The Christmas Star burns brightly over Bethlehem as the Magi visit the Lord. From a 13th century painting by Giotto di Bondone.

Take heart, and joy — the Star of Bethlehem is risen today. It is the Christmas Star, and it shines for all in the Spirit of Good Will towards Men. Can you feel it? You see, I think there are stars in the heavens… and stars within. The stars within us burn brightly in our intuition, subconcious, and emotions. It was the wise men (in the Greek dialect, common at the time, the word for these men was “magoi”, indicating they were astrologers/astronomers), who followed a Star and found The Son — found the Light. There are a number of historical theories for this Star than burnt so bright over Bethlehem and led the Magi to the newborn Lord, including a nova, a planet, a comet, an occultation, and a conjunction (massing of planets).

“It is a time of new beginnings. A time to be reborn.”

There are also numerous prophecies that foretell the time of the Star. Some say the Star was a fiction. Is the night sky a “fiction” because you cannot touch it? And, don’t some “fictions” actually take on a life of their own in the myth lore of world cultures (Father Christmas, comes to mind)… because the play upon deep and eternal truths? So take heart and enjoy the Light and Warmth of the Star. May it guide you too, in all your endeavors.

It is Solstice time — a time of celebration throughout the world, and from throughout history. Of course, Christmas is the most famous Solstice time celebration, nowadays, there are other traditions and festivals ringing in this time of year. Most see the time as a sort of rebirth for the next year and seasons moving from Winter into Spring. What rebirth can you now find in your life?

As the year winds down during the Holidays, are you already making resolutions for 2008? Well, you might like to at least get a jump by thinking of them a bit as you scurry about on Christmas errands. The Winter Solstice occured on the 21st. The Sun stands still… is the literal meaning of Solstice. It is a time of new beginnings. A time to be reborn. So from the stillness of your Soul in a quiet moment, cast yourself forward into the next year… and ask, “what is the next step in my life journey?”

To what things in your life will you say goodbye, and what will you welcome anew into your journey as the seasons change, and the Christmas tide comes? This year’s Winter Solstice was followed closely by the Full Moon on the day before Christmas Eve — a celestial time of celebrations, and new beginnings, indeed. We all know that Moon energy fills people with lots of emotions, and the Solstice is a a time of renewal. You’ll probably find a classic holiday song or two reaching deep into your soul. And there, you can find the Christmas Star burning brightly with the Light you need in the New Year.

The Adoration of the Magi, from a 14th century painting by Hans Baldung.

Do you remember that in the Biblical story, the three wise men found the Lord Jesus by following a star? These wise men, many historians believe, hailed from Persia and were priests of the Zoroastrian sect, schooled (among other things) in Astrology. The star they followed, the Star of Bethlehem, also called the Christmas Star, is not understood in modern times, though there are theories that it could have been Jupiter in conjunction with Regulus, and/or Venus. Do stars bless and recognize Kings? Are there connections between the heavens above, and the happenings on Earth? I think so. What star might bless you this season?

“Does not each persons’ soul seek this on earth — to find their spiritual heaven? “

Do you have three wise men in your life? Most of us do… if we think about it. The first will be someone in our family, usually a grandfather or uncle who always knew the right thing to say… at the right time. The second will be a teacher — at a school you attended, a community center, a church camp, or some other organized activity. This teacher really knew how to inspire you. The third… is an interesting one. It could be someone as close as the neighborhood Father who helped you with a project. It could be someone as far away as a helpful soul you met while traveling abroad. These “wise men” came into your life when you needed them, and provided a key role in your development. They could have, of course, been three wise women, or two men and a woman, etc. The important thing is to reflect on what they have taught you. Then… ask, for whom am I the wise man/woman this holiday season?

Gaspar, Melchior and Balthasar — the three wise men. Who were they? What did they represent? Ultimately, like all of us, they are seekers. Learned, of course, but searching for a King — a spiritual leader. Does not each persons’ soul seek this on earth — to find their spiritual heaven? And what is the meaning of the gifts from the wise men to the King? Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh. Perhaps, gold as a symbol of earthly kingship, frankincense (an incense) as a symbol of priestship, and myrrh (an embalming oil) as a foretelling of death. Symbolic gifts. A gift also given by the example of their lives — they traveled from afar to honor him. If you are Spiritually discerning, this Christmas… what gifts will you give… and to whom?

Finally… why so many questions? As a wise man once said, “judge a person more by their questions… than their answers.” Merry Christmas.

A renaissance painting of Chiron with his famous arrows, by italian artist, Donato Creti. Donato here depicts (sells) the romantic allure of Chiron.

Some people think of Politicians as nothing more than slick Salespeople… but truely, we all are in sales, and as any good Centaur knows, the smallest word we utter, or action we take can have a big, big effect. How are these things linked? Read on…

Have you noticed people talking politics about the presidential race a little more than usual? That’s interesting, Astrologically, because Jupiter (a thinking person’s planet), and Pluto (the planet that inspires change and growth) have formed a “conjunction” (in Astrology an arrangement that magnifies the intensity of the planets involved). And thought and discussion about about the coming change in our country’s leadership is definitely indicated here. The key is not to let the intensity of it all carry you away from remaining logical, calm, cool, and collected. C’mon… it’s the Holiday season, remember to keep emotions in check when you’re talking politics.

“The point is you never know when the smallest action may have a very serious and long ranging effect.”

Ever feel like the whole world is a marketplace and everyone is selling something? I once met an old gentleman while I was simply walking through town who asked me… “what are you selling?” It irritated me at the time, but you know what? He was right. Self confidence and right attitude means that you can “sell” yourself to anyone — even if you’re not selling any products or services. In that respect, selling just means winning. The key is being realistic about what you represent, and what others represent in all your relationships. So ask what is being represented — sold — in all of your transactions, not just those that take place in a store. What does this have to do with Astrology? Everything. Nothing. Huh? Well, we can say “everything,” because when you consider a horoscope, the personality aspects reveal some very distinct ways that a person presents (sells) themselves to the world… and isn’t that all important in life? The “nothing” part simply means that most Astrologers do not talk about your life aspects in these terms. I think they should.

Have you ever noticed anything happen in life, that seems small at the time, but has a big effect? Sometimes it is a small act of kindness that changes a person’s soul — and those watching (the ones that person “teaches”). At the holidays, a child dropping a quarter in the Salvation Army donation pail can be such a moment — if it touches a heart. Sometimes there are negative affects from just a single word spoken — be impeccable with your word. In Astrology, there are objects, much smaller than planets, circling the Sun beyond Saturn called “Centaurs” that may have such affects in your horoscope. In Mythology, “Pholus” was a Centaur that dropped an Arrow of Chirons (another famous Mythological and Astrological entity), cutting his leg and killing himself. The point is you never know when the smallest action may have a very serious and long ranging effect. You can see that in politics. You an see that when your are presenting just about anything in life. And if you really stay focused on it… it can change your whole approach to things.

Do you manage your emotions, or do they control you? This can be a key concern in relationships. It’s important to honor your emotions, and not try to bury them — there is even such a thing as “emotional intelligence” (see books by the same name) that can help you in trusting your feelings. At the same time, emotional outbursts — at work or at home — don’t usually score you many points. Using Astrology to understand key character traits (your own, and for those that are close to you) can help you get a handle on emotional hot spots.

“Emotions can come to the surface in these times, but it’s up to you to choose to deal with your emotions in a healthy way.”

In Astrology, it is said that the Moon has a great deal of influence on your emotions. Right now the moon is just waxing toward Full… a scant, 2% crescent moon. This is when the energy and power of the Moon is building up toward full power. New projects are best started now, so maybe you can get to work on those New Years’ resolutions early.

Have you heard the saying, “the spirit is willing”? It usually means that in old age, you may be wishing to do certain things (athletic activities, travel, etc.), but are unable because of certain bodily set backs. At any age, the idea that your Spirit is what moves you to action is important, and in Astrology, examining the Spiritual influences of the celestial bodies becomes of the essence. The Moon impacts our emotions. The Sun fires up our personalities. As we head for a conjunction of Pluto and Jupiter on the 11th, Tuesday, and this influence can fuel your emotions (the Moon is growing towards Full too). Keep your wits about you and listen to what your emotions tell you, but don’t let them control you.

Does this Christmas seem like the same old holiday season… or do things seem different, somehow, to you? From an Astrological view, there’s a lot going on in the heavens to shake things up a bit. Jupiter is moving into a conjunction with Pluto in a position not seen for thirteen years. There’s always an opportunity to see things from a new, fresh perspective when things change. Emotions can come to the surface in these times, but it’s up to you to choose to deal with your emotions in a healthy way. Nurture strength of Spirit.

Aion, God of Eternity, appears in a Zodiac sphere before Mother Earth in this floor mosaic from a Roman villa, circa 200 CE.

What is the purpose of Astrology? To study the patterns in the Stars and contemplate how they influence those of us on earth. So, using the centuries of insights from Astrology, we can illuminate the psychological framework in which different personalities operate. We all are part of the woven story in the Cosmos. We all have free will. So, Astrologers can help you see patterns, and likelihoods, but the final choices are your own.

“To many, Astrology seems very abstract… but one way to understand it is to think of a number of influences pulling on you at the same time. Sound familiar?”

Are you finding time to feed your relationships in the busy Holiday season? Sometimes when you have a lot on your mind, it can be easy to neglect the important things. What relationships? Well, you need a healthy relationship with yourself (exercise, get good rest, eat well), and with your Spiritual side first… so that you can do well in relationships with others. Then, we can take a look at the Astrological patterns in your signs and those close to you to gain greater understanding of career, family, and romantic relationships.

How do you balance the busy holidays with the needs of your relationships, and even your own need for personal time? To many, Astrology seems very abstract… but one way to understand it is to think of a number of influences pulling on you at the same time. Sound familiar? Sound like the Holiday season? Well you know the old saying, “as it is above, so it is below.” This means that patterns in the Cosmos can indeed be reflected here in our little old part of the World.

Have you ever wondered what attracts two people to each other? Is it the Spirit (a “soul mate”), the mind (people who are “simpatico”), or some other influence? Of course, streams and patterns of fate often conspire to bring about a meeting where two people “cross paths.” But, the rest is up to you. So… how do you choose a mate in a relationship? The answer is one of the most important things in life. Astrology can help you look at character traits, in yourself and others, and patterns in your life and in romantic interests, to help you explore the answers.

Jupiter photo shot from NASA’s “Cassini” space probe.

This is a Virgo-Moon weekend. This serves to organize our thoughts and allows us to speak clearly about important things — now is the right time for communication. We are also in the Sagittarius time of the Zodiac now, and it is governed by the giant planet Jupiter. It is a season of good fortune and prosperity. If you are seeking justice in your worldly dealings, the influence of Jupiter is also good for that pursuit. Also, in astrology, we look to Jupiter as ruler of your 9th House (religion, law, and higher education), and 12th House (psychic matters). So, there’s quite a lot going on with Jupiter which also is headed toward an interesting conjunction with Pluto on December 11th.

“Because no two people share the exact same configuration (even “identical” twins come into the world at different time intervals) in their horoscope, so are relationships between two people unique.”

How are your growth plans coming along? Jupiter, the largest Planet in our Solar System, is active right now, as it moves toward a conjunction with Pluto on Dec. 11th. In Roman Mythology, Jupiter ruled over the Gods themselves… a very powerful influence. It was the Babylonians who used the approximately 12 year voyage of Jupiter along the Ecliptic to delineate the twelve constellations in the Zodiac. Astrologically speaking, Jupiter stands for prosperity, growth, and expanding fortune. Not a bad thing during these festive days.

Is your Holiday Season going well? During this busy time it is normal to come in contact with a lot of people — some new, some old friends, colleagues and acquaintances. Auld Lang Syne. What would the world be without friendships — without people? A bit like the sky without planets and stars, I think. How will you celebrate among all of these celestial bodies this year?

You are unique, and your time and place of birth is equally unique. It is on this — the precise location and time you were born — that Astrology bases your Horoscope with particular attention to the positions of the planets in the Zodiac at the moment of your birth. Because no two people share the exact same configuration (even “identical” twins come into the world at different time intervals) in their horoscope, so are relationships between two people unique. We can look at compatibilities between signs in general, but each partner you team up with represents a unique combination of personalities and combined traits.