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.

Sagittarius is a constellation of the zodiac, usually shown as a centaur drawing a bow, and lies between Ophiuchus (west) and Capricornus (east).

Western Astrology (there are other “schools” of Astrology in different parts of the World), originated around 3,000 years ago, and it’s followers — Astrologers — study the Zodiac as a method of understanding the human personality. The Zodiac is the group of constellations through which the Sun and Moon pass on their sky journey. And, there are 12 constellations used in Western Astrology, where if the sun was in the constellation of Pisces (a grouping of Stars that looks like fish, when you “connect the dots”), then you are said to be a Pisces with Piscean traits in your personality. Of course, there are many other celestial patterns we look for in a persons horoscope, and in those they have questions about.

“The famous psychologist, Carl Jung believed that in Astrology, one could find, “the curious psychological qualities of the zodiac: a complete projected theory of human character.””

We are currently Leaving “Scorpio” (Oct. 24 – Nov. 23) which is the constellation of Scorpius (Latin for Scorpion), and heading into Sagittarius (Nov. 23 – Dec. 21)… the 9th sign in the Zodiac. This constellation generally resembles an Archer when you connect its star “dots”, and in Greek mythology was often associated with Chiron, a centaur that provided instruction for Greek heros.

These days that lead up to the celebration of the Birth of Christ can be filled with the Spirit of Sagittarius — a fun-loving, adventurous, philosophical, truth-loving sign. Of course, it is important to guard against the flip-side of the Sagittarian good points which can manifest as carelessness, over-indulgent, and scattered energy.

How was your Holiday synastry? Synastry? Ok… probably not a word you use to describe the time you had with family and friends hanging out on Thanksgiving. In Astrology, however, “synastry” is a word we use to explore how one person is compatible with another. It involves looking at the two person’s precise (need exact time and location of birth) horoscopes, and comparing the patterns we see there to one another. We look at houses, planets, and different configurations of these cosmic keys to determine how two people will get along. Pretty deep. But you can leave that to me, as you enjoy the turkey, stuffing and mashed potatoes.

The famous psychologist, Carl Jung believed that in Astrology, one could find, “the curious psychological qualities of the zodiac: a complete projected theory of human character.” Jung also noted that Astrology provides a “bridge to nature,” (from “Archetypes of the Collective Unconscious”, by Carl G. Jung), meaning the association of the planets, stars & cosmos with the lives and happenings of human kind. He saw in it a link to the human unconscious psyche. And so, Astrology can reveal quite a bit about your self, and your motivations… and also about your close relationships.

From a French Painting from around 1415 illuminating the Book of the Hours for November.

It’s almost Thanksgiving… the year is passing quickly! Is your day restful? This week, on Thanksgiving, the Sun enters Sagittarius… a thoughtful and progressive sign with a positive outlook. Enjoy your conversations on the holiday. There has been so much written about “Sun Signs”, which is what most people know when asked, “what sign are you?”. In Astrology, we concentrate on all the other planets, the Moon, and a number of other symbolic influences too. The Sun is a very powerful force, associated with your ego — but to understand yourself, and others, through the Kaleidoscope of Astrology, you have to take the bigger picture — the whole cosmos — into account.

A lot of Astrology has to do with patterns — patterns in the Cosmos, translating and interpreted into seeing patterns in your life. Do you ever notice odd coincidences, or events that seem like they might be connected, but you’re not sure how? That can be due to a certain sacred synchronicity that Astrology can help you explore. For example, one “pattern” we can look at in Astrology, are “triplicities”. One simple understanding of a “Triplicity” is that people are attracted to people that with signs that share the same element — so a Pisces would get along well with a Cancer, and a Scorpio, which are all Water (element) signs. Do you see any patterns with types of people who frequently come into your life?

What do the patterns seen in Astrology (horoscopes) tell you about people and situations? Well, there are several types of “patterns” we look at. Here are a few examples:

• A “grand cross” — when four planets form a square to one another — creates a sort of inner tug-a-war in a person. This a configuration is not commonly found in most horoscope charts.
• A “cosmic cross” — when two planets are opposite each other, and a third forms a square to both — is more commonly found and seen in about 40% of horoscopes. It looks like a “T”, and your Astrologer can tell you the opportunity this represents in your life.
• A “conjunction” (also called an “occultation”) is when two planets appear close together when viewed from Earth. This creates a union of the energies of both planets, and the interpretation depends on which planets are invloved.

Much depends on which planets are in the key positions of these cosmic patterns. Just as relationships vary between two or more people, so do the tugs and pulls of the heavenly bodies in your horoscope.

The unique planet of Uranus (it’s the only planet that rotates on its side) is in influential position right now. What does that mean for our lives? It signifies a period of genius, new ideas, and perhaps a discovery or two. What have you been working on, that you’ve left on the “back burner?” Time to move it to the front. Don’t get too wrapped up in it though… remember to keep a balance in your life as you work with Uranus energy to invent new things in your life.

NASA image of Uranus showing cloud bands, rings, and moons.

“So… we want to be aware when Uranus is lurking in the Cosmos, and where it is in our charts — specifically what house it is in, and therefore what area of our life it will be affecting.”

Uranus is know as that tricky little planet that comes in and plays havoc, or surprises us. For all you Aquarians, Uranus is your planetary ruler, and because of its influence — you are progressive thinkers. So… we want to be aware when Uranus is lurking in the Cosmos, and where it is in our charts — specifically what house it is in, and therefore what area of our life it will be affecting. For example is it in our romance area, or in our personal, or professional area. And when Mercury is Retrograde, there is a tendancy to need to redo, revise, and rework things… so you want to be especially cautious when Uranus is active simultaneously.

What does it mean to have a revolution in your career? In your relationship? Uranus is providing a revolutionary aspect right now, is the reason I ask. Well, I think you can see it as an opportunity for yourself! You know the old saying, “if you keep doing what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you’ve always got?” That means nothing new will happen if you stay stuck in the same old habits. Break free. Learn a new skill for your job. Do something fun with your mate that you’ve never done. Then… just see what will shake loose as your spirit soars.