Jupiter's Dance with Aries

Jupiter’s Dance with Aries by Carole A. Ward
All through the year 2010, Jupiter has been uncharacteristically active. While our largest planet’s usual MO is to transit each zodiac sign once every twelve months, visiting for awhile before changing signs approximately once per year; 2010 is an exception to the rule.

For instance, we began the year with Jupiter finishing up his transit through Aquarius before transitioning over to Pisces on January 19. Jupiter then made a mad dash through Pisces on his way to a meeting with Aries on June 6. I know what Pisces must be thinking: “Jeesh! That’s hardly time for a quick cup of tea!” Well, Pisces can rest assured that Jupiter will soon again be tipping his hat at the door, because he’s shifted into retrograde motion as of July 23, and is now heading back down Pisces’ way. He should be arriving at the doorstep on September 9, for yet another speedy visit that will end on January 22, 2010, when he departs on schedule for another hectic get-together with Aries.

Whew! That’s quite a bit of activity in one year for our esteemed planetary geezer! I don’t remember when I’ve last seen Jupiter’s dance card so full.

Jupiter in Aries is a time when we experience expansive spontaneity. Aries loves to initiate activities, beginning with a jazzy gusto that is infectious to all involved. Indulgent Jupiter is currently giving the nod to Aries, which means we will have more opportunities to kick off projects and ideas that have been either long burning a hole in our minds, or that have just popped into our heads from out of the blue.

What is important to bear in mind, however, is the restless, fiery nature of Aries. As the youngest child of the Zodiac and ruled by Mars, Aries wants to experience everything anew, always sure that the coolest party certainly MUST be happening on the next block over. After getting everyone all riled up about one plan of action, off he runs in pursuit of the next big happening; restlessly hopping from one fabulous activity to another with an eagerness that will make your head spin!

Anyone who has dealt with an Aries or two in their lives will attest to the tremendous cataclysm that results when someone tries to put the brakes on the movements of our cosmic hyper-child, who is busy pounding around the Universe in search of the next grand adventure. If you need an accurate illustration, picture an overly-indulged child that has just become acquainted with the meaning of the word “no.” Yeah…did anyone order a War God?

With this visual planted firmly in your mind, proceed in any worthwhile activities with more than the customary fail-safes in place. In other words, when it comes to that earth-shaking project that you’ve just gotten the green light to begin, make certain you’ve got some stable back-up players that will see it through to the end, should you be called away on another big adventure. The lenience of Jupiter coupled with Ariean impetuosity can also inspire us to jump the gun a bit before all the necessary elements are present and accounted for.

Just make sure that someone’s got your back before charging ahead. You’ll thank me later.

The biggest benefit of Jupiter in Aries is the immense sense of confidence we feel, especially in the areas of our charts that Aries resides and that Jupiter’s movements are activating. For example, I have Jupiter in Aries in my 9th house. This inspires great self-assurance within me regarding my pursuits of higher education, enabling me to attain lofty achievement whenever I hit the books, which is almost constant. I love learning. It’s my thing.

This placement in my chart also affords poise in expressing my philosophical musings, while tossing some practical realism and problem-solving capabilities into the mix. My optimistic and avant-garde spirit, complements of Jupiter in Aries in the 9th house, has taken me far and wide into a myriad of interesting and breathtaking experiences that have been a bit unnerving on more than one occasion for both me and my loved ones. It has been quite a fun romp, however, and I’m looking forward to more…especially with Jupiter’s current transit through Aries! Yowzah!

Wherever Aries resides in your own chart is also an area of your life that is getting a caffeinated jolt of confidence and decisive action as of this writing, as it will again at the beginning of next year. If you have Aries in the 1st House, for instance, your natural courageous and impetuous nature is kicked into high gear at this time, giving you the momentum to fully and unabashedly express yourself to those around you. It would be prudent of you, however, to consciously reign in that fiery personality a bit when your temper gets triggered during Jupiter’s transit, unless you don’t mind cleaning up some potentially messy results!

Jupiter visiting Aries in the 2nd House may inspire natives to do a bit more financial gambling than usual, which may be disastrous, as these economic times call for more conservative handling of our material resources. Best to veer away from risky speculations and those one-armed bandits for the time being, lest you lose your shirts!

Those with Aries in the 3rd house are experiencing a desire to engage in a considerable amount of short-distance travel and explorations into close and uncharted territory. A heightened interest in studying machinery and construction can be felt, along with some pretty hefty bursts of intellectual creativity! When you’re jaunting around in your car, however, do take care. You may be a bit more impulsive behind the wheel than usual.

4th House Aries individuals are likely experiencing dynamic happenings in their domestic environments as a result of Jupiter’s transit through this house. You may experience some arguments and upheaval, especially among the male members of the household, or perhaps you’ll just get this maddening urge to revamp the whole house! I advise you to get some assistance from others in this endeavor; I have a sneaky suspicion that you may bite off more than you can chew. On the other hand, you may experience a restless need to relocate altogether. Just try to give the idea some thought and careful planning before you pull up stakes and take the show on the road.

5th House Aries folks are experiencing a rather passionate period where love-making is delightfully spontaneous and highly satisfying…or should I say even more so? Those lucky souls who are romantic partners with these individuals are likely wandering around with dreamy smiles on their faces on an almost daily basis! Romance and arduous activities are heightened, and pleasure is at the forefront, along with the desire to create; be it children of the body, or of the mind.

Those with Aries in the 6th House are putting a great deal more energy into their already hard-working lives. These individuals are driving themselves more diligently than normal, and are likely expecting others to follow suit. It’s important to recognize this sudden surge forward as unique to your own experience, and to allow others to distribute their energies in whatever direction they are being pulled.

There is a drive to enter into partnership for those with Aries in the 7th House…a bit more than usual as Jupiter activates your nesting instincts. The typical passive/aggressive nature these natives express in their working or romantic partnerships will be triggered while Jupiter passes through. It’s important to take an authentic, honest approach with your partners, especially during this time, and try not to use manipulation or a domineering stance on them. It rarely bodes well in what is likely the most important relationship of your life.

Jupiter in Aries transiting your 8th House gives a dynamic thrust toward activities involved in jointly-held finances, sexual flights of fancy, and a powerful fascination for studying the occult. Watch that you don’t get so caught up in your indulgences of those fun and heated fantasies that real life takes an unhealthy dive on your list of priorities. Balance is key, my friend!

Jupiter’s trip through your Ariean-held 10th house is giving your career-driven nature a chance to shine in the spotlight as the volume on your competitive urge is dialed up to 11! (It goes to 11) Just remember not to fight too dirty as you clamor your way to the top, and exercise a healthy restraint when you smell blood in the water. Burning bridges at this juncture may cost you in the future, so I encourage you to bear this in mind...and then go for it!

11th House in Aries individuals are experiencing a greater need to take a leadership role in all their personal and professional associations and group activities. All their energy is being funneled into a drive to promote whatever cause they cherish, and many can benefit from their passion! When it comes to friendships, please remember that what you give off will be reflected back, and so to gain respect you must first respect others, and endeavor to resist the need to dominate at this time.

Jupiter’s jog through the 12th House gives the natives an intensified attraction to the underdog, the downtrodden or otherwise outcast individuals. Whether it be a sincere desire to help, a strong fascination toward, or a burning desire to understand what mystifies you, you feel compelled toward deep subconscious explorations at this time. Your own subconscious reactions may be intensified, and you may find that professional counseling can be most beneficial to help you to understand your own motivations.

Wherever Jupiter touches Aries in your chart this year, expect growth, opportunities and increase to be the name of the game. Jupiter is a benevolent, if not highly indulgent energy; allowing us freedom to explore to our heart’s content that which compels us forward. I invite you to make the most of the positive effects of this transit, and become ever mindful of maintaining balance throughout this experience. Above all else, make it fun!

Namaste.

When Expansion and Genius Meet

An exciting conjunction begins this month between Jupiter and Uranus in Aries beginning June 8 and lasting for approximately three months. This particular conjunction is pretty rare, because while Jupiter and Uranus meet in conjunction once every 14 years, the opportunity for them to meet in the sign Aries is decidedly more infrequent: about once every 83 or so years.

When a conjunction between Uranus and Jupiter occurs in the sign Aries, the impetus for giant leaps forward in technology and/or expanded consciousness is set in place. The last time Uranus and Jupiter were conjunct in Aries, on May 20-21in the year 1927, a young man named Charles Lindbergh (an Aquarian ruled by Uranus) made the first non-stop solo flight across the Atlantic in his single-engine monoplane named The Spirit of St. Louis. Groups of people huddled around radios worldwide to listen in awe as reports of his departure from Long Island and his subsequent safe landing in Paris were broadcast around the world.

A key phrase whenever Uranus is involved in anything is “expect the unexpected.” (Those of us who are familiar with an Aquarian or two will certainly concur.) Uranus is the planet of science and technology, sudden, unexpected changes, all things non-conventional and sheer, unbridled genius. Known as the absent-minded professor, Uranus is constantly at work inspiring creative mastermind’s worldwide into conjuring up all sorts of interesting contraptions that are altogether functional, exciting and terribly cool!

This Uranian unpredictability is certainly exacerbated by the appearance of Aries in the mix. Aries is an impetuous energy; charging forward into uncharted territory with the zest and vigor of one who doesn’t know any better, and doesn’t really care. The great vanguard of the Zodiac, Aries is known for leading us courageously into our next great adventure with tremendous fanfare and hoopla.

Combine these two elements with our indulgent father of the Zodiac, Jupiter, and just watch the alchemical transformation take place! Jupiter is an expansive energy, and tends to place no limits to how much rope he’ll afford us as we plunge forward into a new age of science and technology! With Jupiter’s highly spiritual influence, we can likely anticipate that these new breakthroughs will have a strong element of the esoteric this time around. All indications are pointing at solid breakthroughs in technology that will involve the Higher arts. Perhaps we’ll finally make that much anticipated contact with other beings from distant places or dimensions that we hear about more and more these days. Most certainly we will make tremendous personal as well as collective strides in our own explorations into what may have previously been deemed impossible territories…both on the physical and metaphysical planes.

On a more mundane level, perhaps they’ll finally figure out how to plug up that oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico! One can hope. However, I digress…

For the individual, wherever this conjunction occurs in your chart will indicate where in your life you become willing to make shifts that you normally would not feel inspired to make. This is very exciting, because these shifts could occur in the form of explorations into one’s creative potential, a profound move toward the overcoming of fears, and/or a huge step in a direction that once was considered unfeasible. I’m not talking baby steps here…with Jupiter, Aries and Uranus working in unison, these shifts will be more like quantum leaps with a capital “Q”!

The key is to let go of any residual resistance we may feel. We have the opportunity at this time to experience a tremendous leap of consciousness into a whole new dimension of being, which will require a courageous leap of faith. What is occurring now is in direct alignment with the great changes in consciousness that have been taking place recently within our personal and collective experiences. I have covered some of these transformations in many past articles, which can be accessed in our CMJ archives.

It’s important to understand that we are now being gifted with a great opportunity to dig ourselves out of our carefully constructed, self-imposed limitations and experience freedom and joy in many forms; the majority of which will be witnessed on the everyday level for sure. For those of us who are open and allowing, these shifts will likely be experienced in the form of a great opening up in our awareness and knowledge of our connectedness with each other through our ever-present connection with the Divine.

Namaste.

Lopsided Logic or Really Nifty Reasoning?

When you think of astrology, or even hear a reference to it, do you ever ask yourself, “How can something millions of miles away affect us here on Earth?” In my personal experience, I remember how my dad used to rail on and on about that very thing whenever I was foolish enough to broach the subject as a kid. He’s a good guy, don’t get me wrong; he’s just very, very strong in his opinions. And as a person born with a deep affection and fascination for the mystical, being raised by a highly cynical, firmly rooted in “reality” Scorpio father was a bit of a challenge for me on more than one occasion. (I’m sure that I knew what I was doing when I decided to hang out with him for awhile in this lifetime…I’m sure of it. After all, I love my dad, and I love a challenge. Makes perfect sense to me!)

Back then, I didn’t have the answers when those unpleasant confrontations between us would occur. Well, at least I didn’t feel empowered enough to express them effectively. He was my dad. Our roles were very clearly defined; DAD and…me. I’m pretty sure that many of you can relate. Now, I don’t claim at present to have remembered the definitive answer to that question yet, however I do have a bit more insight into it.

Okay so it can be argued that Venus, the planet of beauty in all forms, at her closest is about 26 million miles away from Earth. At her farthest, Venusian energy has to transverse 160 million miles, across and through the Sun’s dynamics no less, to reach us. Venus’s masculine opposite, and the subject of her almost constant intrigue, is about 35 million miles away from Earth at his closest, yet I can feel when his energies are amped up while he’s charging through the sign Aries, or dampened down a bit when he wanders through Pisces soon after. Sure, from our perspective these planets are spread out into the vastness of space…but perhaps from a more expansive vantage point, we can get a different outlook altogether.

Let‘s look at it this way: We’ve all been to parties where many gather who are of varying personality types, temperaments and energies. As we meander through the crowd, we stop here or there for a quick chat, hug or a joke, and then mosey on our way through. Others are doing the same, and we continue along, occasionally taking a morsel from a tray or sipping some wine as we mingle our energies with others nearby. Sometimes we linger a bit when we get a whiff of an interesting conversation, and sometimes we duck into another room fast…hoping that the person we’re trying to avoid didn’t catch us on their radar. Sometimes the party feels endless, and we start signaling to our mate to start making for the door, and other times we’re being shown the door much too soon.

One thing is certain in these situations; the overall feel of the experience. The energetic flow of a gathering is contingent on those who attend, and it’s often palpable when someone new enters the room and the general energy of the area shifts a bit. The flow of our Universe and its inhabitants can be likened to a vast gathering of energies, each body moving about at its own pace, and contributing whatever it feels inspired to offer as it passes other bodies. Take the movement of the planets, for instance. They are in a constant state of movement, and wander closer or farther away from each other as they orbit the Sun -- An astrological body, by the way, whose profound effect upon us cannot be argued. When planets come into relationship with each other, what astrologers call an aspect, they interact in specific ways and create a unique energy that permeates the Universe.

To illustrate this idea, let’s revisit Venus and Mars for a moment. (They are a fascinating pair, and make an excellent example for this particular topic.) Astrologically speaking, these planets are deeply fascinated with each other, interact dynamically, and yet each maintain their own personal sovereignty. When they are close to each other, in what astrologers call an aspect of conjuction, they are lovers engaged in a passionate interlude that inspires Venus to behave more aggressively than usual, and at the same time tends to soften Mars’s edgier nature a bit. We feel this profoundly as we are compelled to join together in steamy romantic exchanges, or when strongly attracted to each other.

However, when Venus and Mars spy each other from across the Solar System, an aspect of opposition occurs, and the energy changes dramatically. For instance, if these two happen to be getting along, the sexual tension in the place is felt by all, including us, as each planet’s energy reaches out to the other in a powerful expression of yearning. When they are not getting along, however, this energy can be confrontational as each tries to energetically “best” the other. It’s not pretty. And it’s highly contagious, as evidenced by us Earthly beings who find ourselves feeling irritated at, or overly competitive with, our significant others for reasons hard to explain. Often this combative side to the relationship between Venus and Mars can be triggered by the influence of another planet or other celestial body wandering haplessly (or not) into aspect with one or both of them.

So what about the question of distance? Well, when we consider this question in energetic terms, I think we all can agree that energy is powerful stuff. Those of us who engage in distant healing energy work can attest to the fact that the impact of energy is neither bound nor weakened by distance. Someone from across the globe can experience profound spontaneous healing when receiving energy sent by someone else with this intention. So why would this be any different with a planet? If everything has energy, and energy knows no bounds, then planetary energy is most decidedly influential upon us. And perhaps vice versa.

To expand a little bit on this idea, it’s also not the size of the source, but the intention that creates this power. Take Pluto for example. This planet has been recently “demoted” to a planetoid or some such nonsense by astronomers who decided to alter the rules a bit and tweak the criteria for what determines a planet. Whatever. I’m not buying it. As small as Pluto is, and as distant from us as it may seem, its energetic impact upon our lives is profound. (If interested in learning more about Pluto, you may wish to check the archives for a past article of mine on the “dwarf” planet that illustrates this idea in more detail.)

I invite you to pay attention to your environment here on Earth, and also beyond the scope of our atmosphere. Expand your awareness to reach farther out into the Universe and feel the flow of energy that courses around us and through us. We belong to the whole of the Universe, and our energies interact with every other body that inhabits it. Pay attention to the planetary movements and then watch the interactions of others and yourself as these energies shift. You’ll find that your experiences also shift, and tend to coincide with where the physical planets are in relation to your personal natal chart. It’s really a fascinating science!

Hey, maybe I have enough insight into my dad’s question to present it to him and invite him to consider it. Then again, maybe it’s best to just let it lie…

Namaste.

In Love's Embrace

Happy February, Everyone! This morning I was treated to my typically dark morning drive being unexpectedly graced by increasing daylight! I smiled all the way to the office. And upon entering my door this evening, I was welcomed home by daylight still streaming through my windows! This pleases me to no end, since for the past few months many of us, I included, haven’t seen much of the light of day during our workweeks.

You may think this odd to hear, but there are a variety of reasons why February is one of my favorite months of the year. It’s the month of Love, for instance, as we celebrate romance on Valentine’s Day with our beloveds. It’s also the month that I share my birthday with many of my quirky Aquarian brothers and sisters. Another lovely reason for celebrating this month is that February, with all its harsh, unpredictable weather patterns, ice and bitter cold, also brings us the very first harbinger of spring. It is the coming of the light after months of early dusk and late dawn. So perhaps during your morning commute this month, as you’re waiting for your car’s heater to finally kick in and thaw out your fingers and toes, you’ll remember to witness the sunrise and let your hearts take wing!

Since we’re on the subject of love, appreciation and happy occasions, I’d like to take this opportunity point out something that I’ve been pondering for awhile. It has to do with one of the most crucial forms of love that we all have access to, and yet don’t often practice with an open heart; I’m speaking of self-love. One of the key components of generating a love of self is to embrace self-acceptance as a daily practice. Of course, along this path of self-love and acceptance lies the gift of self-knowledge.

When applied in an astrological sense, we have at our disposal a wealth of knowledge that we can utilize to illuminate truth and understanding of ourselves and others, while keeping common misconceptions and fallacies at bay. For instance, I know a lovely Leo with Virgo rising who for many, many years has fully embraced her Virgo qualities, while dismissing any attempts to point out her Leo traits. She’s gone so far as to call herself a Virgo so often, that I finally felt compelled to question her about this. She explained to me that everything she’s ever read about Leos has been negative, and she’s become completely turned off by her own Sun sign, and refuses to acknowledge it as an integral element of her true nature! I found this disturbing, because by her non-acceptance of a very large part of her own makeup, she has been holding herself back from attaining her full potential, and from achieving authentic self-love and acceptance.

I’ve experienced this myself for a large part of my life as I struggled with sporting Cancer for a rising sign. Now, there’s nothing wrong with the sign of Cancer, but try wearing it as an outward projection when everything in your being sings Aquarius! You see, emotional, self-conscious Cancer requires security, stability, and being cared-for, while intellectual, self-expressive Aquarius is independent, self-driven, and unpredictable. Since our rising signs are indicative of our personalities; i.e. how others see us, and how we see the world, while our Sun signs signify our core essence, one can see how having these two signs vying for equal airtime can be a bit of a challenge for a girl like me!

For years I lamented the “burden” of having Cancer rising. I was uncomfortable with my sensitive, emotional nature, and grappled with my compulsion toward security versus my uncompromising need for freedom and autonomy. I felt like oil and water; an inharmonious living, breathing challenge. It’s taken some work, and I’ve finally learned how to effectively integrate these two seemingly opposing energies, along with all the other astrological dynamics that compose the Carole Unit, into a joyful, harmonious expression of self.

I’ve done this by understanding the characteristics of each sign, embracing them and finding a practical way to express them naturally and comfortably. I still have a ways to go, and there are, of course, times when the scales tip a little and balance needs to be regained, but I am enjoying a much happier, healthier experience as a result of my efforts.

I share this with you because I suspect there are many of us who have experienced this or similar challenges within their own astrological composition. Is there a part of your being-ness that you have closed your mind and your heart to as a result of some negative press, feedback from others, or personal feelings of discomfort? If so, rather than denying that part of you, why not dig it out, examine it and work toward gaining an understanding of why your Higher Self has chosen to throw it into the mixing bowl of what has become your experience in this lifetime?

For how can we practice self-love, achieving our fullest expression of self, while denying an essential part of ourselves?

It’s important to remember that self-acceptance does not mean complacency. There are those who exemplify a few negative behavioral traits of their astrological structure and shrug them off with an “Oh well, I’m a(n) ___, and I’m supposed to be this way.”

Au contraire, mon ami.

We are here to take what we brought with us into this lifetime (our natal charts indicate these characteristics) and rise above our origins, utilizing the gifts of each element and evolving beyond the challenges; ever striving toward our full potential.

Doesn’t this sound like fun?

I can say quite honestly that it’s been quite a romp…a continuous, ever-shifting adventure that I wouldn’t have missed for all the gadgets in the world!

In other words: Come on in, the water’s great!

Namaste.

Mercury: Our Universal Connection

Have you ever wondered how and why people think the way they do, or wondered what gives each of us our own unique expression and perception of the world around us? Have you noticed how two people can experience the same situation, and yet describe it as entirely different? While various schools of thought have their own ideas of what makes us tick, within the science of astrology, we have access to precise tools that help us to gain a greater understanding into the inner workings of our personal and collective human experience.

The above questions, the inspiration behind our even asking them, and all other mental meanderings astrologically belong in the realm of the tiny and powerful planet Mercury.

In Roman mythology, Mercury is the swift Messenger of the Gods. Sporting wings on both his feet and head, he quickly communicates knowledge and wisdom between the lofty heavens and all Earth-bound souls in their stewardship. Mercury also watches over and influences the areas of commerce and travel. In astrology, Mercury is said to be the diligent conduit between our spiritual and physical selves; exchanging information between our own Higher Wisdom and our existence at the material level.

The fleet-footed planet Mercury, like its namesake Roman deity, dashes through the heavens like Speedy Gonzales, moving faster than any other planet in our solar system. It takes Mercury a mere 88 days to orbit the Sun, spending just a tad over 7 days in each sign of the Zodiac. Mercury is the closest planet to our Solar center, and as a result, can only be seen either early in the morning or in the evening at twilight. Mercury works closely with the Sun in facilitating our abilities at self-expression, and therefore is never more than 28 degrees away from the Sun in either direction in a Zodiac chart.

Cerebral by nature, Mercury is a busy little guy who divides his time by watching over the highly intellectual signs of Gemini and Virgo, and their corresponding 3^rd and 6^th Houses of communication, thought processes and work ethics. Mercury also works very harmoniously within the realm of Aquarius – another brainiac sign, and its corresponding 11^th House of friendship and group activities. Described by some as an “opportunistic planet, decidedly unemotional and curious”, Mercury’s action is to take things apart, experience their inner workings, and put them back together again. Mercury is also a quickening and enlivening energy that adds mobility and fluidity to our activities, and those of us who have Mercury prominent in our natal charts tend to be witty, lively and brimming with curiosity.

So, how can this knowledge of Mercury benefit us on an individual level, you ask? Simply put, how Mercury’s energy will manifest within each of us personally – indicating our own intellectual and inventive abilities among other things, depends on each individual horoscope as a whole. The Sign and Element Mercury dons, the House in which it occupies, and any Aspects Mercury makes to the other planets will all have a direct bearing on any chart interpretation.

To give you an idea, as the foremost planet of communication, wherever Mercury has set up shop in your own natal chart will indicate not only your preferred method of expression, but how your abilities at communication will be best utilized. For instance, a person with Mercury in the 1^st House of the Outer Self would likely be extroverted, and have no problem expressing her or his true nature to others. Their life could essentially be considered a verbal open book. Conversely, someone with Mercury in the 12^th House of the Inner Self may be introverted, especially secretive about his or her thoughts and ideas, and are likely hesitant to express what they really think.

On an intellectual level, the House where Mercury resides in an individual chart indicates the area of life in which we utilize our mental talents and put them to practical use. This is also the area of life where we realize our need to make contact with others and increase our academic experience. Corresponding to this, the Sign that Mercury adopts in our individual charts indicates how we communicate our mental talents to the world. Since Mercury tends to stick pretty close to the Sun, it will usually bear either the same Zodiac Sign, or one of the Signs on either side. For example, if your Sun is in Aries, it is likely that you also sport Mercury in Aries, or have it close by in either Pisces or Taurus.

Any aspects to Mercury in our charts will indicate our mental talents and communication styles in a very specific way. Mercury naturally tends to be pretty neutral as far as mental communication, perception and reasoning are concerned. When we add an aspect or two to the mix, we find that these areas of focus take on the energies of the other planets involved, including the signs and houses where they reside. For example, a person who’s Taurus-clad Mercury in the 8th House squares his or her Aquarian Jupiter in the 5th, their inherent tendency toward practical decision-making (Mercury) could become too extravagant (Jupiter) for realistic use. This person would benefit from a strong Saturn placement, which would serve to bring the individual’s brilliant ideas into more sensible, user-friendly applications.

Since Mercury is ambiguous by nature, it is capable of changing on a dime, and can easily take on the characteristics of any planets residing nearby. For example, a person with their Moon snuggled up nice and tight with Mercury would find that their emotions tend to colour their reasoning a bit, and that they are particularly sensitive to what others think of them. This understanding can assist them in recognizing the tendency as it occurs, allowing them to choose whether or not to alter their behaviour accordingly to achieve the best overall results.

In medical astrology, Mercury is associated with the nervous system, the brain, the respiratory system, the thyroid and the sense organs. Any issues that arise, or are hidden, in these areas of the physical body can be indicated easily by Mercury’s placement in our natal charts, any relationships it has with other planets, and its movement in our progressed and transit charts. As you can see, astrology can be an effective complementary diagnostic tool in the ever-expanding realm of health care.

On another practical level, Mercury’s power day of the week is Wednesday. If ever you have a need or a desire to enhance any particular area of your life that Mercury influences, choose Wednesday to begin focusing your intentions on the subject. This is a very powerful method of accessing potent Mercurian energies to manifest our desires, and create a more profound sense of personal and global well being.

Namaste.

Our Suns, Our Selves

You know, technology is just about the coolest thing going! I'm feeling this pretty strongly today, as I'm careening northbound along I-75 with my guy by my side, my laptop open and at the ready to archive my mental meanderings. George Harrison is gently serenading us from the Ipod as we're heading up for a lovely weekend stay in Petoskey, MI. I'm utilizing the drive time to polish up this article while enjoying the awakening fall colours along the way. It all feels amazingly good! While this may seemingly have little to do with this month's article, I'm inspired to express the joy I feel at being able to experience writing in such a fashion. As a bona fide Aquarian "gadget girl," I absolutely appreciate the way technology has streamlined my life, and wanted to share my gratitude with you. It's the little things that count.

Last month's offering completed my series of articles touching briefly upon the qualities of each of the twelve signs of the zodiac. Beginning this month, we'll journey together through a discussion on the planets and asteroids, and how they can provide insight into life's internal and external experiences. We'll begin our journey with this month's focus on the radiant and powerful Sun.

"So…what's your sign?"

Are you rolling your eyes yet? I know we've all heard this question at least once in our lives, most likely at a party or pub during the seventies when it transformed from a useful query into a common pick up line. Since I'm not one for clichés, when I've just met someone that piques my interest, I'm more likely to ask, "When's your birthday?" As an astrologer, I simply cannot help myself in asking, and this way I'm spared a fair amount of the aforementioned eye-rolling. Regardless of how it's asked, this question is referring to a person's Sun Sign, and while it is very helpful to us in gaining insight into the mysteries of each other, it's important to remember that it is only a portion of the complete picture.

Your Sun Sign refers to the zodiac sign that the Sun was moving through at the moment of your birth. The exact day that the Sun transitions from one sign to the other varies slightly from year to year, due to adjustment for leap year. With this in mind, those of us who are born on or near the day the Sun makes this shift between the signs are considered "cusp born" and will embody some traits of the two neighboring signs. Additionally, if you are born on the very day of this shift, you will need to check with an astrologer or ephemeris with your exact time of birth in order to get an accurate Sun Sign denomination.

The Sun is the official ruler the zodiac sign Leo, as well as the Fifth House of creativity, which represents children of the mind and body, our romantic tendencies and how we seek pleasure. In medical astrology, the Sun is associated with the heart, circulatory system, and the thymus. Sunday is thus named because of its association with the Sun.

When we look at the Sun's symbol, it signifies the Circle of Spirit (potential) finding expression or focus in the central point (self.) The Sun is the giver of life. It is central to our being, directing us through this lifetime's experience, and can be considered the "boss" of our chart. It indicates what we are learning to become, and more accurately represents our capacity for reason as opposed to our instincts. If we choose to identify ourselves in healthy ways to our Sun signs, we can thus gain a greater degree of happiness and fulfillment.

We know that we are identifying ourselves with our Sun Sign when we exhibit the more positive traits of feeling purposeful, directed, proud and creative. We also know this when we demonstrate the more negative traits of being haughty, stubborn, self-centered and judgmental. (Knowing the negative aspects of Sun Sign identity can help us to keep ourselves in check by choosing to shift gears and move along a more constructive path.)

The Sun is a powerful representative of many aspects of our lives. Depending on where it dwells in our chart, it indicates our conscious mind, our will to live, and our creative life force. Being the center of our being, it represents our ego or sense of self and shows the amount of self-determination we exhibit while reaching toward our goals. It is our adult nature that keeps our inner child in check while indicating our level of honesty and integrity. The Sun also signifies our leadership qualities and our ability to impress and influence others.

There is much that can be gleaned by studying the Sun's placement in our own natal charts; including insight into the most constructive behaviours to utilize that will move us forward on our unique paths. Insight into the best form of our unique expression can be found there. For instance, the Sun's affiliation with a sign indicates our life purpose and the style in which we leave our mark in the world. The Sun's position in a house signifies what area of life we find full expression of our character and the experiences that contribute to our sense of individuality. It also indicates how we seek admiration, attention and respect from those around us.
A visit with a professional astrologer can help us to clarify how the Sun is working for us, and what we can do to best utilize our own unique power and gifts in order to be of service to ourselves individually, and to the world as a whole.

Namaste.

The Lion’s Share

I’ve known many Leos in my time thus far, and each of them in their own unique way has inspired a greater understanding of the complexities of this human experience. They are a dynamic lot, these courageous souls, and while at times infuriating, they do have the potential to really spice up the mix a bit!

Leo is the fifth astrological sign of the Zodiac, and therefore finds its natural home in the fifth house of pleasure, fun, creativity and romance. Not all Leos take full advantage of these qualities, but enough of them do to make things memorable for the rest of us. Masculine by nature, Leo’s element is fire and its quality is fixed and stubborn. Ruled by the Sun, Leo exhibits a passionate, vibrant, fiery quality that is at once attractive, if not a little dangerous. Those of us who feel compelled to fly a little too close to the warmth of Leo’s center may get our wings singed a bit from time to time…ah but such is the nature of the beast, and some prices are worth paying dearly for. That is, if you’re into that sort of thing.

The Sun dances through Leo every year from around July 23^rd to approximately August 22^nd, depending upon the year. The symbol for Leo is the lion, due to its proud, regal and dramatic nature. Leo likes to be in charge, and those with Sun in Leo definitely rule over his or her particular patch of the jungle. Every Leo I’ve ever known makes it quite clear from the get-go that they are most assuredly in charge, and woe to the individual that attempts to assert their own brand of authority in the realm of the Lion. Anyone blessed by the presence of a Leo in their lives have experienced both the highest levels of affection, and the loudest spine-rattling roar from their Leonine loved one when circumstances inspire.

Leo loves the drama, comfortably taking center stage at any party or production and delighting us with its playful, yet powerful sense of nobility. I had a Leo friend during my teenage years who would enter a room full of people with a flourish, and a resounding “Hi!” We simply had no choice but to pay attention to him when he was present, and he made it worth our while by amusing us with his lordly theatrics. The only people remotely miffed by his flamboyant, attention-grabbing behaviour were the other Leos in the room…and there were quite a few. The smartest of us simply ducked out of the path of all Leos present and watched the drama unfold from the sidelines. Each lion – male and female alike, would vie for the center seat in all gatherings using every clever method they could devise, (sometimes subtle…sometimes not so much,) and the rest of us would simply pop popcorn and wait to see which one remained unscathed to the end. Hey, in those days they rolled up the sidewalks at 5 pm in Royal Oak…we youngsters had little else to do to amuse ourselves!

Leos generally make loving, affectionate parents who dote on their children as extensions of themselves. They take their role as parents very seriously, and their children quickly become the measure of their abilities. Care should be taken by all Leo parents to allow their children the freedom to spread their own wings, to develop their own unique sense of self, and to express their individuality. Trust me, if you give them the option, they will make you proud. Your strength, loyalty and devotion have given them the greatest tools to venture out into the world, and at some point, you will have to let go and let them fly. This is especially true if your little ones are also little Leo cubs. See yourself in them. Remember the freedom of expression you craved as a young lion. Know what would have inspired you to thrive as a child growing into adulthood, and behave accordingly. You will then know the realization of your greatest accomplishment as a parent: the complete acceptance and devotion of your children in the form of strong, self-assured, successful adults.

Leos can be the most loyal, supportive and enthusiastic of friends. Their sunny dispositions and clever sense of humour add to their already attractive nature, and they can be a great deal of fun to be around. The Leos who exemplify this trait will be there for friends and family through thick and thin, fiercely defending them to a fault, and always showing up with a lavish gift on special occasions or a bottle of wine and Belgian chocolates when one’s heart has been broken to pieces. A Leo’s heart is a big one, and those who have been raised to know their own power will courageously share their affections expansively.

The most rewarding careers for Leos are those which allow them to express themselves creatively and powerfully. Politics, law, entertainment in the form of music, theater and other art forms are ideal choices for Leos. Bill Clinton, Madonna, Amelia Earhart, Mick Jagger, Peter O’Toole, Menachem Begin and Martin Sheen are just a few of the many Leos who have stepped into the public spotlight and dazzled us all with their abilities, in addition to providing us with dramatic, provocative and colourful situations that really turn our heads!

Namaste.

What’s Your Motivation?

There are many reasons for wanting to know what motivates us. Perhaps we’re trying to find our career path in life, and may be continually frustrated by our efforts thus far. Or maybe we’re wondering why we interact with others the way we do, and why all of our romantic relationships seem to start out unique, but end up walking the same old path. We may want to learn more about our family dynamics, and how we, as individuals, contribute our own unique spin to the events that take place within them.

Since our primary objective for being alive is to evolve beyond ourselves by striving to reach our full potential, it’s important to discover the things about ourselves that keep us running on that hamster wheel, and to gain insight into what we can do to finally stop spinning, step off the wheel, and start moving forward on solid ground.

Astrology can serve a very beneficial role in our quest for greater understanding into our own personal motivations, and the motivations of others who are in close relationship with us.

Astrological chart analysis is a complicated process with many nuances to look for that can change the flavor and direction of any horoscope. While there are many motivating factors in an astrological chart, this article will highlight a few simple, but key elements in determining the overall motivation of a person’s birth chart. A qualified astrologer can provide you with insight into the specific patterns your personal chart indicates that propel you toward your experiences, any possible pitfalls in the dynamics of these patterns, and suggest possible strategies to re-pattern your tendencies in these directions.

When a client who is searching for direction in life presents his or herself to me, I begin by looking at key patterns in the planetary placement of their chart, including the locations of their major personal planets, and their chart ruler. I look for Mars as an important indicator of where they focus the most energy. If Mars is located in their Second House, for example, most of their energy is likely to be directed toward financial endeavors, and according to whatever sign Mars is in, the manner in which they direct this energy, and anything that they may place personal value upon. I then look for any relationships that Mars may have with the other planets in their chart in an effort to determine how Mars’s energy can find its most effective expression.

Since your Fourth House is the pivot point on which you build your life upon, and is likely where you feel most at home, I focus upon which sign is on the cusp, and any planets that may reside within. For instance, if Libra is on the Fourth House cusp, I know that this individual is seeking personal expression through partnership and cooperation, and is also striving to create balance within the realm of home, family, and anything he or she places as their foundation. If Pisces is on the cusp, I know that spiritual endeavors are a focus, intuition is highlighted, and that the individual feels most at home in activities related to charitable, artistic, and divinely inspired pursuits. Any challenges associated with Fourth House issues can be helped by other influences in the overall chart, and if not, I can serve my client further by suggesting possible strategies they can employ to help assuage any problems that may arise.

An example of this can be the person with Pisces in Fourth in the above example. While the individual is interesting, mystical and has a direct and easy connection with Universal energies and knowledge, he or she may lack the proper grounding in order to function effectively in the realm of mundane existence, especially if Mars resides here. Without other powerful grounding influences in the chart, such as a few well-placed planets in Earth signs, this person will appear to float through life, going with the tide and never quite anchoring themselves. This person likely experiences confusion and detachment when it comes to personal relationships, and is possibly feeling frustrated in her or his efforts to exist in the everyday world. He or she may choose to retreat, existing for the most part in the spiritual realm, because that is where they feel most secure. I may therefore counsel this person to utilize the strengths in their overall horoscope, and to find practical applications for their unique gifts. It’s likely that this individual has the ability to present wonderful ideas and information to humanity, and finding practical, down-to-earth expression for these ideals will serve to benefit us all.

Please note that the information within this article is by no means comprehensive, as there are many nuances in each individual chart that serve to compose the entire symphony of our lives. An astrologer can help by analyzing these influences, helping us to discover where our energies are most effectively expressed, and inspiring us to listen to the inherent melodies that exist within. With deeper understanding of our individual gifts and motivations, we can apply them most effectively in our lives, thereby best serving ourselves and humanity as a whole.

Namaste.

Loving Your Solar Opposite

Romantic love can be an amazing, wonderful, somewhat complex, dizzyingly delicious, profoundly transformative experience that is filled with a myriad of qualities that offer spice and opportunities to jazz up our lives. It can be whatever we desire, actually, depending upon the intentions that both individuals bring into creating a relationship together. Remembering that each experience is tempered with choice, we can choose to proceed with a sense of happy anticipation of what is to come.

In astrology, there are many factors that indicate romantic compatibility between two people, and a good astrologer can help you to determine these factors. While traditional astrology contains some hard and fast rules when determining the compatibility of two people, I'm of the Aquarian school of thought where most rules go out the window, and intentions set the tone! That is to say, it's good to have an idea of the basics of astrological compatibility, and it's also good to have an attitude of allowing things to flow with whatever feels good. So many times I've encountered someone who had fallen in love with another, only to have their elation deflated because some well-meaning friend mentioned that their Sun signs weren't compatible, or it was pointed out that there would be problems down the line due to such-and-such aspect in their chart. Setting limits upon experiences such as these can do a grave injustice to the potential gifts this type of relationship can offer a couple. It helps to understand that while it's good to have deeper insight into the dynamics of a relationship, care should be taken not to pinch off the opportunity for growth through this experience just because there may be a few bumps in the road up ahead.

Take Solar opposites for example. There are some who believe that two people coming together with opposing Sun signs are in for a tumultuous ride that consists of severe emotions and calamitous battles of will. While there may be potential for such extremes, there is also greater opportunity for a profound and uplifting love that creates balance and harmony between the couple as a whole, and within each individually. The difference comes down to the basics; choice and intention. Those who desire it can create a relationship with each other where individual differences are embraced, and the opportunity to learn and grow is nurtured and fully utilized. Let's take a look at one factor in the Leo/Aquarius connection, for instance. Leo tends to be fully in tune with self, while Aquarius is focused outward toward humanity. Can you see the opportunity for each individual in this example?

If Leo chooses to become inspired by Aquarius's example, he can learn to expand his inner focus outward a little more, sharing the abundant love he feels within with humanity as a whole. In doing so, he can learn to embrace all the gifts that such expansion brings, which includes unlimited vitality achieved by profound knowledge of Universal connection. This knowledge can become much more than mere intellectual knowing, but a deep, inner feeling of connectedness with All That Is. Conversely, if Aquarius chooses to become inspired by Leo's example, she can learn to channel some of her expansive, outwardly-directed humanitarian instincts inward, savoring the energies created, and utilizing them to gain deeper knowledge and compassion of self. She can also achieve profound inner healing, at the soul level, by learning that love must begin by loving oneself. What amazing gifts these two have to teach each other, and then to share with the world!

There is much to be gained by exploring unfamiliar territory, and embracing the experiences that being with your Solar opposite can bring. Opposing Sun signs have an elemental advantage that can also be utilized, as complementary element combinations are Water/Earth, and Fire/Air. Each sign of the zodiac is associated with one of four elemental qualities; Earth, Air, Fire and Water, and by looking at the charts below, you can see how Solar opposites can compliment each other on this level:

Solar Opposites:
Aries & Libra (Fire/Air)
Taurus & Scorpio (Earth/Water)
Gemini & Sagittarius (Air/Fire)
Cancer & Capricorn (Water/Earth)
Leo & Aquarius (Fire/Air)
Virgo & Pisces (Earth/Water)

Element Compatibility:
Fire -- desires freedom.
Earth -- needs security.
Air -- like fire, but with a different emphasis, desires freedom.
Water -- like earth, but with a different emphasis, needs security.

As I've mentioned in some of my previous articles, there are a myriad of factors other than Sun sign resonance that help to determine the romantic compatibility between two people, although looking at Sun sign potential can be a fun place to start! Bearing in mind that even the most challenging chart comparison in the world can yield happy results if the couple involved are willing to work with each other toward a common goal, it's a good idea to have a chart comparison and/or composite chart done by a professional, positive-minded astrologer when you meet that special someone who you think may have some long-term potential. An astrologer can indicate the strengths and opportunities for growth in your union, assisting you in choosing the emphasis of your alliance with each other. In this way, you both can start out on solid ground with a good idea of how to create the most harmonious, open-hearted relationship possible.

Here's to happy loving, everyone!