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introduction

What is astrology?

Astrology is the study of energies and qualities and their effect upon us. It is an ancient science, tens of thousands of years old; one that the wise and very learned have used as well as fools. Great scientists and thinkers such as Tycho Brahe, Johannes Kepler, Isaac Newton, and Nicholas Copernicus used astrology as a tool to understand and unlock secrets of their known universe. Renowned authors such as Geoffrey Chaucer, Dante Allegheri, John Milton, William Shakespeare, and Ralph Waldo Emerson, through their writings, showed a knowledge of this art. Carl Jung devised an astrological experiment with the charts of four hundred couples. Even St. Thomas Aquinas included astrology in his “meta” or transcendent view of life and existence.

Astrology is a science, an art and an experiment. As a science it involves the study of certain energies, forces, and data. The energies and forces normally produce predictable effects. Data has been gathered for millennia about the perceived effects produced by predictable movements of planets, and stars, and the energies conveyed by them. As an art, astrology draws upon that which is deeper and has meaning. It asks us to interpret all factors in relation to each other as well as to our current state of awareness. The art is interpretation: discerning the value of these influences upon and in one’s life.  Astrology is an experiment because we do not know what the final outcome of any astrological influence will be. We can predict, make good guesses, assume – but the human psyche is complex and how it outpictures its reality is even more so. Therefore the experimental nature of astrology lies in the fact that conscious growth is possible; that it will occur in such and such ways is probable; but it is also absolutely true that nothing is set in stone.

Astrology sees life in terms of evolutionary potential. The potential for every human being is greater conscious awareness. This is achieved through the cyclic impacts of the energies of the planets and signs. These impacts produce effects within our lives, our psyche, the nations of the world, and the whole earthy globe. The challenge and opportunity is to participate more in one’s growth. This lies in an understanding of the sea of forces that condition the ebb and flow of our lives. We cannot master these forces, just as we cannot master the sea, but we can become aware of the currents and use them to our betterment.

Astrology is geocentric*. In other words, astrology is based on our perspective from the Earth (Greek “geo”—the Earth). The Earth is where we stand and look out to the heavens. Astrology is the study of the effects of the stellar and planetary energies upon us here on Earth. Our horoscope or natal chart is drawn up according to our birthplace as well the date, time and minute when we took our first breath in this life.

Esoteric astrology streams from the understanding that everything is a life—from the tiniest atom to a galaxy and beyond. All levels of life share their energies or qualities with all other lives. Therefore the heavenly bodies, known to man as stars and planets, are actually Beings that share their energies and qualities with us.

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the moon

The Moon symbolizes our feeling nature, how we respond in the world, how we nurture and want to be nurtured. The domain of the Moon refers to our emotions, how we live them, as well as what we need to feel safe and secure. The Moon in our charts speaks to our needs and what will satisfy them. The element and sign in which the Moon is found has much to do with how we automatically address these issues in life.

The Moon brings forward into the present lifetime qualities we have developed as strengths in the past. As a result, lunar responses or reactions are those that are ingrained, automatic, or instinctual. Therefore, we might not be conscious of these lunar tendencies or automatic patterns of behavior. In understanding the Moon, we begin to understand how we automatically respond to situations and with people in our lives; we begin to see what we expect of others because we need them to do as we do, to be as we are naturally and easily; and when that is not the case, we can get frustrated, disappointed, or hurt.

Since the Moon is of the past, it is associated with childhood: how we were as a child, what we learned as a child that has become the patterns we live out as adults; and the type of love and nurturance or lack thereof that we received growing up. As we mature we are expected to outgrow or leave behind the lunar tendencies that are often followed without thought or unconsciously.

The Moon is absorptive and receptive, waxing and waning with the light of the Sun. The Moon in our chart is a primary tool used by the Sun-self in the world, one that the Sun wants to fill with its own light. The Moon in the sky shines because the Sun shines on it; so it is within our self – the more light of the Sun-self is allowed to shine, the more the Moon is used to its fullest potential, utilizing the strengths of the past, adjusting the automatic tendencies of the present, and cultivating potential qualities for the future. This is the waxing and waning process within us.

The Moon is associated with and symbolizes the mother or feminine principle. Therefore, it shows how we ‘mother’ others, regardless of our gender. It often speaks of how we were mothered (or nurtured by our father as well), or our relationship with our mother. It also shows how we need to be nurtured or mothered.

The Moon’s placement tends to be important in conditioning the imagination, whether we are inclined in imagination to worry or project scenarios, or replay the past. The Moon also indicates our artistic abilities. It is associated with our general sympathies, what we are innately drawn to or not, what we appreciate and expect as well as what we do not. Much about the way that we love or need to be loved has to do with the placement of the Moon.

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uranus

Uranus is the first of the three transpersonal planets, all at the outer reaches of the solar system. Unable to be seen with the naked eye, each of these planets pertains to that which is subtle, not personal, and tends toward the universal; yet each has a very personal effect on us.

Uranus is the planet of change, experienced through revolution, renovation, reformation, and redesign to fit a new paradigm or concept. As the planet of change, it is not very predictable. The only certainty is that some kind of change will be required. Uranus comes ‘out of the blue;’ most often we did not see it coming and did not think change was needed.

Uranus is a lightning bolt filled with kinetic, electrical energy that must be grounded in order for the charge to be

dispersed; in doing so Uranus re-patterns that which it touches. When it grounds in a country it brings change to economic, political, or sociological systems. When it grounds in the arts or culture, it brings new forms of art, architecture, and clothing, as well as a new appreciation for form, use of color, and our environment. Social structures get updated or revolutionized. For example during the 1900-1920s the Western world broke free from Victorian mores resulting in an early version of the sexual revolution. This was revisited and brought to a new level in the 1960s with the ‘me generation’ when flower children with sex, drugs, and rock-n-roll paved the way for the Cultural Revolution that re-patterned and created the life that we now live in the West. And as the West has brought its forms of economy and democracy to developing countries around the world, they are asking if this way is the only way, if these debt based social structures should be embraced by new nations. 

Uranus is a radical. It spins on an axis perpendicular to the Sun, its head or North Pole pointed directly towards the Sun. In metaphysics the head or crown and crown chakra is related to will. In this case, the will is to be distinct, unique, alternative, and to express in a way that leaves a mark on the world, makes an impression, and changes one’s environment. This can lead to eccentric behavior or change for change sake, irrational or erratic behavior, as well as absolute brilliance and genius.

Uranus is inventive and innovative. It does not leave things as they are. It will always look for the short-cut, the essential, or the core issue. It jumps steps, jumps usually to the correct conclusion, and might create a manual for others, but never uses one.

Uranus is the planet of the sciences, especially the higher, abstract ones, and electricity. Thus all inventions and discoveries are Uranian by nature. It is amazing to note that around the time of Uranus’ discovery in 1786 many things were also discovered or invented. The changes in the life and evolution of humanity are profound.

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The signs - exoteric meaning

Aries
Aries is the beginning of the journey. It represents the potency of Life rushing forward in the urge to be. This fiery force drives man into incarnation. In Aries he is full of passion and zeal and begins all sorts of endeavors.

Taurus
These endeavors bring him to the matters of earth. The impulse of life is given form. In Taurus, he makes an art of living. He looks upon the whole world, including his body, as a feast to be enjoyed. Here he is filled with desire – sensuous, sexual, and attracting. He satiates all his appetites but inevitably finds that possessing is not enough.

Gemini
In Gemini he can begin the process of self-discovery. He finds that he is more than his possessions; he is a thinker as well. This is his first sense of duality. Like a wide-eyed child he begins to ask why. He becomes curious and explores through conversations and discussions with people. All kinds of superficial thoughts fill his mind. He runs from one encounter to another. “Talk to me about this.” “Let’s talk about that.” He finds himself in great activity trying to capture knowledge. Yet here in Gemini he lacks depth. Now there are two forms of pleasure – the things of the earth and the things of the mind.

Cancer
Superficiality in Gemini and sensuality in Taurus are not enough. He   draws all unto himself so that a foundation can be built around him (home). He yearns for a family. From him civilization may grow and prosper. The first foundation is the family. His caring and nurturing extend only to his immediate family. He is inclined to think like everyone else rather than standing out from the crowd. Mass consciousness is the keynote of this sign. He nurtures others and in    Cancer he finds that he is nurtured as well.

Leo
Through nurturing he has found something intrinsic within himself in which he can stand. Leo steps away from the tribal consciousness of Cancer. He uses the secure foundation of the family to establish an empire created in his image. In Leo he becomes king. He stands with presence and pride and looks back at his accomplishments in the other signs. Leo says, “This is me.” He learns to rule, dominate, control and have others orbit around him.

Virgo
After a time man begins to realize that power alone does not satisfy; there will    always be a force stronger than his own to challenge him. In Virgo he explores how the mind and expertise can serve him. Eventually he discovers the benefit of serving others using these skills. Additionally in Virgo, humility and purity begin to be cultivated.

Libra
He moves into Libra in order to find fulfillment in relationship. There he sees that people are conflicted. He wants to help and mediate differences but also wants to be liked. In Libra he learns the meaning of balance, of carefully weighing values, and achieving equilibrium between pairs of opposites. Initially he does and says things that won’t upset others, maintaining peace at all costs. Generally he finds himself choosing to maintain the status quo, living a state of compromise and dependence, and choosing to underplay his own role in determining his destiny.

Scorpio
As life proceeds, his intensity of feeling and reaction grows and becomes an indication of what he has to control. In Scorpio he falls into deep waters, becomes mean, spiteful, and devious. For a long time he stays in darkness. It is the destiny of all to face the tests and trials of Scorpio. Life is, in fact, a constant battle, laden with conflict. Here the desire nature in all its forms must be dealt with.

Sagittarius
Finally he lifts himself up. He becomes a seeker working toward his desire to understand. He travels the world and also journeys in the realms of thought. He just wants to be happy. The major theme for Sagittarius is direction. Although he is on the move, he has yet to find a direction that keeps him steady for long. Traveling, he seeks guidance from those whom he thinks can teach him.

Capricorn
He tries to emulate those who are successful. He thinks his desires will be met by climbing to the top. He climbs the mountain of achievement in Capricorn. It is a hard journey. His ambition pushes him on, even if it means stepping on others who are in the way. He finally gets to the top through self-discipline, effort, and hardship only to find that the people at the top do not have the answers either. The success he achieved is not satisfying.

Aquarius
At first he goes down the mountain disillusioned and searching for the teacher. In Aquarius, he needs to be filled, for his initial desire is still not satisfied. He looks for something to identify with—a Utopian ideal—and so he flits from one group to another seeking something greater than himself. He does not receive the satisfaction that he is looking for.

Pisces
The last step is Pisces. Here he has lost all sense of self. Rudderless, he almost drowns. He sinks into the subconscious and as if in a dream, hears “Get up and go forth.” In this dream state he realizes what was wrong with the way he had been living. He had been preoccupied only with matter. He has now passed through all possible human experiences, and yet his consciousness has not grown. The reason he made this journey in the first place was to expand and grow. Consciousness had to be explored, not just the satiation of the flesh. With this realization he remembers the words “Go forth,” and so …

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Virgo

Virgo is the sign of service in which we see how things could or ‘should’ be done. It is a sign of doing, of rendering back, of harvesting the wealth of learning, and storing things away ‘for a rainy day.’ Virgo realizes that today is the result of what was sown yesterday, and that what we do today will reap a harvest or result tomorrow. Therefore, Virgo moves in a methodical, predictable, unhurried, and exacting way.

In Leo the sense of ego was developed and given full sway. In Virgo a quiet, humble responsibility is cultivated and lived. Virgo is not out for the spotlight, and in fact usually avoids being the center of attention. Virgo is unassuming, often meek, behind the scenes, and yet vital to the functioning of the whole. Therefore Virgo often does its work quietly, unobtrusively, humbly, and just because it needs to be done.

Virgo has expertise in the manipulation matter, how to understand the workings of matter, how things come apart, are put together, and what is found inside. The mechanics of anything—a machine, the body, a mind, or a mathematical equation are the domain of Virgo. The how and why of something is what intrigues, delights, and relaxes the Virgoan type.

Virgo has a sense of perfection—of perfect form.  Virgo knows that when the ‘right’ way is followed the ‘right’ result is achievable. Virgoan perfection, purity and correctness related to form often demonstrates as a nit-picky-ness or as a compulsion to correct and be correct. This also often means that the Virgoan types have a low sense of self-worth or self-esteem, as they are unable to measure up to their own self-imposed standards.

Virgoan types are decidedly matter-of-fact. Virgo believes that empirical evidence is the best kind and is often skeptical of what is not tangible or within the parameters of their own personal experience. They are grounded and practical by nature, a follow-through kind of person, and do not easily understand impulsiveness or spontaneity. Conservative and resourceful, Virgo uses the matter that is available, re-inventing, re-configuring, and using to the fullest extent what is at hand.

The Virgo is the worker in the fields, not the leader or executive. Virgo is the secretary, the research assistant, the car mechanic, the locksmith, or technician. Virgo is the accountant, the electrician, or the camera man. All of these are on the inside, behind the curtain, and out of the public eye. Virgo is the laborer, the servant, the door person. Each of these roles is vital to the functioning of the whole of society and life in general. Leo would die in these roles; Virgo thrives.

The sign of harvest, Virgo is about the hard work of the harvest, and the practical process of harvesting, and the ways in which the fruits of the harvest can be utilized. Virgo is the virgin maid carrying the sheath of wheat, yet she is not done with her task until the wheat has been gathered, the wheat winnowed from chaff, ground at the mill into flour, and baked into bread. Also, her task is not completed until the seeds for next year’s planting are stored safe and dry, the oxen have been fed from the chaff, and the rest used for thatching the roof. And so we can see the meticulous use of all that is available. Nothing is wasted. Everything is seen as a resource and has a purpose.

The purity of the virgin is a metaphor used in many cultures and religions. Symbolically, Virgo and the virgin are the pure matter out of which the soul is born. This, too, is handled in a matter-of-fact, quiet way. Consciousness can grow only when the body, mind, and habits have been purified.

Virgo is an earth sign and, like all earth signs, is practical, resourceful and at ease with the matter aspect. Virgo is a hard worker who generally works with humility to fill a need. A Virgo person has the facility to adapt any form to the immediate requirement. Virgo is diligent and thorough, often to a fault. The Virgoan type might not start something unless they are assured that it can be completed and done well. This earth sign, like Taurus, takes the time necessary to accomplish a task. Timing is measured not by the clock but according to how long it takes to accomplish the desired result.

Virgo is a mutable sign and, like all mutable signs, brings flexibility, adaptability and multiplicity to its process. Although these qualities are expressed primarily on mental levels, they work out through practical applications, creative methods, and in systems that are efficient and productive. The combination of mutable earth leads to analysis, dissection, and the digestion of information. Ways of doing things are devised, used, and relied upon.

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Libra

Libra is a sign of balance, beauty, and relationship. The innate principle that seeks expression is right human relations. This demonstrates through the relationship that Librans seek with another person. A Libran’s modus operandi is to maintain harmony in its relationships with others.            

Libra is also a sign of beauty; this is often demonstrated in the surroundings and environment that a Libran will choose. More important than this, however is the Libran understanding and opinion of how people should be with one another, and the way they should treat one another. Harmony then becomes the litmus test and the measure of the way things should be. Harmony is beauty, harmony is right relations, and right relations are peaceful and nice.

For a Libran, this concept of right relations is the reason for being. Each sign offers a particular concept into the human psyche or a specific quality into life. Taurus offers beauty of the form and the ability to work hard to create it. Cancer offers nurturance. Leo offers the identity of the self. ‘Right relations’ is the concept, ideal, and hoped for reality that Libra brings to humanity. To Libra, ‘right relations’ is not a pluralism meaning multiple relationships that are good or nice. Right relations means relating in a harmonious way always.                  

‘Right relations’ is also a task. Relations by their nature are dynamic, changeable, and dependent upon the mood, state, ideas, and constructs that each person brings to the relationship. To keep harmony among two people, among parties, or among nations requires an understanding of many considerations. It also requires a shared understanding of what right relations might be. This is the challenge for a Libran. Libra has a clear sense of what that should look like, feel like, and be like; but someone else who is not Libran, will have a different opinion and personal experience of what right relations can be, and how to accomplish this goal. The task for the Libran becomes one of balancing – balancing the many opinions, needs, methods, and desires that are part of relating.

Relating takes work. Therefore, often Libran types will establish a middle place, a status quo between people (including themselves as part of the status quo), and with quiet ceaseless will, they maintain what to the Libran is a balance. Then the work involves maintaining the status quo, not rocking the boat, and keeping things nice so that everyone is pleased and no one wants to change the current way things are.

Tact and diplomacy are traits of Libra. Use of the couching phrase is innate to them, as is the use of compliment in place of criticism. They are adept at disarming a person so they cannot be the adversary or opponent. The challenge is to not sound disingenuous, patronizing, or false.

The symbol for Libra is the balancing scales. Librans are generally moderate, conservative and supportive. When Libran types feel the scales tip, or envision that they might, they move into action. The way they move into action is with words, “Have you thought about this?” or “It might be nice if…” Librans always have an agenda – keeping things nice – but they do not want you to know that, and want you to feel empowered to make the relations nice yourself. Libra wants to teach the lesson by closing off all other paths but the ‘right’ one – but no one might be aware of this strategy. And Libra is not out to do any harm; that would not be right! Yet this natural need for balance, nicety, and the status quo means that there is also a natural tendency to manipulate; all for good Libran reasons.

Libra is an air sign and, as with all air signs, operates primarily on the level of mind. Libra spends a lot of time in the mind thinking about how to communicate; always considering what would be most appropriate way to get the message across in the ‘correct’ manner, all from the Librans perspective of what is correct.  Libra is a networker, talking with others about life, what they like, and how they would like to live in the world. The Libran mental focus and emphasis on justice has led to the creation of our laws and legal system. Librans often take an interest in how to communicate the law to the people – how to educate and how to implement the rules of etiquette and right behavior.

Indecision can be a problem for Librans. This is the result of the combination of the balancing scales and the air element of Libra. Librans often consciously strategize but in the end allow others to make decisions for them. At the time they will be confident that the decision was the right one – exactly what they wanted. They might say that the issue was not important. However, they will often have second thoughts about it later and will often say they had wished things had worked out otherwise.

Libra is a cardinal sign. All cardinal signs bring a principle into the human consciousness. Obviously that principle is right relations. The Libran will not be moved from this position although they will make it seem that everyone is moving together toward harmony. The Libran, like Aries, is a sign of will, drive, and action, but unlike Aries, the action is not driven by self-concern but by their need for relationship with another and discovering harmony through that union.

Two of the cardinal signs are straight-speaking and straightforward – Aries and Capricorn. Two of the cardinal signs are circuitous in their speech and tactics – Cancer and Libra. These two will manipulate – Cancer through emotions and feelings, Libra through words about feelings or the rationalization of emotions. Aries and Capricorn on the other hand, might be so straight as to be abrupt, crude, or even abusive.

The cardinal cross is the cross or mode of life’s primary instinctual design and purpose. Each of the cardinal signs will not be derailed or deposed from their purpose. Aries is the life impulse to BE. Cancer is the life impulse to ground and form collective units. Libra is the life impulse to relate and bring harmony. Capricorn as we will see is the life impulse to achieve and surmount. Libra and Cancer accomplish their purposes often times in a sideward or circuitous manner. We might not know that we have been steered in their direction until all is said and done. Yet with Aries and Capricorn there is no mistake and we know what is going on in the moment.

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ascendant

The Ascendant (ASC) is the beginning point of the natal chart/horoscope. It signifies the instant that the first breath was taken in the life. It is also called the Rising sign because it is the zodiacal sign that was rising over the horizon at the moment of birth. It therefore creates the horizon in the natal chart. The Ascendant is the most significant point in the chart both exoterically and esoterically for a number of reasons.

Exoterically:

• It begins the chart and establishes where the planets are placed around the wheel. The time of birth determines the house placement of the planets. Without the time of birth one cannot know where the energies will play out in the life. For the houses are ‘the where’, indicating the particular arena of life in which a planetary energy will play out.
• The Ascendant is the doorkeeper of the first house, the house of one’s appearance and the physical body. Hence it conditions the general look and tone of the physical body, as well as our attitude toward it.
• The Ascendant rules the first house and therefore how we present ourselves to the world and the first impressions that we make.
• The Ascendant represents our public face and so it can be the mask worn to conceal our inner nature.
• The Ascendant shows how we impact our environment as well as how we adapt to it.

Esoterically:

1. From the angle of consciousness, the Ascendant signifies the life purpose. It tells us what the purpose of the life is as well as how it can be achieved. In other words, the Ascendant is that which we are stretching into as a growing being. It indicates the direction toward which we are pointed time and again in the life. The Ascendant is unavoidable; it represents a goal that wants to be achieved. From the perspective of consciousness, the Ascendant holds the reason why we incarnated and chose the time of birth that we did.
2. The Ascendant also holds the qualities which the Sun sign needs to surrender into or learn to include. According to Alice Bailey, the Sun represents “the present problem”  and the Ascendant shows how that problem will be resolved. The resolution lies in stretching into the possibilities that are offered by the Ascendant. As we grow and consciously choose to incorporate the qualities of the Ascendant we bring the future into the present.

So we see how important the Ascendant is in our life. Since it rules and conditions the first house, it determines how we greet and interact with the world. The Ascendant determines the impact and effect we will have on our immediate environment and the usual manner in which this will occur. Spiritually, it represents the method par excellence of growth and illumination.

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