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Home , Aquarius (astrology), Astrological aspect, Bruno Huber, Financial astrology, Saturn return, Scorpio (astrology)

QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF OPA

Career OPA’s Quarterly Magazine Astrologer The

The CYCLE

and IN + NODES IN CAN/CAP

The Organization for SEPTEMBER EQUINOX Professional V27 03 2018 V27-03 SEPTEMBER EQUINOX 2018 page 1 QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF OPA

Career Astrologer The Welcome! SEPTEMBER EQUINOX Greetings OPA, and welcome to our next V27 03 2018 Retrograde season!

Following our tempestuous infused (northern) Summer season, we are now initiated into the intimate and intensely magnetic scents of the black rose, Venus in . We shall be laid bare on her bed of thorns in a game of Truth or Dare. Simultaneous to Venus’s dance, we VENUS CYCLE experience the ingresses of Jupiter into Sagittarius and the Nodal Axis into /. Lucky OPA, we Jupiter in Sagittarius have truly gifted astrologers who have shared abundant + Nodes in Cancer/Cap and juicy insights in a series of articles published in this edition. Enjoy!

President’s Report P.2 With great anticipation, OPA is also at the gates of our upcoming event I-ASTROLOGER which will take place in Tucson, Arizona from October 4 to 10, The VENUS CYCLE P.4 2018 – our event is nearly sold out! But this is not our only pride, I-ASTROLOGER Jupiter in Sagittarius P.18 represents a major milestone for the community of astrologers—for the first time, a whole event is dedicated to the development of our profession and to providing Nodes in Cancer/Cap P.28 a support system for those who are called to become practicing astrologers. Astronomy for Astrologers P.36 The Great Syzygy P.39 Our Mental Focus: • Astrology is a sustainable profession. Enhancing Your Practice P.44 • Astrology can be a first-choice profession, accessible to all ages, not only a Interview: Nadiya Shaw P.48 retirement plan. • Astrologers are needed more than ever in our world in transition. Beyond the Brain P.50 • Astrologers must be adequately trained to offer competent service. Faces P.54 • Every astrologer should have a basic background in astronomy. • Branding and marketing serve the greater cause of sharing the Astrology gospel. Vedic Astrology P.65 Traditional Astrology P.68 The Astrology community must continue to work together in inclusive ways, uni- fying traditional and modern approaches to our craft. Transits of the Season P.74 20 Astrologers are aiming at the scholarship grants for THE MOST Editors: Maurice Fernandez, PROMISING ASTROLOGER(S) Russell Von Ohlhausen Proofing: Nancy Beale, Jeremy Kanyo, Carolyn Jean Goldwire We are delighted to see such ambition and creativity, and were truly pleased by Design: Sara Fisk the submissions! A panel of judges will assess submittals based on terms such Cover Art: Eya Floyd, see bio p. 43 as: originality, quality of content, or motivation. Most importantly, judges will also provide guidance for applicants to better focus and take their work to the © 2018 OPA All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of OPA, next level. unless by the authors of the articles themselves. Whether you are with us in Tucson or not, tune in with us and celebrate the growth of our profession. Maurice Fernandez The Organization for President, OPA Professional Astrology PRESIDENT’S REPORT

OPAastrology.org

The Career page 2 Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine V ILM H DJ TheT VENUS CYCLE + V IN I WITH NODES IN D-J

VENUS RETROGRADE IN SCORPIO NORTH NODE IN CANCER, SOUTH NODE IN CAPRICORN • Shadow entry – September 5 @ 25 • Retrograde begins – October 6 @ 11 Scorpio November 6, 2018 – May 5, 2020 (True Node) • Peak Retrograde, inferior : October 25 @ 3 Scorpio • South Node conjunct – April 30 (20 Cap), July 27 (17 • Turning Direct: Nov 15 @ 25 Libra Cap), Sept 27, 2019 (13 Cap) • Leaves shadow period: Dec 17 @ 10 Scorpio • South Node conjunct Pluto – April 4, 2019 (23 Cap) • North Node conjunct Mars (and opposes Saturn) – June 12 Activation: (17 Cancer) • Meeting old souls, Re-connecting. • Total Lunar Eclipse – January 20, 2019 @ 0 / • Exposing the limitations of our current relationships • Total Solar Eclipse – July 2, 2019 @ 10 Cancer • Changing our approach to relationships • Exposing the limitations of our financial management Activation • Balance between strength and vulnerability, between tough love and cuddly love. • Return to traditional values, invoking the ancestors. JUPITER IN SAGITTARIUS • Return to feminine power. • Need to strengthen foundations and reliable structures – November 8, 2018 to December 2, 2019 Return home. • Fall of giants - part II. • Conjunct the Sun – November 25 (3 Sagittarius) • Conjunct Venus – January 22, 2019 (16 Sag), November 24 (28 Sag) • to Neptune in – January 13 (14 Sag/Pisces), with extended transit in June 16 (18 Sag/Pisces) , Sept 21 (16 Sag/Pisces their own sign 2018-2019 • to Mars in – May 5, 2019 (23 Sag/Gemini) JUPITER IN SAGITTARIUS Activation: SATURN IN CAPRICORN • Return to our natural selves, to nature. NEPTUNE IN PISCES • Freedom from pretense. • Spirit over matter. Jupiter in Sagittarius will square Neptune in Pisces. • Expanding our territory, spreading our seeds and wisdom – travel. Jupiter and Saturn in their own sign reflect a strong need • Risk and gamble. for strong leadership and to attain higher levels of mastery. • Racial and religious defensiveness This may be a time for new societal and political develop- • Excesses. ment, paving the way for the time Jupiter and Saturn will • Extreme fluctuation between inflation and conjunct at 0 Aquarius in 2020. deflation – collapse of what is too big or dishonest. • Fall of giants - part I. R • Fakest news, call for Truth.

V27V27-03-03SEPTEMBERSEPTEMBER EQUINOX EQUINOX 2018 2018 pagepage 3 3 H T The VENUS CYCLE

The ancients knew this long before we points identify our essential talents, our had telescopes and computers to reveal this helping hands and our foundational feet in The Venus phenomenon. What the ancients knew cen- life. These points can be attached to planets turies ago, modern science has only recently in our own charts, or to VSPs and planets in Star learned—that Venus herself orbits in a rela- other people’s charts. tionship of beauty. The mechanics, synchronization and A Vibration of absolute precision of the Venus Star cycle What is the Venus Star? could fill a volume of books, however, to Harmony + Beauty Simply stated, it is the relationship between Venus and the Earth (it’s all about by the relationship!) and their dance around Arielle Guttman the Sun. The Star itself is made up of five The Venus points and can be measured in numerous of our birth can very in our ways. Whether it is the Rx positions, the D reveal much about solar system has a positions or the cazimi, five sequential pass- E unique orbital cycle es create the Venus Star. (For the purposes how Venus and pattern. Whether we of this article, and in all references in the unknowingly works observe the number of published material authored by this author, years of its synodic cycle, the it is the cazimi or “the kiss of Venus with the behind the scenes in relationship between the specific planet Sun” that is used as the Star Point and the our lives when these reasons for this are explained fully in the with Sun or Earth, it carries a vibrational fre- points are activated. quency and transmits that energy to us in book.) its unique way. The Venus pentagram of our birth can Similarly, when the Venus has a particularly beautiful fre- reveal much about how Venus unknow- transiting Venus Star quency, one that equates with the num- ingly works behind the scenes in our lives ber 1.618 or PHI. This 1.618 PHI ratio is a when these points are activated. Similarly, Point, or VSP, triggers regularly occurring aspect in which Venus when the transiting Venus Star Point, or VSP, an important natal traces the heavens to create her ‘star’. For triggers an important natal degree, there mathematicians it is said to be a near per- is an important message from Venus. The degree, there is an fect value, for economists it represents the Venus Star and the specific Star Point from important message Fibonacci sequence of numbers, for artists, our birthdate reveals to us that particular from Venus. architects, designers, it is known as the point of harmony, beauty and/or love that Golden Mean and for musicians it is the 5.8 resides inside of every one of us. These five ratio (5+8=13) on the musical scale. A for- of harmony, the Golden Mean is said to be the most pleasing relationship in both space and in sound, essentially, a harmony of the spheres. Beauty is something that we are innately attracted to. We want it. We eas- ily fall in love with it and then often want to possess it. How do we get it? Or do we already have it – and have we simply been searching everywhere for it except inside ourselves?

The Career page 4 Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine HT simplify, we recognize the star itself per- the Star Point activation in late March 2017 tion, we might be faced with a diminishing forms like a perfectly tuned Swiss clock and at 5 Degrees of . Aries represents the population, possibly verging on extinction. paints two sets of five star points around start of something new, concerns self-inter- Instead, it is the vibrant meeting of these two a larger pentagram in an eight-year cycle. ests and possesses the energy to go after energies that brings incredible desire and When it completes these two sets, it contin- what’s important. Its two guardian planets ultimate mating, resulting in the dominant ues with two more, and two more – alter- are Mars and Pallas Athena, which represent Homo Sapiens population of today’s world. It nating as the cosmic heartbeat of our lives. the courage to act— to either fight for or in is what brings male and female together! See diagram on previous page. many cases to defend something sacred to This is the year when gender-bending phe- When the Earth/Venus kiss happens clos- you. Perhaps it’s simply to be authentically nomena could reach new heights as Mars, est to the Earth and in retrograde motion individual, without pretense. the male planet, reverses direction followed it produces the Morning Star, or MS. When One can reexamine the steps that were by Venus, the female planet, who follows it occurs in direct motion it produces the taken then to initiate an important new suit. And the third party to this dynamic duo Evening Star, or ES. phase of life. Mars and Athena summon is Uranus. Uranus, known for radical change, Important to note is that when Venus is the courage to tackle something you never affects both sexes so we may see more peo- retrograde, Venus is not only ending her thought possible before. Maybe an event ple embracing changes and coming out to synodic period of 584 days (1.6 years) but occurred that induced rage and anger, themselves and the world. Whether we are she is also changing phases—from ES to MS and was timed fittingly for you to face and dealing with a battle of the sexes, new defi- or yin (feminine) to yang (masculine). The respond to. Of course, Aries also helps get nitions of gender, people’s phobias about Maya had a myth about the disappearance us up and moving, jump start the engine, trans-genders or same sex preferences, this is of Venus behind the Sun. When in retro- ignite the , dare to try something you’ve now how the current is flowing and cannot grade, Venus faded from view in the night never tried before—these are all aspects be reversed. sky after sunset to reappear approximate- of the Venus Star activating the sign Aries It’s valuable to note the similarity of the ly a week to ten days later in the morning during this era. The last Venus retrograde cross-over cycle between the 2017 Rx of sky before sunrise. While with the Sun and occurred on the following dates: Venus and the upcoming 2018 Rx. Both absent from Earth’s view, Venus underwent impact two signs, however, the major a metamorphosis from her “lover” perso- Mar 4 2017 Venus SRx 13°Aries08’ emphasis is upon the sign containing the na to her “warrior” persona. It is indeed Mar 25 2017 Venus Star Point 04°Aries57’ current Star Point. In 2017 it was Aries and in an interesting story to consider, especially April 15 2017 Venus SD 26°Pisces54’ 2018 it will be Scorpio. Note that both are for people who are born during the Venus Mars ruled signs in which Venus plays a key change-over period. This can often indicate Every four years the Scorpio Star Point is role and touches upon the afore-mentioned gender uncertainty, gender alteration, or the reverberating heart-beat in the backdrop gender theme. simply adjusting oneself to the gender in of our cosmic planetary rhythm. As we pre- Scorpio is a sign of feminine power. So which one was born. At this stage in her pare for this October’s Scorpio Star Point we now we find ourselves moving into the phase, she is embodying the warrior’s prin- can look both to the recent past and future Scorpio Venus Star in October. We therefore ciples of assertiveness, courage, strength of some other Scorpio VSPs. consider what Scorpio wants, and more and taking action when action is called for. importantly the relationship between Venus Consider Venus retrograde as ending a Oct 27 2006 04°Sc10’ D 04°Sc10’ D (direct Venus) and Scorpio. phase of life or relationship cycle, and shift- Oct 28 2010 05°Sc30’ D 05°Sc30’ R (rx Venus) Similar to Aries, Scorpio is a Mars-ruled ing gears toward a new area. For example, Oct 25 2014 01°Sc48’ D 01°Sc48’ D sign while Aries is the day sign (fire/mascu- the cycle Venus is ending now began with Oct 26 2018 03°Sc06’ D 03°Sc06’ R line) and Scorpio is the night sign (water/ Oct 22 2022 29°Li26’ D 29°Li26’ D First LI SPoint feminine). Scorpio can be the deep treasure Oct 23 2026 00°Sc45’ D 00°Sc45’ R Last SC SPoint or the trash that is buried beneath the sur- It’s valuable to note face. Once we begin digging, either could The retrograde of the 2018 Venus cycle, emerge. With Scorpio, Venus may conceal the similarity of the shown here, represents the “hot” area of the deep secrets and mysteries that she choos- cross-over cycle in this cycle, between 25 degrees es not to reveal casually or publicly. With of Libra to 11 degrees of Scorpio, with partic- Scorpio and a retrograde Venus, we may be between the 2017 Rx ular emphasis given to 3 degrees Scorpio, the dancing with ourselves and others through of Venus and the new Venus Star Point degree. Note that two the game of shadows of intimacy, privacy signs are being impacted in this cross-over upcoming 2018 Rx. and protection. Contracts we have created Venus cycle—both Libra and Scorpio. with partners which involve financial, sexu- Both impact two al or shared possessions (such as children, signs, however, the Oct 5 Venus SRx 10°Scorpio50’ animals, businesses and property) may be Oct 26 Venus Star Point 03°Scorpio06’ up for re-negotiation and may be initiated, major emphasis is Nov 16 Venus SD 25°Libra14’ renewed or terminated during this time. Yet upon the sign most importantly, it might signal an import- Scorpio is a Mars sign, while Libra is a Venus containing the ant time to address significant issues in part- sign. Venus and Mars represent the female nerships that have been silenced and need to current Star Point. and male principles in life, polarities that are emerge from the shadows. possessed of highly-charged reactions to one another. If it wasn’t for this dynamic connec-

V27-03 SEPTEMBER EQUINOX 2018 page 5 H T The VENUS CYCLE

GUTTMAN Oct 28 2010 05°Sc30’ D 05°Sc30’ R • To practice the Venus Star Mudra: We are in the last decade of a 100-year Aug 16 2011 23°Le17’ D 23°Le17’ D https://www.youtube.com/ Jun 5 2012 15°Ge44’ D 15°Ge44’ R Venus Transit passage of the Venus Star through the sign watch?v=Iz5XXYhmZ78 Mar 28 2013 08°Ar10’ D 08°Ar10’ D Scorpio. Important events of history occur • To find the 5 points of your personal Jan 11 2014 21°Cp11’ D 21°Cp11’ R when the Venus Star Point leaves a sign and Venus Star pentagram: Featured in Sirius Oct 25 2014 01°Sc48’ D 01°Sc48’ D by David Cochrane enters a new one. We can anticipate a shift in Aug 15 2015 22°Le39’ D 22°Le39’ R the masculine/feminine dynamic during this (New!) http://www.astrosoftware.com/ Jun 6 2016 16°Ge35’ D 16°Ge35’ D • Print book: Venus Star Rising: A New migration, similar to what we have witnessed Mar 25 2017 04°Ar57’ D 04°Ar57’ R during the dramatic gender restructuring Cosmology for the 21st Century or the Jan 9 2018 18°Cp57’ D 18°Cp57’ D ebook: The Venus Star Point: Getting that has occurred during these past 90 years Oct 26 2018 03°Sc06’ D 03°Sc06’ R Straight to the Heart of Your Life with of the Scorpio Star Point transit. In other Aug 14 2019 21°Le11’ D 21°Le11’ D words, women aren’t always from Venus and Venus: https://sophiavenus.com/books/ men are not always from Mars. Often, the Jun 3 2020 13°Ge35’ D 13°Ge35’ R • Facebook: Venus Star Rising reverse is true, especially as evidenced during Mar 26 2021 05°Ar50’ D 05°Ar50’ D Arielle Guttman began her astrological studies these last 80-90 Aries/Scorpio Star Point peri- Jan 8 2022 18°Cp43’ D 18°Cp43’ R in 1974 and has since authored five books in the ods. It is certain that male and female roles Oct 22 2022 29°Li26’ D 29°Li26’ D First LI SPoint field including the two-volume Mythic Astrology have transformed even for the hetero-sexual Aug 13 2023 20°Le28’ D 20°Le28’ R series and The Astro*Carto*Graphy Book of Maps population. And now, as we approach the Jun 4 2024 14°Ge29’ D 14°Ge29’ D with the late Jim Lewis. Her latest works contains end of Venus’ passage through Scorpio and Mar 22 2025 02°Ar39’ D 02°Ar39’ R never-before published information about the Jan 6 2026 16°Cp22’ D 16°Cp22’ D planet Venus, specifically the pentagram of Venus Aries, the mutation and morphing of genders that is created as part of her orbital pattern. These is no longer limited to one’s emotional and Oct 23 2026 00°Sc45’ D 00°Sc45’ R Last SC SPoint essential points are the Venus Star Points. In both psychological well-being, but is extending to Venus Star Rising: A New Cosmology for the 21st physical realms as well. Resources for further study: Venus Century and the abridged ebook version The Venus cycle and the Venus Star Points Star Point Arielle reveals the most essential ingre- dient to what keeps our heart beating and how we A Table of Venus Star Dates spread that love to the world. Arielle has lectured • To find your Venus Star Point: and taught around the world for various astrolog- Jan 13 2006 23°Cp40’ D 23°Cp40’ R https://sophiavenus.com/pdf/ ical groups. She currently divides her time between Oct 27 2006 04°Sc10’ D 04°Sc10’ D FindYourVenusStarPoint.pdf Santa Fe, NM and Greece. She offers a home-study Aug 17 2007 24°Le50’ D 24°Le50’ R • To read articles featuring the Venus course that leads to professional certification in Jun 8 2008 18°Ge42’ D 18°Ge42’ D the Venus Star Point system. Check out her website: Mar 27 2009 07°Ar15’ D 07°Ar15’ R Star Points: https://sophiavenus.com/ www.SophiaVenus.com Jan 11 2010 21°Cp32’ D 21°Cp32’ D newsletter-archives/ R

planets, can help us identify past life themes them turned male – between her Stationary and the intricate layers of our karmic lessons. retrograde point (when the planet appears When About eight years ago (October 8, 2010), to move backwards) 30 degrees ahead of the Goddess Venus stationed retrograde at the Sun and the Station direct point, at 30 Beauty is 13 Scorpio, suggesting we were called into degrees behind the Sun. an important period of introspection and With this transition back and forth from re-evaluation of relationships. The retrograde female to male, no wonder, some Venus more than cycle in itself is about 584 days, one year and retrograde individuals feel a bit more androg- seven between the Venus stations. ynous. And speaking of that, only about 7% of The complete Venus cycle, including 5 ret- people have retrograding Venus in their chart. Skin Deep... rogrades, takes over an 8-year cycle until it Venus retrograding for about 40 days A note on VENUS returns close to the original position. might also correspond to the biblical story of Jesus spending forty nights and days in the RETROGRADE IN VENUS RETROGRADE – A Male to desert. The Bible tells us that he was tempted Female transformation. by Satan during these times, having to resist SCORPIO It´s time again, this autumn of 2018 pre- the urges of eating when starved, the urge cisely the 6th of October, Venus will begin her of having it all in a glimpse, and constantly by Anne Sundell retrograde journey at 11 degrees Scorpio. being humiliated by Lucifer. The Venus ret- From her station she will retrograde to meet rograding period this autumn, might not be the Sun at the inferior conjunction at that drastic, but there might be some similar- 3 degrees Scorpio on October 25 – she ities. When Venus, the ruler of sweetness and To an astrologer, it might has been up to that point brightly visible wealth of life, puts us to the test, we might seem obvious that a person rein- after sunset as an evening star. In ancient also be tempted to over-indulge our senses. carnated still has got some unfinished karmic American history, the Aztecs and Mayans Venus’ less beautiful traits are often forgot- issues. An astrological chart together with knew about the retrograde Venus period, and ten or overlooked, leading us to believe that the transits of planets, including retrograde this was the time when Venus according to her influence is only about beauty and grace,

The Career page 6 Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine HT however when Scorpio is involved there’s to be reborn as female. As transit or as a natal always a need to go deeper - to the core. In chart placement, the evening star is associat- the myth of Venus Aphrodite, the Goddess ed with the androgynous side of the planet, also shows traits of jealousy, revengeful- experienced by the person as a form of com- As transit or as a ness and possessiveness to mention a few. pleteness within the gender polarity. Standing in the shadow of Venus is not “pret- Perhaps retrograde Venus is the best natal chart ty.” To fully understand the retrograde Venus phase for new relationships. We can expe- placement, the in Scorpio, it might be of interest to look at rience the purging of old patterns. We may evening star is how she played out in some known persons also learn new things or experience chang- and astrologers’ lives. es in the material side of Venus, associated associated with the with money, values, the finer arts and plea- androgynous side of Famous People with retrograde sures of life. Venus in Scorpio at birth the planet, Bruno Huber experienced by the Taryn Manning The late and well known Swiss astrol- person as a form of Taryn became a very popular actress, oger who founded the Swiss Astrological mostly for her role in Orange is the new Psychological Institute had Venus retrograd- completeness within Black, where she plays convict Tiffany Dogett ing in Scorpio. His life’s work has set the the gender polarity. as “Pennsatucky”. She has done several other foundation for the films and is also a vocal artist and designer. Association of today, his books Lifeclock and Manning grew up in a severely dysfunction- Psychological Astrology have been reprinted al family, where drug addiction and neglect over decades. Huber spent his life in Zurich, were present daily. Her biological father was where he was born and passed. He worked opment, having a harder time to assert them- not present in her early life. The rootlessness together with Roberto Assagioli assist- selves. For males, there might be a height- together with her stepfather’s suicide at her ing him in his work with psychosynthesis. ened expression of the anima (female qual- age 16, forced her to step up at a young age. Huber´s legacy continues, and while visiting ity), and the other way around for females. She was a survivor. Interestingly the females the Spanish Huber School in Barcelona last It´s not a wonder that psychology might be with Venus retrograde are often viewed year, discussing with its founder Rosa Sole- of interest for a person born with retrograde as having a rather functional mars energy, Gubianes, I learned how much deeper his Venus in Scorpio. Huber´s lifelong work with knowing how to proceed in difficult times. theories have affected astrology. developing Psychological Astrology togeth- There are quite a few indicators of Venus ret- For some reason the retrograde Venus per- er with his lifelong partner and wife Louisa rograde females living an amazon-like life, sonality might be slower with the ego devel- Huber, tells a postive Venus retrograde story. but that’s maybe to take it to the extreme. Scorpio is a lot about the extremes of blacks and whites and Manning also admitted that she has a problem with addiction, stating that she´s been in rehabilitation groups, has a sober companion and outlets for support. “Through teaching myself how to be happy and get through things, I hope I can also do that for other people”. Taryn Manning To be able to transform oneself, with the help of the Scorpio Phoenix myth, is really a Manning story. With retrograde Venus, personal difficulties may be present underneath, and because we are talking about Venus in Scorpio, there might also be sexual or psychological prob- lems. In the year 2016 Manning was involved in a legal dispute with a makeup artist that she´s had a rocky history with. The true nature of the relationship is unclear, but she was accused of attacking and threatening her former friend. The friend was accused of stalking Manning. What’s interesting to note, is that in the spring of 2016, both Venus and Mars were retrograde. The period of the Venus evening star is when Venus turns male, and is also sacrificed

V27-03 SEPTEMBER EQUINOX 2018 page 7 H T The VENUS CYCLE SUNDEL school. He was clearly smart, but stated that “You feel the last bit of breath leav- he could not understand the way people ing their body. You’re looking into their interacted socially. He confessed to some eyes. A person in that situation is God!” Venus split: Urania and Pandemos murders but until today it´s still not clear Ted Bundy When Venus was born, she was imme- how many he actually killed. When Bundy diately accompanied by Eros and Himeros, was arrested on August 16, 1975, Venus was Martin Schulman (1977) views the karmic meaning love and desire. There´s also been retrograding. Venus retrograde as an inward turning of the speculations about her being one of two goddesses: Urania and Pandemos. Urania would have been the older and wiser of the two. Urania is one of the nine muses, and is said to show interest in the theoretical arts like astronomy, astrology and mathematics. Urania was the part of Venus associated with socializing and being accepted. Pandemos, the younger form, was asso- ciated with the lower prime instincts such as sex, desire, sensual and physical features. Urania was heaven and Pandemos earth.

Ted Bundy Using another example of retrograde Venus in Scorpio, Bundy grew up with his grand- parents, not knowing about his real parents. They told him that his biological mother was in fact his sister. In the teens he found out the truth which led him to envy his real mother ever after. Erin Sullivan acknowledges in her studies of retrograde Venus males, that the relationship to the mother might have been strong or somehow abusive at times. What’s interesting to note in Bundy´s life story, is that

Bundy, although described by many as a charming and charismatic person, described himself as obsessed with sexual violence.

the killings assumed to have started out of a broken relationship. In 1968 after he broke up with a girl that had everything he ever want- ed, the truth about his background also came to further light. It´s believed that this was the time he started to kidnap, rape and kill young women. Bundy, although described by many as a charming and charismatic per- son, described himself as obsessed with sexual violence. Bundy studied to become a graduate Psychologist and went on to law

The Career page 8 Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine HT harmony and beauty principle, and he views Moore puts a lot of energy into her looks Erin Sullivan Retrograde Planets - Traversing the the retrograde Venus person like a reactor to and has had several anti-aging procedures, Inner landscape 1992 Samuel Weiser INC Astrologer Maija Urmas Notes 1998 life. He sees the retrograde Venus personality, one more extreme than the other. Her latest Sole-Gubianes Rosa Huber School Interview Anne as remarkably different from the person hav- (3rd) marriage was to the 15 years younger Sundell 2017 ing Venus in direct motion. This personality Aquarian, Ashton Kutcher. They separated in Martin Schulman Karmic Astrology Vol II 1977 is more prone to internalizing hurts, working 2011. When they broke up in 2010 due to his Samuel Weiser INC on the issues within, that another may choose infidelities, Venus was Retrograde. The American Ephemeris for the 21st Century Michelsen, Pottenger1 1997 ACS Publications to externalize. There´s a certain kind of sensi- tivity surrounding this person as Venus retro- “I would say what scares me is that https://www.brainyquote.com/authors grade creates hurts that need to be worked I’m going to ultimately find out at the www.astrologyking.com through. Schulman stresses that the retro- end of my life that I’m really not lovable, https://darkstarastrology.com/ www.astro.com grade Venus individual is carrying with him a that I’m not worthy of being loved. That www.wikipedia.com misunderstanding of love from a past life. A there’s something fundamentally wrong https://ew.com/article/2005/07/22/life-taryn-manning/ certain rebellion against the existing society with me.” Demi Moore https://astrologicalpsychology.org/ norms, and an urge for freedom, might lead http://www.hopewellpublisher.com/astrological_ them to a search for an Aquarian partner. A few more interesting and talented peo- psychology.html https://www.biography.com ple with retrograde Venus in Scorpio we can https://allthatsinteresting.com/ted-bundy Demi Moore list are Evolutionary astrologer and found- https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/27/ Demi grew up with an absent father and er of the Evolutionary School of Astrology inside-demi-moores-addict_n_1237209.html found out about him at age 13 through her Jeffrey Wolf Green, actress and producer own research. Her mother had addiction Jodie Foster, politician Condoleezza Rice, and Anne Sundell currently lives and works in Finland problems and a long list of troubles with the Finnish Astrologer Marja-Liisa Niemi Mattila. in both national languages, Finnish and Swedish. law. At age 16, Moore moved from home This autumn we all get a chance to experi- She loves to lecture and be a part of a person’s and went to Europe to work as a pinup girl. ence Venus’ depths, and maybe get some learning process, and has been teaching and She was featured in adult magazines before insights about our deeper hidden selves. lecturing around the country since she became a Professional. She is available for readings with going into acting. In the 80´s she went to clients, work with the local organizations and pub- rehab for drug addictions, a problem that REFERENCES lishes in a local newspaper. would return in her later years. In Moore´s Jeffrey Wolf Green Pluto Vol II The Souls Evolution R chart, retrograde Venus is involved in a grand Through Relationships 1997 Llewellyn Publications Cross, highlighting its importance in her life. i-ASTROLOGER SKY MEETS EARTH Saturday Evening, Oct. 6, 7:30pm TUCSON, ARIZONA

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V27-03 SEPTEMBER EQUINOX 2018 page 9 H T The VENUS CYCLE

is a cosmic ‘fractal coil’. This coil winds and Like many things in astrology, it is quite pro- unwinds, connecting, renewing, reviewing found to do the work, see where she has The Next our pattern of evolution and progress, set- been, see where she is going next. ting off new patterns of growth. Imagine our astrology charts being the initial conditions Venus Star set off by a fractal form, our unique formula or personal fractal mandala. Once in motion, Loop nothing ever stays exactly the same, as new experience, consciousness, information is Scorpio, Leo, Gemini added, the pattern changes slightly or goes off into new streams, yet the original design, October 2018 - our natal chart, always remains magically held with-in. Now imagine that as your astro- June 2020 logical mandala, looping and turning and The Never-ending cycle twisting, yet always recognisable, as your In her never-ending 5 pointed cycle, Venus, by Julija Simas unique astrology chart! who acts somewhat like a Cosmic Bee, is set In true Venusian symbolism, she balances, to pollinate her next star points, her inner perfects, harmonises and collects that which & outer conjunctions with the Sun (inner we are most attracted to. She connects our being the retrograde conjunctions with the story in the 5 places, or what I call Star Point Sun and the outer being her conjunction to enus’ dynamic cycles Zones in our charts. She oscillates in places Sun in direct motion, as she travels opposite have always been as over 4, 8,12 and even up to 16 years, to make to Earth). The next 584 day, 19mth, 1.6 year source of deep fascina- V a point (depending on what orbs one would synodic* cycle, Venus’ next round of the Sun, tion to skywatchers of all kinds. Most spec- use) to help show us where things could be begins as the current one ends with the inte- tacularly, Venus forms an ongoing 5 star better balanced or relinquished. rior retrograde conjunction at 3°06’ Scorpio pentacle each time she conjuncts the Sun, The richness of the Venus star cycle is an on 26th October, 2018 UTC. She will sub- whether going direct (exterior conjunc- integral part of my work and consultations, sequently conjunct the Sun at 21° Leo on tion) or retrograde (interior conjunction). as I’m always paying attention to the posi- August 14th, 2019, at the direct exterior Venus, when viewed with her ongoing star tions of the 5 star points. conjunction, before she swings back close to points, is interesting to follow, as she has very The star points move slowly backwards earth again for the next interior conjunction distinct macro & micro cycles. This patterning through the zodiac. In about 40 years (5 times with the Sun at 14° Gemini on June 4th, is also perceived as reflecting the cosmic rela- 8 years), the star points have moved about 10 2020, and so it continues every 9.5 months. tionship of the Phi ratios and the Fibonacci degrees, and so on. We can identify the star Each synodic cycle envelops an interior (ret- sequence, mirroring to us the natural cycles point zone in our charts by first finding the 5 rograde) conjunction and an outer (direct) of growth and unfoldment through the spi- star points at the time around our birth, rang- conjunction. It’s a star, a , that rals of creation in our universe. ing from 2 years prior and 2 years after, which shines through the heavens and your own would constitute your own Venus star zone. birth chart and gradually progresses in a Here are some key numbers in her cycle: What houses, and planets has the backward motion. Venus star landed on for you over the years? • In 234 years, Venus completes 4 transits (occulations) to the Sun • In a 100 years the star points retrogrades through a whole sign. • In 8 years, Venus return to conjunct the Sun in the same sign, • In 1.6 years, a Synodic cycle when Venus retrogrades to conjunct the Sun on a star point. • 9.5 months, Venus will conjunct the Sun on one of her Star points (from retrograde to direct, and so on).

No matter where we look we can see her divine patterns unfolding in our creation story.(1) To look at the whole Venus cycles through her star Points, we can gain perspective beyond the isolated retrograde process, but to see the bigger picture and how this greater pattern is being created. The living spiral dance she does in our astrology charts

The Career page 10 Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine HT The Current Venus star many of us, both personally and collectively. As we move toward this Scorpio retrograde Before we move on to explore the upcom- As we approach the next star point, we can point, consider what was happening in October ing cycle, let’s look back at the past synod. already sense the Scorpionic energy being 2014 when Venus made he exterior conjunc- The cycle that is now ending began in Aries amplified in the world at large and in our per- tion to the Sun early Scorpio, (also look back in March 2017, it peaked while conjunct sonal lives. These star Points are best looked to 2010 when she was last retrograde there Pluto on January 10, 2018 (19 Cap), and now at somewhat like eclipse points that occur as well). Taking into consideration the mid- completes in Scorpio on October 26, 2018 (3 every 9.5 months and as one’s influence dissi- point in the cycle, we can discover much more Scorpio), 9.5 months later--this time oppos- pates, the flavor of the next point takes hold. about what happens here. The Venus point ing Uranus early . As we look back at The Fibonacci sequence and Golden oscillates from inner and outer conjunctions this last 19 period, we can see a very ratio is reflected in the Venus cycle hold- over the 4 year periods. As it does so we get a Martian and Plutonic themed Venus cycle: ing the 1.6 ratio. different point of view of the same ‘imprint’. Let Mars rules Aries (exalted in Capricorn) and • 1 Earth year 365 days, 1 Venus Cycle this help inform you of what was going on as is the traditional ruler of Scorpio. We add to 584 = 1.6 part of your greater 8 year cycle! that a conjunction with Pluto in Capricorn in • 5 synodic cycles in 8 years. 5/8 = 1.6 Let’s take a closer look at what this next star loop brings, keeping in mind some per- January, and the final stage being in Scorpio. • 13 revolutions in 8 years 8/13 = 1.6 sonal research from above! We can reflect on what a significantly acti- (See illustration below.) vated and transformative year it as been for Since Galileo’s discoveries through his tele- scopes, we know that Venus has phases. Venus waxes and wanes, grows in light, ascends & descends, and disappears into the light of the Sun, twice during her inner and outer conjunctions. For many practising astrologers knowing our Venus phase has become quite significant. This gives more clarity to our particular Venus - not just by sign, , and aspect but also by phase.

An Astronomical view of one Venus synodic cycle. By getting to know one Synodic cycle well, we can always adapt this to work out our Venus phases. The various combinations are rather deep but we can group the essence of a Venus phase from a few key points in any given Venus apparition as she is seen as a:

Morning star or Evening star Oriental (rising in the east, before Sun) or Occidental ( setting in the west after Sun) Waxing or Waning Ascending or Descending Bright or Dim High or Low Fast or Slow (slow at retrograde- fast at outer conjunction) Stable or Unstable (stable near max elongation points - farthest from the Sun) Visible or Invisible In the Underworld or in the Upperworld (if there is an under- world, there must be an upper world?) Earthy or Heavenly (after max elongations and moving toward the outer conjunction,I see Venus as heavenly) Aphrodite Pandemos (Earthy) or Aphrodite Urania (Heavenly)

V27-03 SEPTEMBER EQUINOX 2018 page 11 H T The VENUS CYCLE SIMAS Evening star rise - when Venus is about 10-8° passed the Sun, 40 days after con- Already, we get a sense of what this may junction add to our particular type of Venus. Most of This gibbous waning phase - lasts us would know if we had morning or evening approx 7 mths In many star Venus’. Quite simple, if Venus rises before Evening Max elongation - she is fur- ancient cultures the Sun, she is a morning star, and if she sets thest away from the Sun 218 days after the Morning and after the Sun she is an evening star. the exterior conjunction. In many ancient cultures the Morning and Greatest Brilliancy - 254 days after Evening stars of Evening stars of Venus were even given dif- exterior conjunction (or 36 days after Venus were even ferent names and even seen as two quite max elongation evening) separate embodiments. In ancient Lithuania, Station Retrograde - occurs 268 days given different Ausrine (of the dawn) was the morning star after exterior conjunction, (and 20 days names and even before next Star Point) and Vakarine (of the eve) the evening star, seen as two they were sister goddesses who tended to the Evening Star Set Sun’s needs. In the ancient Mayan culture Retrogrades to conjunct the Sun again quite separate the warring twin brothers - Quetzalcoatl was in Interior Conjunction. embodiments. the morning star and - Xolotl, the darker per- sonification, was the evening star, both repre- Use the image (bottom of page) to keep sented by two seperate apparitions of Venus. track of the keypoints in the coming cycle. As the table above suggests finding out what type of Venus you have by phase, can be enlightening. The easiest way to work out a phase in a cycle is by counting the number of days after a Venus star point is made. You will see by the table below, how many days are between each phase. This varies slightly over each cycle, especially for the morning or eve- ning rise of Venus, which is latitude, time and place dependent.

The Phases of Venus by Galileo Here is a simple guide, which varies slight- ly by a few days and degrees with each syn- odic cycle.

Star point inner conjunction Morning Star Rise - when 8-10° away from Sun, 8-6 days after interior con- junction (Venus is slow, Sun is moving quickly past) Station direct - occurs 20 days after conjunction Greatest brilliancy - 36 days after Morning Max elongation - 72 days after conjunction The gibbous phase - lasts approx 7 months The morning star set - when Venus is about 10-8° in front of Sun, about 250 days after conjunction

As she gets close to the Sun, she remains invisible for about 80 days, doubles the speed and over-takes the Sun to become the evening star. This meeting between her and the Sun consists of the Star Point Outer conjunction. Now we start counting from this Star Point. (See image above right.)

The Career page 12 Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine HT Claim your wings - In our skies now cycle. See how she tells your ongoing story Arielle Guttmann - Venus star Rising - At the time of this articles publishing, of life, love, and loss. At every key-point, SophiaVenusProductions - 2010 Michele Finey - The Sacred Dance of Venus we still have the pleasure of witnessing observe what she synthesises from the and Mars - Wessex Astrologer 2012 the brightest phase of this current evening essence of the 5 months before & the 5 Adam Gainsburg - The Light Of Venus - star apparition, which will peak around months after each star point. Get into the SoulSign Publishing - 2012 September 25th at 8° Scorpio, being only 10 rhythm, see the patterns and by all means create some new ones. ***** Most effective to use in days & 2 degrees away from where she will as well. station retrograde. We begin the next round with the star May the magic be revealed in your explo- JULIJA SIMAS - Julija is the founder, motiva- point of 3° Scorpio, this time opposite Uranus ration! tor and designer behind the C*I*A, the Cosmic early Taurus. This cycle may be more sig- Intelligence Agency. Completing a Diploma in applied astrology from “Astrosynthesis”- nificant for those who have planets in In every chart I always see five extra Melbourne , Julija wrote her finishing thesis the early degrees of fixed signs. Mars was points! ***** Astrology and the ANIMA MUNDI in 2005, which also retrograde in early Aquarius during the inspired her to put her ideas into motion, using months of July and August.While opposite NOTES AND REFERENCES: astrology for a co-creative purpose and raising consciousness to astrology around the globe. Uranus, we are all heading for big changes in * Synodic meaning meeting place, in this case Julija is a practising astrological consultant, particular areas of life. Where may we need to from one meeting of Earth, Venus, Sun to their teacher, writer, presenter and retreat organiser either dive deeper or rather to surface from, next meeting. for the C*I*A. Julija has lectured at various C*I*A as we may have already gone in too deep? As ** It is interesting to look back at how the Transits events, local workshops, and retreats online and Uranus is always igniting us to change from of Venus have coincided with major shifts in con- presented at international conferences UAC 2012, sciousness throughout the cycles in the past, to ISAR 2014 and ISAR 2016, Astrology Rising Costa the norm, here’s our chance to show if we envision closer where we are now and the mean- Rica 2017 with much more on the horizon! really mean it! ing of each loop. The transits we witnessed in our Before the retrograde in Scorpio begins, time occurred in Gemini in 2004 and 2012, and Location: Melbourne, Australia for as we claim our wings in the depths had much to do with putting the Venus star back Email: [email protected] into our astrology! Website: www.cosmicintelligenceagency.com of Scorpio, we are going to want to fly! *** Find Venus Ephemeris at Arielle Guttman C*I*A Facebook: Now with over 1.4 Million fans! Scorpios depth seeking probe, from the dark- website Follow/Like https://www.facebook.com/cosmic. ness, eventually seeks the light. https://sophiavenus.com/pdf/ intelligenceagency/ During this retrograde phase, do some FindYourVenusstarPoint.pdf R work with the Venus star and the Venus **** Recommended Reading

During this retrograde phase, do some work with the Venus star and the Venus cycle. See how she tells your ongoing story of life, love, and loss. At every key-point, observe what she synthesises from the essence of the 5 months before & the 5 months after each star point.

V27-03 SEPTEMBER EQUINOX 2018 page 13 H T The VENUS CYCLE Venus pulls to us what we feel we deserve, Does Wishing Really Make It So? or limits us from what we feel we don’t. It is VENUS an inside job on our part, yet few people real- There’s a part of us that is filled with child- ize that ‘we’ are the ones doing the limiting. like wonder. Several Disney movies have & VENUS Venus deals with what we really value; she’s tapped into our trusting, wide-eyed believer about our Heart, about its current condition, selves, where anything is possible, you only RETROGRADE and about our capacity for true connection. have to wish for it hard enough! Venus retrograde is the opportunity to In the Disney movie, “Pinocchio,” the “How to Wish become the best self you can be – to develop old puppet-maker Geppetto looks out his your own sovereignty – being responsible window at the “Wishing Star” and makes upon a Star - for for, and the ruler of, all you survey. Venus a fervent wish for his little pine puppet to retrograde involves a period of opportuni- become a Real Boy. Lo and behold, the wish Everything We ty for developing your self-reliance, which is granted by the most beauteous Blue Fairy! Hold Dear” means fending for yourself. You don’t need As a child, I was deeply touched by the anyone else’s energy or help to be complete. appearance of the Blue Fairy. I think this The goal is for you to work on knowing you scene evokes spiritual, even archetypal by Jeannie Goldwire are complete unto yourself. This is what overtones. After Geppetto’s prayer we see you can proudly bring to the table of a new what appears to be a star coming down relationship. hat is it with Venus? For DISNEY MIND-MESSING W centuries we have gazed and marveled “When you wish upon a star Most of us have no at her radiant light and Makes no difference who you are tracked her precise repeating idea what we really Anything your heart desires flower-pattern through the sky. Will come to you want. We also don’t Have we merely projected our own hopes know how to wish. If and wishes on a bright light simply because If your heart is in your dreams it gives us the feeling of hope? Or is there only we did, though, No request is too extreme some actual connection Venus brings to When you wish upon a star rest assured that us from her congress with the Sun during as dreamers do each inferior conjunction when she draws Venus is the one we

closest to Earth? When you wish upon a star would wish upon. Let’s take a step back and consider just Your dream comes true” who Venus is and her function. For the inner bodies, at the middle of it all there’s the Sun - the blazing glory, circumscribed by electric Mercury, next the magnetic Venus. Being magnetic, Venus attracts. This ener- gy enthralls, and when affected can endow you with these same gifts. Venus also is dual-natured. In some ancient cultures, Venus was seen as Male. For thousands of years, people have looked for her reassuring radi- ance in the sky. Sometimes she rises before the Sun as the Morning Star, Phosphorus – and she is known by her Warrior aspect (over- the-top Venus; Venus Unleashed!). Other times she is seen in the evening sky, rising after sunset, Evening Star, Hesperus, Lover, going home to rest with those who belong in your heart. Richard Tarnas quotes Sappho in his dedication page of Cosmos and Psyche, “Evening star, you bring all things which the bright dawn has scattered.” Astrologer Christy Hall, who has developed a very insightful Venus Retrograde workshop, says “Feelings are the Magnets for Venus.” She holds us by our very heartstrings. Venus attracts us and in turn, makes us attractive. By Walt Disney Productions for RKO Radio Pictures

The Career page 14 Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine HT out of the sky to manifest as the Blue Fairy, strived to do everything in your power to be HOW TO WISH UPON A STAR: breathtaking, and astonishing. self-reliant. Venus Retrograde Another Disney scene that lodges deeply Venus is whom we hold in esteem, what into our impressionable minds as children we esteem, and also our teacher of self-es- The Venus retrograde cycle goes from is when the lovable Fairy Godmother trans- teem. Venus will take you as you are. She inferior conjunction to inferior conjunction forms Cinderella’s rags into the most exqui- will match your desire and then urge you and takes about 18 months. The actual Venus site of evening gowns with but a flourish of to go even further. The bolder, truer, braver, retrograde period is around 40 days from her wand, chanting, “Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo!” and more authentic you are with her, the stationing retrograde to stationing direct This scene has given little girls the idea that more she will deem you and your hopes with shadow periods on each side. There are magical transformation is an entitlement, if attractive, matching you step-by-step in specific phases with precise dates and pre- you’re sweet, good, and pretty enough. your seeking your heart’s desire. She will scribed tasks one might optimally activate in This scene of Cinderella meeting her answer your prayers and grant you Boons. each phase. Prince Charming has kept a lot of little girls The only thing Venus really wants is from growing up. It goes like this: someday Connection. This means true direct unim- your prince will come, rescue you from your peded, completely vulnerable open con- Finishing up the Last Retrograde miserable circumstances, and take care of nection, at your deepest heart level. You Cycle & Preparing for the New Cycle you for happily ever after. The fact is, the approach her to ask for blessings. It’s best to Out with the Old, In with the New Prince likely has his own problems to deal ask not from a mindset of ‘Lack of Love’, but with and he rather wants someone to take from Abundance of Love. Preparation Phase: August 17, 2018 care of him, too. Maximum Elongation East at 10 Libra 18’ Most of us have no idea what we really WHAT DOES THE DOGGY DO through to Sept. 2, 2018: The Long View. want. We also don’t know how to wish. If ONCE HE CATCHES THE CAR? Big Picture: “This is the ‘You’ you are now.” only we did, though, rest assured that Venus Winding down from the last Venus retro- is the one we would wish upon. She has the Wishes are not freebies. There’s dedi- grade cycle, Venus reaches maximum elon- power and inclination to grant that wish, cated, devoted, even sacred maintenance gation (from the Sun) East at 10 Libra 18’ as well as the righteous opportune timing necessary in order to cultivate a new on August 17, 2018. From this date to the of when to make that wish (namely, at the improved you. second phase Sept. 2, 2018, one can assess inferior conjunction with the Sun during her Know that once a wish is made and then the Big Picture, the overview of what you retrograde cycle every 18 months). granted, there is necessary maintenance have made of yourself thus far. For these two As Venus reaches maximum elongation required (a job for Saturn). Even though weeks, Philip Sedgwick says it is good to take from the Sun, she holds her mirror up to your wishes may be granted, don’t take a personal inventory of what you have actu- you. Seeing yourself reflected in her awe- Venus for granted. There is no success with- ally accomplished. What are your strengths, some glowing presence, you may fairly and out some degree of focused work, even skills, abilities, how are you self-sufficient, honestly take stock of your accomplish- compulsion. Being a little obsessive compul- how and in what areas have you improved? ments thus far. Now you can more clearly sive can lead to an accomplished and virtu- What do you think is missing in your skill-set, see what she sees in you. Hopefully, you are ous life. One of the elements of socializa- your resourcefulness? How do you wish you pleased with what you see. Sure, there will tion (a Venus skill) is learning how to make could be more, do better? What does your always be areas for improvement. This is yourself do things you don’t want to do Heart long for? how you know what to wish for. And you because they need to be done (Saturn disci- While assessing the pros and cons of your- can see how much actual ground you have pline). This is one way you go about increas- self, assess your gifts accurately with no false covered since the last time you approached ing your self-worth and self-reliance. modesty. You are working to build self-reli- her for help. ance. You are wholeheartedly refining your- But what do you wish for? This is the big self to become ‘your best self’. Look at what question. What areas of life are under the you can offer others and how you are strong guardianship of Venus? Only Everything enough to take care of yourself. This way you we hold dear: connection, relationships, Even though your learn to build up trust in yourself. Doubts values, beauty, harmony, love, self-love, wishes may be and fears have no place here. You are prepar- money. Venus will match you in attraction; granted, don’t take ing for a Venus upgrade. so be attractive to her. No whining. Self- At this point, know your goal. Ask yourself worth is limited only by your owning up to Venus for granted. what you want to have happen. Think long your part and acknowledging your role in There is no success term and always keep in mind your top prior- this divine play called Life. ity. Be humble and earnest in your appeal to Venus’s retrograde cycle is the opportu- without some degree Venus for this, your new goal. This is primarily nity for you to add to your self-value. Build of focused work, How you know and What you know to wish your self-esteem, not out of hubris, but in even compulsion. for. Further clarity is revealed in subsequent humility, so that you are mirroring all that phases of the Venus retrograde. you hold dear, all that you truly cherish. Love includes self-love; developing a solid, Purification Phase: Sept. 2 – Oct. 5, believable sense of worthiness, having 2018. Shadow Period of impending, new retrograde cycle. Sept. 2, 2018 25 Libra 15’

V27-03 SEPTEMBER EQUINOX 2018 page 15 H T The VENUS CYCLE GOLDWIRE From Oct. 11 - Oct. 26, 2018: Glory and ASK AND YOU SHALL RECEIVE exult in the Rococco of the world! Proclaim yourself a creature of Venus. Do Venusy - Oct. 5, 2018: Cleaning out the 12th house The Inferior Conjunction. Venus Cazimi, things. Do things to honor Venus: up your closet; releasing; aligning. in the very Heart of the Sun game regarding attraction. Look and be At this stage, think as if Venus were in October 26, 2018 3 Scorpio 06’ 9:16 am lovable. Give gratitude in general: for breath, her 12th house of her cycle. This is the time CDT for sunshine, for water, for stretching, for to clean, banish clutter, make new space, Halfway through the new retrograde being alive. release what and who no longer serves your cycle Only buy what makes you look stunning. new efforts toward authenticity and improve- “Seed” Planting in Earnest No shrinking away from the power of beau- ment. Say goodbye to things and people you Ritual, Adoration ty; you are a part of it--Beauty- -but it is have outgrown - who are too needy, who not yours, no more than yellow belongs to aren’t rowing their own boat, who are overly Perform your rituals now! The Planting of the daffodil. dependent on you, maybe even who are psy- the Seed for the New Venus Cycle: October Eat Chocolate. Wear bright lipstick; dress chic vampires who want your good energy. 26, 2018 is the inferior conjunction, at 3 yourself like a gift to “present” to others. Be Let go and remember to bless what no Scorpio 06’ at 09:16 am CDT; this is the half- shamelessly hip. Become less and less inhibit- longer brings you joy; recycle it out into the way point of the retrograde period. This is ed and self-critical. Work at being purposefully world to the benefit of someone else. There the important beginning of a new Venus superficial, so the outer you invites new shim- may be unexpected financial windfalls at cycle. When Venus is Cazimi, in the heart of mering, iridescent vitality to the inner you. this time, but also focus on paying off debts. the Sun—either at inferior or superior con- Get right with the world, get aligned with junction—she loves it!! She basks in her ado- These are the things Venus concerns integrity to the best of your ability. You are ration of the Sun’s warmth. herself with; look at these areas to come preparing and purifying a clean altar space to Of course, the seeds you are planting are up with your wishes for the next phase: welcome Venus. your well-considered wishes. Create your ritual to your liking. A ritual might consist of Relationships - consider the balance in Oracular Phase: Oct. 5, 2018 Venus creating an altar with incense, candle, water, your relationship with others; is there rec- Stations Retrograde at 10 Scorpio 50’ images, jewels, colors, music, chanting, maybe iprocity? Does one selfishly take more and Venus stays suspended at the same dancing in wild abandon! Create art and/ the other suffer from lack of support? What degree Oct. 5-Oct. 11, 2018 or maybe a sigil signifying this moment and about self-relationship? Are you loving and I call this the “Venustice” as she stays at the your earnest prayer. Chant an Orphic Hymn appreciative of yourself? What is your rela- same degree for five or six days, much like to Venus, or maybe an appropriate Sanskrit tionship to yourself? When you look in the the Sun does for three days at its Solstice. mantra, whatever feels authentic to you. mirror, are you pleased? Are you kind and And so, make a “study” of Venus. She speaks Create images of what you want to see compassionate? to us through her omens, synchronicities, manifested. Envision your wishes as if already Commitments - do you keep your word? relationships, and epiphanies. Listen closely; factually here. Feel the feelings you would Do you overextend yourself? Do you feel she will help us. What songs just pop into naturally be feeling at their actual manifesta- good at heart in each encounter? your head? Look them up, listen to them, tion. And feel gratitude to Venus. Be certain Networks and socializing - are these in ponder the lyrics. These songs may be hid- to feel these feelings because Venus attracts alignment with your real goals? Or are you den desires longing to surface. to us what we feel we deserve. You will find just pleasing others? Are you uncomfortable these wishes granted in one form or another being alone with yourself? during the 9 ½ months prior to the Superior Finances - your relationship to money: Conjunction of Aug. 14. Consider the is it in balance, or is there overspending or Have no doubt she sees you, hears you, balance in your a blind spot? Strategizing to manage your feels you. She adores your ardor! money is self-loving, taking care of yourself. relationship with Excesses - overspending, overeating, Venus Stations Direct Nov. 16, 2018 others; is there binge-watching seasons of TV series; these 25 Libra 14’ are things we do to compensate for some- reciprocity? Does one Recovering lost ground with thing else we really don’t want to face. renewed vigor selfishly take more Beauty - in general. Appreciation of beau- and the other suffers tiful things; beauty elevates and blows you November 16 – December 18, 2018: away. There are worse things to obsess upon. Venus Post-Retrograde Shadow Period. from lack of support? Emotions - these “travelers in the heart,” During this period, Venus travels from 25 What about can be helpful to look at more closely. If you Libra 14’ all the way back to 10 Scorpio feel frustrated in some area, this tells you 50’, the point from which she started her self-relationship? Are it’s something for you to work on to get into Retrograde journey on October 5. What was you loving and better alignment. Look at your vulnerabil- tenuous before is more definite now. Going appreciative of ities -- at what or who triggers them. Know over the same degrees of the zodiac has that you are deserving of peace and happi- served as a rehearsal of sorts. yourself? ness. You just have to look for what blocks it and adjust accordingly.

The Career page 16 Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine HT Dec. 2, 2018, Venus Reappears in the Sky! The next 9 1/2 MONTHS, beginning 5-13-2020: Next Retrograde Station 21 Morning Star Venus from October 26, 2018 at the Inferior Gemini 50’. (Refine your goals; define your She is now Warrior Venus—according to Conjunction of Venus to August 14, 2019 next wishes to include on Venus’s altar at the Babylonians. After her Retrograde jour- at the next Superior Conjunction of Venus the next inferior conjunction with the Sun). ney, she dramatically picks up speed; Venus at 21 Leo 11’ 1:08 am CDT is the period of arises from the underworld--fierce, war-like, time in which to observe how your wishes HOW TO “GROW” YOUR HEART & bitchy. Venus is in heat, supercharged, unfold. This is the 9½ month pregnant pause and rampant. (273 days to the next superior conjunction): Never miss an opportunity to do an anon- She was invisible for 40 days until she sta- watch for your wishes to manifest. Give ymous good deed. tioned direct. As Inanna, she has been in the credit and notice. Honor them. Acknowledge Living from the heart is much more Underworld—relinquishing all her powers them. Make good use of them. Be thankful powerful than living from the brain. Living and raiments, hung on a hook as if dead; to Venus for them. from the heart includes emotion. The heart but those who love her manage to bring her Be sure to journal and record results and also makes meaning for us. The heart is back to life. As Morning Star, Venus emerges nuances, keeping aware of your original Compassion, Care and Protection. Lead with replete with all her powers, in her absolute, wishes and seeing in what way they manifest. your heart, not your brain. Let your words undiluted sovereignty. During this time you could also think about resound from this sacred well. When you see her first reappear in the sky, how to live from a more heart centered focus. Before you go to sleep, ask Venus to come beware of liaisons at the time. They will be Venus loves true intimate connection. to you in your dreams and learn what is overmuch, extra, and probably short-lived. Here’s how we get to the next Retrograde possible. In these ways you will increase in Repeat: don’t get into any affairs at this time. Cycle: your Heart’s capacity to expand. Living from This is the beginning of your new self, as heart-to-heart-to-heart; your own Heart, well. You have been endowed with Venus’s 1-6-19: Maximum Elongation W at 28 through the Heart of Venus, guided by the kiss when you planted your heart’s hopes Scorpio 45’. Between now and the Superior Heart of Sun. This may be the only real point at the inferior conjunction of Venus with Conjunction next August, observe mani- of being alive. the Sun. Now she has emerged from her festations of your wishes taking place. underworld journey during her retrograde AND IN CONCLUSION cycle; now she is in direct motion, speeding 8-14-2019: Superior Conjunction with through the sky in all her dire beauty and Sun at 21 Leo 11’. (Venus cazimi again, And so, wishing is not just a fairy tale. It sovereignty— as well as helping transform and invisible to us); soon afters she reap- is a real working process. Growing in your you to the best you, ruler of all you survey. pears as Evening Star Venus after sunset. heart’s capacity, using your courage to face the buried scary stuff, to bring it all up into Dec. 18, 2018 10 Scorpio 50’ 3-24-2020: Maximum Elongation E at the Light, to love and forgive all of yourself Post-retrograde Shadow period completed. 20 Taurus 08’. (Assessment of your Self- and others, to heal yourself and the collec- In with the New! Reliance) tive: that’s the work. That’s the wish. The one wish you can make true with the help of Venus and her immaculate timing. Venus is the rhythm of the Sun’s heartbeat. She’s immersed fully by the Golden Rays of the Life-Force. And she steps it down for you each retrograde, to your level of ability to receive it; tailored to your Heart’s capacity; you need only be open and willing.

Jeannie Goldwire has been around long enough for one full-degree tick in Precession. An astrology student since age 23, when a village astrologer in India wrote out her horoscope in fountain pen and ink, explaining both her Western and S. Indian charts. A member of the Astrological Society of Austin since 2007; an avid astrology practitioner and passionate enthusiast. “I have so many astrol- ogy books and I actually have read and marveled my way through most of them. I have been a long time ‘astrological guide’ but only recently have I decided to become more serious with giving back some of my years of learning.” fullphoenix.com

R By Walt Disney Productions for RKO Radio Pictures

V27-03 SEPTEMBER EQUINOX 2018 page 17 JUPITER IN SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER 8, 2018 TO DECEMBERV 2, 2019I JupiterU in A Sagittarius November 8, 2018 to December 2, 2019

by Öner Döşer

Opportunity or Deception? Jupiter, the planet of opportunities, is about to enter Sagittarius, the sign he rules. We can expect from this transit positive developments, new visions, growth and expansion in the areas of international trade, international relations, foreign travels, higher education, law, ethical and moral val- ues and beliefs. A planet in its does not only bring opportunities related to its nature but also enhances its shadow. This is valid for all of the planets. In this article, we will have a look at the shadow of Jupiter in Sagittarius particularly as it will square Neptune in Pisces in the course of 2019, an aspect that may indeed enhance challenges and require caution.

Great Expectations and Reality Check Jupiter Neptune, and Saturn in Capricorn During Jupiter in Sagittarius periods, ideals may be higher and hard to reach, and our targets larger in size, even utopian in nature. Although Saturn is in Capricorn bringing a practical and grounded perspective, the square (by sign) between Neptune in Pisces and Jupiter in Sagittarius, may reflect fanci- ful goals and ideals that may tend to be too adventurous, too hopeful, or overly optimistic. Jupiter in Sagittarius reflects a need for novelty as monotony and routine cannot do. It is an influence that reflects a need for excitement to everything we do, to approach daily life in an energetic and enthusiastic way. There is a feeling of continuous change around this time. At worst, this influence

The Career page 18 Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine VVII may cause people to scatter their energy in attention to financial issues and urge us to be various directions and bring wastefulness cautious in our expenses while on the other Uand vanity. The added influence of Neptune hand we may be drawn away from mundane AIf you look at Saturn can be very hard to explain. It is confusing realities and chase after the pie in the sky. in Capricorn, Jupiter and difficult to define as it goes beyond Jupiter, which is associated with wealth physical limits with abstract dreaminess and and wealthy people by the ancient astrolo- in Sagittarius, and optimism. It can be positive but foggy, some- gers, is related to great expectations and very Neptune in Pisces you times deceptive and illusionary. Neptune’s high demands. It is related to wholesalers, big illusions point to a separation from the estab- businesses, capitalists and capitalism. Jupiter’s see that they are all in lished rules of the physical universe. character is “always looking for more.” their domiciles (in the By contrast, Saturn in Capricorn will come Jupiter in unfavorable aspects with other sign they rule). As a across powerfully during the Jupiter-Neptune planets may bring fanaticism, exaggeration, square. Saturn represents self-assurance and hypocrisy, narrow-mindedness, impatience result, they will all caution. It is related to earthly responsibili- and indecisiveness. People may make wrong tend to manifest ties, business life, and operation principles. decisions, get into some unlucky specula- On the other hand, the Jupiter-Neptune tions and investments, or experience great their qualities quite square distracts the person from earthly losses due to over-reaching attempts and strongly. matters, dissolves security needs and stim- exaggerated risk taking. ulates a desire to get rid of responsibilities Neptune, the planet of dreams and ideals, and burdens. represents fantasizing about being rich or experiences and to expand towards wider Positively, Neptune represents purifica- on the contrary being uninterested in finan- horizons. To achieve these things, we may tion and going with the flow of life. If not cial requisites. Neptune does not like deal- feel the need for the freedom to express used properly, this may bring dissociation, ing with difficulties. It is prone to deception ourselves more openly. Jupiter represents a dissolution, misapprehension and disap- and illusion. Neptune is related to bank- strong desire for growth and so we may feel pointment. ruptcy. In the exchange markets, Neptune very frustrated during this time when we are represents companies which produce oil held back or confronted with limitations. Jupiter/Neptune square: and gas, sea/ocean products and liquors. Jupiter reflects an interest in the integra- January 13, 2019 – 14 Sag/Pisces Conspiracies, deceitful and fraudulent acts, tion of things, rather than focusing on the June 16, 2019 – 18 Sag/Pisces illegal affairs, front companies, downfalls, details. The bond which unifies everything is Sept 21, 2019 – 16 Sag/Pisces destruction and chaotic situations are issues more important than the minutia. Jupiter’s related to Neptune. unifying power is also reflected in religious With the Jupiter-Neptune square, we issues. Religion is a system which brings We may get away from the realities may see speculations and diversions in the higher awareness to the people, regarding of the economy stock exchange market; prices which have their role in the universe and it guides them The square between Jupiter in Sagittarius been increased by speculation may fall. The to the connectivity of the universe. Judicial and Neptune in Pisces may keep us away Jupiter-Neptune square may create a disin- systems, which keep the society together from the reality of daily life and direct us tegration in economics. As a result of such and secure justice, are also represented by towards making unnecessary expenditures inflation and deflation, people may lose their Jupiter. In the background of all these sys- while chasing ideals which may never be motivation. While running after our ideals tems, there is a Jupiterian risk. People may realized. Saturn in Capricorn and the eclipses represented by Neptune, we may also be become self-righteous as they assert their on the Capricorn-Cancer axis will draw our drawn into fantasies and be confronted with opinions with excessive confidence. manipulations in business life. Dreams and Realities The square Fake gurus If you look at Saturn in Capricorn, Jupiter between Jupiter Religious issues, beliefs, missionary activities in Sagittarius, and Neptune in Pisces you and propaganda are represented by Jupiter’s see that they are all in their domiciles (in the in Sagittarius and transit in Sagittarius. With Neptune’s transit sign they rule). As a result, they will all tend Neptune in Pisces in Pisces and the Jupiter-Neptune square, to manifest their qualities quite strongly. On we can expect controversies related to reli- may keep us away one side, we have the requisite to be realist gious beliefs. We may come across fake gurus (Saturn in Capricorn) and on the other side from the reality of who will lead many people astray. Jupiter in we have the desire to run after ideals which Sagittarius may be blindly loyal to religious daily life and direct are difficult to actualize (Jupiter and Neptune principals or to dogmatic philosophical ideals. in Sagittarius and Pisces). Limitations on one us towards makng He may also display much self-righteousness, side, and transcendence and desire for free- unnecessary become judgmental of others or become dom on the other side… Heavy responsibility arrogant. This is contradictory to Neptune in opposed by a desire for leaving it all behind expenditures while Pisces, which is open-minded and which has in order to follow one’s dreams… What an chasing ideals which an acquiescent and indulgent nature. interesting period of time we are about to The basic tendency of Jupiter in Sagittarius may never be realized. enter. So, what could we do in such a period? is to discover new things, have different Let’s see…

V27-03 SEPTEMBER EQUINOX 2018 page 19 JUPITER IN SAGITTARIUS V cisiveness. Follow your heart and be from professional counselors;I this is DOSER decisive – Be authentic, even if you very natural! Fear and worry are nor- make mistakes. mal human responses to these plane- • Pay attention to escapism! AvoidU • Do not avoid taking responsibility tary energies. You do not need to feel over-indulging in alcohol or simi- during this time, however you should ashamed. A lar addictive substances using the not take on too much responsibility. • Spend more time with the people excuse of getting relaxed or escaping • Do not withdraw from others, do who bring you joy and happiness! from the realities for a while! not isolate yourself. However, stay Get involved in new activities that • It is a good idea to practice relaxation away from people who make you feel are beneficial & fun. However, do not techniques like meditation, without depressed, anxious and guilty. overreach! becoming detached from daily life! • Devote more time to charities. Help • Avoid highly idealist and utopic others, but do not become a victim of With love, light and hope! idealism; instead focus on how to over-extending yourself. Oner Doser, AMA, ISAR Cap actualize and put those ideas into • Get advice from wise people! But a grounded practice. When you keep in mind that fake gurus will be feel you are drowning in dreams, on the increase during this period. Öner Döşer , AMA, ISAR Cap is the founder, direc- step back and put your feet on the • Do not lose your targets and purpos- tor and teacher of Astro-Art School of Astrology in Istanbul. He is OPA’s Turkish Satellite. Member of ground! es! Do not give up your desires! Keep APAI You may visit his webpage: www.onerdoser. • During this period, we are open to in mind that those are the things that com/en, www.astrolojiokulu.com/en absentmindedness, confusion and keep you vital! OPA Turkey on Facebook: https://www.facebook. instability. It may be that bad deci- • If you cannot cope with the difficul- com/groups/1628325654151225/ sions are actually better than inde- ties you face, do not hesitate to ask for help from your loved ones and R

manifestations can we expect from this rare floating currencies, which increases foreign combination this time around? exchange volatility. A Magical The cycle of Mercury retrograde through • Coincidentally, at the recent Great Lakes the four elements lasts about six to seven Astrology Conference (GLAC), I attended a Mercurial years. The last installation of Mercury retro- lecture on introductory grade in the fire signs, previous to the current where Ray Merriman advocated investing one, happened in 2010-2012. It was kicked in stable foreign currencies because of Ingress off by a retrograde in Sagittarius, during fears of an upcoming currency crisis and which an obscure Tunisian street merchant the dollar losing value. (2) Jupiter in practiced self-immolation in protest for hav- ing his products confiscated by the police-- However, this idea of Mercury and Jupiter Sagitt arius, 2018 an event that escalated to mass protest, and as opposites is not really supported in eventually started the regional firestorm we mythology, where they are much more coop- by Gary P Caton came to call the Arab Spring. We can see in erative. After all, Mercury was charged with these two instances that the mutable quality carrying out the commands of Zeus. For this of Sagittarius fits perfectly with the image of reason, I have suggested that Mercury and “Frank Zappa and the a bow, spreading and distributing the fiery Jupiter can be seen to operate as “octaves”, Mothers, were at the best energy far and wide –sometimes quite literal- or “higher” and “lower” versions of the same place around. ly. What happens when we add the expansive basic note, and along with Pallas Athene and But some stupid with a quality of Jupiter, at home in his own sign? Uranus can be seen to form a kind of “arche- flare gun, burned the place to the Since Mercury and Jupiter rule opposite typal complex” –being all associated with ground.” signs, many might expect the presence of somewhat unbounded, mental creative prin- –Deep Purple, “Smoke on the Water” Mercury in Sagittarius along with Jupiter to ciples. (3) On this note, we could expect cre- add to the volatility already inherent within ative breakthroughs which spread through n the 125 years of ephemerides at fire signs. This view is certainly supported by the collective like wildfire, during Mercury’s the back of my new book, Hermetica the historical evidence. stay in Sagittarius with Jupiter. Again, the I Triptycha: The Mercury Elemental Year, historical records are in agreement: (1) you can find only two instances where • December 16, 1971 saw Victory Day for Mercury’s inferior conjunction with the Sun Bangladesh in the liberation war, one of • November 15, 1971 saw Intel release the happened both in Sagittarius and also con- the most violent wars of the 20th Century. first microprocessor. junct Jupiter. The first occurred on December • December 18, 1971 saw the Smithsonian • January 4th, 1972 saw the first handheld 12, 1971 –within a week of the incident Agreement, created by the G-10 to deval- scientific calculator introduced, and on chronicled in the opening epigraph The next ue the US dollar, introducing the era of • January 5th, 1972 Nixon announces the one occurs November 27, 2018. What fiery Space Shuttle program. Thus, for those

The Career page 20 Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine VI Jupiter is actually moving relatively fast here, superior planets being fastest when con- Ajunct the Sun. So, this is a very interesting U exchange. It is as if Mercury goes and gath- ers up the energy of this magical star, turns around and hands it to Jupiter, as they both pass through the heart of the Sun, and then turns again to meet Jupiter in a final pass over the star. What could this mean? In mythology, the only exchange between Jupiter and Mercury that involves a scorpion does so indirectly. Several myths involve sto- ries where Jupiter and Mercury act or travel together in order to test the hospitality of humankind. In one version, the great hunter Orion was born of one of these adventures. Mercury, Neptune and Jupiter disguised themselves as travelers and went to visit Hyrieus, who was pious and according to custom and divine law treated his guests

Jupiter is actually moving relatively fast here, superior planets being fastest when conjunct the Sun.

very generously–roasting an entire bull for them. The Gods then reveal themselves and as reward for this generous hospitality offer to grant Hyrieus a wish. Hyrieus wishes for a son, so the three Gods take the bulls hide and urinate (or ejaculate) on it, and bury it in the earth. They then instruct Hyrieus to dig it up after ten months, whereupon he finds Orion. (4) In alchemy, this scene becomes an allegory for the creation of the filius philosophorum or “philosopher’s child,” which is symbolic of the birth of a higher consciousness. (5) Orion goes on to become a great hunter, but unfortunately along with his great skill comes great pride or hubris, which for the Greeks is a grave sin, which often does not end well. After Orion boasted that he could kill every living thing, Gaia, the great Earth who are in the know, it may be that there royal and magical (behenian) star, Antares – goddess created a giant scorpion to hunt are some fabulous ground-floor opportu- the heart of the Scorpion. Speedy Mercury the hunter. This is said to be why Jupiter nities to invest or get involved with emer- will actually station retrograde, pass Jupiter arranged the and gent technology. at the inferior conjunction with the Sun, Orion to occupy opposite parts of the heav- then station direct and chase down and pass ens, so they chase each other ‘round the Involving the Fixed Star Antares Jupiter again, all before Jupiter reaches the heavens in a kind of cosmic balancing dance. At the moment of Jupiter’s ingress to degree of this star in the days just before It’s difficult to say for sure, but this portray- Sagittarius, Mercury is nearby, conjunct the Christmas. The funny thing about this is that al of Scorpius could account for one of the

V27-03 SEPTEMBER EQUINOX 2018 page 21 JUPITER IN SAGITTARIUS VI CATON It appears that the first of these electional (3) Caton, Gary P. “The Return of the 68’ers: The opportunities arrives during the week lead- Synergy of Pallas Athene with Uranus-Pluto” The Mountain Astrologer (June/July 2012). magical qualities of Scorpius’ alpha star ing up to the Winter Solstice, when Mercury (4) See for instance the Theoi Project http://www. Antares, as given by Agrippa (passedU down and Jupiter are both dignified and mov- theoi.com/Olympios/HermesFavour.html#Hyrieus to him from the Book of Hermes on the 15 ing into conjunction with the magical star (5) See for instance, Michael Maier ‘s AtalantaA Stars) where the star is said to “aideth against Antares. This star is also said to “grant good fugiens memory and intelligence, (and) makes (peo- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filius_philosopho- evil spirits, and driveth them away, and bind- rum#/media/File:Infans_Philosophicus_tres_ eth them.” (6) ple) appear wise.” (8) Wednesday December agnoscit_patres,_ut_Orion.png 19 and Thursday December 20 are the plan- (6) Henry Cornelius Agrippa, Three Books of Election Opportunity etary days associated with Mercury and Occult Philosophy: Bk. II, Chapter 47 Because of Mercury’s rulership, in the Jupiter, respectively. The traditional method http://www.esotericarchives.com/agrippa/agrip- p2d.htm Golden Dawn system the first of is to use the planetary day and hour for the (7) Coppock, Austin. 36 Faces: The History, Sagittarius is correlated with the 8 of same planet, but my personal opinion is that Astrology and Magic of the . Three Hands wands in the Tarot –a card often noted if the planet of the day is in helpful aspect Press, 2014. for its swiftness of movement and associa- to another planet, the use of the cooperat- (8) Astrology gives variant info on ing planet’s hour can also work. So, one can these 15 stars tions with messages and travel. (7) On this https://www.renaissanceastrology.com/hermes- note, I get the feeling Mercury with Jupiter begin to dial in the electional window to fixedstars.html in Sagittarius could present a unique elec- their unique location by using the planetary (9) If your astrology program does not calculate tional opportunity, for either beginning day and hour of either of these planets, or planetary hours, you can try an online calculator, enterprises like a website, school or con- even a combination (ie, Mercury day, Jupiter such as the one here https://www.astrology.com. tr/planetary-hours.asp ference, or for consecrating magical items hour or Jupiter day, Mercury hour). (9) From like amulets, talismans or even alchemical amongst these combinations, choose one tinctures which are designed to ignite the which gives the best house placements, Gary P Caton is a transdisciplinary astrologer, fires of imagination and engage the creative particularly one which places Mercury initiated by a magnificent dream in 1993. An will. Both Jupiter and Mercury have essen- and Jupiter on the angles. For instance, in accomplished writer, teacher, stargazer and tial dignity in the first decan of Sagittarius Washington, D.C. at 10:40 am on Thursday astro-photographer, Gary combines the experi- December 20, we have a Jupiter day, and ential power and dynamic images of the living (Jupiter by domicile, Mercury by face or sky with classic horoscopy and metaphysics, and decan). Traditionally, one basic rule of elec- Mercury hour with both planets culminating delivers this alchemical blend through the matrix tional astrology is that you want to work on the mid-heaven! of bleeding edge modern research and pioneering with planets when they have some amount technique. His first book, Hermetica Triptycha: The of . This is because dignity References & Recommended Reading: Mercury Elemental Year, met with rave reviews (1) Caton, Gary P. Hermetica Triptycha: The and there are two more volumes forthcoming. is seen as reflective of the ability to conduct Mercury Elemental Year. Rubedo Press, 2017. You can also catch Gary online via the popular business and achieve one’s aims. Jupiter’s http://rubedo.press/hermetica-triptycha Hermetic Astrology Podcast, or on one of his fre- entrance to Sagittarius represents a year in (2) You can follow Ray Merriman’s free weekly quent lecture tours, across the US and abroad. which we should be especially aware for financial column via his website: Jupiterian electional opportunities. https://www.mmacycles.com/index. R php?route=blog/category&category_id=1

On November 9, 2018, Jupiter enters Jupiter and Saturn operate as two opposite Sagittarius: the sign that he rules, and will faces of reality. Saturn brings boundaries The Elders stay there until December 3, 2019. Jupiter is when Jupiter extends boundaries. Jupiter at home in Sagittarius and reflects qualities magnifies everything he touches while such as freedom, expansion, discoveries, Saturn does the opposite. We shouldn’t Of The Sky: higher learning, and optimisim. The shadow interpret one without the other as these sides are fanaticism, excess, and arrogance. opposite principles help us bring balance to Jupiter and When Jupiter is in Sagittarius, we can our lives. expect some spectacular discoveries or I mostly imagine them as wise elders of the developments concerning religion, beliefs, sky. Even though their styles differ from one Saturn and international subjects. When Saturn was another, they both serve the same purpose: in Sagittarius between 2015 -2017, these wisdom. Saturn motivates us by showing our - by Sagittarius-related subjects made headlines mistakes and the work needed to be comp Eda Ocak in the media. The world was shaken by the leted while Jupiter directs us to manifest our international refugee crisis from Syria to highest potential. Zakaria Europe and terror caused by radical religi- “Jupiter operates always and only in relation ous groups. Now, Jupiter may bring similar to Saturn: this is one of the greatest of all life- subjects to our attention again, while Saturn truths, symbolically expressed. It operates with is in Capricorn, the sign he rules. Saturn within the boundaries set by Saturn. It

The Career page 22 Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine VI operates also against Saturn, compensating significant events occur. Saturn in Capricorn related to searching for the spiritual side the latter’s exclusiveness and crystallizing logic; represents leaders, systems and goverments of life—taking risks. The Capricorn archet- but even then, Jupiter’s action is merely produc- while Jupiter in Sagittarius represents Aype is serious and sometimes pessimistic U while the Sagittarius archetype is light and ing the exact reverse of Saturn’s operation. He religions, belief systems, and spirituality. compensates for Saturn. He neutralizes Saturn. Fusing them together in my mind brought often optimistic, so when we have this kind Yet his power is always conditioned by his polar about a prediction that some major changes of opposite energies we need to find the opposite, Saturn. The guru’s guidance and might happen to spiritual leaders and insti- balance between them in our lives. This teaching are conditioned by the pupil’s limita- tutions. During this period we might see balance is so important since we are con- tions. The former impersonates what the latter some spiritual leaders or institutions get- fronted by critical problems on our planet. fails to see. Likewise, the great Artist or Seer ting stronger or collapsing. These kinds We can initially think that our faith in the brings to humanity what the humanity lacks.” of changes might reshape poeple’s opinion spiritual world would be enough for our- Dane Rudhyar (Jupiter-Organizer of Functions) about religions. selves and humanity. Yet, if we overlook Keeping Rudhyar’s perspective in mind, in Jupiter and Sagittarius are related to rea- Saturn’s side we will not realize the need to the case when both planets are in their signs, lisation of existence as a whole. This can be take our own responsibility and be more shown through philosophy, religion, reading realistic. The material world of Saturn must or even travelling. If we interpret this with be balanced by the Spiritual world of Jupiter I mostly imagine Saturn transiting Capricorn, we may expect As Dane Rudhyar says; Jupiter compensates for Saturn. What we need to do is to unite Jupiter and Saturn some new theories, ideas or trends that are realistic, applicable and optimistic about our spirit with matter in these critical times. as wise elders of the future. People will be open to hearing new Sources : sky. Even though their and strong ideas that give them fresh mea- http://khaldea.com/rudhyar/nmnm/nmnm_jupi- ning for life. There might be even more of ter.php styles differ from one a desire to go abroad and reach out to new another, they both places all around the world. Eda Ocak Zakaria has studied Classical and serve the same Saturn and Capricorn are related to the Hermetic Astrology. She is a practicing astrologer serious side of life. It’s all about responsibili- living in İzmir, Turkey. You can contact her via eda. purpose: wisdom. ties, boundaries and being mature—doing [email protected] or www.edaocak.blog the right thing. Jupiter and Sagittarius are R

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V27-03 SEPTEMBER EQUINOX 2018 page 23 JUPITER IN SAGITTARIUS VI Jupiter as ruler of the 11th and 2nd signs rulership rules from Vedic Astrology called What Gifts of the chart is a major financial indicator for Svakshetra Phalam. her. Being placed in Gemini in the 5th with Uthe North Node, shows very clearly a path of Svakshetra Phalam (Principle of will you get creative writing or expression as fulfilment Results) Applied to Western/TropicalA of life’s purpose which carries the promise of Charts from Santa major financial reward. Here I’m going to share with you a very Traditionally, Jupiter in Gemini is afflict- important rule from Vedic astrology, which ed (formally stated as being in its Detriment) I have found works equally well in Western this year? which simply means that it operates in an tropical astrology. The external results of a Tools to specify the environment which the Jupiterian impulse is planet in its own sign is indicated by the unfamiliar with and would rather not prefer. ruler of that planet. This forms results of the upcoming The highly stimulation-driven and diverse part of a special subset of rules a student Sagittarius Jupiter transit environment of Gemini can make it difficult learns about planetary rulerships in Vedic for Jupiter to find focus and apply one’s astrology and which have no precedent in efforts faithfully in one direction of explo- traditional . The special by Theodore Naicker ration. With Mercury being in the 8th sign, subset can be called Svakshetra Phalam or we expect the environment to be a bit con- for a Western translation, the Principle of strained financially, and perhaps children to Results, or “own sign results”. For example, if he period of Jupiter be involved (5th sign). Joanne completed through tropical the first draft of the first Harry Potter novel T Scorpio has felt as if in 1995, as a powerful Jupiter transited her Joanne completed I’ve placed all of my hopes MC and nodal axis in Sagittarius, at a time and skills on trial. The cour- when she was inundated with supporting the first draft age of my convictions to her child as a single parent living on state of the first steel myself to grow beyond benefits in the UK. This is further empha- Harry Potter novel in my fears had on some days left me feeling sized with the square to Jupiter from Saturn oddly exasperated and yet hopeful. I could in the 2nd house, indicating that the man- 1995, as a powerful imagine a stern and scornful Santa Claus ifestation of Jupiter’s gifts along her evo- Jupiter transited her peering over my shoulder every time I dared lutionary journey (Gemini North Node) are to voice a wish, deftly pronouncing, “It’s do or marked by periods of financial difficulty. This MC and nodal axis in die time, my boy! I’m here to help you mani- is again emphasized when we use the Sagittarius, fest them all, c’mon step it up!” as he patted to contextualize Jupiter by using a subset of my shoulder with some gleeful “encourage- ment” from the shadows. While I am thankful for being able to (almost constantly) work on my fears and inhibitions, I look forward to seeing good ol’ Jupiter leave the looming and brooding of Scorpio for some fresh rays of sunshine and adventure in Sagittarius come this November. To celebrate the upliftment of our friend and guide moving into Sagittarius, I write this with a goodly pinch of Jupiterian wisdom, to help unlock the many gifts this benefi- cial year-long transit can mean for you, your loved ones, and your clients. I am going to begin with one of my favour- ite charts – that of Joanne K. Rowling, famous author and creative muse of the Harry Potter series of novels. Her Jupiter transit through Sagittarius is highly fitting, as you will see, it superbly bridges the gap between Scorpionic and Sagittarian themes in a way I think would tickle your astrological taste buds. While her birth data is approximately 9pm1, I’ve applied principles in both Western and Vedic astrology to arrive at a time I think most suits the events and descriptors of her life.

The Career page 24 Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine VI Venus was in Libra, then its external results be exalted, specifically informing her creative will take up the form indicated by Jupiter works. At the time of completing the Harry Anthony Martial and Herman Hesse since Venus is traditionally exalted in Pisces2. Potter first novel, her mother passed away A- Success Stories UThe external results of the transiting Jupiter and she has explicitly voiced that this single So essentially we know that the Sagittarius in its own sign can be understood as being traumatic incident in her life forever changed Jupiter archetype aims to follow through coloured by the indications of the natal the story of little Harry in the novels, where- with an active, demonstrative goal as contri- Moon in the chart. since Jupiter is exalted upon she added the death of Harry’s mother bution into society, from which many oppor- in Cancer. Here is a ready table to help you and the protection of her love, as a strong tunities emerge. It is a fire sign, it is a male apply the rule of Svakshetra Phalam: thematic undertone to the entire series. The sign, it is doing something, it is expressive, rest, as they say, is history. it is inspired. However, Jupiter in Sagittarius, Planet in External Results Further details of the Sagittarius Jupiter while being an indicator of manifested free- Own Sign shown by transit can be gleaned from the Moon in the dom, cannot on its own indicate what this secondary progressed chart (which is always manifestation looks like--we need to look Sun Mars relevant, but especially so in understanding at the Moon for that. In other words, for Moon Venus a Jupiter transit in Sagittarius or Pisces). In people born with Jupiter in either Pisces or Mars Saturn 1995, the progressed Moon had just moved Sagittarius, or having a transit of Jupiter in Mercury North Node into Scorpio (the natural 8th sign of the zodi- Sagittarius or Pisces, the natal Moon (its con- ac) and connected to the natal Mercury (in dition, its house placement, its lunar phase, Jupiter Moon the 8th sign of the chart), giving supportive its state by progression, etc.) are all crucial in Venus Jupiter testimony that the 8th sign Moon experience understanding more specifically what gifts Saturn Venus (the passing away of her mother) was deeply Jupiter will intend. Let’s look at a couple traumatic and transformative for her during more examples. Therefore, the results of Venus in Libra will that time, shaping her motivation to strongly Anthony Martial is a professional foot- be shown by Jupiter. The results of Saturn in colour the writings with Scorpionic themes of ball (soccer) player who plays for the Capricorn will be shown by Venus. The results death and the occult (the progressed AC was Premier League club Manchester United, of Jupiter in Sagittarius will be shown by the at the time in Aries, her 3rd sign of writing). and the France national team. In 2015, he Moon. A special case is that if Mercury is in In this way, applying the rules of was the recipient of the 2015 Golden Boy its own signs, its external results are shown Svakshetra Phalam, you can also speci- Award for the best under-21 male player in by the North Node. This rule works beauti- fy the relevance and manifestation of the Europe, which is awarded by a conglom- fully in natal charts, as well as by transit. For Sagittarius Jupiter transit in whatever house eration of sports journalists from Italy, example, while Saturn is transiting Capricorn, it occurs for your clients and friends, by prop- , , Portugal, France, we work on building our new foundations erly understanding the indications of the , Greece, Russia, the Netherlands, and following Venus as she is placed natally, but Moon in their natal (and progressed) chart. the . also as she transits around our chart. This is an advanced topic, which I am introducing here by way of simple examples. The great thing about knowing some Vedic astrology as a western astrologer, is that you benefit from techniques and tips that have been tested over centuries of practice already. Back to the chart of JK Rowling. While Jupiter transited Sagittarius (its own sign) across her MC, we expect some fortune to befall her. Let’s use the rule of Svakshetra Phalam to understand what may transpire. In her chart we see the Moon is strongly con- nected to Jupiter. I find that combinations of the Moon and Jupiter, especially in appropri- ate places, strongly feature in the works of authors who produce consistent quality and quantity of literature, and who produce works which are largely well-received and popular. The Moon in the 8th sign stellium shows that some “luck” of the Jupiter-MC tran- sit involves difficult experiences in life. However, the ruler of the stellium being Mercury (another important consideration for authors) is nevertheless exalted and in its own sign of , and being ruler of the fifth, indicates that something of the difficult 8th sign Moon experience will cause her to

V27-03 SEPTEMBER EQUINOX 2018 page 25 JUPITER IN SAGITTARIUS V of Jupiter manifest through major sponsor- course, we should includeI supporting testi- Naicker ships for his physical acumen or athleticism. mony from Mercury. Mercury being strong Both the rising Sun, and Venus contact to Hermann Hesse (1877 – 1962) was a in its own sign is conditioned by a highly the MC (which she rules) indicate quickU and German-born poet, novelist, and painter expressive Uranus archetype (in the 9th sign early success. The Moon in earthy Taurus in whose best-known literary works explore the of publishing). Mercury is also connectedA the 6th sign shows a preference for a hands- individual search for authenticity, self-knowl- to the MC by trine, further supporting the on or physical approach. Together with a edge, and spirituality. He received the Nobel public role and style of work to be literary strong Mars and Jupiter, this is a success Prize for Literature in 1946 at the age of 69. or strongly communicative. Mercury is in its story with far-reaching potential. The Pisces archetype is very pronounced own sign too, so applying the same rule, the th He began playing football at the age of 6 in his chart. Pisces contains Mars (the 5 results of this Mercury are coming from the at the reputable Club Omnisports des Ulis, house ruler of creative works, trine the Sun), North Node – and again we come to Pisces! the same which has produced famous French Saturn (the 3rd house ruler of writing and So here we see the results of the natal Jupiter footballers such as Thierry Henry and Patrice communication), the Moon (ruler of the Sun as gifts, are indicated by the Moon (and its Evra. Jupiter in Sagittarius is in the first sign, therefore indicating for what he may associations), with supporting testimony house, showing some extraordinary physical become recognized socially), as well as the from Mercury. talent which forms part of the developmen- destiny-relevant North Node. All of this is tal signature. Jupiter also rules the 4th house ruled by Jupiter, who is also the ruler of the AC, and placed strongly by rising in the chart (Pisces), showing that this is a deeply inher- The external form ent talent likely to begin from a very early and closely connected to the Saturn-Moon age. At his Jupiter Return (age 12) famous conjunction (we have already seen a strong of the results of Jupiter-Moon connection in relevant plac- footballer Patrice Evra gave the boy his own Jupiter in Sagittarius shoes to practice in (note Pisces as the natu- es to be important for famous or popular ral 12th sign of the zodiac indicates the feet). authorship). come from the Moon. Since Jupiter rules Saturn in this chart, the The external form of the results of Jupiter The Moon and Saturn cycles can also coincide with oppor- in Sagittarius come from the Moon. The tunities which come to him (Saturn is in a Moon and Mercury are the planets most Mercury are the feminine sign, therefore it indicates experi- changeable by those with whom they asso- planets most ences which happen to him, not necessarily ciate. Here we see the Moon strongly condi- rd) changeable by those anything he actively does). At the first Saturn tioned by Saturn (ruler of the 3 and joined opposition (age 14, 2009) he was spotted by the ruler of the MC (Venus), showing the with whom they scouts from the popular Olympique Lyonnais imaginative Piscean Moon receives inspira- associate. football club which competes in France’s tion and channels it through communica- highest league (Ligue 1) and recruited him tion into the public sphere. For authors of there in the same year. In 2010, the year transiting Jupiter con- joined natal Saturn (in Pisces, again show- ing the results are specified by the exalted Moon), he distinguished himself in games, scoring 32 goals in just 21 matches. This resulted in him being called up to play for the national team in the 2012 UEFA U17 Championship. He has continued with this success, playing for AS Monaco (one of the most prominent football clubs in the French system) with a multi-million Euro contract extended to mid-2019. Here you see the incredible results of the Pisces Jupiter tran- sit being given to him through a Taurus Moon (where the Moon is exalted, and being the natural 2nd sign of the zodiac, showing immense personal financial gain). Jupiter in his chart shows strength. The Moon is exalted in Taurus in the 6th sign of effort, exertion, and routine. This shows that the gifts of Jupiter in the chart (inherent talent) are known by the exertion of physi- cal effort and performance and endurance (Taurus). The Moon ruling the 8th house (other people’s money) and in Taurus (natural 2nd house of the zodiac), shows that the gifts

The Career page 26 Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine VI Barack Obama is an American attor- when a planet or sign archetype is activat- ney and politician who served as the 44th when a planet or ed, it can very well tend to manifest all its President of the United States from 2009- sign archetype is Apossible significations at the same time. In U2017. A member of the Democratic Party, addition, his secondary progressed Moon he was the first African American to serve as activated, it can very in Leo coincided with his natal Uranus and president. He was previously a United States well tend to manifest North Node that year, showing a strong Senator from Illinois and a member of the all its possible revolutionary streak in his ambition toward Illinois State Senate. public office. In 1995 Jupiter was transiting Sagittarius. significations at the In this last case, we can see the strong The results of this transit would be indicated same time. activation of his natal Moon by the by the Moon in his chart. We can see a Moon Sagittarius Jupiter transit. The loss of his in Gemini, having contact with Mercury (ruler 4th house being emphasized: home, father, mother, the publication of his memoirs of of the 8th sign), and Pluto (in the 8th sign), ancestry, etc. The 6th house is traditionally his father and childhood, are very strong and the Moon ruling the 6th sign of labour associated with themes of subjugation, sub- Cancerian/Lunar themes 6th house themes and illness. In 1995, his mother passed away mission, slavery, and bondsmen (being close channeled through the 5th house Gemini following unsuccessful treatment of ovarian to the 7th house of relationships but below Moon. The Sagittarius Jupiter transit for him and uterine cancer. the horizon and hence below our status). in that year specifically took these forms. In The 6th sign also has relevance pertaining Having the sign of Cancer as the 6th house, this way not only are you able to say “Jupiter to work, especially that of civil service. The shows a family history or ancestry carrying transiting your 11th house is great”, you are Moon having a connection to the 5th sign themes of hardship, separation, slavery and able to say what that transit activates in that ruler Mercury, also can show a result in writ- other related social challenges facing human- year for him specifically. The Jupiter transit ing or communication at the same time. In ity. In a modern context, having Cancer on in his 11th house, eventually played to his 1995, as he was beginning his political cam- the 6th house ruled by the Moon, also shows gain with groups of people as these mem- paign for the Illinois Senate, he released his that in this year of the Jupiter transit he is oirs and the story of his upbringing and first personal memoir about his childhood focused on his work in the community and family played a major empathic role in his and upbringing, Dreams from My Father: A perhaps running for office as a civil servant link to the American dream (11th sign social Story of Race and Inheritance. We see the (service is a 6th house theme, the Moon consciousness) and was a repeating talking detail of his writings coming from Cancer, the shows community involvement). Finally, the point in many of his campaign runs for both sign ruled by the Moon (remember, we are Moon as ruler of Cancer is placed in Gemini Senate as well as the Presidency. contextualizing the Jupiter transit by a full as the 5th house, linking writing with themes The astrology of using transits effec- delineation of the natal Moon). of childhood from that perspective as well. tively can make a big difference in how you In the sign Cancer we have Venus, ruler This is a good example of interpretation learn astrology and in how efficiently you of the 4th house, indicating themes of the in astrology as being quite varied, and that are able to assess the flow of time for clients. In this article, I have demonstrated the use of the Svakshetra Phalam rules from Vedic astrology to help you narrow down the range of possible results or outcomes of a natal Jupiter in its own sign, or the transit of Jupiter in its own sign, which I have shared with you through examples of Jupiter in or transiting tropical Sagittarius. By apply- ing this technique, you can better under- stand and specify or decide what gifts to unlock during the transit of Jupiter through Sagittarius - through what circumstances you may encounter it, and what motivations you may seek to manifest through it, toward your self-development and the manifesta- tion of the adventure of your life.

© 2018 Theodore Naicker – All Rights Reserved

Theodore Naicker, DMA., DAS., is a specialist Western and Vedic astrologer based in South Africa with a background in petroleum engineer- ing. He has worked as an astrological consultant since 2012. He runs courses, webinars, video series, retreats, and workshops on specialist top- ics in astrology. You can find out more about his background, qualifications, and events at www. spicastrology.com/about-theo/ or email info@spi- castrology.com.

V27-03 SEPTEMBER EQUINOX 2018 page 27 NODES IN CANCER / CAPRICORN NOV 2018 UTO MAY 2020 LMAU against a powerful tide of group mind. The as a degraded expression of the Aquarian recent passing of Senator John McCain high- impulse to find like-minded souls. lights this polarity and is seen in the outpour- In Cancer and Capricorn, the nodes speak Called to ing of admiration and tribute to his courage even more powerfully to what has come and strength of conviction. It is fascinating before, they speak to the history of humani- Meet the that this man, once honoured and admired, ty. In many ways the power of the past may an incontestable hero, had begun to lose be stronger during these passages. We must support, as chanted slogans replace thought. remember that the nodes, unlike other astro- Past An ‘us-versus-them’ mentality can be seen logical factors, move backwards through the signs. They describe an involutionary The Nodal Axis spiral, like the unwinding of a spool of thread. This backward movement is a reca- enters Cancer/ The North Node pitulation of what humanity and individuals in Cancer asks us have already experienced, an activation of Capricorn patterning. It may seem as though the past to protect the rises to meet us, bringing history back to life, by Lynn Bell vulnerable, to sometimes in unwelcome forms. We have unfinished business. make things safe The North Node in Cancer asks us to pro- ater this year, on for those who tect the vulnerable, to make things safe for November 15, 2018, cannot protect those who cannot protect themselves. It calls L the Mean nodal axis us to the inner life, and harnesses the power will shift from Leo/Aquarius themselves. It calls us of imagination. Externally, it may also corre- to Cancer/Capricorn. (The ingress for the to the inner life, and spond to a wave of women in power since True Node is November 7). These signs invite Cancer relates to the feminine. Evolutionary us to consider the past. They call us back to harnesses the power astrologers talk about the connection ancient events, both collective and person- of imagination. between these nodal signs and the passage al. Even more significantly, as the nodal axis from a matriarchal to a patriarchal society, shifts into Cancer/Capricorn, it will move and we may see an echo here. Other tradi- backwards into connection with Pluto, and then with Saturn. The old authoritarian temp- tation is heightened by the South Node’s entry into Capricorn, the desire to find a ‘’big Daddy’ who will decide for everyone, and ‘take responsibility.”The ancestors call to us, to step up and finish what they could not, to repair an error, to pay a debt. On some occa- sions, we may be pulled into circumstances reminiscent of another era, another time. The Nodes here ask us how to honour the past without being caught up in it. Since April 2017, the South Node has been in Aquarius. One of the most striking ten- dencies during this period has been a pow- erful connection to ‘groupthink;’ Politically speaking, we can identify this trend in the United States with people either associat- ing with the conservative side of the equa- tion or classically liberal. Many of us have been pushed into stronger identification with those who think the same way. A few rare individuals have taken a stand, breaking with their cohort, to call out for truth. The North Node in Leo asks for this kind of personal courage, invites individuals to speak out

The Career page 28 Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine DJ

Capricorn, especially these particular planets, argue for a strong redirection of the world. U AWe are watching political lines being redrawn and continents change shape. Values are shifting, and the new technologies that came in under the Neptune-Uranus conjunction in the same sign have now revealed their potential as subtle mechanisms of control. Most often the Node’s passage through the signs bring powerful inward events, while the eclipses that punctuate them every six months, reveal these processes in the outer world. This time, Pluto will also be conjunct its own South Node at 21 of Capricorn, compounding, and intensifying the evolu- tionary process. Pluto’s crossings with its South Node happens only at 87 and 161 year Image Credit: from Anne Verbiscer original. Illustration NASA intervals, a result of its highly elliptical orbit. The first crossing of this cycle occurred in July of 2018. Until then, the last time a crossing tions refer to the Cancer/Capricorn axis as the can all grow stronger. At its most extreme, took place, was in 1930, at the time Pluto was “gateway of the soul”. the tyrant is constellated. Given the passage discovered. It reveals itself to us at the nodal of Pluto in Capricorn since 2008, these ten- crossing. Individuals who are born during Has the pressure of the world dencies are already quite perceptible, in the this time will have great power to bring pulled us out of alignment with world at large with powerful personalities about deep transformation, or destruction. soul’s purpose? like Erdogan, Putin, Orban, and Mohammed They will crave intensity, and carry the seeds Capricorn is often the builder and law- Bin Salman, to mention just a few of those for potent reform. giver. Together these two signs hold the who have risen to power. The authoritarian For further research, here is a link which world in place, they give rise to the exter- temptation will be strongest as the Nodes calculates planetary nodes http://www. nal and internal structures that support our interface this potent planet, and continue true-node.com/eph1/ Pluto will next cross development. However, when unconscious, to move through Tropical Cancer/Capricorn. its node on January 5th of 2019. It will be Capricorn’s structural gifts can take the form This also happens to correspond to the conjunct the Moon’s Mean Node on March of over-control. Authoritarianism, top-down incoming Saturn-Pluto conjunction (exact 28th 2019 (22 Capricorn). The Moon’s node decision making, and a paternalistic hierarchy on January 12, 2020). So many planets in will align with Saturn on May 20th 2019 (20 Capricorn). Two dates of interest arise, when we look at previous times in history where the Moon’s nodes and Pluto conjunct in Capricorn. The first date 1517, when the omnipotent Catholic Church was profoundly challenged for its own internal corruption. There was a call for reform for the com- plete restructuring of a corrupt system. It

The core concept of this revolution was a call to inner spiritual authority, to an inner relationship to truth, rather than a docile acceptance of external proclamations.

V27-03 SEPTEMBER EQUINOX 2018 page 29 NODES IN CANCER / CAPRICORN LM

BELL freedom, others had economic prosperity but it also initiated Europe’s use of African as a core motive. When the ‘mother country’ slaves in the new World, beginning a cycle of is not surprising to see Saturn approaching began to impose excessive control over both immense cruelty and dominance. These past a conjunction with Pluto, though stillU in of these, the colonists felt their ‘contract’ had cycles give us both hope and caution. The U Sagittarius, at the time Pluto conjuncted the been broken and the system came down toxic underpinnings of our world willA come Moon’s node, see chart. The Church hierarchy under the strain. Again the issue was external to light, and we can only hope this will bring chose to suppress the movement rather than control and individual servitude, the lack of a major redirection of consciousness. listen to its cries for change, and a hundred a voice, or vote in the decision making pro- For the individual, the Cancer and year dismantling began. Communities were cess, and the imposition of an imperious top- Capricorn axis highlights a particular set of torn asunder, entire populations went into heavy authority. Rights granted in England concerns. Issues of dependency and control, exile, political alliances changed. The core were not transferred to the colonists, and of responsibility and care, in alignment with concept of this revolution was a call to inner this became unacceptable. The nodal cycle the house positions of these signs in our spiritual authority, to an inner relationship through these signs may give us a preview of birth charts, will call to each of us. Some will to truth, rather than a docile acceptance of the United States Pluto Return in 2022. withdraw into a deeply private space, others external proclamations. Each individual had The North Node calls us home, away from will feel impelled to act for the vulnerable. to find their inner connection with divine outer authority to a relationship with our It will be an excellent time to reckon with authority. Where authority is corrupt, where inner voice. With so many ‘heavyweight’ plan- the ghosts of the ancestors, alive or dead, it leaves no room for a true connection, ets on the side of the South Node, the power the emotional patterning that has invisibly where it enslaves rather than frees, then this of that outer world--with its constructs, limits bound us. We have debts to them, and these crossing of the Moon’s nodes and Pluto’s and laws--may feel more oppressive. There can come due now. Above all, we are called nodes has a potent effect for reform, for is no guarantee that this cycle will bring us to care for our own integrity, to pay atten- redirection. Pluto crossed its own Planetary out of the oppression, it may take us even tion to the imperatives of soul. It is a potent node (at 14 Capricorn at the time) a dozen deeper into that direction. The 16th century time ahead. or so years after the Reformation began. The brought religious restructuring to Europe, Reformation itself came less than a centu- Lynn Bell is a Paris-based astrologer whose work ry after the new technology of the printing spans multiple cultures as a speaker, teacher, author and consultant in astrology. After many press changed access to both old and new Issues of dependency years of teaching and lecturing throughout ideas. At the present time, we find ourselves France, she was invited to join the Centre for a Saturn cycle on from the profound changes and control, of Psychological Astrology in London in 1995. In the created by time-warping personal computers responsibility and UK she teaches for The Faculty of Astrological and the internet from the early 1990’s. We are Studies Summer school in Oxford, and the LSA, as care, in alignment well as the CPA, and she continues to consult from in it, without understanding it. her home in Paris. Outside the world of astrology, The second date is 1777, when an all- with the house she has often collaborated with Caroline Myss, out war was taking place between the positions of these and her CMED Institute. She has been part of the American colonists and their ruler, Britain. faculty of the New Chartres School, held every signs in our birth year, for the past seven years in Chartres, France Again the notion of corrupt control lies at by Wisdom University. the heart of the upheaval. Some colonies, charts, will call to like Massachusetts and Pennsylvania, had R been founded under an impulse for religious each of us.

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The Career page 30 Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine DJ

Lunar Nodes journey through Cancer and like the heroes in myths around the world, Capricorn. For that purpose, let us start we too have to struggle with our Lunar Cancer/ with the symbolism of the DragonA in rela- Node dragon. U tionship to the Lunar Nodes. No matter your belief or disbelief in reincarnation or karma, the Lunar Nodes Capricorn For the Western Medieval astrologers, the highlight what is unconscious within us, Lunar Nodes were called Caput and Cauda, the behavioral aspect that is running on meaning the Head of the Dragon, and the automatic (South Node), and the traits and Moon Nodes Tail of the Dragon. The Head of the Dragon gifts we need to develop for our personal The Sacred journey came to embody how we take in and growth (North Node.) respond to new experiences; it is our grow- towards Belonging ing edge. The Tail of the Dragon represents Belonging and Mastery not only the more vulnerable aspect of the The Lunar Nodes will travel through two by Vanessa Couto dragon, but also the place of elimination. opposing signs for 18 months, giving us The Head of the Dragon points to where enough time to flesh out the themes high- we are headed, the lessons to be learned, lighted by these signs. Even if we don’t he North Node the growing edges of our development have planets or relevant aspects in these journeys through and how we engage with the new that signs in our birth chart, we can observe the T Cancer from comes into our lives. The Tail of the Dragon zeitgeist for confirmation of these themes. November 7, 2018, reveals how we can liberate ourselves from With Saturn, the ruler of the South through May 4, 2020. The the past, also how we have integrated the Node in Capricorn, also transiting through zeitgeist for the next 18 lessons learned, and how we now need to Capricorn, there is a strengthening of the months reflects the core themes move on so that we don’t get stuck in an Goat’s shadowy aspects, while beckon- of the structures of ‘belonging’. old way of behaving. ing us to work towards developing our If you have the Nodes in either Cancer or When we imagine a dragon and how it inner authority and mastery. Yet, with Capricorn, these core themes of belonging, moves, we can easily see how its head and the upcoming arrival of the South Node memory, and independence are highlighted, tail work together in the process--the head in Capricorn, we are also called to elimi- and will be beckoning to be made conscious leads, while the tail balances. The pitfall is nate the rougher edges of the Goat’s sign. in your life. Look to the houses activated when we embrace one over the other; most Adding Pluto to Saturn and the South Node in your birth chart to see in which specific often it is the tail of the dragon that keeps in Capricorn, there’s a natural push-and-pull areas of your life these themes play out. you fixated and mesmerized, highlight- between developing mastery and authority I personally have the South Node in ing the natural tug-of-war that the Lunar but without the hardening of one’s soul. Cancer with the North Node in Capricorn, That’s what the North Node in the nur- so I will have the Nodal Reversal by tran- turing sign of Cancer will bring to our sit to look forward. Those of you with the If you have the Nodes attention, the need for us to do the col- South Node in Capricorn, and the North in either Cancer or lective work in developing a more holistic Node in Cancer, will have a Nodal Return, sense of belonging and care for what it which comes around every 18 years. In Capricorn, these core means to live in community - the human both of these instances, it’s a time of themes of belonging, tribe. focused awareness around one’s life pur- pose and soul work. memory, and indepen- “The great irony is that modern culture According to astrologer Elizabeth dence are highlighted, is suffering an epidemic of alienation, yet Spring, author of “North Node Astrology and will be beckoning so many of us feel alone in our unbelong- - Rediscovering Your Life Direction and ing, as if everyone else was inside of the Soul Purpose”, the Nodal Reversal period to be made conscious thing that we alone are outside of.” Toko- is both an illumination time, akin to the in your life. pa Turner - Belonging: Remembering Full Moon phase as well as the time to Ourselves Home dig for the ‘gold’ inherent in the South Node’s shadow. It’s time to “access the Nodes signify. They capture the polarity In Toko-pa Turner’s excellent book, she highest octaves of both the North and aspect of their position and placement in dives deep into exploring the many facets South Node signs.” opposite signs in our birth charts. of belonging and the struggles we face in For this article, I will focus on the core Inherently, this is a dichotomy dragon, our modern times around our lost sense motifs of the myths surrounding Cancer where its tail illuminates the unconscious of belonging - to community, to family, to and Capricorn for a big picture of these col- aspects of the sign it inhabits, while its ourselves, to our geography, and even to lective and personal themes. head points to the qualities we need to our place in the cosmos. embody so that we may move forward. In Her book is apropos for these times, Here be dragons many schools of thought, the Lunar Nodes highlighting the North Node’s upcoming We can return to the origin myths of reveal our ‘Axis of Fate,’ as explained by arrival in Cancer, where the themes of fam- a sign in order to flesh out the broader Celeste Teal in her book “Lunar Nodes - ily, tribe, and a shared sense of community themes that are up for reflection as the Discover Your Soul’s Karmic Mission.” Much are the lessons which we need to learn

V27-03 SEPTEMBER EQUINOX 2018 page 31 NODES IN CANCER / CAPRICORN LM

CUOTO and his 12 labors. In Heracles’ second labor, Linked to their original imagery of the he has to destroy the Hydra, a water mon- sea goat was their god Ea, who ruled the individually and collectively. The harden- ster with the body of a dog with eight or waters, agriculture, and in essence, taught ing of the borders, the entrenchmentU in nine heads: the heads continued to multi- humans how to be civilized. U our individual beliefs, and our inability to ply as Heracles cuts them off. In the midst Another dominant motif aroundA engage in dialogue, all reveal how mis- of his battle, Hera sends the crab to distract Capricorn was its Greek association with aligned we are with belonging. (some read- him by biting on his ankle (or toes depend- the satyr Pan and the help it lent to Zeus ers may see the hardening of the borders ing on the myth version.) (Jupiter) during the war against the Titans. as a necessary step to secure the tribe – it is When the Titan goddess Rhea conceived important to remain accessible to the other the sea monster Typhon to come and fight political spectrum, even if you can state against Zeus, it was Pan who disguised your personal opinions as such: that they From its himself as a fish but managed only to trans- are personal to you.) form his bottom part into a fish, retaining Her book calls us to do the inner work earliest the upper portion as a goat. (read North Node development) of facing of associations, In the midst of the battle, it was Pan’s cry our fears and grief around belonging, so Cancer was the that saved the day, as Zeus was reduced to that we may together build a living bridge just his limbs by Typhon. Thanks to Pan’s of connection, as we weave and bind the cosmic womb from cry Hermes comes and gathers the rem- roots of our beings together. To Toko-pa which new souls nants of Zeus and brings the god back to Turner, alienation is the belonging’s darker life. Out of gratitude, Zeus places Pan in the sister; and in this symbolism, we can see would come heavens as Capricorn. the shadow aspects of Capricorn revealed. to Earth. But it was also at the height of Greek civ- While Capricorn teaches us about ilization, that Capricorn’s sea goat lost its becoming masters of our own lives, gift- fishtail and became just a goat, more Pan, ing us with the determination to climb the less fish. It was perhaps at this point that mountain of our ambition and drive, it can Heracles crushed the crab under his foot Capricorn started losing its connection to also miss the mark by isolating us in our and managed to destroy the Hydra by cut- the waters (Cancer) and became the driven drive to make it ourselves, thus uprooting ting it down by its roots deep inside the Senex (Latin for an old man) mountain goat. us from the shared sense of belonging. ‘It’s muddy waters. In gratitude for its work, Perhaps during the Lunar Nodes’ my way or the highway’ in its most neg- Hera blesses the crab by immortalizing it as 18-month journey through Cancer/ ative aspect, for it is about independent a in the heavens. Capricorn, we should reconnect to the mastery and authority at the cost of split- The symbolism here - Heracles’ work of archetype of the god Ea, and its deeper ting away from community and family. This killing the Hydra by targeting its roots and relationship to the waters of our inner is the negative side of Capricorn and also the lowly crab’s work of biting our solar lives and imagination. Because with Pluto, the root of its vulnerability. hero - shows us what Cancer teaches us: Saturn and eventually Jupiter traversing the there is immense value in understanding Capricorn landscape, we already have an Of Sea Goats and Crabs our past. Diving deep to understand the overemphasis in this archetype, and now The mythology around the constellation roots of our issues through working with we need to reconnect to the waters within. of Cancer and Capricorn is both ancient our memories is what helps us let go of The Lunar Nodes’ journey through Cancer- and hard to pin down. As a constellation, that which has us by its claws. Capricorn will help set the tone and recali- Cancer is faint and quite inconspicuous. Another exciting aspect of the constel- The symbol of the crab is a reminder of one lation of Cancer: for the ancients it was the of the most ancient of animals on Earth. gateway through which the souls would In evolutionary terms, the Crab is virtually incarnate in this world. From its earliest Envisioning Capricorn unchanged, and this makes sense when we of associations, Cancer was the cosmic as a sea-goat, not think of Cancer as a sign that is interested womb from which new souls would come just a mountain goat, in memory, family roots, memorabilia, and to Earth. ancestors. With the North Node in Cancer, work makes it easier to Capricorn’s constellation is one of the with the past, with our shared trauma and see how the power oldest observed, already showing up in the our collective memory, will be necessary Babylonian records several thousand years if we want to move forward and not just of Capricorn stems B.C. Again, this is an interesting connection, repeat our past mistakes. There is gold to from keeping the as Capricorn is also a sign that is concerned be retrieved from understanding history. In connection to the with tradition, respect for that which takes light of the latest discoveries around epi- time, established systems of governance, genetics, we will benefit immensely from waters of and history. Both signs beckon us to exam- understanding the root of our collective imagination, feeling, ine the past and learn from our shared malaise from the lens of the ancestral work memory, so that we may know the best we all need to embrace. family and memory way to move forward. The myth around the Capricorn constel- (Cancerian themes.) The myth around Cancer stems from the lation starts with the sea goat image famil- story of Heracles (Latinized as Hercules) iar to the Sumerians and the Babylonians.

The Career page 32 Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine DJ

brate the collective’s misalignment around In the emotionally driven sign Cancer, the ways, it’s through our intersecting values these complimentary signs. North Node’s 18-month stay will beckon us that we create long-lasting connection Envisioning Capricorn as a sea-goat, not to face the scars of our past trauma,A dig into and meaningful change. Before we can Ujust a mountain goat, makes it easier to see our individual and collective memories to make the village we long for, we first how the power of Capricorn stems from better understand how we can move for- have to name what we value most so that keeping the connection to the waters of ward. Healing and therapeutic work would we can envision the tomorrow we want imagination, feeling, family and memory be appropriate because our inner work isn’t to create.” -Toko-pa Turner - Belonging: (Cancerian themes.) While we may aggran- just individualistic navel-gazing, it is both Remembering Ourselves Home dize the image of the lonely hero, master political and ecological. of his world, we also know that there’s an A focus on community building and con- We have the opportunity to engage in inherent imbalance when our hero is never nection will be highlighted to dispel the uni- exercises of belonging during the Lunar again able to find a connection in the world. versal feeling of alienation. It will be more Nodes’ journey through the axis of the Crab It’s true that our solar heroes need to fruitful to move beyond the Aquarian arti- and the Sea Goat. Only together can we fight their inner and outer dragons to be ficial cells of social media and to engage in ride this dragon of individual and collective able to make something of themselves creating shared experiences of belonging. transformation. in the world, a Capricorn theme. But the In thinking of ways to do this, I’m May we be able to let go of the exagger- lack of connection to their feeling world, reminded of the book and now Netflix ated aspects of hardened individualism, the their sensibility, their soul is what drives movie ‘The Guernsey Literary and Potato cynical and embittered Senex in all of us, so our solar heroes to become hardened and Peel Pie Society’ by Mary Ann Shaffer and that we may reconnect with the collective embittered Senex figures, who are unable Annie Barrows. It’s a story of how the waters of imagination and story because to show compassion and emotion. Even inhabitants of the Isle of Guernsey survive the world needs us to remember our col- heroes need to return to their community the German occupation during World War lective shared sense of connection and and reestablish their inner link to the soul- II by coming together in a makeshift book belonging. ful waters of feeling and imagination. club, where the shared joy of reading and engaging with the stories helps them bond Vanessa Couto is an astrologer, artist, podcaster, and form a friendship that stands beyond and teacher in Portland, Oregon. Her work weaves Best approaches to navigating the mythology, fairy tales, depth psychology, and art. Nodes’ journey through Cancer/ the horrors of war. She’s also the creator of the coloring books “Lunar Capricorn Mandalas” and “The Sun’s Heroic Journey”. Find Individually and collectively, the Nodes’ Belonging and community more at www.vanessacouto.com. journey through Cancer and Capricorn will “One of the essential building blocks of beckon us to do the emotional work need- community, is a shared sense of values. ed to affect change and to solve the many Though we might be different in lots of problems we face.

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Mandala artwork by Vanessa Couto

V27-03 SEPTEMBER EQUINOX 2018 page 33

Sedna is on an 11,406-year orbit. Alan pened in 2003 when Sedna was discovered. Clay divides the history of mankind into He has 12 case studies with charts so that Book Review Sedna years. It is an interesting concept one can see Sedna in the chart. There is Review by Arlan Wise and an interesting way to look at history. extensive description of each person’s life It changes your perspective to see time which overrides the astrology at times. Much through Sedna years. of the last section consists of stories of peo- Because of this long orbit, Sedna stays ple’s lives, including many murder victims. It Sedna in one sign for nine hundred to a thousand is interesting but it feels like there are more years. If you were born before 1968, you have biographies than astrology. Consciousness Sedna in Aries. Everyone born after 1968 This is a big book, 1,197 pages. It could The Soul’s Path has Sedna in Taurus. In 2024, Sedna enters have been smaller as there is repetition, Gemini and knowing this we can be on the sometimes whole paragraphs are repeated. of Destiny lookout for what this will mean. Clay delin- There are many descriptions of individuals with Sedna in aspect to a planet, but there BY ALAN CLAY are only twelve charts in the book. It might have been better to have less examples and more charts. It would be helpful to have Alan Clay undertook an ambitious project an ephemeris of Sedna during the years of when he decided to explain Sedna to read- the readers’ births so they can fine tune by ers. Sedna is a newly discovered (2003) plan- degree if their Sedna closely aspects a planet et which is at the outermost edge of the solar or sits in which house. There is no research system. She lives way beyond the Kuiper belt available so it is hard to distinguish if the in the Oort Cloud. As there is no empirical examples are cherry picked or if Sedna acts evidence to look at, Alan Clay intuited that in a certain way for the majority of charts. Sedna works in the realm of the unconscious. The book is based on speculation since This book contains his theories on how to there is no hard evidence to prove how understand what Sedna means in our lives Sedna functions. The words “may” and “per- and in our charts. haps” are used a lot in the book. Very few Sedna is small, about the size of Pluto, and people have experienced Sedna transits so it is thought to be made up of ice and rock. is hard to find a personal frame of reference It is cold, estimated to have a temperature for her effects. She seems vague, which is around -240 degrees. Because of this fact, apt if she is a force in the unconscious. She Sedna was named after the Inuit goddess of is connected with our spirituality and can be the sea, who is thought to live at the bottom seen as a description of our spiritual quest of the icy Arctic Ocean. There are at least five and presenting challenges to make us grow. legends about Sedna, which fits with a planet “Sedna energy is the oneness of everything”. who is so far away that there is no real defin- It is important to read the first third itive information about it. The gist of these of the book and then look at the aspects legends is of a girl whose father takes her to eates Sedna in the houses, and has extensive that are relevant to you and your clients. sea and throws her overboard. As she tries explanations of Sedna in aspect to other It is an ambitious book which requires an to cling on, he chops off her fingers and she planets in the chart. Clay also has chapters ambitious read, but when you do read it, sinks to the bottom of the ocean to become on Sedna aspects to the Centaurs and other you will learn about Sedna. a sea goddess who is worshipped by hunters Trans-Neptunians. to provide them with food. Sedna is thought The author tries to bring meaning to to teach us to let go. Sedna by looking at the events that hap- R

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The Career page 34 Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine ASTROLOGY RETREAT A Spiritual Retreat in the heart of Mayan sacred land. full details at mauricefernandez.com

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V27-03 SEPTEMBER EQUINOX 2018 page 35 The Sidereal Month Calendar Calisthenics The Sidereal Month is seen in the chart by The ancient consist- tracking Moon’s return to a Zodiacal degree ed of twelve months alternating between and seen in the sky by tracking Her return to 29 and 30 days to keep the 29½ day synodic a lunar mansion, constellation, or fixed star. cycle (or lunation). Twelve such months add Moon is rising in San Anselmo, California as to 354 days, a period known as the Lunar I type this sentence on Monday September Year. To maintain an alignment with the sea- 3rd, 2018 at 12:13am. She is 13012’ Tropical sons, which is imperative for a calendar to Gemini in the called Rohini, function agriculturally, an intercalary (leap) which means “The Red One,” named for the month must be added about every third bright eye of the Bull constellation, the star year. The Synodic Month of 29.53 days and Aldebaran to whom Moon is now closely the Solar Year of 365.242 days synchronize aligned. Moon will return to this Zodiacal almost exactly every 19 years, resulting in a degree and star alignment in about 27⅓ days near perfect lunisolar period that includes Speaker at I-Astrologer 2018 on September 30th at 5:44am, but will be twelve years of twelve months and seven in Waning Gibbous Phase (trine Sun) rather years of thirteen months where the months than Waning Half (square Sun) as She is now. alternate between 29 and 30 days. (See Fig 1 below.)

The Synodic Month Astronomy Sidereal lunar mansion traditions predate the 12-Sign Zodiac by millennia, but it is the cycle of lunar phases that is shown by the for oldest calendars known, whether painted on cave walls or chiseled into bone.1 The 29½ day Synodic Month of lunar phases is longer Astrologers than the Sidereal Month because, during the 27⅓ days required for Moon to circle Column by Gemini Brett the Zodiac and return to the degree that hosted the previous New Moon, Sun moves about 27⅓ degrees so Moon must travel another couple of days to catch up for their next Synod or meeting (Fig. 1). From Earth’s point of view, the Sidereal Month is all about Fig 2. The Phases of the Moon by Moon while the Synodic Month is lunisolar. to Sun. This Moon Phase is a reflection of the relationship illustration also shows the Northern MORE THAN between Moon and Sun (Fig. 2, at right). Hemisphere location of Moon in the sky JUST A PHASE (or below the horizon) as Sunset. hy are there twelve Signs of the W Zodiac? This number can’t be defined by the Stars for the Constellations are not equal in size while the Signs most certainly are. The astronomical author of twelveness is often said to be the body for which “month” is named though of course we also honor the dance of Sun as we Earthlings witness Moon gracefully wax and wane.

Moonday the 13th It could be suggested that thirteen, not twelve, is the number of Moon because She travels about 13 degrees each day and transits the entire Zodiac about 13⅓ times annually. This orbit of Earth (the Sidereal Month) averages 27⅓ days (or 13+13+1.3), which is why ancient Arabic, Chinese, and Indian astrologers honored 27 or 28 lunar mansions (known as in the Vedic tradition), one to host each day of Moon’s heavenly journey. Fig. 1

The Career page 36 Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine Metonic Magic and the Silver Fraction This period of 19 years or 235 lunations (19x12+7=235) is now called the Metonic Cycle though it was known well before the life of Greek astronomer Meton for whom it is named. The builders of Stonehenge con- structed the innermost horseshoe of their astronomically advanced temple with 19 bluestones and also encoded the lunisolar secret of 7/19, which geometer Robin Heath calls the “Silver Fraction.” 27 divided by 19 equals 0.37, a number somehow shared by Fig. 3 synodic and sidereal lunar mysteries as there are 12.37 (365.24 / 29.53) Synodic Months and 13.37 (365.24 / 27.32) Sidereal Months per year. What strange magic is this?

Sky Serpent and Lunar Extremes Every month, Moon snakes above and below the path of the Sun, crossing the Ecliptic at the Lunar Nodes and peaking about 50 above or below at the points tra- ditionally known as the Lunar Bendings (Fig. 3). Skygazers who know the Ecliptic Stars can watch this dance in nature and astrologers can learn to see Lunar Latitude in the chart (Fig. 4). The Lunar Nodes tran- sit the Zodiac in about 18.6 years, bringing Lunar Maximums when the North Lunar Node reaches zero degrees Tropical Aries because the most northern lunar latitude (Northern Bending) then coincides with the most northern declination of the Zodiac (00 Cancer) and the most southern lunar latitude with the most southern zodia- cal declination. During Lunar Maximums, Moon is more than 50 Out of Bounds when She aligns to the Solstice Points. Lunar Minimums occur when North Node reach- es zero degrees Tropical Libra because the Southern Bending aligns to the most north- ern zodiacal declination and vice versa.

Enter the Dragon The 27.2 day Draconic Month (the time between Moon’s consecutive conjunctions Fig 4. Between the North Lunar Node and Northern Bending, Lunar Latitude is North and with the same Lunar Node) is slightly shorter heading further North (NN). Between the Northern Bending and the South Lunar Node, Lunar than the Sidereal Month because the general Latitude is North and heading South (NS). Between the South Lunar Node and Southern motion of the Lunar Nodes is retrograde. The Bending, Lunar Latitude is South and heading further South (SS). Between the Southern Bending 346.6 day Draconic Year (Sun’s consecutive and the North Lunar Node, Lunar Latitude is South and heading North (SN). conjunctions with the same Lunar Node) is also known as the Eclipse Year because Sun must be near either North or South Lunar Node for Solar or Lunar Eclipses to occur (Table 2). Total Solar Eclipses can occur because Sun is about 400 times the size of Moon by diameter, but also about 400 times further from Earth so appear to be the same size in our sky.

Size Matters Astronomical orbits are elliptical, not cir- cular so a perfect Syzygy (triple alignment)

V27-03 SEPTEMBER EQUINOX 2018 page 37 Astronomy for Astrologers between Earth, Moon, and Sun will produce an Annular Solar Eclipse or ‘Ring of Fire’ if the New Moon is too far from Earth to occult the entire solar disk. The dark focus of the Moon- Earth system that astrologers have come to call Black Moon Lilith always lies between Earth and the Lunar Apogee (furthest point of Moon’s path from Earth). When Moon is close to Lilith on a chart, She is relatively far, small, dim, and slow. We have come to use the term Super Moon to describe the rela- tively close, large, bright, and fast Perigee Moon (Fig. 5). The Anomalistic Month is the time between successive Lunar Perigees.

Size Matters Moon is a master teacher of the Astrological mysteries. Not only does She Fig. 5 advance our archetypal study by shift- ing Signs and therefore Polarity, (Modality), and Quadruplicity (Element) every 2.3 days, but Her phases allow for a sen- May the Light that Changes ever be our gra- 1 Cave paintings and carved artifacts from tient experience of astrological aspects and cious Guide. Europe and Africa suggest Synodic Lunar introduce the importance of synodic cycles. Calendars have been kept for at least 30,000 Moon quickly teaches the attentive stargazer Love and Planets, years. [https://sservi.nasa.gov/articles/old- to honor the extra-Zodiacal dimensions of Gemini Brett est-lunar-calendars/] latitude, declination, size, and speed, which MoreThanAstrology.com 2 Stonehenge, the Marriage of Sun and expand our astrology astronomically when Moon” by Robin Heath [http://cura.free.fr/ applied to the other Planets that grace our Illustrations by ScorpiAna and Gemini Brett decem/06heath.html] eyes and also to those who eternally hide. for Arts of the Chart R

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The Career page 38 Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine the Zodiac and is determined by what psychological knowledge of antiquity.” Jung sign is the Sun when it rises on the Spring also developed compelling astrological mate- The Great Equinox (March 21). Currently, the Sun is rial in reference to the coming Ages of the in the very last degrees of Pisces (moving future. Specifically, he emphasized the Age of Syzygy backwards), and is very close to formally Aquarius and the return of Man to his Soul. transition to Aquarius. The Pisces Age has Jung speaks of the transition from the Age of Pisces to the by stating: The New Paradigm been intensely concerned with matters of faith and religion, yet ultimately dom- “Around the birth of Christ, there follows the of Relationship in inated by hierarchy, power and the split Age of Pisces. Pisces is a water sign. That is between the spiritual and the material probably why we have to look for spirit in the Age of Aquarius world. During this Age the predominate the water, in life’s flow of images, and in the drive has been to find something in which unconscious. And now we are on the thresh- old of the sign of Aquarius. The air element by Shannon Gill to believe. According to many astrologers, each has a key phrase, has been assigned to it, and it is symbolized and for Pisces it is “I believe.” by an angel or a human being, instead of an As we shift into this new Age of animal. Here, the Spirit is meant to become Aquarian Age & Aquarius, the prevailing myth will tran- something subtle again, and human to The New Myth sition from external fixation & faith, into become who he is.” It is controversial direct knowledge and relationship with the Jung’s transmission relating to the pro- to delineate when Divine Source itself, surrendering any need cess of human’s individuation and eventual the Age of Aquarius or desire to ‘believe’ in any one concept ascension lays out specific guidance in the actually begins, or or dogma. The key phrase for Aquarius is realms of spiritual practice and psychological if in fact it already has. It is a bit like trying “I know”. We are now seeing through the inquiry. Through this active engagement, the to determine when the dawn begins. Is it deluge of religious corruption, and are when the morning sky first reveals it lumi- experiencing a collective awakening to nescent glow long before the sunrise, or is our direct connection and relationship As we shift into this it when the Sun actually emerges over the with Source. According to acclaimed Swiss new Age of Aquarius, horizon? Regardless of this dubious assign- psychoanalyst Carl Jung, the symbol of ment, the inarguable fact is that we are very the Aquarian water carrier signifies that the prevailing myth much immersed in the energetics of this new the psyche of the individual will no longer will transition from epoch, whether we are a few years out, at be carried by religious communities but external fixation the gates, or well on our way, the birth of the instead by conscious individuals. Jung new Aquarian energies are rolling in like the states that “individuals are to become the & faith, into direct tides of the ocean. incarnating vessels of the Holy Spirit on an knowledge and For those who may not be aware, an ongoing basis.” ‘’ is an epoch of time in relationship with the which major themes in the development of The Great Syzygy Divine Source itself, humanity, particularly relating to culture, Jung, leaving a legacy in the field of surrendering any society, and politics, are effected. There are psychology and consciousness awakening, twelve astrological ages corresponding to was steeped in astrological exploration need or desire to the twelve zodiacal signs in western astrolo- and he integrated this sacred science into ‘believe’ in any one gy. Known as the ‘Precession of the Equinox”, much of his developed works. He stated: the cycle of Ages move backwards through “Astrology represents the sum of all the concept or dogma.

V27-03 SEPTEMBER EQUINOX 2018 page 39 prise partners entering relationship with were not in alignment with the person’s The Great Syzygy the intention of serving one another, the truth of their Soul. Old relationships disin- relationship becoming a sacred crucible, an tegrated and new relationships guided by creation of an alchemical cauldron may lead ecstatic alchemical container for the meta- Spirit were formed in abundance. I could to the elevation of one’s consciousness to morphoses of the Soul. see through my own personal practice that this more ‘subtle-angelic’ state. He refers to This level of spiritual work is tantric in more and more people started choosing this process of realization and sacred embod- nature and can be referred to as the ‘high- the path of higher consciousness and cou- iment as “The Syzygy”, or the “Divine Couple.” er work’. In a sacred tantric relationship, it rageously signing up for relationships not Syzygy, represents ‘wholeness and com- is widely understood that one has a deep based on false security, but based on com- pletion’, which is a result of “Conjunctio commitment, first and foremost to the evo- mitment to truth, healing and evolution. Oppositorium”, the conjunction of oppo- lution of their own Soul. Only then, may “Relationships are a path of enlighten- sites within the human Soul. Syzygy literally they consciously enter into the dance of ment. Enlightenment is a destructive process. means to be “yoked together.” Jung used ‘self and other’, where that the alchemy It has nothing to do with becoming better or the term to denote “an archetypal pairing of the union will reflect back all that has being happier. Enlightenment is the crum- of contra-sexual opposites, which symbol- been hidden, denied, or repressed from the bling away of untruth. It’s seeing through the ized the communication of the conscious self. This, in conjunction with the sacred facade of pretense. It’s the complete eradica- and unconscious minds, the conjunction container of love and compassion from tion of everything we imagined to be true.” of two organisms without the loss of iden- each partner, assists in the burning off and Adyashanti tity.” Jung terms these opposites anima eventual integration of all of the shadow (unconscious feminine side of a man) and aspects that must proceed the ‘albedo’ pro- Jupiter in Scorpio – Descent & animus (unconscious masculine side of a cess leading to the potential “syzygy” that Ascent woman). The integration of the masculine Jung proclaims. When Jupiter transitioned from Libra to and feminine energies, also known as the Scorpio in October of 2017, the heat was “androgyne” is the representation of whole- Jupiter in Libra Catalyzes and turned up in the relational realms. From ness and will become the hallmark of the Expands commitment to spiritual partnership - in Aquarian Age. The astrological movements of the past Libra we have been summoned into the Essentially, Jung claims that through this few years have ignited a quickening of the deeper realms of shadow-sex-and-Soul union of opposites, spiritualization of the relational evolutionary processes. Jupiter’s when Jupiter entered Scorpio. This past year, body occurs. This process catalyzes each transit through Libra - September 2016 there has been a collective dive into the person to regain original purity and recep- through October 2017, catalyzed a mas- darker realms that have laid hidden in the tivity of the Soul. This phase follows the pri- sive reorganization of relationships in the crevices of our deep subconscious in order mary stage of the integration of all shadow collective. Jupiter, the harbinger of higher to be shown the light of day. Triggers that projections, and the removal of the inflated consciousness, traveling through the sign emerge from the ‘divine mirror’ are served ego and unneeded conceptualizations of Libra, ruling over the domain of rela- as reflections for that which needs to be from the psyche. He speaks of the alchem- tionships, resulted in a collective urgency healed. Many couples on this path of ‘the ical state of ‘albedo’ when referring to the to jump ship from any relationships that sacred marriage’ have been brought to their Syzygy state of consciousness. knees, embracing intensity from unhealed You will find similar declarations attribut- parts that are seeking integration. We have ed to Jesus, stating: “When you make the two also witnessed or personally experienced into one, and when you make the inner like In a sacred tantric the #metoo movement that exposed the the outer and the outer like the inner, and the relationship, it is shadow and corruption intrinsic to gender upper like the lower, and when you make male related power abuse in professional and and female into a single one, so that the male widely understood personal relationships. The personal as well will not be male nor the female be female, that one has a deep as the collective sexual shadow is under the microscope pressurizing the domain to when you make eyes in place of an eye, a hand commitment, first in place of a hand, a foot in place of a foot, an forge healing and open the gates for higher image in place of an image, then you will enter and foremost to the levels of sacred sexuality to emerge. the Kingdom.” ~Gospel of Thomas, 22 evolution of their Tantra & the Alchemy of Ecstasy Evolutionary Relationship & The own Soul. Only then, Jupiter, ‘the great expander’, has also Divine Mirror may they consciously catalyzed a focus on the Scorpionic sexual realms that may be utilized as a spiritual As we journey deeper into this new enter into the dance Aquarian myth, those who are actively portal that can accelerate the journey to engaging the process of evolution are wak- of ‘self and other’, healing and accessing of higher states of ing up to a radical new spiritually progres- where that the consciousness. As a result, there has been sive paradigm when entering into intimate a collective interest emerging as a urge to relationship. As a result, we are witnessing alchemy of the union re-member the ancient Vedic path of sacred a collapse of the old conventional models will reflect back all sexuality- Maituna Tantra. of relationship that were following the ‘till Maituna Tantra is the spiritual practice of death do us part’ model, to a new spiritual that has been hidden, sexual union. It is the transference of ener- model of commitment to a ‘sacred contract’ denied, or repressed gy which occurs as the couple ‘becomes committing not to the ‘person’, but to one from the self. as Gods and Goddesses’. It is through the another’s personal evolution. Perhaps an diminishing of ego and confrontation with elevated model of relationships may com- ultimate reality, couples gain access to the

The Career page 40 Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine experience of bliss through the union of 2018 Mars & Venus Higher awareness is necessary to provide a the subtle bodies. The merging of internal Retrograde Dance container for the renegotiation of energetic opposites - masculine & feminine, dark & Mars and Venus embrace their every-oth- patterns and clearing. It is a threshold that light, spirit & flesh - activate ‘the Syzygy’ er-year reverse waltz through the Zodiac offers the opportunity to advance one’s which sparks the Spirit body to experience this year, putting our relationship dynamics ascension journey. ascension into the higher realms. and patterns under the microscope, and This is not just about ‘good sex’, it is an delivering a rite of passage to ‘level-up’ our Mars Retrograde in Aquarius-Capricorn actual alchemical process that transforms relationship dynamics. This time of reevalu- June 26 – August 27, 2018 the energetic make-up of the body/mind/ ation serves our evolutionary advancement Mars, the fiery “Warrior” planet, cycles in Soul. The density that is experienced by slowing us down and presenting the reverse through the zodiac once every 22 through the ‘weight’ of shadow material underbelly of our current mode of relating months, making it the rarest planetary ret- and closure in the body is literal and vis- to ourselves (Mars) and our intimate part- rograde, and possibly the most challenging. ceral. Through this intentional practice of ners (Libra). This is due to the essence of Mars, which the deep integration of all of the elements, It is a period of intense focus upon the represents our energy moving outward. It coupled with the very specific breath and psychological and emotional connections, corresponds to our will power, our moti- partnered bodily practices ascribed, the distortions, blocks, needs, and wounds, vation, our instinctual action, our innate couple creates a ‘vehicle’ which enables which are currently being played out. The passions and our sexuality. Mars reflects ‘traveling’ outside of this human 3-D realm, rapid pace of life lends itself towards fall- the masculine drive and directs our for- into other cosmic realms of existence. ing asleep to patterns and higher aware- ward movement. Therefore, in retrograde It is truly a paradox, that when we actually ness. However, during a retrograde period, motion, the usual ‘go-getter’ planet, turning surrender into the very core of our pain, we the sudden pause and reversal of the flow both inwards and backwards, can feel quite release ourselves from it. True love, which of energy, catalyzes awakening to the destabilizing, frustrating, and create mas- is our only real essence, sets us free. Fears current dynamics at play. We may then sive inner tension and angst. of abandonment, betrayal, unworthiness, course correct, clarify the connection, and/ Mars rules Aries, which is the first sign and self-doubt arise to be played out in the or shed another layer of our snakeskin by of the zodiac, and thus has to do with the magnetic mirror of our relationships. If we taking a conscious dive into the shadow birth of a new cycle, and our individuation are able to be courageous enough to feel dimensions within. process from Source. It is our relationship into it, and also to hold ourselves and one Essentially, we have the opportunity to our self, first and foremost, our inde- another in compassion with unconditional to refine the flow of energy between the pendence, autonomy, and our personal love, all may be transformed in the sacred opposite poles. Both within ourselves, and power. During the retrograde reevaluation container of our sexual relationships. then between us & our intimate partners. phase, we experience the ‘planetary push’ to review our relationship to our self on an intimate level. In this time of review, questions may arise as to our own inter- nal dance of opposites. Where are we on the scales of balance with our internal polar opposites? Masculine vs. feminine, shadow and light, mind vs. heart? Calling forth the rebirth of the ‘divine masculine’ is the col- lective razor’s edge. Redefining ‘masculine’ based on internal balance of the poles. Mars was retrograde this year in Aquarius, which brought forth elements of a new paradigm of evolutionary relating to be explored. Aquarius, ‘the Awakener’ cat- alyzed a collective focus on this new par- adigm of intimacy that for some, begged the questions of monogamy vs open relationships, attachment vs detachment, and independence vs. codependence. The simultaneous square to Uranus forced breakdowns or breakthroughs, with mas- sive numbers of break-ups! This every-other-year pilgrimage, which Mars takes in order to re-invent the self, plays an important role in the transforma- tional path of relating. Before we are truly prepared to meet another in the sacred cauldron of conscious intimacy, we must first have reached equilibrium and balance with our own ‘inner-lover’. Mars’ backwards waltz through Aquarius pushed our bound- aries in order to expand our comfort zone. It has also propelled us to explore where

V27-03 SEPTEMBER EQUINOX 2018 page 41 On Halloween, Venus backtracks from the debris, has given way for more light The Great Syzygy Scorpio, into Libra, where we will likely be to come pouring through. re-evaluating whether or not the union is The gifts of such a hero’s journey which we are between the old-conventional worth continuing. After all of the shadow may be expected with Jupiter’s ingress into model of relationships and the new para- work in Scorpio, in Libra, we get to come Sagittarius, are those of greater freedom digm of sacred evolutionary relating. up from the deep ocean of the unconscious from one’s emotional density, spiritual and catch our breath accessing some expansion, and the capacity to truly pierce Venus Retrograde in Scorpio-Libra: objectivity, and also attempting to regain the veil of perceived reality, gaining access October 5th– November 16th: balance on the Libran relational scale. to the higher realms of existence. Couples Venus, Goddess of love, beauty, and rela- Once Venus finally resumes its forward consciously embarking upon this path of tionships takes it’s backwards turn shortly momentum on November 16th, the poten- ‘evolutionary relationship’, or committing after her counterpart – Mars returns to its tial for those couples that stay in union to the ‘sacred marriage’ of divine union, direct motion. Venus, like Mars, only retro- after surrendering to the alchemical fire of through practice and deep reverence of grades once every 18 months, making this transformation, may gain access to their one another and the divine, may be given passage a significant portal to clarify, refine, celestial wings and take flight such as the keys to the vehicle that has access to ‘the and upgrade our relationship dynamics. road less traveled’ into the magical and Venus, the celestial queen, reigns over the mystical ‘unknown’, where they may viscer- sacred feminine essence and art of divine Venus is one ally ‘experience’ all that they have learned love. She is concerned with the expression about. The potential reveals itself - to and continuity of love, divine connection, of the two planets become ‘One’ with ‘all that is’. grace, and pleasure of all kinds. that has dual Certainly it is not the sole motivation of Venus is one of the two planets that has rulership. the syzygy, to merely leave the realm of dual rulership. She has masculine and a illusion and escape into blissful wonder- feminine expression. With the yin Venus- She has masculine ment. The evolutionary charge is to say ‘yes’ Taurus, we are concerned with matters of and a feminine --to fully taste and merge with the extraor- ‘self-love’, nurturance, pleasure, and our dinary ecstasy that is the cosmic cocktail direct relational needs. In yang Venus- expression. of the Universe but then to become a con- Libra, the motivation is the flow of roman- duit of this highest vibration of love-light, tic love that we share with another. The a ‘transceiver’ unto the planet, as an agent Taurus ruled 2nd house is inconjunct to the mythical phoenix that magically emerges of the collective process of ascension and Libra ruled 7th house, therefore the devel- from the ashes of destruction to fly bliss- bringer of the new dawn in this Age of opmental stage of the individual in respect fully free into the higher cosmic realms. Aquarius. Now is the time for us to claim to the 2nd house energies will reflect the Another level of initiation on the ascension the truth of our Beingness, as the bearers of person’s capacity for 7th house intimate path successfully completed. the sacred elixir of the divine, so that it may relationship dynamics. According to Mark once again flow freely upon the earth. Jones, “our individual needs (2nd house) “Your task is not to seek for love, but to seek and relationship concerns (7th house) can and find all the barriers within yourself that “We’re all just walking each other home.” – then be placed in the context of our deep- you have built against it”. Rumi Ram Dass & Paul Gorman est yearnings and aspirations in the 12th house, Neptune and Pisces.” The process of Jupiter leaves Scorpio for Sagittarius: self-love (Taurus) to intimate love (Libra) November 9th– December 3rd Shannon Gill-Jones is a Evolutionary Astrologer, catalyzing the ultimate love union with Can we say EXHALE!? Jupiter leav- Jungian Counselor and agent of personal and collective transformation. With a background Source (Pisces) is reflective of the alchemi- ing its year long sojourn through the in Buddhist psychology, Dance Therapy, various cal process of the Syzygy. Scorpionic snake pit will bring us to the modalities of soul-work and indigenous ceremonial This season’s Venus retrograde cycle ‘ah-ha’ mountain peak, where we gain arts, Shannon facilitates transformative personal begins on October 6th at 10˚ Scorpio and access to the 360˚ view of the journey we and group experiences utilizing the integration of the wisdom of the cosmos, embodiment prac- returns back to 25˚ Libra. Once again, the have traversed over the last few years as tices, sacred ceremony and ritual. Shannon has a Scorpionic dark-mother of the Zodiac beck- it transitions on November 8 to the sign private practice, teaches, hosts retreats, and also ons us back to the underworld to reveal of Sagittarius. The accelerated evolution serves as the President of the Astrological Society. what is still hidden. In love relationships, began with the Uranus-Pluto square of She is the creator of “Rhythm Sanctuary” Ecstatic this can be anything from issues of self- 2011-2016 initiating the massive personal Dance in Boulder, CO, and seeded dances in Denver and Austin. Currently in partnership with Russell worth, fears of inadequacy or loss, obses- and collective eruptions, forcing cata- von Ohlhausen, she has created “Illumination”, an sive dynamics, jealousy, or sexual issues. In clysmic change in every area of our lives. extension of Rhythm Sanctuary; non-profit “The addition, commitment themes may arise, as However, the past year with Jupiter in Shift Foundation”, “Astram- Astrologer’s Alliance” Scorpio is interested in Soul commitment Scorpio, we are being refined by a com- and together they operate “Lotus Bend Sanctuary”, a spiritual day retreat center in Austin, Tx. and deep union leading to spiritual ascen- pressed cycle of ego transformation as a sion. It is through this level of sacred and result of the deep psychological pressure www.shannonleigill.com intentional merging that we gain access to forcing integration of the darker aspects www.lotusbend.net the ‘gates of heaven’ in the tantric realms. of our being that had been lingering. It www.austinastrology.org However, Venus will oppose Uranus during has required great courage and humility [email protected] her journey through the darkness, which to face the aspects of ourselves and our will likely bring unexpected twists and past, which we may have preferred to turns, and a potential see-sawing between have kept hidden. Within the dance of R commitment vs. freedom. sacred partnership, the clearing out of

The Career page 42 Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine V27-03 SEPTEMBER EQUINOX 2018 page 43 12. Rethink your Email Signature year. This way they feel both welcomed and It’s no secret that email has become an reminded of your services. integral part of doing business nowadays. Just think of the volume of emails you send 16. Implement a referral program on a regular basis, and that becomes even Word of mouth is the most effective type more relevant when you start interacting of marketing. By employing a simple referral with prospective contacts and clients. Your program you increase the chances of getting email signature is a prime spot to showcase more clients without your direct effort. As your business, your services and your offer- soon as you wrap up a session or project, and ings. Changing email signatures is easy and your client is satisfied, ask if there is some- it only takes a few minutes to make those one they know who might benefit from your valuable adjustments. Besides your name counsel. Offer discounts that are valuable to and phone number you might want to add your client, as this will be the driving incen- your business name, your website/blog tive for them to refer you to their friends and address, social media accounts, services you to their network, increasing a number of Speaker at I-Astrologer 2018 specialize in, your logo, or even a link to your potential new clients. recent (or most popular) blog post. If you are organizing a webinar, hosting an event, or 17. Join industry organizations and presenting at a conference, you might want networking groups in your area to temporarily add that to your signature, as Business guilds & networking organiza- well. Each email you send will be your brand tions in your local area are prime places for ambassador, a silent, non-intrusive advertise- you to promote your talent and your services. Enhancing ment that is truly cost free, yet is creative and You can practice your elevator pitch and get effective. comfortable talking about yourself. Get your Your business cards ready as they will come in Astrology 13. Consider using LinkedIn to handy. Meet other professionals, participate Network in committees, and even offer to give presen- If you are looking to showcase your pro- tations. Try to find non-competing partners Practice fessionalism as an astrologer, LinkedIn would who sell to the same client you do. Referral Column by Alex Zolotov be a great platform to utilize. Not only can you connect with the people from similar industries, you can also join LinkedIn groups where all industry-related discussions take Invite your place. It is not all promotional. By engaging clients to a special in the open discussions and answering rele- discount for 24 Ways to Market vant questions, you can increase your social Your Emerging visibility, grow your network and establish their birthday yourself as a professional in the field of your – they will Astrology Business astrological expertise. If you cannot find an existing group, you can always create your certainly be on a Budget (or With own, and invite others to join the group. That interested to have way you automatically present yourself to no Budget at All): Part II the group members as a manager and expert a reading for their in the topic-related field, opening a space for upcoming year. To read Part I, refer to the previous issue of others to share ideas, ask questions and pro- Career Astrologer, June 2018, Solstice Edition mote their offerings. partnerships can be a great way to build n Part I, of this article we explored a num- 14. Handwritten notes your practice, especially if you establish good ber of ways to market your emerging If you are just trying to establish your working relationships within a networking I astrological practice with little or no bud- client base and a time factor is not the main group. Remember that people want to see get at all. These ideas are simple and easy, issue, it is good to send out handwritten your professionalism and confidence before just the way marketing should be. It only Thank You notes to your clients. A simple they establish you as a primary referral in the takes minimal effort to implement the chang- and charming note goes a long way. It is that services you specialize in. Leverage your net- es needed to achieve the desired results. finishing touch that makes the client feel work and don’t forget to follow up with each Remember that marketing is not about the appreciated and cared for. It builds trust and person you receive the business card from. use of all those technical tools, like SEO, Lead increases the chances of your clients referring Generation, or CTA, which are, simply dry jar- you to their friends, or coming back for anoth- 18. Offer a freebie gon. Successful marketing is about commu- er session with you when the need arises. It can be a range of services: a checklist, nicating the value that your services bring to various cheat sheets, video/audio lectures, people, done in a meaningful and smart way. 15. Birthday Specials tutorials or even a short tutoring session. In this part, we examine a few other effective Invite your clients to a special discount for It does not have to be a full consultation, ways of promoting your business and your their birthday – they will certainly be inter- although that is also an option. The main astrological services to your potential clients ested to have a reading for their upcoming idea is to offer clients content or material that won’t break the bank. that is of some value to them, something

The Career page 44 Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine they would usually pay for. Offer the content you on social media, this tool will send ing a smaller group of astrology enthusiasts, in exchange for their email address, referral, out an automated welcome message. That you will develop your presentation skills, testimonial, or even a positive mentioning on automated direct message can be any- build up your network and establish more social media. thing you want your first interaction to be confidence. Organizing a Meetup group can like. Make sure you sound as relatable as also be a great transition into offering per- 19. Create a promotional video possible though. You can include a short sonal classes and private tutoring. The best way to let everyone know about introduction, links to your website, and you and your services is by creating a pro- even content that you think might be help- 22. Print flyers or post them online… motional video that can be subsequently ful to your new followers. Among the best a lot of them uploaded and shared on your website, blog, tools for your social media automation are Designing a flyer has gotten much easier or your social media accounts. Video content CrowdFire and SocialOomph. The process these days. Canva offers a variety of free, pre- is the most popular and most engaging kind of setting it up is rather simple. Your new made beautiful templates that are very easy of content across all platforms. Present your- followers will surely feel acknowledged and to personalize, and allow you to create flyers self in the most natural, ‘you-specific’ way appreciated when they receive a person- or brochures for any occasion. The printing so that your viewers have a sneak peek into alized message from you. Just don’t forget cost is minimal and the effects are going your persona. Make sure your introduction is to follow up with them if they reply to your to be significant, especially if the designed short, to the point, memorable, and relevant initial welcome message. flyer is creative and edgy. This is even more to the area of your astrological expertise. This relevant if you are hosting a local class or a video can be the electronic equivalent of 21. Start a local Meetup group Meetup group and you are trying to spread your business card you can easily share with If speaking at the conferences sounds too the word in your local community. Distribute anyone you interact with online. intimidating, leading a local Meetup group the flyers on public bulletin boards and ask might be a great first step in overcoming a to put them up in local yoga studios, cafes 20. Automate your social media fear of teaching and presenting in front of an and coffee shops to increase the awareness accounts audience. On Meetup.com you may set up a for the advertised event or service. On that If managing your social media account desired size of your group, the topic of inter- note, you could also host an event with a seems cumbersome and time consuming est, and pick the location you feel most com- non-competing business and then cross-pro- for you, there are free tools you can use to fortable with. To start, your local coffee shop mote the event to your subscribers and on automate certain processes. is a great place for a small group to meet up social media using the digital version of your Sending automatic direct messages is at as it eliminates the pressure of meeting newly-created flyer. one of them. Each time someone follows new members at non-neutral space. By lead-

DON’T MISS ALEX AT i-ASTROLOGER Alex Zolotov will be presenting at the 2018 I-Astrologer conference in Tucson AZ – Oct 4-10, 2018. HIS PRESENTATIONS:

Effective Branding and Marketing in your Astrological Practice An active seminar on Marketing and Branding for Astrologers. Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of branding as an effective way to fully market themselves in pursuit of establishing a growing and successful astrological practice.

Social Media Marketing for Astrologers The power of social media is undeniable. The astrologers nowadays have an opportunity to use it as the tool to their advantage and boost the growth of their emerging astrological practice. The seminar will touch upon: the idea of a Social Media plan aka ‘plan of action’, daily check-list for successful social media marketing for astrologers, target audience and the appropriate social media platforms to reach the desired target market, easy and effective social media supportive tools and additional resources, additional e-Networking tips, and other ways to become e-visible as a business entity.

V27-03 SEPTEMBER EQUINOX 2018 page 45 24. Use your social media back- I hope these simple suggestions will Enhancing Your ground and cover photos benefit you in your efforts to make your Astrology Practice Each social media platform offers you growing astrological practice lucrative and a few spaces for an image that is not successful. 23. Guest post on other your profile picture. This is the photo that astrologers’ blogs everyone gets to see when they see your If you always have something to say about profile (besides the profile picture). Think Alex (Sasha) Zolotov is a career adviser at the the world events, astrological transits, or of it as prime real estate, a digital space University of Massachusetts, Boston. Along with your own research, then you might want to where you can include your non-intrusive his work in the field of professional development and career education, he is completing his second leverage your astrological network by writ- advertisement to promote your new blog bachelor degree in marketing management, focus- ing guest posts on other astrologers’ blogs. post, special offer, a webinar or freebie. The ing on social media marketing and digital ana- Reach out to popular astrology writers with image can be easily edited and customized lytics. His background includes managing social the request to host your articles and ideas through Canva, uploaded on your social media accounts and the content distribution for an on their website. By collaborating with other media profiles, and changed as frequently independent student newspaper The Mass Media astrologers you reach higher exposure by as you like. Make sure it is simple, clean, and and Spoon University UMB – a digital publication gaining attention of the people who might easy to understand for anyone who might for a foodie club he has founded on campus. Sasha Zolotov has obtained multiple marketing certi- not have been familiar with you and your be viewing your profile. If needed, include fications from the leading marketing agencies, work. An example of that might be a Q&A clear instruction on how to access the con- along with his astrology certifications from Kepler post where you are being interviewed by tent you are promoting through that image. College where he is finishing up his Diploma in another astrologer with a link back to your You can see why that space is valuable so Professional Astrology. He is a proud board mem- website. It’s a win-win situation as both of there is no sense wasting it for some generic ber at the Association for Young Astrologers, where you will benefit from this collaboration, images that do not add any significant value he is honored to serve as a Member Engagement exposing each other to contacts from your to your existing practice. Coordinator. own digital network. R

The Career page 46 Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine Cover Art

Eya Floyd

I am an astrology loving, pisces sun/ moon, taurus rising, artist from Austin, TX. Last March I discovered the wealth of astrology online and I’ve been voracious- ly listening and making art to the tune of your planetary interpretations ever since. My dream is to work with astrol- ogers who have a passion for speaking The Astrology of Aging and teaching astrology. The fruits of my (By Maurice Fernandez and Russell Ohlhausen) artistic labors this year will become part of a new Oracle deck I’m working on with Arwen Lynch Poe, of the American Tarot ARIES – Six ongoing concussions. Getting close to Association.

beating my father’s all time best of eight. Top 3 astrologers who inspired the cover art: Venus Star Introduction with Julija TA UR US – It’s not the cookies, its my thyroid acting Simas was a big help! Kathryn Zumstein posted an excellent EA Zoom meeting up again... (Venus Rx Dance with Uranus-Mars- Lilith) just in time to help me finish out GEMINI – Now that I’m retired I can finally write my novel! the project. And Caroline Casey, (the first astrologer to inspire me to paint in I don’t remember what it’s about at the moment.... this direction!) really fed the vision with Making The Gods Work for You, and her CANCER – Soon I’ll be wearing diapers again! audio series - Visionary Activist Astrology, at SoundsTrue.com.

LEO – My fabulous mane is far from gone, wait ‘til I https://www.etsy.com/shop/EyaClaire https://www.instagram.com/eyaclaire/ remove my shirt. https://www.facebook.com/Art-by- Eya-241489372602800/ VIRGO – Years of healthy living has made it so much [email protected] easier to recover from plastic surgery!

LIBR A – Two words: Catherine Deneuve. Humor Graphic Ash Mystic SCORPIO – My Doctor said Viagra is right for you. Ash Mystic’s work integrates occult SAGITTARIUS – Nothing like a hip replacement to get you knowledge with channeled intuition to illustrate visions of times past and future. back on the road proselytizing. He utilizes various media and techniques including watercolor, algorithmic imag- CAPRICORN – I’m old, finally! ing and digital photomontage. Ash offers commissioned pieces and art divination readings for soul guidance and manifes- AQUARIUS – Mortals age, Aquarians transcend! tation alchemy.

PISCES – The more you age, the more meds you can get! ashmystic.com

V27-03 SEPTEMBER EQUINOX 2018 page 47 Interview with Nadiya Shah

I.D. challenging to the cocoon I need to be in on a regular basis. The best thing might be Email: [email protected] the same thing, in that I do care about being Website: nadiyashah.com a kind person in the world, to others and myself, which is also part of the journey.

Your family: South Asian- Canadian - my You never tried… extreme Sports- ancestors practiced various forms of esoteric though I have been bungee jumping. arts that can be traced back over 1500 years. internationally. I am currently creating an a chance to travel- I believe my practice as an astrologer contin- You can’t refuse… astrology group here in Cancun that will run Sag moon ues this tradition. on a regular basis.

What is playtime for you? More broadly, Religious background and condi- How long have you been practic- enjoying new cultures, or further Exploring tioning? I grew up in a very diverse, immi- ing – How did it start? This is a very places I’ve been before. Hearing new lan- grant neighbourhood of downtown Toronto. long story, but the short answer is I started guages. Learning new languages. I currently I was very lucky in that I was encouraged to studying at 14 on the encouragement of my speak 5 languages, including Spanish and celebrate all religions. We as a family regu- family. Around my is when peo- English. I am embarking on learning Thai. larly attended religious events representing ple started offering to pay me for it. I went traditions that included Hindu, Sikh, Muslim, into astrology full time 12 years ago. and Christian. We attended Eid prayers, and I Your animal totem? Currently, a dog. My dog specifically. had a Christmas tree at home. As I got older, Your Astrology teachers? I feel like

I carried this spirit forward into studying any book I’ve ever read has been a teacher, Be careful about Kabbalah, Paganism and Buddhism... My Your superstition? a part of my journey. But if I had to name buying used shoes. Don’t walk anyone else’s parents were very determined that I will be some specific people, it would start with my path but our own. the first female prime minister of Canada. aunt Shireen, who was a spiritual teacher to So I remember having discussions about me. I had the great fortune to complete an social issues and equality at a young age. I Your Chinese sign and element? MA in the cultural study of cosmology and Wood rabbit was encouraged to be bright and articulate. divination, from the University of Kent, UK.

I have a Sun- Mars- Pluto grand trine in air in My teachers there were many, but the peo- my natal chart so I think it shows up there. In Your favourite place on earth? ple who made the strongest impact on my Mexico has been home for almost 6 years University, I started out with a major in Social understanding and respect of my practice now. But Canada is home, it is profoundly Justice. (That’s my parents showing up right included Geoffrey Cornelius, Maggie Hyde, familiar. I have other places on the planet there.) Half way through though I switched and Patrick Curry. to Philosophy. That’s my sag moon and it was that have a bit of my heart, that I know I will return to. I would say cities are better repre- a more comfortable fit. Your Astrology hero? That’s a sentatives of my favourite places, and what tough one, we have so many! I’m going to resonates as where I need to be can change Spiritual orientation – Do you fol- say Steven Forrest. He was the first really big dramatically depending on what my spirit low any specific practice? I take an astrologer who let me interview him as part needs at any time of life. eclectic approach to spirituality. I stay open to of my WebTV show Synchronicity WebTV. inspiration and whatever knowledge I need That interview changed my life, personally in that will move me towards being more loving, What would you define is an terms of the knowledge he shared, and pro- wise, and peaceful in the world. It is an ongo- important evolutionary lesson fessionally as well. Many people continue to That my journey is ing process! I do consider astrology to be a for you in this life? approach me in all kinds of spaces, telling me the only one that truly matters. What other spiritual practice, and it is my longest stand- how much that interview meant to them. He people are doing has nothing to do with me. ing and consistent spiritual practice to date. has a true generosity of spirit that changed This is personally, in terms of their interac- me, and serves as a model for me now when tions, but also more broadly as well. There is What’s the worst thing and I meet new astrologers or am asked to be no comparison or competition. The competi- then, the best thing about you? interviewed. tion is only with oneself, who will win today, We never see ourselves accurately, so it’s dif- love or the ego? ficult to say. Worst thing might be my cancer Three favourite Astrology books? rising, though I know it is a symbol of being Pluto: Evolutionary Journey of the Soul by Jeff genuinely caring, which I am, it also means I YOUR PRACTICE Wolf Green. It is one of the most powerful, need time alone. I have a puppy who insists classic Astrology reference books in the world on being walked twice a day, and I end up in Where do you live and practice? today. all kinds of conversations with people that I live in Cancun, Mexico. I practice almost are at once enlightening but also personally exclusively online, though I teach classes

The Career page 48 Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine Kim Rogers Gallagher had one of the first covery along your journey, in astrology and books on transits that I ever read- it was my beyond. Just share, know that you are worthy bible for a couple of years, decades ago. to shine and have something to give, and Star Signs by Linda Goodman was a great good things will follow. introduction, it opened a door for me that led me to this amazing life journey Thank you!

What do you feel is your greatest accomplishment to date in your astrology career? There are a lot. There was achieving my MA, mentioned earlier. That was a high point. My YouTube channel, nadiyashahdotcom , will reach 100k in a few days, so that’s really big too! There are just a few astrology channels to pass the 100k mark, so I’m feeling very grateful and high about that at the moment. The fact that I’ve been doing this for so many years, that I’ve had the trust of so many for so long, I think that brings a lot of gratitude too.

What made it possible for you to become a full time astrologer? Love and support.

What is the great thing and the hard thing about being an astrol- oger? The great thing is that, to be an astrologer means that you are profoundly willing to trust yourself, to stand apart and be seen as weird or ‘other’. That takes a strength of spirit and self, and I’m so glad I had the family I did who blessed me with that.

What are your future ambitions in the field of astrology? Just to keep walking my path, to enjoy the journey as much as possible, to maintain the inde- pendence I have and to continue to grow in self-trust and let my work be an expression of that. I have been ambitious in the past, but honestly, I’ve come to understand that all that matters is being at peace with yourself and with your choices. So that is how I define success today and that’s what I want to move more fully towards.

What inspires you to be an OPA member? It’s been a wonderful journey so far! I love how enthusiastic everyone is about creating community.

Any advice for those who would like to become professional astrologers? Well, I have a talk Im doing- or have done by the time is published- as part of the i-Astrologer series, which is all about success on YouTube as an astrologer. Lots of advice there. But mainly- just know who you are and stay true to that vision, and you’ll find your audience. If you don’t know R who you are, that’s ok, because there are people who will want to be part of your dis-

V27-03 SEPTEMBER EQUINOX 2018 page 49 the phone in a truly inspiring conversation. the struggle for energy and resources, and During this conversation, I noticed my left the fear of lacking or losing them. This form Beyond hand moving about in the air, gesticulating of intuition is signaled by the intense and forcefully. Surprised, I looked at the moving uncompromising desire for sex, food, money, hand... being normally 100% right handed. power and recognition, or even mere atten- the Brain In that moment, I scanned my body and tion. It is connected with the sign of Taurus/ THE POWER OF registered other changes like breathing Scorpio, planet Pluto and the Eighth equally through both nostrils, a particular- House. If this power is enhanced, an individu- INTUITION IN ASTROLOGY ly open sensation in my throat and being al can tap into collective trends of the masses. able to feel all of my body in full. My voice A frightening example of an expert in this by had a fullness to it and the words came out field was top Nazi Joseph Goebbels, whose Nina Bentzon-Ehlers in a pleasant vibration and flow. My entire effective apparatus of propaganda is said ost people body was filled with vibrant energy as if it to have been the determining factor in the have had were – awake. This observation hit like a spread of national socialism through pre- experiences lightning bolt. It seems that under specific cisely tapping into the collective feeling of M with intuition. Not circumstances we can shift or transcend to humiliation in the German people after their thoughts, but a valu- a new level of awareness and connect with defeat in WWI. Goebbels had Sun and stel- able flow of informa- something higher or larger. A shift that has lium in Scorpio in the 11th house and Pluto tion spontaneously physical effects on the body. It is not just a sextile his Leo . Hitler himself was presenting itself out subjective “feeling”. a Taurean Sun with Pluto conjunct Neptune of the blue. In the I started a research project doing inter- in the 8th sextile his MC in Leo. When I saw form of knowledge, images, energetic or views with a long line of professional free- Hitler’s chart for the first time, it was not the bodily sensations. We also use other terms lance creative people – and also people buzzing chart of a world leader that I expect- like inspiration, inner knowing, gut feeling, employed in industries such as nursing or ed, but a chart with the dominant theme of being in flow, having a hunch and more. finance, where creativity does not serve the lack. There are few planetary aspects and a A powerful intuition is akin to an cause. My findings validated my original Capricorn Moon with its shadow side repre- advanced GPS-system that elevates life to observation in full. 2 senting a sense of restriction, of having too a higher level to the benefit of ourselves Some had experiences like mine but the little and often a resentful envy of others and the totality we move in. It is enlighten- physical effects presented themselves in a who appear to have enough, leading to rigid ing, often fun and full of surprises, a kind of wide range such as goosebumps, tingling judgment and bias—a chart of scarcity and everyday magic. or buzzing sensations, energy waves on dif- disconnect. On reflection, it makes sense But do we know what we are talking ferent parts of the body, the need to look that, “If God is Life itself” and the “Giver of about – and are there different kinds of upwards in a specific direction, a change in Life,” then the opposite would be “lack of life” intuition? Can astrology shed some light? vocals and almost always an experience of and the active principle the “taker of life.” As students of astrology, we are aware that light, in the form of powerful clarity, a feeling It is a somewhat spectacular fact that the a profound understanding of a chart in its of elation, enhanced vitality and lightness of three warlords of the next World War, gen- totality, with all of its moving parts, is founded body. The intuitive state of awareness is real erals Patton, Rommel and Montgomery, on intuition. The mind in itself cannot grasp and differs from our day-to-day conscious- were all born with the Sun in Scorpio on the the complex interaction within the multi-lay- ness, mentally, emotionally and physically. 11th, 15th and 17th of November. They lead ered inner world of an individual. Interpreting In-tuition means ”tuition from within”. millions of young men into the hell of war. A these cosmic modes requires the feel of a Intuition can be defined as meaningful musician or the inspiration of a soccer player information of a higher order sponta- doing a brilliant run while reading the field. neously inflowing without the use of cog- My own interest in intuition was prompt- nitive thought. This can come in the form It seems that ed first by a spiritual opening unexpectedly of knowledge, images, music/sounds, under specific energetic or bodily sensations. Often resulting in the healing of a long time infer- circumstances we tility, as described in my book Meet Your this occurs so quickly that it never registers Soul.1 The effects were spectacular – from in one’s awareness – you hear the words can shift or no children over a period of six years to the as they leave your mouth or observe the transcend to a new birth of three boys in only two years. The painting as it manifests through the brush last birth was a set of twin sons born on my in your hand. level of awareness birthday, adding two more Aquarians to the Through astrology, we can observe a and connect with number of different kinds of intuition: 17 (!) already in the family. something higher But it was the occurrence of a simple dis- covery that later deepened my interest and Psychological Intuition or larger. kick started a more thorough investigation This is the ability to perceive basic human into intuition. One day I was engaged on emotions and motives connected to survival;

The Career page 50 Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine recent biography describes through person- by the corrupt practice of the papal church Manuscript describing the mystery of Mary al letters and other sources how they were in receiving money for letters of absolution, Magdalene. Scorpio, Astrid Lindgren, cre- intensely preoccupied – not with the young and he worked to give back to the individ- ator of Pippi Longstocking worked as a let- men dying or injured under their command, ual the power of the relationship with the ter censor in Stockholm during the second but with each other and winning their inter- Divine, and to remove that power from the world war. Everyday she read the despairing personal competition.3 interfering hands of clergymen and rulers. correspondence of young soldiers and their In the mixed department, we find Luckily this power also can be manifest- families. She has explained that she created Christian reformer Martin Luther, whose ed in a light, wonderful, and transformative the children’s book character, Pippi, as a demeaning views on women and sexual- way, such as found in the works of Scorpio direct response to the madness of the gran- ity had destructive effects for hundreds of writers Michael Ende and the amazing deur of Hitler. What if the strongest person years. His mission of reform was prompted work of Danish Lars Muhl, author of The O in the world were a small girl? Psychological intuition will often be direct- ed at the area of traditional psychology as formulated first by Sigmund Freud. Freud´s chart displays a Taurus Sun and stellium in the 7th house. Pluto on the Descendant shows an intense interest in underlying emo- tional drives of “the others” – 7th and 8th houses being classical houses of psychology. To top it off, Freud had a Scorpio Ascendant. The chart of C. G. Jung places his Sun on the 7th house/Descendant, Moon-Pluto con- junction in Taurus, as well as Jupiter in the 8th house. The area of the astrological chart under investigation will often be that of the Moon. This is part of our inner child with subconscious and habitual early behavioral patterns, and with ingrained strategies for survival. The psychological intuition is con- nected with the survival of the body and the element of Earth.

Creative Intuition This type of intuition is connected to the element of Fire and its corresponding signs, Aries, Leo, Sagittarius, and bodies, Mars, Sun and Jupiter, as well as the First, Fifth and Ninth houses. Creative intuition is spontaneous and dra- matic, and often is visual and artistic with an emphasis on action, adventure, risk taking and transgressing limitations. The fire signs need to experience their sense of identity through creative self-expression. Artists like Lady Gaga, Elton John and Eddie Murphy beautifully demonstrate the fiery energy and colorful creative powers of the Sun in Aries. I can personally vouch for the absence of forethought in the young male ram in particular . When a typical ☺ Aries needs to pass through a door, his last resort is reaching for the handle. Sun sign Leos, Madonna and Whitney Houston, demonstrate the greatness and the challenges of the creative powers of this sign. The birth chart of Whitney Houston displays a grand Fire trine between a Venus- Sun conjunction, Moon-Jupiter conjunction in Aries and Sagittarius rising. Perhaps a fire that proved to be too difficult for her to handle as her life ended tragically. One of the best known songs of Madonna is titled ”Express Yourself”. One of the artists that participated in my research interviews is also a Leo with

V27-03 SEPTEMBER EQUINOX 2018 page 51 INTUITION IN ASTROLOGY compared to most - the right to beat a child The clairvoyant/musical intuition is connect- was only banned in 1997. ed with the perception of energy in multiple Aries Moon – a successful flower creator American Pisces Esther Hicks, quite right- dimensions and the element of water. who describes his creative process as being ly, has become world famous as a channel intitiated by roaring sounds in his inner for the highly intelligent entity ”Abraham”. Higher Mental Intuition ear and later, as manifesting as images of Pisces Albert Einstein often spoke of his This form of intuition is often connected to his future creations saturated with intense intuitive insights, love of music and religious Aquarius, Uranus and the Eleventh House. ambiance and colors—much like the lion life view; painter Renoir demonstrated poet- This archetype in particular can send up an Aslan creating all of Narnia through his roar. ically the dreamy beauty of the sign and so antenna to the higher realms and bring down Sagittarians Jane Fonda, Winston did composer Chopin. innovative ideas and advanced, progressive Churchill, Steven Spielberg and Walt Disney need no further introduction and fully demonstrate the battle-ready, fearless visionary and visual gifts of this sign. Creative intuition is connected with the Fire element – creativity through vision and action.

Clairvoyant/healing/musical Intuition. Clairvoyance, musicality and gifts of healing are often reflected by the sign of Pisces, Neptune and the 12th house; the spiritual medium or channel, healer, musi- cian, photographer, mystic and dreamer. This type of intuitive often has experiences through images and sensations, and has the ability to feel the energy of another person or animal. They can contact spirit guides, deceased loved ones, angels and highly intelligent non-physical entities. Among the famous “seers” are Edgar Cayce and Rudolf Steiner, both Pisces born. In a state of deep trance, Edgar Cayce was able to”remote scan” a personality, determine life purpose and diagnose physical weak- nesses of an individual and suggest direc- tions for healing. His chart displays a stellium in Pisces and a Neptune-Moon conjunction in Taurus. He had no recollection of his ses- sions and sometimes struggled with his Christian beliefs in reading them afterwards. Steiner´s great contribution within the field of education and child-rearing lies in his forceful emphasis on the right of a child to innocently experience the magical wonder of life, all the way through childhood with an aim toward the natural emergence of the intellect and powers of discrimination around the age of nine. Steiner’s educational methodology included the understanding of the importance of music for the harmo- nious development of the personality. Later research has shown that music enhances powers of teamwork – and wires the brain for math. The Pisces-Virgo axis is reflected in the Steiner’s chart with a Virgo Moon oppos- ing his Sun. At the core of Steiner´s work is the profound understanding that the per- sonality and gifts of a child are innate. His work emphasizes that these gifts must be brought out through the nurturing care and interest of adults, acting much like a human gardener. There is no ‘Tabula Rasa’. This was a totally new concept in the often violent world of the 19th century and prior centu- ries. In Denmark – an enlightened country

The Career page 52 Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine knowledge for the future. Here we find the wrote in his autobiography that everything he Harvard neurosurgeon Eben Alexander, puts brilliant inventor and scientist, the political and did was solely his “experiments with truth”. An it beautifully, reflecting on his near death expe- social activist/reformer, the inspiring teacher outstanding pioneer of astrology is Aquarian rience in Proof of Heaven: “True thought is not and wise advisor. Evangeline Adams. The art of astrology itself, the brain´s affair… True thought is pre-phys- At the highest levels we find the incorrupt- the language of energy, is commonly said ical. This is the thinking-behind the-thinking ible individual who speaks unselfishly with be associated with the sign, Aquarius, and its responsible for all the genuinely consequen- the voice of Truth for the enlightenment and modern ruler Uranus. tial choices we make in the world. A thinking liberation of mankind. The sign of Aquarius The most powerful version of this higher that is not dependent on linear deduction, is connected with the myth of the Titan, mental intuition, in my experience, is in a but that moves fast as lightning, making con- Prometheus, who discovered that humans combination of Aquarius/Uranus and Pisces/ nections on different levels, bringing them lived in misery, crouching in darkness without Neptune. Using an example, the founder of together. In the face of this free, inner intel- the light and warmth of fire (in other versions soul centered astrology, Alan Oken, displays ligence, our ordinary thought is hopelessly of the story, knowledge of fire was removed Uranus conjunct Moon sextile Sun and trine slow and fumbling…Our truest, deepest self from humanity by Zeus). Prometheus, felt Neptune in his chart. is completely free. This is the true spiritual self compassion and stole fire from the Gods to that all of us are destined someday to recover. give to the human race. Prometheus paid a How do we access the But until that day comes, I feel, we should do terrible price of punishment from Zeus until intuitive level? everything in our power to get in touch with liberated by Hercules, who can be viewed as a This question is the topic of countless spiri- this miraculous aspect of ourselves – to culti- symbol of the awakened disciple on the Path tual and religious works.7 Generally, it is agreed vate it and bring it to light.”8 of enlightenment. that transcendence or the shift to intuitive Copyright 2018 Nina Bentzon-Ehlers Many Aquarian emphasized individuals served states is founded on a specific intention, and as social liberators in the course of history. specifically the intention and profound wish NOTES: Abraham Lincoln liberated the country to serve and create to the good of other living 1. All Astrological data from Astrodienst: https:// from the onus of slavery, displaying a larger beings. As well as doing what you love and www.astro.com/astro-databank/Main_Page 2. Meet your Soul, by Nina Bentzon-Ehlers. Currently than life courage in combination with refined surrounding yourself with positive, support- only Danish version titled Kend din sjael -http:// practical and psychological cleverness.5 ing people. Also therapeutic work and a spir- ninabentzon.dk/kend-din-sjael/Læs. English ver- Further examples of Aquarian leadership itual practice such as meditation and prayer. sion in production. are Franklin D. Roosevelt, who together with And living ”at ease” with yourself (your true or 3. Join our research project! We would be delight- ed to hear your experiences with intuition. Churchill liberated the world from Hitler. Boris essential nature) and value system, thus avoid- Please fill out questionnaire here: https:// Yeltsin courageously flaunted the powers that ing dis-ease. www.dropbox.com/s/6hq1r5zwfsmk237/ be on a military tank in Moscow and following Individually, the placement of the Sun, Questions%20on%20Intuition%20.pdf?dl=0 Gorbachev’s steps to dissolve the Soviet Union, interacting with the rest of the chart, is central 4. War Lords, by Terry Brighton. cooperated with another Aquarian, Ronald in showing our creative potential – the Divine 5. The O Manuscript and Law of the Light – the Aramaic Mysteries, by Lars Muhl, voted among Reagan. Together their policies helped in spark of life. Your particular brand of intuition the Top 100 of the world´s most spiritually influ- bringing down the Berlin wall and in reducing is displayed in the signs and planets. ential persons 2013 on the Watkins list. Momo nuclear weapons around 1989. With the genius What may constitute some of our intuition and The Neverending Story, by Michael Ende. and idiocy of the sign, we find in Mozart – blocks? Generally speaking – doubt, scepticism Astrid Lindgren – en livsskildring , by Margareta Stroemstedt. watch the movie Amadeus on this genius-fool and fear. 6. See a true Aquarian in action – watch the movie who loved farting jokes. The list goes on with At the individual level, we must look at the Lincoln. The US Northern troops so loved this Darwin, Dickens, Francis Bacon, Edison (lights placement of the Moon, as it displays our sub- man that they sometimes recited his speech- on!) and in present day, Oprah Winfrey, Eckhart conscious defense mechanisms and basic emo- es back to him. The actor playing the role of Tolle and Alicia Keys. tions founded in childhood. The Moon comes Lincoln, Daniel Day-Lewis, later stated that he “intensely missed” being an expression of this In the context of modern astrology, Uranus with creative gifts of its own but on an emotion- elevated man after shooting the film. For more rules Aquarius, yet in in a branch of astrology al level, it can hinder higher intuitive faculties. inspiration, move on to Sagittarius glory in called Esoteric astrology (initiated by Alice The Moon reflects our inner child, who Darkest Hour about Churchill. Bailey), Uranus is a ruler of Libra. This becomes attaches itself to what is familiar. In the attempt 7. Second chair was a Danish woman, Bodil Begtrup. The achievements of these women relevant for the more evolved individual. We to have love and nurturing, it doesn’t matter if came to my attention only due to the fact find here Gandhi with Uranus on his MC, Libra it is good or bad, as long as it is familiar. One that one of them was my grandmother´s best poet Rumi and First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, cannot overemphasize the Moon’s need for friend… not the educational system. The rest of chairwoman of the UN Commission drafting security. It can at times be obsessive. While the the draft team consisted of a Lebanese muslim the Human Rights Declaration in 1948.6 Gandhi need for security is part of survival, and attach- poet, the head of the French Resistance and a Chinese professor. From biography A World ments serve their developmental purpose, it Made New, by Mary Ann Glendon. is important to learn to identify our automatic 8. Go to Nina’s Book Shelf www.ninabentzon.dk. It is important to subconscious programming and transcend it, 9. Quote from Proof of Heaven, p. 84, by Eben so we may access higher levels of realization. Alexander, Simon & Schuster. Meet him on learn to identify our Gaia.com. Shedding detailed light on the Moon to ren- automatic der the subjective objective and the subcon- Nina Bentzon-Ehlers has been a professional subconscious scious conscious is what I would perceive as astrologer since 1987, specializing in esoteric programming and one of the most useful aspects of astrology. As astrology and transpersonal psychology. She holds astrologers, we can be human gardeners, culti- a Bachelor´s degree in Law and is the author of transcend it, so we vating the Divine Spark in every being, helping three books. She lives in Elsinore, Denmark. Nina Bentzon-Ehlers Astrology, Hornbaek, may access higher lift up all into the air, away from the snake of Denmark. Mail: [email protected]. Phone +45 2235 3066. fear, the Hydra. By doing so we empower the www.ninabentzon.dk. www.facebook.com/nina. levels of realization. individual to transcend limitation and to access bentzonehlers R the higher levels of intuition.

V27-03 SEPTEMBER EQUINOX 2018 page 53 Physiological Doctrine of Correspondence The term for the doctrine which assigns the physical body to the Zodiac, both external form and internal organs, is called melothe- sis. The assignment of the body parts to the Zodiacal energies, has a well-established basis through many ages and in many high cul- tures across the globe. The famous images of the -“homo signorum” or “meloth- esia”, shows the Zodiacal signs harmonizing the macro & microcosmic domains as they are assigned to the parts of the body. (See figure below.) Occasionally in some texts in antiquity, you will find these Zodiacal associa- tions with animals as well, where the point is “Your face is a book, where men may read also being made that the human and animal strange matters.” realms relate. The organic material form is ZODIAC ~William Shakespeare directly connected to the energetic field forc- es in which we are immersed, and also affect- The Planets Within You ed by the subtlest changes of the planetary As astrologers and practitioners of the bodies around us and within the field of the FA CE S meta-sciences, how many times have we Earth body, in which we have been created. heard (or we ourselves exclaimed), “As An Introduction above, so below,” the summary opening Astrology in Nature truism of the Emerald Tablets. One could The science of astrology was once viewed into Astrological almost say that it has become one of the as “natural philosophy”. Astrology was not astrological communities ‘go to’ cheer- distinctly separate from any of the other Physiognomy leading slogans for getting the message physical sciences. Somewhere along the way across of the principle of correspondence we seemed to phase out the ‘philosophy’ by Russ von Ohlhausen between planets and people. Yet, fewer aspect and to all but forget the ‘nature’. What have heard or have heralded the associated is “astrology”? What does it mean to each ave you ever axiom, “As without, so within,” also attribut- person who studies it, practices it, profanes encountered ed to the Hermetic teachings. Regardless of or denounces it? You might think this would H someone the variations of these phrases, the concept be a simple query easily answered but as who so uncannily of inner and outer correspondence is an many of us in the field of astrology know, resembled some- ancient one. there is no uniform or simple way to address one else that you’ve The majority of regularly practicing horo- seen before, that as scopic astrologers tend not to delve too an astrologer you thought to yourself, “I much beyond the psychological realms for wonder if those traits are influenced by their more corresponding evidences of astrologi- sign?” It’s long been surmised that cosmic cal correlation. Whether reading an individ- energies effect the expression not only of a ual’s natal chart or discussing society’s cur- person’s personality, but also their appear- rent or future events, the preoccupation of ance. There is a little-known, yet long his- the effects of the cyclical nature of human tory of this fascinating area of astrological affairs dominates the field of astrology. This theory. Astrological physiognomy is the tendency to stay focused primarily on the study of the traits & characteristics of the human psyche has diminished the scientific face and body, in relation to the signs, plan- attitude that once was the backbone that ets, aspects and elements. What manifests united astrology with the other sciences. in the mind, also manifests in matter. There are those in the field who do carry Two decades ago, as I was beginning these celestial connections into the areas of to take my metaphysical practices more , wherein the natal and tran- seriously, I was motivated to take notes on siting energies are taken into consideration some observations regarding the appear- with the native’s condition of health and the ances of the individuals whose charts I body. This physiological connection could be was reading. I made some inquiries into considered a bridge between the emotional this astrological connection and found to and physical well being; and we, as astrolo- my surprise that little substantive work gers, can link the psyche to the body through had been done in this area of astrological the lens of the planets in the Zodiac. research in modern times. Most of what was available were revised looks at older “A physician without a knowledge works based on previously established of Astrology has no right to call himself a premises with no attempts to apply mod- physician.” ern methods of research to new studies. ~Hippocrates Zodiac Man

The Career page 54 Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine had taken hold. In fact, those exemplifies the literal understanding that who were practitioners of face-reading incor- the “chart is in the face”. porated horoscopic practice early on, as can In the last decade or so, a number of Until the be seen in ancient texts in the West, some of schools dedicated solely to the Chinese art which were translated by Rob Hand and the of face reading have emerged. Just as you last few centuries Arhat team. would study to become proficient at reading astrological study A cautionary note when exploring the a natal chart, so too you can become equal- was a driving force practice of face-reading: remain fully objec- ly skilled at reading the multitude of details tive when observing, describing or classify- and traits of the face to accurately tell a per- in the fields of ing traits. There can be clear gender distinc- son’s character and their life path. chemistry, tions of many traits from sign-to-sign. There The early Taoist philosophers and prac- are also more prevalent general character- titioners understood that the face was also astronomy, and istics across the races. Without comparing a microcosm of the body as a whole. That medicine, as well as trait themes across ethnicities or between just as the body holds the organs, the face the science of the the sexes, you can easily find yourself mirrors the energy of those organs, the racially or sexually stereotyping. level of vitality they express, and so too the conscious I must confess, I do not regularly practice conditions of the celestial connections to evolution of the “reading the face” to determine a person’s which they correspond. Each side of the character nor do I indulge others by play- face also reflects a blending of the mascu- individual and ing “guess my sign” when asked. I leave line and feminine qualities of these arche- collective soul. the ‘art of facial reading’ to the experts. typal traits. Mien Shiang is very detailed It was revered However, I do mentally categorize certain and is based on the five elementals of the traits according to Sun/Asc/Moon, and from Wu Xing system. This system, though differ- as the time-to-time I do like to keep my eye sharp ent from the Western four elements system, “highest of the by honing in on traits that may reveal the can be transcribed to connect these two elements, signs or planetary aspects of new natural languages, by means of how each sciences”. people I meet. corresponds to the celestial sphere.

The Chinese Art of Mien Shiang Mole and Mark Indicators A fascinating tangent on the sub- An extension of face reading, is the this question. Is it art? Is it spiritual? Or do I ject is the ancient Chinese art of Mien art of analyzing moles (or lack thereof). dare say: Is it ‘science’? Shiang (pronounced myen shuang). It was Reading moles is also an ancient practice Until the last few centuries astrological observed, in what is now China, that peo- in divining a person’s character and life study was a driving force in the fields of ple born during certain periods of the year, path. The Taoists, in their study, also went chemistry, astronomy, and medicine, as well different years and within generations have into greater detail about the connections as the science of the conscious evolution shared common characteristics of visage of moles on the face and other parts of the of the individual and collective soul. It was and the related subsequent temperaments, body. The Vedic system of spiritual prac- revered as the “highest of the sciences”. Today, which in turn aligned to the ‘Chinese tice of Samudrika Lakshana also goes into astrology generally is viewed through the Zodiac’. For at least 3000 years this practice, great detail of the psychological associa- lens of pseudoscience in the prevalent worl- Mien Shiang (or Xiang), directly translated tions of moles and the astrological corre- dview. What ‘pseudoscience’ means to each as ‘face reading’, has remained relatively spondences. In the West, this tradition can person or segment of society varies a great intact but primarily was made available be traced, having been woven through the deal. Even a large contingent of astrologers only to the elite. Hermetic teachings around physiognomy, themselves do not view astrology as scientific. In 221 BCE, Emperor Qin Shi Huang which was merged into the rising practice Regardless, there is the general assumption ordered the majority of all esoteric mate- of natal astrology around the end of the that “astrology isn’t scientific enough”... rath- rial to be destroyed within the empire. (He Hellenistic period. er I put it this way:“science isn’t astrological was also the emperor who had the famous Whereas the Mien Shiang system can enough.” Personally, I use the term “meta-sci- terracotta army buried.) He started by tak- be somewhat subjective to the untrained ence” to distinguish the higher divine scienc- ing down his own imperial portraits, so eye, identifying moles and their relative es from the lower physical or quantum scienc- that enemies within the state would not placements is essentially straightforward. I es. Despite who categorizes these sciences or attempt to read his face. The practice went have found this to be a useful addition to how, in the overall amalgamation of human underground and persevered as a ‘secret the toolkit (similar to palmistry) when com- awareness, all is energy, all is nature. teaching’. Though somewhat suppressed bined with the natal horoscope. during the height of communist fervor, face One classical example of mole reading is Physiognomy: It’s in your face reading has made a noticeable comeback a mole (or beauty mark) around the mouth The practice of physiognomy actually pre- in recent years. or upper cheek, which has been long been dates horoscopic astrology. Physiognomy, Although face-reading is an Eastern prac- viewed as an indicator of heightened sexu- from physis meaning “nature” and gno- tice, more often business persons in the ality. For reference, Marilyn Monroe, Cindy mon meaning “interpreter” is the study and West have used the art in their negotiations Crawford and Madonna all bare this type of practice of determining a person’s psycholog- to achieve a strategic advantage over their beauty mark, and are recognized sex sym- ical make up or personality from their outer competition or in their handling of employ- bols around the world. This particular mark appearance, focusing largely on the face. This ee affairs. This practice, of course, requires a does seem to be recognized cross-culturally. area of meta-science was well established as keen set of observational skills rather than Astrologer William Lilly, in his Christian a type of divinatory practice both in the East being presented with a set of natal data to Astrology made extensive use of observa- Zodiac Man and the West several hundred years before input and analyze. Essentially, this practice tions and correspondences with moles (and

V27-03 SEPTEMBER EQUINOX 2018 page 55 declination and some retrograde, to estab- daguerreotype images protruding through ZODIAC FA CE S lish variations within traits. Other’s have a dimensional veil of spacetime attempt- used houses, fixed stars, planetary ruler- ing to take shape and form in the world marks) on the body. He connected each of ships, ascendent rulers, dwads, and even of matter, which is still striving to achieve these to various concepts of melothesis. single-degree assignments, as well as var- archetypal ‘perfected-ness’. In essence, we For example, Lilly wrote this about Aries ious combinations of systems to establish can only guess at, let’s say, what a perfect- Ascendant: an order for their determinations. The point ed Leo would look like in both genders being, that just like astrology as a whole and through each race & ethnicity; or what “...as if Aries be in the Ascendant, practice, there is not one set of established the quintessential embodiment of Jupiter the mark, mole, or scarre is without guidelines for accurately determining the would look like in human form. faile in the head or face; and if few correspondences. Yet, one thing is for cer- Yet, despite this issue, one can still dis- degrees of the signe ascend, the mark tain, there is an obvious link between celes- cern a Cancer Moon from a Aquarius Moon, is in the upper part of the head; if the tial energies and the physical attributes a Taurus Rising from an Aries, or a Libra middle of the sign be on the , the expressed in organic form. Despite the lack Sun from a Sagittarius. It takes time to train mole, mark or scar is in the middle of of consensus of rules, there is a remarkable the eye and the mind for this level of com- the face, or neer it; if the later degrees consistency among the various themes in plexity to be discerned, but with practice it ascend, the face is blemished neer the differing systems and with the descrip- can be done with varying degrees of suc- the chin, towards the neck: This I have tors used in the determining factors of cess. One must also take into account the found true in hundreds of examples.” judgement, which has been observed and ability, critical eye and possible bias of the has persevered for centuries. interpreter. Some people can hear three Granted, he saw little difference between notes of a concerto and name the com- whether these were genetic marks you “The face is a picture of the mind with the poser, yet many people cannot tell Mozart were born with or if these were scars that eyes as its interpreter.” from Beethoven, and some cannot tell came about during the span of life. All of ~Marcus Tullius Cicero Beethoven from John Williams. Hopefully, these types of marks identify some aspect most people can distinguish Mozart from of life and each are connected to the ener- God & The Devil—two sides of Jazz. The same applies to determining the gy and the effects of the planets and signs. one face distinct traits and a possible astrological Let me start by stating, “There are no correspondence. Zodialogical Physiognomy ‘pure’ archetypes, in either physiognomy or As I mentioned, physiognomy means astrology. Period!” The variables for this The Mirror of Heaven & Earth ‘interpreter of or interpreting nature’. In this are simply too vast to be possible, and go In my work on the Zodiac Faces, I have case, the part of nature being interpreted is beyond planets and people. What we see chosen to focus on element, sign, and aspect you. The natural lens through which you are with our eyes, in the face, are the echos based assignments for my process. I have being interpreted is the Zodiac; the main of the reverberated whispers of a well- also had good luck at determining some focus being viewed is your face. Facial read- kept secret we hid from ourselves about themes with planet-based judgements, as ing (or just physiognomy) is the practice a cloudy thought on an ancient mem- well. This work contains too much to cover of judging or determining an individual’s ory we had of a past life when we once for an article, even looking at one primary character and well-being by their counte- glanced in a mirror for an instant and felt trait in each element and sign is not possible. nance, whereas zodialogical physiognomy that we may have seen one of an So I will take a look at one of the easiest to is the union of astrology with facial trait expression of God looking back. The only determine: the element of Fire, and the Sun classification. thing we glimpse are faint facsimiles of placement of Sagittarius. Again, I must stress It appears from the historical record that not all who have the Sun, Ascendent or that it was a well-established independent a stellium in a particular element or sign will study, practiced by the Babylonians long Facial reading bear these traits shown, or they may not be before the Greeks took it up. As the prac- readily observable due to some overarching tice of natal astrology rose over a period of (or just physiognomy) planetary factor or life occurrence. The fact is centuries in the Mediterranean, non-astro- is the practice that most people are naturally ordinary and logical physiognomy remained a primary of judging or most of the archetypal ‘strong traits’ are sim- method of determining a person’s health ply diffuse. and life path. Physiognomy was utilized determining an All of the elements, signs and associated by astrologers as an alternative secondary individual’s planets can be assessed through a set of dis- method of determining character. The first tinguishing traits. The strength of the energy mention of astrological correspondences to character and of each sign can also further be determined traits comes from a small piece of the Dead well-being by by the number of bodies in the sign, how Sea Scrolls, from around 30 BCE, referenc- their countenance, they are aspected, and by which planets. The ing sign-based assignments in the context biological influences of the Western Fire ele- of physiognomy.1 whereas zodialogical ment are, in my opinion, the simplest to spot Since then, there have been numerous physiognomy is the (though natives with a dominant Mars may attempts to establish a set of rules of cor- mimic, to some degree, the element or asso- respondence for astrological judgment. union of astrology ciated sign energy). Many early natal astrologers were focused with facial trait on sign-based systems of rules, while oth- classification. The Element of Fire ers only used planet-based rules, and still The celebrity images shown at the top of others emphasized the decans. Some used the following page give a sampling of char-

The Career page 56 Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine acteristics that are more often associated with Fire. These particular traits can be distin- guished through the genders, whereas some Aries Leo Sagittarius traits will be stronger or weaker in accor- dance with sex. The Fire element in general, particularly Aries, lends itself to a more “rubi- cund of visage” or reddening of the skin tone. In the stronger trait natives there is usually an ‘elfeness’ to the eyebrows, being slightly raised, pointed or even “Spock-like” (Leonard Nimoy was also an Aries). Within the element, as tradition appears to confirm, strong trait Arians tend to have more energetic emphasis in the area of the forehead. This does not necessarily entail a large forehead, merely that the area above the brow is more pronounced. In Leo, the line of the eyes more often has a cat-like predator quality (I have also noticed that within Leo there appear to be more cases of “hammerhead eyes”, such as those of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.) In both men and women the chin & jaw are usually stron- ger often squared. With Sagittarius there is an ‘intensity’ right down the center of the face, primarily between the eyes and with the upper lip & gum. It is my ‘favorite sign’ to highlight so I will add a little more detail to what I generally see with the Sagittarian facial archetype. The Sagittarian archetypal or ‘prima- Fire element archetypal traits ry strong’ traits are what I refer to as ‘the pinch-eye’ and ‘the horse-mouth’ (which I find quite interesting given the Centaurian nature of the sign. One can clearly see in these selected faces a common trend among these two characteristics within these Sagittarian Sun natives. The Pinch: The trait that I refer to as ‘the pinch’ seems to be most prevalent, by percentage, within Sun sign Sagittarius. Though, I have been able to determine that this trait is sometimes noticeable when the Sun is in Scorpio, as well, lending credence to additional aspected energy as a possi- bility and possible distinction with tropical and sidereal zodiacal energies. Note: I have noticed that females tend to have this more than males, who exhibit more prominent brow trait and ears. Centaur Teeth: The most telling trait of any of the archetypal structures, is horsey mouth; I prefer to call this trait ‘Centaur Teeth’. I have also seen this appear when a dominant body or group (stellium) is in Sagittarius, particularly Mars. Joe DiMaggio was a notable Sagittarian with this trait. Though it is not always regularly pro- nounced among Sagittarians, it can usually be identified at some point. Some with this trait have ‘trained themselves’ to hold an expression that normally covers the space over the upper gum (this is the case with Sagittarian archetypal traits: ‘The Pinch’ and ‘Centaur Teeth’

V27-03 SEPTEMBER EQUINOX 2018 page 57 ZODIAC FA CE S

Lady Judy Dench, whom only on occasion reveals the strength of this trait in her face). These are just two traits among several which tend to be more prominent within the sign of Sagittarius. Each sign tends to produce a number of primary & second- ary characteristics. It is the combination of planetary energies along with genet- ic heritage which tends to influence the native’s overall appearance (see illustration at right.)

A Hierarchy of Energy When I first began to loosely compare charts and faces, little did I know that it would become a bridge for my understand- ing of the astrology of nature, the mathe- matics & geometry of light, study of sound & vibration, quantum mechanics, and many other fields of noetic knowledge. So many varied disciplines can be or must be under- stood, at least on a fundamental level, in order to glimpse the bigger picture of how planetary energies flow in a biological sys- tem. It is no surprise that a proper working model for the astrological forces and their effects on people has yet to be put forth and accepted. The process can be looked upon as a hierarchy of transceivers. This scalable order of energy & matter is what manifests our reality. From the simple quantum structure that functions by moving vibrational infor- mation in and out of multiple dimensions, Mixed Sagittarian archetypal traits which in turn ‘informs’ the formation of the atomic field to the subsequent creation of molecules, and on up the scale to the DNA “antenna” acting to create more complex and interactive “antennae” to manipulate RNA. During gestation, the creation of the spinal column and neuro-pathways repli- cate the “antenna”. At birth, the DNA ceases some cases become extreme and reveal the where myself and others have been able its developmental function, at that point overall archetype of the position. There also to compare persons born during the same an infant’s nervous system itself begins to seems to be variations of archetypal combi- Solar periods. From my personal research, function as an interactive “antenna” within nations based on when a person is born in the Lunar energy does appear to be more the larger feild. a given period. distinguishable in females, rather than in Rising Interaction: The Rising energy males. Prevalence Factors - Ascendant (time of day) also appears to Orbital Matrix Pattern: Rather than When gauging the traits and comparing be a strong influence in many instances, emphasizing traditional hard or soft aspect them against celestial energies, there are with considerable consistency between patterns as a primary source of energetic several general factors to consider: researchers over two millennia. Though, the pathways for the planets to interact, I have DNA Foundation: It is imperative to limited data available regarding persons approached the natal charts by looking at note that genealogical, ethnic and racial born on the same day & year, and also the the strengths of combinations of variables. DNA sequences will provide the base mate- necessity of having an accurate birth time, In my studies of this area, the aspects of rial foundation for the native. The family makes this category difficult to compare in the chart, particularly related conjunctions, traits most likely will be obvious because research. Adequate photographic image cross-aspects, and interacting stellium this code is the core infrastructure for the data, combined with accurate natal data is groupings, play a larger role than previ- planetary energies to be acted upon. not as readily available, with the exception ously considered. The overall geometric Solar Interaction: The Sun location of some celebrities whose natal charts are pattern tends to actualize or materialize a seems to take precedence in good per- documented. general structure of energy which forms centage of samplings. The traits granted Lunar Interaction: The Moon’s influence between the planets. I call this an ‘orbital by the Sun position may be subtle or in does appear noticeably distinct in the cases matrix’. Much like a musical chord, a plane-

The Career page 58 Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine tary chord or tone may be approximated by Dawkins and the actress Emma Watson. No one would ever confuse actors Peter another set of notes in a different chord. Despite the difference in gender and in Dinklage & Hugh Laurie in person. Dinklage These are just a few factors to take into nearly 50 years of age, the Aries energy sig- is 4’5” and Laurie is 6’2”. In this second account when looking into physiognomy. nature and the general ‘orbital matrix’ (the example (following page) we see that When a number of these factors align, planetary pattern & aspect configuration) is the natives not only share the same Sun there appears to be natural tendency of comparably geometrized. Though, Watson sign but also the same birthday. The two a ‘morphological duplication’ of physical and Dawkins were not born in England, also reflect similar “orbital matrices” in the traits, what I call The Doppelgänger Effect. they are are both of English ancestry, there- charts, in this case with Mars and Saturn. fore the genetic links are also present and The morphology of these two individuals is The Doppelgänger Effect determinable. There are several secondary quite striking despite the differences that I have spent a great deal of time classify- aspect patterns and planetary placements arise through dwarfism in Dinklage. In fact, ing and categorizing prevalent trait themes that are also reflected in each chart. the characteristics associated with dwarf- among the elements (similar to Mien ism actually correlate the variations of the Shiang), by Sun, Moon & Ascendant through certain traits and how they are morphed the signs, just as a number of astrologers by natural processes. The associated trait have done for centuries. Though much Despite the similarities recognizable in both are trans- of this research goes beyond trait assign- difference in formed through dwarfism in Dinklage’s ments, by looking at aspects & patterns in appearance. the charts, I have chosen not to go into any gender and in nearly of that here. Instead I wanted to go right to 50 years of age, Why Does Research Matter? the idea of duplicate expressions within the The most often asked question I tend to charts overall, the part of my study I refer to the Aries energy get from the average astrologer is, “Why as the Doppelgänger Effect. Doppelgänger signature and the should I care about facial traits being con- is a Germanic loanword meaning “double general ‘orbital nected to celestial influences? It doesn’t help goer” and it generally means a non-biologi- my clients or with my counselling skills, even cal look-alike or ‘double’. matrix’ (the planetary if it’s true. Why bother?” Well, I have come to To better understand this through the pattern & aspect accept the fact that this is just how some traits and expressions, let’s look at two people think: ‘If it doesn’t directly gratify examples of natal chart comparisons of configuration) me now, or I don’t make money from it, then sign, planet and geometric matrices. is comparably why put energy into it.’ This seems to have In this first example, below, we will become ingrained in astrology, when it notice these two remarkable single shot geometrized. comes to research. The current state of the photo expressions of biologist Richard astrological science is alive, yet, it hardly

Richard Dawkins & Emma Watson

Richard DAWKINS, biologist Emma WATSON, actress DOB: March 26, 1941, unknown DOB April 15, 1990 unknown Place: Nairobi, Kenya Place: Paris, France

Chart from AstroTheme

Russ von Ohlhausen © 2005-2018

V27-03 SEPTEMBER EQUINOX 2018 page 59 potential to yield some very discernable we hope that the future will support such a ZODIAC FA CE S results that could link the sciences once research based approach. seems practical for but a few to venture again. This area of study has been largely The issue of deeper research into this into astrological research. Though, that is overlooked by modern astrologers and, field is two-sided. Scientism needs to return what any true science is about: continuing of course, ignored by the mainstream to the realms of natural philosophy that it to fill in the gaps of the unknown. We cate- or even the fringe scientific community. shunned as of the late 17th century, and gorize & divide various fields & subfields of I personally think it will take biometric furthermore take seriously the relevant study. Yet, the physical, conscious and spir- facial-recognition software, currently in questions of our physical and psychological itual sciences are fully enmeshed; it is not common use, linked to individual natal interactions within the cosmos. Astrologers possible to separate them. And to that end, data, before we can begin to properly must catch up to the reality of modernity, all scientists are our allies - whether they assess all factors in this equation. And and not merely rely on repeating and rein- like it or not. when we do this, we will ultimately prove terpreting ancient tradition. They must also I am of the opinion that this field will a link between the planets & people. seek to understand how to re-integrate require a concerted effort to advance it that tradition through the mathemati- much further than has been surmised Data & Rigor cal language of nature and quantitative over the last two millennia, yet it has the The most daunting area for any field research, the same manner in which sci- of collective research is data. It does not entism engages. matter as to what area of science you are engaged, be it biological sciences, physical Fascinating! Where to start!? The natives sciences, quantum sciences, astro-sciences, One of my comrades in this niche of not only share etc, data collection is the bulk of the work. astrology, illustrator & astrologer William The ARC-Database (Astrological Research Schreib, has published two little books the same Collaborative), an independent collective that are great primers for any enthusiast Sun sign but also the database initially supported by Alexandria to begin to get a feel of what to look for i-Base, Kepler College (research arm), ISAR, in the face. His two works, Dance of the same birthday. Cosmic Patterns & David Cochrane, myself, Zodiac, and Personalities of the Zodiac are The two also and several others, was initiated a few years two of my favorite referrals to introduce ago in the attempt to collect and archive all astrologers (and skeptical curiosity seekers) reflect similar existing research data-sets, as well as estab- to this fascinating, little emphasized area “orbital matrices” in lish a new repository for natal astrological of our field. William recently mailed me an the charts, in this research. So far this project remains paused advance copy of his new book Portraits of until more energy can be put towards it but Personality: How the Cycles of Nature Shape case with Mars and Saturn. Peter Dinklage & Hugh Laurie

Peter DINKLAGE, actor Hugh LAURIE, actror DOB: June 11, 1969, unknown1:37am DOB June 11, 1959 unknown Place: Morristown, NJ Place: Oxford, UK

Chart from AstroTheme

Russ von Ohlhausen © 2005-2018

The Career page 60 Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine astrological perspective, or by adding to the body of work that is attempting to reunite the sciences, most serious astrolo- gers wish to impart something unique to the field. In one way or another, in small or large part, we each help to determine how astrology is being accepted now and how it will be in the future.

“Astrology...the most far-reaching intellectual human enterprise in the history of civilization….”

Astrology is the general term we give for a very broad endeavour, which actually encompasses every area of scientific and spiritual study. Ultimately, all things are one and unified. This of course includes William Schreib’s 12 Zodiac Characters © Top row: Aries through Virgo. Second row: Libra through Pisces astrology as an equivalent science to all other sciences. There are many astrologers Your Character & Appearance, the latest advance the field of astrological research, who wish to shine a light on the biological, book to be published on this subject. It is a I encourage you to attend. This a cutting statistical & mathematical confirmations revised look at his works on the character- edge intensive conference focused on sole- of the empercial nature of astrology, in ized illustrations of the traits, with detailed ly on astrological research. Presenters will order to strengthen astrology’s scientific breakdowns of the planetary combinations be using detailed qualitative and quantita- foundations. Astrology unites the spiritual and examples of the traits using celebrity tive methods to provide the most compre- and material realms; a synthesis of all the images. It can be found at astro-visions.com hensive look at the current state to science natural fundamental cosmological forces Another project that will allow you to within the astrological field. that can be observed and understood by participate is Astrofaces, online at astro- science. It is the ultimate puzzle; which has faces.com, by contributing your photo and The Unified Astrological TOE created us to strive to solve itself. natal information. Moshe Berlin has put (Theory of Everything) We are the physical manifestation of sub- together a wonderful project, which also As dedicated astrologers, we all wish to tle points of the material conscious world allows you use your own skill to identify for add-to or contribute something special to brought forth through human form. This traits among multiple search criteria. Be a astrology. Whether it’s a new approach, materialization of consciousness in people’s contributor to his research and do a little reviving an ancient technique, the deep- faces and bodies can be observed and clas- research of your own. er study of a recently discovered celestial sified, both a momentary expression (tran- I will be presenting some of the extend- body, an original interpretation of a dated sits) and by the identifying traits (natal). The ed material on Zodiac Faces: Astrological external appearance reveals your internal Physiognomy & Cosmological Simplex at self, just as your external self is your per- The Kepler Conference, January 24-27, sonal revelation of the external cosmos. “As 2019 hosted by the Canaveral Research We are the physical within, so without” Center in Florida. If you would like to help manifestation of REFERENCES subtle points of the 1. Regulus Astrology, LLC , Working Paper on material conscious Astrological Physiognomy: History and Sources, © 2010 Revised Nov, 2011 world brought forth Russ von OHLHAUSEN is an ontological research- through human form. er, writer, lecturer and astrologer; his work reflects This materialization a lifetime of study of science, religions, myths, metaphysics & most importantly —nature —and of consciousness in what they reveal about the human story. Russ is co-founder of the Astrological Society of Austin people’s faces and & Co-Director of The Shift Foundation with bodies can be Shannon Gill. His groundbreaking work in cos- mological mechanics, and astro-mathematical observed and research, Celestia Mathematica, is considered a foundational structural theory of astrology by classified, both a many. He is also the creator of Zodiac Faces: Planetary Physiognomy and The Holy Myth: momentary The Bible as Astrological Treatise, and the ARC- expression (transits) Database Initiative (Astrological Research Collaborative). Email: [email protected] and by the identifying R traits (natal). Speaker at I-Astrologer 2018 Marylin (Gemini Sun) and Joe (Sag), a nice opposition.

V27-03 SEPTEMBER EQUINOX 2018 page 61

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The Career page 62 Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine i-ASTROLOGER Sholarship Applicants for THE MOST PROMISING ASTROLOGER 2018

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V27-03 SEPTEMBER EQUINOX 2018 page 63 i-ASTROLOGER

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MAURICE FERNANDEZ, GEOFF GRONLUND & GEMINI BRETT, VICTORIA SMOOT MAURICE FERNANDEZ Panel Discussion Creating a Promotional • Addressing common arguments Flier – for Mac and PC against astrology Geoff and Maurice will guide participants • Speaking about Astrology in social in the techniques and software used to situations in empowering ways. create your own promotional fliers for your • Being educated about what presentations, workshops, or ads. astrology can or cannot do KAY TAYLOR, LINDA ZLOTNICK, ANNE ORTELEE & LAURA NALBALDIAN How to Estimate the Panel Discussion Value of your Services • The common mistakes Astrologers make in and Charge Effectively their practice that sabotage their success It is often difficult for astrologers to price their • Ethical considerations in the services accurately. Some of us may feel shy consultation room. about asking for money for our spiritual service. • Tips to inspire your clients to come back – Yet, proper charge also means better service. how to build a clientele of return clients. Join celebrated professional astrologer Anne Ortelee on this important talk about uniting the sky with the earth.

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The Career page 64 Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine My Personal Story with Western specific techniques may work better on one astrology type of Zodiac. Years ago, when I asked my first Vedic Generally, Vedic astrologers follow a tra- astrology teacher about Western Astrology, dition called Chitra Paksha which considers he answered: “Western Astrologers don’t have the fixed star Spica as the commencement any significant knowledge, They ignore side- of Sidereal Libra. Few other schools point to real motion, so they fail.” This comment kept other fixed stars. Several Astrologers in differ- me away from Western astrology for years. ent times measured the distance between In 2013, a new friend Naomi Bennett Spica and (North) Autumnal Equinox suggested me to read charts of each other which is known as Ayanamsa. The distance with different approaches. She interpreted of Ayanamsa is currently approximately 24 my chart and changed all my presumptions degrees so, for example, a planet at 5º of about Western astrology. Tropical Gemini falls in 11º of Sidereal Taurus. One year later, both of us were invited to In India, the calculations of an astronomer International IVC Conference in Kolkata orga- and astrologer Lahiri are embraced as the nized by Gopal Bhattacharjee where many default calculations. To get started, you can Vedic and Western astrologers exchanged follow Lahiri Ayanamsa. Other Ayanamsas their knowledge. have slight differences up to one or two After that conference, both of us, along degrees. It can be discussed later. with Alex Trenoweth, were welcomed as the I frequently remind my students not to resource persons for Sanskrit Department of be too attached to their planetary positions! the University of Delhi in a conference enti- There are different approaches, different tled "Affinity of Western and Vedic astrology: Ayanamsas, and various house systems— Two Sides of the Same Coin." The term two you can have many charts, each showing sides of the same coin was suggested by some aspects of yourself, so one should not Naomi Bennett. ignore other possible changes. The other Meeting and reaching many eminent point is the dignity of some planets chang- Western astrologers, I noticed that there are es when the Zodiac changes. A Libra Venus AN INTRODUCTION many similarities between the two branches may go debilitated in Virgo while the same as well as enormous differences between regression may make Mercury exalted. In TO them. I noticed that some Western astrology the beginning, accept it as it is. The rules for VEDIC techniques could help me decode Vedic and Exaltation and Debilitation are very fascinat- Persian techniques, and vice versa. In this ing in Vedic astrology. Certain combinations ASTROLOGY series of articles, I try to mention and explain may cancel the debilitation and turn the many of these similarities and differences in planet into a sovereign state (Called Raja by Ehsan Khazeni a relative way to be useful for both Western Yoga which means Kingly Combination). I will astrologers interested in Jyotish as well as explain it later. Vedic astrology practitioners who like to estern (Tropical) and Indian become more familiar with Tropical astrology. Whole Sign Houses (Vedic/Joytish) astrology are The astrologer who learns how to use the W two major branches of astrology Tropical Vs. Sidereal house cusps carefully and mark the inter- practiced all around the world. There is an Almost all Vedic astrologers practice with cepted signs using Placidus or other systems increasing bidirectional tendency to learn the Sidereal Zodiac while the majority of would find it difficult to see that most of the the other system among both Western and Western astrologers only use the Tropical techniques of Jyotish are based on Whole Vedic Astrology practitioners. In most of the Zodiac. No doubt that changing the Zodiac Western astrology conferences, there is a changes everything in your chart. Practically Vedic Panel, and in turn, Western astrologers most of the planets and ascendant will have been invited to speak and teach in change. You may feel bad when you see that I frequently remind my India and Vedic conferences. you are no longer the fiery fixed Leo but a students not to be The purpose of this column is to intro- soft emotional Cancer! I am sure that this is duce the very basics of Vedic astrology to the toughest part of switching the Zodiac. too attached to their Western astrologers. The domain of Vedic Please note that for Western astrologers planetary positions! astrology is as vast as Western astrology and the definition of Zodiac is a matter of cal- There are different like Western astrology, to learn it properly culation while in Vedic astrologers, it is a one should spend years in learning and prac- part of the Vedic tradition. Therefore, It is approaches, different ticing. However, having general knowledge an inseparable part of their culture. As a Ayanamsas, and and basic skills of Vedic astrology may give Persian astrologer myself, I now use both Western astrologers more insight on what Sidereal, Tropical, and Sidropical (a mixture various house they already do or might encourage them to of both at the same time!) systems—you can learn and apply Vedic astrology in their astro- You know that some of the techniques have many charts, logical practice seriously. based on Geometry, Distance, and local hori- I am grateful to Maurice Fernandez and zon are valid in both . I keep it short each showing some OPA for giving me the opportunity to share by mentioning that both schools have partic- aspects of yourself. my experience through this column. ular time-tested techniques. Of course, some

V27-03 SEPTEMBER EQUINOX 2018 page 65 VEDIC ASTROLOGY utilize this house system. Whole Sign Houses is house placements, and south Indian chart is the primary house system of Vedic astrology. designed to focus on the planets in signs. Sign houses. Sepharial in an article entitled In some schools like KP Placidus is used while Until the late 19th century, most Western "" published in 1893 writes: some scholars apply Sripati house system astrologers used to cast square charts as well! which is calculated as like as Porphyry. The I’ve chosen the Chart of pioneering astrolo- "I can state frankly that the Hindu meth- only difference is that the cusps of Porphyry ger Alan Leo to be cast in all different styles. od of Jataka (natal astrology) and Prashna are in the middle of houses of Sripati. As you can see in the picture, their chart style (horary) is more of an art than a science. It is very similar to the north Indian charts. (See is sufficient for them to draw a figure, put- Chart Styles charts below and on following page.) ting the rising sign or Lagnam in any Bhava When I traveled to India for the first time, In the North Indian chart the First house (house), without regard to the natural posi- I had many difficulties sharing information is on the top of the chart while in the tion of the zodiac at the time; and from this with Indian Astrologers because I couldn't Western chart, the first house is on the as a radia they ascertain the positions of the read their charts easily. left. Astronomically the chart of the west other signs by mere inspection, and do not The fact is it was not only my problem. makes more sense as if you face to the south, write them into the figure. In the same way, Five Astrologers from different areas of India but conceptually the north Indian diagram the planets' symbols are merely set in the gathered in a room to discuss the example is drawn to show some essential principles houses which the signs they are in are known charts of the workshop. Some were using which I will write about soon. to occupy." North Indian style while others were using Vedic Astrologers usually do not use The paragraph above shows that he was South Indian. the glyphs. They write the numbers 1 to 12 considerably unsatisfied with the Whole Sign Even the teachers in conferences usually for the signs and Two-letter abbreviations houses and considered it as a lack of math- put both styles side by side to make sure for planets. For Example: Su for Sun, Mo ematical skills, but this is not accurate. The everybody enjoys the teachings. It is the for Moon and so on. Some other prefer the fact is he wrote this article when Western same in most of the books. Sanskrit abbreviations like Sy for (Sun), astrologers had very little information about Sometimes beginners feel inadequate to Cn for (Moon), Sk for Sukra (Venus), Indian Astrology. Indians were aware of read a chart drawn using another software etc. Of course, Indians themselves use those calculations for centuries. However, with different fonts or colors. I understand Sanskrit letters instead of English letters. the structure of Vedic astrology mainly because our eyes get used to a particular Vedic Astrologers usually do not use the based on sign lordships, and by using other style and changing the chart style perhaps outer planets Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto house systems, these techniques fail. The makes it harder to read. However, since since they were not identified before tele- more you understand the philosophical and astrology is a universal language, we should scopes. The new generation, however, is mathematical architecture of Vedic astrology, spend some time to learn how to read differ- interested in them and some new theories the more you feel comfortable with Whole ent chart styles. developed for their usages in Vedic astrolo- Sign Houses. Nonetheless, many Vedic astrol- On the other hand, for professionals, a new gy as well. ogers use the Bhava Chart (a chart based on chart may work as a new source of inspiration. In the North Indian chart, the houses other house systems) beside the whole sign Please note that every chart style is created to are fixed, and the first house is always on chart (Rasi Chart). emphasize some concepts. The Western wheel top-center. Other houses are counter-clock- Of course, many Western Traditional astrol- is perfect to find planetary aspects at a glance. wise. The Number that is written under the ogers such as Robert Hand, or Chris Brennan, The north Indian chart has emphases on first house is the ascending sign, and the

Image 1: Chart of Alan Leo (7 August 1860 at 05:49 Westminster, England) Image 2: Chart of Alan Leo with Sidereal Zodiac and Whole sign Houses

The Career page 66 Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine order of numbers go on consecutively in Sun Surya Sign Rasi other houses. In the South Indian chart, the signs Moon Chandra House Bhava are fixed, and the order is clockwise so the Mars Mangal Ascendant Ascendant may fall in any of boxes of the Mercury Planetary Combination Yoga chart and you should count other houses Jupiter Guru The difference between tropi- Ayanamsa from that point. At first, it seems confusing, cal and sidereal zodiacs but after practicing, you find it very amaz- Venus Birth chart Kundali ing. The Second house in the top row from Saturn Natal Astrology Jataka left is always Aries. Four corners are always North Node Rahu Electional Astrology Muhurtha Dual signs. Top-left is Pisces and below-left is South Node Sagittarius. Prasna In this style, the Ascendant is usually marked Spica Chitra by a line in the corner of the related sign. Aries Mesha Analysis should be done from the Moon as Taurus Vrishibha while about sidereal positions of your chart well. For this reason, Vedic astrologers cast a Gemini Mithuna as well as few other people you know. chart in which the Moon is placed in the first The next step is casting the same charts house. This chart is simply called Moon Chart. Cancer Karka using a Vedic astrology software. Usually, Suppose we have Aries Ascendant and Moon Leo Simha major Western astrology software have some in Gemini. So, to cast the Moon chart, the Virgo Kanya Vedic features as well. Try reading and play- Ascendant would be Gemini. In the South Libra Tula ing with both South and North Indian charts. Indian chart, however, you don't need to cast You can also download Bindu Astrology a new chart because you already know how Scorpio Vrischika Software Android edition for free from to count houses from any square. Sagittarius Dhanus Google Play. Try to get more acquaintance Capricorn Makara with the chart styles by frequently referring A little Sanskrit to them. We would be happy if you share Most of the general terms used in Vedic Aquarius Kumbha your experiences and questions with us. astrology have English equivalents, so slow- Pisces Meena ly you can extend your glossary of Sanskrit Ehsan Khazeni is a leading astrologer and astrological terms. Since we are just getting Getting Started researcher from Iran. He is the developer of Bindu started, I will not overwhelm you by using Are you ready to experience some features Astrology Software and Saptarishis Research many Sanskrit words in the text and instead of Vedic astrology? Of course, it is too early, Software. Having oriental background and putting list few of them here. Sometimes there are Persian, Arab, Indian, Medieval and modern west- but you can taste some of the general differ- ern Astrology together, made him a pioneering several equivalents for a term, so I choose the ences and use your existing knowledge to researcher on roots and origins of astrology. He is most common one. Although most English delineate some charts with a new preset. the Vice President of ISAR to Iran. books fo Jyotish use the English names of Cast your own sidereal chart using Western Website: Binduastrology.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/ehsankh322 signs and planets, it is good to know their style and whole sign houses. See how the Sanskrit terms. (See tables at left.) planetary positions may change. Think for a

Image 2: Chart of Alan Leo with Sidereal Zodiac and Whole sign Houses Image 3: Chart of Alan Leo North Indian Style Image 4: Chart of Alan Leo South Indian Style R

V27-03 SEPTEMBER EQUINOX 2018 page 67 out Europe in the following centuries. In anyone practising this form of predication England, astrology eventually even came to was liable to imprisonment. be viewed as superstitious nonsense, seen primarily as occult, and therefore to be On Both Sides of ‘The Pond’ avoided at all costs. Predictive astrology in America contin- There were some astrological texts avail- ued to be available through the works of able that were translated from either the Luke Broughton, Sibley, and Evangeline Greek or Latin, such as Greek Adams. Many great astrologers arose in the (O.Neugebauer and H.B. Van Hoesen). United States, such as Ebertin, Rudhyar, and ’s work was translated by Robbins, Steiner, by way of the influences of Jung was translated by Gould, and and his writings. Astrology in America con- then works of Dorotheus by Pingree, yet tinued its rise in the 60’s, through works these translators were not in the main- of Grant Lewi, Dane Rudhyar, Johndro, Ivy stream of the actual practising astrologers Goldstein Jacobson, Barbara Watters & The and therefore either mistranslated the Brotherhood of Light. President Ronald essential meaning or changed the translat- Reagan and his wife Nancy acknowledged ed texts to suit their own bias. Where these their use of astrology, and the practice books were available, they were usually began to flower again in the mainstream. hard to find, or very expensive. Though the predictive side of astrology was quickly dropped in favour of Jungian The Time of Rediscovery thought, American traditional astrology Before we discuss the global revival or continued to hold its ground. THE REVIVAL OF renaissance of traditional astrology, let’s In 1980 the gifted Robert Zoller pro- start by focusing on astrology in England duced his work on The in from the 17th century onwards. Astrology, Astrology, the Lost Key to Prediction. Then TRADITIONAL having reached a new pinnacle, began came a period of silence with regard to any to disappear until gradually it remained form of Traditional astrology or techniques. known only to a few with an interest in Meanwhile the Jungian astro-therapy ASTROLOGY history, alchemy and magic. Regular alma- teachings gained ground, mostly due nacs gave the days of the week, the phases to the combined team of Liz Green and by Sharon Knight of the Moon, saint’s days, and the best Howard Sasportas. There was an explosion days to plant seeds or to harvest. In the of books in the 80’s by many astrologers 19th century in England, we had Zadkiel’s who came from a psychological back- strology in the 21st century is vast- butchered re-publication of William Lilly’s ground. They wrote copiously on the newly ly different from the astrology of masterpiece Christian Astrology, the works discovered outer planets, Uranus, Neptune A 20 years ago, let alone 30, 60 or a by Sepharial, and then the work of Alan and Pluto, ascribing them rulership over hundred years ago. We can attribute this Leo & Madame Blavatsky through the certain signs and aspects of life. Suddenly change and development to the influence Theosophical Society. it seemed the astrological world was of the internet, and the availability on the It wasn’t until the late 19th & early web of many rare texts from antiquity. No 20th century, that astrology in England other astrologer in the past would have once more began to put out a few meta- Ptolemy’s work was been able to read, or even have had knowl- physical shoots. Thanks to Alan Leo and edge of, the many ancient texts now avail- Charles Carter (via the Theosophists), the translated by Robbins, able to so many of us. Astrological Lodge of London was char- Astronomica was We have access to many papers & dis- tered, in turn this ensured a revival of sertations from seats of higher learning astrology in the United Kingdom. This led translated by Gould, around the world. There is so much infor- to the formation of the world renowned and then works of mation available at our fingertips that we Faculty of Astrology, which celebrated its Dorotheus by Pingree, are in danger of drowning in a sea of infor- 70th birthday this year. mation and misinformation. Nowadays, we It was in 1930, with the celebrated birth yet these translators have access to many techniques that were of Princess Margaret and the publication by were not in the not available to the practicing astrologer in Naylor of her birth chart in the Daily Express, the past, and we may say that the focus of which brought astrology to the wider public mainstream of the interpretation has shifted as many modern eye. This popularized what we now know as actual practising astrologers are not as invested in precise . (Though, Nick Campion astrologers and prediction, but rather in character develop- actually credits Leo with giving us the ment and the potentials of free-will. emphasis on Sun sign astrology) .1 therefore either Under the auspices of the Faculty of mistranslated the Techniques from the Past Astrology, Margaret Hone and Charles In the past, printed material was rare, Carter added substantially to works avail- essential meaning or expensive and only available to those with able in the UK. However, due to the Alan changed the a knowledge of Latin, Greek or Arabic. Leo court case in the early 20th century, translated texts to Although astrology was a respected field both predictive and horary astrology were during the Renaissance, its place as a dropped from the teaching syllabus. These suit their own bias. science gradually diminished through- were seen as ‘fortune-telling’, and as such

The Career page 68 Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine immersed in the study of the outer planets either mistranslated the essential mean- phenomenal use in accurately delineating and or asteroids. ings, or changed the translated texts to charts. Although I am a strong advocate of In England, two books on Horary astrol- suit their bias. Without a doubt, Tetrabiblio traditional or classical astrology, I was initial- ogy appeared in 1985. One was a slender has been the most influential book in ly trained by the world-renowned Faculty of volume by Derek Appleby entitled, Horary Astrology for hundreds of years but Astrology in modern Western psychological Astrology: An Introduction to the Astrology Ptolemy offered no examples or detailed practices. So I do have an understanding of of Time, published by Aquarian Astrology, explanations regarding some of the meth- the use and practice of this more popular along with a publication of a facsimile of ods he mentioned. form. I do hope that many modern astrol- William Lilly’s Christian Astrology of 1654 by The first book I became aware of that ogers will find what follows to be of some Olivia Barclay & Clive Kavan were published offered more insights into ancient meth- benefit in their practice or at least stimulate under the Regulus Imprint. On the back of ods, (complete with diagrams!) was Greek their curiosity in looking at how our astro- Christian Astrology, Olivia began writing Horoscopes by Otto Neugebauer & H.B. logical ancestors used astrology. a series of articles and lectured both in Van Hoesen. This was a collection of early I thought I would just share a few charts the UK and America. She then devised a horoscopes collated from various sources, showing how the classical astrologers of course, teaching these traditional methods with many of the examples coming from antiquity made their forecasts or predictions. – the Qualifying Horary Practitioner course Vettius Valens (2nd century AD). Greek My favourite Horary chart is from Greek (QHP), the first course dedicated solely to Horoscopes was first published in 1959 by Horoscopes – Neugebaer & Van Hoesen, predictive astrology. Many famous astrol- the American Philosophical Society and page 146: Small Lion – Will he be tamed? ogers emerged from Olivia’s tutelage: Lee then republished in 1987. ”The Asc indicated the type of animal Lehman, Barbara Dunn, Deborah Holding, Since the turn of this century, many more (Leo). Venus in the rising sign & Jupiter in the John Frawley, Carol Wiggers, Sue Ward and works have appeared with translations 11th about to receive contact from the Moon, a host of other well-known astrologers. from Arabic, Persian, Hebrew and Latin. indicated tameness and as the Moon in the In America during the ‘80’s certain ‘astro- The majority of these works have been pro- setting sign was opposite Venus, showed it logical royalty’ also started studying ancient duced by the indefatigable Dr. Benjamin would be brought up with men and would astrological texts. These gifted individuals Dykes, along with further works from Rob go abroad on a ship because the setting sign were able to read texts written in Greek, Hand. Dr. Dorian Greenbaum and Charles was watery. Latin and Hebrew and came to realise Burnett have also produced some incredi- (Note: In many ancient texts, there is an associa- there was wealth of forgotten predictive ble works relating to the Daimon and Abu tion with Water—whether that is related to Saturn techniques. The main trio were the three Mashers Great Introduction. Further books being the gate keeper between the known and R’s: Roberts Hand, Schmidt and Zoller. have appeared by Joseph Crane and of fathomable and the unfathomable world beyond They set about working through many course, Chris Brennan. the starry heavens, I don’t know. Also Aquarius forgotten works listed in the CCAG. The being of the airy triplicity is considered hot and CCAG (full title is the Catalogus Codicum A Closer Look moist, I am sure somewhere in some papyrus there Astrologorum Graecorum) is a 12-volume I hope in this essay to make astrologers is a reason but it is a puzzle! ) catalogue of ancient astrological writings who may have overlooked our rich origins, The Moon had left the opposition of Venus in Greek. The CCAG was published between to become now aware of the existence and was about to contact Jupiter so joined 1898 and 1953 in Brussels, mainly by Franz of these texts, and what I consider their the fortunes of the sender and receiver, for Cumont & Franz Boll. The CCAG has been described as the “most important” modern survey of Greek astrological writings. Along with Eileen Black, in 1993 the three R’s set up Project Hindsight under the Golden Hind Press imprint and the rest is history!

My Introduction to Traditional Astrology As I was a former student of Olivia Barclay and subsequently a Tutor on the QHP, Olivia insisted that I subscribe and support this wonderful venture. Thank you Olivia!! I cannot convey my excitement, which was soon followed by my frustra- tion, as I sought to decode these little pamphlets in their blue & brown covers. Eventually I did manage to unearth some simple gems that have placed me in good stead over the decades. I feel it came entirely down to the efforts and dedication of Robert Hand, Robert Schmidt and Robert Zoller that we now have access to these ancient texts. While we did have the Robbins translation of Ptolemy’s , and Manilius’s Astronomica translated by Goold, neither of these men were astrologers. As such, they

V27-03 SEPTEMBER EQUINOX 2018 page 69 3: TRADITIONAL ASTROLOGY Triplicity rulers were used to assess the Here is one from Valens potential quality of the thirds of life. “. . . The nativity being nocturnal, the As Valens notes (From Valens Anthology lords of the trigon, Saturn and Mercury are the sender was to become Consul and the Bk 2 & Bk 3 – page 45) Concerning the sect declining. For the first years, the native was Receiver was Consul.” of the stars: irregular in many things, he live debt, though This I feel is a marvellous insight into the “It’s necessary to consider the sect of the the support in the area of parents was good. questions of the time. I do not know of any stars, for the Sun, Jupiter, and Saturn rejoice Then later, after gaining an inheritance and astrologer over the past thirty years who when they are above the earth during the augmenting his mode of living by means of has been asked a question about a pet lion! day, below the earth at night. But the Moon, advancements and resources, he became How times have changed. Mars and Venus rejoice when they are above ambitious and fit to rule and munificent, the earth at night and below the earth during acceptable to the crowds, a friend of kings Sect & Triplicity the day. . .” and leaders, and one who furnishes provi- One of the first things I gleaned from And here is Dorotheus: sions for temples and works, he gained a those early ARHAT publications was the “Know the lords of the of the lasting memory. For the Lot of Fortune and importance given in natal techniques, to signs’, ‘the lords of the triplicity of Aries by Exaltation were found in Pisces and Jupiter, the Sect of the chart and the Triplicity rulers. day are the Sun, then Jupiter, then Saturn. By the lord, was culminating”. Sect is simple – diurnal or nocturnal. It night Jupiter, then the Sun, then Saturn’. … I helps ascertain which planets are in the tell you that everything which is decided or Note: Jupiter was the final triplicity lord right hemisphere, right sign polarity (mas- indicated is from the lords of the triplicities, of the Air trigon and was in the 10th sign. culine or feminine) & with their Sect leader and as for everything of afflictions and dis- Triplicity rulership effects were not just or light. They have added strength and are tress which reaches the people of the world confined to the Sect light. Ibn Ezra (1089- better able to perform their tasks. If the Sun and the totality of men, the lords of the tri- 1164) sets out the effects of the Triplicity is above the horizon or Ascendant, then it is plicities decide it…” rulers on the houses: visible & dominates our sky. That is the Sect Carmen Astrologicum – Dorotheus of “The First House: The First ruler of the Ruler. If the Sun is below the Ascendant, Sidon. triplicity indicates life, the character of the then the Moon becomes the Sect ruler, newborn, or the inquirer and his desires, and regardless of which house or hemisphere in Here is a chart from Carmen: page 186 all that will befall him, good or bad, in the the chart it is placed. Septima. Pingree gives a date of the 2nd beginning of his life. The second triplicity ruler With Triplicity Rulers, this is where we April 36AD 20.00. Alexandria indicates the body and its strength (constitu- begin to see the biggest differences. As “The Ascendant is Scorpio and the nativity tion), and the general course of the middle of mentioned earlier, Tetrabiblos was the book is nocturnal. The lord of the Moon’s triplicity the life. The third triplicity ruler mixes with the that every astrologer had on their shelf. We is Mars, then Venus, then the Moon. Because first two to give indications of the last part know Lilly had a copy, as he mentions it the three of them are in cardines (angles) this and end of life. amongst his extensive bibliography at the man is mighty in eminence, powerful in lead- 2nd. The first triplicity rulers indicates money back of Christian Astrology. Here we see, ership so that crowns of gold and silver are in the first part of life, the second and third in as with Ptolemy, that Mars is the sole ruler placed on him and he is praised.” the middle and last part of life.” 4 of the watery triplicity; Lilly even says, . . . you find Mars, who according to Ptolemy and Naibod, rules only that triplicity (water) both day and night2.

Element Day Night Fire Sun Jupiter Earth Venus Moon Air Saturn Mercury Water Mars Mars

Only two planets were assigned as tri- plicity rulers, in contrast to both Dorotheus and Valens who gave three. The third plan- et acted as a partner, or participatory ruler to the other two triplicity rulers. The two prime rulers, swapped places according to whether the chart was diurnal or nocturnal, the third remained the same. (See table below.)

Classical scheme of Triplicity Rulers

The Career page 70 Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine The third simple technique is that possible, that everyone can achieve their best advantage. Modern psychological of combining Profections with Solar dreams, when we comprehend that reality astrology encourages the person to dream Returns. This way of assessing which parts is actually somewhat different. Yet, tradi- their dreams but sometimes does not con- of life, according to the house being stimu- tional astrology recognises that we are not sider the constitution of the native. As the lated, is now gaining in popularity amongst perfect, we are not all born equal, we can saying goes, “you cannot make a silk purse many prominent modern astrologers. only achieve what is promised in the natal out of a sow’s ear!” Many astrologers classify Traditional chart and only at the right time. We are all astrology as too deterministic, too dark, shaped by our ancestors, the DNA cours- Find your Gems with no room for “growth”; free will ing through our bodies, these cannot be Before you summarily dismiss traditional appears to be denied and the “fate” for the changed (at the moment!) but we can all astrology, look again at the rock on which individual is often dire! I think many for- change! This is where the modern psycho- our modern day astrology was built; you get that a lot of these ancient “text books” logical astrology appears to part company may just discover some gems. were often written in best and worst case from the traditional. I finish with this passage from Dr. Nick scenarios to demonstrate the points the Campion where he is discussing Henry author is making. “You can’t make a silk purse out of a Miller the playwright who wrote to Sidney I have written elsewhere, the human con- sow’s ear!” Omarr in 1967: dition has not and does not change. Apart The work of many brilliant astro-thera- “Miller also summarised his thoughts from the horary about the pet lion, many pists provide hope and guidance to those on the nature of astrology as a means of of the horaries we have access to from the seeking answers of an internal, or spiritual transcending immediate petty concerns past all ask the same sort of questions: love, nature. Using the symbolism of astrology, in order to perceive greater truths about marriage, children, health, work and status. an astrologer is able to explain the rea- the cosmos and one’s self: We see what we The ancient astrologers recognised many of sons for the difficulties the individual has want to see, we hear what we want to hear, us are born into “slavery” and here, just stop faced, and gives them the tools to recog- whether it concerns the world, ourselves, and think about how many of us are slaves nise how they can possibly change their our friends or our loved ones. The great to our mortgages or landlords! We have view, or accept what has passed. Prevailing opportunity which astrology offers is to to work for our master in order to keep a Western Astrology is discussed in psycho- permit us to see the whole . . . The purpose roof over our heads, clothes on our bodies logical terms, whereas traditional or ancient of astrology is not teach one how to thwart and food in our mouths. Just as they did in astrology, is more philosophically based in destiny but how to live up to it, in accor- times past, unless you belonged to the rul- its understanding and application. A lot of dance with it. In other words, to become ing classes. astrology today focuses on the “spiritual” aware.” 5 Traditional astrology recognises there are aspect and identifies ways in which people References many aspects of our lives that we cannot can improve themselves and make changes. change, whereas modern thought (and However, even knowing the “right 1 History of Western Astrology Vol II. Page 232. here I am not only referring to astrology) time” to initiate certain changes still 2 Christian Astrology, pg 105. emphasizes the perspective that we can requires effort or input from the native. 3 Vettius Valens The Anthology Bk II, Part 1. all attain our dreams, if only we work hard Understanding our primary motivation can Project Hindsight trans Robert Schmidt. 1994 pg 39. This appears in Greek Horoscopes L95, V14 enough, or are lucky enough, or born beau- go a long way to helping the native accept dated to about 8pm, 14th May 95 tiful enough. We are told that anything is and work with their personal DNA to the 4 The Beginning of Wisdom by Ibn Ezra. Translated by Meira B. Epstein pages 85-90 Published by ARHAT 1998. 5 A History of Western Astrology Vol II. The Medieval and Modern Worlds. Nicholas Campion. Pub Continuum. 2009. Pg 246. ISBN 9781847252241

Sharon Knight has worked as a professional astrologer for nearly 30 years. Initially, study- ing with the Faculty, passing the Intermediate Diploma, before qualifying as a QHP with Olivia Barclay. She gained her MA in Cultural Astronomy and Astrology in 2004. She’s a Fellow of the Association of Professional Astrologers International and is Chair of the Association. Sharon is a Tutor and Convenor for the QHP and has her own course teaching Traditional Astrology. In the past, Sharon taught Astrology at Adult Education classes and has spoken at the AA Conferences, at The Astrological Lodge of London and abroad. She’s written columns for various women’s magazines, newspapers and astrological journals, has a regular slot on local radio. Sharon practises classical and traditional astrology. She has a wide client base from all over the world and is passionate about her work and the place of astrology in society. In 2016 Sharon won the Coveted Astrologer of the Year title in India Her

website is www.astrologersharon.co.uk. R

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V27-03 SEPTEMBER EQUINOX 2018 page 73 DECEMBER eye-popping quincunx to Uranus Rx at 1° of 1: Mercury C Retro enters Scorpio h Taurus. The uncomfortable aspects created Dec 2 – 7: Mars E conjunct Neptune I square by Sun and Mercury at this time indicate the Transits Sun A attempted consciousness and acute aware- 2: Venus D enters Scorpio h ness placed upon older, established entities. of the Season 6: Mercury C Direct 27° Scorpio h The distillation process is rarely a comfort- By LINEA VAN HORN 6: New Moon @ 15° Sagittarius i able one. Saturn and Uranus meanwhile are 12: Mercury C enters Sagittarius i continuing a strong and stable long-lasting 20: Sun A trine Uranus H 28° Fire signs trine that started in Fire signs (2017) and now evolves into Earth signs (2018). If any- thing can calm down and rein in the excit- SEPTEMBER able Uranus, this is it—at least until Uranus regresses into Aries later this quarter. Best September 22/23: September Equinox use? These few months are an outstanding No matter where on earth you are, the time to pause the headlong forward momen- equinoxes are the only two days of the year tum we’ve grown accustomed to. Catch up that the Sun rises due east and sets due west. with yourself, breathe and attempt to retrieve Make a point of directly observing the equi- the best from the past in order to carry it for- nox sunrise or sunset from your exact window, ward to the future. yard or street, and you will define the cardi- When cast for a particular location, THEMES OF THE SEASON nal directions at your precise location. Unlike ingress charts function as a sort of astrolog- the solstices, when sunrise and sunset linger ical “weather report” for that place during Autumn 2018 on the horizon, you must check on the exact the upcoming interval of time. The 2018 equinoxes to establish your cardinal direc- September Equinox, calculated for London, SEPTEMBER tions. The Sun moves quickly by declination England, contains certain features that would 22: Equinox: Sun A enters Libra g now, so this union of the ecliptic (Sun) and capture the notice of even the most novice 24: Full Moon @ 2° Aries a equator (earth) is fleeting. Such awareness astrologer (see chart). Uranus, representing 30: Pluto K Direct @ 18° Capricorn j helps anchor your astrological knowledge to Communities and Groups – the Union – is OCTOBER physical reality in a visceral way. squared by Mars in Aquarius – increasing 5: Venus D Retro through Nov 16 (10° Scorpio Like any horoscope, this Equinox chart the chances of shock, division and sepa- h - 25° Libra g) has unique features that supersede location. ration. You will recall that in July 2016, the 1 8: New Moon @ 15° Libra g Being an ingress chart , the Sun is at 0° of the U.K. voted in a referendum to separate from 9: Mercury C enters Scorpio h Cardinal sign Libra, indicating an inception the European Union, in a move common- 10: Venus D square Mars E 10° (Scorpio/Aquarius of some sort. Mercury is nearby, having just ly referred to as Brexit. Although it won by h/k completed its superior conjunction with the only a small margin, the U.K. (ironically, itself 23: Sun A enters Scorpio h Sun two days earlier. Together they form a a union of independent nations) initiated a 24: Full Moon 1° Taurus b square to Saturn at 2° of Capricorn, and an process of removing itself from the union of 26: Venus D Retro Sun A Inferior conjunction – Star point 29: Mercury C conjunct Jupiter F @ 27° Scorpio h 30: Mercury C enters Sagittarius i 30-31: Venus D Retro opp Uranus H @ 0° Fixed signs 31: Venus D Retro returns to Libra g NOVEMBER Ch-ch-ch-changes! Mars E, Jupiter F, Uranus H and Nodes change signs! Venus D, Mercury C and Neptune I change direction! 6: Uranus H regresses into Aries a 7: New Moon @ 15° Scorpio h 8: Jupiter F enters Sagittarius i (until Dec, 2, 2019) 15: Mars E enters Pisces l 16: Venus D Direct @ 25° Libra g 16: North Node L Enters Cancer d (29° degrees) 16: Mercury C Retro @ 13° Sagittarius i 16: Mars E square Jupiter F 22: Sun A enters Sagittarius i 22: Full Moon @ 0° Gemini c 24: Neptune I Direct 13° Pisces l 25: Mercury C, Sun A and Jupiter F conjunction in Sagittarius i

The Career page 74 Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine European nations. With Uranus so prominent world’s most experienced plaque-unveiler”), et born since 1952 has never experienced on this chart, the process of detachment is took matters into his own hands and recent- another British ruler. The longevity and stabil- moving along swiftly, and in fact is slated to ly retired from public life. And the Prince ity (Taurus Sun and prominent Saturn) mark- take full effect on March 29, 2019, only a few of Wales, Charles, the heir apparent to the ing her rule is meaningful for people world- short months away. Notice the quincunx (dis- throne? Well, his chart (not shown) has Moon wide, so when her sovereignty comes to its connection) from Uranus to the Sun Mercury at 0 degrees of Taurus and a close T-square inevitable end, there will be a huge public combination which is located near the end of from 0-5 degrees of the Fixed signs including response. Whether you love the royal family the 2nd House of Finances and approaching his Ascendant, which will undergo a pro- or hate them, the strong Uranus placement the 3rd House of Neighbors. The 6th House longed trigger from Uranus over the next in this Equinox chart when set for London, of Daily Work features Pluto and Mars with two years3. Meanwhile, the Queen continues along with major transits to their horoscopes, the South Node, showing potential losses to earn tremendous respect and popularity. shows their continued prominence in the and belt-tightening for the working class. The The length of Elizabeth’s reign, now in its outer world, perhaps for reasons we cannot Ascendant in this chart is 18° of Leo, which 67th year, means that anyone on the plan- now foresee. was the degree of the most recent solar eclipse on August 11 of this year, and hear- OCTOBER kens back to an eclipse at the same degree Notice Saturn on the that swept over England in August 1999. It Queen’s MC and the October 5 through Nov 16 -- Venus is in this way that eclipses echo on and on Retrograde (10 Scorpio- 25 Libra) through time. unaspected Sun in Because Venus is retrograde only 7% of Another possibility exists as an expres- her natal chart: here the time, the least of all the planets, our sion of the “emancipating” nature of Uranus attention is alerted when the Planet of Love on the MC. Queen Elizabeth II of England, is the world’s lon- and resources changes direction. In 2018, age 92, has a powerful horoscope which is gest-standing mon- she’ll be retrograde from October 5 through being strongly affected by transits in 2018- arch who has seldom November 16, or 10° Scorpio to 25° Libra 19 (see chart)2 . Notice Saturn on her MC and zodiacally speaking. This is the most inter- the unaspected Sun in her natal chart: here wavered from the esting time in the cycle of a planet whose is the world’s longest-standing monarch family rules instilled in visibility as both a Morning and Evening who has seldom wavered from the family Star captured the attention of the ancients rules instilled in her as a child. Transiting her as a child. the world over. Her cycle was recorded by Uranus directly conjoins her Sun three times Transiting Uranus Mesoamericans and Mesopotamians alike. between May 2018 and April 2019, during directly conjoins her Her station retrograde indicates that she will which time transiting Pluto will cross her 21° soon be fading from her Evening Star phase, Capricorn ascendant, transiting Jupiter cross- Sun three times when she is beautifully visible in the west- es both her Saturn and MC and transiting between May 2018 ern sky after sunset for about nine months. Saturn enters her 12th House of Retirement. Master astrologer Deborah Houlding says All of this opens the door for a major change and April 2019. of this point in the Venus cycle, “This station in life circumstance. Her husband Prince from direct to retrograde occurs whilst Venus Philip, now 97 (who describes himself as “the is still very bright but about to enter the sun’s beams. This is a tense stage of the cycle, because it is associated with reversals and brings a sharp focus upon matters of sexual attraction and fertilization. In relationships, it symbolizes the anticipated union of the male and his mate.”4 Venus retrograde is notorious for bringing old lovers back from the depths, and this is especially true if you have planets or important points in the retrograde zone or in aspect to it. Traditionally, this period is considered inhospitable for marriage or beginning a new relationship. I would add that it’s a bad time to end a relationship, too. It IS an excellent time to go back, review, con- verse and engage in deep exchange with any person to whom you’re having trouble relat- ing. Don’t make permanent moves at this time. Do make efforts at relationship repair.

8: New Moon @ 15 Libra 9: Mercury enters Scorpio 23: Sun enters Scorpio

24: Full Moon 1 Taurus Every year we have a Full Moon with Sun in Scorpio and Moon in Taurus. In 2018 both

V27-03 SEPTEMBER EQUINOX 2018 page 75 Transits of the Season the various factions follow established pro- little magic, and a little awe into our own tocol and demonstrate patience, things will lives …” 6 This conjunction is a vital point in sort themselves out! However, with Uranus the Venus synodic cycle which provides rare lights are accompanied by other planets, on the Moon, public outcry and dissent is and direct access to the magic of the under- adding levels of complexity to this particular quite likely. This lunation occurs on the hor- world. May each of us go deeply inside and lunation. The Sun and Venus retrograde are izontal angle in England meaning that the drink from that sweet, eternal wellspring of moving quickly towards each other, their Moon rises exactly as it is full, making it “up cosmic love. interior conjunction occurring just two days close and personal” for this particular coun- hence. Venus is deepest in her underworld try, perhaps another step in fulfilling the 29: Mercury conjoins Jupiter @ 27 Scorpio phase, invisible behind the veil. This influence September equinox chart four weeks ago Mercury may cough up another cache is profound and potent but since it is unseen, (see chart). of secret documents at the end of October it is often beyond consciousness. Meanwhile, as he swings by massive Jupiter in the tender Moon in Taurus is partnered with 26: Venus RX Sun interior (inferior) con- final degrees of Scorpio. Oh, the headlines abrasive Uranus, representing public (Moon) junction 3 Scorpio should be interesting! Remain skeptical disruption and discontent (Uranus). Moon On October 26, Venus retrograde conjoins and don’t believe everything you read, and Venus are both feminine planets and the Sun at 3° of Scorpio. She is cazimi or in though: Jupiter is known to exaggerate, to in this chart are as far apart as they can be the heart of the Sun, deeply hidden in its conflate and to be overly optimistic about (opposition!) and stressed by male planets beams and at a crucial point in her cycle. In results, glossing over obvious errors in Sun and Uranus, indicating intense confron- the 2012 article “Blinded by the Light: Planets thinking. Fortunately, Mercury in Scorpio tations between or on behalf of women or Conjunct the Sun,” I explain “The visceral sen- sniffs out potential problems so pay atten- feminine principles. Interestingly, the way out sation here is that Venus enters combustion tion to the red flags he raises. As the old of this confrontation is demonstrated by the as she is descending (from evening visibil- saying goes, trust in Allah and tether your easy aspects of Sun and Moon to Saturn. If ity), and exits combustion as she ascends camel -- or whatever its variation in your (into morning visibility). At some point in particular faith. between, she “bottoms out” (this would be On October 26, Venus at the exact conjunction) before climbing 30: Mercury enters Sagittarius back up. During this period of combustion, Mercury enters Sagittarius on October 30, retrograde conjoins Venus is provided a Cloak of Invisibility, cour- and except for a brief dip back into Scorpio the Sun at 3° of Scor- tesy of the Sun.” 5 Listen to Bernadette Brady, for the first two weeks of December, he’s PhD, who labels combust planets “enchant- in the Sign of the Sagittarius until January pio. She is cazimi or in ed.” She writes: “I think we have fallen into 4, 2019. The prolonged length of this stay the heart of the Sun, a solar-centred world where the removal of means Mercury will soon be retrograde, planetary phases has left us with the doc- something we will cover in November. deeply hidden in its trine of a planet being weakened by the Sun, Sagittarius is not a particularly comfortable beams and at a crucial burnt and thus seen as damaged goods. location for Mercury, being opposite to the point in her cycle. However, instead of ‘damaged,’ we can look sign he rules. The tendency while here is at this withdrawing from the material world to jump to conclusions, think too big and as a way that our charts bring charisma, a be swept away in possibilities without the proper grounding in reality. More positively, Mercury in Sagittarius is optimistic, and can provide us with confidence to authentically speak our truth. Hopefully the retrograde period will help us earthlings to sustain the creativity of fire signs while being able to rethink and reconsider material we are work- ing on, while avoiding the need to be right (Sagittarius) and thereby cutting ourselves off from new input and information.

30-31: Venus RX opposite Uranus @ 0 Fixed signs The Full Moon chart of a week ago, October 24, set up the opposition we’re experiencing today. Venus is still retro- grade, and is going to change signs tomor- row into her own home turf Libra, but not before she conquers the gauntlet thrown down by Uranus at 0° of Taurus. This is a maximum irritability aspect. Sensibilities are shaken and folks feel jangled and easily upset. Uranus always calls for an upgrade, so as it opposes Venus, ruler of the sign it is in (Taurus), perhaps this is a time when you will feel the need to revisit the way you

The Career page 76 Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine use your resources and the way you trade every one of us is still recovering from the (Neptune in Pisces). There are big dreams with people. Try to remain centered and extended square of Uranus (revolution) to and grandiose fantasies, mystical yearnings make good use of the strong energy, using Pluto (breakdowns), seven exact passes but personal delusion and self-deception. your knowledge of the stars to be part of between 2012 and 2015, and the disrup- This combination can be altruistic and phil- the solution not the problem. Put on some tion caused by that rare and long-lasting anthropic, willing to sacrifice the self for electronic music and dance! event. In 2016-17 Jupiter in Libra opposed greater good, but also self-righteous and Uranus three times, which amped up the gullible. As master astrologer Sue Tompkins 31: Venus RX into Libra disruption (Exhibit A: Brexit. Exhibit B: says about this aspect: “Freedom lies in Just as many cultures are celebrating Trump). Let us now breathe into the final escape or transcendence.” 9 Halloween or the Day of the Dead type four months of this passage of Uranus in holiday, Venus retreats into her home sign Aries for the next 84 years. It’s been quite 15: Mars Pisces Libra. Here she shall safely stay through a ride. Is it too early to review and under- At long last, Mars moves out of Aquarius the month of November, finally turning stand the meaning of this transit, if that where it had a rare retrograde earlier this direct on November 15. Venus in Libra is is even possible? Recently I found a post year, into the Mutable Water sign of Pisces. a peacekeeper extraordinaire. She’ll find by astrologer Nick Owens (CIA Agent# 37) While logic might dictate that water would connection where none seems to exist first published in May 2010 when Uranus extinguish the fire of Mars, in traditional and use these threads to weave an artful entered Aries. It’s an interesting read now, astrology water was considered to assuage tapestry between warring parties. What’s and gives us some guidance for analyzing and calm the hot planet, thereby improving beautiful about her entry into Libra this the past seven years: “It will be interesting it. More modernly, astrologer Jayj Jacobs month is that it coincides with her helia- to see what new, bold, shocking visions of (1949 - 2011) famously said, “having Mars in cal rise—her first visibility as a Morning the world will be fought for in the coming Pisces is like trying to hammer a nail with a Star when she rises ahead of the Sun. The decade: will we see the courage to con- fish.” Either way you see it, this placement planet is quite close to the earth now and front the major problems affecting the will persist for six weeks, until year’s end. very bright if you’re willing to get up early globe like pollution, resource depletion Certainly, the compassionate sign pf Pisces enough to see it. Venus is a little pushier in and inequality, climate change and militant can soothe the savage beast in Mars, calming this Morning Star position and while in the corporatism, or will long-unquestioned outbursts but also increasing the chances Sign of Relationships, could show a good limits to human endeavour in these areas of hurt feelings. Anger might be directed opportunity to assert your Venusian energy be transgressed without restraint? Perhaps inward, or have a passive-aggressive expres- more effectively. For instance, speaking up we need to focus our minds on the best of clearly when something is wrong yet using Uranus (implacable principles, willingness a tone and language that infers faith in a to change deeply, even reverse direction, solution. “The accommodations were not creative genius, humanism, rationalism, While logic might what we were lead to expect. How can we constant questioning and never accepting dictate that water most quickly and easily get the room we traditional answers) as well as the best of were promised?” Or practice being polite Aries (leadership, direction, bravery, hones- would extinguish the to someone you don’t really care for. Find ty, spontaneity) to fashion principles that fire of Mars, in other ways to play with the idea of being may be a guide to the turbulence of the assertively nice or nicely assertive. It could years ahead.” 7 traditional astrology be lots of fun! water was consid- 7: New Moon 15 Scorpio ered to assuage and NOVEMBER 8: Jupiter enters Sagittarius (until calm the hot planet, Dec, 12, 2019) thereby improving it. With three planets (Mars, Jupiter, On November 8, the great planet Jupiter Uranus) plus the lunar nodes moving enters its home sign of Sagittarius until into different signs this coming month, December 2, 2019. Jupiter was last in the and three other planets (Venus, Mercury sign from November 2006 - December sion. Focus instead on acts of compassion and Neptune) shifting direction, there’s one 2007 and before that from December 1994 and service, volunteering your time and thing you can count on this November: - January 1996. Presumably, Jupiter will be energy to feed or clothe the poor, or some Ch-ch-ch-changes! at its best when in the sign it rules, because other selfless act. Go for a swim or better yet, the environment (the sign) supports the to a healing hot spring. 6: Uranus backtracks into Aries for planet. As astrologer Jessica Murray noted the final time in a recent webinar, “Staying on the Right 16: Venus Direct 25 Libra After dipping his toe in Taurus for sever- Side of History,” here we have “the planet of Having been retrograde since October 5, al months, rebel planet Uranus backtracks excess in the sign of excess. This placement Venus now prepares once again for direct into Aries from November 6 until March is notorious for reckless economic and finan- motion. She backed out of Scorpio into 6, 2019. Anyone with planets in the last cial policies.” 8 During 2019, Jupiter makes her home sign of Libra at the beginning of five or so degrees of the Cardinal signs three squares to Neptune in Pisces: one in November. With her station occurring now, of Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn will January, another in June and the final pass in Venus spends the entire month in a sign continue to experience the habit–break- September. This inflates the economic bub- where she’s very comfortable, and where ing, eye-opening transit of Uranus to ble even further and has other consequenc- she’s clearly visible in the morning sky. In their natal chart. It’s been going on since es as well: The dogma of religion, trumpets some cultures, Venus is considered more the summer of 2016 and really won’t be blaring (Jupiter in Sadge), conflicts or com- warlike and forceful when she appears in the over for another few months. Each and petes with the quiet demands of spirituality morning, so the diplomatic Libran influence

V27-03 SEPTEMBER EQUINOX 2018 page 77 11 Transits of the Season more information and specific instructions. (Also, see Gary Caton’s related article in this DECEMBER is a plus. Deborah Houlding says “The period publication) Additionally, on this day, Mars makes a square to Jupiter. This increases around the (direct) station is associated with 1: Mercury regresses into Scorpio (RX) hesitancy, being caught up in loops of expe- energy but also irritability: Avoid over-use injuries. Finally, the lunar nodes change sign rience, feeling the desire to give up or the 2: Venus enters Scorpio today. Since they move backwards, they need to backtrack on previous plans ….(but) Venus enters “challenging territory” in enter a sign at 29° and take about 1.5 years there is at least an anticipation of hope the sign Scorpio, which she must contend to move completely through the sign, exiting ahead, because the most arduous part of with until January 8, 2019. It is unusually 10 at 0 degrees. Signs of the transiting nodes the cycle is coming to an end.” While now intense for indulgent Venus! She’s still visi- carry the eclipses so we understand that far behind the Sun, Venus will slowly pick up ble in the morning sky, her more assertive these will occur in Cancer and Capricorn for speed and catch up to it, entering her much phase, and in the defensive sign of Scorpio, the next year or two. longer period of invisibility. In the meantime, there’s somewhat of a mixed message. This if you are up early enough, enjoy the rest of is a rather tiring phase, because she’s near- 22: Sun enters Sagittarius her apparition as a Morning Star! ing the end of her synodic cycle, rather like 22: Full Moon @ 0 Gemini a traveler who is 80% of the way through a 24: Neptune Direct 13 Pisces 16: Mercury Retrograde 13 Sagittarius, long, arduous trip; already exhausted but Mars square Jupiter, Mean North Node there’s still far to go. And if there’s one sign 22-30: Mercury RX, Sun and Jupiter con- Enters Cancer at 29 degrees Cancer. (True that can help with dogged determination, junction in early Sagittarius NN enters Cancer November 7) it’s Scorpio. This knowledge helps you to Listen to everything but believe noth- November 16 is quite an action-packed keep putting one foot in front of the other, ing when retrograde Mercury, Sun and day astrologically. Mercury is making its third understanding that eventually you will Jupiter join together in the early degrees of and final retrograde station in Sagittarius, reach your well-deserved rest. completing the elemental fire year for Sagittarius. The propensity for grandiosity, self-righteousness and outright falsehoods Mercury. It will be retrograde until December 6: Mercury Direct 27 Scorpio 6 when it stations direct at 27° Scorpio. While will be on full display with this combination, but the speaker will be very convincing. handwringing and whining is one way to 7: New Moon 15 Sagittarius square Mars/ Mercury retrograde could bring rollbacks cope with Mercury retrograde, working with Neptune at 13 Pisces or reversals of some kind, especially of a this familiar cycle in a ceremonial manner to Definitely do not run off to join a cult from religious or legal nature. Watch headlines, increase your awareness through cyclic use December 2-7 when Mercury is at a standstill especially buried ones, about regulations of the elements is another option. See Gary and Mars joins Neptune (13 Pisces) squaring being rescinded and other evidence of Caton’s recent book sacred text “Hermetica the New Moon (15 Sagittarius). A good image backtracking. Triptycha: The Mercury Elemental Year” for for Mars and Neptune is “dancing with a ghost.” Another is “a lot of smoke but no fire.” How about “blind faith” or “religious fervor” for a combination of keywords? Mix a good measure of self-righteous Sagittarius with impressionable, idealistic Pisces, and you could be swept away before you even know it. Keep your head on your shoulders, dear reader, and don’t go near the water until it’s over. That won’t be for another month or so, because Mars Neptune is featured in the New Moon chart of December 7 (see chart, set for Washington D.C.). Yes, check out that square between the 2nd House of Finance and the 5th House of Gambling (this is going to be expensive, and will probably involve our neighbors.). Libra is rising, so Venus is the chart ruler, and

Keep your head on your shoulders, dear reader, and don’t go near the water until it’s over.

The Career page 78 Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine there she is in the First House, caught with her panties down and in the most shocking way. Why, it’s almost enough to distract our attention from Pluto conjoining the IC of this New Moon chart for Washington D.C. But not quite. We’re well trained professionals, after all, and Pluto on the IC (with Saturn and South Node nearby!) represents a de/ reconstruction of a most fundamental nature. Therefore, do not be distracted by several levels of fleeting headlines, however tawdry. Astrology helps us see that the real work is going on at a deep, hidden but foundational level. Pay attention to that.

12: Mercury enters Sagittarius 20: Sun trine Uranus 28 Fire signs

REFERENCES 1. An ingress is defined as a planet moving into a new sign by direct motion. In mundane astrology, their use is typically confined to the Sun moving into a Cardinal Sign as an indi- cation of the period ahead for wherever the chart is cast. 2. Queen Elizabeth II, April 21, 1926 at 2:40 A.M., London, England (Rodden Rating AA) 3. If you’d like to have a look, here’s his data: Charles, Prince of Wales: Nov 14 1948, 9:14 pm, Buckingham Palace, England. (Rodden Rating A) 4. Deborah Houlding, “The Beauty of the Venus Cycle” Mountain Astrologer Feb 2010 Issue # 149, p. 80 5. Linea Van Horn, “Blinded by the Light: Planets Conjunct the Sun: Mountain Astrologer, June/ July 2012, Issue # 163, p. 47. 6. Bernadette Brady, “When Planets Become Enchanted; Planetary Phases in Astrology” The Visual Astrology Newsletter, August 2009; online version at www.zyntara.com/ VisualAstrologyNewsletters/van_August2009/ van_August2009.htm 7. “Uranus in Aries: Brave New World” by Nick Owens online at https://cosmicintelligence- agency.com/uranus-in-aries-part-i/ 8. Jessica Murray, in webinar “Staying on the Right Side of History” August 25, 2018 through Astrology University 9. Sue Tompkins, “Aspects in Astrology: A Guide to Understanding Planetary Relationships in the Horoscope” Destiny Books, Rochester, Vermont, p. 234 10. Deborah Houlding, op cit p.80 11. Gary Caton, Hermetica Triptycha: The Mercury Elemental Year, Rubedo Press, Auckland New Zealand, 2017

Linea Van Horn, C.A., NCGR, is the Astrologer at Large. Linea is Founder and President Emeritus of the San Francisco Astrological Society (1992-2014) and has served on three NCGR boards, including the Board of Examiners. Formerly employed in the astrology Internet industry, Linea is a respected teacher, published author, and popular, lively presenter. She now devotes herself to client work, teaching, writing, and community building in the San Francisco Bay Area. Visit her at www.AstrologerAtLarge.com. R

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The Career page 84 Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine Celebrating 35 Years! Wisdom Astrology Alexandra Karacostas “Insight for your life”

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