The Career Happy New Decade! Astrologer DECEMBER SOLSTICE Holiday Blessings and Happy New Year to the OPA Tribe

Career AstrologerThe

The Year 2020 with Lynn Bell, Christeen Skinner, Roy Gillett, Christos Archos, Preview of and many more US Election

The Organization for DECEMBER SOLSTICE Professional Astrology V28 2019 SEPTEMBER EQUINOX 2019 page 1

The Career Happy New Decade! Astrologer DECEMBER SOLSTICE Holiday Blessings and Happy New Year to the OPA tribe. V28 2019 We complete the year 2019 and look forward to 2020 with great anticipation (I mean palpitation). 2019 was a wonderful year for OPA, and even though we did not have any event on location, many developments and processes took place this year: • An expanding committed membership with well above 700 members from The Year 2020 across the world, and new members from Chile. • First OPA event in Australia, along with first Peer Group launched in President’s Report P.2 Turkey and Greece. The Year 2020 P.3 - 41 • OPA East Bay chapter launched in California. • The launch of the 2020 OPA Retreat, uniting astrologers in the most Interview: Lee Lehman P.22 community-oriented conference format, in the beautiful natural setting of Tribute: Andre Barbault P.42 Zion National Park. • OPA Articles translated into several languages. 2020 Horary/Electional in Practice P.44 • A newly active INSTAGRAM account, with ongoing video updates. Transits of the Season P.54 • More than 3000 members on our ASTROLOGY DISCUSSION Facebook Group. • A new Fundamental Astrology Online Course. The Communicating Astologer P.60 You can find out more about these items on our website: opaastrology.org. Yantra P.62 Keeping the OPA wheel spinning is a monumental effort that requires immense Goal Setting P.64 dedication from our board and from our satellites. We can really be so grateful for this super-productive team working on a voluntary basis. Thank you all. US Presidential Candidates P.68 I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the lesser seen agents who contribute just as much to making OPA amazing and interesting: Editors: Maurice Fernandez, Donna Young SARA FISK – our branding and Career Astrologer designer who works on tight Proofing: Nancy Beale, deadlines and always delivers formidable results. Jeremy Kanyo, Donna Young GEZ ABEL – Our video and Instagram wizard who is always available to provide the Design: Sara Fisk best recommendations and remind us how late we are with our submissions! Cover Art: Deborah James, see p. 52 JEREMY KANYO and NANCY BEALE for their laser eye proof reading of the maga- © 2019 OPA All rights reserved. No part of this publication zine under tight deadlines! And Nancy again for making sure subscribers get their may be reproduced without the written consent of OPA, unless by the authors of the articles themselves. printed copies. DISCLAIMER: While OPA provides a platform for articles to GRANT JENSEN – Our website helper who, with Maurice, is on top of updating our appear in this publication, the content and ideas are not necessarily eflecting OPA’s points of view. Each author is website and fixing all bugs. responsible for the content of their articles. And then, all of you, UNITED RAINBOW COLORS OF OPA! United in different approaches to astrology, united in different levels of expertise, united in different cultures and time zones. We are a committed membership basis that supports the organization, and more globally, astrology as a practice. As we march into the Jupiter/Saturn conjunction in Aquarius, astrology will undoubtedly gain tremendous presence in the mainstream. To meet those demands, we must continue to raise our standards and provide reliable references. Our work becomes critically important, and we thank you for your par- ticipation, support, and dedication.

A peak into OPA 2020 The Organization for • New model for the Career Astrologer magazine, with exclusive Professional Astrology “member only” section • The 2020 OPA Retreat in April 2020, Zion National Park. • OPA’s next book release, Essential Astrology • The launch of our next I-Astrologer event in Europe

And much more… stay tuned! OPAastrology.org With blessings, Maurice Fernandez , OPA R

The Career Astrologer 2020

WELCOME TO ASTROLOGICAL MILESTONES 2020 Dec 26, 2019 June 20, 2020 South Node Solar Eclipse Solar Eclipse on Solstice at 4 Capricorn, conjunct degree - 0° UCancer Jupiter July 5, 2020 Lunar Eclipse at 13° he universe has January 10, 2020 Lunar Eclipse at 20° Cancer plans for 2020, the Cancer T year where “everything happens” September 9 – November – from dramatic cycles, to Solstice January 12, 2020 13, 2020 Eclipses, and both Venus and Mars Saturn/Pluto conjunc- Mars Retrograde in Aries retrograde cycles. tion at 22° Capricorn, along with the Sun, Ceres, October 14, 2020 The HOT DEGREE ZONES – 20-28 Chariklo, and Mercury. Mars Retrograde Cardinal and 0-3 Fixed opposes the Sun at 21° April 1, 2020 Aries/Libra Mars/Saturn conjunction Mark your calendar for a at 0° Aquarius. December 21, 2020 powerful celestial activa- Jupiter/Saturn tion coming to your town! April 4, 2020 conjunction at 0 Jupiter/Pluto conjunction Aquarius at 24° Capricorn January 20, 2021 May 5, 2020 Mars/Uranus conjunction Nodal Axis shifts to at 6 Taurus square Gemini/Sagittarius Jupiter in Aquarius May 12 – June 24, 2020 Venus RetrogradeZ in LMGemini TRQ DECEMBER SOLSTICE 2019 page 3 DECEMBER SOLSTICE 2018 page 3 OPA LIVE SPECIAL

THE ASTROLOGY FOR ROY GILLETT CHRISTOS ARCHOS CHRISTEEN SKINNER THE YEAR 2020 LYNN BELL

cumnavigation of the World, developing The material shape of modern society trade to the Far East, the expansion of Islam was seeded from the 1762-92 CE Pluto into Eastern Europe, India and further east, transit, which saw rapid expansion of 2020: as well as the publication of Copernicus’ On colonialism and industrialisation, leading the Revolution of Heavenly Bodies immedi- to radical upheaval in the way nations, Pluto/Saturn ately after his death. These developments and societies within nations, did business spearheaded the Enlightenment. with each other. European nations, led by Conjunction Britain, mapped and recorded the world, as if creating an 18th/19th century ‘Doomsday The cycle for the in Capricorn Book’ of assets to exploit. Out of all this, twenty-first century today’s capitalism and the struggle for Leading to below, shows the democracy were born. period 2017-25 to Jupiter/Saturn have the most extreme The Cyclic Index is based on the com- in Aquarius shift from bottom to bined total of the exact angular separations top throughout the for each of the ten pairs of outer planets. two-hundred-year It shows the major events of the twentieth century occurring at extremes of the period. cycle. The cycle for the twenty-first centu- ooked at from a long, medium, and L short-term historical perspective, 2020 marks a remarkable historical turning point.

To have four of the five outer planets in earth signs is rare. To have Jupiter, Saturn and Pluto in Capricorn, while Uranus is in Taurus has happened only one other year, in the 10,000-year period 4999 BCE to 4999 CE. 3838 BCE was the time of the Bronze Age and when there are first records of writing. Belaying its downgrading to dwarf-planet status by astronomers, Pluto has been in Capricorn at the key influential periods that have led to creation of today’s world. In the pre-Christian period, it was there during the Trojan War [1195-1184 BCE], building of the Temple of Solomon [948-931 BCE], the writing of the Indian Upanishads and Greek Theogony [700 BCE], construction of the Greek Parthenon [455-429 BCE]. Christianity was legalised in Rome and defined at the Council of Nicaea during the Pluto in Capricorn period 287-330 CE. Building more intensely to the modern world, the 1515-44 CE Pluto in Capricorn periods saw the reformation, dissolution of the monasteries in England, the first cir-

page 4 The Career Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine Video of OPA live analyses available forV OPA Imembers ry shows the period 2017-25 to have the most extreme shift from bottom to top throughout the two-hundred-year period. This suggests 2020 is in the midst of exceptional times. In the diagram to the right, earth sign planets are shown in brown. Note they are much more concentrated at major cor- rection turnings points of the Dow Jones Industrial Average price graph. January 2020 has the most extreme concentration of earth outer planets. At the time of writing, the UK is just winding up to a General Election, with both main parties competing as to who can spend the most to improve public services, taking advantage of low borrowing interest rates. In the US, the government is focused on keeping taxes and interest rates low to sustain growth in the job market. Generally, the high value of the stock market encourages confidence. Government debt and central bank deficits grow exponentially to sustain all this. A key question for the 2020’s is whether this can continue indefinitely and, if it does, what will be the ecological consequences?

‘Money is a great servant, but a bad master‘

With the election of Margaret Thatcher in the United Kingdom and Ronald Reagan in the USA [1979-80], a very different approach to addressing the economic challenges they faced was adopted and soon spread through the entire world economy. By the end of the 20th century, it was adopted even by the totalitarian Chinese government. In the decades since, monetarism and growth as the foundation of the global economy has become taken for granted by nearly all of today’s mainstream econo- mists, politicians and media reporters. The 40-year anniversary of Margaret Thatcher’s election chart shows that the policy that emanated from monetarism is in the midst

The 40-year anniversary of Margaret Thatcher’s election chart shows that the policy that emanated of its mid-life crisis. Uranus in Scorpio [revo- [there are too many victims / Cinderellas]. from monetarism is in lutionary desire] is now opposed by Uranus Pluto in Libra [dramatic rebirth of balance] is the midst of its in Taurus [revolutionary reality]. Neptune squared by Saturn, Pluto, and now Jupiter, in in Sagittarius [dreams of unstoppable pos- Capricorn [confrontation with reality]. mid-life crisis. sibility] is squared by Neptune in Pisces

DECEMBER SOLSTICE 2019 page 5

OPA LIVE SPECIAL THE ASTROLOGY FOR THE YEAR 2020

So many historical trends concentrat- ing on the 2020s. Will we start to see their nemesis in the coming year? The longer the historical issues remain unanswered, the more traumatic will be the change, when it does come.

Saturn/Pluto conjunct in Capricorn Saturn/Pluto conjunctions in any sign occur at intervals between 31 and 38 years, depending on the irregularity of Pluto’s orbit. They mark traumatic structural turnings points in world affairs. In 1947, the conjunction in Leo marked the beginning of the cold war. In 1982 the conjunction in Libra marked the UK’s victory in the Falklands War. This reinforced the previously faltering standing of Margaret Thatcher’s government, emboldening it to proceed with privatisation, financial deregulation and trade union reform. Complimenting the US policy under Ronald Reagan, this was to establish Monetarism as the driving force of the world economy. Conjunctions occurring in Capricorn are towards others has built through 2019. far rarer. In the period 1,000 to 3,000 CE, Now it comes to a head. before 2020 the only previous dates were 1284 CE, the ducat became the standard Change on two cyclic currency of international trade [to be used levels comes with this up to the twentieth century] and, appropri- On the evening of 10 January, the Moon ately, the story of the Pied Piper is credited 2020 conjunction. will be eclipsed by the Earth’s shadow, as a to that year. Firstly, a radical prelude to Saturn’s sole [in this cycle] exact 1518, Martin Luther posted his theses on conjunction to Pluto in Capricorn on the the door of Wittenberg Church. reassessment of the 12th. Mercury conjuncts both planets that Hence, change on two cyclic levels post-war economic day and the Sun the next, just as Venus comes with this 2020 conjunction. recovery. Secondly, enters Pisces. See this as the point that Firstly, a radical reassessment of the hard-headed realism will kick in, along- post-war economic recovery. The negative with the conjunction side or even in spite of the needs of the consequences of monetarism, expressing being in Capricorn, a vulnerable. This dichotomy will dominate themselves in distribution of wealth and most of the year. Consideration will take a immigration imbalance, leading to the con- deeper, longer-term back seat and be replaced by the need to sequent frequency of natural disasters and social turning point in put into place strong reliable organisation social unrest. humanity’s view of that is designed to stand the test of time. Secondly, with the conjunction being The problem is that different people and in Capricorn, a deeper, longer-term social its standing in groups have different contradictory time turning point in humanity’s view of its the Universe. scales and ways of organising. Goat-like standing in the Universe. The Renaissance pushing could harm those who resist and and the Enlightenment led to radical overwhelm the weak. As the momentum of change in the knowledge and use of sci- determination increases, people could find ence and social authority structures. From this time the development of informa- themselves swept along into unexpected now, this focuses on a struggle between tion-technology-driven material capacity situations and experiences. power in the hands of every individual on offers, at one extreme the communica- the planet against the authorities attempts tion power to change, even destroy any- to contain it, PLUS the planet’s capacity to thing we wish from a distance, and at the The Aquarian New Moon on 24 January allow humanity to survive the onslaught. opposite extreme, to know, support and sees Mercury also in the sign. This could be Putting the two together, we see human transform to build a sustainable world. So the first of several of the year’s previews capability accelerating towards the destruc- far, we have seen far more of the former. to the much more substantial Jupiter/ tion of our life together on the planet. At Intolerance, intransigence and ignorance page 6 The Career Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine Videos of OPA live presentations are available forV OPA Imembers

Relying on the creation of immovable, solid structures [especially walls!] to resist what seems to threaten only addresses the short-term. It is likely to turn out unreliable if not accompanied by a working understanding of what seems to oppose us.

only addresses the short-term. It is likely to turn out unreliable, if not accompanied by a working understanding of what seems to oppose us. This is the message that Aquarius exists to give to Capricorn. Take advantage of any opportunity to make friends through this cycle. For time is running short. 16 February, the day after the start of the fourth lunar quarter, Mars enters Capricorn to stir the organisational ‘pot’. Each person or group will ‘urgently need’ to get on with what ‘we know has to happen’. Getting in the way will not be wise!

With Mars conjuncting Jupiter in Capricorn eight hours after the 2020 Vernal Equinox, the drive behind the early Spring will be not only far more forceful, but more realistic, than usual. Expect anything instigated not to fade away, but to be sustained, as the Sun applies to square the Capricorn stellium through the month. Over- impulsive determination could find people forcing themselves upon one another without regard for the consequences. With Mars and Jupiter in Capricorn driving the momentum of the time, and Aries-ruler Mars due to retrograde in its sign late in the year, the dis- Saturn conjunction on the cusp of Aquarius of what might be different through the tracted and unwise could easily find them- at the 2020 Winter Solstice. With Jupiter 2020’s decade. Maybe people’s ideas will selves swept along in a process they did approaching Pluto and Saturn, all still in not get in the way of each other so much. not expect, wish for and certainly do not Capricorn, the urgent need to address very Paradoxically, relying on the creation of agree with. The conscious and wise will serious problems will remain paramount. immovable, solid structures [especially understand and pace themselves, letting However, we will begin to see a glimmer walls!] to resist what seems to threaten the momentum work in their favour.

DECEMBER SOLSTICE 2019 page 7

OPA LIVE SPECIAL THE ASTROLOGY FOR THE YEAR 2020

Lack of understanding could make it very difficult to put right the anxiety and feelings of vulnerability that could well cloud the 2020 Summer Solstice. Earlier in the day, a Solar Eclipse will be visible from the Pacific Ocean through key flash points in Hong Kong, Asia and Yemen into Central Africa. It is at its longest at the spir- itually important Mount Kailash in Tibet. Retrograding Mercury is virtually unaspected. Venus, about to go direct in three days, is merely connected by a weak separating trine to Saturn. The number of earth planets is reduced to Jupiter, Pluto and Uranus, but the first two are rising on the UK chart. It is the loosest part of the year, when breakthroughs should seem possible, but Saturn returns to Capricorn at the end of the month. Mars moves worryingly on in

Avoid falling for the temptation. Sit back, watch, listen, observe. Let all feelings of negativity flow through and out of you inactivated. See and understand what is happening and its causes. late Pisces; its hopeful conjunction with Neptune the previous week, now a distant memory. So much is needed! So little seems possible! The connections between the planets being insubstantial and hardly forward looking, this could be a dangerous time, when ill-considered actions could have dire consequences. Avoid falling for the temptation. Sit back, watch, listen, observe. Let all feelings of negativity flow through and out of you inactivated. See and understand what is happening and its causes. In this way leave substantial focus and power within yourself to act effectively when the time is right. of contrast, Mercury in Libra is applying and Capricorn. Time to draw together the to oppose retrograding Mars to make a threads and get down to business, some- The issues of the year are brought back T-square with Jupiter, Pluto and Saturn in thing new and improved, or to do every- to balance at the Autumn Equinox. In Capricorn. Within ten days Venus will be thing possible to recover from what has 2020, the Sun is almost unaspected, mak- in Virgo. Again, five planets will be in earth gone wrong. ing just three very weak aspects. By way signs, Venus making a grand trine to Taurus page 8 The Career Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine Videos of OPA live presentations are available forV OPA Imembers and wars that were to blight the centuries that followed. In the eighteenth century, Pluto in Aquarius brought the American and French Revolutions and nineteenth and twentieth century social upheaval, yet to be resolved. Whether it is for the worst, but hopefully for the best, the general mood as we enter this time will be that we cannot be held back any more by narrow protection- ist counter-productive impositions on our lives. People will be tiring of those that insist we have to put up with this or that ‘way’, of being told what is impossible, or not in our interests. However, rebellion against the status quo could be mixed blessing. Some may insist on outcomes that bring harm, even destruction. So, it is important to encourage the humanitarian side of Aquarius. Not seek revenge, but understanding. Try to avoid arrogance. Be ready to learn and carry on learning, especially if from all appearances it is very likely you were right! Badly used and abused the light of humanitarian hope can dim, even turn in on itself and become didactic and destructive. ‘Expert’ people and artificial intelligence machine systems could insist ‘they know However, it will not be sustained all out what is best for us’. Humanity’s future will forcing through practical necessities. Mars not be a happy one, if we emphasise the is to remain in Aries, not making its direct Whatever the ‘know all’ attitudes that dominated the turn station until 14 November, entering Taurus difficulties, false moves, of the 20th/21st century, when Uranus and in early 2021. Positive bursts of innovative Neptune mutually received each other in actions and instigations will make it difficult or disasters that have Aquarius/Pisces. Not that again! It is vital to to pin down and finalise anything; seeming been experienced over bring out Aquarius’ humanitarian quality– to arise out of nowhere. With Venus in Virgo, tolerance through universal understanding. duty will seem to call constantly, mixing dan- recent years, the Slow down! Remember, Pluto remains gerously with impulsive Mars. With the focus pressures building as in Capricorn until 2023-24. There will still remaining on earth planets, any hope we the Winter Solstice be much left to put right. Realise how very had for change that we had not anchored much more there is to realise, master and down earlier in the year, may now be cloud- marks a new incorporate wisely. Only this way can we ed over by the apparent need to address old astrological year edge ourselves into a promising future. issues that have bedevilled the 2010s. Turn away from enslaving humanity to sys- will be very different. tems. Instead make systems serve the wishes of humanity. Learn to love and enrich the planet and each other as they are. Whatever the difficulties, false moves, or disasters that have been experienced tion. Change is coming to the UK! Mars Roy Gillett B.Ed (Hons Ldn), A student of Tibetan over recent years, the pressures building, in late Aries is gathering speed to enter Buddhism and President of The Astrological as the Winter Solstice marks a new astro- Taurus early January 2021 and conjunct Association, Roy has been a full-time astrologer logical year, will be very different. Any Aquarius’ ruler - Uranus. Sun and Mercury and consultant since 1976. As well as working in Capricorn apply to trine Uranus in the with clients and supporting colleagues, Roy has positive foresight that has cut through to been an astrology software adviser since 1988, is avert errors in recent times will start to coming week. Venus is in Sagittarius near an astro-finance researcher and an international feel vindicated and gather force. For this the Midheaven. conference speaker. His books include Astrology Winter Solstice is the day that Jupiter con- The conjunction marks the dawning and Compassion the Convenient Truth; Economy, of an Aquarian transformation. Bear in Ecology and Kindness and The Secret Language of juncts Saturn in the first degree of Aquarius. Astrology. Published in 2017 his Reversing the Race Expect substantial indications of change. mind, however, that Jupiter and Saturn in to Global Destruction uses astrology to question This is especially so for the UK, where the Aquarius is not necessarily good in itself, or and correct to contemporary economic, education- chart ascendant of the moment of the even better than what was before. In the al and political assumed ‘truths’. Solstice is less than two minutes of time sixteenth century, the Capricorn religious crucialastrotools.co.uk past the imminent Jupiter/Saturn conjunc- schism morphed into horrific executions R

DECEMBER SOLSTICE 2019 page 9

OPA LIVE SPECIAL THE ASTROLOGY FOR THE YEAR 2020

in our long-term history, the Jupiter Pluto Capricorn. This is the sign of the winter sol- conjunction is a 12.5 year cycle, and the stice, this is the sign when the Sun God The Jupiter Jupiter Saturn conjunction a 20 year cycle. dies (in the Northern Hemisphere), but The Saturn Pluto cycle, probably the most also, it is the time of light starting to return. – Saturn important of all this year, is a 31 to 38 year cycle, relative to the Pluto orbit. Conjunction The Jupiter – Pluto cycle may bring Sedna is planet or a planetoid recent- new leaders who can provide solutions to ly discovered in 2003. Her myth is of an in the Air Signs social problems. On the other hand we are Inuit Goddess of Marine Animals and the going to have power and financial strug- sea. The most common version of Sedna gles among states and people. While this tells the story of a beautiful woman who and Planet is not an uncommon thing, I believe that was offered many marriage proposals but this year, such contentious issues around refused them all, until a hunter asked her Sedna money may become more acute. father to grant her for his wife. To facili- The Saturn – Pluto conjunction can tate this marriage, her father gives her a The coming of 2nd Axial bring huge success on a long term proj- sleeping potion while the hunter trans- Age and of Singularity ect, but it is also a great cycle for spiritu- forms himself into a bird and takes her to ality. This cycle can raise questions about a nest. In order to save her from the bird inequalities in societies, problems with the spirits, her father throws her into the sea. environment, and turbulence in political Desperate, Sedna tries to cling to the Kayak affairs that is going to bring instability in while her father tries to take her hand. But international relations. she freezes, her fingers fall off, and she In the end the Jupiter – Saturn cycle drowns, falling to the bottom of the sea is about finding a new way to respond to and transforming to a sea goddess. The upcoming year society’s problems and also about final- Sedna will be around 28 Taurus this is a year of significant ly having a new paradigm of change and year, forming a trine from Saturn in importance. It is about deal- transformation. Capricorn and gradually with Pluto. ing with our inner demons but also about Importantly, I believe that the Jupiter/ Those aspects are going to change the understanding that we cannot continue Saturn conjunction taking place at 0 ways we are dealing within society from the way we live. Because we are in a soci- degrees of Aquarius is the most profound 2020. This is going to change a lot on how ety that has significant problems and is and important cycle. While this conjunction the Saturn/Pluto/Jupiter conjunction will malfunctioning, this is a period of crisis, a occurs every 20 years, it will now shift to work; it may add a lot more intensity and period where we need to understand that occur in a new element, the AIR SIGNS, for depth in the current changes and how our financial institutions, our current socio the next two centuries. economic and political understanding and The last time we had a grouping of slow way of thinking, and how we philosophize moving planets in the sign of Capricorn is about to change. 2020 is not the end was 1989-1991, leading to significant of the world. I do not believe it will bring events such as the collapse of the Soviet havoc and destruction. 2020 is not a year Union, the end of the Cold War, and includ- for crying, but a year of understanding ing the fall of the Berlin Wall. our wounds, our depression, our misalign- ments, and to understand that we have already lost what is precious. This coming Societies are going to change, particular- year is going to be challenging because it is ly the western world. Many of us agree that corresponding with the situation of a trou- the system we live in is not sustainable and bled world, immersed in greed, excessive these transits may be the activating forces consumerism, and unreliable ideals. to create a climax of change. We can anticipate that many people will act in opportu- nistic ways in the midst of change, and possibly take advantage of the problems of the The year 2020 is important and most of society to increase their profit and create the astrologers agree that we are at a time of even more problems and inequalities with- completion of three important cycles: First, in our system. This includes self-destructive the cycles of Saturn- Pluto and Jupiter- dictators and political leaders creating even Pluto, culminating into the December more havoc and problems in our political Jupiter and Saturn conjunction. situation. Yet, there is always a new begin- Additionally, there are two important ning. As astrologers we strongly believe in retrogradation cycles of Venus and Mars, the idea of creation and destruction - the in addition to six eclipses (if we count the new rise through an eternal cycle, like a December eclipse of 2019, it will add up to breath: inhaling and exhaling. We need seven eclipses). to understand the nature of the sign of page 10 The Career Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine Videos of OPA live presentations are available forV OPA Imembers those cycles work. Sedna can act as a uni- makes her into one of the most import- versal multiplier and add more depth, ant Goddesses of the Inuit tradition. bringing us close to what makes us human. Her very slow speed and her orbit mark, 2020 may be the year The Perihelion (closest to the earth) of whenever she touches something, very that the Goddess once Sedna is in the Sign of Cancer while the important matters. Wherever we have a again falls into the deep Aphelion (farthest from the earth) is in the strong planetary cycle that is going to be in sign of Capricorn. While the Perihelion is any other aspect with another planet, the waters, yet, while this only happening in the distant future, the meaning of this cycle is going to take the crisis can bring a great year 2078, it echoes the current transits and color of this planet. eclipses in the axis of Cancer and Capricorn, Some important keywords in the chart deal of anxiety, it may an axis that has to do with foundations as if we find Sedna are: The victim, abandon- transform humanity’s law and order. ment, alienation, transformation, a sense of future in the same I believe that the trine of Sedna to making things important and significant, like Saturn and Pluto this year is going to be a planetary multiplier. significant ways. the ignition of a whole change around the Therefore, from 2020 until 2080 we can notion of philosophy and what we think expect possibly the greatest changes in humanity is. We will feel severe changes in humanity’s lifespan. We can refer to a sec- the way we are thinking and we’re going ond Axial Age. The term Axial Age was to have tremendous changes in the way coined by the German philosopher Carl Singularity is a prophetical point in the our life is working. In the myth we have a Jaspers who believed that there was a piv- future where technological growth may young girl who is transformed to a Sea– otal age, an incredibly important period become so immense and irreversible that Goddess; a life-threatening situation from the 8th to the 3rd century BCE. Sedna it completely alters human civilization. It in the next years will be closer to the is an important moment when our civi- center of the Solar System’s center in its lization will change so much because of orbit (perihelion), while the previous technology that it is going to alter even the I believe that the trine Axial age occurred when she was in her relationship we have with our bodies and of Sedna to Saturn and furthest point (Aphelion). I believe that our society. It is a paradoxical situation - a significant point in the theory of the future Pluto this year is when Sedna is in her farthest and closest points in her orbit, we will witness a surge that is going to bring the merging of tech- going to be the of revolutionary ideas. nology and humanity to a very intense level. We can talk about an explosive event, ignition of a whole Additionally, the axis of Gemini and Sagittarius is the axis of the mental devel- an explosion of intelligence, altering the change around the opment of humanity. While Sedna during understanding of our bodies, our concept notion of philosophy the Axial age was mostly in Sagittarius, of soul, and our idea of God. Jupiter – Saturn conjunction shifting and what we think now it will be on the sign of Gemini for most of the time (ingress into Gemini in from Earth to the Air signs is likely to fur- humanity is.. 2023), the first time that it enters the sign ther enhance technological advancement. of Gemini since the beginning of the Axial I believe that technology is going to bring Age. Many ideas that were shaped during a lot of important answers to various prob- the previous Axial Age (8th to 3rd Century lems we have about our health, but even BCE) are going to deepen now. Historically our existence. The last cycle of Jupiter – this was a period that radically redefined Saturn in Air signs was 800 years ago. our philosophies and perception of life I believe that the upcoming technolog- and the universe, including the rise of ical singularity is going to solve the envi- culture in Greece, Persia, India, China. ronmental crises as the earth is screaming. Some of the most important and recog- Despite the potential upheavals and even nizable philosophers, from Plato to Lao dramatic earth events, we can expect that Tsu emerged, altering the ways people from 2020 to 2080, we will upgrade our think. For example, during this axial new whole cosmology and integrate concepts ethical references changed the concept of such as cloning, body alterations, con- sacrifices offered to the gods. The Greek sciousness, concepts of the soul, and per- civilization in the West gave birth to phi- haps access our own immortality. losophy, democracy, and tragedy. I believe Christos Archos was born in Athens in 1982 and that from 2020 until 2080, we are entering his interest in humanity started very early. After a new Axial Age that may bring funda- having completed his undergraduate studies at the mental changes to how the world works. University ,he went to England where he completed 2020 may be the year that the Goddess his postgraduate studies in Counseling Psychology and Clinical Psychology and subsequently gained once again falls into the deep waters, yet, specialization in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy. He while this crisis can bring a great deal is the VP for ISAR in Greece and the President of of anxiety, it may transform humanity’s the Mediterranean and Balkan Astrology Research future in the same significant ways. Center. https://www.christosarchos.gr/ R

DECEMBER SOLSTICE 2019 page 11

OPA LIVE SPECIAL THE ASTROLOGY FOR THE YEAR 2020

I work in the field of finance and know an altered financial landscape by ‘shorting’ AN all too well the impact of poor financial currencies or stocks. planning. I am also well aware that there Note that the three planets dominat- are times when an individual is faced with ing the January 2020 stellium have been ASTROLOGICAL financial misfortune that is clearly not of on one side of the Sun for many months. their own making and which requires them When joined by Mercury and Venus, the to review their general position. Though pull on our special star will surely be very FINANCIAL I am not so naïve as to think that all situ- great. This could lead to rare outburst of ations can be turned around, I have seen solar activity with extraordinary effect on OUTLOOK enough examples of re-emergence of terrestrial weather. No matter the actions financial security to know that no situation of CEOs or politicians, the forces of nature lasts forever and that astrology can help in will likely demand us all to rethink our for 2020 identifying those moments when situations ways of living. Indeed, it could be argued will alter and when the native can develop that investing in appropriate infrastructure, natural talents to advantage. clothing etc to work with revised weather Poverty – real or imagined – all too often systems is as – if not more – important than leads to ill-health and dis-ease. Before determining where best to put our savings t has been suggested considering the potential for financial dis- and cushioning our future. that the extra-or- harmony in 2020, it is wise to be aware I dinary stellium in that focusing on what could go wrong can Capricorn in January make that a reality and incumbent on each The antidotes to the global financial 2020 will coincide with of us to remember that the cosmos always disaster of just over a decade ago were a ‘financial reset’. What offers a balance and that at the end of what variable. The remedies of austerity as does this mean? Does it could be a tumultuous year, the financial opposed to quantitative easing have each infer the possibility of calami- tables will turn. been found wanting. National debt has ty greater than the Global Financial crisis increased. As Pluto makes its way through of 2007-8 as Pluto entered Capricorn? the last decanate (last ten degrees) of Certainly the emphasis on this area of the Although the much-noted Capricorn Capricorn, attention is likely to turn to the zodiac – and the degree areas involved stellium becomes exact in January 2020, bond market where collapse is likely inevi- (aligning with a Black Hole) draw attention the joint forces of Jupiter, Saturn and table. This could yet have devastating effect to the possibility of super-harsh-reality Pluto have been at work for some time. on pensions. The valuation of some compa- (by virtue of the conjunctions between Saturn and Pluto have been in close paral- nies must also surely be considered suspect Jupiter+Saturn+Pluto in Capricorn) and lel aspect since 2016 with Jupiter joining and lead to loss in the value of their shares. unknown financial terrors. Or is it possible them through many months of 2019. You It is unreasonable to assume that all that Capricorn structures will become super don’t have to look far to see examples of banks (Capricorn institutions) will survive (Jupiter) strong, built on deep and lasting the influence of these planetary vibrations and therefore imperative to spread risk i.e. (Saturn-Pluto) foundations? - in taxation and reminders of the need do not exceed protected savings limits. The rich could, indeed, become rich- to attend to estate planning and pension There are thousands of banks in the world. er under this configuration. And yet: arrangements. Many have also experi- We cannot hope to identify which will fail might this also be a last hurrah? This enced sharp reminders of the need for and which will survive – though we might configuration will dissipate. Before the a financial cushion or safety-net. Others reasonably hazard a guess that the banks end of 2020, Jupiter and Saturn align though have done exceedingly well by of nations (Capricorn) and whose logo sug- in Aquarius heralding a new age. The focusing on stocks in companies providing gests Jupiter in Capricorn (perhaps with Great Mutation of these conjunctions into essential services – a trend that will likely an eagle or mountain or regal coloured the Air series just a few years ahead of continue. emblem) will be in the news. This is not to Pluto’s Aquarius ingress indicates the rapid Whereas earlier generations (under the say that these will necessarily fail but that it acceleration of artificial-intelligence-led influence of the Earth series of Jupiter- is their charts that are likely worthy of care- business and commercial practices. If Saturn conjunctions) adopted the practice ful scrutiny. 2020 opens with the obvious demise of of saving first and buying later, many are out-worn systems, it should close with the only now regretting the levels of debt that emergence of dynamic financial and man- they have built up. They openly acknowl- agement systems that make clear human- edge that they should have saved more. kind has entered a ‘new age’. Some are facing the awful reality of poverty The gulf between Tempting as it is to focus on what is in retirement. ‘haves and have nots’ unlikely to work in 2020 and to give atten- The gulf between ‘haves and have nots’ has widened with tion to the potential financial catastrophes has widened with many people now used that lie ahead, understanding of the posi- to living on the edge. Some traders are many people now used tions of the planets in 2020 alerts us to aware of financial fault lines opening and to living on the edge. strategies that should result in us avoiding fear these becoming chasms – with poten- being sucked into the black holes of finan- tially devastating consequences - whilst cial disaster. others are positioned to take advantage of

page 12 The Career Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine Videos of OPA live presentations are available forV OPA Imembers very least we should expect a fair ground Obviously, to make best use of this new ride of financial twists and turns during the Aquarian cycle, it will be necessary to have week beginning May 11th. capital available to explore new areas. If we lose trust In recent years Venus’ Libra ingress This underlines the need to read com- in banks and has coincided with downturns in many pany balance sheets carefully to ensure indices. In 2020, this event coincides with that they are not so debt-ridden that they governments, where Mercury (then retrograde) slipping back have limited resources available to explore can we put our trust into Libra on October 28th – a key stock new areas. and savings? market anniversary date (1929) and ‘within You should also note where this conjunc- orb’ of the Taurus Full Moon that coincides tion will fall in your own chart and view this with the Sun’s opposition to Uranus. This as a seed moment for your own develop- too could be a trying investment week. ment. Please note that this does not have Whilst so much attention is given to the The situation with Mars retrograde in to include either new technology or any- Capricorn end of the zodiac, we should Aries, from September to November, is not thing you believe to be harmful. It could also give thought to its opposite, Cancer. dissimilar: once again a fall in indices values be that you are drawn toward Aquarian With so much activity on this axis, we are is probable after the retrograde station on (co-operative) ventures that are anti-these crossing the portal to a whole new world September 9th. Yes, this is a simplistic view developments. It is absolutely worthwhile where security is concerned. With this and it is certainly not enough information building your Grand Mutation Financial Pot knowledge surely it is wise to give extra on which to trade. The fact that we have to fund new adventures. The point here is attention to basic security in the form of these potential negative periods though that this conjunction is a marker for devel- preserving good health as well as internet is worthy of consideration. Either period oping and using an alternative financial security and, especially, protection against marks potential buying opportunity. system or strategy. identity theft. If we lose trust in banks and governments, where can we put our trust and 2020 is important in that the Moon, savings? Self-investment should come high There is a recognized two decade long Mercury, Venus and Mars each move out on our list but so too should family and cycle that dovetails the nodal cycle of of bounds during the year. Mercury has property concerns. Family is more than 18.618 years and the Jupiter-Saturn cycle. three Out of Bound periods during 2020. just blood relatives and includes those to The former is marked by eclipses which, (22 Dec 2019 – 12 Jan 2020, 16 May – 9 whom we feel soul-tied. We might wish from the financial perspective, may be June and 12 December 2020 – 4 January to invest in their businesses or consider viewed as knots in the commercial chain 2021). Each of these periods will likely coin- investments in small holdings and local e.g. when an eclipse contacts a company cide with significant commercial activity. transport arrangements. When times are chart, urgent steps need to be taken – usu- The Moon has out of bounds days tough, there is no greater importance than ally as a result of crisis. every month of 2020 whilst Venus – which friends and neighbours who will help when In 2020 there is a solar eclipse at the doesn’t achieve this status every year – is the chips are down. powerful 0 Cancer degree on the June out of bounds from April 2nd to June 1st. Solstice. An eclipse on a World Axis degree There are dates then when both the Moon is vitally important. Companies, people and and Venus share this condition. Both have countries with zero degrees of the Cardinal connections with money and finance and signs or 15 degrees of the Fixed signs (45 we might reasonably deduce that on these Both Venus and Mars have retrograde from the solstice and equinox points) will dates especially there might – at the very periods in 2020. As in 2001, Venus turns reach turning points. Obviously much least – be panicked behavior around finan- retrograde first in Gemini in the course of depends on the actual charts involved but, cial matters. History suggests this to be May-July. It is absolutely not the case that as a generalization, we may say that these the case. Both the Moon and Venus were indices take a downward turn at every will reach a turning point or plateau. This out of bounds in May 2002 when the S&P Venus retrograde, but is often the case that could be particularly true of companies in the 80 days preceding the retrograde involved in home improvement – or any station, that an index loses value. Clearly ‘Cancer’ linked industry: restaurants, care this factor alone is insufficient information homes included. The Moon has out of on which to trade. If however, you have If you are invested in these compa- bounds days every some knowledge of technical analysis and nies, then, from the start of the year, can factor this information with that knowl- read through press releases carefully, ask month of 2020 whilst edge, then you could perhaps choose to questions and take note of where in their Venus – which doesn’t realise profit by selling ahead of the retro- chart, the Jupiter-Saturn conjunction at achieve this status grade station. 0 Aquarius will fall. Whilst this need not Venus’ retrograde station on May 13th necessarily be in their research and devel- every year - is out of comes two days after Saturn retrogrades opment department, it is the house in bounds from April 2nd and two days before Jupiter reaches its which this falls that might warrant extra retrograde station. This ‘time-midpoint’ is investment as regards making use of new to June 1st. more than a little interesting in that Mars developments – most likely in artificial makes Pisces ingress on May 13th. At the intelligence.

DECEMBER SOLSTICE 2019 page 13

OPA LIVE SPECIAL THE ASTROLOGY FOR THE YEAR 2020

that were incorporated during those years avoid calamity, focus on security but also will surely see volatility in their share prices. be ready to take advantage of the oppor- index achieved a minor high on 17th of It is true that every year brings financial tunities likely to present after Mars turns that month and from then declined for six challenge but arguably 2020 will require direct (almost exactly coinciding with the months. A repeat is possible. special care. My personal approach is to Jupiter Pluto conjunction that marks the start of a new wealth cycle) and the Jupiter- Saturn alignment at the December solstice. Finally, Mars makes Aries Ingress on June Christeen Skinner © November 2019 28th and stays in that sign for the remain- Mars makes Aries Christeen Skinner D.F.Astrol.S, FRSA der of 2020. Controlling finances could Ingress on June 28th Director: Cityscopes London Ltd. prove a hard task! Mars will likely burn a and stays in that sign www.cityscopes.com hole in the savings pocket. The temptation to spend, spend, spend will surely be irre- for the remainder of Author: The Financial Universe, Exploring the sistible to some (especially those with Fiery Financial Universe, The Beginners Guide to the 2020. Controlling fi- Financial Universe, Navigating the Financial Moons). For this group, crisis management nances could prove a Universe may be necessary during Mars’ retrograde Trustee: Urania Trust, Director Alexandriaibase period mid-September to mid-November. hard task! Mars will Project and Chair, Advisory Board, NCGR Holder: Charles Harvey Award 2019 This could be particularly pronounced if likely burn a hole in the those same individuals began enterprises during Uranus’ transit of Aries (2003-2010). savings pocket In the same vein technology companies R

Visit us online for full details on free presentations, catalog of magazines, and much more! OPAastrology.org

page 14 The Career Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine Videos of OPA live presentations are available forV OPA Imembers shadow period will last from July 24th to of the zodiac, as opposed to 45 days per January 2, 2021. sign in regular direct motion. On a personal Mars This key Mars Retrograde will occur lead- level it can be exhilarating or conflictual. It ing up to and during the US presidential is rarely comfortable. Retrograde elections, which will be examined more In a natal chart the retrograde of Mars is fully later in this article. It also has a mirror experienced quite differently, the rough- relationship with the 2014 Mars Retrograde ly 66 days of retrograde, can become 66 in Aries at 27°31 Libra, the opposite sign of the years in secondary progressions, a slow zodiac. Events of that time included the movement against the signs, which lasts kidnapping of 276 schoolgirls in Nigeria by much of a lifetime. This often translates 2020: Islamic fundamentalists, the invasion and into a trajectory away from the status quo. annexation of the Crimea, and an Ebola Conformity is almost impossible for Mars outbreak in West Africa. We can expect retrograde individuals, as they have dif- Passion and conflict in the Sahel region of Africa will ficulty responding to external pressure. expand in 2020 and perhaps break out It’s important to remember that Mars is Conflict into a larger war, fuelled by Boko Haram always retrograde at the moment it and other insurgent groups. Immense min- opposes the Sun, and while some see this eral wealth lies in these desolate regions, as a potential for consciousness, it can also including large uranium reserves. The emphasis a maximum waywardness and dates of this mirror retrograde, which also challenge to authority. So we have exam- marked Russia’s annexation of the Crimea, ples of natal Mars retrograde like the gang- ars is our first were March 1 to May 20, 2014. The Ukraine ster Al Capone, an enemy of society. Mark outer planet. At remains a ‘hot zone’ in global politics. Zuckerberg was also born with Mars ret- birth it pushes us M Mars retrograde may be considered weak rograde in opposition to the Sun. He has out of the womb. Of the personal planets, in certain parts of the astrological tradition, influenced millions of people to redirect it is the first, apart from the Moon, to leave but it is still Mars. Things are hectic, intense, their time in ways that no one had imag- the close confines of the Sun and reach fast moving. Whenever a retrograde Mars ined. Those born with Mars retrograde can into a wider sphere of life. Mars takes us has activated my own chart, it has brought out of familiar territory into the unknown. a surplus of activity, kept me off balance This is its role, but what happens when and overactive. I’ve observed something Mars is retrograde? This key Mars similar with others. Squares conjunctions We know that retrogrades are the appar- Retrograde will occur and oppositions from Retrograde Mars to ent backwards motion of a planet in the natal planets stir things up. They energise leading up to and during sky. Ancient astrologers were keenly aware the chart, often in a reactive way. During its of these shifts in motion, and saw them the US presidential retrograde Mars may spend six months in as negative indicators. Mars retrogrades the same sign, intensifying a particular area elections once every two years for a little over two months. The cycle is irregular, not all signs are visited with the same frequency. This year Mars will be powerful in its own sign, Aries, and it will also square both Saturn and Pluto, three times. The stage is set in 2020 for a pushback against the authoritarian forces that have been growing in the world. Success is not guaranteed, OPAastrology.org but Mars’s strength in its own sign will give power to challengers, and hope to insurgents through the summer. However, if things go badly it could increase the brutality of both those in power and their challengers, leading to potentially tragic events. There are times when the madness of violence invades the collective. We must all hope to avoid this, the most destructive face of the god of War. The moment of the retrograde, less than two months before the American elections, can correspond to a loss of traction for the opposition forces. Mars will retrograde September 9, 2020 at 28°03 Aries and turn direct on November 13 2020, at 15°13 Aries. The

DECEMBER SOLSTICE 2019 page 15

OPA LIVE SPECIAL THE ASTROLOGY FOR THE YEAR 2020

26°41’ Libra is intimately involved with this cycle. A French, British, and Italian coalition redirect the flow. Over a lifetime, retrograde Conflicts may end, was formed to counter Hitler’s aggressions, Mars is involved in a process of rediscov- and others swirl into with little effect. It’s interesting to note that ery, and the need to find a new relationship being from unexpected in a previous Mars retrograde, in early Aries between will and authority. The light of the in 1909, a 20 year old Hitler left his lodgings Sun needs to be found internally if conflict quarters. Some of in Vienna, and spent several months home- is to be avoided. the differences in how less, in tattered clothes, sleeping on park benches. What happens in one Mars retro- these periods Mars Retrograde in Aries: grade cycle can be reversed in another. In manifest, are linked 1909 Mars retrograded into Pisces, finishing During the 20th century Mars retrograd- to the interface with with a square to Pluto in the sky and mirror- ed wholly or partially into Aries just a few ing the opening Mars/Pluto square in 1935. times; in 1909, 1941, 1973, and 1988. I larger cycles. have looked at three of these passages as 1941 - Mars retrograde in Aries: well as a counterpoint to the retrograde; Mars retrograde in Libra in 1935. Each of drupling worldwide prices for oil over just a 1935 - Mars rx 24°17 Libra these cycles has a different arc. They cor- few months. This triggered a recession, and 1941 Mars RX 23°43 Aries respond to shifts in power, extremes of forever changed the dynamics of global On September 7th 1941 Mars stationed aggression, a rebalancing of economic and politics. retrograde at 23°43 Aries, just 3 degrees global influence, and the rise of previously There was also a new connection from Hitler’s Descendant, and opposite the unknown dangers. Conflicts may end, and between the continents of Asia and Europe 1935 retrograde. These six year oppositions others swirl into being from unexpected made at this time. One day after Mars are part of the Mars Retrograde cycle. They quarters. Some of the differences in how slipped back into Aries, on October 29, link two periods in time. In 1935 Germany these periods manifest, are linked to the 1973, the Bosphorous bridge in Istanbul reclaimed its power, in 1941 it was used interface with larger cycles. was completed. It’s fascinating that this real to devastating effect. Just days before the world connection arrived just as the West retrograde the Nazis first used Zyklon B Mars Retrograde in Taurus/Aries could no longer ignore the Arab world, at Auschwitz to execute Soviet prisoners 1973: and the larger relationship with the Middle of war. In September alone, over 70,000 East. Mars Retrograde interfacing with the Soviet citizens, mostly Jews, were massa- A certain number of conflicts begin and larger collective cycles works to destabilize cred by German paramilitary death squads end with Mars retrograde. The initial sur- existing power structures. The 1973 Mars (Einsatzgruppen D) in the Ukraine, in the prise of an invasion may give way to quick retrograde also corresponded to import- Nikolaev and Babi Yar massacres. During changes and reversals, as it did in 1973, ant events during the Watergate scandal, this time the destructive power of the god during the 21 day October War between including the infamous Saturday night of War was fully unleashed. Perhaps signifi- the Arab States and Israel. Mars began its massacre, where a wayward president cantly, Mars is without any major aspect to retrograde at 9° Taurus on September 19, Nixon was under investigation by Congress. the outer planet cycles. It may give greater 1973. This cycle is relevant for us today for This combination of the Saturn Pluto and scope for Mars to let loose, without con- a number of reasons. Saturn and Pluto were Mars Retrograde will be present in 2020. straint. When working with Mars retrograde in an exact square at that time, and this is a in Mundane astrology, the whole cycle is key cycle for Israel and Palestine, since the Mars Retrograde in Libra square relevant. That includes the shadow peri- conjunction was in effect at the moment of Pluto 1935 od on either side of the retrograde, the the founding of Israel. Saturn was also con- moment Mars reaches the degree where junct the South Node at that time, as it has Another Mars retrograde with parallels it will later make its direct station. After been much of 2019. On October 6 1973, a to 2020 began on February 27, 1935, when it turns direct the shadow extends to the coalition of Arab countries invaded Israel, Mars turned retrograde at 24°Libra 37, in degree where it originally turned retro- making quick territorial gains, especially in an exact square to Pluto, and opposition grade. Towards the end of the Shadow peri- the Sinai Penninsula, However these suc- Uranus. Just before the retrograde, the od, in 1941, Pearl Harbor was bombed and cesses were quickly reversed, and Israeli industrial Saar region voted to be reunited the United States declared war on Japan. troops surrounded Egyptian forces in the with Germany, after 15 years under British Sinai as well as invading Syria. After inter- and French control. This vote gave Hitler 1988: Mars Retrograde in Aries/ ventions on opposing sides by the United access to manufacturing and coal, and the Pisces: States and the Soviet Union, a cease fire power to build the Third Reich. In the fol- was negotiated on October 25th. But we lowing two months, he would announce The 1988 retrograde Mars went from must not make the mistake of thinking that the creation of the Luftwaffe, the German 11° Aries to 29°53 Pisces. Just prior to the all Mars retrograde periods will be met with Air Force, give the order to build 12 sub- retrograde, the ten year Iran Iraq war came immediate failure. Such can have larger, marines, and reinstate the draft. He openly to an end, it seemed a cycle of aggression more long lasting repercussions. During the defied the treaty of Versailles, and reassert- was exhausted. Yet another organisation 1973 conflict OPEC made the decision to ed German power and sovereignty under would spring up; Osama Bin Laden secretly stop sending oil to the United States, qua- this Mars Retrograde. Hitler’s Ascendent at formed Al Qaeda, anticipating the Russian

page 16 The Career Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine Videos of OPA live presentations are available forV OPA Imembers retreat from Afghanistan. While on the out- as Americans go to the polls on November A look at some of the leading 2020 side the end of the war seemed promising, 3, 2020 at 6:00 am EST. US election candidates the warriors who had been trained in jihad Mars in Aries calls up courage, gives Bernie Sanders was born the day after vowed to continue. A totally new weap- power to individual outrage. It can sustain Mars went retrograde in 1941, with Mars on also came into being with the launch- us in the face of danger, or spill into wild- at 23°42 Aries conjunct his natal Moon. He ing of the first computer virus, the Morris ness and destruction. This Mars retrograde has always been an independent, and in Worm on November 2, 1988. Mars was at will mark a turning point for all of us. As we typical retrograde fashion has succeeded 0 Aries square Saturn and Uranus in late have seen in previous cycles Mars retro- in moving the political dialogue in a count- Sagittarius. The worm signalled a whole grade redirects power, and no matter what er direction. The transits to his birth chart new form of possible warfare. Its inventor, the outcome of the US presidential elec- are difficult next year, and he had a minor a doctoral student named Robert Tappan tions, authoritarian impulses will be coun- heart attack in October, 2019, which is not Morris, spent 3 years in jail for his out of tered and weakened by the courage of a an encouraging sign for the rigours of the control experiment. few individuals. This Mars retrograde gives Presidential campaign. While he may not hope in the face of the power grab inher- become the candidate, his voice and his Mars Retrograde in 2020: ent in the Saturn Pluto conjunction. ideas will be all over the 2020 elections. As a natal Mars retrograde, the return of the Mars will retrograde September 9, 2020 at retrograde Mars cycle to his own chart indi- 28°03 Aries, and turn direct on November 13, While he may not cates a time of destiny. 2020, at 15°13 Aries. The shadow period will become the candidate, (Bernie Sanders born September 1, 1941, last from July 24th, 2020, to January 2, 2021, Brooklyn Heights, NY no time, use noon) In horary astrology Mars retrograde is Bernie Sanders’s voice The power of the retrograde Mars clearly at a disadvantage, and in event and his ideas will be all square to Pluto and Saturn describes a heated, dirty election in the United States. charts would be a counter indication for over the 2020 those areas ruled by Aries or Scorpio. Barbarism will be present and the vicious- Timing is off, and results can come precip- elections As a natal ness of attacks may be head- spinning. itously; they can also be easily reversed. Mars retrograde, On election day, Mercury is also retro- More importantly the motivation of Mars grade, and square the triple conjunction of is inconstant, and sometimes can fall away the return of the Jupiter, Pluto and Saturn. This is a signature completely. With this placement, we are retrograde Mars cycle for potential manipulation and propagan- da. President Trump may increasingly lose moving away from a previous desire, an to his own chart earlier goal, or one imposed from outside allies, given the Pluto/Saturn opposition to that we do not agree with. Mars will be the indicates a time his natal 11th house Venus/Saturn. While retrograde ruler of the Scorpio Ascendent of destiny. . he may well win the election, his coalition could be fissured and damaged. His eclipse-born strength has given him an invulnerability to shadow issues until now. We can expect that he will be significantly wounded after the November elections. While Trump is an incumbent, he still presents himself as an outsider, a usurper of the ‘Deep State’. His strong natal Mars will be supported by a trine from the transiting retrograde, strengthening his chances, despite a fall in popularity. Joe Biden’s enduring popularity is reflected by his Taurus Moon and an exalted Jupiter trine Sun Venus and Mercury in Scorpio. Recent attacks on his integrity and especially his son Hunter, are attempts to destroy his likability, to call into question his solidity in the minds of voters. The Pluto /Saturn square Mars will be in aspect to his Jupiter, and can temporarily wound his better self. Uranus transiting his Moon has been a highly destabilising influence, and while the transit will be over before the primaries, it may be too late for Biden to recover. (Joe Biden born November 20, 1942, Scranton, PA @ 8:30am)

DECEMBER SOLSTICE 2019 page 17

OPA LIVE SPECIAL THE ASTROLOGY FOR THE YEAR 2020 Elizabeth Warren’s untimed birth chart (Pete Buttigieg born January 19, 1982 no is mostly unaffected by the Saturn/Pluto/ Based on astrology time, South Bend Indiana. use noon) Mars configuration in the fall. We can ask alone, I would choose We will need heroes during the Mars retrograde in Aries - those who are able if the absence of contacts with the major Pete Buttigieg as celestial pattern of the year is not a con- to stand up to the abuse of power, and traindication for success. It could spare a warrior to redirect our attention, like Capricorn Greta Thunberg. Mars retrograde, after all, is her from the worst of the transits, but take on Trump. also leave her outside the archetypal flow. changing its relationship to the Sun, trying However, Saturn does conjoin her Jupiter to find an inward directness rather than several times in 2020. Even more impor- Capricorn) and Tulsi Gabard (Sun 22 Aries, bend to outer authority. When Mars goes tantly, it activates natal Jupiter (part of a Venus 24). But the candidate who seems out of control it is terrible, when it serves Yod), creating a possible encounter with most involved with the Mars retrograde us to change course, to be more aligned destiny. This is doubly so because of an and the Saturn Pluto conjunction is Pete with our true purpose, it can work for the eclipse on her Sun/Uranus conjunction Buttigieg. Based on astrology alone, I greater good. at 0° Cancer on June 21st Solstice. would choose him as a warrior to take on Trump. Buttigieg is born under the 1982 Lynn Bell is a Paris based consulting astrologer, Jupiter, the handle of the Yod, will author and teacher with a psychological and arche- receive the all-important Saturn Jupiter Saturn Pluto conjunction, giving him an typal approach to astrology. Her book Planetary conjunction of December 2020. (The inherent instinct for the cycle, as well as Threads, explores the astrological patterns that run other planets involved in the Yod are a Sun/ the toughness to handle this often crush- through families. A long time tutor for the Centre for Psychological Astrology, Lynn now teaches Uranus conjunction in Cancer, and Saturn ing combination. As a veteran, a Rhodes scholar and a Harvard graduate, Buttigieg for MISPA online, as well as Astrology University , in Virgo). Warren is born the same day as and the LSA, and guests teaches at the faculty of the very gifted and successful actress, Meryl has an admirable record. He is also a gay Astrological Studies Summer school in Oxford. She Streep, perhaps a clue to the power of the man from the midwest; he knows what it has lectured and taught at many of the major con- chart. As it happens, Warren’s natal Saturn is like to be both part of and different from ferences in the world, form Australia, to Bali, China. the surrounding community. His Sun is at most of Europe, the United States, Canada, South falls on Trump’s progressed Sun, perhaps Africa, and India. In 2016 Lynn received the Charles giving her a means to check his advance. 29° Capricorn in a tight square to the Mars Harvey Award for exceptional service to astrology. (Elizabeth Warren, June 22, 1949, no time, Retrograde station at 28°. Before and after She is the author of Cycles of Light:Solar Returns, as Oklahoma City, Oklahoma use Noon) the retrograde, Mars will square his own well as co author of the Mars Quartet. Lynn is particularly interested in connecting ideas from ancient Many of the other candidates have per- natal Pluto and Saturn. This coincidence with the collective transits means he can astrology to a psychological and spiritual approach sonal planets in Capricorn or Aries, which to the individual. www.lynnbellastrology.com interface with the Saturn/Pluto conjunc- play a significant role in challenging the tion. Among them Andrew Yang (Sun 22° direction of events during the year. R

ONLINE INTRODUCTION COURSE TO ASTROLOGY FUNDAMENTALS The Building Blocks of Chart Delineation and Synthesis 12 Sessions by OPA available as videos with handouts. OPA has created this special program to introduce you to the building blocks of astrology. If you have some prior experience in astrology, this is an opportunity to bring the pieces together and solidify your foundation. 1 • Introduction to Astrology: History, Astronomy, Astrology, & Humanity • Maurice Fernandez 2 • The Elements: Fire, Earth, Air, & Water • Carol Dimitrov

3 & 4 • The Signs – Part 1&2: Aries to Pisces • Arlan Wise & Geoff Gronlund OPA MEMBERS 5 • Chart Components: Signs, Houses, Planets and Modes • Geni Picazo 6 • The Angles: Ascendant, Descendant, MC, & IC + Introduction to House Systems • Gemma Harwood $120 7 & 8 • The Moon in Each Sign – Part 1&2 • Kay Taylor & Anne Ortelee by Feb. 15, 2020 9 • The Inner Planets: Mercury, Venus, & Mars • Shannon Gill $150 after

SESSIONS 10 • The Social Planets: Jupiter & Saturn • Angela Tiki Join OPA and NON MEMBERS 11 • The Transpersonal Planets: Uranus, Neptune, & Pluto • Maurice Fernandez benefit from $180 12 • Introduction to Astronomy for Astrologers • Gemini Brett this special deal!

page 18 The Career Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine DECEMBER SOLSTICE 2019 page 19 The Organization for Professional Astrology Presents

Magical Location OPA RETREAT 2020 Amazing Program ASTROLOGY Bridging Science and Spirituality

Zion National Park, Utah PART I APRIL 23-26 | PART II APRIL 27-29, 2020 SPECIAL PANEL Addressing Arguments (Small Group Learning – Max 12 per track) Against PART I TRACKS Astrology Track 1 • Shannon Gill • Embodying the Asteroids: Resurrecting the Divine Within Track 2 • Öner Döşer • Horary Astrology Track 3 • Arlan Wise • Writing Workshop for Astrologers Track 4 • Anne Ortelee • Predictive Astrology - Techniques and Analysis - SOLD OUT Track 5 • Christopher Renstrom • Jupiter and Saturn: The Two Faces of Fortune (Natal and Transit) Track 6 • Donna Young • The Foundations of Astrology: Integrating Signs, Planets, Houses Track 7 • Maurice Fernandez • Physical and Mental Health in the Chart - SOLD OUT PART II IMMERSION Track 8 • Roy Gillett • Astrology, Karma, and Regeneration in the Chart Become a Better Track 9 • Monica Dimino • Declinations in the Chart: Exploring a New Dimension Astrologer Track 10 • Kay Taylor • Astrology of Relationships: - SOLD OUT Astronomy for Astrologers Track 11 • Chris McRae • Planetary Patterns That Challenge Our Soul Growth Consulting Skills Training Track 12 • Russell Ohlhausen • Astrology: The Sacred Science Peer Groups Track 13 • Laura Nalbandian • Uranus: Karmic Trauma and Individuation “The OPA Retreat was a Stellar Experience” – “Being in Zion felt like a Spiritual Experience”

S. Gill O. Döşer A. Wise A. Ortelee C. Renstrom D. Young M. Fernandez G. Brett

2020 Faculty

R. Gillett M. Dimino K. Taylor C. McRae R. Ohlhaussen L. Nalbandian S. Falk

page 20 The Career Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine OPA Retreat – April 2020 at Zion National Park, Utah OPA Retreat – April 2020 at Zion National Park, Utah ASTROLOGY: Bridging Science and Spirituality DAY ONE Shor t Talk s ASTROLOGY:Theme Presentations Bridging Science and Spirituality Theme Presentations

What Can Uranus/ Research Science of The The Determining Meditation The Secret Discovery Neptune: Astrology Astrology of Astrology, of the History of Charts In The Draconic Spirituality Medical Truth Seekers Karma and Zodiacal Astrology Reveal for Likeness Chart In a Chart Conditions Come Forth Reincarnation Wheel Astrologers? of God

MAURICE FERNANDEZ ROY GILLETT ANNE ORTELEE ONER DOSER SHANNON GILL BOAZ FYLER MOON ZLOTNICK SUZY HOLBROOK KAIRON YENG

See Full Program at OPAastrology.org See Full Program at OPAastrology.org OPA Retreat – April 2020 at Zion National Park, Utah Friday Evening, April 24 at 7:30pm DAY FOUR Addressing Argumeentsnts Made Againsstt AAstrology ILLUMINATIONTheme Presentations THE COSMIC DANCE Religious Twins: Codex of What in the Aversions and Same Chart, the Cosmos MODERN WORSHIP IN THE URBAN TEMPLE Heavens is Condemnation Different Consciousness the Zodiac? Where current culture meets ancient wisdom through of Astrology Lives and Matter the practice of conscious music and ecstatic dance

With Shannon Gill and Russell Ohlhausen ‘Illumination’ is a “cosmic mass” of stellar proportions! A communal dance ritual journey that has been sculpted as a ‘next step’ of the Ecstatic Dance movement. ‘Illumination’ emphasizes the ‘sacred altared space’ as the celestial vessel, where we alchemize our connection with the planets, stars, CHRISTOPHER RUSSELL CHRIS MCR AE GEMINI BRETT RENSTROM OHLHAUSEN and cosmic forces. ‘Illumination’ catalyzes the body so that we may each better incorporate the ‘light’.

See Full Program at OPAastrology.org

PART II April 27-29

ALL PART II PROGRAMS ARE Consulting Skills Astronomy for PART OF OPA’S CERTIFICATION The art of communicating the Astrologers Take them whether you choose chart in most impactful ways Learning about the chart to get certified or not. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday through direct connection 9:00am to 5:00pm Sessions with the sky. Peer Group Sunday April 26 Practicing astrologers meeting • Handling sensitive topics, emotional in- 5:30pm-8pm Introduction to naked to learn from each other and en- volvement and challenging client situations. eyes view of the Night Sky hance their practice. • Developing clarity, mindfulness and Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday effective communication skills. Exploring 9:30am to 4:30pm Class Sessions unconscious bias, stereotyping, and 9:00am to 5:00pm Sessions Monday - Theory: Cross of Matter, cultural diversity issues. Day 1 – Discussing the challenges of Circle of Spirit Astronomical orgins of glyphs, astrology practice • Giving and receiving readings as we Signs versus Constellations, the Three Zodiacs (Side- Day 2 – Reading each others’ charts, integrate newly refined consulting skills real, Tropical, Constellational), Equinoxes and seasons. discussing techniques. with astrological guidance. • Tuesday - House Systems Finding the Day 3 – Marketing, business plan, manifesting Ascendant and the MC in the heavens our vision for our practice. Group Leaders • Wednesday - The Great Year and Kay Taylor and Moon Zlotnick the Astrological Ages The Precession Group Leaders – max. 18 participants of the Equinoxes and the Astrological Ages, Anne Ortelee, Donna Young, Susan Falk Heliacal rising and setting of xed stars – 4 participants per group – book early. Monday, Tuesday 8:30pm Night Sky sessions Group Leader Gemini Brett

DECEMBER SOLSTICE 2019 page 21 Interview with Lee Lehman

I.D YOUR PRACTICE Email: [email protected] Where do you live and practice? The Red Zone around Asheville NC. But really – Website: www.leelehman.com my practice is cyberspace. Your family: white US Midwest academic How long have you been practicing – Religious background and condition- How did it start? 43 years or so. It starting? Northern Presbyterian – but it didn’t ed when one of my thesis advisers asked take for a reading when he heard I was learning Spiritual orientation – Do you follow any astrology. Any advice for those who would like to specific practice? The practice of kindness become professional astrologers? First, Your Astrology teachers? Doris Hebel, clear up your debts. You can make a decent and compassion. I’m not always very good. Olivia Barclay living at astrology, and live well, but debts What’s the worst thing and then, the Your Astrology hero? William Lilly can hold you back. Second, learn as much best thing about you? Anger, and curi- about life in general as you can - and keep osity. 3 favourite Astrology books? Lilly’s Christian Astrology; Bonatti’s Book of learning. The breadth of your experiences You never tried… wilderness canoeing Astronomy; Ibn Ezra’s Book of Nativities defines the possibilities you can imagine for You can’t refuse… a good single-malt (Sefer Ha-Moladit) your clients. with a dash of water What do you feel is your greatest What question do you wish we’d What is playtime for you? Scifi and fan- accomplishment to date in your asked you, and what would the tasy novels. Museums. astrology career? My students. Whatever answer be? What is the hardest thing we can discover individually is dwarfed about being a classical astrologer? I am Your animal totem? I think when Philip by introducing others to the wonder, and answering this for my students, because Pullman came up with the idea that the sending them on trajectories to discover actually there was no hard thing about me daemon settled into one animal at just more. being a classical astrologer. But when I look after puberty, that he wasn’t thinking past the culture wars about this, I feel that about mutable signs. Today my totem (or What made it possible for you to one of the biggest remaining obstacles is daemon) is a hawk, because one showed become a full time astrologer? The that many people believe that innovation up outside my office window, and so it is Millennium. I was a computer consultant, and creativity have no place in classical communicating with me something about and the fear of what was going to happen astrology, whereas modern astrology is all myself. Sometimes, it is a cat. Sometimes, it to dates come 1 January 2000 was so high about these matters. is an otter. Sometimes it is a squirrel, a fox, that in 1999, I had a banner year converting a goose, a dachshund, or a heron. I figure it dates in programs. This allowed me to go In actuality, understanding a method is any animal that I feel in my heart. into 2000 with a financial cushion. within its social, historical, and philosophical concepts is only eclipsed as an Your superstition? That the arc of history What is the great thing and the hard exercise of intelligence by the process of bends toward justice. thing about being an astrologer? Doing truly learning how to apply it in your own your passion, and sacrificing, because it’s Your Chinese sign and element? Water circumstances. Paracelsus was completely tough to survive financially on your passion. snake right about the need to fully understand What are your future ambitions in the Your favorite place on earth? The something through all portions of the mind field of astrology? Writing, teaching, Duomo in Milan when the organist is play- – intuitive, as well as intellectual, spiritual, consulting. Over the last year, I have been ing Bach’s Toccata and Fugue and compassion. If you think you need to doing a lot of individual tutoring, and I very invent something just to put your name on What would you define is an import- much enjoy it. it, you have completely missed the point. ant evolutionary lesson for you in this What inspires you to be an OPA mem- True creativity is understanding something life? Evolution is for biological organisms, ber? I have watched OPA for a long time, from the inside out. not spirituality. and OPA is committed to bringing people Your chart Triple Virgo, Mars rising in Leo along toward better practice. R page 22 The Career Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine

a sign of silence. Virgo is connected with when he writes about the constant question lineage and mentoring. Capricorn is the of which degrees to use for orbs when look- Book Review survival of the fittest. Saturn is “The planet Review by Arlan Wise ing at aspects. Steven speaks with refreshing that gives us the ability to do what we do not candor: “How do progressions work? In all feel like doing”. He has an inspiring take on honesty, I have no idea.” He teaches us that a Saturn transit – that it is “time to take the we need earth to make good choices, but next step forward.” Since two powerful outer states that astrology is about knowledge THE BOOK planets are currently in earth signs and will and self-awareness rather than prediction. He writes: “When it comes to specific predic- OF EARTH tions, we can only set some boundaries around the possibilities. Beyond that, everything else is Making it Real some combination of guesswork, probabilities, and common sense.” BY STEVEN FORREST The material in the book is collected from one of his four-day seminars. It is a gift to those who cannot attend his teach- Steven Forrest’s The Book of Earth- ings in person. Steven includes the hand- Making It Real is a thorough exploration out from the seminar as an aidR to learning of the unique qualities of the earth ele- and review. This book is Volume 2 of his ment. The earth family consists of the Element Series. It follows the Book of signs Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn; the planets Fire, but reads fine as a stand-alone book. Venus, Mercury, Saturn; and the houses 2, Steven states that the series on the four 6, and 10. The work of the earth family is elements will give an integrated, evolution- to ground us, to turn dreams into reality, ary approach to astrology. There is some to bring spirit into flesh. Earth accomplish- repetition from the first book when he es the “process of sacred manifestation”. describes astrological concepts; Steven dis- It is needed in order for us to succeed in cusses his dilemma in having to make com- accomplishing our purpose in this lifetime. promises between saying too much and Steven writes detailed yet accessible saying just enough in describing the basics descriptions of the three earth clans. He in each book. then demonstrates how to put an earth In the chapter on Saturn returns, Steven planet in a sign, in a house, and then “ calls the second return “the initiation into makes it real” by giving more descriptions elderhood, a time to experience the joy of of those three planets in the twelve signs generously giving the gift of wisdom to those be there for the coming years, this book and the twelve houses. Steven then goes who are younger.” In writing this series, we gives a deeper understanding on what is on to show us how to use these planets in see that Steven has indeed become an happening now. transits, progressions, and solar arcs. elder statesman in the field of astrology, The second half of the book contains Steven’s work shows the evolutionary and we are all the more fortunate for it. much of Steven’s wisdom on how to read lesson of your specific chart. He gives us We look forward to his books on Air and and use astrology. His writing has loosened new definitions for the signs which encour- Water. up since the first volume and has become age different ways of thinking about them. This is a 5+ star book that you want to more playful and humorous. He states that He provides us with new vocabulary to own so that you can refer to it over and he is trying to teach the reader through illus- use with our clients to encourage deeper over again. trating his style of thinking. This is evident self-examination. He teaches that Taurus is R

DECEMBER SOLSTICE 2019 page 23 The Year 2020 trines Mars in Aries, which is also square generational differences between people to Pluto, Jupiter and Saturn in Capricorn— born before the beginning of the transition, their last dance together just before the during the period of movement back and Saturn/Jupiter conjunction in Aquarius. forth, and those born after will be radically The Year What a lead-in!! I can envision challenging different. In a time such as ours when many events based on extreme beliefs. The North people live longer than the forty years of Node in Gemini asks us to question our this process, these see-saws can result in 2020 laws and philosophies, and the sextile of severe alternation between calm and panic, Astrologers share Venus at 29 Scorpio to the Capricorn stelli- with different age populations experiencing um suggests the fierce power of women is one or the other at any one point, depend- their perspectives a key to the restructuring of new structures ing on whether the current conjunction was on the transit they emerging as 2020 draws to a close. earth or air-based. So a Jupiter-Saturn element changeover is much more spread out wish to highlight. than a sign ingress or outer planet, which With a wide range of very merely endures a year or two. Add to this the fact that the earth-air and important cycles activated W Z water-fire mutations are between elements this coming year, we asked V that don’t share any properties in common astrologers to discuss the MARC LAURENSON (earth is cold and dry while air is hot and one they would like to sydneyastrologyschool.com wet), and we have a model for the oscilla- highlight the most. tion between generations, as well as the emphasis on this theory of generations at The dramatic stellium of Pluto, Saturn this time. Once the post-Millennials become and Jupiter in Capricorn is at its tightest in the dominant generation, this age group the second half of 2020. emphasis will start to decline, because this Here we see the planets on power, mas- particular conflict will die out and so there Z tery and inspiration fused together as a for- will be less tendency to make assumptions QRS midable team. based on it. This emphasis on generations W This forceful combination has us dealing only began with the Boomers anyway. with restoration and revival. They break KAY TAYLOR down parts of who you are and rebuild any kaytaylor.com areas that need new life. This energy can also open our minds to the greater possibilities that lie ahead. V This could feel overwhelming for some ARLAN WISE W The weekend of January 10-12 draws and quite a revelation for others. Where in Arlanwise.com my attention because of the powerful the chart does this play out for you? astrological shifts in three consecutive The best way to handle this energy is to days: A Lunar Eclipse with Pluto, Saturn not resist it., Here is your chance to become and Mercury conjunct the South Node, fol- empowered by concreting a new vision for There is excitement as a new decade lowed by Uranus direct and then the Pluto/ yourself. starts, especially those who have the Saturn conjunction we’ve been preparing Saturn-Jupiter conjunction. It feels like one for for two years. This is the launch point is given permission to leave the old matters for changes we’ve been struggling with behind and look forward to creating the individually and collectively with the Lunar V future. And, there is the puzzling question: Nodes in Capricorn and Uranus coming W How did it get to be 2020 already? into Taurus last year. From global warming J.LEE LEHMAN My Sun is 3 degrees Leo and I am aware to exposure of corruption to individual leelehman.com that Saturn will be moving into Aquarius choices to live a more authentic life, 2020 Copyright 2019 J. Lee Lehman in 2020. The last time this happened, it is a turning point. I am advising people was whammy, a life changing time for me. to find a serene place to be, even within My father had a major stroke and died your own home, and give yourself space to after nine months of being bed bound. At reflect and align with these energies. the same time, my husband announced Almost every time there is a change in that he was leaving the marriage to go live the element of the Jupiter-Saturn conjunc- with another woman. tions, the change is followed by a conjunc- We learn that the Sun represents the tion (or more) in the previous element. men in a woman’s life. With textbook accu- December 14, 2020 offers a new Moon in This means that these mutations are not a racy Saturn took away my important men. Sagittarius conjunct Mercury and the South moment, but a transition of typically forty We also know that Saturn tells us what is Node that squares Neptune in Pisces and years. A transition that slow means that the over and needs to end so that we can con-

page 24 The Career Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine tinue to grow and evolve. Looking back on for size the new principles of this age of I see that this was true. It was beneficial, higher ideals. although it didn’t feel so good at the time. But aside from the personal implications, I wonder what Saturn will teach me I see this alignment sparking this new era in LM in 2020. a pronounced fashion. The higher Aquarian TQ ideals will at last begin to concretize the systems and no longer just be considered MAURICE FERNANDEZ ‘woo-woo’ jargon. The root systems will mauricefernandez.com V take hold, and create new foundations that W are wholistic and humanitarian in essence. ONER DOSER Onerdoser.com My sense (and hope) is that we will begin to utilize the cutting edge higher technologies available to get ahold of the global ecological crisis, that a return to the communal The Lunar Nodes will shift in the retro- It’s time for growth and good luck, mindset will become the norm, and that grade motion from their dramatic Cancer/ a higher level in consciousness, a fresh general overall consciousness will elevate Capricorn phase where they conjuncted beginning in terms of humanity and its as we step further into this age remember- Pluto, Saturn, and Jupiter and reflect- understanding. We may be noticing that ing we are one unitive consciousness. ed deep political shakeups, to a new 18 things are not as restricted as they were months phase in Gemini (North Node) and prior. Things which require great respon- Sagittarius (South Node). sibility but which are not satisfying, tra- The transiting nodes are extremely ditions which create pressure and the TM V powerful in their influence, whether they relationships which are of no use should W conjunct natal planets or not. The previ- be liberated now! You will notice that your ARIELLE GUTTMAN ous transit with the North Node in Cancer unnecessary fears and drawbacks prevent SophiaVenus.com had me yearning to slow down and prac- your happiness and success and you will tice better self-care, even though the shake them off. It is the time for changing heavy conjunctions on the South Node in the things which cause pressure. In order Capricorn pulled toward career incentives to climb higher, you need to release your and global responsibilities. What will the burdens. If you plan enough, you may There are so many significant planetary Gemini/Sagittarius bring? First, perhaps, use this new cycle in a way that sets you transits occurring in 2020 it is difficult to more mobility and dialogue in an otherwise free and encourages your creativity. It is pick one that I feel is the most significant. very tense Cardinal climate of 2020. With a the time to break the chains and expand But I will name two that I think are worthy Gemini North Node we can expect a shift boundaries! Even if you do not feel too of mention. from Nationalism (Cancer NN) to a yearning restrained, you will need greater freedom The first is the Jupiter-Saturn conjunc- for diversity and cultural experiences. and welfare. The fated events you experi- tion (syzygy) on December 21, 2020. This Venus will conjunct the North Node ence will bring growth opportunities, both pair comes together every 20 years and from May to August—exact on AUGUST personally and professionally. It is a good influences the 20 year period it announces. 5 at 27 Gemini, fostering cross-cultural time to apply for loans for new business The fact that this pair will meet in the first exchange, greater community networking opportunities. Your motivation to pay back degree of an air sign, Aquarius, has special and expansion, and perhaps new alliances. will be high! It is not only limited to you! significance to the principles we associate In the US we are in an election year, and Your actions represent the beginning of a with Aquarius. This constitutes an elemen- certainly these Nodes will enhance the pres- cycle that will last for 180 years! tal shift in the cycle for the pair. They have ence of Gemini/Sagittarius candidates in been in earth signs for the last 200 years, so the race, including Trump who will have a the shift to air is meaningful and gives great Nodal Return around election day, or Bernie emphasis to the elemental principles of air Sanders with his Jupiter at 20 Gemini. for the rest of the century. On JUNE 13 – Venus/Sun inferior con- Adding to the air theme is the Venus V junction (Venus retrograde) at 13 Gemini, W Retrograde period for 2020 which SHANNON GILL is close to Venus’s own North Node at 1 shannonleigill.com/ occurs from May 13 - June 24 in Gemini. Gemini! This highlights the power of this Because of her retrograde, she will spend configuration to question existing alliances four months in Gemini, from early April to and possibly make new ones, question per- early August! Normally she spends approxi- sonal relationships, and potentially change 2020 is loaded with powerful alignments mately one month in a sign. This is a period the course of financial trends. but what catches my attention most is the where much information and mis-informa- December 21st conjunction of Jupiter and tion is likely to confuse voters concerning Saturn at 0˚ Aquarius. Why? Because that is the U.S. presidential election cycle, poten- my exact Ascendant! With my 0˚ Aquarius tially wreaking havoc on the entire process. rising, I have always felt a bit like an ‘agent’ We will surely be subject to surprises during of the new age, living on the fringe, trying this period!

DECEMBER SOLSTICE 2019 page 25 The Year 2020 UM UM KATHRYN ANDREN W Theloveastrologer.com ALEXANDRA KARACOSTAS Z UM Wisdomastrology.com V One of the potent planetary patterns for 2020 is Mars retrograde in the impul- SUZY HOLBROOK Around Oct 11, 2020 Mars will be retro- suzyholbrook.com sive sign of Aries. Mars squares off to grade in Aries, the sign it rules, conjoining serious Saturn, powerful Pluto, and expan- his sister and companion, Eris, goddess sive Jupiter, all in Capricorn during this of chaos. Mars will be opposing the Sun cycle. This alignment suggests ‘the right in Libra, while squaring Pluto, Saturn and use of power’, both on a personal and col- The last week of February through the lective level. Jupiter in Capricorn, all direct. Neptune in first week or so of March 2020 is an oppor- Mars stations retrograde September Pisces will be squaring the nodes in Gemini/ tunity to bring to fruition the process ongo- 9, 2020 at 29 9’ Aries Sagittarius. And, Mercury will go retrograde ing through 2019 of Saturn, Pluto and the Mars stations direct November 13, on Oct 13, raising reconsideration of our South Node in Capricorn. 2020 at 15 14’ Aries state of affairs. As Mars joins the energies conjunct the Personal and political events that have South Node with Jupiter, Pluto and Saturn Mars Retrograde in a Natal Chart been grinding it out on the battlefield since all in Capricorn, we have an opportunity to Remember, Mars goes through it’s retro- early 2018 become intolerable, hopefully grade phase when it is opposite the Sun. break through patterns in our life that we precipitating real change. The Capricorn Contemplate the themes of: action and have outgrown. trio of planets are all moving direct; there ego, the right use of will, and taking action Uranus in Taurus trines the South Node steps with confidence. is forward momentum. Yet Mars returns to and allows objectification and understand- Questions for contemplation during take aim at the institutions that stand in ing of this pattern. It allows consolidation Mars Retrograde: the way of life itself, particularly regarding of new values to base our life upon. The • What is worth fighting for? human rights and the environment. With Sun conjunct Neptune in Pisces will allow • Who or what will you defend? Eris close by it will be a messy fight. Subtle us to listen and create new processes befit- • Where do you want to put your power, and important is the Neptune/Nodal square, ting who we want to become rather than passion and energy? inspiring and invigorating all beings to acting as we have. Supportive suggestions for this Mars stand up in the spirit of collective well-be- This is a time of fundamental rupturing Retrograde: ing. No pain, no gain. of crystalized patterns from past lifetimes 1. Remember proper use of will These aspects make fertile ground for that were reinforced through childhood 2. Consider how can I be proactive, rather chaos and warlike circumstances as pow- and that we are realizing conflict with our then reactive erful organizations and institutions, polit- evolving truth. Take this time to meditate, 3. Find healthy ways to express yourself, ical and financial, resist release of their grieve for what you are letting go of and don’t stuff your emotions grip in addressing overdue and much celebrate who you are becoming. 4. Make healthy choices in your sex life, needed change. This period should prove understand the consequences of desire telling in how the Capricorn energies of R 5. Stay open to creative impulses, intu- this last decade unwind, revealing its gifts ition requires action and tragedies.

page 26 The Career Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine in numbers is not just a multitude of and contraction in astrology. Their cycle is zeroes in a bank account, the one percent known as the great Chronocrator cycle as 2020 will continue to grow. they were the major markers of time and The Jupiter Pluto conjunction occurs the outermost planets in the ancient world. every 11-13 years. We will experience it Conjunctions between Jupiter and Saturn Vision three times: 5 April, 1 July (when they will occur in the same element for about two both be retrograde – great time for inter- hundred years. We have just completed the nal review) and the final conjunction on 13 earth cycle. On 22 December these two will November. These two often show themes begin their new relationship in air in the sign of union, masses of money, global terrorism of Aquarius. The themes of these two plan- e have three to claim power, space exploration, fantasy. ets have to do with taking something that is significant What has occurred during previous con- already large and making it larger and more W conjunctions junctions are: formidable, dealing with justice that comes in 2020 that will lay the 2007: Housing Bubble bursts, First about in the end, and the ways in which groundwork for the next 200 years. Saturn iPhone, Rupert Murdoch acquires Dow we have taken Jupiter’s ideas and given it and Pluto will meet on 12 January, then Jones & Co WSJ, Mitchell Report steroids Saturnian form as in electronics and pro- on 5 April 2020 Jupiter will be conjunct in Baseball, First Tesla introduced, NASA to gramming code. As these two planets move Pluto, and finally, Jupiter and Saturn will Mars and Jupiter. into air, we will see a huge shift in the ways in conjoin on 21 December. 1994: Early Civil Unions for same-sex which ideas, data and privacy are seen, appre- The Saturn Pluto conjunction is a gen- couples, first multi-racial elections in ciated, and resolved for the common good. erational marker which occurs every 32-37 South Africa – Nelson Mandela elected The last two conjunctions in earth result- years. When these two planets get together President, OJ Simpson incident, UK Lottery ed in the following experiences: there is going to be some bone crushing, £7m, NAFTA, The Chunnel, World Trade May 2000: Vermont legalizes same-sex consolidation of power, separation, war, Organization created (1995). Union, The Tate Modern Museum opens, institution of boundaries and division. 1981: UK Church voted to admit Bill Gates leaves Microsoft CEO, First There are significant statements of inde- women as vicars (was in Libra), Maastricht International Space Station Crew, AOL/Time pendence and authority. During previous Treaty, First Space Shuttle Columbia, The Warner “largest merger to date”. conjunctions we experienced: DeLorean, Lady Di marries Charles Prince July 1981 (also a Pluto/Jupiter year) November 1982: AT&T breakup, of Wales. Adam Walsh’s son is abducted and mur- Canadian Sovereign Statehood, Falkland And last, but not least, is the Jupiter dered, goes onto create television series War, Michael Jackson’s Thriller. Saturn conjunction that will only happen – America’s Most Wanted, DOS bought by August 1947: Roswell, New Mexico inci- once on 21 December. These two planets Microsoft, 750 million people watched Lady dent, Sound Barrier broken, Cold War Begins, represent the great accordion of expansion Di marry Prince Charles, 8/1 MTV goes on Israel, India and Pakistan independence. the air, 8/3 Air Traffic Controllers went on October 1914: Government of Ireland strike -starting with over 16,000 to just Act, Arch Duke Ferdinand assassinated, We have three over 4,000 after President Ronald Reagan WWI begins, Battle of Falkland Islands fired them, 8/4 DuPont Chemical and (interesting theme), Gandhi gains title of significant Conoco “largest merger to date”. 8/12 IBM Mahatma. conjunctions in 2020 PC introduced While we have just one pass for this that will lay the Once the year has completed I am sure conjunction, we are already feeling the that we will all feel as if we have gained tension building over here in 2019! The groundwork for the 2020 vision! 1% will be scrambling to purchase more next 200 years. as the 99% simply sell to survive. Until the Michael Bartlett focuses on traditional and eso- majority of the people realize that power teric astrology while utilizing the skills he learned from Core Energetics. He utilizes this body-oriented process in concert with his highly intuitive nature, three decades of business experience and two decades of astrological experience and understanding. He has an extensively resourced toolbox to provide his students and clients with excellent guidance. Michael is the author of a book about individuals with planets on the chart’s angles enti- tled: of Astrological Mavericks: Do you have what it takes to change the world? He is also the co-creator of AstroTheatre AstroCards, an app that represents astrology in a visual manner and is available from Apple App Store. He is the Outreach Director for NCGR. He offers webinars, workshops, intensives and classes for Kepler College. He can be reached at 505.690.3860 or [email protected] R

DECEMBER SOLSTICE 2019 page 27 The Year 2020

says, “you will see the Son of Man sitting (Saturn) to rebirth the light (eclipse) of at the right hand of the Mighty One and truth into our lives. And of course, as it is Saturn/Pluto coming on the clouds of heaven.”4 The with all things without, this great work Egyptians taught that Osiris was resurrect- begins within. and Eclipse ed as Orion in our sky. The Celts called him the High Man and in India he is known as REFERENCES Kal Purish, which means Time Man. It is Synchronicity high time for a resurrection, my friends. 1. See my “Enigma of Eclipse Cycles” article from We are called to gaze into the shadows the June Solstice 2017 edition of The Career Astrologer - https://www.opaastrology.org/kneel- - a Solstice of power (Pluto) and control structures diamond-and-the-enigma-of-eclipse-cycles 2. See my “Turning of the Ages” article from the December Solstice 2018 edition of The Career Ring of Fire we dance on Earth Astrologer - https://www.opaastrology.org/ at an extremely rare publications/articles/70-astronomy-for-astrologers/204-the-turning-of-the-ages time within the 3. Read “Galactic Alignment” by the late great 26,000-year “great John Major Jenkins ue to the extreme obliqui- year” of precession 4 Mark 14:62, Holy Bible: New International D ty of Pluto’s ellip- in which the solstice Version. tical orbit, the periodicity of the Saturn-Pluto synodic points are aligned to Gemini Brett cycle varies significantly. Years between the galactic crosses morethanastrology.com consecutive conjunctions of the two plan- of our sky ets can be as little as 31 or as many as 37 (see table 1). Students of astrological cycles will note that the 37.2-year period between the Saturn-Pluto synods of 1982 and 2020 is equal to twice the 18.6- year period of a zodiacal transit by the lunar nodes. Hence, we find ourselves at the end of a rare synchronicity between the Saturn-Pluto synodic cycle and the cycles of eclipses.1 I hesitate to write from the desk of Scorpio Brett, but we cannot avoid the truth that the midpoint of this co-incidence arrived in 2001, a year when Saturn and Pluto opposed and our liberties began crashing faster than the Twin Towers did. The 911 attacks arrived three months after a total solar eclipse that I believe to be the most powerful astrological event of our Figure 1. The June Solstice, 2020 Ring-of-Fire Eclipse at the Galactic Cross on the Hand of the High age. Why? Because we dance on Earth at Man (Stellarium software) an extremely rare time within the 26,000- year “great year” of precession in which the Table 1. Periodicity of Saturn-Pluto Conjunctions solstice points are aligned to the galactic crosses of our sky.2 This galactic alignment3, Date Degree Time Between which spans from about 1975 to about 5.22.1883 30 Taurus 31.5 years 2025 was activated by a partial solar eclipse 11.1.1914 02 Cancer 31.4 years on June solstice 1982 and by a total solar eclipse of June solstice 2001. A third and 8.10.1947 14 Leo 32.8 years final such activation will arrive with an 11.7.1982 28 Libra 35.2 years annular solar eclipse on June solstice 2020 - these eclipses all take place on 1.12.2020 23 Capricorn 37.2 years the Solstice point of 0 Cancer. 7.10.2053 15 Pisces 33.5 years This will be the last solar eclipse to sit 4.8.2086 20 Aries 32.7 years on Orion’s club for about 26,000 years (see figure 1). I believe this to be the very align- 8.12.2117 22 Taurus 31.3 years ment Jesus speaks of in Mark 14 when he The middle date was selected for synods in which Saturn and Pluto conjoined thrice R

page 28 The Career Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine Aquarius, within a couple of degrees of The great conjunctions in Libra in 1981 where it was in 1226. very neatly mark out the “Fairly tale wed- The British ding of the century” of Prince Charles and Lady Diana. Royal Family The great conjunctions in the earth tri- Very interestingly, it is assumed the royal gon began in 1007 and a notable mutation family would have an astrologer working took place in 1186 in Libra when the third on the wedding. However, it appears the and the Great crusade was taking place. By this time, the astrologer may have been calculating the crusades had been raging for some time. great conjunctions using right ascension Jupiter/Saturn However what sets the third crusade apart rather than ecliptic longitude. from the first two is that it drew in leaders The first of the conjunctions took place Conjunctions from Rome, France and England (Richard (using right ascension) on 14 January 1981 the Lionheart). The Siege of Jerusalem the when the couple was very much in the following year, was a success for Saladin, thick of serious dating. Charles proposed the first sultan of Egypt and Syria. on 3 February but this was kept secret This great conjunction was a mutation. until the 24 February 1981, just a few days The next great conjunction was in Taurus after the second great conjunction on 19 ohannes Kepler in 1206. In 1226, the great conjunctions February. Their wedding took place on 29 helped us to under- stayed in the element of air until 1425 July, the day before the third great conjunc- stand that great J when the great conjunctions were in the tion. Could the astrologer in question have Jupiter/Saturn conjunctions element of water. used the wrong information? (also referred to as “the great conjunction”) The dates of the great conjunctions occurred in the same elements for a cou- using ecliptic longitude are: 31 December ple hundred years, mutated into the next 1980, 4 March 1981 and 24 July 1981. element before moving on to the next Until 1981, the Great conjunctions had Newspaper headlines described the element. Thus the mutations between ele- been occurring in the element of earth wedding as “perfect” and celebrated the ments happen every few centuries. The since 1802. As in the case of the previous very famous kiss on the balcony. Well we period for which the great conjunctions change of element, the mutation was in all know the marriage didn’t last and the occur in the same element are known as Libra, then back to Taurus for one great People’s Princess died before the next Great trigons. It takes about 800 years for the conjunction before moving into the ele- Conjunction in 2000—the last one in the great conjunctions to occur throughout the ment of air from 2020 until 2199. element of earth for several hundred years. whole zodiac. When great conjunctions change element, the degrees repeat where they were in the previous elemental trigon. The next great Jupiter/Saturn conjunction will be on the 21st of December 2020 at 0 degrees

When great conjunctions change element, the degrees repeat where they were in the previous elemental trigon. The next great Jupiter/Saturn conjunction will be on the 21st of December 2020 at 0 degrees Aquarius, within a couple of degrees of where it was in 1226.

DECEMBER SOLSTICE 2019 page 29 The Year 2020 In 1226, the great conjunction took place at 2 degrees Aquarius. During this time, In 1206, the great conjunction took place The fixed star at 25 degrees Taurus. This is within one King John’s son Henry III was on the throne. degree of the current position of the fixed Algol is a very This year saw some more adjustments to star Algol—a very important point in the important point the Magna Carta, giving the document charts of the Royal Family: Princess Diana more authority to prevent the monarchy and Prince William have Venus conjunct in the charts from stepping on the rights of commoners. Algol as did Edward the VIII whose mar- of the This year was also the death of Francis of Asissi who is notable for trying to bring an riage to Wallis Simpson created the abdi- Royal Family. cation crisis of 1936. Queen Elizabeth II has end to the crusades in 1219. her IC on Algol with Saturn opposing it. The Great Conjunction of 21 December In 1206, King John (himself born under 2020 will occur at 0 Aquarius. This is a a Jupiter/Saturn conjunction in Capricorn) in Scorpio. During 2000, he became entan- change to the trigon of air so the great was on the throne. He was such a disas- gled with Jeffrey Epstein and is now paying conjunctions will remain in the element of ter that he lost Normandy (1204), was a very heavy price following the scandalous air until 2199. The three main players in the excommunicated by the pope (1205) and revelations. As the Sun transited his Moon succession of the royal crown of England the Magna Carta (1215) had to be written last week, he gave a “car crash” of an inter- are the Queen, who has her Sun at 0 to protect English subjects from his well view where he denied having sex with a degrees Taurus, Prince Charles who has known avarice. King John spent much of minor. He insisted he could not have done his Moon at 0 degrees Taurus, and Prince 1205 and 1206 securing England from inva- this as on the night (10 March 2001) he was William who has Jupiter at 0 Scorpio. I sion by the French. King John is notable for having pizza with one of his daughters. think it’s also worth mentioning that the having produced at least fifteen illegitimate Saturn was conjunct Algol during this time. Uranus of the abdication crisis was at 6 children. He is also remembered as being Koo Stark met Andrew near to the time of degrees Taurus—exactly to the degree it the main villain of the Robin Hood stories. the great conjunction of March 1981 and Koo, will be during the next great conjunction. In May 2000, the great conjunction again who is just about the only person to have The change of trigons has long been took place within three degrees of Algol. defended him, has Mercury on Algol. Andrew seen as times of change. The current Although a three degree orb is a little too has now been stripped of Royal duties, he has Queen is of such an advanced age, it seems far away from a fixed star, the great con- lost many patronages and looks set to also be inevitable she will soon pass the crown junction opposed Prince Andrew’s Moon stripped of military honours. to her son who has waited a long time to become king. But is he and his consort up to the job? How long before William takes the crown? In another article, I have said that I think that 2020 could be the fourth time in British history that there have been three kings on the throne in one year. I based this reasoning on the current British Royal family’s connection to Algol. If you’d like to read more, please go to this link: https:// alextrenoweth.co.uk/algol-and-the-house- of-windsor/

Alex Trenoweth, MA (CAA), DFAstrolS, CIA Agent 144 is an astrological researcher and professional schoolteacher in London UK. In 2015, she was awarded “International Astrologer of the Year” by the Krishnamurti Institute of Astrology (KIA) for her ground-breaking and innovative research on Astrology and Education based on her book “Growing Pains” (The Wessex Astrologer). Since then she has spoken at astrology conferences around the world and has contributed to major astrological magazines. In 2018, KIA awarded her with an honourary PhD for her research on “Adolescent Behaviour and Lunar Phase” and she also received an award for Oustanding Service to Astrology. Her website is alextrenoweth.co.uk

page 30 The Career Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine between Chiron and Pholus, and the con- to our sense of personal space, subtle Crafting a junction of centaur Chariklo (Chiron’s wife) body, and astral travel. Together with her with Saturn-Pluto around 23-4° Capricorn. partner Chiron, she guides us on the path Saturn was recently dredged by a long of healing and awakening. An astrological Future with dalliance with the Moon’s South Node: we keyword for Chariklo is charisma, or the approach the future feeling lighter, having bestowing of grace. the Centaurs’ already pressed the ‘release’ button on our Astrological Pholus can give catharsis; waste hatch through this intensely karmic Chiron’s skilled hand manages the healing Cosmic aspect. On January 10, the first Lunar process. Pholus is a cave-dwelling oracle Eclipse of 2020 (at 20° Cancer) will remind who holds the divine ambrosia. His myth is us of this process and help draw attention brief, yet he plays a pivotal role in the sto- Sandpaper: to the year’s stellium. ries of both Herakles and Chiron. In Pholus’ cave, Herakles’ heroic journey collides with 2020 Transits his mentor, Chiron. The hero-on-a-journey of Chiron, Pholus & I like to approach the Centaurs as they expects to drink from the victory flask. are today, not only based on myths from When Pholus uncorks his ambrosia, nearby Chariklo when we met them long ago. Myths are Centaurs take wind of the rare vintage, and a starting place, though. The daughter of cause a scuffle. Herakles shoots venomous Apollo, Chariklo is a naiad (fresh-water arrows, killing many centaurs including nymph) and wife of Chiron. In one of her Pholus, who stands in the way. Chiron’s myths she is a temple priestess of Vesta. skilled hands fail him as he inspects Pholus’ he third decade Meaning “Graceful Spinner”, Chariklo relates wound, injecting himself with Hydra’s of this millennium venom. As “small cause, big effect” (von T begins with con- Heeren) Pholus thus causes his own demise junctions between Jupiter, and the ‘fatal’ wounding of immortal Saturn, and Pluto. When Chariklo relates to Chiron. Saturn and Pluto conjoin, not only do they Mythical Pholus may have died in close one 36 year cycle to start anoth- our sense of personal Chiron’s cave at the end of an arrow, but I er, they serve to link our inner and outer space, subtle body, am sure that the wisdom-being inspiring spheres of experience. When Saturnian that story lives today in his Aquarian realm. limitations are exploded by Plutonic force, and astral travel. Master Teachers and Healers Chiron and who would you call but the Centaurs? It Astrological Pholus Chariklo exist in a crystalline presence as is these cosmic wanderers who traverse accessible as any other dream-mentors. between the reality of Saturn and the tran- can give catharsis; scendental realms of Uranus, Neptune and Chiron’s skilled hand beyond. Astrologically they help us to fath- manages the Over the last four years Pholus has om these great leaps out of our comfort dipped into Capricorn, only to travel again zones that some call evolution. healing process. in Sagittarius, and back again. Through The years 2019-2020 are conditioned much of 2016 and 2017 Pholus skirted by two major Centaur aspects: the square the edges of the Galactic Center, at 27°

DECEMBER SOLSTICE 2019 page 31 The Year 2020 author Melanie Reinhart said here recently, tauren.info. What a funny plot Chiron and once we get to know her, Chariklo can help Pholus make: (CHART) Sagittarius: “Sanding and sanding a sculp- us mitigate the crisis. We can see that historically, there have tor is carefully modulating and refining been many Chiron-Pholus squares (see a curve.” (Pleiadian Degrees, version of those curves running through the 90° line.) Sabians by John Sandbach). The symbol In this 450-year plot, most squares were in feels right for a centaur like Pholus. Imagine Centaurs are eccentric: they weave weird the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. a cosmic sandpaper that grinds away at webs for our world. Their sense of time is Check out the 180° line at top — so many karmic rough spots: it hurts, yet we become not steady, like our even-keel around the years hit that point: these two centaurs smoother for having lived through it. What solar zodiac in twelve segments. From our spend a lot of time at odds, at opposite curves did life artfully, if gratingly, modu- geocentric point of view, the Centaurs make zodiacal poles. late for you through this period? paths that are both elliptical and off-center Broadly, we can see that much of our In 2019-2020, Chiron and Pholus reach around the Sun. This makes their travels ‘Medieval’ and early modern history is the quarter phase of their cycle, first from through the zodiac hard to track, especially colored by the Chiron-Pholus opposition. mutable signs (Pisces/Sagittarius), and now when looking at the relationship between More recently, they opposed in the nine- in cardinal signs (Aries/Capricorn). Rather two centaurs like Pholus with Chiron. teenth and twentieth centuries several than acting antagonistically, these two are A Little Book of Coincidence in the Solar times. In a 500 year period they can reach friends. They both want to help us reach System (Wooden Books) includes a surprise opposition a dozen times, while conjoin- spiritual healing. Blending their keywords end-plate: notice the beautiful symmetry ing only half as often. The conjunction gives us a process of “healing catharsis,” between Saturn and an outer planet, com- then, marks a mini-epoch in human histo- which does not always feel nice, but moves pared to Chiron as it blends with others. ry. For all the weirdness, their total cycle toward relief and clarity. (Figure 1, Martineau.) is of a (near-) regular 100 years: they meet In late 2019 we experienced a final car- Squares, like the waxing Chiron-Pholus every century, give or take a couple years, dinal Chiron-Pholus square, before the phase that we find ourselves in now, are Saturn-Pluto conjunction of January 12, never easy. We can find perspective by see- 2020. This grand astrological occurrence ing how this part fits the whole. The twen- is part of an exquisite stellium of Pluto- tieth and twenty-first centuries happen Squares, like the Saturn-Ceres-Sun-Chariklo-Mercury, to host especially weird centaur cycles. waxing Chiron-Pholus within a couple days. It’s an alignment of If we are trying to understand the cur- phase that we find the largest asteroid (Ceres) with the larg- rent Chiron-Pholus cycle (healing ances- est centaur (Chariklo), with what we can tral karma), this is important to consider. ourselves in now, are call the first Plutoid (pairing well with the Where did this cycle, which now reaches never easy. We can Ceres/Demeter myth, underworld Pluto), its opening square, begin? What kind of all conjoining the Lord of Time himself. A history does it trace? find perspective by strong mood of reset and realignment will Robert van Heeren’s research is an ideal seeing how this part prevail, on the heels of the new Mercury start to learn the pedigree of this cycle. He’s fits the whole. synodic cycle. This may actually be kinder plotted the paths of the centaurs at ken- than the rumor-mills have us believe. As

page 32 The Career Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine and do the whirly-gig dance of healing ambrosia. This Centaur’s function in both to hold power (Pholus). Pholus’ aphelion from then on out. myth and in life is to safeguard what is marks a crisis of bravery, where we are dis- On the graph, we see the regular most potent and valuable, for when the tanced from solar potency and must rely 100-year dip marking the centennial con- time comes to pop the cork on that emer- on inner soul power to plumb our solar sys- junctions of the seventeenth, eighteenth, gency bottle and drink deep from life’s tem’s far reaches. and nineteenth centuries, each with quick mysteries. These are times of sudden initia- During the present dynamic tension returns up the scale toward an opposition. tion, breakthrough, and spiritual crisis. between Chiron and Pholus, in 2020 It is significant how our present cycle Chariklo sweeps in and inhabits the zone began in the ’50s, when the Aquarian where Pholus regularly stretches out to his Generation of Baby Boomers took birth. most frigid. Pholus was there in 1946 and Here is one 100-year section, from the The Gen-Xers, Millenials and Gen-Z’s have will return in 2038 (to aphelion). That’s just mid-twentieth to mid-twenty-first cen- inherited a crisis, as all next generations a few years before his present cycle with tury. One reliable conjunction, in 1956 do. Today’s waxing square is the deep work Chiron reaches the opposition (2041). (Aquarius); then in the 1990s there was a of ancestral healing—even healing those That culmination of this present Centaur close-but-no-centaur conjunction, before ‘ancestors’ who still live. We heal the part cycle will align with the planetary Nodes they stretched way up toward opposition that is in us: in our genes, habits, thought of both Pholus and Chariklo. These hap- in a short few decades: patterns, actions. It’s the ‘Harmony is Strife’ pen to stand a degree apart, across the phase of the cycle, as told by Heraclitus. cusp of Capricorn-Aquarius: Pholus’ South • 1939 Opposition, mid-Cancer/Capricorn Node in the last degree of Capricorn, • 1956 conjunction in Aquarius, before Chariklo’s North Node in the first of which they spanned 180 degrees in a Aquarius. The transits of 2041 will activate few years; When the infamous Saturn-Pluto con- their evolutionary potentials together, since • 1956-(1992)-2019, waxing into the slow- junction strikes, Chariklo is there to lead their nodal axes align. er opening square we find ourselves in the way forward as natural guide of bound- The times we find ourselves work- today (with a first part of phase con- aries. As a Centaur who orbits beyond ing through together begin something cluding in near-conjunction). Saturn and in resonance with Uranus, important and rare, and maybe won- Chariklo represents the expansion of self derful. We can see, through the cycles If Chiron-Pholus together ‘process our that can follow the process of individua- of Centaurs in relationship to the outer stuff’, then the decades between 1954 and tion. Through her 62 year cycle, from the planets, how the changing of the guard, 1990 were more dense than average with Neptunian state before birth, to the Saturn designated by the Saturn-Pluto cycle, work to be done. The opening salvo to an Return and individuation — she leads us can prepare us to integrate what we now Aquarian Age. As the quicker of the pair, again toward Neptune, via Uranus. consider transcendental. Chiron began to move ahead of his friend The Saturn-Neptune process is itself only to return to a near conjunction in mediated by Pholus, as weaver of orbits David Leskowitz has worked with the Centaurs 1991. The years of 1992-1994 were colored and holder (Saturn) of precious elixirs ever since he started learning astrology ten years ago. Researching their role in visionary and spiritu- by this long-lasting but never-perfecting (Neptune). While Chiron and family traverse al breakthroughs across history, he found unique conjunction, always within a few degrees only the Uranian sphere, Pholus reaches ways to work with them in astrology, astral magic, (in Leo and Virgo). Neptune’s more distant realm at his place and in healing. Now he leads events which open of aphelion, farthest from the Sun. us to their energy and guidance. He offers healing sessions and astrological consulting in the Pioneer This year finds Chariklo transiting Pholus’ Valley of Western MA. Find his work at www.cen- Pholus moves quickly in the signs of Leo aphelion at 24° Capricorn, where her heal- taurs.space and Virgo, with about a three years transit, ing infusion conjoins our innate ability versus a solid slog of 20 years in Capricorn, where every 92 years he reaches aphelion at 24° Capricorn. Through the 2040s, Pholus will live out the stay in Capricorn which he just now began. This exit won’t happen without lots of action, though, in the form of reaching two phases in his synodic cycle with Chiron: Chiron and Pholus wax to opposition by 2041, in the last degrees of the Cancer/Capricorn axis (Aug 2041). Then, by late August 2048, Pholus and Chiron quickly reach the wan- ing square of this cycle. The present Chiron-Pholus cycle con- cludes in 2060, at the end of Aquarius. This centauric Age of Aquarius begins and ends in the sign of the Water Bearer, a wor- R thy symbol for Pholus, holder of visionary

DECEMBER SOLSTICE 2019 page 33 The Year 2020 Aquarius, the sign of the water bearer in Cretan intoxicant (not an alcoholic drink). opposition to Leo? Zeus used it to intoxicate Kronos. Honey THE JUPITER/ Bees have always been connected to was the ambrosia of the gods. spiritual awakening rites, to the souls of The rites of Mithraic initiation consisted SATURN the dead, to the transmigration of the of three important stages: souls, and according to Porphyry, due to its The first stage is self-purification. Here sweetness, honey is the pleasure that draws the candidate received a golden crown and CONJUNCTION souls down to be born. was instructed in the hidden mysteries of In Egypt, honey and wax were used the power of Mithra Ormuzd. for religious as well as practical pur- In the second stage he was given his IN AQUARIUS poses. Sacred animals were fed cakes intelligence and purity armor and control sweetened with honey, such as the bull over the animal nature of Ahriman. AND THE at Memphis (Taurus), the sacred lion at Leontopolis (Leo) and the sacred crocodile IMPORTANCE OF at Crocodilopolis (Scorpio) and Mummies After Mithraic EMPATHY WITH were sometimes embalmed in honey. initiation, the It was also said that when the Sun - God NATURE Ra, creator of the earth and the sea, wept candidate was again, the water from his eyes flowed to considered as the ground and transformed itself into working bees. They worked in flowers and someone who rose trees of all kinds creating honey and wax from the dead and ast week I woke up from the tears of RA (passage found in the who was instructed with a very sad feel- Salt Magical Papyrus). Ra’s right eye was the L ing; my gardeners Sun and his left the Moon, and he caused in the secret learning destroyed a beehive in my the Nile to flood. In Egypt the Bee was con- of the mythical garden, they asphyxiated sidered the King of the Lower Egypt. them. I couldn’t believe how Beekeeping was a Minoan craft, and the Persians. someone who has dedicated their life to fermented honey drink, mead. was an old flowers and vegetation could be thankful for all the work, food and beauty these little insects could give to the world. Mythology is full of stories relating to the important lessons bees teach us about learning how to BEE and to BEE ING, how not to lose our center. These little animals are threatened to be extinct in the near future if we do not take care of them. What do bees want to tell us about the 2020 Jupiter Saturn Conjunction in

Relief carving of Mithra, the Persian sun god, sacrificing a bull. Dating from around 100- 200 AD. By Jean-Pol GRANDMONT [GFDL or CC BY 3.0], from Wikimedia Commons

page 34 The Career Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine In the third stage he was given a layer The first four ranks represent spiritual prog- It is thought that the rite recreates what with the zodiac signs and other astronomi- ress. The new initiate became a Corax, while is known as the ‘Miracle of Water’ in which cal symbols. Leo was an adept. The other three would Mithra fires lightning at a rock and from After his initiation he was considered as have been specialized offices. Since Páter there the water sprouts. someone who rose from the dead and who was the highest rank, it is mentioned more So, to become a Lion, you have to get was instructed in the secret learning of frequently in the inscriptions, but becoming purified with the food of eternal life, Honey. the mythical Persians. These initiates were a Lion seems to have been very important, Understanding the rites of passage from called lions and they were marked with the since it is considered a milestone in authori- Mercury to Jupiter, and then Saturn, we Egyptian cross. ty and responsibility within the cult. can hope that with the upcoming Jupiter/ From the structure of the miter it can be Through their association with Jupiter, Saturn conjunction in the sign of Aquarius assumed that the faithful would have gath- the Lions aligned themselves with the fire in December 2020, humankind will become ered for a common meal along the recliners and, therefore, it would not have been more aware of the power and importance that line the walls. It is worth noting that appropriate for them to be initiated with of nature. Let the Water bearer give more most temples could contain only thirty or water. Instead, honey was used, which was awareness and empathy to all the living forty individuals. According to Cumont’s also placed on the tongue of the initiate to creatures. Protect the lions and the bees as work, the members apparently ascended symbolize his pure and purifying words. they symbolize the Solar force – the spiritu- through seven degrees of initiation, each al awakening. aligned with a symbol and a god. Archaeological evidence suggests that Through their BIBLIOGRAPHY the initiations involved three tests: heat, 1. Francisco Araiza association with 2. Wikipedia cold and hunger. All members were expect- Jupiter, the Lions 3. Honey history heal yourself ed to progress through the first four ranks, 4. Images of Mithra by Philippa Adrych, Robert while only a few would pass to the three aligned themselves Bracey, Dominic Daglish, Stefaniee Lenk, Rachel highest ranks. Wood with the fire and, 5. The sacred Bee in Ancient Times and Folklore Hilda M. Ransome 1. Corax: The Crow - Mercury therefore, it would 2. Nymphus: The Fourth / Bridge - Venus not have been Ursula Stockder has been practicing psychologi- 3. Milex: The Soldier - Mars cal astrology for a long time. She studied Jungian 4. Leo: The Lion - Jupiter appropriate for them psychology, tarot and thanatology and has always 5. Perses: The Persian with the Moon to be initiated been in search for more answers. She manages a small cultural center in Mexico City, which pro- 6. Heliodromus: The corridor of the Sun with water. Instead, motes cultural gatherings and psychological and or messenger of the Sun astrological workshops. 7. Pater: The Father with Saturn honey was used.

DECEMBER SOLSTICE 2019 page 35 The Year 2020 al problems, what Thich Nhat Hnah said we are heading towards a serious climate would make more sense. crisis. For that, we will need to focus our Moon Today’s global and individual problems efforts and explore our abandoned neigh- are so much linked to the fact that we don’t borhoods, our close circles, and find a way have a connection with our close environ- to reconnect again. In this sense creating Nodes Shift ment anymore. We eat vegetables that we a loving and self-sustainable community don’t know how, or by whom, they were planted, and wear a jacket that comes from in 2020: the other side of the world. Globalism created more intercultural communication, Globalism created A Call For but we lost an intimate and deep connec- more intercultural tion with nature and the world around us. Solidarity This situation reminds me of theGemini/ communication, Sagittarius axis. The Gemini archetype but we lost an seeks connections with things around us. It Sagittarius/ is all about here and now. intimate and deep It represents the flexibility of the mind connection with Gemini and how it can adapt to any circumstance. At the same time, it is through Gemini that nature and the world Nodal Axis we see the creative potential to make new around us. social circumstances. I believe creating new social circumstances would be crucial since

“The next Buddha may be a Sangha.”

hen I came across this W sentence from Thich Nhat Hnah, I suddenly had a glimpse of the meaning of the North Node of the Moon in Gemini. Sangha is a Sanskrit word that means “association,” “assembly,” “company” or “community.” In the related article Thich Nhat Hnah explains more and he says that “It is possible that the next Buddha will not take the form of an individual, but may take the form of a community. A community practicing mindful living, understanding and lovingkindness. The practice can be carried out as a group, a city, or a nation.” The nodes of the Moon will change signs from Cancer/Capricorn to Gemini/ Sagittarius, on the 5th of May, 2020. Moon Nodes are like a compass to show us where to go and what to do. South Node of the Moon is about the past that we need to leave behind. North Node of the Moon is the future path that we need to follow. If we look at Gemini and Cancer archetypes as a path to follow in 2020, we need to understand their position in the zodiac. Both of the signs are in the lower hemisphere and in the first two quadrants. The lower hemisphere of the zodiac is more personal and internal. Life is about one’s close circle of family and friends. If we connect this symbolism with our current glob-

page 36 The Career Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine might be our life savior. Loneliness, dis- connection, alienation, and depression are diseases of our time. That’s why it is essential to make the connection between ‘I’ and ‘others’ which is one of the predominant Gemini qualities. As a mutable air sign, through Gemini we learn how to communicate without any judgment. Since the south node of the moon will be in Sagittarius, we really need to improve our communication skills. Because the shadow side of Sagittarius is becoming fanatic about one’s language, nationality, beliefs, etc., the antidote of this problem is Gemini, which is a curious mind rather than stuck in prejudices. Gemini also represents hands, which are our limbs, that in modern times have been reduced to a single function. Apart from using them on the keyboard or the driving wheel, we can also go back to manual work to remember that it has functions. In an era where everything is consumed fast, it can be an important step to go back to meeting some of our needs using our own hands. I think it is important for us to develop our very basic hand skills by learning how to repair or make our clothes, learn more about gardening, carpentry etc. Since the beginning of 2019, the Cancer munities where we can raise compassion archetype has been inviting us to take a In an era where towards each other and other beings. I closer look at our own nature and cycles everything is believe 2020 will be a year of community rather than goals. Because the nodes of consumed fast, it can development rather than personal devel- the Moon always go backwards through opment. This may be a start, and eventually the zodiac, before it reaches the Gemini/ be an important step as Thich Nhat Hnah said the next Buddha Sagittarius axis, we’ll still have Cancer/ to go back to may be a Sangha. Capricorn energy until May 2020. For this reason, we need to add to our interpreta- meeting some of our SOURCE : tion north node of the moon in Cancer in needs using our https://www.inquiringmind.com/article/1002_41_ order to have a complete picture. thich-nhat_hanh/ The Moon’s Nodes in Cancer/Capricorn own hands. point from the goal-oriented world to the Eda Ocak Zakaria is a practicing astrologer based inner world, from work to family, from in Turkey. She majored in Turkish Language and ambition, discipline, and rigidity, to soft- The Cancer archetype is also linked to Literature and has a masters degree in Western ness and flexibility. Cancer carries the nostalgia, past and ancient values. This Art History. She worked as a teacher and taught archetype of the Holy Mother. It has a pow- bond exists in Capricorn, but it is more Turkish Language to students from all over the world for ten years. She initially studied Astrology erful message here on our return to nature, about maintaining traditional methods with Öner Döşer for three years, with a Traditional to Mother Earth, to Pachamama. at all costs. The Cancer archetype, on the to Modern program, and then she continued with Being goal and business oriented are one other hand, bridges the values that we Aleksandar Imsiragic studying Hermetic & Karmic of the reasons that we had to cut the con- have felt strong belonging to in the past. Astrology, Evolutionary Astrology with NPA team. nection with our cycles and this important At this point, I think about the fairy tales, She explores metaphysical elements of astrology through Sufism. Eda is practicing nonviolent com- transition in life. The Cancer archetype can ancient rituals developed in fire gather- munication (NVC) and trying to bring it into her be an example & model for us to balance ings by our ancestors and nurtured by the consulting sessions. She is also studying dreams as the goal and work-oriented states that are stories, the warmth, and relevance we feel a symbolic language of psyche. She is one of the symbolized by the Capricorn archetype. For in our small tribe. Adding Gemini energy, speakers in IVC 2020, in India. www.edaocak.com this reason, it is important that we develop which will take place in May, remember [email protected] features such as progression according to Gemini is a storyteller; rediscovering our your time, and enjoying the process and tak- ancient heritage we can rewrite our story. ing time for anything needed. These features Combining Gemini and Cancer arche- R are symbolized by the Cancer archetype. types, maybe it’s time to create our com-

DECEMBER SOLSTICE 2019 page 37 The Year 2020 uncover, disclose, and discover, is activated During transitional times, when the during times of radical change, because the first shoots of the new epoch start to 2020: center can no longer hold. Intense opposi- show themselves, images from the out- tions and liberalizations overtake even the going age get denigrated. It’s the ‘sunset most rational and levelheaded individuals. effect’ as explained by author William Irwin Intimations It’s within the end that the beginning is Thompson. The old images go to seed as concealed - the beginning rises from the the new ideas burst forth. This happened ashes of the end. As we witness the end of when the rise of the sky gods and its patri- from Lady many of the things that we have held dear archal system came into being. The god- either for security or unconsciousness to desses were pushed aside, and the gods Sovereignty the intimations of the new, we are over- took hold. Now, we can see the reversal whelmed by the work that lies ahead of us. starting to take place, as across the world, The triple conjunction in Capricorn of we witness the continuing rise of the femi- Jupiter, Saturn, and Pluto has an element nine in its many permutations. of creative endurance and effort, words These epochal transformations don’t take “Seen mythically and often associated with Capricorn. However, place in a few years but stretch themselves psychologically, this instead of giving in to fear, it’s best to through many years, decades, if not cen- old world is a wise old approach this seminal time through the turies. It’s through the use of myth and the woman or sage old man; healing powers of myth and imagination to work with the imaginal in our own lives that it knows how to return to guide us. we can navigate these liminal times, without the origins of life and nour- falling prey to eschatological fears. For at the ish its own roots when things end of each age, a new challenge appears become torn down or worn out.” and sets the tone for the incoming age. - Michael Meade - Why the World Doesn’t End More than being Homo Sapiens - we are Reflecting on Capricorn within the con- ‘Homo Storytellers.’ Stories are our connec- text of myth and explorations of some hy the World Doesn’t End’ by tion to the archetypal world that informs Celtic myths and their approach to the renowned storyteller, and and is interwoven with our world, and figure of the goddess, the aspect of Lady mythologist Michael Meade ‘W astrology is one of the most potent of Sovereignty comes to mind. The manner in came out in 2012, a year that inundated us mythic languages. As we discuss the myri- which Capricorn is often spoken of reflects with predictions for the end of the world as ad of possibilities of the triple conjunction how we have made it stand for the shad- predicted by the Mayan calendar, but also of the heavy-hitters Jupiter, Saturn, and ow of what we understand patriarchy to the square of Uranus and Pluto. The unrav- Pluto in Capricorn, we are giving ourselves be. Going back to the polarity of the signs, eling didn’t start then, but looking back, to the power of stories, either by bringing Capricorn is a feminine sign, and I believe we can see that for the past decade, since old myths to bear or adapting them to our that the figure of Lady Sovereignty can be Pluto entered Capricorn, the cracks in our modern ears. seen as one of its representatives - one for foundations have made themselves power- In the words of astrologer Alice O. our times. fully known. Howell, ‘archetypes are really verbs.’ They The incoming age gifts us the challenge 2019, the preamble year to the seminal speak through us, and the more we can of bringing balance and restituting the year of 2020, only escalated the collec- bring our presence and consciousness as union of both the masculine and feminine, tive and individual transformation that we engage with them, the more we can yin and yang, in a way that is about coming is sweeping the world like a tsunami. creatively participate in the unfolding of together, not power over one. In the words Accompanied by the ecological crisis, our evolution. One of the many ways we of Lama Tenzin Rimpoche: amongst all the others, consciously or not, engage is through storytelling. we are grappling with our fears of death in “The masculine provides skillful means; its many permutations. Despite more pos- The feminine provides wisdom. itive perspectives of hope under the guise Both come together in the enlightened of words such as transformation, renewal, Lady Sovereignty being.” and rebirth, the truth is that before we can cross the bridge to the other side, we have comes to awaken Lady Sovereignty comes to awaken us to first to do our shadow work. us to the call of the the call of the earth. The triple conjunction Alchemically, Saturn represents earth. The triple in Capricorn can be seen as her full unveil- the prima materia, the lead from which we ing onto the stage of our collective con- start our opus in transforming base materials conjunction in sciousness. into gold. Since Saturn entered its domain of Capricorn can be seen Capricorn, accompanied by the Lunar South Node’s journey through the Goat’s realm, we as her full unveiling have individually and collectively come up onto the stage of Lady Sovereignty, in many of her permu- against all the negative characteristics of this our collective tations in Celtic mythology, is a personifica- planetary archetype and sign. tion of the land. She was their embodiment According to Michael Meade, the arche- consciousness. of female power and authority, but also of type of apokalypsis, which means to reveal, page 38 The Career Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine the earth’s abundance and plenty. To the At its core, Lady Sovereignty is one of Celts, kingship was male, but sovereignty the many embodiments of the Anima was feminine. For one to be taken as the Mundi - the soul of the world. During the rightful king, it meant that he would have Renaissance period, there was a revival that to be chosen by Lady Sovereignty. At its core, everything was connected to and through Their union with Lady Sovereignty the soul of the world. It’s interesting to meant that one was not just receiving Lady Sovereignty notice that the opposite and complemen- the crown, but also marrying the land. is one of the many tary sign of Capricorn is Cancer, ruled by True authority came from the mar- embodiments of the the Moon. It lends to reason that this triple riage of masculine and feminine, as conjunction in Capricorn also activates seen through hierogamy - the sacred Anima Mundi - lunar ruled Cancer and its rulership of the (hieros) and marriage (gamos). The con- the soul of archetype of the mother. cept was much older than as seen in Celtic While we have polluted and disrespected myths, for in Sumeria, the king would the world. the mother of all mothers – Earth - through mate with Inanna, Queen of Heaven and the projections of our collective fears and Goddess of Love and Fertility on New shadow, it’s now time to listen to lessons Year’s Day. and desires of Lady Sovereignty, howev- As the feminine was pushed under as er, she shows up in our individual lives. It patriarchy took hold, the identity of Lady He agrees not only to kiss the loathsome all starts with our own conversation and Sovereignty became more fluid, and often hag, but also to sleep with her. Soon after acknowledgment of these powerful arche- denigrated. She would often show up as an he kisses her, she transforms herself into a types in our lives first. old hag/crone, loathsome in her appear- beautiful maiden and tells him that she’s ance, and she’d ask of the intended hero to Lady Sovereignty. She commends him on be king either a kiss or sexual favors. Once persevering in the face of her hideousness Mythology allows us to envision our she receives love from the hero, she then and allows him to drink from the well. She, times from a perspective that links us transforms herself into a beautiful maiden. now in her maiden form, gifts him the cup back to our ancestors through the ages. Two views exist on why she would show that is the symbol of his rightful kingship. It’s through the words and deeds from the up as an ugly hag to a young prince who What’s interesting here is that the ele- past that we can find the hidden treasures has reached maturity. One is that her ugli- ment of water is part of rightful rulership. to help elevate and strengthen ourselves ness is representative of a curse, and she is The well is representative of the abundance for what is to come. the deliverer of death. The second is that and rights of our psyche and connection to Our culture has largely failed to perceive the responsibilities of true sovereignty the imaginal world. Water makes for abun- not only the Anima Mundi and the Unus are frightening until they are embraced dance in the land, as well as our soul. No Mundus, the ‘one world’ that our mystics and mastered. In reflecting on the union rightful sovereign should rule without con- have spoken of in our sacred texts and of Saturn, Pluto in Capricorn, we can see nection to the soul of the land. mythologies. We have lost the perception both sides of Lady Sovereignty showing up that there is another world, and it’s within to our collective situation. We do face the this very one we inhabit. The way there is death of our old ways, and we can even see through the imaginal road of stories and a how we have cursed ourselves through our Lady Sovereignty shows up in many relationship with the cosmos. ignorance. forms. She’s not a passive archetype, but a 2020 is a year that carries potent seeds But we can also see that the work ahead transformative catalyst and shapeshifter. As for the future of humanity. Each one of us will take creative endurance and effort to a beautiful young maiden, she invites us to has a place in the weaving of this collective be accomplished, and it’s not for the faint step into our rightful rulership. As a mother fabric. The new year and decade upon us of heart. Those who fear the hag’s loath- figure, she empowers us on our journey. will definitely educate. In the words of Alice some face will not be gifted sovereignty But as the loathsome hag, she both guides O. Howell, “the ‘drawing out’ of the wisdom and mastery over their own lives, a gift that and warns us. As such, she is the ultimate that is latent in us all.” is akin to Saturn’s hard stance on how we messenger, for both beauty and ugliness show up to the opus of our lives. are potent heralds of the needs of the time. Vanessa Couto, M.A., is an archetypal astrologer, In one of her stories, she’s also the guard- When we think about all that’s unfolding artist, and teacher. In her work, she weaves astrology, myth, and depth psychology. Her work focuses ian of the well. The sons of a local king in the world, the challenging and potent on helping her clients at the intersection of life and need to be tested on who will be the right- aspects of the archetypes of Saturn, Pluto, livelihood through exploring the creative threshold ful heir. As part of their test, they go hunt- and Jupiter all in Capricorn, we can see between purpose and business branding. She has ing for a wild boar. They manage to kill the how Lady Sovereignty has already revealed an M.A. in education from New York University and herself. Amid the unraveling of the old an M.A. in Counseling Psychology - with an empha- boar, set up a fire for the night, but soon sis in Depth Psychology from Pacifica Graduate realize that they have no water. Each goes paradigms, new seeds for a creative new Institute. Vanessa has also published three coloring their separate way in search of water, and world are sprouting. This is not a guarantee books, including “The Astrology of Joy - The Sun’s each encounters a hideous hag who guards that polarization between conserving the Heroic Journey.” Originally from Brazil, she now the well. She will only allow them to drink old ways, and the birth pangs of the new calls Portland, Oregon, her home. www.vanessacouto.com the water if one of them agrees to kiss her. epoch will not swing to more fundamental In turn, each flees, except for the youngest. and traditional views. R

DECEMBER SOLSTICE 2019 page 39 The Year 2020 cycle, let us examine how they may affect round yourself with those who can share The PLUTO/ us more personally. How will the Saturn/ those values. Pluto conjunction, later to be joined by Key for success: Focus on wealth distri- Jupiter, influence our charts by house bution, empower others as you empower SATURN placement? yourself. Pluto/Saturn are exactly conjunct at 22° Risk: Mismanagement of resources can Conjunction Capricorn in January. lead to losses – be careful of gluttony. Pluto/Jupiter are exactly conjunct at 24° Capricorn in April. In EACH HOUSE The three planets will be in tight proxim- Find the true masters, those who possess ity to each other throughout the year, with true knowledge. If teachers fail you, is it per- the strongest activation between 20 – 25° haps your time to gain mastery? Potential Capricorn. new leadership in educational structures, Identify where that lands in your chart and redefinition of your course curriculums. he long-anticipated Key for success: Words are powerful, use Saturn/Pluto and if planets are within those degrees in the Cardinal signs. them wisely and touch people’s soul. T conjunction at Risk: Be mindful of copyright issues – cite 22°Capricorn will be exact your sources and quote your teachers, ask on January 12, 2020. A for the same from those around you. brief study of past expe- Some KEY CONCEPTS riences with this synodic • Redistribution of Power – cycle reveals its transformative An angular house affecting the founda- caliber of colossal proportions! Pluto/Saturn Turning the tables. • Rise to power with test of tions of our lives. Important family changes cycles create the narrative for history in the may occur, perhaps through separations making. It has destroyed empires, reversed Integrity on how the power is used. or through a relocation. If this is the case, fortunes, redrawn world maps, shaken uprooting can be emotionally demanding, the earth, and brought in pandemics and • Enhanced ambition and drive. • Temptation for corruption. and yet, it can provide an opportunity for plagues, to name some of the prominent an rewarding new chapter. challenges brought upon humanity. • Potential karmic retribution and fall from grace. Key for success: Stay true to yourself as Both Pluto and Saturn are uncompromis- you step outside your comfort zone. You ing in their influence; if we were to person- • Deconstruction of existing structures to fix or completely rebuild. can do this! ify them, they would not hesitate to play Risk: Resistance to change and holding the devil’s advocate, test our integrity while on to the past can make things more pain- intoxicating us with power and riches, and ful than necessary. then have us walk in sewage. For what? Following are simplified descriptions To understand the right use of power (to begin with). Because this influence of the possible expression of this transit per house. If this applies to your circum- This is a time for great achievements, penetrates so deep, it can fix and recover even manifesting a large-scale vision. Feed what is rotten and corrupt. This tough love stances, be sure to explore these themes more deeply. your ambition, you may be called to take approach comes in waves, mostly every 15 on an important leadership role or birth to 20 years, each time these planets con- your magnum opus. Your children will draw junct or oppose each other. attention and may go through a devel- While many of our authors this edition In an angular house, we can expect a need to start a new chapter in life, possi- opmental crisis. Find the right balance have provided extensive analyses on the between support and tough love. mundane/collective influences of this bly through an identity crisis. You may feel empowered to take charge of your life, cut Key for success: Keep your heart open and ties, and re-write your script. show up for what you are called, small or Key for success: Have the courage to large scale. break away from what is dysfunctional in Risk: You may feel justified to take full Both Pluto and your life. Now is the time. control, but beware of forcing your agenda. Saturn are Risk: Power struggles and loss of trust. No matter how benevolent one may be, a Choose the battles really worth fighting for. dictator is a dictator. uncompromising in their influence; if we Bosses may push too hard at work, were to personify Important changes in resource management. Possibility for significant gains, increasing performance demands. Ask for them, they would not but be very careful about integrity issues proper compensation if this is the case. hesitate to play the around finances. Money may come with There may be a change of leadership in the strings attached, is it worth it? A time workplace altogether, requiring adaptation devil’s advocate, to recalibrate your self-esteem, there is and recalibration. Take good care of your a need to deepen your values and sur- bones, teeth… collagen, mineral supple- ments on the menu. page 40 The Career Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine Key for success: You can work hard and Key for success: Walk your talk, practice succeed, but make sure to avoid wasting what you preach. People are starving for reli- time trying to fix what must be eliminated able leaders. Be the change you wish to see! in the first place. The Saturn/Pluto Risk: Worthy causes may justify manipu- Risk: Pushing your body too far, worrying lation. Do not accrue negative karma. too much. Chiropractic and massage sup- tough love port in order. approach comes in waves, mostly every Your social life is under scrutiny and you may need to filter out friends to focus on You may want to test the boundaries of 15 to 20 years, each more genuine ones, or in a broader sense, your relationships, or be tested by circum- time these planets revisit your ties to your community. Possible stances. Trust issues may arise, but if the scandals and trust violations may arise to case, look deeper. What needs to change? conjunct or oppose stimulate necessary change. This may be a The relationship can go deeper if you open each other.. time when you take a leadership role in your up emotionally, be completely honest, and community, start your non-profit. admit vulnerability. Key for success: New solutions may be Key for success: Opening up to new perspec- found in older wisdom. It is a time to move tives can bring a refreshing wind into your life. forward with those who share your vision. Let others lead, without losing yourself. academic or spiritual path you follow may Risk: You want to elevate your standards, Risk: That powerful stranger can chal- lose credibility, and prompt you to change but be mindful about becoming inap- lenge your otherwise intact morals. course. This is a time for radical authentici- proachable and exclusive. ty and integrity, so any form of dishonesty must be confronted. You may be confront- A deep introspection into values of ed with prejudice and bigotry, another This is a time to step it up as you may power and success. This is a time for deep opportunity for the truth to come out. need to show up for a greater cause. If so, revelation, perhaps inconvenient truths, Key for success: Your vision for expansion remember this is not about you, and you and purging. Something in your life may must be grounded because it will have to may need to sacrifice personal comfort for need to be relinquished, let it die if it is so. pass tests of credibility. Build a solid case to that service. Let the universe guide you and Your sharp perspective may be of greatest support growth and expansion. you will find out you may be stronger than service to people around you in crisis. Risk: Legal matters involving foreign you thought. Key for success: Muster the courage to trade and travel may need to be addressed. Key for success: Remember the big pic- walk alone, and the right alliances may ture, why you are here do what you do. manifest down the road. Trust the higher intention. Risk: Do not let necessary caution turn There is a change of guard, and you are Risk: Resistance and need to be in control to paranoia. Don’t let conspiracy theories either called to ascend to a higher status or may lead to stagnation in your life, step out drown your faith in life. retire from an existing position. An authority of self-pity. Be cautious about those in posi- vacates his or her place. While you may be tion of authority who offer more than they promoted to a new position, you may attract can provide and can be deceiving. This may be a time when new revela- scrutiny, testing your capacity and integrity tions put existing beliefs into doubt. An in this capacity. Take it one step at a time. R

DECEMBER SOLSTICE 2019 page 41 a conservative routine. Yet his sparkling mischievous eyes announced a boundless youthful enthusiasm for astrology, and a His passion for determination, in spite of his then eighty mundane astrology years, to do all he could to have it understood and used. was an unrelenting, This driving force of his life’s work systematic study enabled him to author over 50 books. The Urania Trust writes of him: “He became an of how planetary active member of the Centre International cycles connect to d’Astrologie from its inception in 1946 and served as its Vice President from 1953 to world events. 1967. Later he began to pioneer comput- erised horoscopes to the public under the with objective vigour that is! Then, like name Astroflash and founded the maga- André, we will experience the clear light zine L’Astrologue in1968.“ In these years, he of childlike enthusiasm that we have got met Carl Jung, corresponded with the great it right. To see what I mean, watch Andre British pioneer Charles Carter and advised talking at https://www.youtube.com/ Charles Harvey on the content of the semi- watch?v=qFFZvaGJJDA&t=5s. nal book Mundane Astrology1. Read André’s books in English – available His passion for mundane astrology was online, at shops, or via https://www.astrolog- an unrelenting, systematic study of how icalassociation.com/shop/books/index.php. planetary cycles connect to world events. TRIBUTE He explains this clearly in Chapter 7 of his ENDNOTES L’Astrologie Certifiée [English translation title 1 Mundane Astrology Baigent, Campion and The Value of Astrology] Harvey [Pub. 1984 Thorsons Harvey Collins Publishers] Andre “I came to astrology at a very young age 2 Page 122 The Value of Astrology Andre Barbault and I suffered a major setback which [Pub. 2014 The Astrological Association] profoundly shook my initial faith; my dis- Barbault illusionment made me more critical, and since then when undertaking experimen- 1st October 1921 to tal forecasts I never do things the easy 7th October 2019 way. When undertaking an experiment, the moment of truth is when a particular type of result occurs at the completion date of the configuration being tested, and likewise all the way along the same contin- uous series. I had to rid myself of any illu- A Tribute sions. My method was, if possible, to shut myself away in a remote faraway place to the Life of where I couldn’t guess at what was going on in the world, and depending only on Andre Barbault the astronomical ephemerides, assign dates to history sometimes years and even decades in advance, the forecast thus becoming a gigantic leap in anticipating the future. It was the ultimate ith the passing of André on the high-risk strategy!” 2 afternoon of 7 October 2019, our W community and the world at large The shaking of his faith André refers to lost its renown master of mundane astrology. was the failure of astrologers to anticipate Commencing his studies at just fourteen World War Two. By applying the rigour years of age, André gave a Uranus cycle, André describes above, he was able to antic- eighty-four years, of his life to astrological ipate the death of Stalin, track East-West- wisdom. His reliable predictions of great China relationships, and much more in the world events are renowned. His knowledge decades that followed. Many years before it arose from a profound study of astrology’s happened, he projected the endgame of the roots and their relationship to psychology Soviet System in 1989 and called 2010 for and research. Yet he also pioneered popular the 2008-09 economic crash. computer-generated interpretation. André’s example is a clarion call to astrol- Meeting André for the first time in 2002, ogers, in all branches as well as mundane, I was struck by the original range of his to realise astrology’s incredible ability to personality. At heart he was a charming inform our understanding to make better R French gentleman, essentially private with decisions. Providing we apply ourselves page 42 The Career Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine and Mars. As a Uranian, he was responsible underline the celestial dynamics, he was Andre Barbault for many ‘firsts’ in astrology — writing the born just hours after a partial solar eclipse. first computer interpretations anywhere. Its hard to imagine a birth chart with a He did these for Astroflash (1968), to great greater boost from incoming cycles, given success, and to some enmity within his breadth and lift by a powerful grand trine own community who felt the very idea of a between Uranus, Mercury and Pluto. hen Andre Barbault first opened ‘machine’ horoscope was a betrayal of the Barbault argued for rigor in data collec- his front door to me, I was imme- art. Working with programmers opened tion, and in astrological analysis, he repre- W diately struck by his keen intel- up access to thousands of years of plane- sented a standard of inquiry, and practice ligence, his humor and openness. He was tary cycles, till then unavailable. Before the in the larger community. Barbault did vibrant, électrique, curious and question- computer interpretations, Andre had writ- discard much of the past in his approach ing. A great astrological mind, constantly ten many serious astrological works, as well to astrology, simply because he felt that studying and researching the foundations as a bestselling collection on the zodiacal many techniques didn’t bear scrutiny. of the art, yet wielding a distinctly mod- signs for Seuil Editions (1957), which is still From solar returns to retrogrades, eclipses ern pragmatism. What works? What gives in print to this day. He integrated images and primary directions, he swept out the results? He championed a shift in practice from the past into those wildly popular old in favor of a dynamic and ‘modern’ towards transits and the integration of books, as well as notions of psychology, approach to astrology. the outer planets both in individual work mostly from a Freudian perspective. When Andre always acknowledged the work of and in his brilliant discoveries in Mundane I interviewed him for the AA in 2005 he others. He helped to elaborate Gouchon’s astrology. Andre left school at the age of had lost track of the number of books he discovery of the Indice Cyclique. It address- fifteen, due to his parents financial con- had published - “fifty, more or less” was his es moments, like our own, when the outer straints. But nothing stopped his appetite planets are all conjugated on the same side for learning, and under the tutelage of his of the Sun, bringing a collective loss of per- older brother Armand, he dove into astrol- spective that threatens to plunge the world ogy. He was only fourteen or fifteen in 1936 into crisis. He felt his great work was in the when he first voiced questions about the His keen perception elaboration of the outer planet cycles, that upcoming Saturn Neptune opposition. and the persuasive moment of insight and discovery. It was Armand’s suggestion to look at the previ- as if someone had put Galileo’s first tele- ous conjunction soon led to his research power of his pen, a scope in his hand and told him to point it into cycles, and the development of a reflection of a Mars at Jupiter. whole new approach to astrology. He fol- and Mercury in mutual Thanks to the tireless efforts of Roy lowed the Saturn Neptune conjunctions, Gillett and the AA, Andre’s work is now squares and oppositions back to the mid reception, brought a brilliantly translated into English by Kate 19th century and saw powerful correlations whole generation to Johnston. It was perhaps Charles Harvey with the rise of Marxism and the Russian who carried Andre’s insights forward in the Revolution. Over time he understood this astrology. English speaking world, and helped spark planetary combination as an impulse to Richard Tarnas’s archetypal and cultural work for the good of the collective (often approach to the outer planet cycles, as well at the expense of the individual). He under- as Ed Tamplin’s wonderful Mundane work. stood the Saturn Uranus cycle as an equally estimate. His textbook of astrology “La Traite Oddly Ed left us much too young on the powerful movement towards individualism Pratique d’Astrologie” (1961) was on every very same day. and capitalism. He developed the plane- French astrology student’s shelf, and it was Andre was a friend to astrologers and tary cycles like a jeweler, elaborating the translated into many European languages. always had time for young people who semi-squares, sextiles and trines, as well as His keen perception and the persuasive made their way to him. I am grateful to the powerful squares and oppositions, link- power of his pen, a reflection of a Mars have known him. ing each phase to the intricacies of French and Mercury in mutual reception, brought political life, as well as larger world events. a whole generation to astrology. Around All his life, he called himself a ‘student’ of this time he began to publish the journal Urania, and of history. Astrologue, and wrote tirelessly for it for Andre Barbault left us the evening of many years. He interviewed C.G. Jung, Andre October 7, 2019, a few days after his 98th Breton and many other influential cultural birthday. He followed his wife and life- figures. It’s impossible to imagine astrology long companion Jacqueline, who had died in France without Andre Barbault, without that same morning, a rare boon granted to his spirit, his presence, and his keen astro- this exceptional Libra. He had a life rich in logical intelligence. He has left his imprint reflection, ideas, collaboration, encounters, on the history of astrological thought. consultations and above all, writing, He had Andre was born soon after a conjunction only stopped consulting in his early 90’s. of Jupiter and Saturn, often called the ‘royal Andre Barbault was born October 1, conjunction”. It is a marker for an incoming 1921 in Champinelles, France at 5.00 pm. generation, bringing a new impulse into He rectified the time to 4:54:21 pm. the world and Barbault carried that exem- He was a great innovator, not surprising plary astrological energy. With Saturn at the R given his Aquarian Ascendant coupled with end of Virgo and Jupiter in Libra conjunct Uranus in Pisces, a singleton in the first his Sun and Moon, his chart packed both house, opposite both his Sun ruler, Venus, personal and generational power. As if to

DECEMBER SOLSTICE 2019 page 43 By looking at the chart for the question, horary chart should be taken into consid- the astrologer may simply inform the quer- eration. The house where the ruler of the ent if the answer for the question is “yes” or 1st house is placed tells us the area that the “no”, or may advise on the best way to solve querent focuses on. Along with the house a problem. William Lilly gives some exam- placement of this planet, its dignities and ples on this practice in his famous book debilities indicate the general condition of Christian Astrology and approaches the ques- the querent related to his/her question. tion on how to analyze it; he advises when The power of a planet is its capacity to to act in order to reach the desired result. perform the things it represents naturally For example, we explore Lilly’s question or accidentally. A powerful planet is one “Will I purchase Mr. B’s house?”. You see the which has the ability to affect the results. chart which is cast by William Lilly for this The power of a planet is determined by its question below. essential or accidental dignity in the chart. Before we start to analyze the chart As you see in this chart, the querent is according to Lilly’s notes in his book asking about the house he wants to buy. Christian Astrology, let’s speak about some The ruler of the Ascendant, Venus is placed Horary Astrology rules. in the 7th house, which is the house of bar- First of all, we should find the main sig- gaining and negotiations. 7th house is also Oner will nificators of the one who asks the ques- the house of other people, and when the lead a track at the tion, and carefully consider the person or ruler of the 1st house is placed in the 7th, the thing who is asked about in order to it is likely that the person who is asking the 2020 OPA RETREAT answer the question at hand. question is dependent on the conditions of IN UTAH The one who asks the question is called the other party. This is like a football team on Horary Astrology “Querent”. The person or the thing which is who is playing away! asked about is called “Quesited”. Secondly, we should pay special atten- All details on the OPA website. Significators of the querent are the tion to the aspects of the ASC ruler in the Ascendant (ASC), the ruler(s) of the ASC, the chart as this planet represents the querent. ruler of the intercepted sign in the 1st house If the planet which is the ruler of the if any, and the planets within the 1st house. ASC is strong by its house placement, not If there is more than one significator afflicted by the malefics, and has domicile within the 1st house, then the one which or exaltation rulership, then it provides the HORARY in describes the querent best should be used. querent the ability to reflect his authority With a few exceptions, the ruler of the and easily reach good results related to the ASC is always the primary significator of question. If it is not strong, afflicted, and PR ACTICE the querent, so the house it is in within the has no essential dignity but debility, then it used with ELECTIONAL ASTROLOGY: THE ROLE OF A TALENTED ASTROLOGER Ö ş

ith this article I want to show how a talented astrologer uses W horary astrology practices in tan- dem with electional astrology principles. William Lilly, an English astrologer who lived in the 17th century, is one of the most popular and talented astrologers of the Renaissance era--an expert on Horary astrology, and author of several books. Horary astrology is an ancient branch of astrology that answers questions by erecting a horoscope for the exact time at which the question was received and understood by the astrologer. We do not use the natal chart of the person, but the chart for the time the question was asked. Chart 1 – Horary Chart for Question page 44 The Career Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine and house placement, and is not afflicted, about his finances and bargaining with the then it supports the planet and helps it. Of seller because Mars rules the second and Since it is in the course, we need to look at the aspects of a the 7th houses. peregrine planet; any support from benefic Separating aspects of the ruler of the opposite sign it rules, planets can increase its power. ASC indicate what the querent did in the Venus’s conditions If the significator of the querent is afflict- past and what happened to him; applying ed by a malefic planet, the house where aspects of the ruler of the ASC indicate the are dependent on this malefic planet is placed or houses that possible situations that the querent may the other party Lilly are ruled by it indicate the difficulties which meet. In this chart, the ruler of the ASC, is in contact, or prevent the native from realising his prima- Venus, is applying to a conjunction with ry motivations. the Sun, will then trine Saturn, and lastly bargaining or If the ruler of the querent is support- will sextile Jupiter. negotiating with. ed by a benefic planet, the house where If the applying aspects, especially to this benefic planet is placed or rules show malefics, are negative, then the querent On the other hand, it where the supports and benefits are com- meets some difficulties and problems. If the is good to see Venus ing from. In this chart, Venus is about to applying aspects, especially to benefics or apply to the greater benefic Jupiter. Jupiter planets that are strongly placed, are posi- received by the Sun is placed in the 9th house and rules the 3rd tive, then the querent meets positive devel- which is a and 6th houses. So, beneficial things will opments and his chance for success is high. significator of come from foreigners or educated people, In this chart, the conjunction of Venus with neighbours or close friends, servants etc. the Sun is an indicator of affliction for the sympathy between Let’s come back to the combustion of querent. But the trine to Saturn and sextile the seller and buyer. Venus. When a planet is within 8.5 degrees to Jupiter are positive, especially as apply- of the Sun either way, then it is combust. If ing to Jupiter is the greater benefic. Plus, the significator of the querent is combust, it there is no frustration in these aspects since cannot provide the querent the ability to indicates that the querent is in great fear or Venus will not be retrograde soon and easily reflect his authority and reach good overpowered by some great person which these two planets will make good aspects results related to the question. is symbolised by the Sun in general. A com- and not change signs before these aspects As you see in the chart, Venus is in her bust planet is invisible, behind the rays of are completed. detriment in the sign of Aries, afflicted the Sun. It has no power as a significator. In Horary astrology, applying and sepa- by combustion of the Sun, but applying When the benefics are combust or under rating aspects of the Moon are very import- to good aspects with Saturn and Jupiter. the Sun’s beams they cannot realise their ant because they help us understand how It is strong by its house placement, since commitments because the Sun deactivates the native’s life started and how it will the 7th house is one of the strong hous- their virtues. They become invisible under develop in the coming years. A planet es, but since it is in the opposite sign it this power and brightness. contacted by the Moon seems to be dig- rules, its conditions are dependent on the According to the ancient astrologers, nified. Also, it is considered that the Moon other party he is in contact or bargaining being combust is the worst affliction for has good connection with the planet it or negotiating with. On the other hand, it a planet. On the other hand, there is an separates from. Not only the Moon, but all is good to see Venus received by the Sun important difference between applying of the planets are associated with the plan- which is a significator of sympathy between to the Sun and separating from the Sun. et that they are in contact with through the seller and buyer. The Sun is the ruler of Applying to the Sun brings big problems, applying aspect. A significator which is Aries by Exaltation, and Venus is applying while separating from the Sun lessens applying to an aspect is more important to a conjunction with the Sun, so the Sun is these problems in time. A planet applying receiving Venus by Exaltation. That means to the Sun is like a person who is getting the seller may behave generously to Lilly in ill while a planet separating from the Sun Separating aspects their bargain. is like a person who is recovering from ill- A planet without major dignity (consid- ness. A planet which is moving away from are very ered peregrine) which has a strong house combustion but still under the Sun’s beams important in horary position, is not conjunct or in a bad aspect is getting its power back some. Ancient astrology as they to a malefic planet, is direct in motion and astrologers compare a planet under the free from combustion, has the power to Sun’s beams to a person in prison. indicate the realise its purpose, but with some diffi- Aspects are directed from the faster situations which culties. In this chart Venus is not afflicted planet towards the slower planet. A planet by the malefics but is afflicted by the Sun first applies to an aspect, then forms the occurred in the past. through combustion. She is not retrograde, aspect. After it is exact, it starts separat- According to the and is in an applying trine to Jupiter which ing. Separating aspects indicate an effect ancients, a planet is a benefic. which decreases. They are very import- If the ruler of the querent is peregrine, ant in horary astrology as they indicate separating from an its success depends on the ruler of the the situations which occurred in the past. aspect is like a sign it is placed in. A planet in such con- According to the ancients, a planet sepa- dition is like a person who needs others. rating from an aspect is like a native who native who changes A peregrine planet has difficulty to realise changes his mind about a particular sub- his mind about a anything without the help of its ruler. If ject. For example, the Moon is separating the ruler of this planet makes a positive from Mars in this chart. So, the last thing particular subject. aspect to it, is in good condition by sign the querent faced was struggle and anxiety

V28-04 DECEMBER SOLSTICE 2019 page 45 ally, the Sun is the best significator we can limited to financial benefits, but it also cov- use because it is in the 7th house, and is ers all types of benefits and luck. The key than the others due to its detrminental the exaltation and Almuten ruler of the 7th to interpret it is the house where the Part effect. as well. We can use Mars (ruler of Aries) as is placed. In this chart Part of Fortune is The Moon indicates the conditions that significator for sure, but he is in another placed in Pisces which is one of the luckiest change rapidly, indecisiveness, instability house and does not show the situation positions according to William Lilly. When and deflection. As the Moon is a celestial of the seller, instead it gives information POF is placed in the signs of Taurus or body which moves fast and is reflective, it about money conditions of Lilly which is translates the light of the planets to each not adequate at the moment. other. In this sense, the Moon maintains If it is more powerful than the sign ruler, In this chart the communication between the natives the Almuten of the sign which intersects Part of Fortune the house representing the quesited, or the represented by the planets she aspects to, is placed in Pisces and the connection between the issues and issue, may be considered as the primary subjects ruled by these planets. The place- significator of the quesited. In this chart which is one of ment (house and sign) of the Moon and the Saturn is the Almuten of the Ascendant. But the luckiest Moon’s aspects help us understand how it is not more powerful than Venus since things will improve. she is angular and Saturn is cadent, in the positions according In Horary astrology, generally the Moon third house. Cadent houses are considered to William Lilly. When is the co-significator of the querent and weak, generally speaking. represents the desires and feelings of the The Part of Fortune (POF) indicates the POF is placed in the querent at the moment of the question. The issues that the querent is emotionally and signs of Taurus or mind is where the Moon is. In some special instinctively attracted to. These issues will Pisces, it is allowed cases, the Moon may be the significator of be earthly affairs rather than spiritual ones the quesited (person, object or animal). as the Part of Fortune is associated with five points, the The Moon represents the general course earthly chances, opportunities or desires. highest score in of events until it leaves the sign it is in. Based on the house it is placed in, Part of If the Moon is free from applying aspects Fortune indicates in which life area the his table. before changing signs, it is Void of Course. querent may gain benefit from, make prof- The Void of Course phase of the Moon is it and be lucky. This ‘good luck’ is not only quite important in Horary astrology. It may indicate that the answer to the question is negative or that the question is invalid. Some astrologers state that the answer for the questions which are asked when the Moon is Void of Course means that nothing positive or negative will happen. In this chart, the Moon is very close to the cusp of the 12th house, has dignity only by triplicity, is separating from Mars and applying to Saturn with a square aspect. This indicates difficulties relating to the question asked about whether to buy the house or not. Saturn is the ruler of the house which Lilly is eager to buy since it rules the 4th. This makes the situation very difficult for the querent related to his question. The querent has to make more efforts to achieve what he intends to enterprise and it will not be so easy to get the result he wants to get! A Horary astrologer may give a negative answer relating to this question. But of course, before we judge, we should see the main significators of the quesited. Now, let’s learn something about the significators of the quesited, the person or the thing which is asked about. First of all, what the question is about should be considered. The planets that rule the related house, the rulers of the sign in the 7th, and the planets within the 7th house are the significators of the quesited. If there are many significators within the 7th house, the one which describes the quesited best should be used as the significator. So actu-

page 46 The Career Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine Pisces, it is allowed five points, the highest motion. This is good for Lilly, since Venus is this chart) to change signs from Aries score in his table. On the emotional side, representing him in this question. to Taurus to increase his advantage to Lilly realizes that to buy this house is not make a move. Additionally, he is waiting very realistic. This is shown by the place- for the Sun (the significator of the seller), ment of POF in Pisces. Now, let’s learn something about timing! to leave Aries where it is exalted, and enter Before judging a horary chart, the nat- The aspects between the planets and/or Taurus where it is peregrine, but also under ural significator of the question should conjunctions and aspects with the house the disposition of Venus which is Lilly’s sig- be determined. This significator should be cusps should be considered for predicting nificator. This way, he is trying to empower naturally ruling the related person or issue. the time when the matter asked about will his personal significator both by dignity Natural significators sometimes help in occur. To determine the time, the indicators and disposition and take the advantage judgement more than the ruler of the relat- listed below should be considered: before he starts bargaining with the owner ed house. Additionally, natural significators of the house. also indicate if the question is radical or • The aspect between the significator In questions about buying land or not. For instance, the Sun is the natural sig- of the querent and the significator of houses: nificators for male authority figures. In this the quesited The Ascendant and the ruler of the ASC chart Lilly is using the Sun for the owner • The aspect between the Moon and represent the querent, the 7th house and of the house. By the way, Lilly was hopeful the significators its ruler represent the respondent (buyer or that he could buy the house since the Sun • The distance between a significator seller). is also the ruler of the 11th house which is and the nearest house cusp The Moon, the 4th house, and its ruler the house of hope and wishes! • The number of degrees that is need- represent the house or the land that will be In any case, dignities and weaknesses ed for the Moon to change signs bought or sold. of the planets should be considered. Well (especially when the Moon is at the The 10th house and its ruler represent placed planets are advantageous in exert- last degrees of a sign) the price of the house or the land. In this ing developments in their nature. On the chart the buyer is Lilly, Venus is his signifi- contrary, weakly placed planets are inade- There are two scales regarding timing; cator; the seller is Mr B, the Sun being the quate in bringing a conclusion as they are one of them is symbolic and the other is natural significator is placed in the 7th, with like a person that is in a place where he ephemeral timing. Both methods are seen Mars as the ruler of the 7th house. is not comfortable. In this chart the Sun, in all ancient texts. The house itself is signified by Saturn as who is one of the significators of the house In this chart, Lilly is using both methods the ruler of the 4th. owner is placed very strong. First, because as we will see a bit later when we learn the The price of the house is signified by the it is in the 7th house, the house of the seller story about this question. Moon as the ruler of the 10th. in this question and secondly, because it is A planet may be in the last degrees of If there is an approaching compatible in its exaltation in the sign of Aries. a sign. This means the things represented aspect or conjunction between the ruler If a significator is retrograde, then it is by this planet are about to reach culmina- of the ASC and the ruler of the 7th house, passive and it has difficulties in realising its tion, things will be completed and a new then the buyer and the seller reach an commitments. This is an indicator of mis- phase is coming up. It is also important agreement. If there is not an approaching fortune, damage, mismatch, disagreement that the planet which will enter another aspect between these two, but, if the Moon and inconsistency. According to ancient sign be dignified and become stronger, or is translating light between these two sig- astrologers, a retrograde planet indicates conversely lose its strength and weaken. nificators (by a conjunction or a compat- hostility and damage and is like a rebellious If a planet is strong in a horary chart, it ible aspect with the one and applying to and defiant native. has power over the issues it represents. In conjunction or a compatible aspect with If the significator of the querent is retro- this chart, there is no planet who is in the the other), the same thing is valid. If the grade, then the querent or the key person last degrees of a sign it is placed. But Lilly approaching aspect between the ruler of of that issue may back down. The person is waiting for Venus (his significator in the ASC and the ruler of the 7th house is an represented by the retrograde planet (espe- incompatible one, then the buyer and the cially Mercury) may be harmed or he may seller cannot reach an agreement. be returning to an old situation, reuniting If there is a conjunction or a compatible with someone or reviewing an issue. In Lilly is waiting for aspect between the ruler of the ASC and this chart Mars, which as the ruler of the the Sun (the the ruler of the 4th house, or a compatible 7th house, represents the seller, and as the aspect between the Moon and the ruler ruler of the 2nd house represents Lilly’s significator of the of the 4th house, then the querent buys financial conditions, is retrograde. This is a seller), to leave Aries or sells the house that he asks the ques- problem both for negotiation and finding tion about. Venus, as the ruler of the 1st, is the money necessary for Lilly. where it is exalted, applying to a trine to Saturn, which is the Moving fast brings advantages to and enter Taurus ruler of the 4th as the quesited, the house the planet; it is a kind of power indicator. where it is peregrine, which Lilly wants to buy. This is a good sign When the planets move fast, then they for Lilly that he could buy the house! are quick in taking action and manifesting but also under the their behaviours. So, faster planets indi- disposition of Venus cate affairs which resolve quickly as well as quick people. On the other hand, a slow which is Lilly’s We understand from Lilly’s statements planet indicates immobility, slow actions significator. that he has wanted to purchase this house and sluggish people. In this chart Venus for a long time and realize that he is not is fast since she is travelling 1 degree and objective in answering this chart. The 14 minutes, slightly over her daily average

DECEMBER SOLSTICE 2019 page 47 seller – the owner of the house – who is in good terms in this purchase. The nature answer for this question does not seem in and the strong position of the Sun and the querent’s (Lilly himself) favor while it is Venus, representing Venus which rules the 8th house of the in favor of the new buyer. (See Chart 2, fol- Lilly, was applying chart placed in the 7th house shows that lowing page.) to Saturn to make a the seller demands a high price for the Libra on the Ascendant of the chart is house and may get the price he demands. conjunct Jupiter in Lilly’s natal chart. Lilly positive aspect. Lilly On the other hand, although Venus was thought that this was a good sign as Jupiter also thought it was combust and in detriment, the Sun it con- is known as the greater benefic. Actually, juncts was in a powerful position and also the Moon which is placed at 14 Capricorn a good sign because ruled the 11th house which represents in Lilly’s chart falls very close to the cusp of Saturn being the the hopes and wishes. Lilly thought that the 4th house of the Horary chart as well. he could reach the result he desired. Lilly This is another sign in my opinion. And the ruler of the 4th also thought that he was the only buyer as degree of Mercury is very close to its posi- house was Venus, the planet that represents Lilly, was tion in Lilly’s Natal chart too. We also see representing the very close to the cusp of the 7th house - and that he has a Sun-Venus conjunction in his there was no other planet there except the chart as well as in the Horary chart. These house he wanted to Sun. Lilly thought that he was lucky as there positions indicate that this house will have purchase. was no one who wanted to buy the same an important place in his life. house. Venus, being the ruler of the Ascendant, Venus, representing Lilly, was applying represents Lilly for this question and it is On the other hand, Venus is combust rep- to Saturn to make a positive aspect. Lilly placed in the 7th house which represents resenting that the querent and the buyer also thought it was a good sign because the seller. This position shows that the (Lilly) is not in a strong position and may Saturn being the ruler of the 4th house was querent (Lilly) should depend on the terms have difficulties in reaching his aim. As the representing the house he wanted to pur- of the seller; it is difficult for the querent Sun, strongly placed in Aries, is also the chase. He also thought that as Saturn, the to control the situation or to direct them. exaltation ruler of the 7th house, it is the significator of the house was in retrograde

Chart 2 – synastry with Lilly

page 48 The Career Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine motion; the trine would be a stronger one. Lilly thought she would contribute to this All those significators showed that his The Sun was also applying to make a trine matter and help him buy the house. money was not sufficient to buy the house. with Saturn. As Saturn was the second ruler Lilly saw that Mars, the ruler of the 2nd The astrologer might give up seeing all of ASC and as it also represented Lilly due house, was retrograde and interpreted it these significators. However Lilly did not do to its aspect with ASC and as it was in trine that he did not have enough money to buy this. Through the Ephemeris he calculated with the Sun, Lilly thought that his relation this house. Jupiter, the ruler of the Part of when Jupiter entered Cancer where it was with the seller would be fine. Fortune, is in Gemini and is in detriment. exalted, and when Mars turned direct. He On the other hand, the Moon (which found out that his finances would be better 12 represents how the events would prog- days after Mars turned direct. Indeed, one of ress), was separating from Mars (which as his friends lent him 500 pounds on that day. the ruler of the Aries 7th house represents As mentioned earlier, Lilly also waited the seller), and about to carry its light to Being a talented for Venus to enter Taurus and get stron- Saturn through a square. Lilly thought that astrologer, Lilly does ger, because at the time of the question this aspect showed him that there would not act quickly under Venus, the ruler of the querent, was in a be some delays in reaching the result; he weak position in Aries. This would happen would only reach the result after meeting those challenging and on April 22, 12 days later, and for the Sun with many other sellers. He interpreted negative conditions to enter Taurus, to weaken the seller’s sig- Sun’s applying sextile to Jupiter as a person nificator. This would happen on April 25, with a Jupiterian nature who will help him but instead acts 15 days later. in this matter. However, as Jupiter was in when the conditions He started negotiations only after then, detriment in Gemini and in a cadent house, are in his favor and and when the Moon was also in Taurus. he thought that this person would not be Mars, which represented the financial sit- really supportive. The Sun in the 7th house reaches the result uation of the querent, also turned direct of the chart is the ruler of the 5th house to that he desires. by that time. As a result, he bought the the 7th house (the 11th house). The daugh- house and reached his objective. (See ter of the seller (the 5th house beginning Chart 3 below.) with the 7th house) was Lilly’s friend, so

Chart 3 - Negotiation on New Moon conjunct Venus

DECEMBER SOLSTICE 2019 page 49

Being a talented astrologer, Lilly does not desired result through pushing the limits act quickly under those challenging and and displaying our individual potentials. negative conditions but instead acts when This is the will of God as a result of our the conditions are in his favor and reach- efforts and using our individual wills in a es the result that he desires. This horary correct way. sample is very important as it signifies the Oner will importance of making effort and plan- Öner DÖŞER is a leading Turkish astrologer with a lead a track at the large network of followers and students, including ning to act on the right time. The result, of 22 million internet TV viewers. He studied astrolo- 2020 OPA RETREAT course, depends on the will of God how- gy with Hakan Kirkoglu and Robert Zoller, earning IN UTAH ever the native also made an effort to do his AMA degree. He founded AstroArt School of the best he could. Although there were Astrology in 2005 in Istanbul where he trained on Horary Astrology challenging elements in the horary chart, more than 1300 students to date. He has 21 books published, 3 of them translated into English. Since All details on the OPA website. the astrologer depended on the potential 2012, he has organized the International Astrology but few positive factors; used his mind Days in Istanbul with international astrologers, and talents and instead of giving up he with a 9th event planned for March 2020. Öner made an effort to reach his aim. This horary has ISAR Cap and is the Turkish Satellite for OPA and is OPA certified. www.onerdoser.com chart is also a good example for Electional Astrology practice. We may reach the R page 50 The Career Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine JOIN OPA INSTAGR A M for ongoing video updates and goodies!

DECEMBER SOLSTICE 2019 page 51

expect and how to act while she explains der. Gone are the days of reading about a Book Review what kinds of inherent differences there will Leo woman with Capricorn man. be. It is inspiring to read positive descrip- She has written different descriptions for Review by Arlan Wise tions of how two signs get along. We learn each combination – If you are a Leo you how to do it, not how not to do it. read how to get along with a Capricorn Annabel writes very good astrology. There in your chapter, but when you go to the are complete descriptions of each sign Capricorn chapter, you read a different THE which give the personality traits at their best paragraph on how the pair get along from the Capricorn point of view. ASTROLOGY OF The information in this book is empiri- cal, not theoretical, based on material col- LOVE AND SEX lected after many long conversations with friends, colleagues, and clients. There are A Modern wonderful images introducing each sign which show gender fluidity – Virgo the Compatibility maiden is portrayed as a male youth with long hair and wings. Guide Annabel is of the Pluto in Scorpio generation and it shows in her outspoken BY ANNABEL GAT approach to writing about sex. She breaks the old taboos and uses four letter words (it is the first time I have seen the word fuck used as a verb in an astrology book). The he emphasis here is on modern. book is delightfully explicit in talking about Astrology evolves to keep up with how the different signs enjoy sex, including T the changes in the culture. This book how a sign behaves in a group sex situation reflects the new concepts of sexuality and and sex parties. It is the first X-rated astrol- gender we are becoming familiar with in ogy book to my knowledge. the 21st Century. All kinds of relationships, The Astrology of Love and Sex is #1 on not just the old binary ones, are now com- the Goodreads list of New Astrology Books mon and this book addresses that fact. It 2018-2020. The book is written so that also reflects that people now meet in differ- and worst. She talks of first impressions, the people with no knowledge of astrology ent ways using social media, online dating best flirting techniques, the dating style, can pick it up and learn from it. Seasoned sites, and dating apps. how to approach, and of course, SEX – the astrologers will enjoy the descriptions and Another difference from the old astrology turn ons and turn offs, which signs are com- the daring information and will also learn love and compatibility books is that Annabel fortable with PDA (public displays of affec- much from the book. Buy it - it’s a fun read. writes on the premise that any two signs can tion), and what kind of kink each prefers. get along if they want to. She instructs you The book moves on to discussing each sign R how to approach another sign and what to with others signs with no mention of gen-

Deborah James This is my Visual representation of the coming transits of 2020. The earth has seen many cycles of our outer planets over time and is being held in the caldron of Pluto the great transformer. Saturn is in conjunction sitting on the globe filled with the children of the future who are pressured to mature very quickly in these times of transition. Great civilisations have had their rise and fall over many millennia. From the dinosaurs on the base ring to our modern days - We are now being reminded about the threat of extinction. Ancient wonders such as the Pyramids, Stone Henge, the indigenous peoples of the Americas, Australia and of the whole world represent the integrity of ancient wisdoms from which our current civilization rose and keeps growing. The great transformations that have taken place over the last centuries are on the inner ring of Pluto. From the industrial revolution and the great wars that changed the planet and humanity, to the rise and fall of the stock markets causing us to re-evaluate our values. The symbol of Democracy barely hanging on. The big egos playing monopoly with our future. The butter- fly’s flying high to remind us all that there is great beauty in the work of deep transformation in our lives. We all need a higher perspective and to continue to change, grow and transform ourselves within and with out ... above and below.

page 52 The Career Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine The Organization for Professional Astrology

BECOME AN OPA MEMBER

FOR BEGINNERS AND PROFESSIONALS • 15 free online presentations a year with amazing speakers • Unique programs: I-Astrologer, Peer Group, OPA Retreat • Special quarterly magazine – The Career Astrologer Find out more about OPA and join this unique and growing movement in Astrology!

Visit OPAastrology.org

Give your eyes a break from screen time

Get printed copies of the Career Astrologer

4 issues, including shipping US - $35 Mex & Can - $41 International - $55 OPAastrology.org

DECEMBER SOLSTICE 2019 page 53 Transits LIST OF ASPECTS and INGRESSES of the Season DECEMBER FEBRUARY BY TRACY QUINLAN U S ^K • 22 Q l J, T # X; U * Z, Q # , Q $ • 2 @ 28 passes through its X, S OOB until January 11 pre-shadow, T * Z • 24 Q $ X • 3 T * X, S l L at 8:04 PM • 26 New R @ 4^J’07 at 5:14 AM; • 4-5 S * X ^J Annular Solar Eclipse @ 4 03 at 5:18 AM • 6 U goes slightly OOB (until • 27 Q ! V, V cazimi from 9:13 March 2) AM-3:10 AM on the 28th - exact • 7 T l A at 8:04 PM from 6:10-6:30 PM • 9 Full R @ 20^E00 at 7:34 AM • 29 S l J @ 4:55 AM. T ! U • 30 Q ! >, S $ X (Dec. 30-31st). • 10 U l J • 31 at midnight R ! Y, < ! b • 16 at 11:34 AM • 7 S Stations M JANUARY • 19 Q l L at 4:58 AM, V * Y (Feb. 19-21) THEMES FOR S ! V • 2 • 20 U * X # t (Feb. 20–22) • 3 S ! >, U l I at 9:39 AM, V ! > December • 22 Q * X, Q * U (Feb. 22–28) (1^ applying from Jan. 3 – Jan. 11) Solstice 2019 - • 23 T # V, New R @ 4^L29 at 3:33 • 4 - 6 U $ U t PM March Equinox • 6 – 7 U & X, Q * Y • 24 U ! >, Q * U $ < • 8 S * Y 2020 • 25 S * U • 10 S ! Q, S cazimi from 4:04 AM – Jan. 11at 2:34 AM; Lunar Apulse • 26 Q * U, Q ! S All times are in GMT. Aspects are timed from the time they Eclipse at 7:11 PM, (Full R) @ • 28 T # Z become partile and while they remain partile. 20^D00 at 7:22 PM • 11 X SD MARCH December Solstice is • 12 THE BIG DAY!! The Grand December 22 at 4:20 AM GMT Conjunction! Q ! S ! W ! Z • 4 S l K at 11:09 AM, S * T • 13 T l L at 6:40 PM; Q perfects • 5 T l B at 3:08 AM its ! with Z & W INGRESSES • 7 T ! X (Feb. 7–8) • 15 T * X • 8 Q ! Y December 22nd Q l J • 16 S l K at 6:32 PM • 9 Full R @ 19^F37 at 5:49 PM; • 17 S *U # X (Jan. 17-18) December 29th S l J T * < • 20 T$ <, Q l K at 2:56 PM • 10 S SD January 3rd U l I • 22 Q * U, T * V (Jan. 22–23) • 16 S l L at 7:44 AM • 24 New R @ 4^K22 at 9:43 PM January 13th T l L • 19 Q * W, U ! V (March 19-20) CHINESE NEW YEAR – The Year of Happy Equinox!! January 16th S l K the Metal Rat ï • 25 S * U, T ! Y # U (Jan. 25– 28) February 7th T l A ï February 16th U l J March 16th S l L

page 54 The Career Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine gluttony—a feeling that we can still live in This quarter is marked by some excit- This is a South Node solar eclipse at excesses and nothing will suffer. ing astrological signatures. (Chart 1) In the 4 degrees 6 minutes of Capricorn. This With the Sun shining the light exposing Capricorn ingress chart (Solstice) we see eclipse focuses on credibility, business of the true nature of Jupiter in Capricorn, we that the Sun and Jupiter are applying to all sizes, and highlights issues with those may be faced with our fears around lack a conjunction with the South Node, and in authority. It can foster a collective look and scarcity, and we may see those issues Saturn is applying to a conjunction with at responsibility and clearing away what’s exposed on a global level. With the South Pluto which will finally perfect in January. not working. South Node solar eclipses Node involved we may have to look hard- The Sun conjunct Jupiter usually brings lev- can bring public exposure and the uncover at what we need to let go of in order to ity and joy and is a lovely way to start the ering of information. There can be a con- improve our situation. This feels like the final season. In the sign of Capricorn it’s bound nection to religion. Jupiter conjunct the elimination before Saturn and Pluto meet to be more practical and grounded, so for South Node can be nostalgic, bringing a with Mars in Scorpio, we can’t lie to our- all the holiday celebrating frugal generosity craving for previous days of grandeur and selves any longer. is the theme of the season. On Christmas eve and day, the Moon is Balsamic, just ahead of the Solar Eclipse the following day (Dec 26), as the Sun is about to form a conjunction to Jupiter (Dec 27). It is a time for humility, assessing how we can bring meaning to our practical goals and ambitions.

Leading into the New Moon and Solar Eclipse on the 26th (chart 2) we have the Sun trine Uranus which asks us to try something out of the ordinary. We need to shake things up a bit. This can be an exciting time of self-discovery and self-expression. The Sun square Chiron can generate friction, but any changes you make can lead to deep healing or expose wounds that need to be tended to. Venus is square Uranus so there’s potential for getting things out in the open, especially if you’re looking to shake things up in relationships or any area that Venus rules in your chart. Examine what needs to be upgraded in your relationships. Mars sextile Pluto provides an opportunity to excavate stuff that needs to be examined, while Mars can give us the courage to work with it. Try not to get stuck in past hurt- let it go. This is an opportunity to dig deep and discover the desire and drive to transform what needs it. It won’t be easy, but very worthwhile.

Sun trine Uranus which asks us to try something out of the ordinary. We need to shake things up a bit. This can be an exciting time of self-discovery and self-expression.

DECEMBER SOLSTICE 2019 page 55

Transits of the Season struggle and conflict. Jupiter and Mercury of others, and nourishment which could conjunct the South Node expressing more be illuminated by this eclipse. This chart of the energy from the eclipse. / indicates a strong opposition to women, women’s issues and reproduction which In chart 2 for the eclipse we see Saturn will probably be in the spotlight. Given conjunct the midpoint of the lunation On January 10th Mercury is cazimi while the nature of Capricorn and all the planets and Venus. The chart is a bowl pattern, still out of bounds. We also have a North residing there, we may have more talk and almost entirely below the horizon except Node lunar eclipse (chart 4). There are legislation around reproductive rights, and for Mars, and the North node alone on the several interesting features in this eclipse mother’s rights. This could also manifest in other side. This Capricorn New Moon can be chart. The first being that the Moon is the the form of the people versus corporations about emotional restriction or denial in its handle of a bucket pattern indicating issues and government. difficult side. Positively, this can be a time around home, family, women, the care when we become clear about our ambitions, and especially with Jupiter, muster the strength and support to achieve new goals! Your New Year resolution list is likely to triple in length with Jupiter on the lunation! Saturn conjunct the Sun and Venus midpoint can indicate an moment of truth in relationships, potentially leading to needing to take mature decision, perhaps leading to a separation from loved ones. Mercury is in Sagittarius and out of bounds, and gone unchecked can create arguments. In Sagittarius Mercury is already honest, perhaps painfully so. There can be a moral superiority here that “knows no bounds.”

This is followed by the Sun conjunct Jupiter (Jupiter cazimi) for most of the day. The Moon in its new phase will conjunct Saturn and Pluto in the afternoon. These planetary contacts can put an exclamation mark on issues that need attention. Since the Sun conjunct Jupiter brings optimism and good feelings, this can be an opening to find the positive or a solution to issues that were illuminated earlier in the week. On December 29th Mercury goes into Capricorn. Mercury usually has a hard time seeing new possibilities while in this sign, but it has ideas on efficiency and responsibility and while it is still out of bounds, pro- gressive innovation and innovative ideas in these realms are possible. As Mercury forms a trine to Uranus on December 30th and 31st, this combination of stellar events could make Mercury in Capricorn much more adventurous and non-conform- ing then it usually would be.

On January 3rd, Mars ingresses into Sagittarius where it’s on a mission to find and assert the truth. We may notice people actively defending their positions while a proponent of another view actively works to convert them over to their side. We’ll most likely see strong battles over ideolo- gies. The ingress is marked with the Moon in Aries making this an emotional and reactive time. The Moon is in its opening square to the Sun which is also an indication of

page 56 The Career Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine No Going Back January 13th the Sun is conjunct Pluto, Another noteworthy feature of this chart and Venus ingresses into Pisces- its sign is the absence of retrograde planets - even of exaltation. Here it can drape a dreamy the Nodes aren’t retrograde (common in veil of optimism over situations the previ- eclipse season); Uranus and the nodes are ous days bring. Venus in Pisces can shift the On the beloved stationing. Perhaps the events surrounding focus to spiritual values and a desire to see this time will be handled with little restraint the beauty in things, and can help loosen commercial holiday or examination or may be met with little the boundaries so tightly wound by all the that is Valentine’s Capricorn emphasis. to no resistance. We also have three partile Day, Venus in Aries is conjunctions within the sign of Capricorn: Mercury beats the Sun into Aquarius Jupiter conjunct the south node, on January 16th. Mercury here can bring square the nodes and Mercury conjunct the Sun, and Saturn new ideas and shifts the focus from struc- the Moon is in conjunct Pluto. Saturn and Pluto will tured Capricorn and moves it out to group simultaneously be working to destroy and consciousness. Once the Sun joins Mercury Scorpio, indicating rebuild, as Mercury and the Sun may be on January 20th this awareness will be fur- that these might be ther emphasized as the Sun is placing more engaged in structured negotiations while particularly intense trying to shine light on the issues highlight- focus on the collective rather than the ed by the Moon. Jupiter will be facilitating needs of individuals. Red Heart days. a South Node release of outworn rules and archaic ideas. With the concentration of Chinese New Year: New Moon in Capricorn energy, we know that issues and Aquarius – (Year of the Metal Rat) projects will be approached with a ruthless The Chinese New Year New Moon on be a challenge as things seem unfocused, ambition. Because we’re talking about the January 24th is at four degrees Aquarius. and too broad to be analysed. The positive Cancer/ Capricorn axis, solutions proposed This will be a very busy balsamic phase for side of Mercury in Pisces is in the ability to will likely lean towards nostalgic longing. the Moon as it must pass the South Node, adapt and go with the flow. Jupiter, Pluto and Saturn before being A Grand Conjunction – The Big Day! void of course in Capricorn, then changing Fiery Goddess On January 12th we have the Sun, signs and finally meeting the Sun. There’s a Venus moves into Aries on February Saturn, Pluto, Ceres, and Mercury all within feeling of closure to this series of contacts 7th, so we’ll have another planet in the sign a degree of each other, and there has been during the ending phase of the Moon. of its detriment. Venus in Aries has the fire plenty said about this configuration (chart Perhaps some issues dredged up in all the to go after what it wants with relentless 4). What I find notable is that this grouping build up to the Saturn/ Pluto conjunction vigor. It will not consider anyone else in the doesn’t perfect nor will all four planets be can finally be resolved, or there could be pursuit, and can tend to ignore the feelings partile. Mercury will speed by before Saturn closure to issues faced during the year-long of others: but finally having more fire in the has completed the conjunction, and the dance between Saturn and Pluto. The New sky will ignite some enthusiasm and ener- Sun won’t catch up until Saturn begins to Moon brings fresh starts and new begin- gy, after the long dark Saturn season. separate from Pluto. This may mean that nings, and in Aquarius it can be about fresh the themes of this conjunction will not ideas and a different point of view: Perhaps Fierce Pride actually take form, or because the Sun is we’ll see new innovative solutions to old The Full Moon on February 9th is at late to the game, we can’t see what the problems. This New Moon phase may have 20 degrees of Leo at exactly sunrise in Saturn/ Pluto conjunction actually reveals us analysing our relationship to society and Greenwich. This lunation can shine the light until some light is cast on it. how we fit in it. on issues surrounding personal ego and the importance of the collective, or the Foggy with a Chance of Dreams effects of personal ego on the collective. From the 25th - 28th of January Venus The Leo Moon can show us that it’s okay to will square Mars then conjunct Neptune be fiercely proud of what’s important to us, On January 12th we where they’ll both square Mars. These but the Sun in Aquarius reminds us that the aspects can be delusional and exhausting, pride can’t be at the expense of the group have the Sun, or inspirational and meditative depending or society. Venus moving to form a con- Saturn, Pluto, Ceres, on your resonance to this mutable energy. junction to Chiron shows there can be heal- It may bring dreamy romantic connections ing in standing up for what we value. and Mercury all or an intense need to take a nap. Either within a degree way- it’ll pass - so don’t bet the bank on My Bloody Valentine things that come up during this aspect On the beloved commercial holiday that of each other... until after the fog of Neptune clears and is Valentine’s Day, Venus in Aries is square What I find notable you wake up from the dream. the nodes and the Moon is in Scorpio, is that this grouping Mercury passes through its pre-shadow indicating that these might be particular- on February 2nd the day before it ingresses ly intense Red Heart days. Saturn is still doesn’t perfect into Pisces. This can give you some clues as the final dispositor imparting a feeling of nor will all four to what the retrograde will bring. Mercury pragmatism and frugality that runs counter is in detriment and in fall in Pisces. In this to all the commercials on TV selling dia- planets be partile. sign, Mercury may reflect difficulty focus- monds. Those expecting extravagant gifts ing on details and there may be a lack of may be disappointed this year. reason and objectivity. Communication can

V28-04 DECEMBER SOLSTICE 2019 page 57

Transits of the Season making room for new beginnings by get- change. So think hard before you make any ting rid of what’s outdated is appropriate. serious decisions. The zodiac mix of things is just right for some of us to make impetu- ous and maybe unfortunate choices - things Mars moves into Capricorn, its sign On February 28th, Venus square Pluto we may need to revisit when Mercury gets of exaltation, on February 16th. This may shakes things up and perhaps injects some through its post shadow phase. provide us with more focus and can impart transformative energy into our value sys- a practical drive that allows us to make tems. With Venus in Aries this could be a progress on goals set forth by Saturn, as rather combative transit, so think before March 3rd and 4th, Mercury ingresses Saturn in rulership is Mars’s task master you speak. Mercury’s in Pisces and retro- back into Aquarius while Venus ingresses now- this just in time for Mercury to station grade, so communication can be confused, into Taurus the next day. With two plan- retrograde. Mercury retrograde in Pisces is misinterpreted, or misdelivered. Make sure ets moving into the fixed signs, this shift usually disruptive with logistical matters. As you mean what you say and are prepared in modal energy becomes more balanced. this is a sign Mercury doesn’t enjoy travers- for the consequences. Feelings can defi- This change can bring some stability to ing through in the right direction, it tends nitely be hurt. the sky. Venus loves being in its own sign to be quite tempestuous when heading in It’s a leap year, so there’s a 29th day of Taurus, one could even say it languishes the retrograde motion. Think outside, no of February and we’ll be inspired with a there. Now we have no planets in the fire box required as far as Pisces goes! Mercury/Uranus sextile which can bring us element. This can lead to a more passive the chance to think about new solutions. time for introspection. They can reflect a spark of intellectual itch, The Sun moves into Pisces on February and because Mercury is retrograde, it can 19th, perhaps emphasizing values of com- point us in the direction of an old problem passion and empathy for each other. By the or logical challenge being addressed. 22nd the Sun will form a sextile to Uranus and then Mars. The Mars aspect will last for The Virgo six days as the two move at similar rates. The Venus in Aries forms a square to Full Moon asks Sun in Pisces sextile Mars in Capricorn can Saturn in Capricorn on March 3rd and you to be of service bring some fantastic opportunities to revive could have us re-evaluating our commit- (move forward with) some of your more ments — especially romantic ones. This to yourself and creative and inspired ideas, bringing them contact could have us questioning our others with a down to earth and driving them ahead. relationships and weighing the cost benefit ratio in our lives. There’s a whole lot of car- full and dinal energy in the sky right now without open heart. On February 23rd we have a New Moon in much fixed energy to hold things in place; Pisces. This lunation with the Sun and Moon this could bring rapid — even hasty — sextile Mars also features Jupiter sextile Neptune and square Venus. Raven Kalderra calls this “The Dreamer’s Moon”. There’s plenty of inspiration paired with the determination to make use of it, but you need to be on the lookout for the right opportunity. At the same time the hard aspect between Jupiter and Venus sparks enthusiasm and gives us a swift kick in the pants to take action. Jupiter/ Venus aspects aren’t typically action oriented but more self-indulgent, but having them in active signs and in hard aspect to each other shifts the planetary energies in an active direction. Watch the sugar and the spending.

On the 26th the Sun and Mercury form a conjunction as they drive past each other with Mercury going in retrograde motion. They’ll take turns forming a sextile to the Mars/South Node conjunction. This may give us another opportunity to revisit old creative ideas we’ve left on the shelf for a while, or maybe discard ideas we’ve been holding onto that are taking up space and will never come to fruition. This comes while we’re still in a New Moon phase, so

page 58 The Career Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine

with cosmic sea legs, making it the perfect HAPPY EQUINOX! Venus is conjunct Uranus on the 7th time to assess and discard that which is not and 8th shaking the foundation of the oth- serving you any longer. The Virgo Full Moon REFERENCES erwise stable Venus placement. This could asks you to be of service to yourself and Hand, Robert. (1976) Planets in Transit: Life cycles for have us questioning our relationships or others with a full and open heart. The light living, 1st edn. Atglen PA: Whitford Press a Division shining on the Moon from the Sun has the of Schiffer Publishing Ltd. financial situation. On the other hand, you Pessin, Dietrech.(2009) Lunar Shadows III: The could end up enjoying some unexpected filter of Neptune there, and with it we can Predictive Power of Moon Phases and Eclipses, 1st excitement and perhaps new acquisitions. see through the lens of spirit and connec- edn, Tucson AZ: Igloo Press. On the 8th, the Sun conjoins Neptune, tivity without the usual physical boundaries Kaldera, Raven. (2011) Moon phase astrology, 1st potentially warping reality and distorting of Virgo. edn. Rochester Vermont: Destiny Books our sense of self. This stellar combo could Tracy Quinlan practices, in Edmonton, Canada. As leave people with a wobbly sense of reality. a hobbyist, she gathered astrological information Positively, we may find tremendous inspira- On the 16th, Mercury goes back into from her captive audience as a hairstylist. After tion for our creative expression. Relax and Pisces where we can pick up where we left finishing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology off before the retrograde. Hopefully the and Psychology, she began a focused study of let it in; it is not time to try to control what Astrology. Tracy is the president of the Edmonton is larger than self. backwards cycle combined with a Mercury Astrological Society, writer for the Llewellyn in detriment hasn’t left anything perma- Astrological Calendar and one of the Organizers of nently damaged. We end the season with the Canadian Astrological Conference. “The joy of The Full Moon at 19 Virgo on March Mars conjunct Jupiter in Capricorn on the astrology is we can’t know it all, but the pursuit can enrich our lives and the lives of others.” 9th involves a Neptune opposition. It 19th and 20th. This aspect brings us extra www.consultthesky.com is the last lunation of the season. Venus energy and vigor. Enjoy it! The only warn- is separating from Uranus and the Sun is ing, which is always the case with Jupiter separating from Neptune as the Moon per- transits, don’t take on too much or over R fects this solar opposition. The Moon’s ruler, estimate your capabilities - definitely a pos- Mercury, is stationing direct so the action sibility with Jupiter conjunct exalted Mars will slow for a beat, perhaps leaving us in industrious Capricorn.

Something

incredibleis waiting to be learned Whether you’re seeking certi cation that helps you stand out from the crowd, expanding your knowledge with our classes and workshops, or presenting your own astrological ndings in a community webinar, Kepler College has something for every astrologer.

We offer a variety of online classes from beginner to advanced, affordable tuition, scholarships, certi cate and diploma programs, auditing, workshops and webinars.

20 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE IN ASTROLOGICAL EDUCATION

Visit www.keplercollege.org to discover something incredible!

DECEMBER SOLSTICE 2019 page 59 The Communicating Astrologer Column by April Elliot Kent

PART FOUR: Each social media platform has a distinc- if you do it well, it can be an entry to most tive feel, and you’ll do best if you’ll focus other forms of media as well. Including… COMMUNICATING most of your energy on a single platform that feels comfortable for you. Maybe you WITH THE FUTURE prefer the slower pace of Facebook con- I’ve published three books with three versations, or perhaps the rapid-fire, give- different publishers, and I can say with Quick – which house of the horoscope and-take of Twitter or the positive, visual confidence that without my website and rules communication? If you answered environment of Instagram is more your social media audience, none of them would the third, you’re not wrong. Along with speed. Maybe you come alive on camera have happened. You never know who’s Mercury, this house and its ruling planet and YouTube is your natural habitat. reading (or watching) what you’re putting in your birth chart give strong clues about out there; occasionally, they’re gatekeepers how you make yourself understood, and who approach you to write for them. how you learn and use information. Now, what I’m about to say here may But other houses are associated with seem obvious. But the fact that publishers communication, too. For one-to-one com- are always a bit shocked when I send them munication like client consultations, look Regardless of the social media platform what I promised, when I promised it, and in to the seventh house. The first, fifth, and they use, astrologers who excel at social usable condition, tells me that what should ninth houses tend to be performative; media are better than the rest of us at two be common sense…isn’t. planets there might indicate a love of things: attracting attention and building Whether you’re writing for a magazine, a public speaking. The ninth house is also community. In addition to creating engag- website, a journal, or a book publisher, the associated with publishing of a scholarly ing content, they give their audience the entire project is easier if you actually have nature, while the third house lends itself to feeling of being part of a group. Social something worth saying! It’s also important research and essays. media rock stars encourage comments, to recognize whether your idea would be So which house of the chart describes answer questions, acknowledge their better as an essay, an article, or a full-length broadcast and media? In my opinion, it’s the audience members by name, and offer book. Create an outline. If you think it could eleventh house, where we connect with contests and discounts. And they share be a book, create a table of contents and a people we’ve never met and find our natural their colleagues’ work as well as their own, full sample chapter. If you still feel confident audience. It describes the potential for us to strengthening the larger community. in your topic, it’s time to send out queries. touch distant audiences – even in the dis- That said, social media can easily become Querying. Magazines and journals are tant future - in ways we’ll never know. a time-wasting distraction from other work. not secretive about how to submit topics That’s the territory we’ll cover in this And it encourages the toxic tendency to or articles for publication. Simply look on final installment of the Communicating compare ourselves to others. Somehow, their website for submission guidelines, Astrologer – the world of social media, scrolling through post after post of peo- and (here’s the important part) follow them! broadcasting, and publication. ple doing amazing things conflates in your Don’t send a full article if a few sample imagination to ALL of these people doing paragraphs are requested. Don’t send para- ALL of these things, every day, while you can graphs if you’re asked for two-line topics. Social media is, by definition…sociable. barely manage a couple of posts each week! And by the way, most publications want Are you? I know I’ll never be a big social If social media is uncomfortable for you original material that hasn’t been published media star, because I don’t much enjoy it. but you know it’s important for promoting elsewhere and hasn’t been submitted to That said, I’ve managed to amass a rea- your business, consider hiring a social any other publication at the same time. sonably sizeable Facebook following, and media manager. I work with a divine lady Preparing your manuscript. If you hit my Instagram audience is growing (and who repackages my articles and images the jackpot and a full article or even a book I do at least maintain tiny outposts on into posts. I pop in every few days to handle is requested, send the cleanest manuscript Twitter and YouTube). The basic formula any questions or important comments. Best you can. Yes, your work will be reviewed for building a social media audience seems money I’ve spent on my business in ages! by an editor. Make their job easier. Stay no different from building a website/blog Social media is an excellent communica- within the agreed-upon word count, use following when I was starting out. Just post tion tool and useful in defining your busi- your spell checker, and enlist a Virgo friend interesting things on a regular basis and ness and your brand. But think of it most to check your grammar. If an editor sends encourage your audience through promo- importantly as a tool to build and cultivate you feedback and requests for changes, tion and by interacting with them. a community. It’s 11th house territory. And attend to it immediately. And remember,

page 60 The Career Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine it’s their job to make you look good. I’m the Work on your Google rankings. Treat your- thinnest-skin person around, except when As I mentioned, most traditional pub- self to a couple of hours with a media con- it comes to editors – I love them, because lishers – even some with a long tradition in sultant. Then, get in touch with your local they make my work better! metaphysical titles - have very limited inter- media outlets to let them know that you Submitting final materials. You will be est in astrology books. They simply can’t exist. Believe me, they’ll be looking for you. given a deadline for submitting for final afford to publish anything that isn’t simple materials. This deadline is not a suggestion. and sun-sign oriented. It’s your obligation as a professional to And so, more and more astrologers Whether you’re promoting your book, meet this deadline. It might be six months are self-publishing. The fact that this is your podcast, your YouTube show, or your in advance of the issue in which your arti- so much easier these days is fantastic services as a media expert, you’ll need a cle will appear – but you have no idea of and makes it possible to publish on more professional media kit. everything that has to be done and consid- specialized topics. Companies like Ingram It should include a high-resolution (ask ered in advance of publication. Spark and Amazon-owned CreateSpace your photographer if you don’t know what Now, real life can occasionally throw us offer printed books on demand as well as that means) head shot, a one-page PDF curve balls. An illness, a death in the family, E-Book options. with highlights of your experience and any number of unexpected developments Just understand that everything a tra- expertise, and a sample of your work – links can put you behind the 8-ball. If you really, ditional publisher would do for your book to your website and social media accounts, truly have encountered one of these and is something you’re going to need to be a short clip from a media appearance, a lec- need an extension to your deadline, let prepared to do – or pay for – yourself. This ture recording if you’re applying to speak your editor know the minute you can. includes editing, layout, and design services. for a conference or group. Prepare a one- Self-publishing isn’t free if it’s done well. sheet of sample interview questions about And of course, you will need to market your book or topic. The idea is to make it as Most traditional publishers are not your book, which really will be easier if you easy as possible for the media to contact interested in anything astrological that already have a strong social media pres- you, interview you, and promote you. isn’t accessible to a mainstream audience. ence, good connections in the astrologi- Some will accept unsolicited manuscripts, cal community - and a great book. and some won’t. Some (fewer and fewer) In short, your ideas may be brilliant, but Whether we specialize in counseling, require that you submit through an agent. if your book is riddled with spelling and research, writing, or social media, astrolo- Again, the publisher’s submission guide- grammatical errors, is poorly organized, gers are members of a communicating pro- lines should be posted on their website; be and has an awful cover, most readers are fession. As I pointed out in my first install- guided by them! going to give it a pass. And if you have no ment of this series, we’re in the business Once you have a publisher’s attention, audience at all to market it to, they’ll never of decoding the language of the sky and you stand a much better chance of getting find it in the first place. translating it for others. That’s true whether published if you have a strong social media you never speak before an audience, create following or a platform in conventional a YouTube video, write a book, or counsel media (interviews on television, in main- When I met with the alleged publicist a client. stream magazines, etc.). In my experience, assigned to my second book, I told her I The medium you use for your astrology publishers care less about your content would do virtually anything to promote the work is, in my opinion, a lot less important than about your audience. They want to book except appear on television. The first than the way you use it – and far, far less know there is an audience eager to buy promotional opportunity she brought to important than what you have to say. If your book and a platform from which me was an offer to appear on a local morn- you’re particularly good at writing, focus to market it. (And marketing your book, ing television show. on that; you’ll communicate better there. whether you self-publish or work with a I refused, she never spoke to me again, If you’re fantastic on camera, YouTube and publisher, will in most cases be almost and I almost lost my agent. Facebook/Instagram Live await you! And if entirely up to you.) However, I stand behind my decision. If you love to get up in front of an audience, you aren’t comfortable in a medium, you use teaching and lectures to get your mes- won’t do your best. The publisher offered sage across. me media training, but the problem wasn’t Regardless of how you communicate, Your ideas may be that I lack poise or things to say: it’s that I’m remember that astrology is first and fore- brilliant, but if simply not happy being on camera. most a conversation between us and the Obviously, camera-friendly astrolo- sky. As we share its language, we owe it to your book is gers have an enormous advantage in the ourselves and our audiences to communi- riddled with YouTube age. Television and radio stations cate as clearly, concisely, and creatively as alike are desperate for poised and articulate we can. spelling and interviewees whenever the latest rehash grammatical errors, of the 13th sign “controversy” arises, a big April Elliott Kent has practiced astrology professionally since 1990. She’s the author of three eclipse is happening, or a national election is poorly organized, books, a popular lecturer, and a member of OPA, is coming up. If you feel television or radio ISAR, NCGR, and AFAN. She serves on the AFAN and has an awful are your wheelhouse, get to know these Steering Committee and as president of the cover, most readers predictable topics inside and out, as well as San Diego Astrological Society. April graduated how to give a concise and lively analysis of from San Diego State University with honors in are going to give Communication. She lives in San Diego’s Normal the year ahead. Put together a few 5-min- Heights neighborhood with her long-suffering it a pass. ute audiovisual packages on these topics husband and their cat, Spike. Her website is www. and upload them to your YouTube channel. bigskyastrology.com. R

DECEMBER SOLSTICE 2019 page 61 in its flowing or animated aspect. Its shows how we move and flow through life based So we can understand the priority for upon our subjective preferences. the Moon to flow. There are however some The Moon is exalted in the sign of restrictions to this flow. This manifests at Taurus (ruled by Venus) and is debilitat- a chakra level as well, and in depth psy- ed in the sign Scorpio (ruled by Mars). chology in Jyotish this plays a great role. Therefore, Moon-Venus combinations indi- The Moon functions best when there are cate high-pressure and immune diseases, no planets in the same sign as it, because whereas Moon-Mars combinations indicate these planets (and their agenda) tend to ‘sit low-pressure and loss of blood. In Jyotish, on the mind’ a lot, forming a subjective bias the connection between Moon and Mars, override, and therefore restricting the full and Moon and Venus in the chart tell us a free-flow of the mind through life. great deal of information about the built-in The Moon also functions better if there health dynamics of the physical body, as are planets in adjacent signs. A happy well as the flow potential of the mind. Mars, Moon is one that has made connections the controller of fire, is not welcome in association with the cooling waters of the Moon (mind). Tense afflictions between the two can indicate mania and schizophrenia. Saturn in its rulership of Aquarius shows A happy Moon is one the slowing down of the mind, and tense connections between Saturn and the Moon that has made can indicate deterioration of memory and connections in the alzheimers or dementia. past (planets in the YANTR A Jyotish recognizes the deep connection between food and the quality of the flow of sign before the Moon Column by JYOTISH the mind. This is because the Moon is exalt- sign), and that will Theodore Naicker ed in the sign of Taurus, the natural second house of the zodiac related to ingestion of make connections in food into the physical body. The 2nd House the future (planets in also is the face in Jyotish, because it is from here that all sensory stimuli are centralized the sign after and “ingested” by the mind-body connec- the Moon sign). tion. Sensory hedonism is what gives the CHANDRA: mind and heart its peak delights, the Moon THE MOON is exalted in this area of activity. he Moon in Jyotish, as in many other astrology systems, represents our T connection to life. While we receive the life energy from the Sun via the father, it is our mothers who receives that intent and provides a container of flesh and blood for it. In Jyotish, the Moon represents the blood and all our blood relations in general, the most significant of which (and the first) being that special blood connection to the mother. In the astrological sign of Cancer, we see the tidal push and pull of the exchange of blood in the womb; receiving nutrient-rich blood and the removal of wastes via the blood as well. The moving waters of Cancer represent the duality of this blood exchange with the mother in the darkness and sanctity of the womb. Here we received the body with its inherent ability to replace old cells and heal. This constant-flowing in and out princi- ple of Cancer in the womb is essential for the life of the body, but the very same push and pull and flow is essential for the health of the mind too. The Moon in Jyotish, therefore, best shows the mind-body connection page 62 The Career Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine in the past (planets in the sign before the them. It helps to speak to a friend you Moon sign), and that will make connections trust. in the future (planets in the sign after the • Share food with people you care Moon sign). A Moon that doesn’t have any The Moon is our about and who care for you planets on either side of it can be quite iso- connection to life, • Donate food and clothes to orphan- lationist and even lonely, and it is difficult our spiritual and ages and fertility centres. for such a person to connect with society and people. Even amidst a crowd, they can material plug still feel disconnected or spaced out. alternating with In this way, Jyotish assesses the flow capacity and healing capacity of the mind- each other in the body system, pointing out issues to be One of the main indicators of someone see-saw dynamic remedied in its flow, and strengthening living a “worldly” life is the level of involve- of duality. bonds of delight for the mind to flow ever ment with all the relationships in their life: forward, receiving the intention of the soul working relationships, familial connections, Sun on its evolutionary journey. intimate relationships, etc. While we can accept the fact that we are individuals life. The Moon is therefore our connec- R existing in the world, no person is an island. tion to life, our spiritual and material plug It is the myriad relationships, memories, alternating with each other in the see-saw and experiences we have with people in dynamic of duality. our life that enrich our evolutionary path. Traditionally, the four angular houses of Self (1st house), Home (4th house), Significant Others (7th house), and Work/ These are simple day-to-day practices Public life (10th house) were said to root that help strengthen the Moon within you us into the world in a very material way. and around you. These four houses are like the stakes of a • Wear more white or pastel coloured pitched tent, our soul being the traveller clothes residing within for a short time before • Keep your clothes neat and tidy and moving onward. The Moon represents stored considerately. our connection to community, and this is • Wear fresh clean clothes everyday. strongest in these four areas of life. When Don’t wear clothes repeatedly from the Moon is in these angular houses, the day to day person is said to be strongly plugged into • Eat clean, homemade, fresh food. the material game of life. Don’t eat processed or stale food or The Moon in cadent houses (3rd House, food that has been stored for more 6th House, 9th House, and 12th House) by than a day. comparison is usually a receiver of influ- • Take time to write your emotions and ences, and a great responder archetype, feelings in a journal, and pause to and the person is generally more plugged digest the emotions and connect with into a spiritual or non-material focus of

DECEMBER SOLSTICE 2019 page 63 tips. You will be able to quickly identify where the strong and weak points are. Keep a log of your Secondary Progressions (SP) are a great planetary cycles and starting point as they will provide long- how your chart, as term markers that will show a significant shift in energy and growth for yourself and well as your business your business. SP movement is most prev- chart, is activated so alent as the business (or business owner) you have this matures. The planets to watch are the Sun, which moves just under 1 degree per year information at or more or less three signs per lifetime; the your fingertips. Moon moves 12 to 15 degrees per year which translates to approximately 30 years to move around the entire chart; Mercury process with a triple effect. This is when the needs to be watched closely as it has errat- transiting planet contacts the Natal by an ic retrograde and direction motion that can exact degree, three times due to retrograde have a significant impact on writing, adver- and direct motions. tising, websites and other communication; Pay particular attention to transits, pro- Goal Venus moves around 1 degree 12’ per year gressions that will influence 2nd (finances) (unless it goes retrograde) and indicates 6th (work), 7th (partnership), and the 10th financial management and opportunities. house (Career), and if you have interna- Setting Mars moves .5 degrees per year and refers tional clients also consider the 9th. Don’t to strong developmental patterns, break- forget to work with the rulership planets of throughs or setbacks. those houses and any significant players in for your You may see a shift in the Social and the chart like final dispositors, foundational Collective planets (Jupiter to Pluto) if the energy and chart ruler. Astrology natal planet is close to moving direct or ret- Here is an example snap shot from an rograde from birth. Additionally, keep your upcoming transiting Pluto & Saturn conjunc- Practice eye on a natal planet if it is at the end of a tion in January 2020 for a business in its 9th sign as you may find it moving signs by SP; year. See bi-wheel charts on the folowing Column by and finally you may see a change in house pages. Tamira DK McGillivray placement. These markers will prove to be Comb through the chart to see what significant in the functioning of the planet’s major shifts are coming up, then set goals essential nature and evolutionary growth by making a list of upcoming projects like of the business (or business owner). When a web-design launch, new type of offerings SP planet makes an aspect to a natal plan- and projected launch dates, speaking et, it will certainly have significant and lon- engagements and financial concerns. ger-term effect. The chart gets pretty messy when you The next step is to focus on transits. are using multiple movement techniques, Start with the slow planetary movements just take them one at a time in order to dis- of Pluto, Neptune, Uranus and Saturn as sect the meanings and aspect connections these will activate fundamental issues. Look to the natal chart, (remember that they for new transits to significant houses and need to have a connection directly to the tight aspects to natal planets. Most often natal chart in order to affect the business). the transit over the natal planet is a long n the final article of this four-part series we will explore utilizing Astrology as a I tool to determine goal setting and business planning. To increase your chances of succeeding in your practice, I would advise to pre-plan your progress as much as possible in order to focus your efforts where they will give you the biggest bang.

One suggestion is to keep a log of your planetary cycles and how your chart, as well as your business chart, is activated so you have this information at your finger-

page 64 The Career Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine ary ideas) activate natal Pluto/Moon (creating lasting change in patterns and ability to This is a successful multifaceted business use earnings in the transformation process), owned by our previous test subject chart, Transiting Mercury in Capricorn square TRANSITS: Outer transits – Neptune is the entrepreneur has a wide spectrum of natal Saturn in Libra (the need to listen to Squaring the natal Nodes; transiting Nodes jobs that she takes on such as construction others or seek out advice that will balance sextile/trine natal Sun, transiting Venus management, job safety programs, Reiki, the old and new ways of building better applying to Neptune and separating from massage, and astrology. business goals)(this encompasses a transit- an opposition to natal Mars; transiting The business is at a potential crossroads ing Uranus conjunct natal Jupiter which ties Uranus conjunct natal Jupiter; transiting and needs to balance between what has into the Transiting Nodes/Jupiter conjunct Chiron conjunct natal Uranus. been offered in the past with the new natal Pluto/Moon and Natal Sun is activated, Saturn Pluto Sun Mercury conjunction in vision currently being developed in order there is also a semi-sextile/Quincunx sec- Capricorn is sextile the business Ascendant to align the company with its future poten- ondary progressed Mercury/Venus also tran- and square the natal Saturn in LIbra. tial. There may be a conflict between want- siting Mars infusing with energy) (Chart 1, below) ing to forge ahead with new innovative products and old ways of operating with- • There should be a review of long-term SP: Ascendant has shifted into out the structure, organization and finances goals (especially related to finances) to Sagittarius (now activating Jupiter); to support the business model. The repu- ensure they still meet the current vision. Mercury and Venus at 7 Sagittarius are tation of the business is at stake here – so The company/owner should continue to Semi-sextile natal Sun at 7 Scorpio; this is something that really needs to be set innovative and cutting-edge goals Moon in Aries in the 5th house opposing considered when rolling out new product as it looks toward creative new frontier natal Saturn. offerings during this time period. products that may enhance or support (Chart 2, following page) The 2nd house of finances with day to the current and future patterns. day operating capital has the transiting • Continue to make adjustments as the Capricorn stellium moving through, tran- company explores value added products siting Nodes (initiating and energizing the highlighting the business’ ability to com- path) in Capricorn/Cancer (Initiating vision- municate its problem-solving skills.

DECEMBER SOLSTICE 2019 page 65 • Teaching classes from home base utilizing provide focus to areas of conflict or where Goal Setting web-meetings or align and teach with an one chart might balance out the other, for your Astrology Practice on-line astrology school opening your especially in areas of finance, product business to a wider audience, writing, development and client relationships. • Seek professional advice on publications, international engagements, • expanding the business model and there is also a level of deep healing that I hope you have enjoyed this series of revisiting the business organizational may begin. business goal setting. Wishing you the structure very best in your professional practice. • expanding the business through out- The business should guard against unreal- sourcing (web-design, marketing, etc) istic expectations of clients and ensure that the business does not promise more than Tamira DK McGillivray is a Professional • finances Astrologer & Teacher currently living in Dartmouth (the business owner’s) skill-set can actually NS (Halifax) Canada Holds a BA in East West The business may start to take on a deliver. (natal Saturn opposite Progressed Traditions in Astrological Studies (Kepler College) more optimistic outlook along with a Moon square the transiting stellium in 2003 – 2007 & Certified NCGR III, Currently work- wider range of clientele. (SP Ascendant has Capricorn in the 2nd house, also bring in the ing toward MA, University of Wales, Cultural Astronomy and Astrology. Vice Chair Kepler Board moved into Sagittarius activating Jupiter, Natal Mars opposite Neptune/Chiron activa- of Trustees and Kepler Admin Council, also Kepler • Set goals on marketing or speaking tion by transiting Venus.) College Core Course Teacher, A practicing Usui engagements that will reach a larger • A great goal might be to seek out (truth) Reiki Master (1996) and a Registered Karuna audience knowledge or mentorship for new prod- Reiki® Master through the International Center for uct offerings. Reiki Training. Studied with Dolores Cannon as a QHHT Practitioner (certified level II) RYT Certified There may be an opportunity for the Yoga Teacher Roots & Wings Yoga Studio (Vista (Astrology) business to become more main- California), Specializing in Yoga for Meditation … stream (transiting Chiron conjunct natal Now you can take the owner/entrepre- utilizing Sound. Uranus in the 4th house ruled by Mars in neur’s chart, and go through the same the 9th house of publications, higher edu- process as you did with the business chart. cation activating the SP Ascendant) Look at cross over information that might

page 66 The Career Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine Become the Future of Astrology ... GET CERTIFIED BY OPA

OPA’s Certification process is becoming a leading reference to add credence that astrologers are competent and effectively provide quality service.

• The certification is open to any type of astrology orientation. • Applying astrologer must have a professional practice for at least 6 mos.

It is time for astrologers to take their practice seriously. Hear Saturn in Capricorn’s calling – become OPA Certified!

PROCESS YOUR NAME HERE • Participate in 3 Peer Group Processes successfully. • Participate in the Integrative Consulting Skills program (OPA or ISAR Programs valid) • Join the In-person or online Astronomy for Astrologers training.

EVALUATION • Competence in Analysis: Astrologer can fluently and accurately analyze charts in their own system of choice. • Astrologer demonstrates care, tolerance, compassion, ethical and responsible behavior toward their client. They maintain healthy boundaries with their client and demonstrate healthy control of the session. They are able to discuss difficult challenges or issues, while making practical suggestions to manage those challenges and empower their client. They have adequately conveyed chart content without intimidation, cyni- cism, self-righteousness, or over-identification with the client’s situation. • Management of practice – the astrologer can show vulnerability, humility, and admit mistakes. • Astrologer has a vision for their practice and for astrology as a whole. They aspire to grow and take practical steps to manage and balance ambition and self-care. • Astronomy for Astrologers - astrologer demonstrates an understanding of fundamental planetary mechanisms, the Precession of the Equinoxes, the difference between the three zodiacs, among other Astronomy references.

OPA endorses and promotes certified astrologers Clients can better trust OPA Certified Astrologers. 7-Year valid certification with option to extend • Astrologer must remain professionally active as an astrologer and remain involved in educational programs (be aware of conferences, workshops attendance, etc…) OPAastrology.org • Must maintain ethical standards of practice. • Certification will be reassessed if any formal complaints have been filed against the astrologer. • Astrologer must renew their certification after seven years by participating in a Peer Group within that time frame.

DECEMBER SOLSTICE 2019 page 67 The 2020 US Election Candidates

n the midst of an impeachment process and ongoing campaign for a Democratic I nominee, a lot of water will run under the bridge before we really know who is actually running. However, we can take this new year opportunity to glance at some of the astrological favourites for the elections.

MAJOR ASTROLOGICAL ACTIVATIONS TO SUPPORT A WIN FOR THE ELECTIONS: • Nodes in Gemini/Sagittarius favor- ing candidates with strong elements around 20° Gemini/Sag. (+10 points if exact) • Including a Moon in Gemini on the North Node on Election Day • Eclipse at 0° Cancer on June Solstice. (+5 points if exact) • Pluto/Saturn/Jupiter cycles around 22-24° Capricorn. (can be both supportive or detrimental) • Jupiter/Saturn leadership cycle at 0 Aquarius (+10 points if exact) • Inauguration Sun at 0 Aquarius • Mars Retrograde 15 Aries on Election Day (can be both supportive or detrimental) • Election Sun at 12° Scorpio (+5 points if exact)

Note: we do not have a birth time for most candidates, making this study limited in its scope and precision.

page 68 The Career Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine V28-04 DECEMBER SOLSTICE 2019 page 69 SCORES Trump: +20 -10 Warren: +20 Biden: +12 Buttegieg: +32 -5 Sanders: +21 Bloomberg: +3 Booker: +16

page 70 The Career Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine OPA SOUTH AFRICA December 2019

OPA monthly meetings in Johannesburg with Satellite representative Elena van Baalen!

Special OPA Meeting in Cape Town about the YEAR 2020, wIth presenters Theo Naicker (Vedic Perspective on the new year), Marietta van der Werff (the last leg leading to 2020), and Maurice Fernandez (Saturn/Jupiter/Pluto and the Mars Retrograde cycle).

Solstice Celebration with a growing OPA Community in Istanbul, Turkey

With Oner Doser, Çağla Ercanoğlu, Burcu Çakır, Dilara Efeoglu and the whole OPA Turkey tribe!

DECEMBER SOLSTICE 2019 page 71

. Maurice Fernandez UPCOMING Donna Young ASTROLOGY Arlan Wise CONFERENCES Alice Thomas Suhr MARCH 2020 Anne Ortelee 27-30 Vibrational Astrology Conference, Anne Sundell Gainesville, FL www.astrosoftware.com/ conference/m/va2020.html Geoff Gronlund Angela Tiki APRIL 2020 23-29 OPA RETREAT, Zion National Park, Carol Dimitrov Utah. www.OPAastrology.org Boaz Fyler MAY 2020 5-12 Astrology Rising Conference in Costa Geni PIcazo Ursula Stockder Rica. www.astrologyrisingcostarica.com 21-25 NORWAC Seattle ,WA.

www.norwac.net Shannon Gill Katharina Westblikk (Norway) AUGUST 2020 Margareta Hedin (Sweden) 7-9 Astrology, Conciousness & The Angelina Gronlund Great Shift, Sponsored by OPA at Omega Institute of Holistic Studies, Rhinebeck, NY

Theodore Naicker www.eomega.org/workshops/astrolo- P I gy-consciousness-the-great-shift Donna Young Elena Porciani van Baalen SEPTEMBER 2020 10-14 ISAR Conference, Westminster, CO, Öner Döşer www.isarastrology.org/conference Kay Taylor, Education Director Gemma Harwood Alexandra Karacostas. OPA Coordinator

OPAastrology.org

page 72 The Career Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine Join OPA’s Community Board Group on Facebook www.facebook.com/groups/OPAcommunity

Join OPA’s Astrology Discussion Group on Facebook www.facebook.com/groups/astrologydiscussionsOPA

DECEMBER SOLSTICE 2019 page 73 2020

FREE Online Presentations for OPA Members!

SUNDAY, JANUARY 12 SUNDAY MAY 31 BOAZ FYLER (Israel) MICHELE FINEY (Australia) A new Gender Metonic Magic and Paradigm for Mystery Astrologers SUNDAY JUNE 14 SATURDAY, JAN 25 RONALD TIGGLE (MA) MONICA DIMINO (MA) Calculating Secondary, The Chinese New Tertiary and Solar Arc Year of the Metal Rat Directions

SATURDAY FEB 8 SUNDAY JUNE 28 ONER DOSER (Turkey) MICHAEL BARTLETT (NM) Traditional Ways to Maverick Planets: Do Amazing Find Significators you have what it takes to change the world? lectures from SUNDAY FEB 23 CHRISTOPHER RENSTROM (UT) SUNDAY JULY 12 some of Relationships: Step GAYE ALKAN (Turkey) the leading Away From the Aristotle’s Hamartia in Seventh House the Charts experts and

SUNDAY MARCH 8 SATURDAY JULY 25 up-and-coming LAURA NALBANDIAN WA RACHEL LANG (CA) Ceres in the Chart Asteroids in Love: Astrologers. Incorporating Asteroids SUNDAY MARCH 22 in Relationship Charts For OPA MARC LAURENSON (Australia) SUNDAY AUGUST 30 members only. The Intermission of LYNN BELL (France) the Soul - The Neptune TBD Members will receive log-in Square Neptune Transit SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 20 information to join the OMARI MARTIN (IL) presentations. SUNDAY APRIL 5 Electional Astrology ZEYNEP YALCI (Turkey) Recordings of the Annual Profections and SATURDAY OCTOBER 4 presentations are available. Solar Returns EDA OCAK (Turkey) Astrology in Sufi SATURDAY, MAY 9 Tradition & Ali Ibn ‘Arabi’s It’s enlightening, APRIL KENT (CA) Mystic Approach to Using Your Birth Astrology it’s fun, it’s free! Chart to Market Yourself SUNDAY NOVEMBER 8 GRACE MORRIS (IL) How a Business/ Get complete Financial Astrologer presentation descriptions Works! and updates, SUNDAY NOVEMBER 22 and learn more at YARON LIVINE (Israel) Looking at Astrology through a Philosophical OPAastrology.org Lens page 74 The Career Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine