Above, precession of the equinoxes as seen from ‘outside’ the celestial dome. Illustration by Tauʻolunga.

Did you know that the word “Astrology” is derived from two Greek words, roughly translated as “Star” and “Speak”? Well, the Stars (and Planets) do speak quite a lot about events on good old earth. Astronomers (Astronomy and Astrology used to be one field of study), look to the Stars to learn about history, geology, and make mathematical predictions about celestial events. Astrologers have developed a number of Psychological interpretations for the influence of heavenly bodies. Both believe that all things are connected. So often people turn to Astrology to learn about their own connections — relationships. And, as a framework for understanding the personality, Astrology can tell you quite a lot about yourself… and your partner.

“Your opportunities during this period are to relax, plan things out, and enjoy practices (like Yoga and Tai Chi) that build spiritual energy.”

On Nov. 15th, Mars went into retrograde — yes, Mars. Most people are used to Mercury Retrograde and know that during those times it is best to be cautious about your communications and negotiations. So what does Mars Retrograde mean? The long answer is that it means different things for different signs. A simpler way to understand it, though, is to remember that during a Retrograde things slow down, and Mars is the planet of feisty energy. Put those two things together and a lot of energy that goes into projects in general will now move slower. Moods, desires, and ambition all function on a lower level during this time (Nov. 15th thru Jan. 30th). Your opportunities during this period are to relax, plan things out, and enjoy practices (like Yoga and Tai Chi) that build spiritual energy.

Do you feel a slight depletion of energy today? That can be because Mars Retrograde — Mars is a very energetic planet. Of course there are other planetary influences at work too — Mercury is active and can bring you some stamina this weekend. Speaking of the weekend, it is a good time to relax and take it a bit slow. Do some spiritual and physical exercises. The week ahead is a busy one. Thanksgiving is ahead, and there is lots to be thankful about. Remember not to be over extravagant this week — fit things into a good plan. And, enjoy the conversations with family and friends — they are the roots in your life.

Most Astrologers, as do I, believe in a kind of Divine Government for our World, and a Map of it can be seen in the Stars. When we look at your horoscope, we see how the Stars speak about you as an individual. In the larger scheme of things, God, leads quite a celestial orchestra whose music will indeed inform you — when you listen.

From a mid-17th century Icelandic manuscript showing the 12 Houses in Astrology.

Are your days becoming more interesting? It’s the time of year when everyone is busy. The planets are in some interesting configurations — Mercury coming out of Retrograde, while Mars is showing and preparing to go into Retrograde. This means it’s still good to proceed with caution on important negotiations. Remember during this busy season to look at things with logic and take the time to get at deeper meanings in your communication.

“…we look in your “Fourth House,” to learn about your home and family influences, we look in your “Tenth House,” to see where your ambition might lead…”

How are your relationships going? One revealing area of Astrology lies in the interpretation of your “houses”, and those of your loved ones. If you’ve ever looked at an actual horoscope chart, you may have noticed it is divided up into 12 sections of a large circle. These section are your “houses”, and each one relates to a different part of your life. And what planets fall in a particular house determines how you are influenced in that area. For example, a planet, or planets, in your 7th House will have a major influence on your relationships, marriage, and business partnerships.

Most folks seem to know about their Sun Sign, since it’s pretty easy to determine based on the date you were born. But there are some things that are even more important than Sun Signs, and those aspects depend on your time and place of birth. For example, we look in your “Fourth House,” to learn about your home and family influences, we look in your “Tenth House,” to see where your ambition might lead, and we look in your “Third House” to get an idea of how you communicate with those around you. This can be helpful for introspection, and also to learn more about what makes loved ones “tick.” There are 12 houses each pertaining to a different aspect of the personality. These can be helpful in understanding your own questions about yourself, and questions you have about others.

The houses are determined by dividing the path the Sun takes at your time and place of birth, across the sky, into 12 segments. They are numbered counter-clockwise from the eastern horizon. There are actually different systems to determine “Houses” used by Astrologers around the world. In the West, most use that which was brought out by the Babylonians.

Below is a simple list of the 12 houses of Western Astrology with their Latin name, Ruling Sign, and a brief statement of their influence.

1. 1st House- Vita (Aries) : The self, ego, beginnings.
2. 2nd House - Lucrum (Taurus) : Money, values, priorities.
3. 3rd House - Fratres (Gemini): Communications, siblings, neighbors.
4. 4th House - Genitor (Cancer): Family, caring, imagination.
5. 5th House - Nati (Leo): Leisure, holidays, creativity.
6. 6th House - Valentudo (Virgo): Employer, work, duties.
7. 7th House - Uxor (Libra): Marriage, partnerships. negotiations.
8. 8th House Mors - (Scorpio): Birth, death, relationships, self-transformation.
9. 9th House - Iter (Sagittarus): Religion, education, freedom.
10. 10th House - Regnum (Capricorn): Status, ambition, celebrity.
11. 11th House - Benefacta (Aquarius): Friendships, clubs and societies.
12. 12th House - Carcer (Pisces): Retreat, reflection, sacrifice.

NOTE: Remember, that in your horoscope, the planet(s) falling in each house also impact the meaning — making your horoscope as unique as your own individuality.

Welcome to November — it should be an energetic month. Mercury will come back “direct” next week… but go slow now, and double-check your communications until that time. Mars is active this month, and should bring some welcome energy this first weekend — get some chores done… the holidays are coming. That’s because about mid-month, peppy Mars will go retrograde… and that would be a good time to take a “time out,” before Thanksgiving. We’re also under the influence of Scorpio — a sign that looks into life issues for deep meanings. Don’t be afraid of that — life is enjoyable on the surface… and also when you plumb its mysteries.

“When all around you seems chaotic, your advantage will be the ability to sort things out.”

The first weekend of november is full of energy and fun — enjoy it. In the next week ahead (beginning Nov. 5), Venus interacting with Pluto brings an opportunity to examine any difficulties there are in our relationships. We are also under a Scorpio influence, and that means you can enrich your relationship by going beyond the surface concerns to address deeper feelings. When all around you seems chaotic, your advantage will be the ability to sort things out. If you step back and think a bit, you can always apply some logic to bring order to your life, and a richer understanding of your important relationships.

Life is about choices. In Astrology, we believe that the tug and pull of the planets can influence your choices, just as the Moon determines the tides of the ocean. Albeit the ebb and flow of the ocean tides may be determined by the phases of the moon, there is a lot more going on out there in the ocean than what is determined by the moon, independent of the moon’s influence. So, it’s important to note that I do not mean that your choices in life are controlled, or predetermined. It’s amazing to me how many times I get a client who calls, believing that I will predict your future, or that Astrology will tell you whom you’re going to go out with on Saturday nite! Only GOD knows for sure, exactly what is going to happen tomorrow, and the day after that, and two years down the road. And nothing else in this universe, not me, not Astrology, nor anything else here on this planet, no other form of divination, etc., is going to get in the way of Human free will—- YOUR DECISION or CHOICE TO ACT—- Okay! Of course, GOD can, of course. But then again, should He choose to do so, then He would be honoring His word of giving us FREE WILL, now would He? And GOD always tells the truth, and honors His Word.

Now this is what I can do and what Astrology does offer. We, as Astrology counselors, because Astrology was our first psychology, look at patterns of a ‘whole person’ in their birth chart based on a 12 house system. It’s an esoteric blueprint of their personality, a picture of the sky taken at their birth, and this picture can give an overall metaphoric view of who they are and what challenges they may face emotionally, as they grow. Just like psychologists look at patterns of behavior in a human and charts that behavior over a period of time for consistency and/or inconsistency, we astrologers look at energies, influences, and patterns in a person’s natal chart.

We are able to chart their life, lifestyle, relationships, and the like thru the chart, figuratively. Then using calculations, and process of elimination, using independent, specific & global research, offer advice on a given particular subject matter, whether it’s relationship, finance, career, family, health, personal, education, etc.

Just remember folks, that your choices and decisions are always your own, and the chart doesn’t ‘RULE YOU’… you RULE your chart! The chart can be a guide, if you will, to help you identify where you can see a potential burden or conflict or challenge, therefore, allowing you to ‘free yourself’ and more on to more solid, stable, safe, and prosperous ground!~

What’s Merc. Retrograde All About?

Mercury from NASA Mariner 10 Mission.

We’re in a Mercury Retrograde period, right now (Oct. 12 - Nov. 1) and most followers of Astrology know what to look out for — communication errors, hold off on the big decisions, don’t sign important papers, etc. But are there some things that are GOOD to do during this time? Of course. Interesting enough, just like “Retrograde” begins with an “R”, many of the things that are good to do during Merc. Retrograde begin with an “R”: re-doing, revising, rehearsal, reflection. This is also a good time to reconnect with people from your past.

“Just remember to take time and slow down, and recheck your communication and your thinking in important matters.”

Since Mercury is influential right now (it’s in “Retrograde” — the perceived backward motion of the planet), we can take a look at what it means in our lives. Have you received any important messages recently? Mercury in mythology was the messenger of the Gods, and during retrograde it’s important to remember that messages can get mixed up. So while it’s possible you’ve received an important communication — proceed with caution. Mercury also governs thinking patterns, reasoning, and principles of communication. Pay attention to those at this time. One possibility for you is that now can be a good time to examine continuing education — formally with schooling, or perhaps just a trip to a bookstore to read up on your favorite subjects.

Have you had any personal misunderstandings with loved ones, or work associates lately? That can be another affect of the Mercury Retrograde (Oct. 12th - Nov. 17th). Of course Mercury affects different people differently, since it appears in different places in their charts. Just remember to take time and slow down, and recheck your communication and your thinking in important matters. Sleep on the matter, and you will find that given reflection, you can turn your misunderstandings into positive growth.

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.