Spirit of Astrology

You are likely to understand your general character very well. One strong feature is a response to beauty, with any artistic aptitude favouring singing and sometimes pottery and sculpturing attracting your creative skills. But you like things to be easy to come by so you will probably find that your choices are affected by this and you will tend to develop an already present personal talent. You appreciate and accumulate what others have created and tend to limit your own creativity.

In life you have a strong sense of  ‘when you’re on a good thing, stick to it’ mentality. You will be firm and reliable and will sometimes stay firm to a point of stubbornness that earns you this reputation. But because you like to build rather than destroy, most of your decisions will be made in a positive fashion in business enterprises, management, government and in personal relationships.

In regard to the latter, however, you are fixed in your attitudes, morals and ideas of fidelity whether this is in marriage or in friendships.

Change is not considered always a good idea to you. It often causes you a sense of disturbance rather than advancement.

Security is a large issue and this applies in all departments of your life. It is enhancement to have material possessions to assure you of stability, wealth and to satisfy your aesthetic sense.

Taureans tend to move slowly but are conscious of their personal power and influence. Strong and heavy as their symbol of the Bull, they have great inner powers to unleash when needed. This strength can be expressed in your nature as physical strength, emotional constancy, mental power to resist negative thoughts and ideas, or in your own unique application to a cause or commitment.

Your basic recipe may include some of the obvious features detailed above, but only by your personal horoscope will all the features that accent or detract from these inclinations, be determined.

We are reminded that each of us has the potential to develop any of the universal energies and qualities symbolized in the zodiacal signs. We have the seeds of them inherent in our human nature, destined to be cultivated by our free will.

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There are ongoing questions needing answers as we explore to the limits of our present capabilities the wonderful realities of the universe.

As we are identifying planets out in systems beyond ours, we also focus upon the question whether there are other previously unknown planets in our own Solar System, far out beyond Pluto or so close to the Sun that we cannot see them.

Recent publication in the New Scientist gives serious consideration to this subject and presents us with the image below  -

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Astronomy and Astrology are closely related grand sciences that help us to learn of the forms and forces that exist beyond our planet Earth. The former observes the visible heavenly bodies and the structure of the universe. The latter interprets their influences not only upon human nature but upon all life and events on our planet.

In regard to humans, there is third science of Psychology that so well should be part of the trio. It can analyze the personality and identify some of the keys that motivate the physical, emotional and mental responses of the individual human being or living creature to the invisible subtle weather patterns created by forces we cannot choose to ignore.

The three in concert provide a solid basis for strengthening our understanding of the link between the material and abstract worlds. We are reminded that the essential role of all science is to bring us closer, not only to realization of the extent and oneness of the whole of life but to help us, as individuals,  play a positive role in the grand scheme of things.

To be able to understand the worlds beyond our own in the Solar System and beyond, in our galaxy and further still, to other galaxies, requires a special expansion of our perceptions, our imagination and our comprehension. Few of us have these abilities so natural to astronomers.

It is easier for us to begin at the beginning and to contract our focus to our physical earth with all its people, its international, social and environmental issues and here start our journey in discovery of the wider universe.  We are inclined to desire a safer comfort zone to think of individuals, and even more do we feel at home when we contract our gaze to consider the familiar world of our own self.  It will not be long, however, before we feel confined and desire to expand to our limit before repeating the natural cycle of expansion and contraction that affects all creativity and growth.

It is here in the contraction zone we begin to apply the study of the science of Astrology, to learn of influences that affect our physical health, recognize our personality virtues and failings and identify our inherent or natural talents. Gradually we venture into the region of the more profound aspects of the soul and the understanding of others with all the complexities that are involved as we learn that not only individuals but nations and events are affected by the stars.

It is only when we feel confident in our increase of knowledge of fundamental Astrology, and wish to venture into the wider world of abstract thought and spiritual studies that we are prepared to experience inner realization of the reality of life’s greater truths. As we progress, our wisdom grows and all diverse knowledge becomes simplified through the alchemy of understanding.

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Astrology approaches its understanding of the psychology of human nature through observation and interpretation of the cosmic influences and energies of the zodiac, solar system and planets upon the whole human psyche. The science is based upon the ancient system with its firm traditional basis for analysis that includes character, health factors, human relationships and circumstances as well as national and wider issues that affect our globe.

Astro-Psychology, in its study of individual human nature, begins simply with the serious consideration of the zodiacal birth sign. We learn to appraise the identified positive characteristics of ‘our sign’ and find it easy enough to accept that these virtues are inherent in us.  Not so easy, but equally necessary, is our attention to the negative traits. Although commonly shared as inherent weaknesses in us all, they are particularly evident in us and in others of the same birth sign as our own.

In evaluating these good or bad tendencies or traits, we must do so on the understanding that we personally may not have learned or wish to express these particular qualities of our birth sign. In this case, they remain as certain energies or resources to which we have easy access when and if we choose to utilize them.

It is our free will that determines our life course and pathway and allows us to travel the easier routes and highways that astrology is able to indicate, or directs us to choose a pathway off the beaten track. The decision is always ours, no matter what subtle influence prevails in the weather of the starry heavens. However, as the farmer is wise to make hay when the sun shines, there are life activities and efforts that are likely to be more successful when the planetary climate is conducive to productive outcomes. So we begin to be aware, beyond earthly weather patterns, to observe the ‘climate of the skies’.

The benefits of learning all the zodiacal signs and their faults and virtues, including our own, is to broaden our understanding and acknowledge the differences in people around us. It is a wise exercise with beneficial outcomes.

Just as the science of psychology has found certain ground rules and common factors in human nature and behavior that provide us with a sense of common ground with others, astrology as a science is complex in order to extend suggestions as to why we are as we are. This applies in all spheres of our being and in our common goal for self growth and excellence in achievement, physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual.

A simple balanced approach is advised so that we don’t make the mistake of thinking that the stars rule us in a way that obliterates free will. Nor do we wish extreme self assertion so as to challenge or blame all the energies of great nature rather than trying to harness them.

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The zodiacal sign in which the Sun is placed in the month and on the day you were born, is known as your Sun Sign or Birth Sign, and is the familiar one that you claim as your own.

The Ascendant or Rising Sign is the ‘other sign’ which you must consider to be of equal importance in addition to the Sun Sign. It is the sign on the eastern horizon at the minute you took first breath and exerts a strong influence. Every 2 hours in succession, another sign will appear above the horizon, so that is why it is important to know the hour, and the minute if possible, of your birth before a professional astrologer can give you an accurate analysis of your chart. 

As the Sun Sign attributes relate to the inner self, the one that you know as your true self or soul, the Rising Sign or Ascendant relates to your personality, your appearance and the traits that you outwardly display to the world.

Both Signs have a strong influence and both must be considered when you are using Astrology to try to understand your own character.  We all know that we are complex in nature, with many differing and sometimes contrary expressions that not only can confuse those wanting to get to know us, but can sometimes be confusing to us also.

Simplify the task!  Focus upon just two Signs – your Sun Sign and your Rising Sign.

If, for example, your Sun Sign is Pisces and your Rising Sign or Ascendant is found to be Aries it will indicate that your innate nature and your outer personality are very different and sometimes in opposition to each other. The sensitive, unselfish and rather mystical Pisces nature of your inner self will have to contend with your outer personality that is very positive and assertive, ambitious and self motivated. Another combination will of course be quite different.

The Rising Sign is usually different from your Sun Sign, but this depends entirely upon what time of day it was at your birth. Sometimes it may be that you are born Aries, for instance, and your also have Aries on the Ascendant. This will intensify all your Arian characteristics.

Through our free will and self discipline, our purpose is to learn how to happily blend and harmonize all features and characteristics in our nature.

 While waiting for information to confirm your Rising Sign, perhaps you may like to test your own intuition.  Read carefully the characteristics regularly listed as being typical of each of the twelve Signs and see if you can identify which may be your ‘other sign’! There are many books and references available.

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It is generally a dominant need of us all to we can understand our emotions and particularly our love nature and why we feel as we do. We also should be willing to know the causes of any negative emotional reactions, so we can learn to channel our energy more positively.

In the case of our well known Sun Sign there is no doubt that basic analysis will show that  our emotional nature, say in the case of Taurus, will be of strong attachment to people and to material affections but in the extreme can become a possessive tendency in relationships. Also, that an Aquarian finds it easier to love the whole world, impersonally, than to cope with specific needs of a particular friend.  There are many features common to others who share your zodiacal sign.

But seeking further, look to the placement of the Moon in your birth chart, one drawn up by a professional astrologer. The zodiacal sign where the Moon was located at your time of birth is a good indicator of how you really feel.

The Moon has a direct relationship to human feelings and our emotional tides and moods. Like the Moon, our feelings easily change and are of a different quality from our thoughts. Women have an even closer correspondence with the moon’s energies. It’s cyclic patterns are reflected in the female monthly menstrual cycle as well as the waxing and waning quality referred to both in jest and in earnestness as the female trait.

Whether you are male or female, if the Moon is found in one of the zodiacal signs that is related to the natural element of water, such as Cancer, or Pisces for instance, it will point to an abundance of emotional energy, either latent, or expressed already in your nature. It will explain why your reactions are extremely sensitive to hurt in the former, and why you may tend to have vague yearnings of a mystical nature as in the latter.

If the Moon is found in a sign such as Aries, or in any other fiery sign such as Leo, it will in turn suggest differently. The first would tend to have strong and passionate feelings and not be inclined to sensitivity of others. The latter in Leo would be influenced to be more generous and outgoing with affection. The science is confident in knowing that all general traits and resources of all the zodiacal signs are well proven.

The Moon is the planet (so-called for convenience in astrology) that sets our emotional reactor going. It has the power to activate our emotional resources and help us to feel loving or antagonistic, peaceful or angry, and hopefully, in the main to feel optimistic and happy. It represents the magnetic power that is associated with all that is female and gentle in contrast with the masculine strength of the Sun.

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From the blank circular map with its twelve divisions looking like slices of a pie, we begin to mark the unique factors and influences that converge upon the individual in question. These divisions denote areas of the heavens and are known as the ‘Houses’. Although the planetary bodies move position, the House divisions remain constant in the birth chart.

Each House is of 30 degrees or one twelfth of the circle. In the system known as the ‘Equal House Division’ the houses are numbered anti-clockwise from the horizon point on the left of the circle with the first being the 30 degree or part thereof appearing on the horizon at your time of birth. Each House is important as it relates to a different aspect of your life and influences the reading and interpretation of your horoscope.

First the Rising Sign is placed on the left horizon showing the zodiacal signature and its degree. The Rising Sign has influence or rulership over the First House. Then we can enter the rest of the zodiacal Signs in natural sequence which runs anti-clockwise.  For example, should your Rising Sign be Cancer and influences matters associated with the First House, the next Sign, Leo, will be ruler over the Second House.

After you have placed all the zodiacal Signs, it is time to enter the placements of planets. If you accept that your place in the universe is represented as the dot in the centre of the chart, each House represents a particular area of the total sky, both above and below the horizon, in which the located positions of the sun, moon and planets at your birth are then recorded. These planetary placements are accurately calculated and recorded in the official astronomical ephemeris that serves as the astrologer’s guidebook.

We begin by entering the Sun symbol in its familiar zodiacal Sign. This may occur in any of the twelve houses. It establishes a firm beginning to know, if it turns out that the Sun, which is considered a bountiful influence, is placed in your Second House it will certainly have a positive affect upon your possessions and material circumstances as it will have a strong influence upon partnerships if placed in the Seventh House.

Into its appropriate position is placed the Moon, followed by all the other planets. The planets occupying each of the houses influence matters traditionally associated with that House. This will have a direct affect in modifying or intensifying some of the assessments to provide yet another important factor in a complexity of influences. All factors are taken into consideration in the very demanding and complex art of ‘reading’ a horoscope a task that at its best, is both a science and an art.

Only experienced astrologers trained to interpret the so called ‘progressions’ can indicate the changing circumstances and possible forecasts of future conditions to which we will respond.

For quick reference regarding the concerns of each House –

1^st          refers to appearance and personality

2^nd          possessions and finance

3^rd          family, mental interests and travel

4^th          domestic and property

5^th          pleasures and education

6^th             health and service

^7th          marriage and partnerships

8^th           life plans and legacies

9^th          philosophy and religion

10^th        career and worldly status

11^th         social life and friendships

12^th        limitations and karmic difficulties

Ask your astrologer to tell you more!

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An astrological chart can be compared with a recipe or registration of the various invisible energies of the cosmos that are received by our planet to influence life on the earth. These various energies from space, that at any moment in time constitute an invisible climate, that  influences us as we draw our first breath and continue to affect our personality, attitudes and decisions throughout our lifetime. The tendencies function in our nature together with our independent and powerful faculty of self determination and free will.

A chart of the astrological energies can be drawn up to record any given moment in time and can be for different purposes including the initiation of an enterprise or the birth of an idea.

However, we are concerned here with the Birth Chart that describes so much that we wish to know about ourselves. The Birth Chart is retained for years and upgraded by astrologers who can give continued counsel by drafting subsequent planetary changes in later years by what is known as the system of Progressions.

The western system adopts a circle as the basic symbol in the chart to represent the whole sky or cosmos. The individual is perceived as the dot in the centre around which the 360 degrees of the heavens revolves. The circle is divided into the twelve zodiacal divisions of equal size 30 degrees known as the ‘Houses’.

Perspective is taken from the individual central dot in marking the line of the horizon – with the termination of the line on the left representing the east or point of ‘rising’ of the sun and other planetary bodies. The horizontal line termination point on the right represents their settings as they slip below our sight. The highest central point above is known as the Midheaven.

Now we must refer to an astronomical ephemeris and use the exact minute, or near as possible, of the individual’s birth time and date, to establish the degree of the Sign on the horizon. This could be any one of the twelve signs of the Zodiac. We enter this information on the left horizon, using the appropriate symbols to register what is now identified as the individual’s Rising Sign. The House below the horizon will be known as the First House, ruled by that Sign.

The other zodiacal signs can then be placed, following an anti-clockwise sequence. Each Sign will have a strong influence over the House over which it is ruler.

What follows are the placements of the Sun, Moon and planets in their appropriate astronomical positions as described in the ephemeris, together with the degree which will directly affect their placement in the chart and help to determine also which House or section of the chart they will occupy.

Attendant to the drafting of a Chart, once the Rising Sign and planetary positions are entered, are further important entries of reference. These are entries that record the number of planets in certain elements. Tradition identifies the twelve Signs as having a classification of either Fire, Earth, Air or Water. The number of planets in Fire signs indicates the proportionate energy relating to courage, motivation and spiritual aspiration. Those in Earth account for a person’s practicality, reliability and material values. The Air element indicates intellectual, abstract or communication abilities. Water signs show the degree of emotionalism, mutability and adaptability.

Most complex of all and of great importance are the Aspects that represent the relationships between the different planets. These are vital to result in clear analysis, in giving guidance, helping to determine a life path or career, to indicate health details, and to identify our talents and failings, good fortune and difficulties.

Your Astrological Chart should therefore begin to appear as a complex map of your nature requiring time and interest to learn the extent of its secrets. Most of us are content to understand the simple basics of Sun Sign, Moon Sign, and Rising Sign in seeking to understand ourselves.

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There are times to review our positive efforts and check that we are seeking to achieve in the direction most suited to our hearts, minds and abilities.

This can be achieved by simple reflection, by meditation, by a disciplined session of self talk or by other means, one being a fresh reading and interpretation of your birth chart and the appropriate progressions. An experienced astrologer can provide wise counsel through the impersonal element of professionalism. Someone who knows you well cannot help but be biased. We are also more than inclined to be biased ourselves!

In the spirit of astrology that seeks to keep aspiration and personal culture attuned to the ideal of ultimate development of the soul we seek to offer a reminder of matters that are currently our concern by having been born under one main zodiacal influence this life.

Our birth signs offer us inspiration as our imagination identifies with the finest expression of our Sun Sign and will often give us the self confidence to cope with the problems that are universally applicable to our own life and to all others who share the same astrological sign.

This is a simple path that helps us sometimes through the labyrinth of multiple influences and choices that we are presented with when we explore the complexity of astrology.

To avoid becoming too hard and fast in absorbing information or any interpretation, it is a balancing thought to recall that human souls development occurs over aeons of time so there is no feeling of rush or fear that we cannot correct any ill-advised attitude or action.  In other words, our attitude should be a relaxed one.

Until you consult with your astrologer, if that is your choice, you may like to read of the essential spiritual strengths believed to be inherent in those born in each sign.

Aries the warrior, the initiator, the pioneer – defending the good, the true and the beautiful – with a need for patience and quieter emotions. This person volunteers, inspires and motivates

Taurus – the builder, producer and accumulator with strong, constructive purpose that can be interpreted as stubborn. With a need for some adaptation to circumstances. To shelter others.

Gemini – the restless, creative free artistic spirit that excites and travels far, in mind and body to find new horizons needs a resting place in the mind and soul to refresh the inner self.

Cancer – the caring teacher, sensitive to all, nourishes maternally and expresses unlimited qualities of the Moon. Needs overcome response to shrink in hurt or in shy retreat from life.

Leo – the lion hearted king that rules in sun-like dominance, power and generosity – needs only to avoid insensitivity to others. Love naturally gives, but also learns to receive.

Virgo – the focus is on detail, meticulous attention to work to warrant the name perfectionist for the desire and with the capacity to serve well. Others can receive too harsh their criticism.

Libra – seek balance, fairness in partnership and all things – so beauty, harmony, justice are the fields of expression and romance. But life is not always just. Decisions are made with difficulty.

Scorpio – is the investigator, researcher whose nature plumbs the depths and perceives the heights of success through use of will. Such intensity needs a softer touch in all things.

Sagittarius – known for sagacity, the teacher, counsellor – the free spirit that aspires to taste all, experience all, and to benefit others. To conserve rather than to scatter interest and energies is the lesson.

Capricorn – the traditional, faithful companion, perfect diplomat or manager – noble in action, cautious, yet determined in honour, ambition and in willingness to employ prudence and perseverance in the dealings with others.

Aquarius – humanitarian and scientist by nature, is called to enterprises for the world, in aid that is for the many rather than the few. Needs personal satisfaction and to think of self, also.

Pisces –the poet and dreamer has rare tools in compassion, sympathy, and sensitivity to reach in consciousness the abstract worlds where new ideas are born. Learns to be practical as well as learning psychic self defence.

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The seed of every possible human quality is within each of us and to these we respond. The more we are inspired to cultivate all the virtues and express them in our character, the richer our spiritual life develops as a natural reward for allowing them to grow and flourish in a spontaneous, organic cultivation that is entirely natural to our soul.

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We know the Moon and its qualities and its magnetic power that is strong enough to pull the tidal waters of our world, as it pulls the sap upward in plants and draws our human life blood towards stimulation of our brains. Even stronger is that part of our psyche that corresponds and reacts to the moon – our emotional nature.

So the Moon affects the brain and therefore our thought but additionally rules the liquid nature of our changing feelings and emotions. We bear this in mind when considering how the placement of the Moon in the Houses of our personal Chart is likely to affect us.

As the Moon represents the receptive, female polarity in nature, females are especially sensitive to it and to its relationship with other planets. It also symbolizes the Mother principle and form, as the Sun will indicate the Father or spirit.

From intensive research it is established that the following basic influences apply but cannot stand alone and must be assessed alongside all other astrological factors.

Moon in 1^st House – physical sensitivity, imagination, psychic, personal responses strong

Moon in 2^nd House – fluctuations in health, wealth and relationships, materialistic values

Moon in 3^rd House – emotional relationships, travel interests, studies, family ties important

Moon in 4^th House – home refuge, domestic life, maternal influence, emotional security

Moon in 5^th House – strong creative energies, physical and mental, needs positive thought

Moon in 6^th House – values purity in all things, but can become hyper critical of others

Moon in 7^th House – increases strong emotional needs in marriage and enduring partnerships

Moon in 8^th House – legacies or benefits from others, health and emotions need controlling

Moon in 9^th House – strong affection for study, literature, travel and spiritual matters

Moon in 10^th House – inclines to practicality of thoughts and interests and ambitions

Moon in 11^th House – impersonal thought, social work and humanitarian responses strong

Moon in 12^th House – introvert nature, self-sacrificing, needs defence from imposition  

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Following these considerations, we must look to the relationship that exists in the individual’s Chart between the Moon and the other planetary bodies. These are known as the Aspects and they cast energies that minimize or maximize the basic inclinations.

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