Career Astrologer The

and 2020 SATURN IN

HISTOR Y of

MARCH EQUINOX The Organization for Professional Astrology V29 2020 SEPTEMBER EQUINOX 2019 page 1

Career Dear members and readers, Astrologer The MARCH EQUINOX e sincerely hope you are weathering the corona V29 2020 virus global crisis gracefully and that you remain W safe health-wise and financially. Sometimes we as astrologers wish to be wrong, especially when in this case anticipating 2020 to be so challenging. Yet, I don’t think that the best of us would have predicted that the North Node in would have the whole world grounded home Transits of the with “imposed” family time! No matter how much we may resist, Cancer North Equinox Node will have its needs met! The collective “slow down” has given nature such an unexpected breather, with ASTROLOGY DAY pollution plummeting, shut down of wildlife markets, and animals reengag- ing where human are receding. Must it really be us or them? Will we finally President’s Report P.2 see ourselves as part of nature and not above it? Perhaps this is a Saturnian moment of accountability and a Neptunian moment of surrender with grace. I OPA LIVE: Spring 2020 P.3 personally hope we overcome this challenge promptly, and that we gain a new Transits of the Season P.12 perspective on our consumerism.

Astrology Day Interviews P.18 Sending everyone blessings for safety, support, and health. P.28 Maurice Fernandez President, OPA Forensic Astology P.50 Astrology Research P.56 You likely know by now that our 2020 ASTROLOGY RETREAT is migrating Working with Children’s Charts P.61 online. This was a difficult but inevitable decision. We are happy that the new Interview: Ricky Williams P.64 format will make the retreat more affordable and accessible to many of you, and most importantly, that those of you who signed up will not miss on Saturn in Aquarius P.67 the quality content. These are Jupiter/Pluto times, prompting us to transform Tribute: Noel Tyl P.68 crisis into opportunity. For information about the program, see this edition on PAGE 20, or visit Tribute: Robert Zoller P.70 the OPA website for full details.

Editors: Maurice Fernandez, Donna Young A new 2-year term for the OPA board will begin on May 23. We are glad that many Proofing: Nancy Beale, of the current board members are committed to continue serving the cause, but Jeremy Kanyo, Donna Young important changes are underway! If you wish to volunteer as a board member, we will Design: Sara Fisk provide guidelines on how to submit your candidacy. Stay tuned.

Cover Art: Tuba Gök, see p.60

© 2020 OPA All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of OPA, unless by the authors of the articles themselves. DISCLAIMER: While OPA provides a platform for articles to The Dramatic Transits of the appear in this publication, the content and ideas are not necessarily eflecting OPA’s points of view. Each author is responsible for the content of their articles. Season: March-June 2020

MARCH 20 – MARS/JUPITER at 20 MARCH 23 – SATURN INGRESS INTO Aquarius + MARS/PLUTO at 23 Capricorn The Organization for Professional Astrology MARCH 30 – MARS/SATURN at 0 Aquarius APRIL 4 – JUPITER/PLUTO at 24 Capricorn MAY 5 – True NODES shift to / MAY 13 – VENUS RETROGRADE at 21 Gemini OPAastrology.org

The Career Astrologer We must be cautious about unfounded The As Jupiter and Pluto meet in Capricorn, hope and optimism when looking for a governments are gearing up to bail out quick way out of the crisis. However, when JUPITER- industries in free-fall, particularly those well-managed, this configuration can related to the travel and entertainment increase inventiveness and resourcefulness— PLUTO services—this is expected to balloon when feeling cornered and diminished, com- national debts of countries to unprecedent- pletely new strategies and ideas may prove conjunction in ed proportions. productive and prompt a reversal of fortune. CAPRICORN Born with a he giant and the dwarf, Jupiter and Jupiter/Pluto Pluto, come together again after 13 Conjunction T years for three meetings on April Bill Gates 4, June 30, and November 12, 2020, Warren Buffet around the 22-24 degrees of Capricorn. Gandhi Mandela Bank of England Jupiter and Pluto both represents an obses- Vladimir Lenin sion with growth – Jupiter goes for “bigger Cult Leader Jim Jones Rupert Murdoch is better” and visible expansion, while Pluto’s Johannes Kepler amplitude is internal and less obvious on the Christine Lagarde surface, deceiving in its petite appearance. Mick Jagger Merging these qualities, people born under Jupiter/Pluto cycles are commonly extremely resourceful and able to turn crises into opportu- nities—there must be a gain in every situation. In some cases, this configuration can engender great wealth, materially and spiritually.

Jupiter and Pluto are both truth seekers and this fusion of forces enhances powerful detective capacities. Those born under these Photo credits on p. 39. R influences know deception and cannot take things at face value—they search for the hidden, inconvenient truths and can reveal conspiracies. versies?) may certainly be part of our future SATURN IN conversations. Will science reclaim its authority during Jupiter and Pluto both represent the Saturn in Aquarius, or will it be under fur- potential to go BIG, from material wealth AQUARIUS ther scrutiny if science is being used as a (Hello Bill Gates and Warrant Buffet), to icon- weapon for political agendas? ic influence (Gandhi and Mandela anyone?), 2020 to 2023 With imposed Corona related con- but just as much as they reflect stock market finement prompting a massive migra- surges, this combination can also instigate tion online, we can expect the INTERNET massive crashes if there was excess. They INFRASTRUCTURE to become overloaded. inflate and deflate vigorously. aturn is already sending its clear mes- Will we be RATIONED for our time online for sage to Aquarius ahead of its official the system to be able to cope? S move on March 22: Saturn in Aquarius will very likely expose the limitations and the vulnerabilities of the Jupiter relates to ethnicity, belief systems, • Social Distancing internet in the course of these three years. and the search for higher meaning in life. • Airline Industry crisis We risk experiencing an internet crisis, With Pluto involved, this can be weaponized • Massive migration to the internet and if all our goods are in that bag, this can and intensified. Those born under this cycle • A return to rely on lead to further destabilization and chaos. can be on either side of the spectrum, the Scientific references The good news – this is a time for gov- perpetrators or the victims. Both Gandhi and • Social support ernments to transcend polarizing political Mandela born under previous conjunctions agendas and support social justice. The had to confront systematic racial injustice and We can hope and anticipate that this expected bailouts and individual pay- prevailed against it. The 1994 Jupiter/Pluto transit will bring scientific development in ments (USA) will cross the partisan lines of conjunction in saw the Rwanda/ the light of the Corona Virus crisis. However, Capitalists versus Social Democrats. the ETHICS revolving around the use and Burundi genocide fury with members of Hutu Stay tuned for future updates! and Tutsi tribes clashing with outmost brutali- application of SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY and ty, fueled by racial ideologies. RESEARCH (Phone surveillance, 5G contro- R

MARCH EQUINOX 2020 page 3 OPA LIVE SPECIAL

ALEX TRENOWETH SPRING 2020 ANGELA TIKI PLANETARY ALIGNMENTS ALAN ANNAND

powerful secrets. I seemed to have found seemed to match the themes of Jupiter- something different from what I expected. Pluto and the signs they are in. The Methodology: I wanted to try to avoid cherry-picking but it is rather difficult to 1930 do for such a short article. I chose people Pluto was discovered on 18 February Jupiter- and events based on close Jupiter-Pluto 1930 with Pluto at 17 degrees Cancer and conjunctions. The ones here are just a small Jupiter at 6 degrees Gemini. By the end sample but I would like to investigate a of August 1930, Jupiter was within an broader base of information. I’d be inter- eight-degree conjunction of Pluto in Pluto ested in seeing some other ideas as to how Cancer, and by the end of October, they this can be done. were at the same degree (20 Cancer). To find the entire span of Jupiter-Pluto Pluto stationed that week, then turned Conjunction conjunctions and to make sure I wasn’t miss- retrograde, and a few weeks later Jupiter ing out on those tricky retrograde periods, also turned retrograde. The planets stayed I tracked the conjunctions week by week within an eight-degree orb and by May using Solar Fire. I found it rather remarkable 1931, were exactly conjunct again and that these two very different planets had finally moved out of orb by mid-July 1931. he Jupiter-Pluto such a tandem of movement that prolonged conjunction is an their periods of conjunctions. Quite sim- T interesting cycle ply, I had never thought of looking at the I found it rather simply because astronomi- conjunctions in this way. The Jupiter-Pluto cally, the two planets couldn’t conjunctions (I personally keep to an orb remarkable that these be more different. In Jupiter, of no more than 8 degrees) pretty much two very different we have the largest planet, a extend throughout the whole of 2020. planets had such a gas giant with huge storms So how do the Jupiter-Pluto conjunctions on its surface seeming to govern a huge manifest? I’ve broken the conjunctions into tandem of movement range of various sizes of satellites. In Pluto, sections by date and I’ve chosen events that prolonged their we have a binary system (along with its and people who have the conjunction with Moon Charon) that deceived scientists a very tight orb of only one or two degrees. periods of into thinking it was bigger than it actual- Without too much cherry-picking, I was conjunctions. ly is. Pluto and Charon are two big rocks surprised the events of the conjunction rotating around a central barycentre (very unlike our Earth-Moon barycentre which is in the middle of the earth). Personally, I’ve always liked the idea that the most important point of the Pluto-Charon sys- tem is invisible. Mythologically, Jupiter and Pluto are polar opposites. Jupiter is a sky god whose position in the heavens gave him the ability to be omniscient, omnipotent and omnipresent. He was in charge of laws and higher-order. Pluto was the god of the Underworld, powerful and wealthy in his own right. Together, it would make sense that they could create something big out of something small. Before I started the research into the current and previous cycles, I expected mundane events like nuclear explosions, advances in microbiolo- gy and secret investigations that unearthed

page 4 The Career Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine Video of OPA live analyses available forV OPA Imembers Eighteen months is a long time for a con- ers of his regime, hanging upside down to “Heartbreak Hotel” which was released in junction, and is the longest term for these be posthumously abused by mobs is an January 1956. The song would become a conjunctions. enduring image of complete defeat. major influence on other musical perform- During this time, the US was in the grips Mick Jagger (26 July 1943, 2:30 am, ers and Elvis would become known as the of the Great Depression which of course Dartford UK, A: Rodden) is a very famous King of Rock-n-Roll. He would also inherit had a knock-on effect for the whole world. embodiment of the Jupiter-Pluto conjunc- all the trappings of accumulating such vast It is estimated the GDP fell by 15% and tion in . He is known for his energy and amounts of money at such a young age. many people took their own lives after los- vitality on stage and in the bedroom (he Bill Gates (28 October 1955, 21:15, Seattle ing everything. has had numerous alliances with beautiful Washington, B: Rodden) was born with On 15 November 1930, when both women and is the father of eight children Jupiter-Pluto in Leo. One of the richest peo- Jupiter and Pluto were in exact conjunc- with five women). His band The Rolling ple on the planet, he made his fortune with tion, the film “Hell’s Angels” starring Jean Stones is one of the most influential and computer software. It is interesting that his Harlow, was released. It made Harlow longest-lasting acts in music. contributions have helped us eliminate the a household name. The title of the film clutter on our desks: we have computer pro- is a literal example of the conjunction! 1955 grams that have replaced the need for physi- Although the film is celebrated as being Pluto and Jupiter met in conjunction cal items such as paper files, dictionaries and the first talking action film, it also has a again at the end of the summer in 1955, tools such as cameras and tape recorders. notorious reputation for the deaths of sev- in the sign of Leo and both were at 28 Leo eral pilots who died during filming as well by the end of October. Jupiter moved on 1968 as its enormous budget. into but the first week in December, The next time Jupiter and Pluto were in In medicine during the conjunction, pen- Pluto was retrograde, followed by Jupiter conjunction was at the end of the summer icillin was first used to cure an eye infection a couple of weeks later. They were on the in 1968, in the sign of Virgo. They were at and the vaccine to prevent diphtheria, per- same degree again (27 Leo) at the begin- the same degree (23 Virgo) in October of tussis and tetanus (DPT) was developed. ning of February and again in June 1956 that same year and remained in orb until This is a great example of the small, micro- (26 Leo). They remained within 8 degrees mid-December. However, in March 1969 scopic world of antibodies being used to until August. This conjunction, like the one owing to retrograde motion, they were prevent major diseases. As the ruler of the in 1930, coincided with both planets in ret- within orb of conjunction and remained in conjunction is associated with children and rograde motion. However, the length of the orb until mid-July. childhood, these advances were greatly conjunction was considerably shorter. On 1 October 1968, the film “Night of beneficial to children who are susceptible On the day the conjunction was exact, the Living Dead” was released with Jupiter to these diseases. the Vietnam War started. This was a bru- and Pluto within two degrees of each other tal, costly war and, many would say, an in Virgo. The film was released before there 1943 unnecessary war on foreign soil that lasted were ratings to help guide parents on Jupiter in Cancer and Pluto in Leo were in for nearly 20 years and effectively tore the whether or not films were suitable for their orb of conjunction again in mid-June 1943. US apart with large public protests and young offspring before dropping them By the end of July, they were on the same families being split apart as conscientious off at the cinema on a Saturday morning. degree in Leo and conjunct the Sun and objectors to the draft abandoned their The film scared the living daylights out of by mid-September, they were out of orb. homes to escape being forced to battle. World War Two was raging during this On a more positive note, Elvis Presley time, with men suffering the intense entered the charts with his song anguish of battle. With their men and sons in the trenches, women were effectively left to do the day to day jobs the men usually did — and for the first time, began earning their own money. This severely disturbed the balance of power as women began to experience the joys of being in control of their own finances. When the men returned, of course the women were reluctant to go back to the kitchen to work for free. During the exact conjunction at the end of July, the Italian dictator Benito Mussolini was arrested. Essentially, Italy had been led to defeat. Just before his arrest, he was quoted as saying: “Seven years ago, I was an interesting person. Now I am little more than a corpse....Yes Madam, I am finished. My star has fallen.”[i] The famous photo of his corpse a few years later, along with his mistress’ and key play-

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OPA LIVE SPECIAL SPRING 2020 PLANETARY ALIGNMENTS

able periodical. Suffice to say it suits the held by Queen Victoria. What is striking unsuspecting children and it is now one of theme of sky god meets underworld god. about this is that this is a dissociate con- the main reasons films have become rated. Natally, Dahmer had Jupiter in Capricorn junction with Pluto at 28 Sagittarius and Just imagine being a child and expecting trine by an orb of one degree to Pluto in Jupiter at 0 Capricorn with the Sun sand- one of the semi-comical horror movies only Virgo. Although this is hardly the astrological wiched between them at 29 Sagittarius. to be inflicted with ghouls biting humans signature of a serial killer, it is noteworthy his The current Queen of England is often and turning them into the undead. The film death occurred at their conjunction. noted for her sense of responsibility and is regarded as one of the finest examples devotion to duty. of the “splatter” technique too. Blood, guts, 2007 As my primary interest is astrology and and plenty of the undead coming for you. In October 2007, Jupiter and Pluto met up education, I’d like to point out that many Yes, that sounds like Jupiter-Pluto to me. in Sagittarius, reaching exact conjunction at children born in 2007 have the natal 28 degrees in mid-December. They were out Jupiter-Pluto conjunction. They, of course, 1981 of orb of conjunction a few weeks later. are now going through adolescence and In September 1981, Jupiter and Pluto On the 20 December 2007, Queen an understanding of their learning styles were again in conjunction, reaching the Elizabeth II became Britain’s longest-serv- would greatly help to support them same degree in at the beginning of ing monarch beating the record of 63 through this very tricky time of their lives. November. By December, they had moved years and seven months that had been out of orb for conjunction. In May-August 2020 1982, they were again within eight degrees At the beginning of February 2020, Jupiter of orb but did not reach exact conjunction. Her Majesty, the and Pluto were within an eight-degree orb The big events in this year of Jupiter- in the sign of Capricorn. They will be on the Pluto conjunction in Libra? How about Queen of England is same degree (24 Capricorn) at the beginning two record-breaking weddings? On 16 going through a very of April and owing to retrograde motion, will return to the same degree (24 Capricorn) in November 1981, Laura and Luke tied the rough time and it isn’t knot in General Hospital. This television late June. They will be exactly conjunct again event was watched by more people than over yet. On 21 June at 22 Capricorn in November and remain in any other televised event save for Charles 2020, not only will orb until the end of the year. Note that this and Diana’s wedding which took place is an orb of a four-degree opposition to its in July that year. Around the time of the Pluto and Jupiter be exact conjunction in 1930 after the discov- General Hospital wedding was when it was conjunct in Capricorn, ery of Pluto. Her Majesty, the Queen of England is announced that Diana was pregnant with it will be within three the future king of England. going through a very rough time and as I degrees of her have said in other articles, it isn’t over yet. 1994 ascendant which On 21 June 2020, not only will Pluto and Jupiter and Pluto were again in conjunc- Jupiter be conjunct in Capricorn, it will tion mid-October 1994, reaching the same also affects the be within three degrees of her ascendant degree in Scorpio by the end of November ascendant of the which also affects the ascendant of the Duchess of Sussex. Prince William was and moving out of an eight-degree orb by Duchess of Sussex mid-January 1995. Owing to retrograde born during a dissociate Jupiter-Pluto con- BIO REFERENCE motion, they became within eight degrees junction and the eclipse of 21 June 2020 of each other in July 1995 but did not come will be conjunct his Sun and Moon. closer than that. As children are taught by year group, REFERENCES planetary conjunctions to Jupiter have Nelson, John (2005), The Twilight of Italian always been an interest to me. In fact, I was Fascism, enter.stage.right.com, website accessed responsible for an entire year group of stu- 2020 by author dents who all pretty much had this Jupiter- Alex Trenoweth, MA (CAA), DFAstrolS, CIA Agent Pluto conjunction. I taught them for seven 144 is an astrological researcher and profes- years and was greatly enriched by the sional schoolteacher in London UK. In 2015, she experience. I pushed them to travel and I was awarded “International Astrologer of the wore out the foreign language department Year” by the Krishnamurti Institute of Astrology with my requests for extra lessons and field (KIA) for her ground-breaking and innovative research on Astrology and Education based on her trips. In exam results, theirs were the high- book “Growing Pains” (The Wessex Astrologer). est marks our school had ever received. Since then she has spoken at astrology confer- Jupiter and Pluto (and Mercury) in Scorpio ences around the world and has contributed to were within one degree of conjunction major magazines and publications such as Dell , The Career Astrologer (OPA), The ISAR when serial killer, necrophile and cannibal Journal, The Journal of Research for AFA (Grant Jeffrey Dahmer was murdered in prison. Trust), Kindred Spirit and Astrodienst. https://alex- Dahmer’s crimes were so horrific that they trenoweth.co.uk/ are hardly suitable for mention in a respect- R

page 6 The Career Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine Videos of OPA live presentations are available for OPA members Astrology, Consciousness & the Great Shift A Weekend Workshop August 7-9, 2020

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page 8 The Career Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine Videos of OPA live presentations are available forV OPA Imembers every salient factor in a tropical chart in order to convert to sidereal. Spring By using whole sign houses, a feature of Vedic astrology that’s recently gained Equinox – currency in via the introduction of , we see the charts are very similar. The primary A Vedic differences are the rising signs and their sub- sequent houses, and which planets occupy Perspective those signs. Note that, in converting from the tropical to the sidereal zodiac, every planet but one has moved backwards a sign. The only exception is Saturn in Capricorn. That’s because Saturn was the only planet he Spring Equinox in the tropical chart whose degree position is a significant exceeded the value of the ayanamsha. So T annual event once 24:08 is subtracted from every tropical for western astrolo- position, only Saturn is left unchanged by gers, although it doesn’t sign. But as a consequence of not changing assume quite the same its sign, Saturn has shifted houses (in the importance in Vedic whole-sign house system). astrology. While the Vernal LM The first observation commanding our Equinox marks the day that the Sun attention is that, in both charts, all seven enters Aries in the tropical zodiac, from visible planets lie on one side of the nodal the perspective of the sidereal zodiac, the axis, ie, between Ketu in the 3rd house Sun is still in early Pisces. Nonetheless, and Rahu in the 9th house. In Vedic astrol- we can still treat that tropical ingress as ogy, this pattern is called Kala Sarpa, “the an “event” and interpret its chart through black serpent of time.” Within the context the lens of Vedic astrology. of western astrology, I’ve dubbed this pat- In so doing, Vedic astrologers ignore the tern a Draconic Bowl (and written a book outer planets Uranus, Neptune and Pluto to on the subject). Rahu and Ketu, the head concentrate only on the two luminaries, the and tail of the dragon, respectively, define five visible planets, and the moon’s nodes the rim of this Bowl pattern, one of the Rahu and Ketu. These latter two, despite archetypal chart shapes popularized by being physically invisible, are accorded Marc Edmund Jones. and Saturn occupy the same side of the significant status in the Vedic chart. As is Draconic Bowl patterns appear and dis- nodal axis. This lasts at most five years, the generally well known, the moon’s nodes appear with some regularity in the sky. The time for Jupiter to enter the sign of one mark the monthly crossing of the Moon basic setup requires first that both Jupiter node, and transit the intervening signs to through the equatorial plane. Rahu is the meet the opposite backward-moving node north (ascending) node while Ketu is the before crossing to the other side of the south (descending) node. nodal axis. During that period of possibility, Although the traditional seven planets The first observation however, the other planets must also be on share lordship of the zodiac’s 12 signs, the commanding our the same side of the nodal axis as Jupiter two nodes are more akin to ghosts that and Saturn. Seasonal transits of the Sun only occupy a sign, wherein they absorb attention is that, in and the inner planets, long spells of retro- the quality of the sign lord, as well as that both charts, all seven grade Mars, and monthly revolutions of the of any planets with which they share that Moon break that pattern, at a minimum, sign, and any planets that aspect them. As visible planets lie on every two weeks and often much longer. such, the nodes are best regarded as prox- one side of the nodal For the time being, however, we’re in ies with the power to represent at least axis, ie, between Ketu a Draconic Bowl season. With the excep- one and, hypothetically, possibly all seven tion of the Moon crossing the nodal axis planetary bodies. For this reason, they’re in the 3rd house and every two weeks, the other planets remain regarded as having the potential to wield Rahu in the 9th house. constrained until 16 July 2020, on which significant and complex power, in addition date the Sun leaves Rahu’s grip in sidereal to their role as enablers of eclipses. In Vedic astrology, this Gemini and “escapes” into sidereal Cancer. Shown above right are two charts for the pattern is called Kala Given the Draconic Bowl signature of 2020 Vernal Equinox – the first in the trop- Sarpa, “the black this equinoctial chart, we can say that the ical zodiac, the second in the sidereal zodi- period will primarily manifest qualities of ac. For the record, the current ayanamsha serpent of time.” Mercury, Jupiter and Mars. That’s because (the variation in zodiacs) is 24 degrees 08 Mercury and Jupiter are the dispositors minutes, the value to be subtracted from

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OPA LIVE SPECIAL SPRING 2020 PLANETARY ALIGNMENTS

of Mars/Jupiter occurs in the same sign as ing the nodal axis. In the last week of May, Ketu, this means the nodal axis as a whole Mercury enters sidereal Gemini to make of the nodes, while Mars and Jupiter occu- becomes “excited” by the Mars/Jupiter con- contact with the nodal axis, with a conse- py the same sign as Ketu. In this regard, flict, Ketu by association and disposition, quent increase in nodal power. To keep all Jupiter is clearly dominant, since it also Rahu by aspect. And since the nodes are this in perspective, however, the average occupies its own sign in sidereal Sagittarius. themselves malefic by nature, carrying the power level for this 3-month period is only In traditional Vedic astrology, the plane- qualities of Saturn and Mars, via Rahu and 6 points, whereas, in Q4/2019, it was 17. So, tary aspects are different from the Ptolemaic Ketu respectively, the entire 3rd/9th house all things considered, this is still a relatively aspects of western astrology, so we don’t axis becomes the zone of collateral damage. quiet time as far as the nodes go. recognize the Sun’s squares to the nodal This leads one to speculate that the Bottom line, however, the signature chart axis, nor the trine/sextile that Mercury planetary war will spill into related depart- for the Vernal Equinox remains especially makes, respectively, to Rahu and Ketu. ments of life, potentially sparking incidents potent. It forms a near-perfect Draconic A salient factor in this chart is the Mars/ of airline accidents, fratricide, martial law, Bowl, and features a planetary war Jupiter partile conjunction, separated by road rage, sports scandals, violence on uni- between Mars and Jupiter, a combination a mere 10 minutes of arc. Although such versity campuses, xenophobia, etc. Because that is itself greatly amplified by their pres- a pairing of planetary friends might be the nodes are also associated with disease ence on the nodal axis. appreciated in western astrology, in Vedic and vermin, this can suggest plague-like astrology it constitutes a flaw. In Vedic surges of pestilence, the swift expansion astrology, graha yuddha, or “planetary war,” of viral outbreaks like the Coronavirus, and Bottom line, however, arises when any two true planets (Mars, the imposition of martial law as a last-ditch Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, and Saturn) conjoin effort to control populations at risk. the signature chart within one degree of arc, typically within a Because the nodes are also associated for the Vernal single sign, but also across adjacent signs. with high technology, we could similar- Equinox remains When two planets crowd each other ly anticipate large-scale system crashes, within one degree of the 360-degree whether via natural causes like extreme especially potent. It zodiac, we can anthropomorphize their weather or geomagnetic storms, or by forms a near-perfect reactions by suggesting they resent the politically-motivated hackers of electoral other invading their space. It’s the plane- systems, legal institutions, news publica- Draconic Bowl, and tary equivalent of two people alone in a tions, and social media. features a planetary large elevator, but one of them insists on The graph below is a rudimentary mea- standing on the other’s toes. The result sure of “nodal power” during the period war between Mars is likely to be a simmering resentment, a between Vernal Equinox and Summer and Jupiter, a shoving match, or both. Solstice 2020. Note the high level in the combination that is Technically there are ways (eg, bright- week following the equinox when both ness, latitude, longitude) to determine the Mars and Jupiter are in the same sign itself greatly amplified winner of a planetary war, but in practice as Ketu. After they move out of sidereal by their presence on it’s something like a heavyweight fight that Sagittarius, the collective nodal power goes a full 15 rounds. At the end of the level drops dramatically. The power “blips” the nodal axis. match, both fighters are feeling bruised every fortnight are due to the Moon cross- and battered, if not indeed beaten. To interpret this current scenario, we can approach it in two ways – generically and/ or specifically. In the generic approach, we consider the broad themes associated with either planet. So in this case, we can choose to regard Mars as symbolic of engineering, heat, medicine, military, and sports, while Jupiter symbolizes expansion, higher edu- cation, justice, and religion, etc. Combine these two in a war of principles and you get notions of expense over-runs in infrastruc- ture programs, global warming, judicial dis- putes, legal action involving sports figures or events, military adventurism, religious fanaticism, violence in schools, and so on. Recall that Rahu and Ketu act as proxies for planets who disposit, associate with, or aspect them. As such, the nodes act as “amplifiers” for other planets with which they are linked. Since the planetary war

page 10 The Career Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine Videos of OPA live presentations are available forV OPA Imembers Because the nodes transit only in regres- This could represent the peak period or bane of predictions. Therefore, we’d be wise sive mode, moving backward through the high-water mark for Coronavirus cases in to expect the unexpected. zodiac, they won’t make direct contact that part of the world. with any other planets other than the The following week, June 14, the Sun enters Gemini, followed by the exact con- Alan Annand is a graduate of the American Moon until Mercury enters Gemini on May College of Vedic Astrology, and former tutor for 24, followed by the exact conjunction of junction of Sun/Rahu on June 19, just the British Faculty of Astrological Studies. He’s Mercury/Rahu on May 28. Within that week, the day before the Summer Solstice. That written books in both western astrology (Mutual since Mercury will be strong in its own week could spell trouble on an interna- Reception, The Draconic Bowl) and Vedic astrol- sign, we might expect some sort of break- tional level, for instance, widespread travel ogy (Kala Sarpa, Parivartana Yoga, and Stellar Astrology Volumes 1 & 2). His New Age Noir mys- through on the political front, for instance, bans, or the cancellation/postponement tery trilogy features an astrologer protagonist, news or polls relevant to the selection of of the Tokyo Summer Olympics due to the whom one reviewer has dubbed “Sherlock Holmes a Presidential nominee at the Democrat Coronavirus. with a horoscope.” www.navamsa.com National Convention in July. The nature of the nodes, ultimately, is R On June 5-6, there will be a penumbral to provoke something radical and largely lunar eclipse visible in India, Europe, and unanticipated. That prospect, along with some parts of Africa, Asia and Australia. their complex nature, makes the nodes the

He gives practical advice on answering Book Review Horary questions and shows his techniques Review by Arlan Wise in a variety of case studies. These case stud- ies cover a wide range of questions, such as “ Is getting divorced the right decision ?”, Where is the car key ?” , Will my dog recover ?”, ”Will this project be a success?” THE ART OF and shows us his process of answering such questions. He includes a table of dig- HORARY nities for those who are not sure of them. There is a complete glossary explaining the ASTROLOGY terms he uses. These tools make the book user-friendly for those who have not stud- ied traditional astrology. BY ONER DOSER Oner’s teaching skills are evident as one reads the book. He first gives the traditional orary astrology, the system in astrol- thoughts on the techniques, then he tells ogy that answers immediate yes or us how he does it, what he uses and what no questions, is steeped in the Arabic he discards. He says “from my point of view” H and “I personally think” instead of saying tradition. In 1600 William Lilly brought this knowledge to western astrologers. this is the way to do it. Oner Doser combines these two tradition- The book is edited by Benjamin Dykes al methods in his book. He uses his notes who adds excellent explanations and infor- from a decade of teaching mation where needed. He has provided his to students in his school in Istanbul to cre- own translations of the original Greek and ate this wonderful teaching manual. tions that are asked. He describes how the Arabic source material. His comments in Oner gives a thorough explanation of signs and houses differ in Horary astrology the footnotes, noted with his initials, give the factors needed to read a Horary chart. from the way one reads them in a natal an extra explanation to the topic being dis- He explains how to ask the questions, how chart. The reader learns which countries, cussed. Benjamin Dykes is the editor and to calculate the chart for the moment the places, and directions are associated with publisher of Oner’s series of nine books on question is asked, how to tell if the ques- each sign. Oner answers the questions of traditional astrology. tion can be answered, and how to read that how to tell the time frame in which the This book will be the one that teaches chart. He explains the significators for the answer reveals itself, or the lost object or you the art of Horary. It is a 5***** book! one asking the question and for the ques- person is found. R

MARCH EQUINOX 2020 page 11 Transits of the Season BY DEBORAH JAMES

THEMES FOR He will then move fully into Aquarius in nervous system, to look at our values and March Equinox December just in time to start 2021. really see what is important right now. We all have to wake up and get to work. There is only now. It’s time to use technology to transform Saturn likes control but what sort? - June Solstice our planet. The last time Saturn was in Control over humanity, our minds Aquarius in 1991 the World Wide Web was (Aquarius), our privacy, our lives? Are 2020 born and computers became portable. The we all just prisoners of our own device? Hubble Telescope showed us space in all (Eagles. Hotel California) or are we becom- its beauty. We haven’t been very respon- ing devices? sible with these internet breakthroughs. The ancients knew that our planet was We have forgotten about our INNER net: alive and as sacred as we are. Saturn moves into Aquarius in March this Our need for contemplation in nature. Our Humanity needs to wake up and use year, Just to give us a 2020 glimpse of things need to turn off. Uranus the modern ruler these phenomenal technologies to clean to come. He jumps back into Capricorn in of Aquarius is now in and wants our home. Renew Re-cycle Re-invent and June to complete a task he didn’t finish. us to pay attention to our bodies and our

page 12 The Career Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine sustain a new ecology that comes from a Our job is to see that the most valuable for the first time. What would normally be transformed economy. thing we can do is to change the way we a nurturing time of safety and growth is Can we? Do we have time? If anyone can do everything that is killing our planet. now not! How do we navigate this time Saturn in Aquarius can. He has the possibil- How can we negotiate this aspect? of emotional uncertainty and insecurity? ity of awakening humanity and innovating The big picture (Uranus) of humani- Feeling safe while being confronted by the his way to move mountains from space. ty (Aquarius) in harmony with the earth unknown is daunting. Our only way forward (Taurus). We have to get to work (Saturn) is to find a place of peace within ourselves. fast (Mars). Hold ourselves as whole and complete. It’s April Fool’s day! Who is on the fool’s Plant a magical seed this month on the journey? new moon in Taurus. Expect the unexpect- Mars and Saturn conjunct in Aquarius New moon in Taurus conjunct Uranus. ed with this Uranian energy. We could end are in a business meeting arguing about How safe and secure do we feel in our up on a beanstalk with a pot of gold or a new plan for humanity. They think they changing environment? The New Taurus finding a glass slipper. are detached enough to make grand deci- moon needs to feel nurtured and looked sions on behalf of everyone. Individuality after, held and comforted. Hey diddle diddle the cat and isn’t taken into consideration and the fall The truth is, it is butting up next to the fiddle out is not contemplated. Uranus. This is like a baby calf taken from The cow jumped over the moon Stubborn Uranus in Taurus has other ideas! its mother and meeting an electric fence The little dog laughed to see such He comes to square them and chal- joy and lenge their fixed way of being. Freedom is The dish ran away with the spoon very important to Uranus and he can see that this isn’t fair. In the sign of Taurus the As the new moon cuddles up with earth, the environment, and the value of Uranus in Taurus anything can happen. The our planet are far more important. It can- safety of a nursery rhyme is just a story to not be controlled like humanity. Earth’s explain the unexplainable. Venturing into people are waking up from the shock of the unknown emotional space our inner the past months of upheaval. Virus knows child requires some guidance. We can find no boundary. Wildfires cannot be con- it within and without, above and below. tained. Floods take their own path. Ghia cracks at will. How safe and The last time Saturn secure do we feel in was in Aquarius in 1991 our changing the World Wide Web environment? The New was born and Taurus moon needs computers became to feel nurtured and portable. looked after, held and comforted. The truth is, it is butting up next to Uranus.

May the 4th be with you! The Moon’s Nodes are shifting from Cancer - Capricorn to Gemini - Sagittarius. What have we learned while these karmic points have been in water and earth properties? Hopefully that nature is more important than money and emotions are valued more than power – It taught us to slow down. What we call family has changed and con- tinues to on a daily basis. Work hours need to be balanced with family time and per- sonal space. Moving to Air and Fire who are we Now? How do we begin to communicate and get

MARCH EQUINOX 2020 page 13

Transits of the Season Mars doesn’t like to rest or take time out for fear of extinguishing his fire. Mars our message out there? Gemini North Node likes to go and just keep going. In Pisces, he needs to take time to contemplate indicates that we have a lot to learn about Intuition is how to get our thoughts and ideas across his place in the world. He needs to see in to everyone. As the ruler Mercury is a mes- very strong at this nature what he feels in himself. While bat- senger and scribe it’s important to listen time and needs space tling the big fish he can do just that. and take time to gather all the information before telling stories about what may or to download. may not be the truth. It’s like an email from Sagittarius South Node has us believing Emotions are exaggerated and some- we know everything, and encourages us your soul. These what optimistic with the full moon eclipse to share that information to anyone with messages need to be in Sagittarius and Gemini. We are all in two the sense that we are always right. Lessons flagged, not go to junk minds as to what to do and how to be. in sincerity will be prevalent during this These lights are making an exact square transit. How do we see the exaggeration mail as they are the to Mars which is approaching Neptune in versus the reality of any situation? gold of this the fourth house of the home. Do we really How do we get these two to meet in the know what’s going on? What are we being middle? Big picture verses Detail. Research retrograde period.. told? What do we believe? verses Gossip. Time will tell.

Taurus nature. Intuition is very strong at this time and needs space to download. It’s like Emotions are Rethinking, re-evaluating, and re working an email from your soul. These messages exaggerated and our INNER NET. She is in two minds about need to be flagged, not go to junk mail as how she is interacting with the world,espe- they are the gold of this retrograde period. somewhat optimis- cially the social media internet world. It tic with the full moon might be time to take a break from this eclipse in Sagittarius overstimulation that can overwhelm her Mars has gone fishing. He enters Pisces nervous system. There are way too many on the 13th of May 2020. What is he fishing and Gemini. things to think about, be part of, and be for? Will he sit on the edge of the pier with seen to be doing. a beer and wait for the fish to come to his In the retrograde phase she moves into bait and bliss out in peace, mesmerized by the underworld close to the sun. We can’t the reflecting clear water? Maybe he will This is a time to do some intense mani- see her. She needs to see herself. She needs notice that it’s not about the fishing: it’s festing. We need to turn the mayhem into to expand her bandwidth band to accom- about the moment. Or will he go to battle the Mystical. Let’s use this time to transform modate all the new information coming the big fish? Competitive, ambitious Mars the collective FEAR into a new value for the in faster and faster. This can only be done is all fire and finds difficulty immersed in Breath of Life. The Egyptian ankh symbol- by integrating her Libra side and balanc- water, especially the vast ocean of Pisces. ised this as the Alchemy of Resurrection. ing her downtime .Turning the devices off The big fish is elusive; the battle is an inner We must collectively create a new reality to and rebooting in the natural world, her true one with the self. live into. With Pluto, Jupiter and Pallas all retro- grade in Capricorn in the second house, Saturn newly in Aquarius but heading back

Competitive, ambitious Mars is all fire and finds difficulty immersed in water, especially the vast ocean of Pisces. The big fish is elusive; the battle is an inner one with the self.

page 14 The Career Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine to Capricorn. Have we got the time to re-do and re-evaluate our wants, our needs and policies to wake humanity to what is really important? Will the powerful people in authority realise that our home is our most import- ant asset and we can no longer take it for granted? The earth is now getting our attention. We can no longer be detached from this reality. We are all in this together .AS ABOVE SO BELOW. Look toward Uranus in Taurus. The earth has changed her electrical vibration and we are being re programed. We are birth- ing the age of Aquarius and this requires soul work, body work and mind work. AS WITHIN SO WITHOUT.

Deborah James lives in Melbourne Australia. Intrepid traveler to sacred sites and astrologer for over 30 years, she is Agent 29 of the Cosmic intel- ligence Agency – she teaches beginners in astrol- ogy for get smart CIA classes and facilitates deep memory processing and past life regression, as taught by Patricia Walsh. She is currently working on divination cards drawing on messages from plant medicine. R

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MARCH EQUINOX 2020 page 15 Following the Corona Virus circumstances shutting down travel routes and discouraging gathering, JOIN US from all the 2020 OPA ASTROLOGY RETREAT is migrating ONLINE! corners of the world!

OPA RETRE AT 2020 ONLINE ASTROLOGY Bridging Science and Spirituality

PART I APRIL 23-28 PART II Astronomy for Astrologers MAY 8-31

While we are heartbroken over not being able to meet you all in person at the magnificent PART I red rocks of Zion, we wish to turn this crisis into an opportunity and provide a truly An exceptional memorable learning experience. THE GOOD NEWS: PRICES ARE REDUCED (meals, shuttles, and price difference to be refunded for those who are already signed up). program $295 only!

SCHEDULE PART I 2 NEW TALKS ADDED Tuesday, APRIL 23 (from 9am to 2pm Pacific) Monday, APRIL 27 TO ORIGINAL Recording available if you miss a session (9am to 2pm Pacific) PROGRAM Recording available if you miss a session ASTROLOGY BRIDGING SCIENCE AND SPIRITUALITY • Anne Ortelee: The Draconic Chart ASTROLOGY in DIVERSITY • Roy Gillett: The Liberating Science of Astrology, Karma, • Boaz Fyler: The Secret History of Astrology and Reincarnation • Timon Harewood: Declinations, the Missing dimension. • Maurice Fernandez: Research Astrology: Truth Seekers • Suzy Holbrook: from a scientific and Come Forth spiritual perspective. • Oner Doser: A Rational Approach to to Determining • Theo Naicker: Almakaraka – The mover of the Soul Spirituality in the Chart (Vedic perspective) NEW! • Franco Soulbody: You’re an Engineer?! How Can You be Into Astrology?! NEW! KEYNOTE — Kay Taylor: What’s Happening on Tuesday? —Disaster or Awakening? Friday - Sunday, APRIL 24-25-26 Tuesday, APRIL 28 (9am to 2pm Pacific) Recording available if you miss a session TRACK IMMERSION (4 hours a day, with a break) ADDRESSING ARGUMENTS AGAINST ASTROLOGY Times for each track listed on the OPA website • Christopher Renstrom: Religious Aversions and 1. ONER DOSER – Horary Astrology, (the Astrology of Questions). Condemnation of Astrology 2. ARLAN WISE – Writing Workshop for Astrologers • Gemini Brett: What in the Heavens is the Zodiac? 3. ANNE ORTELEE – Predictive Astrology - Techniques and Analysis • Moon Zlotnick: Twins, Same Chart, Different Lives 4. CHRISTOPHER RENSTROM – Jupiter and Saturn: The Two Faces • Russell Ohlhausen: The Codex of the Cosmos – When of Fortune (Natal and Transit) Consciousness and Matter Meet 5. DONNA YOUNG – The Foundations of Astrology: Integrating Signs, Planets, and Houses Full details at 6. MAURICE FERNANDEZ – Physical and Mental Health in the Chart 7. ROY GILLETT – Astrology, Karma, and Regeneration - The Science of Personal Transformation. OPAastrology.org 8. KAY TAYLOR – Astrology of Relationships: Gifts, Challenges, and “You are a ghost driving a meat-coated Integration skeleton made from stardust, riding a rock, 9. LAURA NALBANDIAN – Uranus: Karmic Trauma and Individuation hurtling through space – FEAR NOTHING!” page 16 The Career Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine OPA Retreat – April 2020 ONLINE OPA Retreat – April 2020 at Zion National Park, Utah KEYNOTE ADDRESS Theme Presentations ASTROLOGY DIVERSITY Theme Presentations

The The The Secret Declinations: Astrology of Almakaraka History of the Missing Kay Taylor Medical – Mover of Astrology Dimension Conditions the Soul What’s Happening on Tuesday? —Disaster or Awakening?

BOAZ FYLER TIMON HAREWOOD SUZY HOLBROOK THEO NAICKER

See Full Program at OPAastrology.org See Full Program at OPAastrology.org OPA Retreat – April 2020 at Zion National Park, Utah DAY ONE ASTROLOGY: Bridging Science and Spirituality Theme Presentations

Research Science of You’re an The Determining Astrology Astrology, Engineer?! Draconic Spirituality How Can You Truth Seekers Karma and Chart In a Chart be Into Come Forth Reincarnation Astrology?!

MAURICE FERNANDEZ ROY GILLETT ANNE ORTELEE ONER DOSER FRANCO SOULBODY

See Full Program at OPAastrology.org

SCHEDULE PART II ASTRONOMY FOR ASTROLOGERS PART II Astronomy for Astrologers MAY 8 to 31, 2020 Q&A 3 – LIVE SESSION (2h) • Saturday, May 16 (4pm Pacific – 11am NZ $295 Gemini Brett will generously offer two sessions to or accommodate the different time zone! • Sunday, May 17 (9am Pacific – 7pm Istanbul) INTRODUCTION – LIVE SESSION (2h) Test to apply contents – • Friday, May 8 (4pm Pacific – 11am NZ) Optional for those who wish to be or OPA certified. • Saturday, May 9 (9am Pacific – 7pm Istanbul)

Videos of Sessions 1-6 Released LIVE SESSION (3h) Stay tuned for • Saturday, May 30 (4pm Pacific) Q&A 1 – LIVE SESSION (2h) or Consulting Skills • Sunday, May 31 (9am Pacific) and Peer Group! • Saturday, May 9 (4pm Pacific – 11am NZ) or We will soon • Sunday, May 10 (9am Pacific – 7pm Istanbul) offer options.

Q&A 2 – LIVE SESSION (2h) • Friday, May 15 (4pm Pacific – 11am NZ) or • Saturday, May 16 (9am Pacific – 7pm “We are in SPACE, no one Istanbul) knows what’s going on. We love you!” Videos of Sessions 7-12 Released

MARCH EQUINOX 2020 page 17 Astrology Day 2020

Interviews With faculty of the 2020 OPA Retreat

Astrologers observations of the planets in had to catch up and learn more astrology. ANNE ORTELEE their various signs pointed to the energies I knew the basics through the interest I’d appearing on earth. Learning how to use had since I was very young. What on earth made you astrology as a predictive tool is critical to Tell us your Moon sign, and how you choose (or end up with) becoming a good astrologer. experience it. Astrology as a profession? In this time of Astrology Day, who My Moon is in Pisces, in the 12th house It chose me. I had an amaz- would you like to honor, acknowledge, conjunct Mercury. So yes, being ultra-sensi- ing reading from John Marchesella, an and why? tive, psychic, intuitive, compassionate and astrologer in NYC on June 17, 1994 at 11:30 I would like to acknowledge my won- spiritual define my emotional nature. I am am! After the reading, wanting to know derful teachers. I studied astrology with conflict avoidant and when young didn’t how he DID that with a book of NUMBERS the following people: John Marchesella understand or define my feelings other than ~ the ephemeris, I signed up for a beginner (my First Astrology Teacher ~ 2½ years to feel overwhelmed. Therapy and spiritual class. Sat on his couch for 2 1/2 years every Basic Astrology), Eileen McCabe (24 years practice have been essential for me. Monday night. The rest unfolded as these and ongoing Psychological and Spiritual A tip or two about what it takes things do! Astrology), Judi Vitale (3 plus years to succeed as a practicing astrologer. Was it challenging for you to come Uranian Astrology), Ronnie Dreyer (7 years To be successful as a practicing astrol- out of the Astrology closet? and ongoing Vedic/ Jyotish Astrology), Ken oger requires patience and integrity, and Not at all. I was incredibly passionate Kimball (Astro-Math, Eclipses, Mundane a deep commitment to endless learning. about it right from the start. I still believe and Advanced Predictive Techniques), and How you deliver the information is as we should all learn our chart basics at age 5 Wendy Ashley (Mythic Astrology). I studied important as your analysis. If you are cli- like reading and math! Mythic Tarot with Pattie Canova, and Tarot, ent-centered, compassionate, clear and Tell us your Moon sign, and how you Hermetic Cabala and Palmistry with Ellen accurate, you will build your business via experience it. Goldberg. I’ve also been blessed with referrals and repeat business. Pisces Moon in the first house in a com- wonderful astrological friends, students What do you think is the future of plex aspect pattern with Nodes, Mars, MC, and clients who I learn from daily. Astrology? What would be the next step Saturn, Venus and Mercury. Let me sing for our field? you a song, I’m an astrologer (to the tune of I feel astrology will continue to develop Piano Man) as a profession and the general population A tip or two about what it takes to will continue to be educated about all the succeed as a practicing astrologer. ways astrology can help them in life. Commitment to your vision. A love of KAY TAYLOR What makes your track at the 2020 astrology and the desire to share that love What on earth made Astrology Retreat compelling? with others. you choose (or end up with) My track at Zion is about RELATIONSHIP What do you think is the future of Astrology as a profession? ASTROLOGY. Who doesn’t need to know Astrology? What would be the next step When I left the corporate world I planned that? We are relational creatures. Knowing for our field? to be a clairvoyant massage therapist, our strengths and weaknesses and Astrology is having a renaissance. Learn helping people with herbs and nutrition understanding those around us leads to as much as you can. Allow astrology to through medical intuitive work. Back then healthier, more satisfying relationships. continue to teach you as you share your (early 80’s) I didn’t think people would pay In this time of Astrology Day, who knowledge of it with others. for psychic nutritional advice but would would you like to honor, acknowledge, What makes your track at the 2020 pay for a massage, so I’d give the advice and why? Astrology Retreat compelling? for free while healing and nurturing them. For IAD I’d like to acknowledge all the Astrology made its “bones” so to speak as Spirit started saying things like “they are amazing astrologers who have passed to a PREDICTIVE TOOL ~ whether mundane, in a Pluto transit” or “it’s about Venus” so I Spirit world over the last century. I imagine horary, medical, agricultural or personal. page 18 The Career Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine them teaching us in our dreams, widening very best out of their lives, to turn life's very early age I was overly curious about the perspective. problems into positive learning and enjoy words, expanded ideas, histories, mythol- maximum benefit from their blessings. If ogies and probably most of all ‘space’. My the group wishes we may also consider grandmother and grandfather were my how this applies to social events as well as guardians when I was young, and though us as individuals. humble, they had a respectable grasp on ROY GILLETT In this time of Astrology Day, who what was important in the world. I was would you like to honor, acknowledge, taught about astro-mythology when I What on earth made you and why? inquired about the Mercury, Gemini and choose (or end up with) Robert Hand for his unique Apollo space missions which had captured Astrology as a profession? achievements in interpretation, the fascination of most families like mine My chart not only under- development of computer astrology in the late 60’s early 70’s. Around age 3, I stood me better than anyone tools and restoration of our knowledge of learned about the concept of astrological (thing) I had met before, but also showed astrology's classical traditions. signs when I asked my grandmother about me, as I learned to read it for myself, that Andre Barbault for more than eighty her ring of five birthstones which represent- I was ideally suited to being an astrologer years devotion bringing to colleagues ed each of her children’s birth months. I was [0230 GMT February 10 1938, London UK]) and the general public the traditions of probably one of the only 3 year olds who Was it challenging for you to come out astrology and its modern psychological and actually requested to go back to the plan- of the Astrology closet? mundane potential. etarium multiple times to hear the stories I had to choose between astrology and a Nicholas Campion for his meticulous of the stars told over and over again. I got a career in school teaching. scholarship, holding together an lesson from my grandfather & my uncle on Tell us your Moon sign, and how you unbelievable work load, with kind support differences of the midheavens around age experience it. for colleagues and students, made 4, when I asked what “Zenith” meant on the In Gemini trined by Sun/Venus in great strides in establishing astrology in Zenith television. These early “lessons” were Aquarius, but square Neptune in Virgo. It is academia. intended for me, to light the ember for my easy to convince anyone of anything, but Sagittarius Fire ascendant to dominate most the challenge is to find a way, by which of my childhood, which ultimately required they will hold on to and apply it afterward. me to accept that astrology is all around Being in my seventh house, I tend to be us… Since I couldn’t beat it, I joined it… drawn toward and argue for misunder- Was it challenging for you to come out stood, or disadvantaged situations. of the Astrology closet? A tip or two about what it takes to suc- When I was younger, I was always a bit ceed as a practicing astrologer. of a weirdo with too much information and As well as a good, efficient understanding yet, not enough wisdom to make sense of of the ‘tools of the trade’, astrologers need it all. Even though I grew up open-minded, self-belief, persistence and an honest wish my experience within the dogma of the to care for others. The work requires a skill- Christian religion turned me into a bit of a ful mix of idealism and realism, and the dis- cynic. Around my second Saturn square, I criminating awareness not to allow the one went through a period of extreme skepti- to ruin the other. Be willing to rely on the cism towards mystical and spiritual ideas. flow, listen to others carefully, but do not let RUSSELL OHLHAUSEN Yet, the planets already had a plan for fear dominate your decisions. me. I was to quickly embark on a unique What do you think is the future of What on earth made you re-awakening. To take on this 180˚ shift Astrology? What would be the next step choose (or end up with) was essentially a life-changing experi- for our field? Astrology as a profession? ence, which by my Saturn Return entailed A world where proper understanding As it is in my nature to a spiritual journey to Tibet, a move from of the astro-cycles in our individual lives do, I would have to refute my hometown, a complete change of life, and societies is seen as a vital tool that this question entirely! It was friends & ‘family’ and to fully embrace the helps our relationships and social affairs. nothing “on Earth” that made most heretical ideas held by the person Realisation that it can give objective me choose Astrology as a professional I had been just a few years before. Even insight to almost any area of life or aca- endeavor and I still struggle with classify- though I had quickly become “the astrol- demic discipline. As more people realise ing myself as an “astrologer” or any specific oger” among my new peers, I could not this, the happier we all will be. title, for that matter. Uranus was exactly at answer the most basic questions of a possi- What makes your track at the 2020 midheaven when I was born with Pluto just ble fundamental mechanism, which would Astrology Retreat compelling? behind it in the 9th house. For me, I don’t allow for the psychological correspondence People who attend my think there was any escaping the pull of with the celestial bodies. I was also not sat- track ASTROLOGY, KARMA, AND those powerful planets and the informa- isfied with astrology’s general lack of rigor REGENERATION THE SCIENCE OF tion coming in from starlight which came (nor vision for it) or professional cohesion, PERSONAL TRANSFORMATION will want with that. I was born to be cosmologically which, to this day, I feel is our widest chasm to know how to use their charts to get the inclined, whether I wanted to or not. At a to cross; and to do this we must participate.

MARCH EQUINOX 2020 page 19 Astrology Day 2020 Interviews With faculty of the 2020 OPA Retreat And I must admit that summing up myself blend of mysticism, logic and technology of medicine and metaphysics. The second under one title, “an astrologer” still is a chal- a more integrated species. I feel that astrol- astrologer is his more widely-accepted lenge for me. I feel that ‘astrology’ should ogers must also become ‘scientists’ once Persian counterpart, Abū Rayḥān Bīrūnī or and eventually will entail much more than again and contemporary physicists must Al-Biruni, who substantially contributed it currently implies, which will make ‘being re-embrace the spiritual dimension they to most all of the sciences of his day - in the closet’ about these beliefs, no longer can no longer afford to ignore. For what is including astronomy & astrology. Though an issue. a real scientist but one who reshapes their he too began to draw early lines between Tell us your Moon sign, and how you own presupposed hypothesis to better fit mathematical astronomy and certain experience it. the facts as we understand them (however astrological techniques and divinations, I was born at 12˚ Taurus Moon in the 5th. improbable those facts might seem to be), he firmly endorsed astrology as science I am admittedly a bit biased, but my Moon rather than the majority of ‘modern scien- in its own right and merit. (Just as could in Taurus, I feel, has been my saving grace tists’ who reshape or ignore historical or be said for Isaac Newton, 700 years later, through most of life. In the most dire of sit- what may seem to be illogical facts to fit a despite what modern scholars chose to uations, I often do my best work or find my personal hypothesis. The study of stars is ignore today.) I feel that these two con- clearest strengths. Though, I know that at the wisest of intellectual sciences, yet as temporaries, held a light in the darkness times it has kept me “stuck” in many affairs Spock says in Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered of the ancient world and should be hon- of the heart, I feel that given proper energy, Country, “Logic is not the end of wisdom, but ored among the great contributors of the Taurus Moon is the most reliable emotion- the beginning.” astrological traditions. ally, especially when accompanied by a What makes your track at the 2020 sympathetic and sensual disposition. Astrology Retreat compelling? A tip or two about what it takes to I imagine that every track facilitator succeed as a practicing astrologer. will call the right people in and that is Well, assuming ‘success as practicing what matters! This track will probably be SHANNON GILL astrologer’ may be a bit of a loaded ques- the most aligned track to the purposes tion! For those who are generally horoscop- of the theme of the retreat, Science and What on earth made ic astrologers, success is usually measured Spirituality. In this track EMBODYING you choose (or end up by clients and dollars. I tend to gauge DIVINE SCIENCE: ALCHEMY, ASTEROIDS with) Astrology as a pro- my successes on the faces of the people I & ASTROLOGY we will take a “head, heart fession? am speaking to or the emails from those & hands” approach. And now Shannon Gill The day I had my first ‘official’ astrol- who have read something I wrote that and I have merged tracks in order to give ogy reading, I knew I was to become an revealed a new way to perceive or a deeper those who attend the best of many points astrologer. In that one hour period, this understanding of our celestial connection. of view regarding asteroids, scientific asso- man reframed so much loss and inten- Devotion and diligence to all that astrology ciations to the astrological mechanisms, sity I had experienced in my life in an is intended to be, is what it will take to suc- and their spiritual meanings, so we can empowering manner, and reminded me ceed as an astrologer in the future. better understand our connections from that these experiences were ‘initiations’ What do you think is the future of particles to planets …and beyond! into my deeper purpose and power. I Astrology? What would be the next step In this time of Astrology Day, who have five planets in the 8th house, and for our field? would you like to honor, acknowledge, historically anytime anyone looked at Our recent pass of Uranus through Aries and why? my chart they would gasp! It relayed an has ushered a new “Astrological Spring”, I would like to acknowledge two astrol- energy of ‘fear’ which I did not at the time the seeds of which have blown across the ogers, neither living and neither very often understand. What I learned in this life globe and who’s shoots are now flourish- mentioned in the context of modern astrol- changing reading was that I was here to ing as the Earth energy is activated with ogy. The first is Abū ʿAlī al-Ḥusayn or Ibn understand the greatest mysteries of life, Uranus in Taurus. As we move forward, Sina (Avicinna) the Islamic Golden Age and that each ‘loss’ cracked me open to ‘astrology’ of the later 21st & 22nd cen- polymath from Persia sometimes referred allow for higher energies and wisdom to turies will begin to look much different to as "the most influential philosopher pour through. I was already in the heal- than it does today, in my opinion. In many of the pre-modern era”. The post-history ing field, but I was astounded at how fast places, you can already see that this germi- of the Ibn Sina story is interesting in that and deep this reading cut to the core nation and new shift towards reintegration many authorities claim that he attempted meaning and mythical magic of my Soul. has taken root. Astrology, as it has become to refute astrology, while others openly It put me on the path to re-membering today, was never intended as a stand alone accept that he was an outstanding astrolo- many lifetimes of being a Soul-guide, practice or discipline. Astrologers will be ger in his own right. (Though I may some- through the darker times. And that in required to expand their scope beyond times voice my opinion regarding some order for me to be able to hold the light the ego-directed natal readings and back practices or interpretations, I have a firm for others, I must know the terrain. to its ancient purposes of collective spiri- understanding of the natural philosophy Was it challenging for you to come out tual enlightenment. I believe that we will and the celestial correspondences which of the Astrology closet? see something of a “Vulcan Synthesis” of underlie the cosmic fabric, which is how No. I have 0˚ Aquarius rising. I was happy spirituality and science. And by ‘Vulcan’, I I feel the facts may have been skewed to lead the charge! I have never really been am not referring to the rarely mentioned regarding Sina’s treatises on astrology).) bothered by any cynics, more, they inspired Roman God of Fire and Lava, instead I An acute and deep understanding of me to attempt to open their minds to the mean the Star Trek, Spock, Vulcanian salute, astrology is what distinguished his work in mystery. page 20 The Career Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine Tell us your Moon sign, and how you In this time of Astrology Day, who perspective. If you want someone to agree experience it. would you like to honor, acknowledge, that you're wonderful no matter what you Libra Moon. Forever trying to keep and why? say or do, I'm not so much your gal. the peace. Love hosting sensual and My three most significant teachers: The A tip or two about what it takes to beautiful social events. I remember that late Dr. Charles Bebeau and his wife, succeed as a practicing astrologer. state of ‘union’ and driven to return there Nin Bebeau, founders of the Archetypal My business and local reputation grew through partnership. My Libra Moon is Academy in Boulder, CO. This dynamic by making myself visible. Initially, I signed conjunct Pluto in the 8th house. I have Aquarian couple (born on the same day!) up for every trade show and event I could had transformative relationships, many mentored my Soul awake into the mys- think of. Through these events, I not only losses, and work with people/couples to tical realms of myth, dreams, astrology, found clients but other astrologers who I do the deeper alchemical work that can and alchemy. Maurice Fernandez then was able to form a community with. With bring about freedom from childhood came as a guest teacher to the Archetypal a corporate background and an education woundedness and stories in order to Academy where we sat in a teepee and he in marketing and small business develop- experience immense depth, passion, and spoke about the Nodes, and I knew that ment, I treated it like a business and out- transcendent union. day he was my teacher. Maurice’s intense side of my consultations dedicated part of A tip or two about what it takes to suc- passion and commitment to Soul evolution each day to marketing, planning, and edu- ceed as a practicing astrologer. and collective awakening is unmatched. cation. To this day it remains important to Write, speak, teach. Love what you do. me that I continue to sharpen my saw and Love people and seeing them blossom learn from others. into self acceptance and empowerment. What do you think is the future of Be organized. Create real relationships with Astrology? What would be the next step your clients, follow up with them. Share DONNA YOUNG for our field? regular astrological tidbits to educate and I'm a little concerned about the free for guide people as to the ongoing planetary What on earth made you all in the world of Astrology, so it might dance. Empower their own learning of the choose (or end up with) get messier before it gets tidier. It's so easy stars, and remind them this is their birth- Astrology as a profession? for people to get internet fame without right to be in alignment with the cosmic I didn't choose astrology, it really earning their stripes and this isn't flow of the Universe. chose me. My appendix ruptured helpful to the reputation of Astrology What do you think is the future of at my Uranus opposition, and when I came overall. But I'm excited about the popular- Astrology? What would be the next step out of surgery it was with a compulsion to ity of Astrology right now, and I hope that for our field? study astrology, a topic I'd previously had this evolves into it being a more legitimate It is re-emerging quickly. As the polar- little interest in. My new obsession found study. It would be wonderful to see some ization on the planet continues to become me working towards a degree on the sub- of the schools be able to get accreditation more extreme, people are hungry for ject at Kepler College four years later. A and have astrology recognized as a viable meaning outside the daily grind. I feel decade after I began my studies I was laid career option. supplementing an astrology education off from my 30-year corporate career and What makes your track at the 2020 with counseling/coaching skills is import- decided to hang my shingle as an astrolo- Astrology Retreat compelling? ant as we are working with people on the ger just a few years earlier than I'd planned. My track covers THE FOUNDATIONS deepest psychological levels. This also Was it challenging for you to come out OF ASTROLOGY. It's absolutely the best helps to give credibility to our field. Be of the Astrology closet? track to take if you're a beginner. I teach persistent to open doorways. Bring astrol- Not at all. It never occurred to me that it astrology to beginners 4-5 times a year ogy into academic and business settings. was something to hide. Everyone I worked through Kepler College and in my private Create bridges through clear translation in with knew I was studying and I became the practice, and I love getting people excit- laymen terms making this wisdom accessi- office astrologer. I've since moved to a rural ed about astrology while ensuring a solid ble to the masses. area where few people even know what foundation. What makes your track at the 2020 astrology is - they think I'm out here look- In this time of Astrology Day, who Astrology Retreat compelling? ing through my telescope. But I don't care. would you like to honor, acknowledge, The theme of the conference is ‘Bridging I'm loud and proud of what I do. What was and why? Science & Spirituality” and Russell challenging for me was to stop saying I was Oh my gosh. I've had the great privilege Ohlhausen’s and my track- EMBODYING a student of astrology and just call myself of studying with some truly phenomenal DIVINE SCIENCE: ALCHEMY, ASTEROIDS an astrologer. There's such an endless astrologers. But if I have to choose two I'll & ASTROLOGY is focused on doing just amount to learn, and I suffered from think- choose Demetra George and Rob Hand. that! We operate a retreat center in Austin ing I couldn't be a proper astrologer until I Both were on the faculty at Kepler College Texas where we create holistic events guid- knew it all. I eventually realized that likely when I was there. In the days of the degree ed by the stars, but then translated into wouldn't happen in my lifetime so I relaxed program, they used to have a live sympo- the personal through ritual, ceremony, about the idea. sium each term. I was on a track where it contemplative practice and dance. We will Tell us your Moon sign, and how you wasn't mandatory to attend the sympo- be bringing this ‘head, heart, and hands’ experience it. siums, but when I attended my first one approach to our track practice through My Libra moon finds me always wanting I found Rob sitting in the stairwell trying embodiment, vibrational experiences, and to consider the other side, so as a friend to get wireless and my fate was sealed. I hands-on astro-elixir creation! I'm a great person to talk to if you want wanted to be a part of a world where this

MARCH EQUINOX 2020 page 21 Astrology Day 2020 Interviews With faculty of the 2020 OPA Retreat was possible. So I carried on with my stud- firm, eventually becoming a bookkeeper. a business can be daunting; so you need a ies using all of my holiday days to attend Due to life circumstances – marriage and plan. To be honest, marketing a business is symposiums, and I couldn't have been a baby, and not wanting to put my child a whole different world than when I started, happier. It was in a lecture with Demetra into daycare, I went back to work at the but the basics of running a business rare- where I was first introduced to Hellenistic bookstore as the manager, taking my baby ly change. Name recognition is vital and Astrology, and it was there that all of the to work with me every day. My plan was to important – so find ways to get your name little pieces started clicking together. Here just be the manager; run the bookstore and and your work before the public. was the information that I'd been seeking eventually inherit the business when mom What makes your track at the 2020 but didn't even know I was missing. I'm retired. I realized that in order to sell books Astrology Retreat compelling? happily studying with her again after all on the topic of astrology, I would need URANUS  KARMIC TRAUMA AND these years. Neither one of them let me to know something about the subject. I INDIVIDUATION. The manifestations get away with slacking off. In one memo- started taking classes from Jeffrey Green and consequences of unresolved trauma rable assignment, my highest praise was in 1983, and found that my left-brain way are everywhere, and affect every human that I had developed a rudimentary under- of thinking wasn’t going to work. Frankly, being. I think it is the “elephant in the standing of the principles. I was so grateful it was a struggle, but some point along room” of human interaction. Uranus in the that they forced me to do my best, even if the way, my right-brain opened up and birth chart is one of the indicators of unre- I wasn't the best. Under their tutelage, I astrology became an obsession; multiple solved karmic trauma - its house place- would not pass without their confidence classes a week, stacks of astrology books ment, and aspects to other planets. When that I knew what I was doing and I was by my bedside. I was truly blessed to trauma occurs, small or large, the human grateful for that. On top of that, both of have a store full of astrology books at my survival mechanism is to detach or disas- these astrological giants have come to fingertips, and a number of highly gifted sociate, to mitigate the pain of the expe- me in dreams and I rarely remember my astrologers and teachers from whom to rience(s). In this intensive, students will dreams. Rob Hand is apparently my higher learn. Though I never envisioned myself learn how to identify the karmic trauma, power, so that idea always makes me laugh. as a professional astrologer, the universe and through the birth chart, explore the And Demetra found me selling jewelry at apparently had other plans, and through a potential for healing and integration of the a festival and chastised me for wasting my series of twists and turns, it is exactly where fragmented parts of the soul and psyche. education. I legitimately started taking my I ended up. In this time of Astrology Day, who practice more seriously after that dream. Was it challenging for you to come out would you like to honor, acknowledge, of the Astrology closet? and why? Growing up with an astrologer for a Margaret (Maggie) Nalbandian – She mother, it wasn’t really in the closet to started her astrological/metaphysical begin with . . . however, when I found bookstore in 1975, becoming an icon in myself in non-astrology situations – talking Seattle and throughout the astrological with parents of other children, I would often community. She had a vision for a college say I was a massage therapist . . . which was of astrological study, and pulled a group true, it just wasn’t the entire story. But that of astrologers together to make it happen. really didn’t last long, especially after letting She started NORWAC – The Northwest go of the massage practice. I find that if I’m Astrological Conference in 1984 – which comfortable saying I’m an astrologer, most is one of the most beloved conferences in (if not all) people don’t seemed to be both- the US. She was my business partner, my ered. When filling out bank or other types sounding board, and she is my mother. of official forms, I always list Astrologer as Jeffrey Wolf Green – I was 17 years old my profession. when Jeffrey walked into our bookstore Tell us about your Moon sign, and how in 1976. He was looking for a place to LAURA NALBANDIAN you experience it. do readings and teach classes. He made I have Moon in Taurus conjunct the MC an instant connection with my mother, What on earth made you in the 10th house. I’m focused and tena- Maggie, and became part of our extend- choose (or end up with) cious when it comes to completing a task ed family. His ground-breaking work - Astrology as a profession? or goal (personal as well as professional). Evolutionary Astrology – was developed My journey to becoming I’m a minimalist when it comes to posses- in the late 70’s/early 80’s and he wrote his a professional astrologer was sions and tend to live in one location or best-selling book, “Pluto: The Evolutionary not planned, at least not directly by me house for decades – I do love consistency! Journey of the Soul”. . . . I had been working on and off at the I tend to be even-keeled when it comes to family bookstore, Astrology et al, since its emotion; I’d say that I’ve made friends with beginnings in 1975. I left the bookstore my emotions, and find it quite easy and in 1979, when my father fired me, telling natural to express them. me – “you will never figure out what you A tip or two about what it takes to suc- want to do with your life, as long as you ceed as a practicing astrologer. have the safety of this job.” I ended up Astrology is fun, but business is business, working as a secretary at a local hospital no matter what you are doing. And starting and moved on to working at an accounting page 22 The Career Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine have passed on - Robert Blaschke, Jeff attend so they can better learn to see the ARLAN WISE Jawer, Haloli Richter, Dennis Elwell, Richard living sky in the chart and the chart in the Idemon, Eleanor Bach, Frances McEvoy, living sky. When we re-nature Astrology, we What on earth made Bepin Behari. re-member the roots of the rules and the you choose (or end up with) proofs of the astrological equations we use. Astrology as a profession? In this time of Astrology Day, who I was born to it. I remembered it. would you like to honor, acknowledge I was fascinated with it and when I started I would like to honor my first teach- reading charts the words flowed out. er, Daniel Giamario of the Shamanic Was it challenging for you to come out Astrology Mystery School who knows the of the Astrology closet? route to reclaiming the astrological aware- No. There were many years when I identi- ness of the ancients is walked by those who fied as a mother and then as an astrologer. awaken an awareness of sacred astronomy. It was when Pluto squared my Sun that I took on the identity of a professional astrol- oger. I was never embarrassed to say that I’m an astrologer. GEMINI BRETT Tell us your Moon sign, and how you experience it. What on earth made you My Moon is 29 Aquarius in the 12th house choose (or end up with) so I feel like I have an honorary Pisces Astrology as a profession? Moon some of the time. I do love my A series of mystical synchronicities slowly Aquarius Moon for its intellectual gifts, its swiss-cheesed my conditioned programs detachment, and its ability to see above of cynicism enough to allow the astrology and beyond daily life. I know it helps me be seed to land in my soil during my second a good astrologer. nodal return in 2012. CHRISTOPHER A tip or two about what it takes to suc- Was it challenging for you to come out ceed as a practicing astrologer. of the Astrology closet? RENSTROM Practice and patience. Doing good work I am proud of being an astrologer, but I so that people want to come back and hear did create my pseudonym to protect the What on earth made you choose (or more. Total concentration on the client. future potential of teaching astronomy end up with) Astrology as a profession? What do you think is the future of or archeoastronomy in an academic set- I fell in love with the imagery and the Astrology? What would be the next step ting. Interestingly, Facebook forced me to symbolism of it all. It spoke to me more for our field? reclaim my birth name on a night when I than my Catholic faith did and the acting I love seeing astrology seep into the main- was visiting my father in my grandfather's classes I was taking at the Juilliard School stream. I have seen this more and more and house shortly after he had passed away. at the time. it makes me happy. I want to see astrology Tell us your Moon sign, and how you Was it challenging for you to come out used in schools to help students learn in a experience it. of the Astrology closet? way that makes their Mercury happy. My Moon Sign is Gemini and it feels as Not at all. I have always been LOUD and What makes your track at the 2020 if my very survival is dependent upon my PROUD! Astrology Retreat compelling? need to wonder. Tell us your Moon sign, and how you I teach a WRITING WORKSHOP FOR A tip or two about what it takes to experience it. ASTROLOGERS. I emphasize that good succeed as a practicing astrologer. My Moon is in Pisces. It’s VERY imagistic! writing is specific and concise, with no To succeed as a practicing astrologer (or Thankfully it's become less melancholic as extra words. Because we translate our as anything) follow your passion even if it I’ve grown older. It keeps my Capricorn Sun symbolic astrological knowledge into seems as if it is taking you away from what compassionate. English, or our native language, it is very is popular. A tip or two about what it takes to suc- important to keep one’s writing clear. What do you think is the future of ceed as a practicing astrologer. Many people tell me they can’t write or Astrology? What would be the next step Read the chart. Don’t assume you have are afraid to write. My track helps you to for our field? the answers because you don’t. If you stay overcome those feelings. If my dreams come true, the acceptance true to the chart - and the unfolding story In this time of Astrology Day, who of Astrology will lead us to discover the of the client’s life - then you will give an would you like to honor, acknowledge, subtle field of forces that make it real, and astrology reading of the best quality. And and why? that knowledge will open wide windows to listen! Always ALWAYS listen to the client Dane Rudhyar and Marc Edmund the reality of Earth-first energy systems. and the chart. They’ll tell you everything Jones for their breakthrough work. My What makes your track at the 2020 you need to know. first astrologer, Laurel Lowell (grand- Astrology Retreat compelling? What do you think is the future of daughter of Percival) for her inspiration I am teaching ASTRONOMY FOR Astrology? What would be the next step and guidance. I have great fondness in my ASTROLOGERS during part 2 of the for our field? heart for those friends and teachers who retreat, and I invite as many people to I absolutely ADORE where Astrology is now and where it’s going in the future. There

MARCH EQUINOX 2020 page 23 Astrology Day 2020 Interviews With faculty of the 2020 OPA Retreat are so many versions of it and so many ways her to more experienced astrologers, she selves in Astronomy, History, Ethics and to interpret the information - which is fitting said it had to be me because I was the Consulting Skills - while improving Astrology considering the countless number of Stars only one to speak French, which was her education as a whole. There will be no way in the sky. mother tongue. She had her Moon exactly to truly progress without an increase in rigor. What makes your track at the 2020 on the degree of my Sun, her Sun exactly With that, I would want our field to Astrology Retreat compelling? on the degree of my Ascendant, and her become overly rigid by trying to meet high- What’s unique about my track is that it Ascendant exactly on the degree of my er standards of rigor. We need to make sure delves into the HISTORY, MYTHS, AND Moon. I was 21, and so it went. that creativity and diversity is encouraged CULTURAL BACKGROUND OF JUPITER Was it challenging for you to come out and better supported in the field of astrolo- AND SATURN. How did these planets of the Astrology closet? gy. This also entails ending the pretense of come to be interpreted in the way they There was no closet. I was fortunate to “my astrology is better than yours,” as long are now? Planets are more than keywords. have open minded parents and the more I as results are proving reliable. They’re entire worlds unto themselves. spoke of my interest in astrology, the more What makes your track at the 2020 I especially look forward to unpacking work I got. Astrology Retreat compelling? Jupiter because it’s a planet that has so Tell us your Moon sign, and how you I will be presenting about PHYSICAL much more going for it than "good luck". experience it. AND MENTAL HEALTH. While most astrol- And, quite frankly, you can’t understand Gemini Moon in the 12th house – I’m ogers are not doctors or psychiatrists, I Jupiter without understanding Saturn and constantly observing people and animal believe it is critical for all of us to under- vice versa. They’re the flip sides of Fortune. behaviors, including my own, and ana- stand health and well-being. The chart pro- One is the hand that giveth and the other is lyzing emotional patterns to try to better vides many clues about our individual ways the hand that taketh away understand how to live life. I love to migrate to lead healthy lives and the potential con- In this time of Astrology Day, who between worlds, whether that is on a cul- sequences of derailing. I’m happy the track would you like to honor, acknowledge, tural level, or between the mundane and was well received and sold out. and why? the spiritual. I think this Moon makes me I will also present to the whole audience a Genevieve Kemble created the first compulsively ask questions, sometimes research I’ve done in astrology and provide daily horoscope column syndicated in completely out of context. strategies to encourage research in our field. newspapers here in the United States. It A tip or two about what it takes to suc- In this time of Astrology Day, who would was called Tomorrow’s Horoscope and it ceed as a practicing astrologer. you like to honor, acknowledge, and why? debuted on February 20, 1917 - thirteen True to my Gemini Moon, I found myself I cannot be more grateful for the prolific years before R.H. Naylor in Britain who is able to sustain myself by diversifying my work of Dane Rudhyar who provided an mistakenly credited with creating the first services. Being able to consult one on one, incredible body of knowledge that inspired newspaper horoscope column. Kemble was teach larger groups, write, and speak at the modern movement in astrology. I only 50 years old and widowed when she began public events made it more interesting and found out later in my education that many being published and she never missed a financially sustainable. of the things I professed about the values day. I have found her columns in newspa- Never compromising on quality - always and approaches to use astrology were pers as geographically diverse as Florida, learning from my mistakes with the aim to already written by him. Interestingly, I also Utah, and Oregon. Tomorrow’s Horoscope get better at what I offer. LISTEN. share a French heritage and moved for the ran until 1954. Never refusing work - I’m here to serve first time to the US when I was 22 (Rudhyar those who hire my services, (barring excep- was 21). My main teacher Jeffrey Green tional circumstances). himself evolved from Rudhyar’s work and What do you think is the future of expanded on these concepts to identify the Astrology? What would be the next step soul journey through the natal chart. for our field? I would also like to acknowledge all of I’m quite inspired by the consistent work those whose lives were challenged and that our mentors and our generation has oppressed for their work with astrology and produced, setting the stage for the next the pursuit of truth, including Alan Leo, step of growth for our practice. Those who Galileo Galilei, and the many more known kept going without promised reward, but in and lesser known. This includes those of us loyalty to the study of Truth and in the spirit today who still endure the consequences of MAURICE FERNANDEZ of service. Astrology is today gaining great- prejudice and ignorance toward astrology, er presence in the collective thanks to these at times through violent ostracization. Your What on earth made you consistent efforts and tireless dedication courage keeps us going! choose (or end up with) over the last decades, and beyond. Astrology as a profession? I believe the Jupiter/Saturn in Aquarius My initial career direction will be a game changer for astrology, bring- was in art and music (sound ing both more opportunities and more engineering), but as I kept study- scrutiny. The more popular we will get, the ing astrology, more people kept asking for more attacks we can expect. We need to up readings. A lady approached me and asked our game. This brings me to strongly believe me to teach her astrology. When I referred in the work we do with OPA - educate our-

page 24 The Career Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine advise to aim at being in command and to honor Maurice Fernandez for his great ONER DOSER remain confident during consultation contributions to the development of astrol- sessions and during classes. Inspire con- ogy. He is a very active person who continu- What on earth made fidence about your proficiency. Having ously generates new projects and works for you choose (or end up with) a sound knowledge on your expertise the growth of OPA tirelessly. He also makes Astrology as a profession? is very important. At the same time, be great efforts for creating a community I was interested in astrology since I was honest about what you are not proficient which works hard for and defends astrology. young. However, since I was involved in in. Modesty is part of self-confidence. trade business, I did not have enough time What do you think is the future of for astrology. On one of my birthdays, my Astrology? What would be the next step wife gave me a present of a natal chart for our field? report she bought from an internet site. I believe astrology will find a place in After reading this report, I started study- universities again in the future. Following ing it and tried to understand the system, Jupiter-Saturn conjunction in 2020, Pluto and subsequently, booked a consultation will enter Aquarius. Statistics and the for- from an actual astrologer. I did not initially mation of databanks will gain importance. plan to become a professional astrologer We already do that at my Astrology School. because we had a family business in Grand Advanced level students compile statistics Bazaar (market), always buzzing with a based on data collected from participants. high traffic. Eventually, after learning the I ask particular questions on social media SUSAN FALK dynamics of my own chart, I understood and we then compile and organize the that astrology would be good for my soul, results. I am sure these statistics will be What on earth made especially teaching it. I rented out our very helpful in the future. you choose (or end up with) store in Grand Bazaar and started being Observing planetary positions is also Astrology as a profession? involved in astrology on a full-time basis. important in terms of the changes in the I became interested in Astrology imme- Was it challenging for you to come out magnetic field of the Earth, including diately with my 1st chart reading in 1976. of the Astrology closet? the role of planets during Solar activities It was done by a Jungian Astrologer named It was not challenging. When I started because these events are regulated by the Julie Bresciani who was recommended to being a full-time astrologer, I told everyone planets and their changing positions. If we me by a Jungian analyst whom I was tak- the details of my profession. I had a column can understand this mathematical rela- ing a course with. Before that I thought in a newspaper and also appeared in TV tionship, we may find out more about the astrology was just the Sun sign columns shows, so I was distinguished in my pro- astrological mechanisms. in the newspaper but the reading opened fession. My previous colleagues at Grand What makes your track at the 2020 my mind to what a profound experience an Bazaar were not familiar with astrology. Astrology Retreat compelling? astrology reading could be. I had booked However, being supported with my books, My track is THE ART OF HORARY the appointment a month ahead and then articles and TV shows, they were impressed ASTROLOGY. In daily life, we ask many the night before my appointment my hus- and appreciative. questions. Instead of getting detailed con- band of 12 years came home and said he Tell us your Moon sign, and how you sultation sessions, people often prefer to wanted a divorce. I was shocked although experience it. get answers for their specific questions. I had been chomping at the bit for more My Moon sign is Scorpio. My emotions are Horary Astrology is the chart for the time freedom as my rebel, Moon in Aquarius, had deep and intense. I am passionately connect- the question is asked. begun to erupt, so I shouldn’t have been ed to women figures in my life (mother, wife It is one of the best methods to provide surprised, but I was. Julie, the astrologer, and sister). I am extremely loyal. I also expect answers for specific questions. said that Uranus was in the empty space the same from the other party. Although Questions such as “Will I marry?” are of my t-square forming a Grand Cross so it I am often coming across as a rationalist common and can be answered through was a time of personal crucifixion when I as my Sun and Mercury are in Aquarius, I the natal chart. However, for specific ques- would be torn apart by the different aspects can also be daring and courageous. I am tions like “Will I marry with Harry?” can be of myself: The Mother, The Liberated emotionally resolute. I like challenges. My more precisely answered through the help Woman, etc. but it was also a crossroads desire for success is strong, as the Moon of Horary techniques. It is a wonderful and the beginning of a new life that was rules the 10th house of my chart. I am high- field that allows you to produce extreme- more in harmony with my essential nature. ly intuitive and I do not have difficulty in ly reliable and detailed answers above During the next 6 months, when I was understanding other people’s moods. expectations. For me, Horary is the heart going through hell, I listened to that cas- A tip or two about what it takes to suc- of Traditional Astrology. sette recording many times and it gave me ceed as a practicing astrologer. In this time of Astrology Day, who comfort and hope. Then, I had my daugh- For me, reliability is the main factor. I’m would you like to honor, acknowledge, ters’ charts done and my husband’s as well. very focused in my consultations and class- and why? After the divorce was complete, and I had es, going deeper into the topics without I would like to honor Robert Zoller for moved from the suburbs to New York City, I being distracted. his research and translations on Medieval began to train to be a psychotherapist and Understanding the needs of the other Astrology and his overall contributions got my master’s degree in Social Work. But party is also extremely important. I would to Traditional Astrology. I would also like I also began reading some astrology books

MARCH EQUINOX 2020 page 25 Astrology Day 2020 Interviews With faculty of the 2020 OPA Retreat and the two seemed to be supportive of have always been important to me and Since this takes place in Part II, you can still each other. When I began seeing clients for belonging to some like-minded groups. take another tract during Part I. Besides therapy in the early 80’s and also doing A tip or two about what it takes to suc- the certification, taking the Peer Group some astrology charts — Ilana Rubenfeld ceed as a practicing astrologer. really helps you become a better counsel- whom I trained with in Gestalt therapy and I think to succeed as a practicing astrolo- ing astrologer. We work on our challenges body work— was my 1st paying client. ger you have to really put yourself out there with our clients and learn about each oth- Was it challenging for you to come out a lot and speak in front of groups and teach er’s reading style by doing reading to each of the Astrology closet? classes, etc. It helps to have a strong Leo on other. In addition, you get ideas on how to It was challenging for me to come out one’s chart which I don’t. promote and expand your practice. of the closet and tell people that I was an What do you think is the future of In this time of Astrology Day, who would astrologer as well as a psychotherapist. Astrology? What would be the next step you like to honor and acknowledge: So many people seemed to have the reac- for our field? On Astrology Day I would like to honor tion when told I was doing astrology charts, I think astrology has a bright future as several of my important teachers: Donna “you don’t really believe in that, do you?” Millennials seem to be interested in it, Cunningham, Liz Greene and Richart That reaction seemed more prevalent in bringing in a younger generation, and I Idemon. All 3 of them gave me invaluable men than women. think people are taking it more seriously. teachings. Tell us your Moon sign, and how you What makes your track at the 2020 experience it. Astrology Retreat compelling? As mentioned above, my Moon sign is My tract at the 2020 Opa Retreat is a Aquarius and I do experience the rebel as a PEER SUPERVISION GROUP in PART part of my personality. I have always been II and I think it’s the best one to attend outside the mainstream. Also, friendships if you want to polish your professional skills and eventually get certified by OPA. R

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page 26 The Career Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine Blast from the past..... Match these vintage photos with OPA Retreat 2020 Faculty!

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MARCH EQUINOX 2020 page 27 Astrology Day 2020

We celebrate the History of Astrology

tapestry, but we hope you will be inspired Precession of the Equinoxes, mark- ASTROLOGY DAY to keep exploring and learn new things ing the gap between signs and con- about what made astrology what it is stellations. (Earlier evidence of this EXPLORING THE today. Thanks to all the contributors, and discovery exists). thank you all for making astrology stronger. • 2nd Century – Tetrabiblos a four HISTORY OF volume book by Claudius Ptolemy – One of the most important bodies of ASTROLOGY knowledge serving as a references for • Archeo-astronomy sites: some centuries, by the Hellenistic Astrologer containing astrological references who lived in Alexandria. that pre-date Mesopotamia: Adam’s Calendar, Metsamor, Egypt Pyramid of • 8th -15th Century – With the decline n this March Giza (2550 BCE), Stonehenge (stone of the Roman empire and rise of Equinox day, as placements around 2550 BCE), Kukulcan Christianity in Europe, Astrology is met O the Sun enters in Chichen Itza (800 CE), Chaco canyon. with skepticism by the church and the sign of Aries, we goes in and out of favor. The determin- celebrate ASTROLOGY • Circa 1600 BCE - Enuma Anu Enlil istic quality of astrology is met with DAY! We take a moment – Mesopotamian tablets (Sumer and strong defiance from figures such as St to reflect on this amazing Babylon) representing some of the ear- Augustine. though it remains strongly and ever-expanding body of knowl- liest records of Astrology. (Possibly at used in Europe, where for instance, stu- edge that has touched all cultures and the time of biblical figure Abraham and dents in medicine are required by law civilizations throughout time, and illu- Sara as astrology practitioners). to educate themselves in astrology. minated the minds of kings, priests, and During this time, Astrology travels commoners alike—or for that matter • 280 BCE – Astrologer Berossus, a back to the Middle East and Arabic any person who bent their neck to look priest from Babylon travels to the island Spain during the Golden Age of Islam, up and realize our life is part of a much of Kos in Greece where he began teach- larger organism. ing astrology to the local culture, mark- Interpretation and transmission of star ing the transition from Mesopotamia to knowledge has gone through multiple ancient Greece. This is around the time incarnations as the torch passed on from Alexander the Great was expanding his generation to generation. Today we take kingdom connecting the Middle East the time to look back at our ancestors, with Greece and Egypt. those who kept astrology alive and whose shoulders we stand on. We dedicate this • 2nd to 1st Century BCE marks the edition of the Career Astrologer magazine emergence of horoscopic astrology to explore some aspects of astrology’s his- during the Hellenistic times, where now tory and acknowledge ourselves as well in charts are drawn with reference to an this long journey. Ascendant, reflecting specific moments This collection of articles is nowhere or births. close to covering the wide range of development throughout time, and the • 127 BCE (circa) – astronomer many figures who are part of this cosmic Hipparchus officially identifies the Astrology Wheel. Olso, Norway page 28 The Career Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine where astrologers such as Mashallah by Descartes, separating spirit/mind he was against firm predictions but Ibn Athari, Ibn’ Arabi or Abu Ma’shar from matter and further advancing an probabilities. He was eventually fined translate and expand on the earlier anthropocentric view and discouraging and died from the stress of the trials. works of Greek Astrologers such as the value of symbolism. Ptolemy and Dorotheus. Astrology • Dane Rudhyar French-born continues to thrive in India where it • Tense political climate led to associat- American astrologer merged is said that Islamic scholars were also ing astrologers with adverse parties, Theosophical concepts with Jungian instructed. contributing to their denigration. psychology and wrote dozens of books that became cornerstones in • 15th – 16th Century – in 1543, • Copernicus heliocentric model of the the emergence of modern astrology Copernicus, an astrologer and astron- planet is used by the scientific move- (Humanistic and Transpersonal). omer, reveals that planets revolve ment to discredited the geocentric around the Sun, not the Earth. Because model of astrology. • 1930 Pluto discovered of the resistance from the church, it takes many years for this model to be • 1781 Uranus discovered / 1846 • Early 20th Century and Carl Jung accepted. Yet, as astronomy shifts from Neptune discovered – psychoanalyst who explored the influ- a geocentric to a heliocentric model, it ence of astrology and psychoanalysis, often becomes an argument to discred- • Late 19th Century: the Theosophical reviving symbolism and advancing the it the validity of astrology. Society and other movements import- concept of synchronicity linked to ed Eastern concepts (many of which astrology. His body of knowledge influ- • Circa 1609 – Galileo Galilei an astron- were originally part of ancient Greece), enced the work of contemporary astrol- omer and astrologer, borrows ideas among them the understanding of ogers Liz Greene, Stephen Arroyo, and to build the first telescope and makes reincarnation and the evolution of many others. new revelations about the nature of the consciousness. This effort revived the Moon and Jupiter’s moons. He notices practice of astrology and advocated • 1990’s – Project Hindsight / Arhat Venus has phases similar to the Moon for the use of astrology as a tool for initiated by Robert Schmidt, Ellen and concludes that Venus orbits the self-awareness, moving away from rigid Back, Robert Hand, and Robert Zoller Sun, confirming the Copernicus reali- deterministic prediction. Important to translate and interpret surviving zation of heliocentrism. This leads him figures emerged from this movement, ancient texts of Western astrology to be denounced by the church and be notably Alan Leo and Dane Rudhyar. from ancient Greek, Arabic, and Latin put under house arrest. into modern English. This monumental • Alan Leo revived astrology in effort instigated the revival and reinte- • 17th Century (Age of Reason) – England, making it accessible to gration of Traditional techniques. Astrology 101 trainings are removed the mainstream through popular from academic studies in medicine, magazines and book publications • 2003-2006 – Discovery of Sedna, and astrology as a whole is falling out including the first personalized astrol- Eris, Makemake and Haumea of favor in Europe. Several reasons ogy reports. With his success came trans-Neptunian bodies orbiting the likely contributed to this loss of pop- obstacles, and he was prosecuted for Sun that prompted the new astronomy ularity: The Cartesian split purported “fortune-telling” despite the fact that category of Dwarf Planets.

Torre dell Orologio. Venice, Italy Diac Light Chandelier. Los Angeles, California

MARCH EQUINOX 2020 page 29 Astrology Day 2020 - We celebrate the HISTORY OF ASTROLOGY

to us as astrologers: the rise of Islam in the seventh century, and a twelfth-century HOW renaissance that saw a blossoming of sci- The fact that ence and astrology in Western Europe. How astrology is even MEDIEVAL are these two issues, five hundred years apart, related, and what has this got to do known about in the EUROPE with astrology? West today is As astrologers, we’re used to being thanks to a lot of REDISCOVERED on the receiving end of scepticism and hostility about our subject on two fronts: groundwork done THE LOST ART from scientists who dismiss astrology as a by Christian, Jewish, “pseudoscience”, and from religious objec- tions that our art is akin to sorcery. The Persian, and Muslim OF ASTROLOGY Catechism of the Catholic Church issued scholars during by Pope John Paul II in 2012 lumps astrol- this neglected ogy in with summoning up Satan and his demons, condemning it completely. medieval period. Contemporary Islamic clerics condemn hat is “history”? astrology in similar terms, saying that Many people astrology is akin to magic and therefore astrological text called Astronomica in W assume it’s some- forbidden. However, it was not always so the form of a poem in the first half of the thing quite objective – a list – and the fact that astrology is even known first century CE and is also considered a of facts and dates about things that have about in the West today, and that we have Hellenistic astrologer, was a Roman citizen happened in the past. History, however, is practising astrologers today, is thanks to and wrote in Latin, although we know little far from objective. The way it is presented, a lot of groundwork done by Christian, about his ethnicity. Hellenistic astrology, which aspects are included and excluded, Jewish, Persian, and Muslim scholars during therefore, was the astrology practised in how the information is slanted – these all this neglected medieval period. This article the Roman Empire, and flourished for depend on the culture Chris Mitchell and will take a look at how astrology almost several centuries until the Roman Empire political system in which we are brought died out in Western Europe in the early became Christian. Many early Christians up. For those of us brought up in the West, medieval period, who the key players were suspicious of astrology, with its pagan the broad sweep of our history for the last were in keeping it alive, and how it was roots. One well-known early objector was 2,000 years is often portrayed along these rediscovered and blossomed in the later the fourth-century scholar St. Augustine lines: the Romans came along a couple medieval period. of Hippo, who had studied and prac- of thousand years ago, civilised us all and tised astrology in his youth, but objected gave us roads, baths, and aqueducts, then to it after converting to Christianity for five hundred years later the Roman Empire Let us begin our story in the Roman being blasphemous. By Augustine’s time, collapsed and we were plunged into the Empire around 1,800 years ago, although the Roman Empire had already split into Dark Ages for a thousand years, until peo- the history of astrology dates back long a Latin-speaking Western empire and ple like Michelangelo came along in the before then. Astrology was alive and well. a Greek-speaking Eastern empire, so in fourteenth century and turned the lights Greek astrologers had adapted earlier ideas the Western empire knowledge of Greek back on and gave us the Renaissance. Not from the Babylonians into a formalised texts, which included many of the texts of much happened in between. That was system we now refer to as “Hellenistic Hellenistic astrology, was already being pretty much the outline I was taught at astrology”, with features recognisable to lost. An even more serious blow for astrolo- primary school, although, being British, any modern astrologer: twelve signs of the gy came in the year 529, when the Eastern they did at least have to give a passing zodiac with familiar names, seven planets Roman Emperor Justinian – a Christian mention to William the Conqueror invad- with attributes still used today, twelve hous- emperor – issued a decree to stamp out ing England in 1066. es, and five aspects. Claudius Ptolemy, heresy, primarily aimed at pagans, Jews, Admittedly, my primary school educa- a Greek living in Alexandria, wrote his and heretics. However, various schools and tion was half a century ago and history astrological text Tetrabiblos in about 150 institutions that taught philosophy, science, teaching has improved since then, but CE, and an astronomical work, Almagest, and astrology were affected too, and many there’s still a perception, even amongst that detailed the necessary calculations astrologers fled east and found refuge in university history undergraduates at my needed to draw up astrological charts. The the court of King Chosrau in Jundishapur university, that the interesting bits of his- Roman Empire had conquered the Greek in Persia. The Persian empire’s religion was tory happened either before the decline of Empire in 146 BCE, but it had been happy Zoroastrianism, which was sympathetic the Roman Empire in the West, or from the to adopt Greek culture wholesale, including to astrology. Renaissance onwards. The bit in the mid- astrology. Ptolemy wrote in Greek, and is For this reason, the Hellenistic astrology dle – loosely called the medieval period – is considered a “Hellenistic” astrologer; how- that had been practised for centuries still quite dark and neglected. And yet this ever, he was living under Roman rule, and declined in the Roman Empire, and with- period saw two developments of immense his forename – Claudius – was a Roman in a century those Greek astrological importance to the modern world, and also name. Marcus Manilius, who wrote an texts could no longer even be read by

page 30 The Career Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine most scholars in the Latin-speaking West. of Christianity, and because it involved that were Persian in origin, such as using The sophisticated horoscopic astrology of computation, it was called “computus”. Early cycles of Jupiter and Saturn to forecast ancient Rome, and the ability to draw up computists included Dionysius Exiguus in long-term mundane events. However, astrological charts, had withered to a small the sixth century, who is mostly famous for about a century after Justinian’s edict, rump of vaguely astrological folklore about being the inventor of the “Anno Domini” a new religion arose in Arabia – Islam. The zodiac signs and planets. system of counting years used all over the armies of Islam conquered vast swathes world today (although he got his calcula- of territory, and within twenty years of tions wrong, so that 1 AD, which should Muhammed’s death, had conquered the The Christian church could not afford have been the year of Christ’s birth, ended formerly mighty Persian Empire. One might to ignore astrology altogether, though, up being after the death of Herod, which expect that a new monotheistic religion because of the defining theme of was historically impossible – since Christ like Islam would have been as hostile to Christianity: the crucifixion of Christ. The can’t have been born “before Christ”, that is astrology as Christianity was (as many Gospels tell conflicting stories regarding why we use CE and BCE today, rather than Islamic scholars are today), and there were the date of the crucifixion, but all Gospel AD and BC), and produced a table of Easter indeed arguments within Islam about the accounts agree that this was on a Friday dates lasting for 95 years. Two centuries acceptability of astrology. The gateway may either on the day of the Jewish festival later, the Venerable Bede wrote a definitive have been the works of Aristotle, which did of Passover, or the day before – early work on computus, settling many argu- not clash with Islam and whose philosophy Christians assumed that the Friday in ques- ments that had arisen, called The Reckoning was broadly accepted, but which also rec- tion was the eve of Passover, namely, the of Time. Bede had an awareness of astrolo- ognised the influence of planets. The utility day before. The Jewish calendar is based gy, and provided methods for calculating of many of the ancient texts proved useful on both the Sun and the Moon. The lunar enough to embrace, despite their pagan aspect is that the first day of any Jewish origins, and by the eighth century there month is when the tiniest sliver of the cres- was an enthusiastic translation movement cent New Moon is visible, which means It was agreed that underway, translating scientific, medical, the fifteenth of any Jewish month is a Full Easter would be the philosophical, and astrological texts from Moon. The solar aspect is that every festival first Sunday after Greek and Persian into Arabic. However, must fall in the correct season, and since despite this, the translators often needed twelve lunar months fall short of a 365-day the first Full Moon to provide a preface defending astrology year by eleven days, every two or three after the spring e against religious arguments, and justifying years an extra lunar month is added to the why they had translated astrological texts. year to keep the seasons lined up correct- quinox, a formula that In addition, many of the translators were ly. Passover always occurs on the fifteenth is still used today. Persian scholars who had not come from an day of the first month of spring, and that Islamic background, and they were an elite month is called Nisan. Thus, Passover in the courts and often treated with distrust always happens at 15 Nisan, and the eve the position of the Sun and the Moon in by Muslim clerics. of Passover would be 14 Nisan. The early the zodiac, but warns his readers against The Islamic Empire continued to grow, Christians argued about the correct date dabbling in astrology itself which he said and at the time that Bede was writing, to commemorate Christ’s crucifixion and was ‘futile and alien to our faith’. it was taking over much of Spain, and resurrection. Some felt it should be com- Bede wrote his work on computus in attacking areas of France. Bede was cer- memorated on the eve of Passover, oth- 725, and his attitude towards astrology tainly aware of these Arab conquests, ers felt that Christians should celebrate the appears to have been just as negative as St. and (despite his suspicion of astrology) resurrection rather than commemorate the Augustine and other early church fathers. referred to the appearance of two comets crucifixion, and that this celebration must Astrology in the West was truly suspect. in 729 as presaging a Muslim attack on be on a Sunday since the Gospel accounts Aquitaine, and their subsequent defeat state that Christ rose from the dead on at Tours in 732. Islamic Spain tolerated the third day, which would have been a What of those astrologers who had fled Christians and Jews, and in 724, John, the Sunday. The latter group won the argu- east to Persia following Justinian’s edict in Bishop of Seville, had the Bible translated ment, and it was agreed that Easter would 529? They had moved to an empire whose into Arabic. Islam continued to grow, and be the first Sunday after the first Full main religion, Zoroastrianism, embraced the eighth-century translation movement Moon after the spring equinox, a formula astrology. Indeed, the Christian story of the meant that works by Ptolemy, Aristotle, and that is still used today. The Christian church Star of Bethlehem has ‘wise men’ coming Plato that had been lost in the West were needs advance notice of Easter, because from the east (that is, Persia) to pay hom- now being made available to Islamic schol- Christians are supposed to observe Lent, age to Christ, and the term used in the ars. In the year 762, the caliph al-Mansur a period of forty days of frugal living original Greek version of the Bible for ‘wise assembled a team of astrologers, includ- before Easter Sunday. This meant being men’ is ‘magous’ (magi), whose meaning is ing the Persian Jew Masha’Allah, to help able to calculate the date of Easter, which usually translated as ‘astrologers’. Many of elect the most auspicious time to lay the involved being able to work with lunar the texts the scholars fleeing the Roman foundation stone of his proposed new and solar cycles and attempt to synchro- Empire had brought with them were trans- capital, Baghdad. nise them. This important task exercised lated into Persian. Astrology continued to The invasion of Spain meant that there the minds of Christians from the early days blossom, and incorporated new concepts was a Western European border between

MARCH EQUINOX 2020 page 31 Astrology Day 2020 - We celebrate the HISTORY OF ASTROLOGY opened the door to the permissibility of in the Bibliothèque nationale de France in studying planetary cycles, and this led to Paris (BNF Lat 7311). Mathesis is a standard a broader acceptance of astrological texts Hellenistic astrology primer, describing the Christian world and the Muslim world, in general. The initial texts were on an signs, houses, aspects, forecasting the and so despite the obvious hostility Arabic astronomical instrument called an length of life, planets, and numerous other between Christianity and Islam, there were astrolabe, which was a portable device techniques, and then gives interpretations contacts, too. Charlemagne, crowned Holy with numerous uses. The astrolabe was for various placements. For example, it Roman Emperor in 800, visited a Muslim effectively a map of the sky, and could tells us that Mercury in the third house is caliph and was delighted to receive a water be used for navigation, astronomy, time- a good placement for priests, magicians, clock from him, and Alcuin of York, who keeping, and drawing up houses on an healers, and astrologers. Crucially, though, worked at Charlemagne’s court, describes astrological chart. A complex series of it does not give the details on how to cal- a discussion between a Spanish bishop engraved rotating brass plates allowed the culate planetary positions, presuming that and a “Saracen” (Muslim), demonstrating user to read off the Ascendant and house the reader already knows how to do this. an early interest in Islam from Christians. cusps, provided they knew the altitude of Alchandreana is a little more mysterious. It In Byzantium (the Eastern Roman Empire), the Sun above the horizon (which could is a compilation of astrological and astro- knowledge of Greek had never been lost, be done visually, by holding the astrolabe nomical material of Arabic origin, and the and there were early contacts between by one’s face and moving a metal arm on Latin manuscript was only discovered in Baghdad and Constantinople. Stephanus the instrument up to measure the angle of 1931 in Barcelona. This text does give some the Philosopher, a student of the caliph’s the Sun), and the position of the Sun in the details on calculating planetary positions, astrologer, moved to Constantinople, and zodiac (a table engraved on the back plate but these are not based on astronomy, but Leo the Mathematician went to Baghdad gave dates of the Sun’s ingress into each on numerological procedures based on a from Byzantium to translate Greek texts. sign). (See images below.) By the elev- person’s name – so, of course, yield results Astrology in the West took a leap for- enth century, two specifically astrological that have no relation to actual planetary ward in the tenth century, when the bril- texts were available in Latin translation: positions. One section does give something liant Christian scholar Gerbert d’Aurillac the Mathesis of Firmicus Maternus, and akin to a real-life calculation, but still gives became Pope Sylvester II in 999. He was a the Alchandreana. Firmicus Maternus was meaningless results; for example, to calcu- keen scholar of astrological texts, and leg- a fourth-century Hellenistic astrologer, and late the position of Saturn, one takes the end has it that he even studied in Muslim the Latin translation of his text was cop- number of years since the creation of the Córdoba. He apparently requested copies ied widely – an eleventh-century copy is world, and divides by thirty since it takes of astrological texts from Islamic Spain, and thirty years for Saturn to make a complete there were diplomatic contacts between circuit of the zodiac. This, of course, will not the king of Leon in the Christian part of A complex series of work since Saturn does not take exactly Spain and the caliph in Islamic Andalusia. thirty years to make a revolution, and so the The relationship between computus and engraved rotating values will never be correct – even assum- astrology was reinforced by the fact that brass plates allowed ing one knew the position of the planets at it was the same scholars working in both the putative creation of the world. fields. In particular, Lotharingia – the area an astrolabe user of Europe that now comprises Alsace and to read off the Lorraine on the French-German border Ascendant and house Let us review the state of astrology in – seemed to have a particular interest in the eleventh-century in the West, by pre- astrological texts, and there were many cusps, provided they tending that we are English astrologers. We links between this region and the West knew the altitude have access to some interesting astrologi- Country of England. Computus, then, of the Sun above the cal texts that have just arrived in Christian Europe, and the very latest equivalent of horizonon and the a smartphone – a shiny new astrolabe. position of the Sun Not only that, we have an event that has recently taken place that is probably going in the zodiac. to be astrologically significant, and the sort of thing a budding astrologer would be itching to draw up a chart for; the end of the Saxon kingdoms in England with the coronation of William I, known as William the Conqueror. This took place at noon on Christmas Day in 1066. Using the table engraved on our astro- labe, we, the English astrologers of the time, can see that the Sun moves into Capricorn on 16 December each year (these are old style dates in the Julian calendar), so on 25 December, the Sun is at about 9 An Astrolable (left), Using an Astrolable (above) degrees of Capricorn. The astrolabe would

page 32 The Career Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine astrology charts. The Arabic word for these planetary tables was “Zij”. In the twelfth century, the prior of Malvern, a man by the name of Walcher, collaborated with a Jewish convert to Christianity, Petrus Alfonsi, on a transla- tion of al-Khwarizmi’s astronomical tables. Alfonsi’s patron was none other than the William the English king Henry I, who took a keen inter- Conqueror Coronation est in fostering the study of astronomy both in his court and at the Cathedral School in Hereford, on the English/Welsh border. A younger contemporary of Walcher and Alfonsi was Adelard of Bath. While Walcher needed the help of Alfonsi, who spoke Arabic (Arabic was the day to day language of Jews brought up the Islamic world, and Alfonsi was born in Islamic Spain), Adelard travelled widely, and learned Arabic him- then allow us to draw up all the house information is useless. Firmicus Maternus self. Having done this, he translated a num- cusps of the chart. The astrolabe doesn’t assumed his readers knew how to calculate ber of Arabic astrological texts into Latin, tell us any more than that, but since texts planetary positions, because the knowl- including Abu Ma’shar’s Abbreviation to on computus have been available to us edge was known to Hellenistic astrologers the Introduction. He also left to posteri- eleventh-century astrologers for centuries, and is described in detail in Ptolemy’s ty a number of , probably for we work out where the Moon would be too Almagest; however, that information had king Henry II, whom Adelard had tutored in this chart: it’s actually the last degree of now been lost. in the king’s youth. The twelfth centu- Pisces. We may have a rough idea where However, all that was about to change. ry saw an explosion in the amount of Saturn and Jupiter are too, simply by obser- The astrolabe opened the door to the per- Arabic texts being translated. Partly this vation. Jupiter moves a sign a year, roughly, missible study of Arabic science. From an was down to the fact that Toledo, near and Saturn takes two and a half years to astrologer’s point of view, this opened an modern-day Madrid, which had been a go through a sign. We can’t work it out to entire treasure trove. The person depict- major centre of Islamic learning, returned the degree, but we can be fairly sure that ed in a statue (below right) holding an to Christian hands in 1085 and became a Saturn and Jupiter would have been in astrolabe is al-Khwarizmi, a ninth-century major translation centre. As a result of this, Virgo, simply by looking in the night sky Persian scholar and polymath. His great Latin-speaking scholars travelled to plac- and seeing where they are right now, and work on mathematics, Kitab al-Jabr solved es like Toledo, and numerous works were working backwards a few weeks or months quadratic equations, and is where we the translated from Arabic into Latin – a blos- to the coronation. By the same visual meth- word “algebra” derives. His name was tran- soming of knowledge often referred to as od, we might be able to have a reasonable scribed into Latin as Algorismus, which is the “twelfth-century renaissance”. These guess at the position of Venus too, espe- where we get the word “algorithm” from. texts covered a range of subjects, such as cially if we’d made regular observations One of his many achievements was the cre- medicine and philosophy, but also a large and noticed the regular repeating pattern ation of planetary tables – that missing link number were astrological texts. We saw – again, we get the sign, but probably not that Western scholars needed to draw up earlier that after Justinian’s edict, some the degree. This, then, is the chart that we scholars fled east into Persia, taking their can draw up. (see chart, above right.) We can’t delineate this very well. We have only a vague idea where Mercury may be, since he’s never that far from the Sun, so will be in Sagittarius, Capricorn or Aquarius. One of al-Khwarizmi’s As for Mars, the ruler of this chart, that’s a many achievements lost cause unless someone happened to was the creation of look up at the night sky on the evening of the coronation and was able to spot Mars planetary tables – to give at least a rough idea. This is incred- that missing link ibly frustrating for us early astrologers. We have a copy of Mathesis so we know that Western that Mercury in the third house is a good scholars needed placement for astrologers and healers, but to draw up to discover which house your Mercury is in, you need to be able to calculate both astrology charts. Al Khwarizimi the Ascendant of your natal chart, and the position of Mercury – without this, the

MARCH EQUINOX 2020 page 33 Astrology Day 2020 - We celebrate the HISTORY OF ASTROLOGY on various techniques from different Arabic As a result of sources. This textbook focused on what we Hellenistic texts with them, and that after would now call horary astrology. His teach- the rise of Islam, these texts were trans- the huge ing methods shine through in the book; the lated into Arabic. Some of these “Arabic” twelfth-century Arabic texts on which Roger drew, such as texts that the twelfth-century Christian Sahl’s On Questions, are very repetitive. For scholars were translating into Latin were translation example, if a horary question were asked actually Hellenistic in origin – for example, movement, the about whether a planned journey would John of Seville, a most prolific translator, Hellenistic techniques work out well, the astrologer might consult translated works by Ptolemy, and Gerard Sahl’s book, and find a suitable heading in of Cremona translated several works by used and developed the section on ninth house questions. This Aristotle. Other astrological texts, although in Europe that had paragraph would tell you to look at the lord written originally by Arabic authors, nev- of the Ascendant and the Moon, and the ertheless were works that drew heavily on been lost were lord of the ninth sign, and then gives a long the techniques of Hellenistic astrologers rediscovered, and list of possible conditions and outcomes. such as Vettius Valens and Dorotheus of found their Roger, on the other hand, starts off very Sidon – Abu Ma’shar’s masterpiece, Great simply. He states that the person asking Introduction to the Science of the Stars, and way home. the question is the “querent”, and the thing al-Qabisi’s Introduction to Astrology are being asked about is the “matter”, and any replete with such examples. As a result of Hereford in the late eleventh centu- matter will be represented by a house. of this huge twelfth-century translation ry, Robert of Losinga, had an interest Rather than a long list of possible ques- movement, the Hellenistic techniques used in computus and natural science, and a tions, he gives us the basic principle – the and developed in Europe that had been subsequent bishop, Gerard, had studied querent is represented by the planet ruling lost were rediscovered, and found their way astrology. Gerard was promoted to arch- the Ascendant, and the Moon, and the mat- home. Horoscopic astrology, as practised bishop of York in 1100, and apparently his ter is represented by the planet ruling the in the Roman Empire and then later in the interest in astrology, which was considered relevant house. If a planet representing the Islamic world, was now once again possi- quite natural in Hereford, was a cause of matter is making an aspect to the Moon or ble. The combination of “how to” astrology scandal in the much more theology-orient- the ruler of the Ascendant, then it’s a good texts and methods of calculating planetary ed York. Indeed, on his death, the canons outcome. It’s a nice simple rule. Then he positions meant that astrologers could discovered an astrology book under his pil- goes on to tell his students what to do if now cast accurate charts. At long last, they low, and refused him burial in York Minster. the planets aren’t making an aspect, and could work out whether Mercury was in This story shows the tensions that have conditions that make a particular planet their third house, or where Mars was when always been present in Christianity regard- unusable, building up the rules slowly and William the Conqueror was crowned. ing astrology. As we saw, studying the gradually so the student isn’t overwhelmed. These newly-translated astrological texts motion of planets was an important ele- Roger’s book, then, gives us an insight into were not merely an intellectual curiosi- ment of calculating Easter, and so essen- how astrology was received and taught ty used only by a handful of astrologers, tial to Christianity, but it also carried the immediately after Arabic astrological texts however. The techniques were initially suspicion of dabbling in magic, which the were made known in Christian Europe. His taught in schools, and then in univer- Church did not approve of. Whatever the teaching methods don’t seem that different sities when they came into existence a official view of the Church may have said, to the way astrology is taught today. century later. In the twelfth century, the the translation of numerous astrological Unfortunately, we don’t know much main centres of learning in the West were works opened the floodgates, and made about the way astrology was taught after cathedral schools. Using English schools astrology accessible once more. as an example, cathedral churches were Despite the canons at York being suspi- divided into two categories: monastic, cious of astrology, it was enthusiastically Roger of Hereford associated with an order of monks, and taught at the Cathedral School in Hereford, secular; the term “secular” did not have by the late twelfth century scholar Roger compiled a textbook the connotations of atheism that it does of Hereford. Roger was not, as far as we for teaching today, but simply meant that the church know, a translator of Arabic texts, but he was run by lay people rather than monks. had read the newly-translated texts and astrology to his The secular cathedrals in England devel- taught them to his students, and compiled students, drawing on oped schools that taught a broader range them into an astrology textbook, claiming various techniques of topics than the monastic schools, which to be the first person to do so. This is not focused on purely religious teaching. These an outrageous claim – the texts themselves from different secular cathedral schools taught the “qua- were new to the Christian world, and were Arabic sources. This drivium” of arithmetic, geometry, music, very wordy. Abu Ma’shar’s Introduction, and astronomy/astrology, although the for example, is more a reference work for textbook focused on emphasis in each school differed. Hereford people already familiar with astrology. what we would now Cathedral School, for example, specialised What Roger did was compile a textbook for call horary astrology. in astrology, probably because the Bishop teaching astrology to his students, drawing

page 34 The Career Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine the twelfth century. The cathedral schools whether they used his textbook to teach, subject was being taught in great detail to were the precursors of universities, but we remain unanswered. young schoolchildren. know little about the curricula of the earli- What we do know is that students est universities – we cannot reconstruct the tended to start at Oxford University at NOTE curriculum for Oxford until the fourteenth the age of fourteen in the thirteenth cen- Much of the information in this article is condensed from my PhD thesis, which is available freely online century, so as universities started to replace tury, and undertook a seven-year course at the Leicester Research Archive: https://doi. cathedral schools as the main centres of of study – this is a much lower starting org/10.25392/leicester.data.11793636 learning just a few decades after Roger age than we have today, where students wrote his textbook, we don’t know what generally start university when they Chris Mitchell has had a life-long interest in astrol- texts were being taught, although astrol- are eighteen. It is very likely, therefore, ogy, and has a PhD from the University of Leicester, analysing the first textbook on astrology ever writ- ogy certainly was certainly being taught that the students in Hereford Cathedral ten in England in the 1170s. He is a tutor on the at universities up until the seventeenth School would have been boys in their Cultural Astronomy and Astrology course run by the century. Roger’s textbook was certainly early teens. I find it a delightful thought Sophia Centre at the University of Wales Trinity Saint copied widely across England over the next that astrology, which in Europe had floun- David. Chris is a Board Member of the Astrological three centuries, implying it was considered dered in the doldrums for centuries as Association, and is a regular speaker at a number of astrology groups and conferences worldwide. useful, but questions regarding who his a result of losing the art of chart calcu- students were, whether some of them went lation, suddenly blossomed again two R on to teach at the new universities, and centuries before the Renaissance, and the

such as the Neoplatonism, the Church, and by the four seasons exactly on the time of The HISTORY of the Reformation, and therefore reached Solstice. The format of the Runes consists of Scandinavia as its last stop in Europe. a wheel pattern (see picture). However, records tell something different… The more recent version of the Rune ASTROLOGY in alphabet has 12 major signs, and even though it’s not an exact copy of the zodiac, Around 1342, the Plague reached the the similarities can be noted. In the ancient SCANDINAVIA coastline of Norway and spread across the country killing approximately a third of the population. When studying the Challenging the belief notes of this time, we find an unexpected that astrology came quote about an unfortunate placement to the North in the heavens leading to this disaster — he history of more specifically that the conjunction of European countries Astrology in the the planets Mars, Saturn, and Jupiter in via the Renaissance, T northern countries Aquarius on the 24th of March 1345 was can really be found in its the reason for this outbreak, accompanied we need to consider absence. It has barely been researched. by a fateful Lunar eclipse on March 18. We the ancient Nordic To be able to understand the history of realize that astrology was well-practiced, alphabet, the Runes. Scandinavia it’s important to go back to the even though a Swedish law forbade it epics. A National epic is a written work that around the 1300s. Olaus Magnus (1490- captures the essence or spirit of a country. 1557), a Swedish writer in the 1400s, tells us They usually also describe a nation’s specif- about the ancient folk gods of Sweden and ic cultural beliefs in old times. People living mentions that there were also temple plac- in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland or es worshipping Ceres (the Good Mother) Finland had a strong belief in their own and Diana. How exactly these were con- nature gods, such as Tor, Odin, and Freja, nected to astrology remains unclear. or as in Finland in Ahti, Ilmari or Tapio. The national epics such as the Icelandic Sagas, Eriksgatan, Eddan, or Kalevala, Challenging the belief that astrology contain information about how watching came to the North European countries via the stars has been a quite natural part of the Renaissance, we need to consider the life, especially concerning health matters ancient nordic alphabet, the Runes. This is and foresight. our Nordic answer to ancient texts, and it However, it seems to me that Astrology has been researched for hundreds of years. followed the other streams of philosophies, This alphabet consists of 24 letters divided

MARCH EQUINOX 2020 page 35 Astrology Day 2020 - We celebrate the HISTORY OF ASTROLOGY

information about people’s (kings) lives at that time, and their interest in the stars and Nordic text Eddan, we can also find a type While studying especially the Moon’s position. An anony- of zodiac system. Eddan is a collection of in Germany, Finland’s mous Swedish writer already commented texts that have been written in parts of on astrology in the early 14th century, long Norway and Iceland between 800-1000. Sigrid Forsius before astrological texts had arrived and It might be as the Danish astrologer published the first been translated from German. Claus Houlberg said, that the art we today Almanac containing Another important book published in call astrology came to the north with the 1508 was influential in Swedish, a sort of Renaissance, and yet, there were already Prognosticum almanac that was used by farmers. The several practices and signs in the National Astrologicum that book was called Bondepraktikan and was epics and other old texts, pointing to an released in Germany and translated into established knowledge and interest in the led him into conflicts Swedish, reaching the country by the interpretation of star patterns. with both the 1600s. This book was widely used as a daily tool for living according to the sky and the Church and the planetary positions. This book is actually FINLAND and SWEDEN contemporary still in print and is one of the first books I Little is written about the astrological researchers. read about astrology as a child. practices in Finland during the Middle Ages For a few hundred years, from the since it was a part of Sweden. Without its 18th to 19th century, astrology operated own written language far into the 18th underground in Sweden. It was practiced During his lifetime Forsius was two times century, all folklores were oral until written in closed groups, in subcultures or secret granted a professorship at the University down as a part of the National Romantic orders. Sweden published its first book of Uppsala in Sweden. In between, he was era before the Russian revolution. on astrology Stjernornas Profetior in the jailed twice, went to Lappland on explo- The Finnish ancient gods Ahti (water), year 1872. ration trips, wrote many texts and books Ilmarinen (air), Tapio (forest), Lohiatar The Danish Astrologer Claus Houlberg on physics, almanacs, and astrological (goddess of death) show similarities with dates the astrology coming to Denmark forecasts. He was seen laying on the cold the other Nordic god figures: Tor, Oden, during the late 14th century (see source ground for hours and hours with a book on Freja. The Finnish people lived the longest below), as a part of the beginning of the top, just staring at the sky... coming across in relative isolation from the influence of Renaissance. At the same time, he states as somewhat an odd character. His writings Scandinavia due to their diverse language. that there wasn’t much information about were highly recognized in several countries, Mikael Agricola, a Finnish bishop and this subject in history. A lot of knowl- and received many reactions. reformer who studied for Luther, wrote the edge naturally passed from Germany to After a disputation in Sweden in 1617 first Finnish book in 1543. He showed inter- Denmark. called Ethica Christiane, astrology was seen est in culture and collected it in texts that Tycho Brahe was a world-known noble as Magica Illicita (forbidden magic) and the also contained astrological references. Even Danish astronomer and astrologer who had art found critics that were directly given as a man of God his prayer book was illus- a significant influence through his estab- to King Gustav II, changing the climate. trated with an astrological calendar. The lishment of the first observatory on the Another professor, Stenius, simultaneously oldest texts are only available in Swedish or Island of Hven about 1576. It was called published The Tract Against Astrology and Latin as Finland was a part of Sweden until Uraniaborg and contained instruments 1809. Notwithstanding, Finland was known Forsius was no longer in the favour of the for having an important astronomer and king. This led to a hunt on astrology, (even astrologer named Forsius. though Sweden was a relatively friendlier Sigrid Forsius had an extraordinary and zone in this regard than Great Britain at Bondepraktikan, that time). Accusations of devil-worship turbulent life. While studying in Germany released in Germany he published the first Almanac contain- led to persecution, peaking in Sweden and ing Prognosticum Astrologicum that led Finland in the middle 1600s. This was a and translated into him into conflicts with both the Church reaction to the book Hammer for Witches Swedish, reached and the contemporary researchers. He – Malleus Maleficarum (1487). Forsius was was also said to have a bit of a temper expelled from Uppsala University and went the country by the and was often involved in conflicts. After back to southern Finland where he spent 1600s. This book was the rest of his life as a priest. He has a small standing trial he was sentenced to jail widely used as a in Sweden. Then he published the Great star named after him. Prognostication in 1617, which contained daily tool for living the basic knowledge of how changes on SWEDEN according to the Earth are influenced by the heavenly bod- Sweden had a publication called ies. Parts of his writings were also included Eriksgatan that may compare to the Finnish sky and the in the Farmers Almanac that widely spread National epic Kalevala. This was a story of planetary positions through Scandinavia. King Magnus Erikssons’s life and adventures (1335), but it also contains other important

page 36 The Career Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine Niloe, En liten bok som kallas Bonde Praktika for observations that Brahe developed. (1875) Unfortunately, nothing remains of the Claus Hallberg, Dansk Astrologis Historie (2019) building today. This began with him receiv- The first full text Karlsson, Ulvros & Zander, Historieforskning på ing a request from the emperor of Prag defending astrology nya vägar (2006) to list the most unlucky days of the year, in Norway was Kiiskinen (aik. Pursiainen), T.: Sigfridus Aronus so the emperor would be prepared. These Forsius (noin 1560–1624), astrologi, kirjailija, kirk- were later included in the almanac for published in 1583 by koherra. Teoksessa: Suomen kansallisbiografia farmers ”Bondepraktikan” to look out for. Jens Nilsson, 3, Forsblom – Hirn. Suomalaisen Kirjallisuuden There were 33 unlucky days of the year, Seura. Hämeenlinna (2004) most of them usually being in January. In Epideigma. In this Eskil Rasmusen, Astologins Udvicklingshistoria – 1572 a new star was seen in the sky, and book, he states that Fra Babylon til den sorte död (2008) this made people very interested yet afraid Uusisuomi- Suomen Tulevaisuus- parhaimmat of what it could mean. It engendered the- there are 1022 fixed ennustukset (2019) ories about the apocalypse or a terrible stars and describes Writings of Gothus Aurentius Paulinus 1617 disease. Brahe also studied this star and conjunctions Hökberg Thea, Stockholms Tidning 1836 article published his first article on it, however, Runorna he did not have an explanation. Later, in between planets Håkan Håkansson, Profeten Tycho Brahe. Astrologi his De Nova Stella, he followed Kepler’s causing storms and och apokalyps i 1500-talets naturvetenskap supernova that was visible for almost a https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tycho_Brahe year 1604-05. Brahe is without a doubt the climate changes. most famous astrologer in the history of https://finland.fi/arts-culture/kalevala-the-finn- ish-national-epic/ the northern countries. Denmark, we know that there were astro- logical discussions going on already in the http://www.astrologi-vintergatan.com/gansten- print.htm NORWAY 13th century. The first full text defending Norway was fortunate to be connected astrology in Norway was published in 1583 https://sv.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ydalir to the folklores of Iceland, adding a lot of by Jens Nilsson, Epideigma. In this book, he https://web.archive.org/web/20040803003750/ interesting material through the nation- states that there are 1022 fixed stars and http://sunsite.berkeley.edu/OMACL/Heimskringla/ al epos of Eddan as well as the Havamal, describes conjunctions between planets Heimskringla, or the Icelandic Sagas. causing storms and climate changes. PICTURE SOURCES During the 1300s Norway was also a part of Sweden, and with a large coast, the sea- Astrology was challenged in the North Runes: The Elder Futhark was discovered in farers were usually familiar with the stars in European countries, sometimes being Gotland, Sweden, inscribed on the Kylver Stone, and dates back to 400 AD. the sky that were used as navigation tools. venerated and other times banned. Today, There’s no doubt that these influences also all of the Nordic countries have their own The chart of Tyko Brahe: Astro.com born 14.12.1546 10.47 Knutstorp, Denmark had an important impact on the Swedish astrological communities: Finland has two historical development. Astrology is men- astrological organizations (the oldest one Picture of Anne: by Elise Baumann tioned in folklore and can be seen through in Scandinavia still active was founded sagas and tales. Norway was the country 1962) and a newspaper Astrologos. Sweden Anne Sundell is a Finnish astrologer. She holds a to be the first exposed to the plague in has an actively growing community and Masters Degree in Developmental Psychology and 1349 to which the unfortunate star con- their first community was founded in 1910! a Diploma from the Mercury Internet School of (MISPA). Right now she´s stellation was referred to. And as in the Denmark has organizations as well as a specializing in Relationship Astrology. She´s also countries above, astrology was a means newspaper and the world’s first astrological a published author and lecturer. Anne Sundell is to help in times of sickness and crisis, with museum. And Norway has a state-funded OPA’s Finland Satellite knowledge preceding the Renaissance. In fully operational astrological educational R the almanacs of this time, a picture called system! The astrology of the anatomic man showed So astrology made it through its rocky which parts of the body were ruled by history, or maybe the Scandinavians just which star sign. took their medieval Queen Christina’s Author Gina Dahl states that there was advice: “You better know your astrology definitely an interest in astrology in Norway and medicine, so that they can´t fool you”. Photo Credits from p. 3 in the Middle Ages, but due to a lack of Warren Buffet: Mark Hirschey / CC BY-SA 2.0 an organized academic society, the traces Bill Gates: World Economic Forum from Cologny, Switzerland / CC BY-SA 2.0 of the oldest forms of astrological interest REFERENCES Nelson Mandela: Kingkongphoto @ www.celebri- can only be found in literature concerning Bogdan, Hammer, Western Esotericism in ty-photos.com from Laurel Maryland, USA / CC BY-SA 2.0 omens, predictions based on the art and Scandinavia (2016) Rupert Murdoch: David Shankbone / CC BY 3.0 the heavenly bodies effects on the peo- Martin Kjellgren, Timing The Prophets – Astrology, Bank of England: Katie Chan / CC BY-SA 3.0 ple. There is evidence of a strong interest Orthodoxy and the World of God in Early Modern Jim Jones: Nancy Wong / CC BY-SA 4.0 especially in the Moon´s travel through Sweden (2015) Vladimir Lenin Wwamirhosseinww / CC BY-SA 4.0 the zodiac. However, no calculated horo- Mick Jagger: Marcel Antonisse / Anefo / CC0 scopes are preserved from this time. In

MARCH EQUINOX 2020 page 37 Astrology Day 2020 - We celebrate the HISTORY OF ASTROLOGY

ASTROLEARN the largest Astrology Library

Interview with PHILIP GR AVES

Can you introduce us - What is wanted to populate it with well-researched Astrolearn Astrology Library? articles on the basics of astrology, which effectively required me to extend the range Astrolearn Astrology Library is an archi- of astrological sources I had on hand. By val and reference library, now comprising the time I’d finished writing those articles some 7800 unique edition-volumes of in the Spring of 2004, the collection had discrete books and pamphlets, and addi- increased in size to 300 books from 60 less tionally 12,000 issues of more than 340 than three years previously. magazine and almanac titles, all of which That same Spring, the parts of my extend- are either directly or indirectly connected ed article on the significations of the planets to ensure that this would be done accurately with astrology and its history. The indirect that dealt with Uranus, Neptune and Pluto was to directly inspect copies. ones would include sources on the history were accepted by Deborah Houlding for par- During the summer of 2004, I had moved of astronomy that help to inform the histo- allel publication on her fledgling traditional out to Sweden to be with my partner of the ry of astrology, biographies of astrologers community Skyscript. I became increasingly time (from whom I would eventually sepa- who also had other strings to their bows, rate in 2010). At the risk of being accused of esoteric works and books on psychology false generalization, I would venture to sug- that incorporate astrological ideas or have gest that in my personal experience from influenced astrologers, and cultural histo- The establishment living there for 12 years, Sweden is largely a ries that include but are not limited to the of a comprehensive, country of practical people who are mostly place of astrology. somewhat skeptical about astrology or sim- The library is currently located in the up-to-date ply don’t regard it as normal enough to be small city of Newport, South Wales. Its bibliography of a good fit for the prevailing Swedish cultur- exact address is being kept secret for rea- al concept of ‘lagom’ (essentially meaning sons of security because there is no budget astrology is not the moderate in a way that is ‘just right’ or ‘just for dedicated security provisions, but any only end-goal, enough’). A few basic English-language bona fide astrologer or scholar of astrology however. Every astrological primers have been translated may apply to visit it personally on condi- into Swedish, but there is very little in the tion of not divulging the address to others additional source way of native Swedish astrological pub- or posting it online or in print. acquired feels like a lishing, and what little there is appears to The library has been under intensive and be very elementary. Whatever the reasons concerted ongoing development since piece in an historical may be, Sweden’s astrological community 2001, at which point in time it was nothing jigsaw-puzzle. does seem to be one of the smallest among more than my personal collection of the those of all European countries per head of sixty to seventy astrology books I’d gath- population. There was no realistic chance ered while studying astrology since the involved in the forums there over the rest of finding the resources I needed to under- summer of 1995. of the decade and found myself heavily take this bibliographical project in Swedish motivated to collect all sources on tradition- libraries. So I set about enlarging my own We often create things out of a al astrology that could be obtained. But I collection further with the required source vacuum, what motivated you to also had a sense that astrology had lacked material, at a time when I reasonably create this project? What are its a decent, up-to-date bibliographical refer- expected to spend the rest of my life there. purposes? ence work covering the more than 90 years The establishment of a comprehensive, Getting involved in the online astrology since the publication of F. Leigh Gardner’s up-to-date bibliography of astrology is not community starting in the summer of 2001 Bibliotheca Astrologica in 1911, and that the only end-goal, however. Every addi- was a significant motivator. For the first those online astrology booklists that were tional source acquired feels like a piece in few years, that was chiefly on the Microsoft available at a small number of websites an historical jigsaw-puzzle, because every Network, where I was given a major role were patchy and incomplete. There seemed work that has been published, indeed every in the development of a community web- to be a case for a website that would cata- serious magazine article that has been pub- site called Horoscopeschat by its founding logue the modern literature of astrology as lished, and that breaks new ground in the manager from Los Angeles, and therefore exhaustively as possible, and the only way astrological techniques or interpretations

page 38 The Career Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine that it puts forward, adds to the under- approaches, and my Mars and Saturn in Urban legend has it that it is one of standing of how astrological practice has Gemini like words and variety but with a the most complete archival projects developed and been transmitted through measure of discipline instilled to them! in Astrology – can you list some of the generations. This is fascinating to study, Aside from the idiosyncracies of my per- the items that you are particularly and it’s also always interesting to encounter sonality, I would have to acknowledge that it proud to have in the library? unique perspectives along the way. was very helpful to receive my modest share It’s heartening to learn that the project From collecting more sources, one also of a couple of inheritances from my respec- is becoming the subject of urban legend in gets a sense for how astrological ideas have tive grandmothers during the mid-late some quarters! I have strived for complete- flowed between countries where different 2000s, since without those I would probably ness in a number of respects: school of languages are spoken, including in the never have had the confidence to branch astrological thinking (both traditional and modern-day, where, for example, the pop- out far beyond the late 20th century and modern astrological sources are, by design, ularity of astrology took off almost simulta- early 21st century books and reprints that equally well-represented), language of ori- neously in France, Belgium, Germany, and were the lot of my collection until 2004, into gin (from Akkadian through ancient Greek, the Netherlands in the early 20th century. the acquisition of originals from the 16th to Latin, Arabic, Hebrew and Sanskrit through And there was plenty of exchange of both 19th centuries and academic history books to English, French, German, Dutch, Spanish ideas and texts between the astrologers priced upwards of $100 each. and Italian), and approach to the subject in these countries and those in the United Although the inherited money invested (with both works designed for the practis- Kingdom and even the United States, facili- in the collection had run out by the early ing astrologer or student of astrology and tated by a combination of mail order, trans- 2010s, my motivation to develop it further academic works discussing astrology as an lation, the organization of international had not dissipated with it, so I have lived historical and cultural phenomenon equal- conferences, and personal correspondence an extremely frugal life since then in order ly included). and camaraderie among astrologers in dif- to set aside as much as possible of my The items I’m most proud of are probably ferent countries. income for further acquisitions. My frugal the scarcest primary sources. These would ways have included opting out of alcoholic typically include astrological journals of What did it take to create the drinks, television, mobile phone contracts, the 19th and early-mid 20th centuries, project – in addition to a good vehicle ownership, going out to pubs and whose survival rates are much lower than amount of Virgo in your chart! clubs, dating, attending astrological confer- those of printed books. The library also ences, and even leading any kind of active Astrologers have often surmised that includes a small number of exceedingly social life except for online (which is free of Virgo must be prominent in my birth chart, scarce typescripts by some astrologers, charge). It is not a lifestyle I’d recommend and it’s an understandable guess, but in notably Alexander Ruperti, Maurice Privat to anyone, but it has allowed the continu- fact Virgo is one of three signs (alongside and Catherine Thompson; some unique ing development of the library for the past Leo and Scorpio) in which I have no lumi- correspondence between leading German ten years in spite of the absence of any naries, planets, lunar nodes or angles. I astrologers of the mid-20th century; and bulk funding during that time. There may tend to think that my natal Mercury con- one unique manuscript book by an unsung come a time when the library has reached junct Jupiter in Pisces needs to be held to early 20th century American author. a sufficient state of development that it account, because it is ever-reaching for the expansion of knowledge, in an absorp- feels appropriate to reduce expenditure on its development and lead a more normal Can you give an idea of the scope tive, boundless fashion. At the same time, – what is the most ancient, most my Moon in Taurus appreciates physi- life in other respects, but I don’t think it has reached that state quite yet. recent piece in the library? Are all cal objects and steady, methodological the items in English or multiple languages? The most ancient piece is a 1553 printing of ‘De Diebus Decretoriis Libri Tres’ (‘three books about the critical days’), a miniature vellum-bound book on medical astrology credited to the ancient physician Galen. The most recent (aside from subscription mag- azines) is Alexander Boxer’s ‘A Scheme of Heaven: Astrology and the Birth of Science’, published in early 2020. The collection as a whole is strongest in the 20th century, but I’m currently under- taking a drive to bring it up to date with modern titles of the early 21st that were previously sidelined in favour of other col- lecting priorities. I don’t have up-to-date figures to hand for the quantities of earlier books, but in December 2012, when I last conducted an audit by date of publication, the library contained 11 volumes printed

MARCH EQUINOX 2020 page 39 Astrology Day 2020 - We celebrate the HISTORY OF ASTROLOGY

In the Future… bearing in mind, however, that the over- Interview with PHILIP GR AVES If in the future the international astro- whelming majority of sources in the library in the 16th century, 35 in the 17th, 19 in logical community were to assess that the remains copyright-protected, so such the 18th, and 154 in the 19th, excluding library was worth funding, I could potential- remotely-accessible digital resources, while journals, almanacs and all later reprints. The ly become a full-time librarian and historical useful, will be no substitute for a visit to the 19th century figure has probably increased researcher spending my days writing essays physical library for most research purposes. significantly more than those for earlier on different historical topics and supervising centuries since then. visits by others. In those circumstances, vis- Our current issue reflects on the While English is by far the most prevalent its would become possible at virtually any History of Astrology as part of language among all the printed sources in time. I think for that stage to be reached, “Astrology Day” celebration on the library, there’s an entire bookcase filled more senior astrologers will need to visit the this Equinox – what do you feel with modern scholarly editions of sources library to see its potential for themselves, was the most important peri- in ancient and medieval languages (some and there would need to be a collective od(s) in Astrology’s development? of them also including English translations sense that it was something worth funding I would like to think that the Hellenistic of the same texts), and there are seven for the wider benefit of the community. In period was the most important period bookcases filled with German works and the meantime, I’ll keep on working to fund to date in the development of astrology almost even bookcases filled with French its maintenance by myself. because of its introduction of the horoscop- works. Additionally, there is a small number However, in the long run I feel it’s ic astrological system that nearly all western of original printings from the 16th and 17th imperative that I work with the British astrologers use to this day. This said, what centuries in Renaissance Latin. and international astrological communi- we know of Hellenistic astrology from the ties to ensure the survival, maintenance texts that survive serves as little more than How can astrology students and continuing productive use of the a rough foundation for the practice of make optimal use of the library? library beyond my lifetime, regardless of most working astrologers of the early 21st What I would recommend is that stu- how much or how little financial support it century; many refinements of technique dents make a plan for which books they may receive for the remainder of my work- and subtleties of interpretation have been wish to consult before their visit and send ing life. It would be to the detriment of added by medieval, Renaissance and mod- me a list so I can find them before they future astrological research and scholarship ern astrologers since ancient times; and the arrive. The entire collection is catalogued, if the library were to be allowed to die with integration of the modern understanding of and the offline catalogue is mirrored in an me and its contents dissipated through a psychology into astrological interpretation online one whose component parts are local auction-house. during and since the 20th century has been accessible from the links at www.astrolearn. Many of the English-language texts print- a very significant development by itself, com/astrology-bibliography. The whole ed before 1895, as well as the whole run radically changing the focus of astrological website is also searchable, so for instance of ‘Modern Astrology’ magazine, have also practice for those who follow this path. you can look up keywords of relevance to been scanned and are available for sale on Though some purist traditional astrolo- what you are trying to research in the search digital media on demand. A possible future gers may balk at the very suggestion, I think box. You can also let me know which topics project would be to additionally scan all it is fair to say that it is only reasonable to in particular you want to research, since the other out-of-copyright texts in the library expect the interpretative side of astrolo- chances are I’ll already have an idea of sourc- and make them remotely available via an gy to adapt itself to the cultural mores of es that might be useful. My aim as a librarian online database accessible to subscribing the day in which it is practised, especially is to assist in the study process by providing institutions and individuals. It is worth access to relevant sources. I welcome donations of books that are missing from the library and of funds for British astrologer the purchase of others; and some astrol- ogers have already shown considerable W. J. Tucker’s many generosity in these respects, for which mimeographed books I’m extremely grateful. However, because there is no ongoing external funding for of the 1960s, on the library so far, and because I don’t subjects as diverse have a professional astrological practice of my own since the personal astrologi- as medical signatures cal consultation process is not where my in astrology and the interest lies, the only way I can keep it physical basis for going at the moment is by working in an external job, so visits to the library are astrological influence, currently only possible on weekends by fill almost a complete prior appointment. shelf in the library.

page 40 The Career Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine when it is being practised in a real-world of accurate facts and all the statistical evi- professional counselling role, with all the dence presented. responsibilities that entails. Some tradi- Futile debates based on ignorant precon- tional forms of prediction used by astrolo- There is plenty of ceptions about astrological precepts and gers of the past, such as the prediction of anecdotal evidence methods have been ongoing for centuries, death and of the length of life of newborn of a resurgence of and there is a great deal of this ignorance infants, have understandably become the still to break through before most scientists subject of ethical controversy by today’s interest in and psychologists are likely even be open to standards; and about ten years ago a astrology among studying the subject on its own terms and major French professional astrological merits. Regardless, I think both tradition- body went further in expressly forbidding younger generations al astrologers and modern psychological, its members to make almost any kind of within the past five karmic and evolutionary astrologers will concrete astrological prediction, prompt- years, which bodes continue to practise their respective arts ing the resignation from its ranks of the for as long as there is public demand, and I late André Barbault, who disagreed with well for the future see no sign of this waning in my lifetime or this blanket policy. of astrology even if considerably beyond. In fact, there is plenty Astrology today comprises a diverse of anecdotal evidence of a resurgence of range of practices, ranging from the pre- much of the interest interest in astrology among younger gen- dictive to the psychoanalytical; but the is initially at a erations within the past five years, which horoscope for a particular time and place relatively basic level bodes well for the future of astrology even if remains the common feature of them all. much of the interest is initially at a relatively of astrological basic level of astrological understanding Your Astrology Hero(es) to honor understanding. — the process of learning astrology has to on this Astrology Day? start somewhere for all of us. I see astrology as a continuing intellec- Because of its relatively abstract focus on tual tradition to which a great many have analytical methodologies to large data personality and life events, and its detach- made important contributions, each in sets, I would suggest that there is a long ment from the functional demands of his / her own day and way. Perhaps partly way to go – probably centuries rather than modern economies, such as industrial voca- thanks to my natal Venus in Aquarius trine decades - before the controversy over the tional training and employment, astrology Uranus in Libra, I tend to enjoy the work scientific status of astrology in all its branch- is not a subject that no-nonsense practical of those who speak out with an indepen- es is consensually settled, indeed before people tend to have much time for. And dent voice and add original insights to the most scientists and astrologers are even there will doubtless always be people who theory of astrology. One such character routinely talking to each other in a mutually don’t care for it and consider it unnecessary was the British astrologer W. J. Tucker, comprehensible language. for and irrelevant to their lives, which is fine whose many mimeographed books of the Since the 1970s, many astrologers have — there is and should be no obligation to 1960s, on subjects as diverse as medical shown relatively little interest in the ques- study or use astrology in a liberal society. signatures in astrology and the physical tion of whether or not astrology can be But equally, those who have no time for basis for astrological influence, fill almost a scientifically proven, perhaps because it is astrology could in my opinion beneficially complete shelf in the library. He was active enough for them to know that it works in learn increased tolerance of, and less of a in astrological writing and publishing as practice, and they are motivated by helping haughty, contemptuous attitude towards, early as the 1930s; and some of his early people through their profession, and not to the many of us who do. It’s a shame when books were published by Fowler in that idle away time on theoretical research. astrology is a completely closed topic, even decade. He also got actively involved in the The palpable current of opposition among our close relatives, simply because European astrological community, attending to astrology in the formal scientific and the minds of the disbelievers are so hard- and reporting on some of the international psychology communities, and the many ened and closed against it. conferences in continental Europe during ill-informed straw man attacks on astrology the 1930s, and both edited and published in the media continue to motivate a hard Your chart? an important magazine called ‘Science and core of astrological researchers within the I was born on March 26th, 1974 in Astrology’ that unfortunately lasted for just astrological community to challenge the Oswestry, Shropshire, England, at about 18 months from 1934-5, but was exported received notion that astrology is without 1:05 p.m. according to the record kept by to the United States as well as being widely scientific foundation. If research can in my father in his diary. For the UK, which sold in the UK. In his later life, he contribut- time produce incontrovertibly strong sta- is a country notorious among astrologers ed many articles to the popular astrological tistical evidence for astrological correla- for its historical failure to have recorded magazine press in the US. tions, and this research gets the publicity times of birth on birth certificates at all, it deserves, I foresee that the entire social is about as good as it gets to an accurate The Future of Astrology? standing of astrology will eventually time of birth! As such, I have a late degree change for the better as its opponents will Projecting from current trends, with a of Cancer rising. be unable to continue credibly to uphold revitalised community of statistical astro- R their false arguments against it in the face logical researchers lately applying advanced

MARCH EQUINOX 2020 page 41 page Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine 42 The Career

Put together in a cookbook style with a sense of “‘knowing’ and belonging -- of hav- Book Review very helpful index, he starts with the Sun ing the inside scoop on life.” He goes on to in Aries on the Ascendant, continuing and say that this gives them the ability to both Review by Moon Zlotnick completing with Saturn in Pisces on the make and break the rules, “...a person who Midheaven. In between, he explains the has a planet on any of the angles is going to be a person who is under the tutelage, ASTROLOGICAL control, direction and mentorship of the planets involved.” This is the central prem- ise of the book and it is exemplified again MAVERICKS and again. Do you Have What Beyond the standard explanations of planets in signs and their placements, it Takes to Change Astrological Mavericks is full of multiple examples of famous people having each the World? specific placement. Using fun and mod- ern examples Michael chooses people, BY MICHAEL BARTLETT such as Oprah, Prince, Goldie Hawn, Burt Bacharach, Jamie Lee Curtis, Holly Near and other many contemporary perform- hat is it that makes some people ers along with politicians, astrologers stand out as “highly gifted” is the and some members of the royal family. I W central question addressed in particularly appreciated his inclusion of Astrological Mavericks. In the introduction, lesser-known but equally talented mem- Michael says, “Some of us are walking bill- bers of the LGBTQ community. boards for the planets. We wear their mark The only thing I wished for as I read this in a way that is simultaneously unseen, yet book was an index where I could see the seen by all.” As a practicing astrologer this charts for all of the individuals named. instantly caught my interest and made me I understand the tremendous work and want to read more. Astrological Mavericks cost involved in printing so many charts, is the first of two books (only the first is but having charts to reference would currently in print) discussing planets on have deepened my understanding of the angles, something that Michael defines as individuals used as examples. Michael has a unique and powerful astrological place- specifics of each planet in all twelve signs a great deal of information and research ment. These specific placements support on the four angles. The book does not to share with the reader. Intended to be freedom of expression or uniqueness in address house systems but is structured a resource for students and professionals a natal chart. Most practicing astrologers so the information will apply to any house alike, with easy to understand language know that a planet on an angle makes it system used. The first book covers the Sun and deep research into each astrological important, but Michael takes this much through Saturn in just over 500 pages, and combination, this would be a great addi- further showing us detailed and specific there is another book coming out covering tion to every astrologer’s library and every examples of each planetary combination, Chiron through Pluto. Based on the length teacher’s classroom. using quotes, observations, statements and alone, it is obvious that stories about the person’s actions. In total, Michael says “When we find planets con- R he shares 336 combinations. junct an angle, we see a person who has a

Omari Martin, MAFM, LPMAFA, iNLP Professional Astrologer and Business Professor Consulting and Coaching Services and Develop Business Strategy for Growth and Pro ts Lifetime Member of AFA and OPA [email protected] 773.432.8308

MARCH EQUINOX 2020 page 43 Astrology Day 2020 - We celebrate the HISTORY OF ASTROLOGY tion took place. Arising at varying points in each of the major cultural epochs, roughly DIVIDING The core of much of as those on the opposite side of the globe the discord about had done. It did so with expected similarity in humanity’s evolutionary terms. Yet, how astrology can be THE SKY all of this occurred globally or regionally, or ascribed to subtle even within interrelated periods and disci- differences in mind- plines within the same cultures, is a highly Piecing convoluted and prejudiced affair. Since Together the set and language, and much has been written on the Babylonian that these are what and Greek contributions to the zodiac and astrology, I will not elaborate too much may be keeping us on their behalf. FIRST ZODIAC from finding further ‘While drinking water one (should) think common ground. about its source.’ (yin shui si yuan 饮水思源) The primary driver for the discussion intended to limit the scope of what is actu- seems to boil down to which people, lin- ally a very broad debate and to preclude eage, heritage or belief system gets the certain considerations from the discussion. most credit for the symbols and syntax we use today. Is it the Hellenistic, Indian, or the Have you ever won- In this article, I would like to discuss a few, Babylonian civilizations who should receive dered…. how the current more relatively recent astro-archaeological the prize in absentia for crossing one or form of the Zodiac came discoveries regarding the origins of astrol- more, or possibly all of these cultural mile- to be? How, when and why ogy, refute a few general arguments and stones? Or going back further still perhaps we divided the sky into its many ideas within the astrological community some other culture of antiquity? Is there a parts? Who actually divided it? What actually which tend to imply that our current model key development or insight we may have constitutes ‘a zodiac’ or “The Zodiac”? Or what of the historical development of astrology missed or failed to consider? Does the inde- ‘astrology’ even really is, for that matter? Why is definitive, and I will discuss parallel evi- pendent establishment of planetary obser- are symbols, number systems, geometry and dence that supports an expanded view of vations and rituals of the ancient Equatorial mathematics so crucial to both the physical what ‘astrology’ actually entails. Americas, or later Mayan and Incan astrol- realities and to the spiritual realities? ogy, or even possibly the various verbal As you dig deeper into some of these The Premise star traditions of indigenous and aboriginal fundamental questions of the zodialog- In the Western and Indian traditions, cultures from around the world count at all ical origins or the many philosophies of whether you are a Tropical or Sidereal astrol- within the discourse of what may have actu- astrology, you quickly find that assumed oger, you still use twelve primary divisions, ally lead civilizations to the codify collective concepts blur, ideologies clash, and cer- certain sets of subdivisions, polar pairs, cor- human archetypes in parallel with the devel- tainties about astrology become less cer- responding planets, the significant aspects, opment of symbolic star mapping systems? tain. Your personal theories or beliefs are and most basic, yet least understood of called into question by others and if you all, the same numerical structure which are open-minded, also by yourself. The core underlies the foundation of the Zodiac as of much of the discord about astrology can we know it. The outward symbols in astrol- Lisa: “Remember Dad, the be ascribed to subtle differences in mind- ogy are actually representations for deeper handle of the Big Dipper points set and language, and that these are what symbolic combinations of mathematical to the North Star” may be keeping us from finding further functions used to describe the interacting Homer: “Heh, heh. That’s nice common ground. Some of the rigid dogma divisions and angles of light – zodiacal light Lisa, but we’re not in astronomy around these questions may be holding us – without and within. These combinations class. We’re in the woods” back as an actual cohesive discipline. Are are themselves the ‘letters’, ‘words’, and ‘syn- ~The Simpsons we locked into tradition, habit or pattern, tax’ of a spiritually oriented alpha-numeric or are we open to change? Changes have language, which describes the foundational come to astrology and there are more on “cosmological simplex” pattern of nature. Rather than summoning the essence of the way. As astrologers, you are in denial of In Eurasia, these concepts and compo- what our ancient forefathers were attemp- a core principle of astrology itself, if you are nents arose in archaic Central Asia, were ting to describe regarding the mathema- not open to change. refined in Vedic India, then integrated tical patterned structure of nature and its It seems that when considering astrolo- with Hellenistic Greek (and older Egyptian) elemental source, we have primarily been gy and the Zodiac in more detail, everyone symbolic natural philosophies and mythol- concerned with crediting one culture as has their own definitions and assumptions ogies. These refinements allowed for the the source, which is inevitably is not pos- of what does or does not qualify as astro- final assembly of ‘The Zodiac’ which we sible. We forget that we are in continuous logical. Additional identifiers or provisos are primarily utilize today and also lead to the communion with source and the archety- usually tagged on to terms, or assumptions establishment of the fundamental princi- pal energies. We too take on the imprint are made which imply specific or narrow ples of horoscopic natal astrology. While in of the subtleties of starlight and strive to functions of astrology. This is primarily Central and South America, a similar evolu- fulfill the patterns which desire to express

page 44 The Career Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine from within us. Peeling back the words and Greek zodiacal framework’, when instead the earliest connection to the astrological looking beyond the skin of the symbols in it has always referred to the ‘the study of constellations. Just as these primitive cul- order to grasp nature’s mathematics is real- the words, wisdoms, and knowledge of the tures may not have understood what we ly what the astrological sciences are about, stars’ – and all which that implies. The cos- meant by uttering ”astrology” to them, we what any science is truly about. In order for mological endeavour began long before would most likely not be able to grasp the astrology to be understood and accepted we had devised the astro-mathematical utterances that implied their true inten- again, we must look once more through language and linguistic capacity to best tions for mapping and studying the night the ancient eyes of the magi, and to how describe it and pass it on. skies. Was it solely to develop a calendar they perceived the natural world and our for knowing when to migrate or plant a connection to it. Like the diminished wis- crop? Or could they have been aware of dom of Phrygia, this Gordian Knot may Our general perceptions vary widely this inner connection to the planets and require a mighty Alexandrian solution. regarding the history of the transmission of their cycles, in ways we only ascribe to information from one people to another or more organized spiritual cultures? Shuxue- It’s not what you think it means from one time to another. Any real debate Another archaeological find, one that The word ‘mathematics’ once encom- on how collective and composite intellec- you have probably heard about, is the passed a whole lot more. Some academics tual endeavors have evolved is usually an 12,000-year-old neolithic site at a Gobekli still use the shortened plural form of the exercise in futility and most likely involves a Tepe, which also features iconography word – ‘maths’, short for the Greek - μάθημα large degree of hubris. Let’s attempt to clar- that seems to represent much of the pres- mathema, meaning knowledge or study. ify and broaden a few attitudes about some ent-day astrological symbology. On the For most people today, ‘mathematics’ is of these perceptions which we individually border of Syria and Anatolia, Gobekli is synonymous with arithmetic - ἀριθμός may take for granted. There may never be the largest complex of its kind anywhere. arithmos – numbers and their operations. any agreement on a historical source for The discoveries in these pock-marked hills Though interestingly enough, when you the inception of the first truly astrological represent the most ancient echoes of civi- research the word ‘mathematics’ today minds; maybe we should be looking for lization in the human origin story. Sections you quickly find that it has “no generally another kind of source. of the site are purposefully aligned North accepted definition”. ‘Maths’ technically and South for observational purposes with include fields of study which encompass Prehistoric Astrology (Science starts with the central pillar mound encircled by 12 quantity, structure, space and change; the Primitives) sculpted pillars. What this discovery could essentially these are the Quadrivium There are many examples in pre-history actually mean for the history of astrology of the Seven Liberal Arts of antiquity. of the various facets of astrology, as a has barely even entered the dialogue, yet Circa the late 5th century in Rome, the ‘study of the stars’ in one form or another. Göbekli Tepe is now regarded by some as writer Boethius defined mathematics as Mammoth bone artifacts have been discov- an archaeological discovery of great impor- astronomy, arithmetic, geometry and music. ered, from roughly 25,000 years ago, with tance, rivaling the Pyramids at Giza, since In the mid 19th century China, there was no markings which track the Moon through it could profoundly change our collective accepted term used solely for the concept its phases and its positions on the horizon. understanding of a crucial stage in the of ‘crunching numbers’. The existing word The famous painted “Caves of Lascaux”, development of society and force a rewrite shuxue 数学, was brought into use as the dated to around 15,000BCE, have been of human history. A few years ago, Stanford technical term describing the concept of suggested, by some researchers, to be University professor Ian Hodder said, ‘mathematics’ in the Western sense. In traditional Chinese thinking, howev- er, the term shuxue referred to what we now call mathematics, natural philosophy, numerology, divination, astronomy, astrolo- gy, fengshui, and music. The mathematical aspect was regarded as the base rudiment or elementary function of shuxue. The writer Qin Jiushao in the mid 13th century classified two sides of the term, neisuan 内 算 (esoteric mathematics) and waisuan 外 算 (exoteric mathematics) - spiritual and physical math. So much of the quality of our language and important meanings of words have been forgotten in time and Caves of Lascaux lost in translation. The purpose of math itself was not seen as separate from the development of astrology, in fact, mathe- matics implied knowledge of astrology. As a concept modern astrology has somehow The Vulture/Scorpio Pillar at Gobekli Tepe been distilled down to mean ‘natal chart interpretations derived from within the

MARCH EQUINOX 2020 page 45 Astrology Day 2020 - We celebrate the HISTORY OF ASTROLOGY and the Ark, you may or may not ascribe to scale for a few centuries leading up to the the symbolic interpretations of the story. Greek conquests of Central Asia. Rock carv- “Göbekli Tepe changes everything.” I think it The structure and design of the vessel ings of symbolic representations of the Leo, will for astrology as well. which Yaweh instructed Noah to build for Taurus, Capricorn, Sagittarius and Scorpio holding the animals and the ‘last humans’ is constellations, along with symbols of the an astrological container and story device. Sun and the Moon and the planets, were The majority of the astrological and It is also implied and expounded on in discovered on various stone fragments. astronomical communities still consider other works, that all of the star wisdom Unlike many ancient astronomical sites, Mesopotamia, from the period around and cultural knowledge of prediluvian cul- which remained populated later in history 2100-1500BCE, to be the birthplace of ture was passed on and preserved through and particularly those which were settled actual ‘mathematical astronomy’ and the Noah in order to re-awaken civilization. into the modern age, Karahunj is essentially genesis culture of first legitimate zodia- A report done in 1988, challenged pre- preserved. The fact that the area remains cal and astrological schemes upon which vious thoughts about the origins of the relatively untouched since its prehistoric the Hellenistic Greeks finalized ‘the zodiac’ Indo-European language and also called heyday is a miracle for researchers. and gave the world ‘astrology’ as we know into question the origins of astronomical/ At the moment, many world sites which it. I feel with some certainty that this is not astrological symbolism. As further exca- indicate that sky-watching or celestial entirely true for a variety of reasons. One vations and studies have taken place, it observances took place are under extreme of the tangible arguments is the excava- is becoming more widely accepted that scrutiny from skeptical academics. For tion and decipherment of the early Bronze both the Indo-European people and the example, the Stonehenge of Britain has Age sites of the Trans-Caucasus region of Zodiac did not fall under the domain of the been reclassified as a burial mound in Armenia, which are forcing us to take a Babylonians at the end of the 3rd millenni- a system of networked prehistoric mau- more critical look at the timeline of ‘astro- um; they more likely fall under the domain soleums. The site at Karahunj has been logical’ development. of the peoples living several thousand highly debated by various authorities with Studies of rock art in the territory of years prior in the region of Anatolia and on the government of Armenia choosing to modern Armenia show that the ancient the Armenian Plateau. issue a decree that Karahunj is an ancient peoples of the region were very interested observatory. Paris Herouni, the director of in heavenly bodies and celestial phenom- Karahunj – the Aremenian Stonehenge ena over a long span of time. The Earth, Located over an area of about 18 acres the Sun, the Moon, planets, comets, Milky near the city of Sisan, the ancient site of Way, stars, constellations are all reflected Zorats Karer, also known as Carahunge, At the moment, in the pictures drawn on rocks in moun- Karahunj, Qarahunj is a site that is often many world sites tains around Lake Sevan and elsewhere called the ‘’Armenian Stonehenge”. Dating in Armenia. German astronomer and sci- at the site suggests it was in continuous which indicate that ence historian William T. Olcott, as early as use from about 7700 to 2200 BCE, with sky-watching or 1914 wrote regarding the areas around the indications that the site is probably older; Gegham Mountains, ‘…the signs of Zodiac if you are doing the math, that is about celestial observances contain such animals that lived many thou- 5500 years of human activity at this one took place are under sand years ago in the territory of Armenia place. It was all but abandoned in the 2nd extreme scrutiny and around.’ So over a century ago, it had millennium BCE, which corresponds to the been noted that a form of symbolic division emergence of higher culture in the area from skeptical of the sky represented by a divided circle further south in Sumeria and Babylon. The academics. and a variety of animal images, ‘a zodiac’, site was periodically re-occupied on a small was present in Armenia. Olcott also said: “Astronomical facts correspond with historical and archaeological investigations and prove that people who have invented the ancient figures of constellations probably lived in the valley of the Euphrates, as well as in the region near the mountain Ararat (Armenia)… the only place where all the animals depicted in the Zodiac were located together, was pre- historic Armenia.” For those who may not remember their Judeo-Christian mythological history, the ‘Mountains of Ararat’, in the Armenian Highlands is the location where Noah’s Ark came to rest with God’s collection of (zodia- logical) animals and the ‘last’ human family, after the biblical flood in order to begin civ- ilization anew. For those who have studied the esoteric mythology of the story of Noah Karahunjpe

page 46 The Career Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine the Radio Physics Measurement Institute claimed that all of the modern zodiacal happening in this region several millennia and the designer of the first optical radio images (or symbols of comparative mean- prior to the Babylonian rise and to prog- telescope in the world, believes that the pio- ings) are present at the site. The area is ress our history forward from there. There neering work at Metsamor not only shatters covered with 1000’s of Bronze Age glyphs, is compelling evidence to suggest that the previous conceptions about when ancestral which appear to primarily have celestial original sky divisions into constellations Armenians developed their own culture significance. and into a 12 part zodiac originated in the but that it also points to another source of Interestingly, the Armenian and the Armenian Highland. civilization itself; on the Armenian Plateau. Gobekli Tepe areas are approximately 500 Herouni organized four research expeditions miles apart, yet the cultures are separat- to the site between 1994 and 1996, each ed by thousands of years. The region is during an equinox or solstice. Extensive a hotbed of archaeological activity, and research was done on-site with carbon-dat- because of the vast amount of the virtually I wanted to include some other food ing, excavations, celestial observations undisturbed carvings and features which for thought regarding early cultures and using chronometers, telescopes and other correspond to celestial observation, there what they were beginning to contribute to astronomical equipment. Herouni verified is a growing interest in the important early mathematical, astronomical, calendrical and previous findings and conclusions about the contributions to the development of sci- subsequently astrological knowledge before purpose of the complex, primarily that the ence and of astrology which may arise from or independent of Sumerian, Babylonia, stones were indeed an astronomical instru- here. I personally feel that even the most India or Greece. ment, and that it is still very accurate. conservatively cautious chronicle of astrol- ogy should be revised to include what was Nabta Playa - Egyptian Astronomy Medzamor – something we cannot ignore By the 5th millennia BCE, 7,000 years The observatory at Medzamor (Metsamor) ago, the astronomical station at Nabta predates the Babylonian civilization itself The significance that Playa in Nubian Desert in Egypt had by several millennia. There is evidence already been calculated and constructed. that the site was already settled around has emerged from Depending on the source, generally accept- 7000BCE. The observatory has been dated Medzamor is that ed archeo-astronomical estimates for the to around 5500BCE, around 7500 years ago. the main rock carving constellational alignments represented The significance that has emerged from this there, roughly point to circa 6500-6200 particular ancient observatory is that the representing the sky BCE corresponding to the Belt of Orion main rock carving representing the sky is is shown as at that time. Other claims have been put shown as concentric circles and it has been forth that the alignments correspond to divided into 12 primary parts, and subse- concentric circles the Milky Way as it was 17,000 years ago. quent divisions. As far as we know, this is the and it has been While this may seem far fetched, the site first occurrence of a symbolic representation rests on the now desert banks of what was of a twelve portioned sky anywhere in the divided into 12 once an inland lake during the Holocene world. These divisions have been shown to primary parts, and glacial retreat (19,000-11,700 years ago). correspond with animal symbols, including subsequent It had already been settled as an active a Lion, Scorpion, Bull, also a Goat-Fish and trading area around 13,000 years. We do centaur-like figure. Some researchers have divisions. know that by the 4th millennia BCE (6000 years ago), a 365-day calendar was already in use by the ancient Egyptians and the construction of this site undoubtedly took a well-developed system of higher mathematics and astronomical calcula- The Observatory Stone ‘Altar’ at tion over centuries to conclude. Though Metzamor this pre-dynastic desert observatory is of extreme importance to astronomy and most likely to Egyptian astrological under- standing, it does not divide the sky into the portions we use today, nor are there any known ideograms or symbols which cor- relate to the signs or constellations. Though there is much evidence that this site’s pri- mary function was both astronomical and calendrical, there is little to suggest that from this period a form of ‘astrology’ or ‘a zodiac’ emerged here in a form which we could identify today. We will come back to Nabta Playa Egypt in a moment.

MARCH EQUINOX 2020 page 47 Astrology Day 2020 - We celebrate the HISTORY OF ASTROLOGY Egyptian Decans: Just another or the development of the zodiac. To not Another worthy mention: Way to Divide include Egypt in the debate of astrological The Tal-Qadi Stone The concept of the decans in Egypt is origins or the development of the zodiac is The Island nation of Malta has been something that I feel is not given enough a major oversight, and reveals some funda- inhabited since 5900BC (about 8000 years). credence in the context of modern astrol- mental flaws regarding how we view ‘astrol- In 1927, a broken shard of a limestone ogy. The Austrian mathematician and ogy’ as whole. As has been pointed out disk etched with radiating divisions, lunar historian, Otto Neugebauer, is considered by various researchers, the decan system phase symbol, and arranged asterisms, was the primary source for much of the inter- encompasses the same inherent structure uncovered at the megalithic temple site preted evidence around Babylonian and of the Zodiac but has been divided into 36 of Tal-Qadi. A researcher, Dr. Kai H. Wirth, Egyptian astronomy, which has affected parts rather than into 12 parts. The thirty-six professor and part of UNSECO world scholarly opinions of Egypt’s limited role faces (or phases, note the similarity in the education along with many other titles, within Hellenistic and modern astrology. words) had been used for dividing the sky wrote extensively about his conclusions There is often little or no mention of the part into a star clock, at least by 2100 BCE. Each regarding the meaning and implications decan system in the discussion of astrology face corresponds to a deity or aspect of of the shard. Heralded as “the world’s most solar shift, which in turn connects the divine ancient proof of a zodiac”, if correct, this energy into the mortal realms. I person- divisional scheme could represent certain The thirty-six decan ally believe that the roots of the Egyptian constellations and lunar phases. With 16 faces (or phases, note astrological tree are deeper and stronger divisions - four divisions marking the new, than currently accepted, which is due to a full and quarter Moons and 12 indicating the similarity in the general misinterpretation and exclusion of star formations, at 3500 years old, it could words) had been used evidence. Both the Romans and the Greeks attributed much of their astrological inheri- be a contender for the oldest record of for dividing the sky into some kind of astrological history, or at least tance directly from the Egyptians. in the astrology of the Mediterranean. a star clock, at least by 2100 BCE. Each face The 13 Towers-Chankillo Though in no way vying for the title corresponds to a of ‘the oldest’, the 2350-year-old solar deity or aspect of solar observatory at Chankillo in North-Central Peru, is possibly contemporaneous with shift, which in turn the advent of Hellenistic astrology in the connects the divine West. Ceremonial platforms and planetary energy into the observation shrines and are ever-pres- ent elements of Andean culture and cos- mortal realms. mology. The site at Chankillo is currently the oldest known solar observatory in the Americas. In the mid-2000s, archaeologist Ivan Ghezzi and his research team deter- mined that the sprawling complex and the surrounding ruins constitute an ancient Sun calendar. At 9˚33” south of the Equator, the thirteen Towers run North to South along a low ridge, the high point of the ridge rep- resenting the longest day in the Southern Hemisphere, Dec 21st. From ancient cere- monial observing points to the West and East of the central towers, they form an artificial toothed horizon that span the

The Ceiling of Senenmut Tomb 1473BCE

The Tal-Qadi Stone The 13 Towers of Chankillo

page 48 The Career Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine that the ancient cultures attained through annual rising and setting arcs of the Sun. their explorations of the heavens, which is The hypothesis is that Sun rising over every There are not multiple zodiaci, there the understanding of the nature of reality, other tower at 30-day intervals marks 12 is not a proto-zodiac, there is merely the the map of this reality and the source of solar months (or 24 half-months as it pass- Zodiac; we did not design nor did we create it; and the individual’s path and collective es over each tower), from the Summer to it. We discovered it, discovering us. We have participation with that source. This matter Winter Solstice. If this theory of the towers confused what we are striving to describe, is much more important than the astrology is correct, this would indicate a knowledge with the means of how we are describing it. of the self. In fact, horoscopic astrology only of a 12 divisional Solar calendar, which pre- What we call the Zodiac is an invisible field attains the height of its usefulness when ceded or correlated to other divisional cal- of energy that we are attempting to under- cultivated from within by a collective spir- endars used in their astrological traditions; stand, describe, analyze, codify, map, orga- itual philosophical framework. This is true and that this awareness arose at around nize and to order. As we have evolved to a integrated astrology. the same time the 12-divisional solar zodi- point to reflect back upon its union with us, Horoscopic astrology may have begun ac was being disseminated across the and as we move forward, we realize we are with the Greeks, but astrology did not Mediterranean. here to ultimately master it. This energy is a begin with them. The Vedic Indians may synthesis of lower and higher frequencies, have perfected the mathematical language from dense matter to starlight, interacting used to both unify the cosmos and to Celestial observation is universally prehis- - from different angles, with different qual describe the primary astrological structures, toric and can be seen in virtually every cul- ities and amplitudes, in mathematically yet they did not ‘invent’ astrology or math- ture and epoch in civilization. The Egyptians patterned and comprehensive ways. It is a ematics. The 12-divisional zodiac may have and Babylonians were both obsessed with life force itself, an intermingling of celestial been employed by the Babylonians but it the transformative processes and corre- ascending and descending essences, teach- did not begin with them. The Sumerians spondences of ‘a thing to another thing’, and ing us the wisdom of the stars required for may have summarized the constellations how those transformations related to the us to evolve. and connected the stars but they were not movements of the heavens. (Much of this Reflecting on the sentiments of astrol- the first to do so. obsession is carried over into the mythol- oger Vic DiCara when discussing Indian My point to this is that there may be ogies throughout the ancient world). It is astrology’s origins, I realized that the way an inherent function of the astrological generally accepted that the earliest known he feels about the role of the wisdom process itself, that acts as a test or a rite of written form of the Zodiac comes to us from brought into the world by Vedic astrology, passage along the path of consciousness. the Babylonian MUL.APIN (The Shining - is the way I feel about astrology’s authen A test of purification which requires us to Herd), dating to around 1300BCE. Though tic role in the world in general. Astrology, transmute the poisonous effects of ego, this by no means implies that this is the ori- horoscopic astrology, is nothing but a trifle by choosing to divide and then ultimately gin of the Zodiac, it is essentially the oldest compared to the wisdom and knowledge reunite, in order to better know thyself by version we know of which lays out the zodi- having experienced the wisdom of this real- acal structure we see today. The Babylonians ity. Humanity will continue to be compelled also practiced a variety of ‘astrologies’ with to master this reality so we may evolve. non-standardized forms of a zodiac for over The Egyptians and The individual realities may become less a millennia. The 12 sign zodiac became stan- Babylonians were necessary as we move past certain stages dardized as the Babylonians implemented both obsessed with of our personal and collective evolutions. It a revised uniform solar calendar system to becomes diminishingly important to remain help unify the empire. the transformative so individual, and far more vital for us to With some degree of certainty, we can processes and function holistically and to relate collective- say that the provenance of horoscopic ly. As we continue to learn what leads us to astrology lies with the Hellenistic Greeks. correspondences of divide the sky, we are re-learning how to Yet, the ancestral heritage of the refined ‘a thing to another live undivided under it. fundamentals of our numerical notation thing’, and how those and the base-10 number system which Russ von Ohlhausen, is a research astrologer & underlie the current zodiacal structure transformations consciousness catalyzer. Having lived briefly in are more arguably attributed to the Indus related to the Tibet, his work echos a spiritual undertone synthe- Valley Civilization (c.3300-1300 BCE), and to sized with a lifetime study of science, religion, myth, the Indic societies that devised and even- movements of the metaphysics & most importantly–nature. His work on, Celestia Mathematica & The Fibonacci Zodiac, tually wrote down the Vedic scriptures. heavens. (Much of is currently being taught as a foundational theory The Babylonians and Sumerians, who used this obsession is of astrological mechanics. Russ works with the a sexagesimal (base-60) numeric system concept of celestial embodiment through “head, (which interestingly has a factorization of carried over into the heart & hands”, rooted in sacred dance & ceremony. Creator of Zodiac Faces: Planetary Physiognomy, 12), most likely contributed a great deal to mythologies The Holy Myth, Zodiac Image Project, & the ARC- a more complex mathematical astronomy Research Database Initiative. He is co-creator of and to the precision of the tracking the throughout the Rhythm Sanctuary-ED3 and Astram- Astrologers planets but may not be the progenitors of ancient world). Alliance, with partner Shannon Gill. either the zodiac, the 12 divisional sky, or R the fundamental premises of astrology. The 13 Towers of Chankillo

MARCH EQUINOX 2020 page 49 astrology can gain insight into what may have occurred, with some practitioners even working directly with families to help find missing people. By casting an While the aspects of mapping will not event chart for the apply in this case, as Travis was murdered in time of a crime and by his own home, the official times that have been released make this case an intrigu- using methods ing prospect for forensic interpretation. derived from horary But firstly, let’s go over a few background details of the murder for those who are astrology, a unaware. practitioner of According to reports, Travis met Jodi, an forensic astrology artist and photographer, at a conference in Nevada in 2006. The two immediately can gain insight into hit it off and quickly began a passionate what may have long-distance relationship, during which Travis baptized Jodi into the Mormon occurred, with some Church. For roughly a year and a half, the practitioners even two took turns traveling and visiting each working directly with other, alternating between Jodi’s home in California and Travis’s house in Arizona. families to help find FORENSIC At some point, however, Travis grew tired missing people. of the relationship - and as he withdrew following their breakup, Jodi started dis- ASTROLOGY playing increasingly dysfunctional and importance in this case seems to lie main- obsessive behaviors. ly in the potential of Jodi’s relationships Column by While this analysis will be focusing main- bringing her the opportunity for both great ly on the event chart, it’s important to note healing and great wounding. Britanie Leclair that both Travis and Jodi have a natal While the house placements of Chiron Taurus ASC conjunct Chiron, with Travis’s and Uranus shed light onto Jodi’s primal Chiron conjunction being exact. This place- wounding, her natal Sun-Chiron aspect ment suggests potential wounding and seems more helpful in explaining her challenges in terms of both of their self- general nature. In pictures of Jodi during Travis Alexander worth, self-value, will, security and identity. her relationship with Travis, you see a However, Jodi’s Chiron is also exactly sextile bubbly-looking, petite blonde - a drastic Murder her natal Sun and opposite her natal Uranus contrast to the meek, brunette with glasses June 4, 2008, 17:27:28 in the 7th house (4-degree orb). who sat before the judge during her trial. According to Melanie Reinhardt, Chiron- Many suspected this was an attempt on Mesa, Arizona Sun aspects can potentially indicate some- Jodi’s part to appear innocent and demure (Regiomontanus) one who puts on a mask to please others, for court, a hypothesis that may potentially perhaps even adopting “many different be reflected by this placement. personae.” On the other hand, Chiron- Although Jodi is a Cancer Sun with Uranus aspects can make the individual Venus as her chart ruler, Pluto (at 19 “prone to sudden, unexpected and perhaps degrees Libra) also makes major aspects unwelcome events which radically alter their with many of her inner planets - squar- In June of 2008, Travis Alexander, a life situation” - a somewhat chilling descrip- ing her natal Sun and Mercury while devout Mormon author and salesman, was tion considering the context. also trining her natal Moon and Venus. brutally murdered by his ex-girlfriend Jodi It should be noted that the Uranus-Chiron Scorpio also rules her 7th house, bring- Arias, bearing injuries severe enough to opposition lasted roughly 40 years and ing an additional Plutonic theme to her have killed him three times over. Five years is considered a prominent, generation- relationships. In Exposed: The Secret Life later, Jodi was charged with first-degree al aspect. However, by examining house of Jodi Arias, Jane Velez-Mitchell puts murder and sentenced to life in prison. positions in Jodi’s natal chart, one can forth a biographical account of Jodi’s life However, her nature, as well as the nature potentially shed light on its expression that shows many instances of Plutonian of the case, remain enigmatic and elusive, within her personal life. In Jodi’s case, behavior. During Jodi’s teenage years having taken the media and public by Chiron sits in her first house, with Uranus and early 20s, she exhibited a string storm during the heavily broadcast trial. planted firmly in the seventh. One could of self-destructive behavior, causing her Forensic (or criminal) astrology is a mod- posit that unexpected circumstances in parents to wonder if their daughter had ern form of astrology that can be used to the realm of Jodi’s relationships (natal bipolar disorder. She would often hack gain insight into crimes, missing person Uranus in the seventh house) could pro- into her boyfriends’ social media accounts cases, as well as unsolved cases in general. vide her with opportunities for healing and even moved to one ex-boyfriend’s By casting an event chart for the time of a of her own self worth, value and identity town after they had broken up, displaying crime and by using methods derived from (Chiron in the first house). Again, while increasingly stalker-like tendencies. In one horary astrology, a practitioner of forensic it is a prominent generational aspect, its relationship, she started styling herself like

page 50 The Career Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine her new boyfriend’s ex-wife, dying her hair, Because Jodi accidentally photographed resent harmony, a bit of excitement - but getting breast implants and even purchas- the moments prior to the murder, these also opportunity. The two were engaging ing the same car as the woman. photos provide an accurate time at which in sexual activity prior to the murder as During the investigation, Travis’s friends to cast an event chart. The exact moment evidenced by the sexual photographs, so informed investigators that Jodi had been selected is 5:27:28 PM on June 4th, 2008 in odds are this may be somewhat represent- stalking him and that his tires had recent- Mesa, California. ed by the aspects. However, Jodi’s actions ly been slashed. In text messages sent In forensic astrology, the planet ruling prior to and after the murder also indicate before his death, Travis also accused Jodi the first house generally acts as a significa- forethought and planning. It’s very possible of hacking into his social media and email tor of the victim. While the ruler of the fifth she charmed Travis with her words (Venus accounts. However, the last straw seemed house cusp may be used in cases concern- in Gemini as significator) and waited for an to be when Travis invited another woman ing young children, this is an exception. opportunity when he was vulnerable. We on a trip that he was originally supposed to Most analyses primarily use the first house should not discount the fact that Gemini go on with Jodi. ruler as a significator. In turn, the planet bears the archetype of the trickster - and On June 4th, 2008, it is alleged that Jodi ruling the seventh house is the significator in this chart, Neptune also sits in the third traveled to Travis’s home, planning and of our POI (person of interest) - general- house. Both Mars and Venus are both bringing gas cans so she wouldn’t have to ly understood as the last person to have being disposited by this trickster Mercury, stop on the way. The two engaged in sexual made contact with the individual prior to which also sits in the eighth house. Because activities, with nude photos being captured the events occurring. Mercury is also forming an applying square on a camera in the home. Accidental pho- In this event chart (below) the to Uranus in the fourth house, it links our tos also captured the moment Travis was Ascendant is ruled by Scorpio, making significators to an unexpected disturbance murdered — cornered naked in his shower, Mars the significator for Travis, with in Travis’s home. alone. Five days later concerned friends Taurus on the seventh making Venus the In forensic astrology, the Moon is always reported Travis missing, and his body was significator for Jodi. So, we already know considered as another co-significator of discovered in his bathroom shower with Mars and Venus will be important in this the victim. This tradition stems from horary twenty-nine stab wounds, a slit throat, and analysis. Interestingly, Mars (Travis’s sig- astrology where the Moon is a co-significa- a gunshot to the head. nificator) sits in the sign of Leo which is tor of all missing animate objects. In cases Travis’s natal sun sign. As mentioned, Jodi involving young children, the Moon is also has a natal Taurus Ascendant, but is also often emphasized. In forensic astrology, extremely Venusian and feminine in nature, Therefore, Travis is represented by both being an artist as well as a photographer. Mars and the Moon. Here, the Moon sits in the planet ruling the Because the two planets act as significa- the eighth house. Unfortunately, in many first house generally tors, aspects between Mars and Venus may event charts of this nature, this is often provide insight into the contact between indicative of literal death. With the Moon acts as a significator Travis and Jodi at the time this chart was in Cancer, we have a double theme of of the victim. cast. Here, both planets are forming an home and water - and, as indicated, Travis applying sextile. Sextiles generally rep- was indeed located in the shower of his home. The Moon is also associated with rapid change and variability which can also be indicative of a changing M.O. As mentioned, Jodi stabbed and shot Travis, however, the reason for the change in method remains unknown. Because the seventh house is repre- sentative of Jodi, the sign and planets placed here can also be indicative of the style of her actions, as well as her appear-

The Moon is always considered as another co-significator of the victim. This tradition stems from horary astrology where the Moon is a co-significator of all missing animate objects.

V29-01 MARCH EQUINOX 2020 page 51 FORENSIC ASTROLOGY crimes in general. However, Taurus also 8th-house (hidden) Mercury (communi- rules the throat - and as mentioned, Travis’s cation) could potentially give weight to throat was slit, with the autopsy report this theory. Especially when considering ance. While descriptions of Taurus on the describing a ‘gaping’ wound and perfora- Neptune’s aforementioned placement in Descendant vary between men and women, tion of the entire upper airway and jugular the third house. forensic astrologer Kirsty McIntosh states vein. Traditionally, the Sun rules the heart, female POIs indicated by this placement are spine, and upper back. This also seems to generally dainty and slim, having long, thin be emphasized in the autopsy report, with While asteroids are a modern addition necks and hands, quick and dark eyes, and the medical examiner noting 16 separate to astrological interpretation, I do believe a “neat, well-composed and well-ordered stab wounds to this area. that they provide compelling insight. In body.” For the most part, this description As mentioned, Taurus on the Descendant this event chart, a few asteroids seemed does seem to fit Arias. seems to accurately describe Jodi physi- to stand out. The sign ruling the seventh house cusp cally and mentally, indicating that she had The asteroid Jody (#4083) sits in the can also be indicative of an individual’s potentially been angrily stewing over 4th house of home in this chart and is one psychology and style of actions. In Criminal their relationship problems for a while, degree away from forming an exact trine Astrology: Volume I, Kirsty McIntosh explains: taking the opportunity (indicated by the with the Moon (Travis’s co-significator) in “If Taurus is on the seventh house cusp, one sextile between the rulers) she was given to the 8th house of death. This clearly seems can assume the suspect’s anger was over a finally launch her brutal attack. Many of her to show Jody’s presence in Travis’s home longer period of time and there may have actions prior to the murder indicate fore- and a connection to the Moon’s place- been pent-up rage.” In this event chart, thought and planning - however, Uranus’s ment in the 8th. however, we also have another aspect involvement implies some sudden unex- Ixion (#28978) is exactly opposite Venus acting as a testimony of Jodi’s potential pectedness as well. in the 7th, while also opposing the Sun anger and aggression: Mars in Leo forms With Mercury in the eighth house act- (Travis’s dispositor) in 7th and Mars (Travis’s a five-degree-orb square to the seventh ing as a final dispositor of both Venus significator) at a one-degree orb. In Greek house cusp. and Mars, it’s possible the two were hop- mythology, Ixion murders his father-in-law Accounts of Jodi’s behavior prior to the ing to converse and attempt to reconcile and is considered by many as the ‘first mur- murder also seem to fit this description. their differences. However, with both Mars derer’ of a relative in the ancient world. In discussing the case, trial attorney Linda (masculine, phallic) in Leo (romance) acting Unfortunately, this asteroid is often empha- Kenney Baden described the event as “as as Travis’s significator, one could plausibly sized in these types of event charts. buildup that ultimately led to her [Jodi] suggest he was mainly concerned with Nessus (#7066) falls in the third house making a decision in a passionate way.” sex. Perhaps the conversation did not have of this chart and is exactly trine the Sun During the trial, it was also revealed that the outcome Jodi had anticipated, lead- in 7th and exactly opposite Mars (Travis’s Travis had continued to have sex with ing to a passionate argument that quickly significator). This asteroid is often indica- Jodi for nine months after their break-up, grew violent. Some have also hypothe- tive of betrayals of trust, which is also an ultimately stringing her along and likely sized that Jodi may have found a message contributing to her building bitterness from a female on Travis’s phone while and rage. Jodi’s often been described she was at his house, perhaps inciting her as “obsessed” - and, as mentioned, the rage. From an astrological perspective, an Plutonian influence in her natal chart seems to speak to this potential. A retired investi- gator told CNN that the pattern of Travis’s Taurus on the injuries seems to indicate a “frenzy” and Descendant seems to generally suggest someone being attacked while in a defensive posture. accurately describe It’s interesting that this chart also Jodi both physically shows a second-house Pluto at 0 degrees of Capricorn opposing the Moon (Travis’s and mentally, co-significator) in the eighth house. While indicating that she the second house is generally associated had potentially been with money and values, money has not been suggested as being an important ele- angrily stewing over ment in this case. Using derivative houses, their relationship however, the second house becomes Jodi’s eighth house, holding the planet Pluto, problems for a while. while also opposing Travis (the Moon) in the taking the eighth house. With this understanding, both opportunity Jodi and Travis’s houses of sexuality, fear, anxiety, and loss are being strongly activat- (indicated by the ed at this time. sextile between the Venus and the Sun are both in the sev- enth house in Gemini — while Taurus rulers) she was given opens the 7th house. Oddly, Travis’s injuries to finally launch her seem to reflect these patterns. Venus is brutal attack. often associated with love and lust-based

page 52 The Career Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine apt description of the circumstances that It should also be noted that retro- and her natal South Node was in exact occurred that evening: Jodi bludgeoning grade, transiting Pluto, at 0 degrees of conjunction with transiting Chiron. the man she claimed to love after an inti- Capricorn, had also formed a square to Reinhardt describes a type of projection mate, sexual moment while he was alone, Jodi’s natal Mars in the fifth house. This during Chiron transits, with one’s environ- defenseless and naked in a corner shower. placement also indicates that this was a ment reflecting and manifesting the issues tense time for Jodi, with the potential to individuals need to heal within them- induce easy aggression and violence. selves. In this case, it’s possible Jodi was On the date of the murder, transiting projecting her hostility and anger (being To further investigate Jodi’s experience Mars was also forming a wide conjunction activated by Mars) onto Travis, and inter- of the murder, one can interpret how to Jodi’s fourth-house, natal North Node. preting his interactions with other women the planetary placements had personally She has an exact reversed nodal return, as both a rejection of herself (natal Chiron affected her during this time. This can be accomplished by examining transits and solar arc progressions. On the date of the murder, using whole- sign houses, Mars strongly interacts with Jodi’s natal chart. At this time, transiting Mars was in Jodi’s fourth house of home, indicating literal aggression in the home, and was also squaring her Ascendant at a one-degree orb. Because square aspects imply action through tension, one can experience this as being “forced” into a decision or choice through outside circum- stances. With this Mars-Ascendant aspect, one could also posit that Jodi felt pres- sured (square) to act (Mars) – her entire self (Ascendant) receiving a jolting boost of motivation from the warrior planet Mars. According to Bernadette Brady, contacts to

With the Mars-Ascendant aspect, one could also posit that Jodi felt pressured (square) to act (Mars) – her entire self (Ascendant) receiving a jolting boost of motivation from the warrior planet Mars.

the Ascendant (excluding the conjunction) create the sense that the way one should react to the external environment has sud- denly changed. In Jodi’s natal chart, Mars also rules the twelfth and seventh houses through Scorpio and Aries, indicating that the ultimate effect of this transit will be felt in those areas. In the seventh, of course, through the destruction of the relationship, and in the twelfth, through literal imprison- ment and a loss of personal power.

MARCH EQUINOX 2020 page 53 FORENSIC ASTROLOGY ticularly critical time of life development,” a locked behind bars and sentenced to life in statement which would likely apply to Jodi. prison without the possibility of parole. in the first house), as well as a personal During Travis’s murder trial, Jodi spun Unfortunately, we may never truly know attack (projected Mars). web after web of lies, at one point attrib- the circumstances that led up to Travis’s uting the murder to a home invasion and eventual murder. However, by combining later claiming that she had been defend- forensic astrology with other more pop- ing herself from Travis’s domestic abuse. ular forms of astrological interpretation, Jodi’s SA Saturn was exactly conjunct In a last-ditch attempt to avoid the death the astrologer is provided with additional her natal Pluto, indicating threats of loss, penalty, Jodi announced she would be insight into the situation. self-destruction, and change. fundraising for victims of domestic abuse Jodi’s SA Ascendant was exactly con- through the sale of custom T-shirts. She Britanie Leclair is a forensic astrologer, research- junct her natal Moon, indicating a focus then stood in the courtroom, accused er, writer, and true-crime junkie from Sudbury, Ontario, Canada. She has a four-year BA.Hons in on personal needs and relationships. of her ex-boyfriend’s murder, grasping a psychology and is currently completing an MA in Jodi’s SA Neptune was exactly opposite T-shirt with the word “SURVIVOR” clutched cultural astrology and astronomy at the University her natal Sun, suggesting the possibility of tightly to her chest. of Wales Trinity Saint David. She can be reached at rose-colored glasses and muddled thinking. In the end, considering Travis’s defensive [email protected]. According to Noel Tyl, “More than one injuries and the lack of evidence support- arc active at the same time suggests a par- ing Jodi’s claims, Jodi Arias was ultimately R

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MARCH EQUINOX 2020 page 55 can operate in a person’s life. Also import- ant is that many of us believe that astrology does not function in a simple linear cause- and-effect manner. Given the way in which Many of the new astrology works, it may feel like statistical research methods research can strangle the life and spirit of astrology, and that statistical research puts rely more heavily on an astrology into a box that astrology does not astrologer’s intuition live comfortably in. Astrology is dynamic and fluid and informs us of the meaning and astrological and purpose of events rather than about expertise rather than predicting the details of our lives with any statistics! level of certainty. We can see why there has been a pervasive feeling in astrology that direct experience of the power and significance in our lives is far more import- hypothesis is correct is one of kind of ant than putting astrology into the rigid research. It is the kind of research that was confinements of research, and that if there given the most emphasis up until about is any kind of research that is important the 1990s and is still emphasized in some in astrology, the research is simply our universities even up until today. However, engagement with astrology by analyzing this is no longer the kind of research that Astrology and interpreting planetary placements and dominates in many academic areas and planetary configurations. it is not a kind of research that is usual- ly appropriate for astrological research. Research Modernizing Our Understanding of Many of the new research methods rely What Research Is more heavily on an astrologer’s intuition Although the ideas given above may and astrological expertise rather than Why it is at first sound like reasonable and even statistics! Many of the most important convincing arguments that research in research methods today do not impose Necessary astrology is not a high priority, there are a rigid statistical interpretation of data some oversights and simplifications in these that contrasts with the actual way that we Column by arguments that need to be addressed. astrologers interpret charts. David Cochrane First, the image of “the rigid confine- I sometimes hear astrologers say things ments of research” alludes to particular like “research can study only one variable at research methods and the research meth- a time” or “astrology works by synchronicity ods that it alludes to are not the ones and not causality so scientific research does that are most appropriate for astrology not work”. This is not what I learned in the Reasons for Thinking Research is research. These images of research as a MA program in research methods program Not Essential sterile, extremely objective and empirical that I was enrolled in, and it is not what Consider the following statements: undertaking remind me of how research other graduate-level programs in research methods and statistics have been taught methods and statistics teach in the 21st • You have a stellium in Gemini and you for decades at universities, but research century. To get a better appreciation of need variety in your life. methods have developed and evolved dra- research methods that are important in the • You have a stellium in the 9th house so matically in the past 20 years. 21st century and how these methods are a traveling is good for you. Collecting thousands of charts of birth perfect match for astrology, let’s look at the • Transiting Uranus was conjunct your 7th data, stating a clear hypothesis, and per- importance of data visualization and pur- house cusp when you got divorced. This forming statistical tests to see if your poseful sampling. is one possible event that occurs with this transit. • Your stellium in Scorpio in the 8th house inclines you to look beneath the surface.

These are the kinds of statements that we astrologers make. Most of us do not make fatalistic statements and we empow- er our clients to make the best decisions. Astrology is not a science that has rules like the law of gravity that work universally and completely consistently. Also, many astrologers feel that astrology is a language of symbols and the astro- logical effects are like archetypal images rather than statements about concrete facts. There are many ways that astrology

page 56 The Career Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine Data Visualization wheel gives a different kind of visualiza- and tables of houses, prefer visuals like a Data Visualization is a huge part of tion of planetary positions. See Figure 1, Time Line Format or AstroSignature format research in modern times. In the quote Example of Data Visualization: Time Line for forecasting. below, a data analyst states that “data format of Transits2 The Time Line Format show more clearly visualization is undoubtedly the top word Many astrologers, and especially young- than a text listing when aspects like tran- today.” If it is the top word, then it makes er astrologers who begin their studies of sit-to-natal and progressed to natal begin, sense for us to think about data visualiza- astrology using computer software instead are exact, and end. The Time Line format tion more than statistics when we think of calculating charts from an ephemeris also makes it easy to see what aspects are of research. in orb at a particular time and whether they In the field of data science, data visual- are increasing or decreasing in strength. ization is undoubtedly the top word today. If we are serious The AstroSignature forecast format is No matter what data you want to analyze, another form of data visualization of tran- doing data visualization seems to be a nec- about how sits and progressions. The AstroSiganature essary step. But many people don’t have a understanding how forecast can be used to easily see when a person is accident prone, likely to have specific concept of data visualization, and astrology works, they don’t know how to implement it.1 good business opportunities, or have sensi- In astrology, we already use some very then we need to tive health. See Figure 2: Data Visualization: 2 advanced data visualization. We interpret carefully consider any AstroSignature Forecast a birth chart by interpreting a chart wheel. We do not usually classify our use of We find it much easier to interpret the potential way to these data visualization tools as research chart by looking at a chart wheel instead improve our ability to tools; we think of them more as simply of a listing of planet positions. This shows personal preferences for our chart inter- us the power of data visualization! Also, visualize planetary pretation. However, they are research consider the square chart wheel that was configurations that tools as well and they are very important used by many medieval astrologers and is we interpret. research tools. Every time we interpret a often used in Vedic astrology. The square birth chart, we are doing research because

Figure 1 (top). Example of Data Visualization: Time Line format of Transits Figure 2 (bottom). Data Visualization: AstroSignature Forecast

MARCH EQUINOX 2020 page 57 Astrology Research is also extremely important in modern act. In fact, this more exciting and more research. Almost always visualization of the important area of scientific research is Why it is Necessary data is much more informative and much often referred to as Knowledge Discovery more interesting than a statistical analysis or simply KD. We are now in an exciting we are getting one more example of how to determine if a hypothesis is correct! Let’s era of Knowledge Discovery by using data astrology works for another person. When see how we can use data visualization of a visualization tools and the expertise of we think of “research”, we should not limit group of charts to get insights into what is astrologers. The old days of rigid statistical ourselves to just statistical research of large in the birth charts of astrologers. testing of hypotheses are far behind us. We groups of data. Making data more under- I am curious about the planets Mercury do statistical testing of hypotheses only standable and improving our ability to see and Uranus in the charts of astrologers. after extensive investigations with KD has patterns in data is extremely important. In In the rigid old-fashioned way of doing brought us to a point where we have great the quote above, the data scientist stated research we would come up with a hypoth- confidence in our theory and we are ready that “data visualization is undoubtedly esis, such as that astrologers have Mercury to test. KD is the big and exciting part of the top word today”. If we are serious and Uranus in a hard or soft aspect more 21st-century research because the final about how understanding how astrology often than other groups and then we see step of confirming a finding is like putting works, then we need to carefully consider if what we expect is true. Rather than do the final touch-ups and edits of a book that any potential way to improve our ability this we look at a graph to see what the has taken 10 years to write while the great- to visualize planetary configurations that angular distance between Mercury and er part of the effort is using tools like data we interpret. Uranus is. This leads to discovery. Rather visualization to make the discoveries. In Figure 1 and Figure 2, we see a form than assume that we know how the planets In Figure 4 we see the angular distance of data visualization of an individual chart. Mercury and Uranus interact in the charts between the planets Mercury and Uranus Data visualization of a group of charts of astrologers we discover how they inter- in the birth charts of 979 astrologers. This

Figure 3 (top). Distribution of the Mercury-Uranus Angle for 979 Astrologers Figure 4 (bottom). Distribution of the Mercury-Jupiter Angle for 979 Astrologers page 58 The Career Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine graph shows that Mercury and Uranus tive on life and I am interested in Mercury- tend to be 33 degrees, 135 degrees, or 150 Uranus because we pursue an unusual topic; degrees from each other in the charts of when I meet new people and tell them that the astrologers. The peak at 150 degrees I am an astrologer, I know it will raise some Suppose you want to is not as high as at 33 degrees and 135 eyebrows. If I tell them that I am a comput- degrees but it is much wider. The peak at er programmer, then I know that will make know what inclines a 150 degrees stretches from 147 degrees a nice solid favorable impression. If I am in person to be athletic to 153 degrees. As astrologers, we recog- a Uranian mood I tell people that I am an nize that this is a quincunx aspect with a astrologer and if I am feeling less brazen, I or to be psychic, to be 3-degree orb. See Figure 3: Distribution tell them that I am a computer programmer! a great singer, or just of the Mercury-Uranus Angle for 979 The quincunx aspect is often regarded as about anything else. Astrologers.2 an awkward combination between planets Before we analyze the Mercury-Uranus and where an adjustment is needed. As There is a trick to make angles more, let’s look at Figure 4, which astrologers, we are not primarily politicians solid progress in shows the angular distance between or philosophers (Mercury-Jupiter) and we Mercury and Jupiter for the 979 astrolo- are not primarily inventors and innovators determining this, and it gers. As shown in Figure 4, the peaks for (Mercury-Uranus) but we do work in an is a trick that is used the angular distance between Mercury and area that has an awkward relationship with in genetics research. Jupiter are at 6 degrees, 12 degrees, 150 the current academic understanding of degrees, and 168 degrees. how life works. The quincunx aspect makes Notice that Mercury and Jupiter, as sense as we reflect on this. well as Mercury and Uranus, are often in All of these thoughts and ideas would a random control group. In this article, I will a quincunx aspect for these astrologers. not occur if we did not use data visualiza- not go into a prolonged discussion of why See Figure 4: Distribution of the Mercury- tion. This is why data visualization is so this is important as it will distract us from Jupiter Angle for 979 Astrologers.2 popular and so important in 21st-century our main topic of why astrological research By looking at these graphs of the angu- data science. We get new insights and we is so important and how we can effectively lar distance between planets we are able can make discoveries. We find out every- conduct astrological research. Also, this is a to make very interesting observations thing that a hypothesis test would tell us, technical detail that the astrology research- about Mercury-Jupiter and Mercury-Uranus but much more as well. Data visualization is er does not need to get deeply involved in. aspects in the birth charts of astrologers. If liberating. Data visualization also opens the In the Sirius 3.0 software used to produce we tested a theory that these planets are door for bright, creative, intuitive astrolo- this graph, you simply check the box to in hard or soft aspects, the results would gers to make sense of the data and lead us view the difference of the group of charts be negative and we would learn nothing to a new level of astrological understand- from the transits distribution. except that our theory is not supported by ing. Rather than research strangling the life the data. By using data visualization, we out of astrology, this kind of research gives Purposeful Sampling have the opportunity to make discoveries. astrology wings to evolve to a new level. In addition to data visualization, there I am interested in Mercury-Uranus aspects Before ending this section of this article, I is one other research tool that is also so of astrologers because we pursue an wish to underscore a very important point: wonderful for the field of astrology that unusual idea. A great many people believe From the viewpoint of modern research I wish to mention it as well: purposeful in astrology but astrology is only a pass- methods, we need to carefully consider sampling studies. ing interest and their attention is on other what visualization tools are available. We Suppose you want to know what inclines things. We astrologers are fascinated by benefit by taking the time to work with a person to be athletic or to be psychic, to an idea that is very far out of the box. I am different data visualization tools and to be a great singer, or just about anything interested in Mercury-Jupiter because of our see if, after investing some time into work- else. There is a trick to make solid progress large philosophical view and vast perspec- ing with these data visualization tools, in determining this, and it is a trick that is they help us better see what the planetary used in genetics research. To explain how placements and planetary configurations to use this research method, I will describe By looking at these are and to more easily interpret them. how I used it to determine what the astro- Better data visualization tools acceler- logical indicators of athletic talent are. graphs of the ate our understanding of astrology and To determine what planetary configu- angular distance improve our ability to use astrology. In rations in the birth chart incline a person between planets we modern data science, each step forward to have exceptional athletic ability, my in data visualization is regarded as tre- first step is to go to google.com and enter are able to make very mendously important. Astrology benefits “greatest athletes of all time”. I found two interesting tremendously by making data visualiza- websites that appeared to be based on the tion a higher priority and investing more opinions of very dedicated sports fans. One observations about time into developing and learning better website listed 50 of the greatest athletes of Mercury-Jupiter and data visualization tools. This is one of the all time and the other website listed 100 of biggest steps forward that we can make Mercury-Uranus them. I entered the names of the athletes in astrological research as well as in chart that appeared in both lists. Fortunately, aspects in the birth interpretation. nearly all of them are already in the Sirius charts of astrologers. Lastly, a technical detail about the software so I could read in the birth data graphs in Figure 3 and Figure 4 is that it and see what the accuracy rating is. I used shows the angular distances compared to only the charts of athletes that are listed

V29-01 MARCH EQUINOX 2020 page 59 Astrology Research your AstroSignature works by entering are improved research methods. The new the criteria that you have come up with research methods are more fluid and Why it is Necessary in astrology research software and see- flexible than the kinds of rigid statistical ing how high the athletes score in this methods that many people are familiar on both websites and that have birth data AstroSignature compared to other groups with. Astrology can transition to a new from a birth certificate or other birth record of charts. I conducted this research and level if we embrace science, psycholo- (AA accuracy). In this first step, it is very found very consistent and compelling indi- gy, and mysticism in a holistic and unified important to use data selected by someone cators of athletic ability. I made a series of way rather than rely only primarily on our else rather than yourself so that you are not free youtube tutorial videos that explain own personal experiences with astrology unconsciously biasing your results by pick- the details of how the research was con- and the tradition of ideas that are passed ing charts that fit your theory. ducted, what the AstroSignature is, and down to us. The next step in the research is simply how well it works.3 to analyze the charts using whatever astro- Another variation of this kind of research logical theories you prefer to come up with is to analyze the charts of people that REFERENCES a combination of planetary placements have the strongest planetary placements 1. Chou, Lewis. 9 Data Visualization Tools That You or planetary configurations that you think or planetary configurations. For example, Cannot Miss in 2019 www.towardsdatascience. are showing up in these charts and make I have conducted this kind of research on com/9-data-visualization-tools-that-you-cannot- sense to you. We call this an AstroSignature the meanings of the 12 zodiac signs and miss-in-2019-3ff23222a927 for athletic ability. Lastly, you see how well the results of the research confirm some of 2. Sirius Astrology Software by Cosmic Patterns the basic ideas we have about zodiac signs Software. www.AstroSoftware.com but also suggest some slight changes in 3. Youtube videos by David Cochrane. how we think of zodiac signs are needed. https://youtube.com/c/DavidCochrane100 The results of this research are also avail- Another variation able in free youtube tutorial videos. More of this kind of research detailed information on how to conduct David Chochrane is the author of two astrology Extreme Case Sampling studies is also pro- books, a regular lecturer at international astrol- is to analyze the ogy conferences, instructor at the Avalon School vided in youtube videos. of Astrology, computer programmer at Cosmic charts of people that Patterns Software, past President of ISAR, has have the strongest Concluding Comments created over 260 free tutorial videos available at We live in an Information Age that pro- youtube.com, author of numerous articles and planetary placements duces a steady stream of technological research papers, and pioneer in the development of Vibrational Astrology. He has collaborated with or planetary breakthroughs. Within a span of 10 years, dozens of astrologers on astrological software configurations. the improvements in hardware and soft- products and research projects. ware services of all kinds are dramatic. One thing that enables these developments R

Tuba Gök is a freelance graphic designer who finds her inspiration from traveling around the world and discovering new cultures. All of the cities with dynamic cultures stimu- late her towards producing inspiring designs for the interna- tional community. She is the founder of the La Brand Creative studio in Ankara Turkey. Her primary field is logo design, brand identity, and product packaging. You can find some of her designs through this link: https://www.behance.net/tubagok Tuba began studying with AstroArt Astrology school in September 2019 I have always believed that our names have a big impact on our lives. As an example, my surname represents the sky and my whole childhood passed with my biggest dream of becoming an astronaut. This year by coincidence, I realized that astrology is what I actually want to do. I am still at the basic level but I want to thank to Maurice Fernandez, who helped me to combine the work that I love wıth astrology.

page 60 The Career Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine for astrologers, is based on statistical research and evidence on behaviour and does not involve face-to-face consulta- tions with children. This approach is When I first starting researching and reasonably safe for writing about how astrology can change the way we educate our children, I want- astrologers, is based ed to be very careful not to encourage on statistical research astrologers to treat the charts of children the same way we would treat the charts and evidence on of adults. But over time, I became so com- behaviour and does fortable with the way I worked that I had not involve lost touch with how different it is to how other astrologers work. It took an extensive face-to-face email exchange with Maurice before I saw consultations the expectations on both sides were very different. So I’m very grateful to Maurice for with children. both this opportunity to write this column and for his input. This column would be have been very different without it. 1. Police Clearance 2. Training on how to recognise Working There are vastly different skillsets neglect and abuse involved with working with children and 3. A clear understanding of what can With if you intend on working with the charts and cannot be kept confidential of people under the age of 18, there are 4. Knowing when and how to refer a some extremely important legal guidelines child’s case appropriately you should bear in mind. After considering 5. Predictions and assessment CHILDREN’S them, you may even decide that working with the charts of children is far too risky. POLICE CLEARANCE In this introductory column, I feel the In order to access training in child pro- CHARTS need to be very clear on the problems of tection, you must be vetted every year to working with children as well as the oppor- Column by verify you do not have any criminal convic- tunities to help parents and teachers create tions. In the UK, this costs about £40 per Alex Trenoweth better relationships with the children year and if I don’t have an up to date certif- in their care which I will write about in icate, I can’t teach. If I could get around this PGCE, MA, DFAstrolS future columns. rule but get caught trying to teach without Let me give you the difficult news first. a certificate, I can permanently lose my teaching licence. If you wish to work with children at any level, I suggest you have It may sound obvious but a person is not police clearance. PART ONE a legal adult until they are 18 years of age. You can’t round up 17 to make it 18, you NEGLECT AND ABUSE s astrology becomes more and more can’t consider that a “mature” 16-year-old is It is true that adults can find themselves popular thanks to our millennial really 18. After doing a little research on what in abusive situations and you, as an astrol- A friends, it is very much worth our can happen if don’t make sure a person is 18 oger, can refer them to an agency or get while to consider not only what astrolo- before you treat them like an adult, you may help for them yourself. Adults have had gy can and cannot do but what it should wish to make it clear in your advertising that enough life experience that legally they can and should not do. your clients must be over the age of 18. make an informed decision about how to One contentious area in astrology is As I am a professional teacher (at one handle adversity in their lives. Children are whether or not we should do consultations point working at management level), I am under the care of a responsible adult and with children. fully trained in child protection therefore I that adult has to provide a living environ- For a very long time, I thought that can—up to a point—engage with children ment so that child can grow and prosper. At interfering with a child’s destiny left an astrologically. Even though I have exten- home, their parents/guardians provide this indelible mark on my own karma. Who sive child protection training, I would never care, at school, it’s their teachers and some- was I to interfere? have an unsupervised child in my consul- times a parent delegates their responsibil- However, as I became more experienced tation office. I do work with families but ity to another family member or a friend. as a teacher and an astrologer, I started there is no way I am going to consult with a Anyone responsible at any level for the to see the potential astrology had to help child without a parent or legal guardian in well being of a child is morally obligated to parents and teachers and I changed my the room. This also goes for Skype or Zoom report abuse to an appropriate authority. mind. But I had very strict parameters in consultations: a parent must be in the room If you are going to work with children pro- my approach to children’s charts which or I’m removing myself from the situation. fessionally, you have to be trained in how I will present in future sections of this So what does child protection training to spot signs of abuse or neglect and you column. This approach is reasonably safe entail? must know who to report it to.

MARCH EQUINOX 2020 page 61 As you well know, no one comes to an As a teacher, I make predictions for Working With astrologer for just a chat. They have a prob- grades all the time. I was effectively CHILDREN’S CHARTS lem that needs to be sorted and they’ve banned--under threat of dismissal--from placed these problems in your lap. If your telling parents that I was an astrologer in client is a child, it really does become your case I made a prediction. I guess it was CONFIDENTIALITY Children can and do disclose things responsibility to act. You have to know thought I was going to do all 480 astrolo- to trusted adults. I’ve heard dreadful, when, how and who to report issues such gy charts for my students for free. My very heart-breaking stories, I’ve had to call the as these and many, many other variations. conservative guess at how many predic- police on that nice family that everyone I could make a very long list! And to make tions I made per year as a teacher is about likes and generally my experience of work- matters really complicated, laws vary from 3000. I know that on exam day, miracles ing in child protection has taught me that state to state but it is your responsibility and disasters can affect my predictions. But there are monsters disguised as people to know what they are. So you see, if the this is very different from predicting events everywhere. parent is in the room, it is their responsi- in a child’s life using astrology. But I cannot promise a child complete con- bility and you don’t have to worry about it. Prediction in astrology is very nebulous. fidentiality. As an astrologer, you shouldn’t However, you still have to be able to judge Astrologers can make a bad prediction either. All it would take is that child to tell whether that parent is acting with com- and they can erase it. However, when you another adult that you are keeping secrets petence which is yet another reason you make a prediction for a child, you plant a and you’ll have to explain yourself to some- shouldn’t be working with children without seed that the child may nurture or refuse to one who can charge you with reckless the proper training and experience. develop. You’ve had an effect on their life endangerment, neglect or something far If you do think I’m being overly cautious in some way that is something other than more sinister. or even paranoid, then you should read how a pep talk or talk about consequences This, of course, is completely different to up on Andrew, the former senior member would have an effect. You know that astrol- what we promise our adult clients around of the British Royal family who foolishly ogy is a powerful tool and that is a huge confidentiality. placed himself in a compromised situation responsibility. For me personally, this is a with a person under the age of 18 and see responsibility I choose not to take. When what it costs to have an allegation made I’m working with families, I am very careful REFERRALS Let’s say you’ve decided that yes, Alex against you 20 years after the incident to explain what I can do, where I’m coming Trenoweth is the most paranoid person occurred. No one is messing around with from and how I can help. And predicting you’ve ever met and you’ve decided to child protection. the future of someone who is growing and completely ignore her advice and see developing at an exponential rate is some- children as clients. PREDICTIONS AND ASSESSMENT thing I don’t want to be in the way of. Now you have a 14-year-old pregnant A skill in child protection is being able I know at this point, I’ve probably made child who has just disclosed to you that the to see the future: where will this child be you think there is no way to use astrology father of her baby is a family member. Do next year if they remain in their current to help children. But there is a way we can you know what to do? position? The difference between astrolo- help children and keep ourselves safe at You have a 17-year-old self-harmer or a gers and child protection agents is that in the same time. I do think it is extremely 15-year-old anorexic or a 16-year-old who child protection if you make a prediction, important that we engage with children has just confessed she’s in a “relationship” you have to take responsibility for it. If you — within very careful boundaries — and with a 22-year-old? make a wild, unjustified prediction in child this next story is why. protection, you are accountable for it. I had known Stephen (not his real name) from his first day in secondary school. Even at the age of 11, everyone knew this child was going to get into serious trouble one day. We suspected he was involved with gangs, we suspected his parents had addic- tion issues, we predicted he would not do well on his exams. And every single one of us suspected there was nothing we could do about it. “Stephen,” I’d say, looking into those big brown eyes welling up with tears, “Wouldn’t you have a better day if you didn’t have to come here and get detention?” “Yes Miss,” he’d say. Then I’d send him on his way to make amends for whatever havoc he wreaked and to apologise to those he had wronged. Many times, I had his parents in my office advising them about my concerns for Stephen’s future. And every single time I knew my words were falling on ears that were not listening.

page 62 The Career Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine cial considerations in place to make it safe So inevitably, Stephen would find himself for all from a legal standpoint. back in my office (which is fully covered by I’ve run out of space in this first column CCTV at all times). but I hope I’ve given you some food for And inevitably, Stephen came to the end In that instant, my thought. In the next few columns, I’ll be of the line in my school and he was perma- question of asking writing more specifically about how we can nently excluded. support our young people with astrology. “You can’t win them all,” my colleagues who was I to interfere soothed. “Sometimes, you just have to cut in the destiny of a child your losses and focus on the things you can change.” I looked at my huge pile of mark- changed to who was I • You are fully qualified to have the opin- ing, my long to-do list and had no option not to interfere in the ion that astrology is an incredibly power- but to agree. destiny of a child. ful tool that can change lives. However, One evening, as the weather was there are quite serious parameters to warming up, I was walking the 20-minute consider when working with children. journey from school to home. As I reached an intersection, I noticed a large, very excit- guidance counsellor. Well, I looked down • As a professional body, we need ed group of children wearing my school’s that long row of teachers to our one and to consider the ethics of working with uniform. There were police cars and just as only guidance counsellor and I knew we children because children, particularly an ambulance pulled up, I saw a body that were not equipped to handle this situation. adolescents, are at the most vulnerable had been hastily covered with a sheet. In time, I was sent as the school’s desig- stage of their lives nated outreach person to visit Stephen in Oh my God, I thought, one of my chil- • With a bit of training and study, astrol- prison where he was learning how to be a dren has been hit by a car. I ran up to a ogy can empower you to support the better criminal. I looked at those watery, big policeman and explained I was a teacher adults who care for children who will, in brown eyes—now behind bars—and knew I from a nearby school and could that body turn, better understand how they can was looking at a ruined life. be a child from my school? I was thinking develop skills to manage challenging In that instant, my question of asking who I would know the parents and could help situations find them quickly. I was firmly told my was I to interfere in the destiny of a child assistance was not required and no further changed to who was I not to interfere in the details could be provided. destiny of a child. So I did what every modern parent or Alex Trenoweth, MA (CAA), DFAstrolS, CIA Agent 144 is an astrological researcher and profession- teacher would do in such a situation and al schoolteacher in London UK. In 2015, she was I went on social media. I quickly found If astrology has meaning and value, then awarded “International Astrologer of the Year” out the body under that sheet wasn’t one it should be to make the world a better by the Krishnamurti Institute of Astrology (KIA) of my students. The body under the sheet place, to help parents develop the skills to for her ground-breaking and innovative research on Astrology and Education based on her book was the victim of one of my students. The lead fulfilling lives and to break the cycles “Growing Pains” (The Wessex Astrologer). Since then child had been chased by a bully and had of poor parenting by empowering children she has spoken at astrology conferences around been run over by a bus and killed. Stephen to understand their unique contributions in the world and has contributed to major magazines was the bully. this sad, shitty world of screwed up people and publications such as Dell Horoscope, The Career The next day at school in staff briefing, placed in shitty situations. Astrologer (OPA), The ISAR Journal, The Journal of Research for AFA (Grant Trust), Kindred Spirit and the head teacher told us there had been an As astrologers, we have the ability to Astrodienst. https://alextrenoweth.co.uk/ incident and that we were not allowed to guide people to the Light. When it comes to discuss it. If any of the children discussed working with children, we need to have spe- R it, they were to be sent to our one and only

The Professional Astrologer an essential volume for every student and practitioner

Available in Paperback and E-Book GET YOUR at Amazon.com and OPAastrology.org COPY

MARCH EQUINOX 2020 page 63 Interview with Ricky Williams Award-winning Football Athlete converted to Practicing Astrologer

Maurice: So a Saturn return and a pro- gressed Moon return. Ricky: Yeah, yeah! So, this idea of sea- Maurice Fernandez speaks with Ricky sons, that things change…. I remember a Williams, an award-winning ex-football synchronistic event. I was in Miami and I player for the NFL who converted to was leaving my condo, the concierge and I an avid astrology practitioner. Maurice were talking…it was Memorial Day week- explores his milestones and interesting end…and I was asking him if there were perspectives in this interview. any parties coming up. He said, “The season is over in Miami. It starts to get so hot The full interview is available on OPA’s You now that people leave and won’t come astrologer. This was my first introduction to Tube channel. Be sure to subscribe to the back until November.” And that phrase astrology through Vedic astrology. free channel and enjoy this and “the season’s over” started going around in As I was living at the ashram I met an many other offerings. my head and I was thinking, “Is the season interesting and quirky Vedic astrologer, over in my life for football?” I felt, “Yes!” Ernst Wilhelm. I realized that he’s a Vedic Link: https://youtu.be/84v623RB3dk I was fascinated with this idea of sea- astrologer using Vedic principles, but apply- sons. So, I started traveling and of course ing them to the tropical zodiac. I started this guy gives me a book on Ayurveda, playing with the tropical zodiac and it just and the whole book is about living accord- started to sing for me. And very slowly I ing to the seasons. It resonated with me transitioned over to pretty much Western How long has it been since you became so much that when I came back from my astrology. an astrologer, Ricky? Can you share with travels and realized I need to find a job, I us a little bit about the sequence of thought, hey, I’ll study Ayurveda because Maurice: Interesting. those events? that resonated with me. Once beginning Ricky: By 2014-2015, I really wanted to Ricky: Yeah! It’s a really interesting and to study Ayurveda, one of the swamis from become a serious astrologer. I realized I crazy story. I was a football player, like you the ashram came to the school to teach our needed a teacher, and Steven Forrest was said, and I knew I was a Gemini, which is yoga class. And I remember after taking one of the authors who really spoke to me. interesting because I have a twin sister. the first class thinking “Wow! This is mag- So I looked online and saw he was (laugh- So it was significant, but I didn’t really ical!” I asked him, “Where can I get more ing) teaching in Seattle, at Norwac. So I understand or know much about what it of this?” And he said, “We have an ashram went up to Norwac on my birthday, tracked meant. I went through a spiritual crisis in 25 minutes down the road.” So the next him down and cornered him, and I said, my life. My (progressed) lunar return, you weekend I somehow got the courage to “Hey, my name is Ricky Williams and I’d real- know? (laughs) I have a 10th house Cancer go to this strange weird place. Again, I’m ly like to learn from you.” And the first thing Moon, and I was playing football when I fresh off being a football player, so this is he said to me is, “Don’t hurt me!” (laughing) started to have this feeling that this wasn’t all foreign to me, but it feels right. Ninth Oh my goodness! But then he said, “Yeah, I what I was supposed to be doing with my house Gemini, you know? (both laugh) So I have an apprenticeship program.” So I start- life. This feeling that I want to empower end up going to the ashram, and the head ed studying with Steven and followed him people and help people, and I feel like swami there, Swami Sita, comes up to me around the world. And I think just really I’m just distracting people from their lives and says, “Where’s your Mars?” I look up diving into…having a system…you know, for three hours on Sundays. So, I started at her and don’t know what she’s talking he’s so systematic…to have a system that asking some deeper questions, and one about. She said it again and I replied, “I of the questions was whether this was don’t know.” Then she said, “After you’re what I wanted to be doing with my life. It done eating, come up to my house. I want shocked me because the answer was no. to talk to you.” So, I finished eating and But soon after I started to get a sense and And that phrase “the walked up the hill to her house. I sat down vision of myself somehow helping people, and she asked for my birth information. season’s over” that resonated with me. I ended up leav- Again, because I’m a twin, the time of our started going around ing football and started to travel. One of birth was just part of the story, so I always the insights that really triggered my jour- in my head and I was knew it. We ended up having a two-and-a- ney was coming to terms with the fact half hour conversation where I felt so seen. thinking, “Is the season that my whole life I wanted to be a famous You know? I felt more seen in that moment athlete, and now I’m here thinking about over in my life for from this strange woman in orange robes doing something else. than I have from anyone else in my life. football?” I felt, “Yes!” So I realized that whatever tools she had Maurice: How old were you? allowed her to touch me in a deeply mov- Ricky: I was 27 and a half. ing way. Interestingly enough, she’s a Vedic page 64 The Career Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine

really spoke to my religious upbringing and They thought I had totally gone off the seeing, “Wow! (laughing) This is real!” It’s my natural spiritual roots. deep end. And my experience of it was that not fantasy. This is real. I feel like part of my it was the most alive and vital that I’d ever life’s work is trying to get people to a place Maurice: I know that many astrologers felt in my whole life. So I have this contrast where they see that this is real. It’s extreme- go through the process of coming out of where in my body I could feel this is what ly useful for us in our lives. People accept the closet, so to speak, because there’s life is supposed to be like. It allowed me it as being something that “alternative” or so much prejudice and misunderstand- to say, “This is what I want to feel like. The “weird” people are into. I think what people ing projected from the scientific commu- people that truly care about me and can lack seeing is the practical value that astrol- nity, the religious community, and even support me are the people that support ogy can offer them. just everyday people. And I can imagine this. And the people that can’t, I have to that coming from an environment of this learn to not care what they think.” It really Maurice: And that’s my hope. That maybe high testosterone and very physical that started to empower me to be myself and some of these people who laugh at you people didn’t always follow where you realize that there’s inherent value in that. at first. You know, that’s the saying. First were going. How did that happen? Did So when I came back to play football, I was they ignore you, then they laugh at you, you feel comfortable sharing what you more comfortable being myself, and the then they fight you, and then you win, were doing? end result was that people just would say, right? Ricky: You know, it’s funny how life “Oh, that’s just Ricky.” Whether it was astrol- Ricky: Yep. works. I felt like I’d been prepared for ogy, yoga…whatever I was doing, there this. So, the first time I had a reading was a certain kind of acceptance. Yes, it was Maurice: So, I wonder if you have cli- with Steven, we got to my second house weird and strange, but I was still given the ents from that community? From the Uranus, and in that context he said that freedom to be myself. sports, or childhood even…if people at the time when I left football and started I think a more serious issue that we’re all first were kind of resistant but saw that to travel might have been one of the best facing now is that…we all see that astrol- you’re doing it, and if you are gaining so things that ever happened for me. And ogy is becoming more popular and peo- much from it, maybe that can help me. my interpretation of that was…. I had this ple are starting to take it more seriously. I can think even of younger people who experience when I left football and I was Through my experience in talking to peo- need some kind of vocational direction. I traveling around the world that everyone ple about their charts, especially talking to wonder if you’ve had the opportunity to that knew me thought I had lost my mind. people about South Node symbolism, and come back to your own community and offer that? Ricky: I’m still working on it. I did some- thing interesting a couple years ago on social media, I did a contest where a person could win a free conversation about their chart. It was a football fan from Texas who had never had any experience with astrolo- gy. It was a meaningful conversation, and it started to stir something up. And I’ll admit,

MARCH EQUINOX 2020 page 65 Interview with Ricky Williams PART ONE this is part of my bias…yes, astrology can important for astrology as a next step? And then using that to help younger be useful in so many practical ways, but Especially in the light of the upcoming people better understand themselves. what really excites me are the deeper lev- Jupiter/Saturn conjunction in Aquarius. Ricky: Seaking of teenagers, I have 4 els. My hope is that the people from the Ricky: There are two things that come teenagers, and my 21 year old daughter community which I left start to have more to mind. First, to demonstrate how astrol- coming back from college is fascinated spiritual aspirations. And this brings me ogy can be actually practically useful. One with astrology. Every time I see her, she to an interesting segue. I’m doing a work- of the projects I’m currently working on has an astrology book in her hand. And shop in Austin in April, and when I thought is a DATING SITE, where people can learn she has this natal signature, South Node in about what it is I want to talk about I start- about themselves and see compatibility. Aquarius, as well as Mars in Scorpio on the ed thinking of social media now, and how Then connect to the Aquarian myth — Ascendant and an Aries Sun… And this is people are able to make a lot of money on from my personal Jungian interest, the not an easy chart, but it helps her under- YouTube. How we’ve really moved away association of the astrology motif works stand herself so deeply. from our parents who worked a 9-5, where very well with individuation. So, astrology Same about my 16 year old, a handsome people now are not doing that. Everyone’s helps me understand WHO I ACTUALLY AM. young man and he talks to Uber drivers an entrepreneur, everyone is a brand. And about their charts. I have this idea, especially for the Neptune in Capricorn generation, and that impulse, What inspires you to be an is this idea of work or business…entrepre- I have this idea, OPA member? neurship as a spiritual practice. You know, especially for the Ricky: Community… like this conversa- when you can truly align your brand with tion, it is very cathartic and meaningful… who you are, there’s power in that. Aligning Neptune in Capricorn as astrologers we can feel isolated, so con- that with making a difference in the larger generation, and that necting with like-minded. world I think can be very powerful. impulse, is this idea of Thank you very much and we wish you Maurice: You mentioned you have Sun work or business… the very best on your journey. I know in Gemini and Moon in Cancer. Do you entrepreneurship as a you will touch many people. While we mind sharing your data? know you come from the glamour of Ricky: Yeah! I was born May 21st, 1977 in spiritual practice. You Ricky Williams, but there is also qual- San Diego, CA at 1:57pm. My Ascendant is know, when you can ity, it is not superficial. You serve as a 18 degrees Virgo. wonderful example of transitioning and truly align your brand reinventing yourself, taking that risk Maurice: The interesting thing about with who you are, and going deeper. what you say, that it’s painful to there’s power in that. evolve…I think what can be so valuable Link: https://youtu.be/84v623RB3dk is that we understand that the pain is not for nothing. Ricky: Exactly!

Maurice: That it’s not just random. That there’s a higher purpose. And we can see, like you’re saying, this is the chart of someone who… with that Mars it’s not just a battle on the football scene, it’s a battle in life, as well. You had to overcome challenges and build muscle tone not only in a physical way, but in a spiritual way. It’s so wonderful, also, to see how you kind of marry the mind, the spirit, and the body. Talking about phys- ical healing, emotional healing, and then higher purpose…spiritual presence. And the nice thing about your Cancer Moon, at least what comes across here, is you’re accessible. You’re a public figure, you led a glamorous life, and yet there’s some- thing very approachable and something very warm that can be very helpful in reaching people. In healing. It’s not so intimidating. So you may want to coach more and teach, what do you think would be R page 66 The Career Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine History is cyclical and it carries “repeated in time” events. Upon revisiting the previ- ous cycle of Saturn in Aquarius between When Saturn 1991 - 1993, the following events took transitions from one place in the world: sign to another we • The collapse of the USSR can expect both • US and Allied military operation against Iraq “Desert Storm. new restrictions and • Abolition of Apartheid in South Africa. new developmental • Anarchy in Somalia • Termination of the Warsaw Pact and opportunities. the Council for Mutual Economic Assistance

strength, and with enough determination, Saturn in Aquarius can be described being able to make what seemed impos- as an ancient and wise monk who has sible possible. Hard work is rewarded with made an important internal change and is development, status, and success. mature to express this internal evolution. On a mundane level, Saturn can insti- Therefore, we may see the emergence of gate technological progress, industry, new “messiah” types and spiritual leaders, The economic stability and reliable leadership whose influence may affect the minds of and political systems. Therefore, when Saturn transitions from Transit of one sign to another we can expect both new restrictions and new developmental In a positive opportunities. Saturn in The sign of Aquarius is a sign of free- manifestation, dom, bright achievements, and extraor- Saturn in Aquarius dinary discoveries. As it goes with the can serve as a time Aquarius: influence of Aquarius, changes may occur unexpectedly and quickly. The foundation for unification, and DISSOLVING established during the time of Saturn in the creation of new Capricorn may be revisited. There could be STEREOTYPES changes in leadership positions and pow- communities and erful breakdown of old systems and the March 22 to July 1, build new alliances dismantling of structures. between parties 2020 / December 17, There may be more interest in spiritual development as well -- the boundaries of and countries. 2020 to March 7, 2023 knowledge can expand to a larger cosmic perspective. This time can be characterized Margarita Logovatovskaya by a time of new freedoms and rights. In a positive manifestation, Saturn in Aquarius many followers. We can bet that this tran- aturn is a planet that carries an ele- can serve as a time for unification, and sit will not go unnoticed as the desire for ment of ambiguity. Since ancient the creation of new communities and change and challenging the status quo S times, it has been given the image of build new alliances between parties and will amplify. This will require us to adapt to gloomy severity, behind which stands the countries. the new realities of life. indestructible hand of fate and retribution. Looking ahead, as Saturn continues into The reason is that Saturn is the keeper Aquarius into 2021, it will form a square to My name is Margarita Logovatovskaya. I have of karma which implies that it calls for a Uranus in Taurus intensifying the urge for been interested in seeking the meaning of life through various spiritual practices for all my life more mature and ethical approach, set- freedom and economic revolutions. period. Astrology as one of the powerful esoteric ting the limits and boundaries of what is Some issues that may be on the global sciences became a part of my life, allowing me permitted at the risk of consequences and agenda: to get answers to my questions. Later Astrology sometimes even heavy retribution. bacame a tool for answering other people’s ques- Saturn is a planet on which all the • Focus on the improvement of individ- tions. Studying other esoteric practices helps bet- ter understanding Astrology and its impact on our chronicles of the time of the world rest, ual rights. lives: tarot, magic, bioenergy, the study of the sub- obeying its inexorable cycles. The magic • The urge for political freedom. tle world, etc. All of this allows you to understand and power of Saturn is strong in time, • Possible violation of borders between and interpret other people’s astrological charts, where epochal events unfold from one countries. events that occur, feel the influence of heaven energies on our earthly life much better. There is a human life to the world as a whole. • Challenging existing laws and exist- deep potential that can be studied for all your life. Professional astrologers know that ing agreements. Astrology allows you to make your destiny beau- Saturn not only reflects potential limita- • Challenges in the aviation and space tiful. It inspires you to live and realize the strength tions and difficulties associated with the travel industries. of your soul in this incarnation. sign it resides in, but it also represents • Religious extremism. R opportunities for development, inner

MARCH EQUINOX 2020 page 67 when I started to attend his annual Student Seminars held in New Jersey every January. Tribute Once I got involved with his course, I Noel offered weekly had the idea that my husband and I should to celebrated produce a DVD series for Noel — a legacy vocational exercises to make his personal teaching style and A s t r o l o g e r, a u t h o r, on his forum. He would insight readily available. My husband is a media professional and was already pro- and teacher post the birth data for ducing videos for me. It took two years of two “mystery people” my constant selling the idea to Noel before and then give we he finally agreed to this ambitious project. We shot the nine-DVD series at our home Noel Tyl participants one week studio in Virginia Beach — hosting Noel in to post our three different trips. He was amazing - a who transitioned seasoned pro in presenting, well prepared, analyses. For those and a pleasure to work with. Noel’s exper- on his Solar Return brave enough to enter tise, drama, grace, complexity, power, and Dec 31, 2019. the arena engaging in command — it’s all on video. I’m proud to say the DVD set has been sold in all corners these exercises of the world. by Kathy Rose meant inviting praise Working intimately with Noel allowed my husband and me to become good friends and criticism. with him. There’s a memory of those shoot days I will always hold dear: after 8-10 hours on set, we would take Noel to eat at t was 15 years ago, in 2005, when I teacher and students who eagerly sought the a wonderful Italian restaurant so he could first connected with Noel Tyl. He had master’s approval highly prized by everyone. have his favorite — spaghetti and meat- just begun to field test his innova- We learned so much, and Noel contin- balls. On one occasion while we were wait- I ing for dessert — tiramisu — I asked him to tive Midheaven Extension Process for ued the vocational profiling opportunities Vocational Astrology. In the years that until 2015. His commitment to this free sing something. We had so many conver- followed, I collected many cherished mem- education and generous mentoring was an sations about his celebrated opera career, ories of working with a larger-than-life fig- inspiration. My appreciation for the many I wanted to hear his stage voice. He quite ure who was both brilliant and challenging. hours of unpaid personalized attention he surprised me - right there in the middle of Noel was working on his book gave to that community is deep and abid- a busy restaurant he sang a short phrase “Vocations” when I was somehow led to ing to this day. from an opera he had performed many find his website and public discussion I had already been in practice for more times in years past. The power of his still forum, where he was sharing his new than 20 years as a consulting astrologer magnificent voice was such that the entire approach to vocational profiling. He pre- when I first connected with Noel. But restaurant instantly hushed. It was mag- sented a clear, systematic method for engaging with him through the forum ical. This was classic Noel - he had the determining a client’s vocational needs, opened such exciting new professional ability to command a room, no matter and I was drawn into the Tyl way of analy- vistas that I decided to take his Master’s what the stage. sis. I quickly became very actively engaged Correspondence Course in 2006. That’s in the discussions. Noel offered weekly vocational exercises on his forum. He would post the birth data for two “mystery people” and then give par- t icipants one week to post our analyses. For those brave enough to enter the arena — and it was populated by astrologers from all corners of the world — engaging in these exercises meant inviting praise and criticism. Noel took the time to personally edit and comment on each entry. There was a special, high-voltage thrill — a pins-and- needles anticipation — about taking the weekly risk of being completely wrong and receiving that constructive critique. I found that I had a voracious appetite for learning the Tyl Midheaven Extension Process. I also found I resonated with Noel’s systematic thinking. For many years, I posted my analysis on nearly every exercise. And I experienced the developing bond between

page Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine 68 The Career After I graduated from his Master’s ing new ideas. I believe this to be the mark Course, Noel offered me the opportunity of a wise leader. to be his teaching associate at the annual Noel Tyl died on December 31, 2019… Student Seminars. Then in 2017, realizing Noel was, even at his on his 83rd birthday. I miss my good friend it was time for him to cut back on trav- and mentor. Like so many of his students, eling, he turned the seminars over to me. advanced age, I cherish all the great astrological discus- His health had started to become an issue expanding his global sions he provoked, and how he would even his ego couldn’t overcome. He knew presence. Already a frequently end the conversation by saying, the curtain was starting to close. “Well, we’ve just solved all the problems of In the years just prior to retiring, he made prolific, published the world, I think I’ve earned a cookie.” many trips to Japan and China, where he author of many In keeping with Noel’s desire for growth met with huge success and admiration and evolution, I will soon be hosting and from new students excited to learn his seminal books, he teaching what his annual student sem- humanistic, therapeutic approach to astrol- graduated many inar has evolved into - the Empowered ogy. Noel was, even at his advanced age, students all across the Astrology Conference. I changed the expanding his global presence. Already name of the event so that it reflects what a prolific, published author of many semi- globe from his arduous he ultimately taught - personal empow- nal books, he graduated many students all Master’s Course. erment lighting the way to professional across the globe from his arduous Master’s engagement. The team of presenters I Course. Hundreds of careers were forever Hundreds of careers have scheduled to lecture with me are shaped by his teachings. were forever shaped by all graduates of the Noel Tyl Master’s In his final years, Noel told me many his teachings. Course. Our intention is to do exactly as times that it was very important for the he wished - to eagerly participate in the students he had trained to continue to pio- creative growth and evolution of ideas neer new ideas and theories. He believed and theories to benefit astrologers and that as human beings grow in conscious- ideas and insist on strict adherence to their clients. ness - as culture and technology continue their “doctrine.” As demanding as he often to develop - so must astrological tech- Find out more about Kathy Rose: http://www. was, Noel Tyl never demanded conformity. roseastrology.com/ niques! Instead he encouraged us to be creative in There are some leaders and teachers our thinking, exploring, expanding, evolv- who become totally attached to their own

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MARCH EQUINOX 2020 page 69 he found The Astrologer’s Guide, including Tribute to the 146 considerations of Guido Bonatti in Mason’s bookstore, he knew that he On his 51st birthday, had found what he referred to as “the real astrology!” while in New Zealand, Robert In 1974, he returned to school, learned Zoller received a call Latin, got a degree in Medieval Studies, and received the microfilms of Bonatti’s from Australia saying Zoller Liber Astronomiae, J.B. Morin’s Astrologia he’d been awarded the Gallica and two volumes of Ficino’s works Southern Cross Award In Memory of in Latin. He began translating immediately and has been working on the material ever given to an overseas My Master since. In 1976, Zoller commenced trans- astrologer who’d done lating and studying Guido Bonatti’s Liber Astronomiae. By 1984, Zoller was giving the most advanced Öner Döşer many public lectures on astrology. He had astrology in Australia. an office in Manhattan, New York through a friend who rented him space at a very rea- sonable rate. He had a public presence and I flew to Vancouver to attend his train- obert Zoller was a leading astrologer was on cable TV. ing with my friend and colleague Gunes and practitioner of occult philosophy, In 1991 while he was working in Aksan. When I arrived at the hotel room in who was a Latin scholar and grad- construction to supplement his income, Vancouver after a long flight of 20 hours, I R symptoms of Parkinson’s disease began was shocked when my phone rang. It was uate of Bachelor of Arts (BA) in medieval studies from the Institute for Medieval and to emerge. Difficult times! But these diffi- Diana Zoller, Robert Zoller’s wife who was Renaissance Studies at City College New culties let him practice astrology full time. a Canadian astrologer. After welcoming me York. He was a principal of the Academy He says, “In 1992 the bottom fell out of and asking if I need something, she asked of Medieval and Predictive Astrology, and the construction business in New York me “Would you like to talk to your teach- as a leader in the professional application City, and this tremor in my left arm began er?” I was even more surprised. I said “Of of medieval methods in our present times, in 1991 - so I was sort of forced into the course, I will be glad”. I was familiar with operated a correspondence course on direction of going into astrology full time Robert Zoller’s voice due to course CDs. medieval astrological techniques. Zoller and staying there. I’ve been very produc- Talking to him on the phone was a totally tive since I did that, so it’s serendipitous.” different experience. He welcomed me and was one of the original translators in the st Latin track of Project Hindsight. His awards On his 51 birthday, while in New invited me for a coffee the next morning. included the 1998 Southern Cross Award, Zealand, he received a call from Australia I accepted the invitation and had a good and the 2002 Regulus Award for Discovery, saying he’d been awarded the Southern and happy sleep. Research and Innovation at UAC. His Tools Cross Award given to an overseas astrol- The next morning he came to the hotel and Techniques series was the main text oger who’d done the most advanced to pick me up. I remember the first time we used by Predictive Astrologers while his astrology in Australia. met and shook hands in the lobby. Robert translations and other works are now sem- Zoller, who was a world-renowned astrol- inal works on Astrology and the related oger, who has been a brand in Medieval Arts. He also published and lectured on In December 2003, Zoller completed his Astrology, who had been awarded the a broad spectrum of topics, ranging from notes of the Diploma Course in Medieval Regulus award, and who was the master of astrology to hermetic philosophy, alchemy Astrology. Interestingly, I had just started today’s classical astrologers, took me from and magic. He had an extensive back- to study his Foundation Course in Medieval the hotel to have a cup of coffee. He was ground in the Western, Nordic and Indian Astrology on November 23, 2003 on the so modest. We went to a nearby Starbucks. Esoteric Traditions. He studied with Zoltan same day of my Prenatal eclipse. I gave him the present I had brought from Mason who introduced his students to the astrology of J.B. Morin’s Astrologia Gallica. With Mason’s astrological advice Zoller returned to school and found microfilms of Morin and Bonatti. In later years he would translate their works as the primary sources in astrology. Zoller also translat- ed works of some Arabic astrologers such as Al Kindi’s On the Stellar Rays. His first book Arabic Parts: Lost Key to Prediction is a masterpiece. In 1971, Zoller started studying astrol- ogy systematically with Zoltan Mason in New York City. Mason had a bookstore on Lexington Avenue and was teaching mod- ern astrology – a mixture of psychological and predictive astrology. This kind of astrol- ogy was not satisfying for him. Later, when

page 70 The Career Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine a bookstore near the Grand Bazaar; a book very tiring for him, he successfully com- and checked my Facebook timeline feeling on Rumi and his works. He was so happy pleted the workshops without missing that I would see something important for when he saw my present. To my surprise, anything. me. Suddenly, I saw Meira Epstein’s post he began to talk about Rumi and Islamic During the dinner, Robert Zoller asked about Robert Zoller’s death. According to mysticism. He was also knowledgeable me “Did your father prevent your sis- the information I got from Meira through on this topic. I admired his wisdom and ter’s marriage?” My chart was not there, Messenger, for a number of years he had humility. He was always so kind and mod- but it was obvious he had looked at it. lived in the New Paltz area, which was est during these four days both during the However, it was an interesting question about two hours from New York City. He presentations and in Q&A sessions. Then, as it was not easy to see in the chart but, was there until a few weeks ago when his he asked me how I would like to work with indeed, it was totally true. I was very sur- condition worsened and he died in the him and I told him that I wanted to be the prised. In my natal chart, I have Jupiter hospital. According to his brother, it hap- representative of his teachings in Turkey in my 9th house and it is in retrograde pened on 24 January 2020 at 14:15pm. and proposed an agreement. I wanted to motion. It receives a square from Saturn According to our belief in Islamic tradi- translate his course material into Turkish placed in my 6th house in Pisces. tion, one of the best and most beneficial and teach them to local students. I was Then he said: “Look, Jupiter afflicted in things is to raise students, to teach them thinking about giving assignments to stu- your 9th house represents me as your teach- wisdom and to leave them a legacy of dents and then sending these to Zoller for er. And its square with Saturn in the 6th knowledge that everyone can benefit from. his evaluation. He kindly listened to my house indicates that I am a sick teacher. I am He accomplished his mission perfect- proposal and noted down the exact time very sick, I cannot know what will happen ly. Undoubtedly, he will be rewarded by when I finished my words. He did not give to me and I cannot fulfil my responsibilities Allah. I learnt many things from him. Most me an answer that day. We talked about to you. I do not want to disappoint you and of the things I have written and taught so other things and then he left me at the feel embarrassed. You are a very good man.” far are either based on his knowledge or hotel. The next day, the Mundane Astrology I was shocked once again but he was right. the information I have reached through Intensive Workshop started. It was a special He refused my proposal. Of course, I was his help. I owe him a lot. I will never forget workshop full of valuable information. I met upset but it was all obvious in my chart and his efforts. Teaching many students, he fellow astrologer Benjamin Dykes there; he also in his. He showed me how the tradition- was a true gift for the astrology communi- took notes carefully and asked Zoller many al astrology approach worked clearly as he ty. My prayers are with him. Rest in Peace, questions. During the workshop, Diana taught us and expressed it without hurting dear Robert Zoller! always gave Bob (she called Robert Bob) his or insulting me. medicines, which she carefully took out of I do not know much about his later small boxes she prepared and delivered in years. I asked many astrologers about Öner Döşer, AMA (Adept in Medieval Astrology) certain intervals. She was always with her him. I learned that his Parkinson’s disease ISAR Cap, Cert. OPA https://www.onerdoser. com/ husband and very supportive. Although progressed and he was under intensive making presentations for a whole day was care. On January 26th, I woke around 3 am

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