial woes, or even personal dissatisfaction. However, despite the frustrations, it is also a time where we are forced to re-analyze what it is that we truly want out of life. As was stated earlier, the outer-world (meaning everything outside of yourself) is not really concerned about the individual, yet about patterns that affect larger fabric of life in general; therefore, it provides us with tools that if we can face what they require gives us an enormous breakthrough in our future. Mars retrograde is one of those tools as frustrating as it can be. If we can face our struggles, Mars gives us the ability to change our lives. As Mars promises whatever we desire from life we have some chance of getting it.

Isn’t it time you get yours?

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The Astrology of 2016

The Astrology of 2016

The seed of any year is planted at the stroke of midnight and an astrologer can use this chart for any given location to describe the overall large patterns at work during the year. The birth chart for the year contains all the frustration, challenges, strengths, and possible rewards that can be used to effectively navigate ourselves through its waters, and as such, as long as we are willing to listen to its messages, we can control how we react to it and use its energies proactively. And this year, unlike the many before it, we are given a final opportunity to create lasting change.

There are several astrological patterns that highlight this year – Jupiter in Virgo will square Saturn in Sagittarius, Jupiter will square Pluto and oppose Uranus later in the year, Saturn in Sagittarius will square Neptune in Pisces, and Saturn will trine Uranus in Aries.

So, what do these patterns mean for us in the coming year?

Let’s break it down.

Jupiter square Saturn:

Let’s begin with Jupiter in Virgo square Saturn in Sagittarius. This is considered an incoming square because the current Jupiter-Saturn cycle is in its waning phase (think Moon cycles) before they conjoin again at 00 Aquarius in 2020. The waning phase is a summing up process before the next conjunction occurs.

Ancient astrology has considered the conjunction of Jupiter-Saturn to represent a change in leadership, or the death of a king, and denotes a particular period of reorganizational chaos that occurs with any new movement. Now, in the 21^st century, with security measures that protect our leaders being more sophisticated, the conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn does not seem to be as literal; whereas, each President of the United States from 1840-1960 that was elected under the Jupiter-Saturn conjunction died while in office. Reagan and Bush, of course escaped (although Reagan was shot) this fate. On the psychological level, this might reflect that what has died in the past, in a rather literal way, has been the ideals that occupied the collective psyche that have been replaced with new ideals and new forms that go through a period of chaos before it is firmly entrenched within society. Something old gives way to something new. And, this isn’t just by chance or because the world seems to move much faster in the 21^st century, this pattern has existed as far back as Greek myth – which is revealed in the creation story of Kronos (Saturn) and Zeus (Jupiter).

In myth, Kronos (Saturn) wrestled his kingdom away from his father Ouranos (Uranus) by castrating him with a sickle that was fashioned by his mother Gaia. He became the ruler of the gods and he freed the Titans of myth from their entombment in Tartarus. One day, as often happens in myth, Kronos visits an oracle that reveals to him that one of his own children will overthrow him and usher in a new age. Kronos does what any other god that is obsessed with power would do and becomes increasingly paranoid and swallows his children the moment that they come out of Rhea’s womb. Of course, Rhea being another manifestation of Gaia whom does not like the unnatural state of affairs that violate the laws of nature, decides to trick Kronos by offering him up a stone wrapped in a blanket rather than handing over her just born son Zeus. Zeus lies in wait in a cave and waits for the right moment to strike. One day, while Kronos is suffering from some severe indigestion, Zeus attacks and out comes his brothers and sisters who begin a war with the Kronos and the Titans. The Titans are ultimately defeated and Kronos is cast into the underworld and a Zeus becomes the king of the gods.

Kronos reflects the old king whose reign is dying and Zeus reflects the new order. You can perhaps state that each generations ideals slowly die and are replaced by the new ideals of the next generation. However, before the ideals of the new generation can emerge in its fully developed form, a period of crisis and resistance to those changes seem to be what we desperately cling to, despite the fact that these new ideals are what we ultimately must accept. And, this resistance to change is occurring currently on the world stage as we approach the final Jupiter-Saturn square of this cycle, which began in the sign of Taurus in 2000.

In his ground breaking book on Mundane Astrology (co-written by Michael Baigent and Nicholas Campion), Charles Harvey says the following about this cycle:

“These two planets used to be known as the ‘Great Chronocrators’, or rulers of the ages. Their cycle can be considered the ground base of human development which makers the interaction between the perception of ideals, potentialities, possibilities (Jupiter) and their manifestation in the concrete material world (Saturn). As noted under the interpretation of the conjunction this pair has a great deal to do with the development and evolution of social structures and a sense of corporate national identity.” (pg.184)

So, what idealism began during the Jupiter-Saturn conjunction in Taurus?

Although Taurus is the first of the earth signs, it is rather complex in nature. It reflects our need to “birth” things – meaning to give life to something and to build some form of structure that sustains us and fosters additional growth. Taurus is about reliability, productivity, and stability and it is rather uncomfortable in situations that might create change and unpredictability. In many ways, the old ways of the 80’s and 90’s have had to die in order for new things to be born in a more global and all-inclusive society. Our banking institutions have become more advanced, our focus on wealth building, the stock market, and other financial organizations have changed, been modified, and new laws enacted to enforce regulations of this brave new world, and many of the institutions that could not change or modify have crumbled in the last 16 years.

We are now at a breaking point with the final square, because the last roots of the old tree (80’s and 90’s) are being ripped out of the ground and we may enter into a period of turbulence and instability over the next year – especially around security and financial stability. While Jupiter is in square to Saturn, we will continue to make adjustments in our lives in order to accommodate modern living. It’s time for us to take full inventory of our current situation in order for us to decide what areas of our lives should be pursued (Jupiter) and what should be cut back (Saturn). Jupiter square Saturn can also bring forth a period of confusion and instability (which is the nature of squares to challenge us) and it is important not to be reactive during this cycle. If you push forward without having the necessary information, you will most likely experience a lot of frustration and anxiety, which ultimately pulls you back again. It is probably more fruitful at this time to wait things out and find solutions that work for you rather than just jetting off into unknown territory, and despite inward frustrations, the right answer or right path will ultimately come.

Saturn square Neptune

Saturn continues his head to head battle with Neptune (began in November) forming squares on June 17 and September 10. These two planets have a really difficult time with each other because they are diametrically opposed in nature. Saturn likes to crystalize everything it touches and Neptune wants to dissolve anything with form into something more malleable. This can create enormous confusion and the aspect is known to be depressive because forward progress cannot be seen clearly at this time. For some, this can even feel paralyzing because everything can seem up in the air and you don’t feel like you are standing on firm ground, which can result in negative thinking and pessimism about the future, that ultimately makes matters worse.

The key to this aspect is waiting it out – especially if it heavily hits your chart, which is likely if you are Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, or Pisces. Taking action at this time can lead to confusion or frustrations because one of the two planets energy will dominate leaving you feeling overwhelmed by life’s circumstances. Like Jupiter square Saturn, Saturn square Neptune requires one to wait for the answers or wait for the aspect to be over in order to begin to move forward because you need to be able to see the forest between the trees to make beneficial decisions.

In many cases, this aspect is one that requires a lot of soul searching and patience. It may mean that you need to question every aspect of your life and decide whether or not your current purpose is still aligned with your desires, which ultimately may be changing. If you tend to lean towards rigidity and structure, then Neptune will often make you feel like a victim to life’s circumstances because it will be difficult to create anything tangible that gives you inner meaning. If you lean towards Neptunian infantilism and refuse to face life as it is, then Saturn will often bring forth experiences that effectively force you to grow up and face reality on realities terms. In other words, it is necessary to give meaning to both of these planets in order to get to the core of its deepest creative meaning and be able to channel them into something meaningful that promotes individual growth.

Jupiter squares Pluto and opposes Uranus

Although Uranus in Aries does not technically make an aspect to Pluto in Capricorn in 2016, it is within orb, and will still have influence over the next year – especially when Jupiter moves into Libra and reactivates them during November and December.

Uranus and Pluto reflect a political vision (Uranus) with an urgent need to destroy (Pluto) structures that are no longer viable or that no longer contribute anything to the progress of the human species. Neither of these two planets are concerned with individuals, they are only concerned with the collective and tend to erupt in protests, uprisings, the collapse of governmental structures, and the collective trends of the day. This particular transit is responsible for revolutions in the middle east, Occupy Wall Street, protesting labor laws, women’s rights, and its most recent incarnation as Black Lives Matter.

Uranus is concerned with personal potency and rights of the individual while in Aries and Pluto in Capricorn reflects the need to review our social and moral values and re-align governmental structures as representative of their constituency rather than representing individual’s quests for power. Although it may take until 2046 (when Uranus in Virgo opposes Pluto in Pisces) for us to see the full effect of this cycle that began in the 1960’s, we are beginning to see the slow beginnings of progress now.

Despite the hard aspects that Jupiter will make to Uranus and Pluto, which could possibly reignite protests, revolutions, political scandals, and garden variety corruption, I am rather hopeful with this aspect. Jupiter is considered one of the planets that helps foster awareness and inspires us to be better individuals. This aspect may reflect a turning point in which human beings become more cognizant about what needs to change and grow by becoming active participants rather than simply reacting in fear and encouraging isolationism. Jupiter is an optimistic planet, and this cycle, which occurs during the holiday season, could actually evoke its central meaning: good will to all men and peace on earth.

Saturn trine Uranus

I’m going to give you all an early 2016 Christmas Present.

Do you remember what you were doing in 2010? What were the problems you were struggling with and the changes that you were making when Saturn in Virgo opposes Uranus in Pisces? What changed in your life?

Saturn trine Uranus occurs on Christmas Eve and is an amazing aspect when you are letting go of the old and outworn and embracing something new. It’s when you begin to see the products of your efforts to manifest new ideas into reality. Anything that you have spent time on that has required patience and discipline, will come to fruition and become a permanent part of your life at this time. Further, this aspect connects us with the energy of Sagittarius, insight that may have eluded you will make sense to you providing you with the information necessary to take action. So, those that have been influenced heavily by the Jupiter-Saturn and Saturn-Neptune squares, may get the relief they need at this time. Suddenly, which is usually the case with Uranian aspects, things will fall into place and you will be able to see your mission clearly and have the courage and tenacity to take advantage of opportunities that come your way.

The New Year’s Chart

The chart for the New Year is cast at the stroke of midnight on January 1^st for the capital city in the country one resides. Since, I live in the United States, and the bulk of my clients and readers are American, I have cast the chart for Washington, DC.

The New Year’s chart is essentially a collective horary asking the question, “What will the New Year bring?” So, let’s take a look at what additional information about the New Year beyond the larger transits that the chart reveals.

The Ascendant is the most important position in a horary because it reflects the general energy surrounding the querent (the person asking the question) and in this chart Libra is rising which means our relationship to the outer world and our need to find balance, harmony, and a sense of inner meaning and purpose are highlighted throughout the year. And, in order to get there, we might need to look at our choices and clean up past problems, whether they are familial, financial, or career oriented by wiping the slate clean in order to pursue new goals and objectives.

The ruler of Libra, Venus, lands in the 2^nd house of the chart in fiery Sagittarius. The 2^nd house represents money and values and with Venus being in Sagittarius, a sense of adventure and the price those adventures cost will be our focus. Venus forms a square (obstacle) to Neptune and a conjunction to Saturn, which could severely limit how much spending we should do throughout the year and try to keep our fiscal perspective under control, which could easily feel agitating and make Venus in Sagittarius a little grumpy. However, it’s best to indulge a little, but keep the big picture in mind. Additionally, since Saturn rules the 4^th house so problems within the housing market or with real estate values could fluctuate throughout the year.

Mars is located in the first house of the chart and is considered a co-significator. Mars is the planet that goes out into the world and gets us what we want, but this Mars is debilitated in Venus ruled Libra. After years of studying astrology, I have come to understand that planets in detriment tend to worry and since Mars rules the 2^nd house (money and values) and the 7^th house (relationships and open enemies), there may be concerns about finances, value systems, and terrorism. Now, all of these factors will be a concern in our current climate, but with it being an election year these issues will be prevalent through the media and social networking. The good news is that Mars is void of course, and most likely a major attack will not occur. Instead, I feel that this echoes many of the larger planetary movements that I discussed earlier and reiterates that 2016 is not an action oriented year, but one where we need to process our current situation and allow ourselves to feel settled enough to make better decisions about the future.

This brings us to the Moon, which is the co-significator of the chart. The Moon is located at 29 degrees of Virgo and is planted in the 12^th house of the chart, which deals with ancestral inheritance. The sign of Virgo likes to keep things simple and small and that may be an apt word for 2016 – simplicity. The location in the 12^th house reflects that on some level, those of us that are alive now, are responsible for dealing with the many issues that we have inherited. Traditionally, the 12^th house is known for its connection to ailments and phobias, and much of what we are dealing with is not the result of our own doing, but the result of those that have come before us, which includes their fears and prejudices. Yet, any new generation inherits the mess that was made by the prior generation and 2016 is a year about cleaning up the mess. We can do this by being more mindful of the choices and decisions that we are making now. The Moon makes an applying trine to Mercury in Capricorn, which may make it easier for us to understand life in a more realistic way that promotes expressing our individual needs more effectively. Since Mercury does rule the 9^th house of the chart, this could be a year in which we gain insight into how to live our lives more effectively through knowledge rather than being blind to our choices and how those blind reactions add to the collective problems rather than resolves them.

In closing, I would like to quote Albert Einstein who said, “Any intelligent fool can make things bigger and more complex… It takes a touch of genius – and a lot of courage to move in the opposite direction.” I think for many of us, myself included, we have spent more than enough time trying to do things the way the world has told us it should be done. We are busy, busy, busy, achieving nothing, nothing, nothing. This year take a step back and breathe, and attempt to find your true passion and what really inspires you! And, when the time is ready, the door to your inner dreams will be opened.

BE FREAKING AMAZING IN 2016!

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Jupiter in Virgo — Expanding the Inner You

Jupiter in Virgo

(Jupiter moves into Virgo at 7:11 AM EST. If you have planets in Taurus, Cancer, Virgo, Scorpio, or Capricorn, then this forecast will have more significant meaning for you. If you do not have a copy of your astrology chart, you can get one for free on my website, which comes with a free tutorial.)

Happy New Year. It’s time to celebrate!

Okay, it’s not New Years. Instead, we have our yearly Jupiter sign change and this year Jupiter moves into Virgo.

Last year, while Jupiter was in Leo, the cosmic forces were urging us to self-develop. It was a year of experiencing ourselves as individual, and to value ourselves on the most fundamental of levels. It was a year of getting in touch with who we are and striving to be the best person we can be.

This year, everything changes. The sign of Virgo is an earth sign and it’s not so concerned with inner goals and ambition, as it is concerned with the way we manage our day to day lives – which is our jobs, activities, hobbies, health, and even the exercise we do. In other words, for many, the boring stuff.

But, despite Virgo being an earth sign and concerned with more mundane matters, it affects our inner lives as well.

You see, our outer lives are really a manifestation of our inner world and reflects how we may feel about ourselves on a very deep level. If you are depressed, then your outer life is going to be influenced by your depression. Conversely, if you are unhappy with your outer life (career, work, social circle, finances, health), then your inner world is going to be influenced. In essence, Virgo is the sign that manages both our inner and outer worlds.

As Jupiter moves into Virgo, it’s a yearly cycle where our focus should be on life management. There are many areas of our lives that need to be managed more efficiently, repaired, or changed all together. It’s time to closely examine our daily rituals, habits, and hobbies. In most cases, changing and expanding our outer environment will directly influence our inner world and will help us feel more contentment and happiness in our lives.

Now, let’s find out how Jupiter in Virgo affects each sign.

How Jupiter in Virgo Will Influence You

Below I give you the tea on how Jupiter will influence all of the astrological signs. This will give you an area of focus on how to work with this energy in your life over the next year. You can read this for your sign and if you know your rising sign, I would suggest you reading that description as well. If you need a copy of your chart you can get one for FREE including a tutorial on how to read the chart.

Aries: Jupiter begins its yearlong transit through your solar 6^th house. The 6^th house pertains to your job, day to day activities, your rituals, health, and your responsibilities. Of course, this can be rather drab and far from exciting for the king of the gods, yet it is one of the houses we see enormous benefits. Jupiter likes to expand your consciousness and provide a ‘higher’ meaning to the day to day grind of the 6^th house, which on its deepest level refers to your house of personal growth. This is a great year for you to put your life in order and you will notice improvement in your job, satisfaction with your responsibilities and overall good health. In fact, do not be surprised if you take on additional responsibilities because people will be pleased with your performance. Further, Jupiter in the 6^th could signify new job opportunities and promotions for a job well done. However, there is one warning with Jupiter in the 6^th, Jupiter expands the house it transits and since the 6^th house represents your health and the physical world, there could be a tendency to gain weight. It would be a good idea to maintain a regular fitness regime and balanced diet at this time.

Taurus: Jupiter begins its yearlong transit through your solar 5^th house. The next year for you is going to focus on personal growth and expansion of who you are as an individual. You will begin to understand your life with greater wisdom, and despite past frustrations, will perceive the big picture. Your creative juices will flow like never before, and if you are artistically inclined, financial gain is likely through your craft. Since the 5^th house rules children, your relationship with your own (if you have them) will take center stage and a deeper emotional bond will naturally occur. Finally, your relationships with others around you will go through great improvement throughout the year. As you tear down walls and barriers and begin to express yourself with courage and tenacity, you will notice the important people around you responding favorably.

Gemini: Jupiter begins its yearlong transit through your solar 4^th house. The 4^th house is mysterious because it rules our private parts – our innermost self and governs our home, family, personal life, and our past. While Jupiter is transiting your solar 4^th, you may find the need to seek inner peace and meaning. In the outer world, this is a year to focus on real estate – whether that is purchasing a new home or doing repairs and renovations. Further, you will find your relationship with your family enhanced and Jupiter’s benefic influence will provide an opportunity for old issues or familial problems to be resolved. On the inner level, Jupiter moving through the 4^th is a cycle of personal focus. It is a natural time to withdraw from the outer world and its trappings and focus on creating a secure future. If we do not have a secure inner world of peace and harmony, it is going to be difficult for you to find happiness in the outer world.

Cancer: Jupiter begins its yearlong transit through your solar 3^rd house of communication. In most textbooks, the 3^rd house is delegated to the house of communication, early education, and siblings. However, after working with charts for the past 25 years, I have come to understand the 3^rd house as the place in the horoscope where we process our experiences. In fact, I believe one of the most undervalued resources we have are the experiences felt via the events, circumstances, and people we have encountered that helps formulate who we are as individuals. While Jupiter is in the 3^rd, the ‘social butterfly’ will emerge and the number of people in your social circle will expand. This transit provokes an enormous urge to learn and express yourself to others in order to formulate your own unique opinions about life. Further, because you need to experience more of the world in order to expand your consciousness, a return to school, taking a trade course, or expanding our education is likely. A mind is a terrible thing to waste, and with Jupiter transiting the 3rd, you are likely to find it working overtime.

Leo: Jupiter begins its yearlong transit through your value oriented 2^nd house. In traditional astrology, the 2^nd house governs money and resources. In modern astrology, money and resources are viewed as symbols of what you value. I have long believed that the most powerful book of revelation is a checkbook. Your financial ledgers provide you with clear and concise information about what you truly value because it is what we spend our money on. This is not to say that Jupiter in the 2^nd house will not expand your resources; it will. In fact, it will expand everything that you give value to – the good, the bad, and the ugly. Since the 2^nd house does involve financial resources, this is a great time for investments. However, you have to be careful with Jupiter in the 2^nd house not to overindulge, overspend, or mismanage our money. This placement can often lead to spending money that you may not have. In the case of the 2^nd house, too much of anything can be as harmful as not enough.

Virgo: This is your lucky year because Jupiter will transit through your personal oriented 1^st house. Doors that have been closed and opportunities that have been denied will open up for you with minimal effort throughout the year. The main thing for you to focus on this being a major cycle of growth combined with an opportunity to express who you are by shining (and sharing) your inner light. Further, you will notice that people are drawn to you like never before (or at least since 2003) and are more than willing to help you achieve success. Use your increased self-confidence and charisma to your advantage. Moreover, do not waste this year, Christmas in the astrological world only happens once every 12 years, and this year Santa delivers the presents to you.

Libra: Jupiter begins its yearlong transit through your solar 12^th house. Out of all the houses of the horoscope, the 12^th house may be the most confusing. Traditional astrology has labeled it the house of self-undoing and its association with hospitals and prisons always raise a curious eyebrow or two. In modern astrology, the 12^th house reflects the patterns, drives, and compulsions that operate beneath the level of conscious awareness, but not in the personal sense, yet those habits and dysfunctions which have been passed down from generation to generation. Jupiter in the 12^th can be a blessing or a curse. On one hand, this transit augurs a time when one begins (often for the first time) to see their inner truth. Circumstances, situations, and events begin to have meaning and one begins to acquire insight into their lives. Often this opens the doors to a spiritual journey of self-discoveries. On the other hand, Jupiter’s transit represents where we begin to seek the truth and in the 12^th house the truth lies within oneself. If one does not have the inner courage or current capabilities, one will seek “their” truth through escapism – sex, drugs, alcohol, gambling, food or any other reckless behavior. Simply put, Jupiter in the 12^th house is a year for you to do inner work and access the real you.

Scorpio: Jupiter begins its yearlong transit through your solar 11^th house. Traditional astrology has described the 11^th house as clubs, friends, hopes and wishes and like the 12^th house these descriptions are often not helpful. In many ways, the 11^th house reflects your need to be bigger than who you are and to strive towards improving your life. You will do this through becoming involved with individuals beyond your familial structure. Your friends, associates and likeminded individuals fulfill these requirements and assist you by providing networks to encourage your success. Jupiter in the 11^threflects a cycle where your social circle can assist you in achieving your hopes and wishes for the future. In fact, you will notice the need to change your world for the better with Jupiter transiting this social house. In most cases, the changes you make will also benefit those around you significantly and your goals will be achieved. Finally, Jupiter is the planet of expansion and you will notice your social circle and sphere of influence expand over the next year.

Sagittarius: Jupiter begins its yearlong transit through your solar 10^th house. In astrology, the 10^thhouse describes our careers and position in the world. Jupiter transiting this house is considered favorable, improves and increases your reputation and often prompts you to be all that you can be. During this cycle you can take advantage of Jupiter’s benefic energy to advance your career, begin new businesses, or receive long deserved recognition for your accomplishments. If you have struggled to get to the next level, this year could be your breakthrough. However, it is necessary to avoid being overbearing, dictatorial, and keep your ego in check because problems could occur at the end of the transit if others perceive a haughty attitude. Finally, you can expect to see promotions at work, financial increase, and an inner self-confidence while Jupiter transits this house.

Capricorn: This year Jupiter begins his yearlong transit through your solar 9^th house. For you, this is a great position because Jupiter naturally rules the 9^th house. Your desire to learn will be magnified as Jupiter transits the house normally associated with higher education. Your learning experiences will broaden your mind and your perspective upon things will change and mature. This transit is associated with wisdom because your quest to learn will often give you deep insight into aspects of your life that you have either ignored or found trivial. Often when this transit is active, interest in the arcane sciences, religion or philosophy are typical because interest in esoteric and teleological subjects reflect the need to expand your worldview. Finally, you may find yourself interested in foreign cultures or taking vacations to foreign lands to broaden your experience. The one thing to expect while Jupiter transits your 9^th house is that your view of life will change and always for the better.

Aquarius: This year Jupiter begins its yearlong transit through your solar 8^th house. The 8^th house is similar to the 11^th and the 12^th and has a rather mysterious and confusing aura around it. Traditionally, it is associated with death, inheritance, and taxes and I have seen these descriptions to be relatively true. Jupiter in the 8^th can mean you will receive an inheritance or an unexpected tax refund. But, what does this house really mean? After 25 years of doing astrology, I am convinced that the 8^th house has to do with inheritance, but not just financially; it reflects our psychological inheritance as well. While Jupiter is transiting through the 8^thhouse, issues from the past that may need healing will rise to the surface and the healing of past familial trauma begins. This can come from powerful changes or psychological wounds, yet these changes will be to your ultimate benefit. On the more mundane level (which you Capricorns will love), this is a great time to begin a business partnership or apply for loans because Jupiter in the 8^th makes it easy for people to share their resources with you.

Pisces: Jupiter begins its yearlong transit through your solar 7^th house. The 7^th house is typically associated with partnerships, marriage, competitors, and legal matters. Perhaps it would be creative to define it as the ‘world out there’ or the ‘not you’ house because it describes your relationship to society in general. Jupiter transits through the 7^th can increase your relationships and expand your experiences of society by widening your sphere of influence. This is great for business alliances in which your partnerships are mutually beneficial. Of course, Jupiter influences your love relationships by being a generally favorable influence. Any difficulties experienced in your relationships should be smoothed out or resolved during this cycle. Finally, the 7^th house also pertains to legal matters. Any legal issues (especially civil cases) should resolve in your favor since Jupiter casts a protective shield over any house he influences.

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Pinterest: How to Use it as an Oracle

Are you a member of Pinterest? If not, you are missing out on the third largest social network (already) on the Internet. Whereas other social networks (Twitter and Facebook) are focused on status updates and micro blogging, Pinterest focuses on pictures. In essence, it is a giant computerized corkboard where you can place all of your interests in one place.

Pinterest has become so popular that several celebrities have even jumped on the ‘pinning’ bandwagon. This includes President Barack Obama, Martha Stewart, and Alanis Morisette. Also, many of the businesses you have come to love have decided to use Pinterest to show off their product lines and develop interesting relationships with their clients.

So, I am sure that you are wondering – How can you possibly use Pinterest as an oracle for a reading? That’s the simple part!

The Astrology of 2015

The Astrology of 2015

In 2012, the major ‘astrological question’ was whether or not the Mayans had seen the future of mankind and had predicted the end of the world on Winter Solstice of that year. Well, obviously, the world did not come to an end – at least in the popular sense. However, that year a series of 7 squares between the planets of Uranus and Pluto began and perhaps our understanding of the world has ended and a new paradigm has begun.

In the last 4 years, the middle east has exploded with revolutions, Occupy Wall Street created a revolution of its own by coining “The 99%”, workers in Wisconsin protested new labor laws, women have been granted equal pay, gays can now serve openly in the military and can marry in 30 states, the racial divide has occurred once again in Missouri, and we are still “Keeping Up With the Kardashians”. Attempting to analyze these events through a political lens is perhaps futile, because we are all perhaps tainted by political ideologies. However, what is evident is an increasing disconnect between