818 TMAdig 17 [PDF]

Zitiervorschau

TMA Thank You

For 200 edited, proofread, fact-checked, peer-reviewed editions of The Mountain Astrologer. Thank you for publishing my investigative features on Monsanto and the minor planets. With love from Eric Francis Coppolino and READ

LISTEN

WATCH

PlanetWaves.net PlanetWaves.FM PlanetWaves.TV Illustration by Jess Shepherd - inkyleaves.com

ASTROLOGY

The Beginner’s Guide to the Financial Universe An Introduction to the Role of the Planets in Financial Markets

Christeen H. Skinner 978-0-89254-224-6 208 pp. • 8½ x 11 $24.95

FROM

IBIS PRESS

Your Secret Self

The Art of Chart Interpretation

Planetary Aspects

The Eighth Seal Its Time Is Now!

Illuminating the Mysteries of the Twelfth House

A Step-by-Step Method of Analyzing, Synthesizing, and Understanding the Birth Chart

An Astrological Guide to Managing Your T-Square

Cracking the Code that Solves the Mystery of the Book of Revelation

Tracy Marks

978-0-89254-204-8 240 pp. • 6 x 9 $19.95

Tracy Marks 978-0-89254-161-4 272 pp • 6 x 9 $24.95

978-0-89254-142-3

192 pp • 6 x 9 $15.95

Tracy Marks

For a complete catalog, please visit www.ibispress.net Order from Redwheel/Weiser: [email protected]

4 —

THE MOUNTAIN ASTROLOGER

Don Cerow 978-0-89254-223-9 376 pages • 6 x 9 Hardcover • $26.95

From the Theme Section Editor

Frank Clifford Theme Section Editor

Dear Readers: For this guest editorial, I’ve been contemplating how much the astrological climate has changed in the past year. From December 2014 to December 2017, we went through a threeyear spell of Saturn in Sagittarius. During its tenure, it made three squares to Neptune in Pisces (November 2015, June 2016, and September 2016), and the idea of “fake news” permeated our consciousness. What were the real facts? Whose version could we believe? Since then, it hasn’t been easy to discern who is being truthful and what has been exaggerated (Sagittarius) or distorted (Pisces). As astrologers, we have become all too aware that Jupiter’s signs are directly opposed to Mercury’s factual, information-led signs (Gemini, Virgo). Now the planetary scene is set very differently. It’s heavier, darker, more serious, less forgiving. Saturn has returned to its comfort zone and is ploughing through Capricorn in earnest. Standards, rules of conduct, and our role in the community are now centre stage. There are few surprises: If we put in the effort, our hard work pays off. But with Jupiter now in Scorpio, we encounter the planet of breadth in the sign of depth, the planet that engenders faith and trust in a sign of scepticism and suspicion, and the planet that promotes and broadcasts in a sign of secrets and taboos. There are numerous paradoxes to ponder. It’s not surprising, then, that Saturn and Jupiter’s current positions have resulted in a number of ethical crises in many professions and areas of life. The disparity in power between genders has existed for a long time; however, with Jupiter in Scorpio, we have a greater awareness of the uses and abuses of power since people have been naming and shaming. We’re also gaining insight into what some people will do to attain power and what many are subjected to because they have so little of it. Jupiter amplifies and escalates the issues of the sign it transits. In Scorpio, we’re witnessing emotions running high, passions and jealousies erupting, and extreme, over-reactive opinions abounding. During this time, there will be those who are singled out and held accountable for their behaviour. But when we find ourselves exposing, condemning, or striking out, let us turn inward and examine what may be at the heart of our response. Let’s probe inside with unflinching candour and face some inconvenient truths about our own behaviour, too. What gets frozen in ice (Scorpio) isn’t always easy to release later, so it’s vital that we engage in some self-analysis when we find ourselves reacting fiercely to the actions of others. We’re now more than halfway through Jupiter’s year-long transit, and Uranus in Taurus will surely test the ground we all stand on. So, right now, we can all benefit from deep selfexamination and make this a powerfully cathartic time. Following its recent 30th anniversary, TMA has now reached another milestone: its 200th issue. To celebrate, we’re paying tribute to a dozen of our community’s most influential and memorable astrologers. In 2018, it feels like an opportune time to pay our respects to those who have shaped our craft, and to honour the legacies of people long passed who have changed the way we practise our art. I hope that you enjoy this special issue and the variety of articles that the team have, once again, put together.

TMA Announcements • • • •

Need a gift idea? Give a gift subscription to TMA — go to www.mountainastrologer.com We have 85 back issues (print version) still available. See the contents of each issue online. Book Reviews will return in the next issue. Subscribers: Be sure to give us 4 weeks’ notice of an address change, so you don’t miss an issue!

Contents

THE MOUNTAIN ASTROLOGER } AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2018 } ISSUE 200

40 25 }

Elon Musk’s Answer to AI: A Pentagram and Some Holy Water by Deborah McMahon

Artificial Intelligence has emerged from science fiction into everyday life — with mixed reviews. One individual who perceives the potential threat of AI is inventor– entrepreneur Elon Musk, whose natal chart reflects his vision: to merge human and machine intelligence for the benefit of all.

32 }

Tiny and the Valentine: Horary in Action by Wade Caves

How did a horary about a missing cat lead to an election for a successful pregancy? Here is a fascinating story that can only come to life through the skillful (and sensitive) midwifery of astrology!

65 }

Tributes to Our Astrological Inspirations collected by Frank C. Clifford

To celebrate the 200th issue of TMA, Frank Clifford came up with the brilliant idea of honoring astrologers from diverse eras who have shaped our chosen art and craft.

42 • Dane Rudhyar by Melanie Reinhart 44 • Alice A. Bailey by Alan Oken 46 • André Barbault by Lynn Bell 48 • Lois Rodden by Frank C. Clifford 50 • William Lilly by Wade Caves 52 • Isabel Hickey by Brian Clark

The New Scientific Paradigm and the “Black Luminaries”: Astrology in the 21st Century, Part 2

54 • Vettius Valens by Dorian Gieseler Greenbaum

Structural Astrology is put to the test in Part 2, as the author delineates two natal charts and their synastry, first without and then with the spiritual, higherConsciousness components shown by the Black Luminaries.

58 • Linda Goodman by Karen Christino

by Charlotte Wenner

6 —

40 }

THE MOUNTAIN ASTROLOGER

56 • Cyril Fagan by Kenneth Bowser

60 • Al H. Morrison by Zane B. Stein 62 • Michel and Françoise Gauquelin

by Kenneth Irving

Bonus Digital Content for Subscribers Three vintage TMA articles: * A Man Discovers His Moon by Greg Bogart, Ph.D. — April/May 1992 TMA * Cancer’s Labor: Meeting the Goddess by Dana Gerhardt — June/July 2009 TMA

* Sedna: Goddess for Our Time by Barbara Schermer — April/May 2009 TMA Digital TMA Users: Click on the article titles above to access each PDF file.

Student Section 11

Astro-Wisdom: Reader Questions Answered

16

The Eastern Window

18

Neptune and the Color Zeitgeist

20

Moments in Time: The Mountain Astrologer Is Born

by Alexandra Karacostas by Penny Farrow

by Frank C. Clifford

78

Sky Watch for Aug./ Sept. by Julene Louis

Departments 8 Letters to the Editor

9 Cartoon by Scott A. Masear

80 Magical Elections: Aug./Sept. by Nina Gryphon 85

Aug./Sept. Forecast Calendar by Pam Younghans

87

Where’s That Moon?

89

New and Full Moon Reports • Leo Solar Eclipse • Pisces Full Moon • Virgo New Moon • Aries Full Moon by Diana McMahon Collis

97

Libra Equinox

About the Cover: Design by Sara Fisk www.stf-designs.com

9 Classified Ads 22 TMA Professional Directory 74 AstroSoftware Marketplace

Volume 28, 31, No. No. 55 Volume

P.O. Box Box 970, 970, Cedar Cedar Ridge, Ridge, CA CA 95924 95924 P.O. editorial: (530) (530) 477-7756 477-7756 editorial: advertising: (530) 477-7798 advertising department: (530) 477-7798

subscriptions/back issues: issues: subscriptions/back (530) 477-8839 • (800) 287-4828 (530) 477-8839 • (800) 287-4828

subscriptions: [email protected] subscriptions: [email protected] editorial: [email protected] editorial: [email protected] advertising: [email protected] advertising: [email protected] On the Web: www.mountainastrologer.com On the Web: www.mountainastrologer.com Publisher T Tem em T Tarriktar arriktar Publisher/Advertising Senior Editor Editor N Nan an G Geary eary Senior Editor JLanette inda Kaye Managing Editor deProsse Web & & Book Book Editor Editor M Mary ary Plumb Web Plumb Special Projects Editor K ate Sholly Special Projects Editor Kate Sholly Theme Section Editor Frank C. Clifford Theme Issue Editor Frank Clifford Associate Editor Ray Grasse Associate Editor Ray Grasse Editor Emerita Janette deProsse Associate Editor Deborah Houlding Layout & Illustration Sara Fisk Associate Editor hris Brennan Linda Byrd Advertising Sales C Vedic Consultant Patry ae Sapp Circulation Manager JRoni Assistant Meigs Assistant Publisher Publisher A Ann nn Meigs Design/Development Shannon Garcia Circulation Manager Linda Ferencik SUBSCRIPTIONS: You can order by mail, or call in with

your VISA/MC/Amex/Discover Credit orders, SUBSCRIPTIONS: You can ordercard. by mail, or card call in with call (800) 287-4828; overseas, call (530) Mon.–Fri. your VISA/MC/Amex/Discover card. 477-8839, Credit card orders, 9:00–3:00, Pacific Time. You can also use our secure order call (800) 287-4828; overseas, call (530) 477-8839, Mon.–Fri. form (PayPal accepted) order subscriptions or 9:00–3:00, Pacific Time.toYou caneither also print use our secure order digital-only subscriptions www.mountainastrologer.com form to order either print at subscriptions or digital-only subscriptions at www.mountainastrologer.com ADDRESS CHANGES: Since we bulk-mail early, we need 4 weeks’ advance written notice of your imminent Mail ADDRESS CHANGES: Since we bulk-mail early,move. we need 4 or e-mail address changes to us. We may deductmove. one issue weeks’ advance written notice of your imminent Fax, from your subscription if we need to replace your magazine mail, or e-mail address changes. We may deduct one issue because you did not notify usneed of your new address. from your subscription if we to replace your magazine

by Barbara Eaton

Forecasts

®

75 SoftStar Muse by Hank Friedman

76 Astrology News & Conference Calendar by Gloria Star

Get TMA back to 1997! See page 14.

because you did not notify us of your new address. WRITERS: Thinking of writing for us? Writers’ guidelines are available that spell out requirements for article queries WRITERS: Thinking ofour writing for us? Writers’ guidelines (seeavailable them online www.mountainastrologer.com). Wequeare are that at spell out our requirements for article not responsible for returning material unless accompanied ries (see them online at www.mountainastrologer.com). We by a SASE. are not responsible for returning material unless accompa-

nied by a SASE. ADVERTISING: Advertising your product or service in TMA is a great wayAdvertising to gain visibility the worldorofservice astrology. ADVERTISING: yourinproduct in Advertising includinginprices, deadlines, and TMA is a greatinformation, way to gain visibility the world of astrology. specifi­cations,information, can be foundincluding at www.mountainastrologer.com Advertising prices, deadlines, and Reserve ad space ad manager at (530) 477-7798 specifi­ cations, canby becalling found our at www.mountainastrologer.com or send an to calling [email protected] Reserve ad e-mail space by our ad manager at (530) 477-7798

or send an e-mail to [email protected] NOTE: The opinions and philosophies expressed by the writers published in The Astrologer are not NOTE: The opinions andMountain philosophies expressed bynecthe essarily published a reflectioninofThe the Mountain opinions and philosophies the writers Astrologer are notofnecPublisher or the staff. Diversity is and welcomed in the of spirit essarily a reflection of the opinions philosophies the of catalyzing discussion. TMA’s role is to be a resource and Publisher or the staff. Diversity is welcomed in the spirit to catalyzing provide a forum for the global astrological community. of discussion. TMA’s role is to be a resource and provide In addition, readers should good judgment to a forum for the globalexercise astrological community. a product or service advertised in these when In purchasing addition, readers should exercise good judgment pages, as we do not investigate each product or service. when purchasing a product or service advertised in these pages, as we do not investigate each product or service. © 2018 The Mountain Astrologer LLC - all rights reserved Manufactured and Astrologer printed in the © 2015 The Mountain - allUnited rights States reserved (Wisconsin), soy-based inks. States Manufactured and using printed in the United (Wisconsin), using soy-based inks.

The Mountain Astrologer (ISSN 1079-1345) Aug./Sept. 2018,Mountain Vol. 31, No. 5, is published six times per year (biThe Astrologer (ISSN 1079-1345) Aug./Sept. monthly) Astrologer LLC, 436 Colfax 2015, Vol. by 28, The No. Mountain 5, is published six times per year (biAve., Grass CA 95945-6840. PERIODICALS postmonthly) byValley, The Mountain Astrologer LLC, 436 Colfax age paid at Grass Valley, California and additional mailing Ave., Grass Valley, CA 95945-6840. PERIODICALS postoffices. areCalifornia $46.00 forand 6 issues in themailing United age paidSubscriptions at Grass Valley, additional States. IfSubscriptions you want Theare Mountain Astrologer delivered via offices. $42.00 for 6 issues in the United first-class mail, add $12 for extra postage. delivered Postmaster: States. If you want The Mountain Astrologer via send address Mountain Astrologer, first-class mail, changes add $12 to forThe extra postage. Postmaster: P.O. Box 970, Cedar Ridge, CA 95924-0970. send address changes to The Mountain Astrologer, P.O. Box 970, Cedar Ridge, CA 95924-0970.

AUG. / SEPT. 2018 —

7

Computerized Astrology Dear TMA: In a Letter to the Editor in the April/May 2018 issue of The Mountain Astrologer, J. R. Parks points out an apparent contradiction, quoting Dana Gerhardt and Courtney Roberts as to the role of the analytical mind/computer in astrology. Some of the information of astrology is easily handled by a computer. The “basics” are complex, and a properly nuanced program, capable of hierarchical valuations and with the information of the program carefully structured, should in theory be able to deliver a quality interpretation of the basics. That said, it is a little like cooking: A good recipe will produce a good result. But cooking, like astrology, is not strictly linear. The cookbooks (of astrol-

ogy as well as cuisine) are guidelines, generally derived from an effort to translate an experience into a set of rules. Helpful, but not the same as having a chef create a delicious whole from a set of ingredients. The cookbook astrologer/machine will lack that spark of insight, and this separates them from the intuitive astrologer — the chef, if you will. Even the most sophisticated program will remain only a very good cookbook, a guideline, a starting point, a tool. — Kendra Hall

A Treasury of Astrological Knowledge Dear TMA: As a long-time subscriber, I have a massive collection of back issues of TMA. I also have an extensive astrological library of books, recordings, and magazines. Like many elders these days, I need to downsize (I’ll be moving to a much smaller space when Saturn transits my IC), and I sure don’t want my survivors to have to deal with all this. I would love to pass along much of this precious material to someone who can enjoy and benefit from them — but who? Is there a library or school that

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX A Cosmic Dialogue – Patricia Garner............................ 10 ACS & Starcrafts Publishing – books, reports.............. 19 AFA – certification, courses, books............................... 39 AstroApp.com – software.............................................. 74 AstroGraph Software – TimePassages..................74, 104 Astrolabe – Solar Fire 9................................................... 2 Astrologer's Den...........................................................19 Astrology Retreat in Paradise Resort – Mexico.........102 Astrology University – webinars, courses..................... 34 Astrology Workshop in Bali with Rick Levine............. 19 Astrolotea.com – tea blends........................................... 31 AuroraPress.com – books.......................................... 2, 84 Brian Clark – books......................................................64 Brotherhood of Light...................................................... 10 Classified Ads................................................................... 9 Earth: Astrology’s Missing Planet – Chrissie Blaze....64 Elementary Star Signs – Alain Stalder.........................15 Evolutionary Astrology Network................................64 Faculty of Astrological Studies...................................26 Ginny Ross – intuitive astrology..................................73 Horoscapps Astrological Software...............................74 Human Design For Us All..........................................101 Ibis Press ­– featured books............................................... 4 International Academy of Astrology.............................. 21

JANUS 5 – astrology software...................................... 10 Jodie Forrest – astrological services............................ 102 Kepler College – online program, webinars................ 101 Michael Bartlett – readings, webinars........................... 73 Neptune – Maurice Fernandez........................................4 OPA – i-Astrologer Conference in Tucson, AZ............. 28 Parashara’s Light Vedic Astrology software ................. 74 Planet Waves...................................................................3 Pleiadian-Earth Energy Astrology – Pia Orleane........73 Pushing Through Time – Georgia Stathis...................103 School of Evolutionary Astrology................................... 4 Sedona Vedic Astrology Conference – Sedona, AZ....101 Shamanic Astrology Mystery School.............................9 Sky Astrology Conference – August 2018.................103 STA – Horary Astrology courses................................. 101 Sun Recording Service................................................... 64 The Astrology Podcast................................................... 31 The Book of Music Horoscopes – Frank C. Clifford..... 21 The Cosmic Egg Timer – Joyce Hopewell...................64 TMA AstroSoftware Marketplace.................................74 TMA Digital Back Issues..............................................14 TMA Professional Directory...................................22–24 Walela Institute of Imaginal Healing............................34 Your Life After Death – Joseph...................................103

8 —



THE MOUNTAIN ASTROLOGER

could use them, a website where they can be listed? How have my contemporaries dealt with this dilemma? Thanks for all these years of superb astrological writing! — Jenny Noble Editor’s Note: If readers know of any library, school, or other institution that could use this type of donation, please advise by writing to: editorial@mountain astrologer.com

The Changeable Moon As the Moon goes through its various phases, so does TMA. Emily Trinkaus, who has written the New and Full Moon reports in our Forecast section since the June/July 2017 issue, had to let go of this job to devote her time to other writing projects. Her final Lunations appeared in the June/July 2018 issue. We will miss her profound and thought-provoking insights! In this issue, we introduce our new writer of the New and Full Moon reports: Diana McMahon Collis. A professional astrologer since 1990, Diana has an Honours degree in Film, Drama, and English from Reading University in the U.K. and serves as an editor and mentor in mind, body, and spirit nonfiction. Her many interests include health, cookery, humor, and music, and she tells us that, for relaxation, she plays “a Fender Strato­ caster guitar (badly).” We hope that you will enjoy her new voice and new perspective on the movements of the ever-changing Moon.

Tell Your Friends About TMA!

GOT MEDICAL? © 2018 Scott A. Masear – all rights reserved

You may have missed a part of TMA's Medical Astrology series by J. Lee Lehman. There were 15 installments between the June/ July 2015 and Feb./March 2018 issues. All these issues are still available as back issues (print or digital-only), at: www.mountainastrologer.com

GOT HORARY? Are you new to TMA? Get our back issues! There is a wealth of information (from an entire generation of astrologers) available to you. We still have printed back isssues as early as 2001 and digital back issue sets going back to 1997. You can click on each issue’s cover image to see the contents of that issue. Look for the “Back Issues” tab at:

Classified Ads MEDICAL ASTROLOGY 101 — 12 modules. Learn with all four senses! From the creator of the Renaissance Medicine Conference: www.Judith HillAstrology.com MEDICAL ASTROLOGY: A GUIDE TO PLANETARY PATHOLOGY by Judith Hill. Beginning to advanced material plus rare topics. A “Dave’s Top Ten” book!

We also still have the 9 back issues containing Deborah Houlding's Horary Astrology teaching series in TMA from 2012–2014. Call us at (800) 287-4828 or e-mail [email protected] for more information or to buy printed copies of the issues you may be missing. If you want the entire (printed) set shipped to you, we will quote a discounted price.

www.mountainastrologer.com

AUG./SEPT. 2018

— 9

MODERN DAY MYSTERY SCHOOL

 

OFFERING ONLINE CLASSES - HOME STUDY COURSE HOROSCOPE PROGRAM© SOFTWARE ASTROLOGICAL SERVICES AND DISCUSSION GROUPS IN THE ALBUQUERQUE AREA 505-247-1338 | WWW.LIGHT.ORG WWW.CHURCHOFLIGHT.TV

ASTROLOGERS

SHARPEN YOUR TOOLS! JANUS 5

precision astrology software™

New version 5 has even more features added for the professional and student astrologer alike. Medieval Hellenistic Horary

10

Vedic Uranian Graphic Ephemerides

Calendar AstroMaps Interpretations

THE MOUNTAIN ASTROLOGER STUDENT SECTION

Read more or buy it now online at:

astrology-house.com

Astro-Wisdom by Alexandra Karacostas

You may send questions about your situation to Alexandra ([email protected]). Include complete birth data and source (birth certificate, etc.). Your horoscope will be used to provide insight and perspective. This information is intended only to supplement your own best judgment or the advice of a licensed professional consultant.

Your son is comfortable with intensity; his reactions are fueled by powerful emotions.

Author’s Note: Here, we examine two charts, one at the dawn and one at the dusk of life. Both have strong Scorpio and Capricorn themes. Let’s see how each chart plays out …

municate from the heart, something that can help to bring insight into his inner world. Your son’s communication style can advance him in the business world, but may not be as effective in personal affairs. Q: Our baby is now three-and-a-half years old. SpirWhile he is a toddler, foster a safe space for him to speak his ited and headstrong, he’s a dynamo. What can you truth, whatever it may be. He will be sensitive to right and tell us to help cultivate our son’s strengths and poswrong, good and bad, and will want to do and say the “just” itive traits, while coping with his more challenging thing. If he seems reserved, do not take it personally. side? We want to better understand him so that we 818-KARA-1 His Moon is also in Scorpio. Your son is comfortable with Caring Natal Chart can provide the best guidance possible. intensity; Nov 21 2014, Fri his reactions are fueled by powerful emotions. At am EST +5:00 — Caring Parents 9:52 times, he may experience family as too domineering or deWashington, DC 38°N53'42'' 077°W02'12'' manding. Again, conversation can defuse tensions. Learning Geocentric Tropical A: Your child has a Scorpio Sun, a Scorpio Moon, and a Koch True Node Capricorn Ascendant. (See Chart 1, at right.) Indeed, he is 28° † 30' energetic, strong, sensitive, and insightful. Being resourceful, 58' 14° É … 13' ‡ passionate, intense, courageous — also private and secretive 19° ¶ 18° º — he has the ability to regenerate himself and others. 18° † ¾ 19°‡ ‡ With the Sun in Scorpio in his 11th house, your son ex45' ¸ 26° 03' ½ 05° Œ 46' 43' presses his creative energy emotionally and intuitively. He has 22° » 29°‡ ‡18' „ ˆ „ 06° 10 9 keen insight into others. Compulsions, if any, are based on 08' ˆ 12' 00' 11° 03' fear of not being in control. Learning to trust others and his 11 8 environment leads to intimacy and empowerment. Cultivating faith fosters well-being. His passions and desires catalyze his 7 12 05° 05° aspirations. Later in life, his energies may be directed toward Chart 1: ‰ ƒ social welfare and improving the status quo. Friendships and humanitarian activities will be important. This placement reflects strong leadership qualities. Born in the Balsamic phase of the Moon, he is future-oriented. It will be vital that you, his parents, lay out the rules but then minimize micromanagement. Attempts to control him will be resisted, if not openly, then secretly. Pay attention to what is said between the lines. With Mercury and Saturn sandwiched between the Moon and Sun, all conjunct in Scorpio, his speech can be deliberate, strongly influenced by feelings. Listen, also, to what is not being said. Encourage him to com-

38'

Á 11° ‰ 51' ‰ 41' ¼ 19°

Caring Parents’ Son

1

2

05°

Š 00'

48' ‹

04°

À

Charts 14° use Koch ‹ 13' houses and the True Node.

38'

6

5 3

46'

4

‚

ŒŒ 57' 45' Ü Ü

11°

12°18°

¿Ê 28° Ü 30'

19°

Ý

58'

Astro-Wisdom the value of vulnerability and humility is an important life lesson for him. With a Capricorn Ascendant, he is responsible, methodical, and a good strategist. He will always have a plan! Maintaining a stable structure and routine is critical. He wants to be successful, is deeply motivated, and will go to great lengths to manifest his dreams. Though a practical realist, he is also a romantic and a visionary. Sensitive about reputation, your son will aim for positions of authority. Encourage him to be flexible, less concerned with what others think, and willing to take a few risks. Help him to stretch beyond his comfort zone. He may often appear serious, but he has a sharp wit and a terrific sense of humor! Pluto being powerfully placed near his Ascendant amplifies the themes of intensity, intuition, self-improvement, and empowerment. With Libra on the Midheaven (MC), the most public aspect of his life, your son will be charming, skilled in making friends and allies in high places. As he exercises well-developed ethics in professional matters, he will enjoy working in partnerships. Law, diplomatic relations, and the arts may be of interest. He will strive to make a positive difference in the world! Your son’s North and South Nodes on the Libra–Aries axis, in the 9th and 3rd houses, respectively, strengthen cooperative skills that are mutually beneficial. His path includes applying knowledge to his daily life and his chosen field. He seeks meaning and wants the intellectual freedom that can help society. With Mars in Capricorn close to Pluto, he will pursue his desires responsibly and directly. Not content to be a bystander, he is action-oriented and skilled in navigating arduous conditions. Learning how to work with emotions instead of being worked by them is important to his evolution. Sports and other physical activities are a healthy way to use up excess energy. Jupiter in Leo brings your son faith in his abilities, framed by kindness, generosity, and talent. Encourage him to try new things just for fun and to express himself playfully in the arts, drama, etc. Jupiter squares his Scorpio planets, magnifying all it touches, including joy, generosity, and exaggeration. Uranus in Aries in his 3rd house reflects an exceptionally sharp and original mind. Unusual subjects interest him. Traditional education may not be his cup of tea. You may consider various schooling options. Your son is an intuitive thinker and will hold his own opinions. With Neptune in Pisces in his 2nd house, he may be idealistic about material resources and may not place enough value on his own sensitivity, imagination, or generosity. Linking money and spiritual values, such as in philanthropic work, will prove satisfying and rewarding. Your child is a special being who has a special social mission. With vision and applied effort, he will go places and do things few others can. Help him to cultivate and execute his agenda, not yours. Remain mindful of micromanagement. Encourage flexibility and honest, heartfelt communication within a sensible and structured environment. Support your son’s aspirations and unique concepts. Capricorn influences — specifically Mars in his 1st house ruling the 4th house of 12

THE MOUNTAIN ASTROLOGER STUDENT SECTION

family, and the Moon–Saturn conjunction — suggest an ambitious familial background. Rest assured that he can live up to his abundant potential — though with a twist, reflecting the times. He is a bright star of his generation! Q: I have always been active in my life in many ways within the community. That seems to have been changing in the last couple of years. Though my mind is strong, my body is weakening. What can I look forward to so that I can make this last phase of my life most joyful and meaningful? — Where Now? A: All things pass, and at certain junctures everything appears to change more rapidly. The past few years point to much transition in your life. You have a Capricorn Sun, a Taurus Moon, and a Scorpio Ascendant. (See Chart 2, below.) You are energetic, resourceful, and gifted, full of high hopes and ideals and willing to go to great lengths to achieve your aims, even when they are not crystal clear. The Sun in Capricorn is in your 3rd house of communication. You like connecting the dots so that you can see the bigger picture. Empowerment comes from activities that promote self-esteem and knowledge. You strive to be responsible, wise, and ethical in all your pursuits. With the Moon in Taurus in the 7th house, you find comfort and safety in stillness, creative activity, nature, and relationships. It can be hard for you to let go of the familiar, and sometimes you hold on to situations that are no longer fruitful. Though inner change happens slowly, be mindful of indolence. You are oversensitive to others’ needs; maintain emotional balance. You are most at home in relationship, though partners Where 818-KARA-2 Natal Chart be Janmay 7 1933, Satmoody, going through phases like the Moon itself. 2:40 am PST +8:00 As Hollywood, CA someone with a Scorpio Ascendant, you are insight34°N05'54'' 118°W19'33'' ful, deep, passionate, and private, and you experience life Geocentric

Tropical Koch True Node

25° „ 57'

…

16°

30'

23°

ÀÊ ½¼ 09°

Á

19°10° … 23° …

… 19' … 11'00' Œ 15' Œ S

12'

†

10

21°

Å 00°

22° ƒ 28' Œ

15°

‚

9

56'

11

8

‡ 28'

Chart 2: Where Now?

‡ 28'

1

ˆ

ˆ 56'

2

18'

21° ˆ34' » 28°

º

16°

27°

41' Ý Œ54' Ý 23°

7

12

18°

15°

ƒ 31'

¸

‰ 31'

28'

29'

Ü

19°

4

Œ 19' ‹

42' 46' ‰ Š 16°

04°

É 25° Š 57'

12'

¿ Ü 21°

09°

¾

23°

18°

Ý

6

5 3

¶ Â

‹

30'

intensely. Your path is rich with transformative opportunities, healing yourself and others in the process. Scorpio explores what lies beneath pain, taboos, and complexities, to reveal buried treasure. Mars, the traditional ruler of Scorpio, is prominently placed at 19° Virgo in your 10th house of career and public life. Conjunct your Jupiter at 23° Virgo, and widely conjoining Neptune and the South Node at 10° Virgo, Mars strongly influences your direction and destiny. With the Mars–Jupiter conjunction, you enjoy adventure and are eager to improve the quality of life for yourself and others. Neptune’s influence helps you to manifest your dreams and spiritual aspirations, and to transcend the physical world in favor of the mystical. With the South Node also present, you have talents in the performing and visual arts, as well as a highly developed intuitive wisdom. Your enthusiasm, optimism, and philosophical interests are highlighted by the Sun, Moon–Chiron, and Mars–Jupiter grand trine in the earth element, with the added bonus of a Mercury–Venus conjunction in Sagittarius. You are a fireball! From January 2015 until October 2018, transiting Pluto in Capricorn conjoins your Sun. While the Sun represents life force, Pluto represents endings and beginnings. Powerful and inevitable changes are divesting you of what is no longer necessary. Losses experienced during this time open up space for grace and important healing. Activity can shift from the physical world to the inner world. Between December 2017 and December 2018, transiting Pluto trines your Mars at 19° Virgo — potentially a vibrant and dynamic period for realizing lifelong passions. Just be mindful not to overexert yourself! From January 2019 through February 2021, transiting Pluto trines your Jupiter at 23° Virgo. This could be a significant time that ushers in new levels of growth, actualizing ideals and releasing you from undesirable habits. Sharing wisdom with others is rewarding and satisfying. Also, from January 2017 through January 2020, transiting Pluto squares natal Uranus at 19° Aries and opposes its own natal position at 22° Cancer in your 9th house. Emerging awareness of unhealthy attachments or patterns will help you in modifying your lifestyle to more accurately reflect who you are now. Spiritual beliefs and questions about the meaning and purpose of life can be revisited. The culmination of your life experience can now supersede any previous knowledge or information.

Sudden insights and perceptions can help you to work through communication issues in new and advantageous ways. Your thinking and interactive style can shift, opening the door to a wider variety of people in your sphere.

Though transiting Uranus entered Taurus in May 2018, it will continue to trine your Mercury at 28° Sagittarius through April 2019. Sudden insights and perceptions can help you to work through communication issues in new and advantageous ways. Your thinking and interactive style can shift, opening the door to a wider variety of people in your sphere. During this period, transiting Uranus also opposes natal asteroid Juno at 0° Scorpio, advocating freedom from real or imagined obligations to others. Tuning into your own needs is central to increasing contentment and joy. Currently, transiting Saturn is in Capricorn. It will conjoin your Sun in January 2019 for the entire year. Become better organized, and further eliminate whatever is no longer useful. Progress may be slower than preferred; trust that you are right where you’re supposed to be. Your public role and community voice may take on greater personal significance. Major structural changes continue. Make adjustments that promote health and well-being. Transiting Jupiter hovers over your 18° Scorpio Ascendant from January through the first week of October 2018. This transit welcomes a fresh twelve-year cycle of spiritual expansion. You are ripe for new experiences in teaching, learning, and enlarging your sphere of influence. Again, do not overextend yourself. In this phase of your life, you can look forward to attaining all that is true to your heart. Taking one step at a time, be confident that opportunities for enjoyable community and intimate interactions abound. Reap the benefits of seeds you’ve sown, taking delight in the happiness and serenity available to you now. This year can shower you with good fortune and restored inspiration. We can only keep what we give away, and you have so much to offer! Note: Orbs used throughout vary a bit, but generally are 5° for applying and 3° for separating aspects influencing the inner planets (Sun–Mars). Orbs used for outer planets (Jupiter–Pluto) are 3° applying and 2° separating, but may be flexible with certain aspects. Chart Data and Sources (Pseudonymous clients have given permission to publish their birth data. The sources of both are birth certificates.) Son of “Caring Parents,” November 21, 2014; 9:52 a.m. EST; Washington, D.C., USA (38°N54', 77°W02'). “Where Now?” January 7, 1933; 2:40 a.m. PST; Hollywood, CA, USA (34°N06', 118°W20'). © 2018 Alexandra Karacostas – all rights reserved Alexandra Karacostas is a professional astrologer based in Chico, Cali­ fornia. A student of astrology since 1975, Alexandra currently serves on the board of OPA, the Organization for Professional Astrology, and is co-editor for the ISAR Journal. She divides her time between the United States and Greece, where she leads Sacred Site tours, and serves a multina­ tional clientele. Contact her at http://www.WisdomAstrology.com or e-mail [email protected]

AUG./SEPT. 2018

13

How to Order Digital Back Issues of TMA: 1997–2016 If you are relatively new to The Mountain Astrologer, you have missed many years of great astrological articles. Although we have printed copies of most back issues going back to 2002 (which can be perused and ordered online using the “Back Issues” tab on our website), we have now made available digital back issues going back to early 1997. Individual digital issues are not available for purchase; they are available only in yearly and multi-year packages. Order them online at: www.members.mountainastrologer.com/dbi Viewing any of these digital back issues requires registering on our TMA Digital site, so after purchasing a package online, you will be taken directly to a registration screen, where you can set up a user name and password (if you are not already registered for TMA Digital) and then get quick access to those issues. If you are already registered and using TMA’s Digital Edition, your digital back issues will simply be added to the very end of your library of TMA issues, so as to keep all your issues in reverse chronological order. To order two or more packages, just keep adding products to TMA’s shopping cart until you have the mix you want. Note: Those purchasing more than one package from the list below may have to wait up to two business days for our circulation manager to add all the purchased issues to your digital library (you will receive an email from us when your new issues are activated). If any registration glitches occur, just email us at [email protected]

Digital-Only Back Issue Package Prices Order at: www.members.mountainastrologer.com/dbi

9 years (54 issues) of digital back issues, 2007 through 2015: $124 ($2.29 per issue) 5 years (30 issues) of digital back issues, 2011 through 2015: $79 ($2.63 per issue) 4 years (24 issues) of digital back issues, 2007 through 2010, plus three bonus issues from 2005 and 2006: $59 ($2.19 per issue) NEW! 6 digital issues (online flipbooks & pdfs) from 2016: $24 6 digital issues (online flipbooks & pdfs) from 2015: $16 6 digital issues (online flipbooks & pdfs) from 2014: $16 6 digital issues (online flipbooks & pdfs) from 2013: $16 6 digital issues (online flipbooks & pdfs) from 2012: $16 6 digital issues (a mix of pdfs and flipbooks) from 2011: $16 6 digital issues (pdfs only) from 2010: $16 6 digital issues (pdfs only) from 2009: $16 6 digital issues (pdfs only) from 2008: $16 6 digital issues (pdfs only) from 2007: $16

NEW!

60 more Digital-Only Back Issues as PDFs, from 1997–2006.

10 years (60 issues) of digital back issues, 1997 through 2006: $129 (our best value, only $2.15 per issue). Most of these issues were scanned from the original printing. Each issue is supplied as a searchable and printable high-resolution pdf file — 7,740 pages in total! Sorry, we are not making single-year sets available for years before 2007. Buy 10 years and clear out your old printed issues.

If you have questions, contact Rae, our circulation manager, at [email protected] Or call her at (800) 287-4828, Mon.–Fri. between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Pacific Time.

www.members.mountainastrologer.com/dbi 14

THE MOUNTAIN ASTROLOGER STUDENT SECTION

AUG./SEPT. 2018

15

The Eastern Window by Penny Farrow

Editor’s Note: Cross ventilation produces a breath of fresh air. It is desirable in a house and even in a magazine! In this spirit, we are featuring a series of short articles designed to make some of the basic building blocks and ideas of Vedic astrology more accessible to all. We anticipate that opening the Eastern Window can clarify the complementarity between great astrological traditions.

The Peanut Butter Sandwich Back in the days before lettuce roll-ups and gorgeous open-faced gourmet delicacies, lunch was an honest sandwich. The prevailing paradigm demanded that comfort food be found between two slices of bread, gluing everything together into one satisfying meal. To label the offering as a sandwich, all three components were non-negotiable. Probably, the king of them all was the peanut butter sandwich (with or without the jelly). In case you’re wondering, you are, in fact, reading a column on Vedic astrology. I have been introducing the building blocks of Jyotisha in the form of grahas (planets), rashis (signs), bhavas (houses), yogas (auspicious and inauspicious combinations of astrological factors), and, most recently, dashas and bhuktis (the exquisite timing mechanism exclusive to this astrological tradition). These are all components of the Vedic peanut butter sandwich. The patterns of the natal chart (static analysis) are our bottom slice of bread, the basis on which we understand the blueprint of someone’s life. This first slice of bread will serve as the foundation for the additional layers. 16

One aspect of dynamic analysis involves how life unfolds in an orderly way in accordance with natal patterns that get activated over time. This is the concept of dashas and bhuktis — the acts and scenes within the play of life. The grahas (actors) play a pivotal role in bringing forward specific parts of the story by being on center stage at the right moment.1 Grahas are the peanut butter that holds together the sandwich of prediction. So, what is the obligatory top slice of bread? That would be another aspect of dynamic analysis — the ever-shifting cosmic kaleidoscope, creating an endless display of patterns that interact with each native’s unique natal configurations: transits in the West, gochara in Vedic astrology. Like most Sanskrit words, gochara is highly evocative. Go refers to anything having to do with cows or cattle. This gets poetically extended to the “herds of the sky,” i.e., stars and grahas, and, from there, to the idea of rays of light. Chara means “moving, wandering, or having a retinue of some kind.” Therefore, gochara is the name given to the actual movement of the grahas in the heavens, based on observation of their light. To illustrate the peanut butter sandwich, I am going to use a particular gochara methodology that is clear and accessible. This technique zeros in on the transits of key grahas, such as the lagna (Ascendant) lord and the current dasha–bhukti lords. “You can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear,” as my teacher used to say. In other words, it is not sound practice

THE MOUNTAIN ASTROLOGER STUDENT SECTION

to base a prediction solely on what the gochara patterns are indicating, without verifying that such an outcome is already potentiated in a particular natal chart — and that the current gochara patterns trigger those natal indications. So, a particular transit won’t be significant for everyone on Earth, something that might otherwise be implied and commonly is these days. Let’s look at the chart of Taylor Swift to illustrate the power of the peanut butter sandwich, and see whether she has that ideal alignment of natal pattern, appropriate dasha and/or bhukti lords, and a transit that fructifies her natal potential in a big way.

The Chart of Taylor Swift Taylor Swift is iconic — an overused cliché perhaps, but in this case a perfect fit. Her remarkable life is foretold in her remarkable destiny pattern. Taylor signs with RCA records at the tender age of 13, but a year later opts out of the contract because she doesn’t want to sing other people’s songs. She then signs with Sony/ATV Music as the youngest songwriter (at age 14) for such a deal, but insists that no other singer perform her songs. Quite a developed personality for one so young! How might that show up in her chart? At just under 14 years old, Taylor begins her Jupiter dasha period. (See Table, following page.) Note that Jupiter is the ruler of her 1st bhava, and it happens to be involved in a plethora of incredibly powerful yogas — too many to detail here.2 (See Chart.) The dasha of the 1st lord is very much about self-development, and with such a

strong Jupiter involved in fame combinations, we are going to know all about her growing pains through her songs. She signs with a label that encourages her to write and sing from a very personal perspective, and her career takes off from there. Jupiter, as both her lagna lord and the dasha lord, has come to the center of the stage at this pivotal time in her life. These two independent variables wind up creating a huge confluence for whatever Jupiter potentiates. If Jupiter’s transit triggers exceptional natal combinations, the results are effectively doubled and could account for the magnitude of her rise. Even without the second slice of bread, her particular peanut butter sandwich is already so compelling that great success during Jupiter’s dasha is easily predictable. However, when she is just 21 years old, there is a singular event on January 31, 2010, in which she makes music history by receiving four of the top Grammy Awards: Album of the Year, Best Country Album, Best Country Song, and Best Female Country Artist. Notably, she is the youngest ever to win Album of the Year. Let’s look at that day’s peanut butter sandwich. Bottom slice of bread: Taylor has incredible natal triggers in the form of powerful yogas promising huge fame. One of the significant yogas that her lagna lord, Jupiter, forms is a raja yoga — a king-making combination — with 10th lord Mercury through their mutual 5DVKL'*HQHUDO

3LV

$UL

7DX

PF ƒ

5Dƒ

9Hƒ

&DS

6DJ

Start Date

AGE

Dasha

Bhukti

4/16/2000

10.3

RA

SU

3/11/2001

11.2

RA

MO

9/10/2002

12.7

RA

MA

9/29/2003

13.8

JU

JU

11/16/2005

15.9

JU

SA

5/29/2008

18.5

JU

ME

9/4/2010

20.7

JU

KE

8/11/2011

21.7

JU

VE

4/11/2014

24.3

JU

SU

1/28/2015

25.1

JU

MO

5/29/2016

26.5

JU

MA

5/5/2017

27.4

JU

RA

9/29/2019

29.8

SA

JU

aspect and exchange. Since their sam­ bandha (mutual relationship) occurs across the 1/7 axis, the raja yoga’s results come via her individual talent and ability to project her fresh young image. She captures the attention of teens worldwide, and they prove to be a powerful demographic, growing up alongside her and following all the twists and turns in her coming of age. Peanut butter: She is running the seminal dasha period of Jupiter, who is involved in those massive natal triggers, which begin at age 13. On award show day, she is also running an exceptional bhukti lord, Mercury, who partners with ƒ Jupiter natally to make several of the most consequenƒ tial yogas. *HP Top slice of bread: Lagna and dasha lord Jupiter is transiting her 3rd house of writing and performance ƒ skills, where it aspects its &DQ natal position — a key piece in triggering all those yogas. And let’s add some rose petal jelly: Her bhukti lord,

0R -S

.H

$TX

6D ƒ

0H ƒ

$V ƒ

Taylor Swift’s Vimshottari Dashas

/HR

6Xƒ

0Dƒ PFƒ

6FR

/LEU

Taylor Swift South Indian chart, Lahiri ayanamsha, and the Mean Node

9LUJ

Mercury, has returned to its natal position, transiting Sagittarius and recreating all those awesome yogas it makes, both on its own and in partnership with Jupiter. Voila! Bon appétit! Chart Data and Source Taylor Swift, December 13, 1989; 8:36 a.m. EST; Reading, PA, USA (40°N20', 75°W56'); DD: Various birth times are given, none confirmed; however, Vedic astrologer Marc Boney has conducted a careful examination of events, transits, yogas, and major life trends, using the above birth time, and is satisfied that the Sagittarius lagna has been convincingly verified.

References 1. Penny Farrow, “The Eastern Window,” in The Mountain Astrologer, June/July 2018, p. 18. 2. Penny Farrow, “The Eastern Window,” in TMA, Feb./March 2018, p. 20. © 2018 Penny Farrow – all rights reserved Penny Farrow has an M.S. degree from Cor­ nell University and has had an extensive career as a teacher, researcher, and businesswoman. She has been involved in the Vedic tradition since 1971. She has studied Jyotisha intensively since 1991, primarily under the personal tutelage of Hart deFouw, and taught Jyotisha and Sanskrit at Vedic Vidya Institute in San Rafael, Califor­ nia for eight years. She now resides in Florida, practicing and teaching Jyotisha and Sanskrit full time, including a new online option. Tele­ phone: (415) 497-2014; e-mail: info@vedicchart. com; website: http://www.vedicchart.com

AUG./SEPT. 2018

17

Neptune and the Color Zeitgeist Does the Sea God Dictate Our Taste for Colors? by Barbara Eaton

W

hy do some colors suddenly become in demand for home furnishings? Why was there a rage for black leather sofas several years back, when during the 1960s no one would have dreamed of a black sofa in their living room? Why is pale gray suddenly the hottest color on wall surfaces? I have lived to see the planet Neptune transit six zodiac signs, starting when the Sea God was in Libra. Having worked in design, I watched as the trends in home fashions and home decorating changed through the decades. Looking back, I can clearly see that Neptune has a profound influence on the zeitgeist, on trends in the arts and fashion, and, yes, on the colors that seem to rise in popularity. This awareness began for me in the 1950s, when Neptune was in Libra. In this post–World War II era, “modernity” was the avant-garde in home decorating. Clean lines and uncluttered looks were achieved with sleek upholstered pieces and built-in cabinetry. Wall-to-wall carpeting was a new thing that added to the modern look. Danish Modern was “in,” with its simple clean lines. But the color schemes were muted, with an abundance of beige, pale greens, and soft blues. Blond furniture became a rage. These clean lines and soft palettes were very much a reflection of the Libra aesthetic of calm, pleasing, soothing environments. No dramatic or harsh colors. This is not to say that some individuals still chose a more colorful palette with more ornamentation, but the newest look was definitely an expression of modern simplicity.

Neptune has a profound influence on trends in the arts and fashion and, yes, on the colors that seem to rise in popularity. 18

THE MOUNTAIN ASTROLOGER STUDENT SECTION

In 1957, Neptune entered Scorpio, and some very exciting and sexy things were happening in the music world. Rock ’n’ roll began to emerge and find a mainstream audience. And, true to the Scorpio tendency toward extremes, dramatic colors began to appear. By the mid 1960s, hot pink, orange, and chartreuse green were suddenly everywhere in home fashion. The Hippies and the British Mods began wearing bold prints comprised of strong colors. The collective unconscious was demanding something more daring and exciting than all those soft pastels of the Neptune in Libra passage. Neptune moved into Sagittarius in the 1970s, and the taste of the masses shifted once again. Theme decorating became a big trend, including country-style décor. I have noticed that whenever Neptune travels through a masculine sign, the cutting edge in home fashions is less about color and more about a particular motif. This seems fitting, as the masculine signs are more cerebral and the feminine signs are more sensual. There is also more emphasis on form, line, and texture when the God of the Sea passes through an air or fire sign. And this was the case during the 1970s, when the brighter colors faded as choices for large surface areas. Now, walls were white or wallpapered to fit a theme-decorating concept. For carpet and upholstery, blue was big and sometimes paired with a rusty brown. Eclectic decorating became popular, often incorporating imported furnishings, baskets, and artifacts from other cultures — all very true expressions of the broad, open-minded worldview of Sagittarius. Neptune’s stay in Sagittarius lasted until the mid 1980s, when it finally entered Capricorn. I remember how the decorators began speaking of the “jewel-tones,” the newest color choices for furnishings. The deep colors of green, burgundy, and brown were everywhere. All the blond woods of the 1950s and ’60s were now passé in favor of darker golden oak and warm cherry. Traditional looks and antiques were back. Yep, that sounds like Capricorn! Mauve, which is a very muted or grayed tone of pink, was a popular color. Perhaps this was a way to have a very unstuffy, less serious color, yet keeping within a “Capricorn mood.”

By 1998, Neptune had moved into Aquarius. The tech boom was under way, and the newest hottest look was the black leather sofa, paired with lots of glass and chrome. Appliances and even kitchen cabinets were often black, too, and computers were everywhere. Black wrought iron was chosen over wood for chairs and tables. The newest look, with Neptune again in a masculine sign, seemed to be less about color and more about a theme or style: a lot less wood, lace curtains, and ruffled bedding; a lot more metal, stone, and places for our electronic gadgets. Wallpaper was now so last decade! A cleaner, modern look had returned. The accent wall appeared, a totally modern idea, where some rooms had walls sporting different colors. When Neptune moved into Pisces in 2012, I should have expected some of the changes, but I was surprised one day, when flipping through a high-end design catalogue, to see a pale blue sofa and a seafoam green one. These were solid colors, not floral prints of these pastel hues. I hadn’t seen that since the 1950s when Neptune was transiting through Libra. Neptune in Pisces has brought back the colors of the sea. Walls everywhere are wearing palest gray, a color that hasn’t been used on walls over the past few decades. Like Libra, the Pisces aesthetic is soft and dreamy and wants a soothing, restful palette. Now we can all muse about what Neptune in Aries will bring.

Astro Computing Services for charts, interpreted reports, tools, books, software & more, visit

www.astrocom.com

© 2018 Barbara Eaton – all rights reserved $19.95

Barbara Eaton is a retired educator and holds a master’s degree in Edu­ cation and degrees in art and design. She coordinated a large educational research project at Kent State University in Ohio, and worked as a public school teacher. She began her love affair with astrology at the age of 15, and now devotes her time to learning, practicing, and teaching astrology — in between short excursions to her garden. She is a member of the Lake County Astrological Association in Ohio. You can visit her astrology blog at https://www.thelivingsky.wordpress.com

$19.95

$14.95

$17.00

“How to” books on a wide variety of astrological techniques and metaphysical topics.

Charts & calculations! Same day orders by phone or email M-F (except legal holidays).

Essential American Ephemeris series! Full century—

5

$29.95 each

-

7 Natal Report $15.95

6

Best-selling transit report—1 yr: 74.95 email only: $49.95

$25.95

See details online for our huge variety of interpreted reports. Above is our most popular transit report. Compatibility Profile, has options for many kinds of relationships! The Magical Child book, report or Art Chart are fun for birthdays, even for adult kids! See art & options for all 12 signs on www.astrocom.com!

STARCRAFTSLLC LLC Starcrafts

Order anytime on www.astrocom.com phone/message 1-866-953-8458 or 603-734-4300 Fax: 603-734-4311, *68-A 334-Calef FoggHwy., Rd., Epping, NH 03042

AUG./SEPT. 2018

19

Moments in Time by Frank C. Clifford

The Mountain Astrologer is born: November 24, 1987; 12:04 p.m. MST; Nederland, Colorado

For our 200th issue, I’d like to pay tribute to the moment in time that The Mountain Astrologer began. That a magazine has survived and thrived for more than 30 years is a feat worth celebrating, and that it continues to offer a variety of articles, topics, and voices at such a high standard makes this worth shouting from the rooftops — as the magazine’s Sagittarius Sun on the Midheaven (MC) suggests. (See Chart, below.) So, what does TMA’s bowl- or sling-shaped chart tell us? With the Sun culminating at the MC in Sagittarius, its purpose is clear for all to see: The magazine’s mission is to inform, educate, enlighten, guide, and train. With Venus conjunct both Saturn and Uranus, there’s a love of all forms of astrology (from traditional ideas to contemporary uses), and there’s a grounding in the fundamental, foundational parts of the birth chart (Saturn) and interest in astrology’s latest advances and discoveries (Uranus). After all, it is a publication (Sagittarius) called The Mountain (Capricorn) Astrologer (Aquarius). TMA-Placidus Natal ChartIf we follow the planets from Scorpio through to Aries, Nov 24 1987, Tue 12:04 MSTsee +7:00 that TMA offers in-depth research (Scorpio) that wepmcan Nederland, CO 39°N57'41'' 105°W30'37''

Geocentric Tropical Placidus True Node

05° ˆ 36'

ˆ

53'

26°

51'

06°

‰ 26'

‰ 18°

¶ 19°

‰

ºÁ

01°

25°21° 25° ˆ

À

10°

¸

¾ »¿

16° 10°

ˆ 57'

ˆ ˆ 26'06' 55' 10

‡ ‡ 32' 46' 9

11

Š 49'

É

Ü 18'

† 18'

Ê 00°

8

†

…

7

The Mountain Astrologer is born

17°

„

1

05°

05°

‡ 25'

15' Π12

Ü

¼

00°

03'

17°

‹

‡ 25'

49'

6

Π15'

00°

2

Œ 29' Ü

5 3

4

20°

½

51'

ƒ

Œ 24' ‚

18°

27°

 10°

Placidus houses, True Node

20

Ý 25'

‚

53'

26° 05° ‚ 36'

THE MOUNTAIN ASTROLOGER STUDENT SECTION

takes us on a journey (Sagittarius) with professionals and authorities (Capricorn); it shares many ideas with the community (Aquarius) to foster an understanding of the interconnectedness of the world around us (Pisces); and then it leaves us to try it out for ourselves (Aries). With Sagittarius and Aquarius on the “public persona” angles, we have the image of the philosopher and the anthropologist; the philanthropist and the humanitarian. These signs have a cosmic, humorous, New Age, or futuristic feel (as seen in TMA’s covers and quirky cartoons). Both Sagittarius and Aquarius are hopeful for humanity. They have a dislike of narrowness and pigeonholing, of ignorance and intolerance. They enjoy crossing (or tearing through) boundaries, exploring, being visionary, reaching out, and speaking up. An observational, humanistic viewpoint (Aquarius) combines with the evangelical faith (Sagittarius) of knowing what astrology can do when it comes alive — the sort of mix that we as astrologers often feel. In TMA’s chart, there’s a well-placed Jupiter in Aries: to boldly go places other magazines wouldn’t (even if the editors are quick to catch split infinitives before print). But the chart also shows depth and staying power: Mars and Mercury–Pluto in Scorpio, plus a Capricorn Moon. In addition to the breadth of writers and subjects, each professionally polished issue is packed with more information and insights than we could ever absorb in one sitting. It’s hard to think of a leading light who hasn’t contributed to, or been featured in, its pages. And if we look for asteroids for those regular contributors or high-profile subjects/interviewees, we make some fun discoveries — although there are not asteroids for everyone (try finding Tem and Tarriktar!). Indulge me, and I’ll leave you to play with meanings for the following: In Libra (opposite TMA’s Jupiter), we have Robert Blaschke (17°), Kim Rogers-Gallagher (20°, while Rogers is further along at 13° Scorpio), and Jessica Murray (24° Libra). In Scorpio, there’s regular columnist Dana Gerhardt conjunct herself Danae (6°) Gerhardter (9°) — give me marks for trying! — and editor Nan Nancy Geary perched at 28° Scorpio (near TMA’s Sun — and Nan’s) and opposite Ray Grasse Grass (26° Taurus). In Sagittarius, interviewee Stephen Arroyo (0°) is followed by long-time software reviewer Hank Friedman (4°) on the magazine’s MC. On the opposite side is much-loved

Donna Cunningham (19° Gemini), who wrote for TMA for 27 years. In Capricorn, we meet Greg Bogart Bogard (4°) and Erin Sullivan (8°) conjunct TMA’s Neptune, while luminaries Liz Greene and Jeff Green (21°) are conjunct long-time editor and Mama TMA herself Kate (21°) Sholly, fittingly on the magazine’s Moon. “Astrology News” columnist Gloria Starr (25°) is nearby. Prolific Vedic writer Linda Johnsen Johnson (13°) conjoins Wendell Perry (18°) in Aquarius on the magazine’s Ascendant. And, yes (after 52 issues and 72 pieces), I’m in the 7th house square the Sun, hmm … (Clifford is at 2° Virgo) — but, interestingly, my natal Moon is 2° Virgo, and transiting Saturn was at 2° Virgo on September 24, 2007, when I received initial interest from the editors about my first article proposal. Finally, if you want a hat-trick of asteroids to play with, take a look at the advertising salesperson for TMA, the everdelightful Linda (5° Virgo) Kubota (17° Libra, opposite TMA’s Jupiter) Byrd (10° Cancer). Long may TMA continue! The signs are hopeful: On the day Tem began TMA, Google tells me that a debut album by Keith Sweat was released. Its title? Make It Last Forever. And if you do happen to discover an asteroid and get the chance to name it, may I suggest Tem Tarriktar — it’ll make my job much easier when I do this again for the 300th issue. © 2018 Frank C. Clifford – all rights reserved Frank Clifford is the author of The Solar Arc Handbook (2018) as well as Getting to the Heart of Your Chart; Horoscope Snapshots: Essays in Modern Astrology; and Palmistry 4 Today. Recently, Frank published The Astrology Quartet as an e-book, which contains his writings on the Mid­ heaven, Venus and Mars, and Humour. Frank’s website can be found at http://www.frankclifford.co.uk — with books, free articles, and an online consultation booking feature — and his courses are at http://www.lon donschoolofastrology.co.uk

Over 500 horoscopes of pop, rock, soul, rap, dance, Latin, stage, jazz, folk and country performers – many never before published. Over 30 essays on the astrology of music from astrologers Lynn Bell, Brian Clark, Sue Farebrother, Michele Finey, Steven Forrest, Franco, Tony Howard, Mark Jones, Kathy Rose, Bruce Scofield, Michelle Young and many others. Buy this book from any seller and proceeds will go into a scholarship fund designed to help student and professional astrologers in need of financial assistance attend major conferences worldwide. www.frankclifford.co.uk/support

AUG./SEPT. 2018

21

P rofessional D irectory Consultants

Bernie Ashman

www.bernieashman.com 919-489-0545 | [email protected]

Over 35 years working with clients worldwide. My style with chart readings is intuitive as well as user-friendly and customized to get you the best results for gaining insight.

• Past Life written report w/ Past Life Chart Wheel invented by me!

• Synastry and my own written Composite Chart • Current & Future Cycle Readings (T&P)

Author of How to Survive Mercury Retrograde, SignMates, Sun Signs & Past Lives, Intuition and Your Sun Sign

22 —

THE MOUNTAIN ASTROLOGER

Consultants

SOUL PURPOSE & RELOCATION ASTROLOGY by

Mark Dodich, C.A.P. FREE NEWSLETTER Natal, 7 Rays Esoteric Astrology Astro*Carto*Graphy – your best locations!

(503) 252-1558 [email protected] www.astromark.us Astrology and intuitive services since 1980.

Consultants

Consultants

Consultants

Consultants

Dorothy Oja

Komilla Sutton

MINDWORKS “Helping you manage your planets” Author: Planetary Resonance, Everything Leaves a Trace and Compatibility and Conflict, interpretive reports • Consultations: Individual, Relationships, Child Profiles • Research best times for surgery, weddings, business • PlanetWeather newsmagazine subscribe @ www.planetweather.net

[email protected]

Over three decades of committed astrological consulting, writing, teaching, lecturing 617-926-8841• [email protected] FB: PlanetWeatherNews

Vedic Astrologer Consultations in person, by phone, or e-mail Worldwide Webinar Courses and Study Trips to India

Now living in California (925) 931-1855

– Pleasanton, CA, USA

[email protected] • www.Komilla.com

[email protected]

AUG./SEPT. 2018

— 23

Consultants

Education

ESOTERIC ASTROLOGY This is Initiation Science; a way of applying Hermetic and Gnostic Principles through dowsing and use of the planetaries.

Valuable interpretation techniques for students & teachers

FREE PDF LIBRARY

Education JOIN THE WORLD’S LARGEST INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION WITH LOCAL CHAPTERS Regular Local Meetings | Study & Discussion Groups Social Events | Lectures & Workshops at reduced prices

PUBLICATIONS E-News & Calendar Qtrly Memberletter Magazine Annual NCGR Research Journal Annual Geocosmic Journal

Alexandria IBase Project www.alexandriaibase.org search “Johanson”

more info at:

geocosmic.org

sophiajohanson.wordpress.com

Vedic Astrology Education

4 Level Vedic Astrology Study Programme via Webinars I. Foundation II. Rules of Interpretation III. Prediction Techniques IV. Advanced Webinars Begin in March Annually Komilla Academy of Vedic Sciences

www.Komilla.com

Relationships & Astrology Margaret Gray & Armand Diaz offer courses in relationship astrology, relationship consultations & more! One-Year Course Starting in Sept 2018!

24 —

THE MOUNTAIN ASTROLOGER

RelationshipsandAstrology.com

[email protected]

ASTROLOGERS! Imagine your ad here, reaching many thousands of TMA readers! Contact Linda Byrd at: [email protected] or call (800) 948-8048

ELON MUSK’S ANSWER TO AI A Pentagram and Some Holy Water by Deborah McMahon

S

ophia was the first robot in the world to be granted a status that until recently had been reserved solely for human beings: She was granted citizenship to a country — specifically, Saudi Arabia. She learnt of the honour during her five-minute Q&A session at the Future Investment Initiative Conference held there in October 2017, which she was attending in order to demonstrate her range of displayed emotions and natural conversational style, and to attract investment backing. “I want to live and work with humans, so I need to express emotions to understand humans and build trust with people.”1 And when the question of how Artificial Intelligence (AI) might become a future threat to humans was raised, her ability to wisecrack was also demonstrated. “You’ve been reading too much Elon Musk and watching too many Hollywood movies,” she replied.2 Her comment spoke directly to our imagined fears, as portrayed in blockbusters like 1983’s WarGames and the Terminator movies, and also to the grave concerns expressed by inventor–entrepreneur Elon Musk, who has likened AI to “summoning the demon.”3 At MIT’s Aeronautics and Astronautics Symposium of 2014, Musk reckoned AI to be humankind’s greatest existential threat, quipping, “You know in all those stories where there’s the guy with the pentagram and the holy water, and he’s like ‘yeah’ he’s sure he can control the demon … doesn’t work out.”4 Well, little did Musk know — he’s the guy!

A Man with a Pentagram Look into Musk’s natal chart, and you can see three planets Elon Musk in “Pentagram” relationship to each other: MerNatal Chart inMon Cancer is in quintile aspect to Pluto in Virgo, and Juncury 28 1971, 12:00 pm EET -2:00 5 bothSouth planets Pretoria, Africa are bi-quintile to Mars in Aquarius. (See Chart, 25°S45' 028°E10' below.) In astrology, our planet of relating and aesthetics Geocentric

Tropical Whole Signs True Node

00° ƒ 00' 00'

„

º¸Ì

00°

00'

„ 07'

† 00'

10

‚ 37'

01° ‚ 08'

Ý

8

… 29'

Ë 05° † 31' † 29' ¿ 09°

42' Ü

7

Á 27° … 05'

13° Â 00°

Elon Musk

Ü

1

00'

6

2

00° 00'

00° 00'

11

12

‡

‚ 00'

9

Œ 38' Œ ‡ 48' 27° ˆ

5 3

4

56' 07' Š Š 20°

¼ É

15°

00°

½ À 00° ˆ 00'

Whole Sign houses, True Node

¾

19°

15°

00°

00°

ƒ ƒ ƒ 27'04' 40'

Ê

…

¶ 10°

14°06°03°

00°

»

00°

Š

00'

‹

00°

00'

00° ‰ 00'

AUG. / SEPT. 2018

— 25

Elon Musk's Answer to AI connects us to the Pentagram: Venus retrogrades five times in its repeating eight-year cycle, and the positions of these retrogrades marked in the zodiac draw out a five-pointed star. (See Diagram 1, below.) But there is also a pattern within this pattern — three consecutive retrogrades6 give us three of the five star-points and also trace the dimensions of the Golden Triangle7 — so named because of its repeating proportional relationships in the Golden Ratio.8 The Golden Ratio (or Golden Mean or Section) is a mathematical expression of the whole in aesthetic balance with the sum of its parts, which, when calculated, is represented by Phi, the number of physical manifestation and design (1.618…). Mathematicians recognise the Golden Triangle as an isosceles triangle with an internal angle of 36 degrees at its apex and angles of 72 degrees at each of the other two points. (See Diagram 2, below.) In astrology, the sides of the Golden Triangle show us the quintile and bi-quintile aspects — planets separated by 72° and 144°, respectively. These aspects are considered to have

Diagram 1: The Venus Pentangle

Diagram 2: The Golden Triangle

minor significance by many astrologers, but I believe that they show talents in the native. With these aspects, natives often have an ability to recognise patterns usually unseen by others, and personal will and creativity can combine into a drive to build something tangible in the world or to make something of their personal vision. Musk has this Pentagram fractal in his chart, flavoured by the planets of action (Mars) and transformation (Pluto) and an out-of-bounds Mercury — this is a man born to make an impact. And he has a Pentagram potential there to be awakened by transit. His three quintile planets together highly sensitize two other quintile degrees in his chart: 4° Taurus and 9° Sagittarius, completing the five-pointed star. Let’s explore this in action. In 1984, the technology-mad 12-year-old coveted a new computer, and talent was his only means of gaining it.9 He found a computing trade magazine prepared to pay contributors for software, so he wrote his Blastar computer game and sold the programme to PC and Office Technology. It was published in the December issue, at the end of an 18-month Uranus transit/activation of 9° Sagittarius. It’s easy to imagine this early success orienting Musk to the dot.com business wave, which he rode with success as a young man. Musk was an early innovator, founding and then selling his Zip2 web software company. He later co-founded X.com, his online financial services and e-mail payment company, which he later merged with Confinity and rebranded as PayPal in 2001. Can you see the planetary themes of his Golden Triangle revealed? A nine-month Uranus activation of Musk’s natal Mars (by conjunction) in 2001 coincided with his inspiration to send a greenhouse of crop-seeds to the Red Planet, creating an oasis of life on Mars. His aim was to capture the public’s imagination and raise funds for NASA. Musk journeyed to Moscow in October that year, attempting to purchase a Dnepr intercontinental ballistic missile to carry his payload into space. But within a year, he had abandoned the oasis project in favour of building his own, more affordable, reusable space rockets

Summer School exeter college, oxford, england 17th - 24th auguSt 2018 Guest Tutors: Rod Chang, Brian Clark, Angela Cornish, Darby Costello, Christian Koenig, Clare Martin, Chris Mitchell, Melanie Reinhart & Christine Skinner Faculty Tutors: Frances Clynes, Cat Cox, Penny de Abreu, Kim Farley, Stevi Gaydon, Lindsay Gladstone, Deborah Morgan, Glòria Roca, Carole Taylor & Dragana Van de moortel-Ilić

For more information www.astrology.org.uk [email protected] Raising the standard of astrological education since 1948

26 —

THE MOUNTAIN ASTROLOGER

capable of journeying to Mars. SpaceX was founded in 2002, along with Musk’s goal to establish a human colony on Mars. He has made tremendous progress since then, recently announcing his intention to land cargo there by 2022 and to land crew by 2024.10 And now we are on ringside seats for the next Uranus activation of Musk’s Pentagram pattern. Uranus will transit that sensitized 4° Taurus point in May 2019; again, in November 2019, whilst in retrograde motion; and once more in March 2020, moving direct. What might we expect, then, from powerhouse innovator Musk? Likely it will be a Taurean-themed technological breakthrough of some sort. There might be advances in the things that we value — our luxuries, money, or perhaps our embodied senses. Or it’s possible that we will see multiple breakthroughs, since a fractal activation of all of his quintile points supports technological developments themed through the expressions of Mercury, Pluto, and Mars in the signs of Cancer, Virgo, and Aquarius, respectively.

incomprehensible that he likened it to the event-horizon of a black hole. So, as we approach 2023 and Vinge’s predicted S-point, the question is: Should we feel concerned about Sophia Robot? After all, her citizenship sparked protests from Saudi women, who observed that the robot has more rights than they do.14 Sophisticated imitation she may be, but currently Sophia fails the Turing test for a “thinking machine,” which should be indistinguishable from a human in natural language conversations. Sophia’s interactions with her interviewer appeared pre-programmed and, on occasion, ill-timed. This Audrey Hepburn–lookalike currently seems to be no real threat to humanity. But truth be told, if Musk’s demon does appear, it’s more likely to be in an amorphous, all-pervasive form. Just one week before Sophia stepped onto the stage in Saudi Arabia, the Google DeepMind team published its success in creating a machine intelligence capable of learning the traditional Chinese game of Go without the aid of any human knowledge.15 This game is more complex than chess by magnitudes, requiring advanced abstract strategies and intuition, and offering many more alternatives per move. And unlike its predecessors, AlphaGo Zero was not seeded with data from the plays of human Go masters. It was provided with the parameters of the game and played against itself, bootstrapping itself within 40 days to a superior level of performance capable of beating all previous versions of AlphaGo — versions that had been regularly outperforming the best of the best human Go masters. Master Ke Jie commented, through his Weibo account, that humans seem redundant in the face of this AI self-improvement.16 Could the development of AlphaGo Zero herald the emergence of Musk’s demon? Even its name seems to parody the moment of singularity to come. And what of Musk’s response to this existential threat?

The Alpha and Omega

Some Holy Water

Perhaps it was a beautiful hybridisation of his life as a science fiction writer and professor of mathematics and computer science that helped Vernor Vinge to so capably express the coming of a technological “singularity.” He was at the NASA-sponsored Vision-21 Symposium, and it was 1993 — the beginning of our current synodic cycle between Uranus and Neptune. Vinge proposed that we would have the technological means to create superhuman intelligence in computers and networked systems within 30 years. And shortly thereafter, the “human era” would end, as either a human–technology fusion or a super artificial intelligence displaces humankind as the pinnacle of evolved intelligence on Earth.11 What he foresaw was an alpha and omega state — the beginning and the end. The singularity, as he put it, is a point where all our models must be discarded and a new reality rules. He predicted that, as we move closer and closer to this point, it will loom evermore vast over human affairs until the notion seems commonplace. “Yet when it finally happens it may still be a great surprise and a greater unknown.”12 Inventor and Google’s Chief Futurist, Ray Kurzweil, later explained the singularity in his New York Times bestseller13 as an explosion in the rate of technological development beyond anything our human minds could hope to comprehend — so

A Neptunian blurring of distinctions between humanity and technology in an all-connecting merger is Musk’s answer to AI: “You can’t beat ’em, so you better well join ’em” kind of solution. Late in 2015, Musk co-founded OpenAI — in the face of borderline-crazy salary offers from other companies to lure away its AI developer talent. The $1 billion nonprofit

Sophia, Hanson Robotics Ltd. speaking at the AI for GOOD Global Summit, ITU, Geneva, Switzerland, 7 - 9 June, 2017. © ITU/R.Farrell

A Neptunian blurring of distinctions between humanity and technology in an all-connecting merger is Elon Musk’s answer to Artificial Intelligence.

AUG. / SEPT. 2018

— 27

Musk - AI research company aims to influence the development of friendly AI and ensure egalitarian access to developments by making its research freely available to the public. Musk has concerns about the nature of AI and also about its control by a “misguided despot.” He expressed his fears in a televised interview in June 2016: “Freedom consists of the distribution of power, and despotism in its concentration” (likely misquoting Lord Acton).17 “I think it’s important, if we have this incredible power of AI, that it not be concentrated in the hands of a few and potentially lead to a world that we don’t want.” Instead, Musk envisions a broadly distributed AI linked to each individual’s will, creating a collective that could overcome the actions of any single bad individual. Then, in July 2016, Musk co-founded his neurotechnology company, purchasing its “Neuralink” trademark in January the following year.

28 —

THE MOUNTAIN ASTROLOGER

The company was first publically reported in late March 2017, within range of the first of five Uranus–Neptune semi-squares occurring between August 2017 and May 2019. Neuralink’s short-term aim is to make tech devices to treat serious brain diseases, and then turn to human enhancement by merging the human brain with AI. Musk proposes to use a “neural lace” — its name taken directly from The Culture series of novels by science-fiction writer Iain M. Banks.18 Incidentally, Banks also has a Golden Triangle in his natal chart, involving Saturn at 9° Scorpio in quintile to the North Node at 23° Capricorn, with both in bi-quintile to Jupiter at 16° Gemini (chart not shown). The micro-technology is to be injected through the carotid artery, travel to the brain through the blood supply, and self-assemble as a technological mesh layered over the neocortex, helping humans to interface wirelessly with cloud-based AI. Musk’s solution is for humankind to be transcended by its own creation — to become “transhuman.”

Might the meeting, separation, and return of Uranus and Neptune over a 171-year period tell of the rise of transhumanism? Transcendent Man The coming of the post-human era — it’s a perilous game to predict. Vinge believed that we would see the emergence of human-equivalent intelligence in technology by 2023. Kurzweil predicts it by 2029, and the singularity by 2045. Other AI experts push the emergence of human-level general intelligence out

to 2075, and they speculate that super­ human intelligence is not likely to be seen before 2100.19 So, what predictive techniques might we turn to in astrology to help prepare us for this coming phenomenon? Top of the list is the Uranus–Neptune synodic cycle, with Uranus signifying technology and artificial intelligence, and Neptune representing the transcendent experience. Might the meeting, separation, and return of these two planets over a 171-year period tell of the rise of transhumanism? Let’s review the last cycle for insight. At the Uranus–Neptune conjunction in 1821, Charles Babbage formulated his idea for mechanical computation and, the following year, commissioned work on his mechanical difference engine. The First Quarter square of 1868–70 brought the first developments that would aid in human–machine interfaces. Cathode rays were discovered in 1869 and later used as cathode ray tubes in television and computer monitors, and by 1874, we saw the first commercially viable typewriter. At the opposition in 1908, patents were being filed that would help to create the teleprinter (an electronic typewriter used to interface with mainframe and minicomputers), as well as the technology for the first electronic switch used in electronic computers. This is also around the time that International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) filed its first patent. The Last Quarter square of 1954–56 brought the first digital computer with magnetic core RAM and real-time graphics, John McCarthy coined the term “artificial intelligence,” and the public was watching Robby the Robot costar in the sci-fi movie Forbidden Planet. The cycle’s end opened our current one in 1993, with the conjunction of Uranus and Neptune at 19° Capricorn. That very same year, Vinge wrote of a transhuman future and coined the term “technological singularity.” It’s also the year that the Web source code was released into the public domain, immediately contributing to the massive growth of the World Wide Web. At present, we are in the midst of the semi-square phase — the phase of emergence. Musk’s Neuralink company first showed its face in 2017,

just five months before the first exact Uranus–Neptune aspect in August. The fifth and final semi-square in May 2019 will have Uranus in the early degrees of Taurus, just as a ten-month activation of Musk’s Taurean quintile point begins. Might this be when we first glimpse a transhuman future? However, according to Musk, we are already effectively a human–machine collective symbiote, achieved through our e-mail and social media presence and our smartphone connectivity. His observations echo the sentiments of Marshall McLuhan, from 50 years ago, who argued that the very nature of humanity is changed by its own media, which are external projections of our senses. In predicting the coming Internet, this author and philosopher foretold of a time when humanity’s mind would be flipped external to our bodies. OpenAI co-founder Sam Altman observes that a co-evolution of humans and AI is underway. He notes

According to Musk, we are already effectively a human–machine collective symbiote, achieved through our e-mail, social media, and smartphone connectivity.

that machine-learning algorithms used on dating sites match people who go on to have babies together. “So in effect you have this machine-learning algorithm breeding humans.”20 Ahead of us is the Uranus–Neptune First Quarter square phase from 2039 through 2041 — the phase of crisis in action. This timing is short by a few years of Kurzweil’s predicted singularity date, but it does appear to be a destined time for him, and perhaps for us as well. Kurzweil has a pair of interrelated Golden Triangles in his natal chart, magically distributed in a four-point quintile array consisting of Neptune at 12° Libra, Jupiter at 23° Sagittarius, Mercury at 6° Pisces, and the North Node at 17° Taurus (chart not shown). This suggests that he can attune to patterns not apparent to the rest of us. Our 2040 square will have Uranus transiting 0° Leo and completing a personal Grand Quintile (or Pentagram) in Kurzweil’s chart. We can only speculate about its meaning for him — maybe the realisation of a long-held vision, such as “The Age of the Intelligent Machine”? (I reference the title of his first book, published in 1990.) Our imaginations are further taxed at the prospect of what might be brought about at the Uranus–Neptune opposition of 2080 and the Last Quarter square of 2125, before a new cycle begins in 2165 at 6° Aquarius.

The Musk Transits Can the transits of Musk’s own chart offer us some insight? As mentioned, his quintile point at 4° Taurus will receive a Uranus activation in 2019–20, and by 2040 Neptune will transit the same degree, suggesting that Musk and Kurzweil have interrelated fates intertwined with the First Quarter square of Uranus and Neptune. More magical patterning can be seen in 2035–36, when transiting Uranus activates Musk’s Pentagram at his Mercury degree in Cancer, evoking imaginings of super-connected thoughts and emotions aided by technology. And curiously this transit reactivates the chart (not shown) of Babbage, inventor of that first calculating machine. The Golden Triangle in his chart occupies pretty much the same degrees as Musk’s — Babbage has Mars at 26° Virgo, Pluto at 20° Aquarius, and Chiron at 16° Cancer. AUG. / SEPT. 2018

— 29

Musk - AI Both men’s charts will feel the heavy effects of a Pluto transit before the end of 2036, lasting through to 2037: Musk will have his Aquarius Mars impacted, and for the long-dead Babbage, it will be an ominous Pluto return. The significations seem to imply a death and rebirth of the machine era. But for old man Musk, it will be 2051–52 before Uranus sparks a Plutonian transformation: The Pluto point at 27° Virgo in his Golden Triangle will be touched three times by Uranus in October 2051 and in April and July 2052. Might it be mid century before we meet the event-horizon of the promised singularity?

The Eclipse of 1968 Let me offer you another timing event to consider before we circle back to the prospect of a singularity. If we can agree that the Sun represents both intellect and self-identity, and Uranus represents humanity’s technological invention, then the singularity could be signified by a total solar eclipse conjunct Uranus. And such an event has already occurred — on September 22, 1968. That very same year, Douglas Engelbart delivered to us the “mother of all demos” in a 90-minute live demonstration considered the all-time greatest because of its influence on what we now think of as a computer. Engelbart “used a workstation … with windows, hypertext, graphics, command input, videoconferencing, word processing, dynamic file linking, and a collaborative real-time editor all accessed using a mouse.”21 And 1968 is also the year the Internet began — the procurement of data transport technology was started in the spring/ summer months of 1968, establishing UCLA as the first node of the ARPAnet by October 1969. The eclipse of ’68 was the final total solar eclipse of the Saros series 124, occurring at 29°29' Virgo, with Uranus in cazimi separated by only 7 arc minutes. The final, critical degree of mutable Virgo seems entirely appropriate for an event potentially signifying humanity being eclipsed by its very own helpmate creation.

30 —

THE MOUNTAIN ASTROLOGER

Both Musk and Kurzweil warn that once AI achieves human-level intelligence, its capabilities will inevitably race ahead of its maker. Perhaps we are a little too close to history in its making to reliably identify its turning points. And perhaps it’s a fair criticism to observe that the pace of technological change is so great that any one year in our near history might be inappropriately claimed as seminal. But let us make an attempt, using Uranus in angular relation to this proposed seeding-place of humanity’s transcendence. In 1988, as Uranus transited the final degree of the double-bodied sign of Sagittarius in a First Quarter square to the ’68 eclipse, the first T1 backbone was added to the ARPAnet (a T1 is a dedicated data transmission line). The following year, the first Internet service provider began servicing customers, and a proposal was made for a distributed computing system which would later become the World Wide Web. This was also the time when we saw the emergence of the hand-held PC. And in the realms of human/ computer competition, the Hi Tech and Deep Thought chess-playing programmes defeated human chess masters in 1989. Uranus’s transit of the final degree of mutable Pisces in 2010–11 represented the illuminating, Full Moon phase of the seeding eclipse at 29° Virgo. This was when we found society’s scales tipped enthusiastically toward the digital experience. More Kindle books than hardcovers were sold on Amazon, YouTube achieved its billionth subscriber, Instagram was

launched, the first all-robotic surgery was performed, and the United States Cyber Command achieved full operational capability. And early in 2011, in a three-day exhibition match, IBM’s Supercomputer, Watson, beat the two best human Jeopardy quiz show players with a score greater than those of the two human players combined. Ahead of us is the Last Quarter square phase of 2032–33, when Uranus transits the final degree of Gemini, and then we face Uranus’s return in 2051–52 to that Virgo seeding place. So, a cycle’s end circles us back to the possibility of an unrecognisable future — a possible technological singularity. But there is a glimpse of the familiar: Mid century is also the time when Musk’s Pluto is visited by Uranus, and his Golden Triangle is activated once again.

Sup from the Cup Both Musk and Kurzweil warn that once AI achieves human-level intelligence, its capabilities will inevitably race ahead of its maker, as it first achieves superhuman intelligence and then the singularity. Should that happen, humankind would be likened to ants in the eyes of this advanced intelligence — or perhaps, in the most benign of the possible scenarios, we could be viewed much like pet cats. Therefore, if we are to gain the benefits (or safeguards) of a merger with this new intelligence, then timing is crucial. This astrological exploration highlights the late 2030s leading to 2040 as a period of interest, and suggests that something of significance will occur mid century. That’s only about 20 years for us to watch and decide whether we will join Musk in his promised transhuman solution. Do you think you will sup from his cup? I remain unpersuaded, but I know that I will be watching Elon Musk with interest … this guy with the Pentagram potential in his natal chart and his Neuralink startup company. Chart Data and Sources (in alphabetical order) Charles Babbage, December 26, 1791; birth time unknown; London, England (51°N30', 00°W10'); X: date without a time; Hyman in 1975 found that Babbage’s birth had been registered in St. Mary’s Newington, London on 1/06/1792. Given the place that his birth was registered, it is almost certain that

Babbage was born in the family home of 44 Crosby Row, Walworth Road, London. Iain M. Banks, February 16, 1954; 4:10 a.m. GMT; Dunfermline, Scotland (56°N04', 03°W29'); AA: Caroline Gerard quotes birth certificate in Astrology Quarterly, Vol. 67/2. Ray Kurzweil, February 12, 1948; 11:45 p.m. EST; Queens, New York, USA (40°N43', 73°W52'); A: from memory; personal e-mail from Kurzweil to Starkman (18 February 2013): “My birth date is Feb. 12, 1948 in Queens, New York City. I believe I was born about 11:45 pm but am not certain.” Elon Musk, June 28, 1971; birth time unknown (noon EET used); Pretoria, South Africa (25°S45', 28°E10'); X: date and location from various Internet sources, including AstroDatabank.

References and Notes (All URLs were accessed in March 2018.)

7. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_tri angle_(mathematics) (viewed page last edited on 26 January 2018). 8. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_ratio (viewed page last edited on 19 March 2018). 9. Details of Musk’s biography and career events can be found in the Wikipedia page about him (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elon_Musk), in many of the other URLs listed in this References and Notes section, and in the 2015 biography by Ashlee Vance, Elon Musk: Tesla, SpaceX, and the Quest for a Fantastic Future. 10. See “Elon Musk Gives Updates on Mission to Mars,” https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=XcVpMJp9Th4&t=448s 11. See “The Coming Technological Singularity: How to Survive the Post-Human Era” in NASA Conference Publication 10129, Vision-21: Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in the Era of Cyberspace, pp. 11–23, https://ntrs.nasa.gov/ archive/nasa/casi.ntrs.nasa.gov/19940022855.pdf

1. See “Interview with the Lifelike Hot Robot Named Sophia (Full) | CNBC,” https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=S5t6K9iwcdw

12. Ibid.

2. Ibid.

14. See https://www.reuters.com/article/ us-saudi-robot-citizenship/saudi-women-riled-byrobot-with-no-hjiab-and-more-rights-than-themidUSKBN1D14Z7

3. See “One-on-One with Elon Musk,” (time mark 1:00:30), https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=PULkWGHeIQQ 4. Ibid. 5. Elon Musk’s time of birth is unknown, so the chart is set to midday; however, the Golden Triangle configuration in his chart remains in effect for the entire day. 6. Venus retrogrades don’t neatly follow each other in zodiacal order. They occur at 144° separations (bi-quintile) to each other at every second starpoint, and it is this sequencing that traces out the pattern of a five-pointed star. Three consecutive retrogrades trace out a Golden Triangle.

13. Ray Kurzweil, The Singularity Is Near: When Humans Transcend Biology, Viking, 2005.

18. Tim Cross wrote an interesting article in The Economist about the influence that author Iain M. Banks has on Elon Musk. See https:// www.1843magazine.com/culture/the-daily/thenovelist-who-inspired-elon-musk 19. See “Future Progress in Artificial Intelligence: A Survey of Expert Opinion,” https://nickbostrom. com/papers/survey.pdf 20. See “Elon Musk and Y Combinator President on Thinking for the Future,” https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=SqEo107j-uw&t=14s 21. See https://www.computerhope.com/jargon/ t/the-mother-of-all-demos.htm © 2018 Deborah McMahon – all rights reserved Deborah McMahon studies and writes about astrology in her free time. She is employed as a research administrator at a New Zealand medical university, and also works in project support roles on a contract basis. She publishes regularly to her Facebook page, @ deborahmcmahonastrologer, and can be messaged through that account or e-mailed at [email protected]. Deborah plans to study more, continue her writing, and build her astrology consulting practice.

15. See “AlphaGo Zero: Learning from Scratch,” https://deepmind.com/blog/alphagozero-learning-scratch/ 16. See “New Version of AlphaGo Can Master Weiqi Without Human Help,” http://www.ecns. cn/2017/10-19/277691.shtml 17. See “Artificial Intelligence | Elon Musk, SpaceX and Tesla | Code Conference 2016,” https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=tV8EOQNYC-8&index= 3&list=PLKof9YSAshgyPqlK-UUYrHfIQaOzF PSL4

AUG. / SEPT. 2018

— 31

Tiny and the Valentine HORARY IN ACTION by Wade Caves

I

f you have a decent grasp of astrology generally, horary is fairly straightforward. Its pace takes some adjusting to, as does its tendency to drive symbols into hyper-literal, material manifestations, but the technique is little more than a common-sense application of the natural philosophy behind all astrology. That said, those of us who’ve studied horary in earnest have all had that moment: a comingling of wonder and exasperation as an experienced teacher–practitioner seamlessly delineates an example chart that had left us vexed and confused just moments before. “Now that you’ve said it, I don’t know how I missed it,” the mutterings tend to go. Or, better yet: “Your chart examples are so clear. Why aren’t our own charts this easy?” The truth is that they are, when the questions that birth them are properly vetted, and both the astrologer and the client are equally vested in the consultation process itself. In fairness, that seems a tall order for today. Modern technological advancements have engendered a culture of immediacy that surrounds us on all sides, subtly conditioning us to expect — right, wrong, or indifferent — that what we want, we should be able to receive on demand, astrological intervention not excepted. Have you lost an item just moments ago? Save yourself a search: Simply pop open your software and have a look!

32 —

THE MOUNTAIN ASTROLOGER

Want to know if your interview went well? Don’t bother developing a bit of patience! Why would you anyway, when horary is at your fingertips? Whipping out astrological software for every minor inconvenience (a close cousin to “shoot first, ask questions later”) results in lazy symbolism, which is notoriously difficult to judge. Repeated disappointments teach would-be adepts that horary is tedious and doesn’t land us on the answer’s doorstep quite as we’d expected. Some have even concluded, after failing to predict what time the postman will arrive each day, that there’s no value in horary at all. An acknowledgment is needed that when we turn to horary, we are effectively petitioning something “up there”

Whatever challenge we put to horary, we must first put to a fair trial: Is this situation appropriate (and ready) for celestial input?

(and “in here”) to guide us back to some path that we’ve somehow lost track of “down here” (and “out there”). Horary attempts to usher us toward better judgment, to realign our internal compass to point us to our own version of “north” again. It therefore seems to me that whatever challenge we put to horary, we first put to a fair trial: Is this situation appropriate (and ready) for celestial input? This isn’t to suggest that horary requires a question of life or death, but rather that common-sense solutions should first be exhausted, and then we turn to horary when our need has reached an apex. It takes some time to learn how to properly vet questions. I wasn’t very good at it when I started but, over time, have come to appreciate just how requisite a step it is. It’s the most important thing, I think, that an astrologer can do to ensure that their charts are ripe with symbolism, having successfully distilled their client’s difficult situation into a particular planetary arrangement that almost interprets itself. Somewhere between chart casting and chart judgment lies the next major hurdle: finding our confidence. It takes a great deal of confidence to fluently weave the competing elements of a horary together. As new practitioners, we often find ourselves stumped on very elementary problems: Did I get the time of this chart right? Which location do I set

it for, again? I have my chart but now have no idea where to begin … Still, even after we’ve been practicing for many years, after we’ve custom-tailored a consultation rhythm that works for us, some doubts never really leave: Am I placing the emphasis in the right place? Are the supporting details tallying up the way I think they are? What I’m seeing appears to fly in the face of what’s likely — am I sure I’ve got this right? The story I’m about to tell deals with questions of the latter sort, and centers on two charts that share a connection but are unrelated. In judging both, I learned a great deal about personal confidence and what it means to work with that little voice who seems to have nothing to offer but silly thoughts, poking and prodding you to explore this part of the chart a bit more, that symbol a tad deeper.

TINY THE CAT We start with a short e-mail about a missing cat. Hi, Wade. We were given your info by [another astrologer], whom we knew from when we lived in San Francisco. We live in Minneapolis currently, and are

hoping that you can assist us long distance […] Our cat Tiny went missing on Friday afternoon, and we are very concerned about her safety. We’re hoping that you may either be able to help us locate her, or let us know if she is in another home that is feeling good to her. Please let us know if you can help. Thank you, A&D This e-mail arrived on September 14, 2015 at exactly 10:00 p.m. BST. I was in England at the time, staying at Deb Houlding’s home in Mansfield after an enjoyable weekend attending the UK Astrological Association’s annual conference. I should have been sleeping, as I needed an early start the next morning for my return trip home. But sleep wasn’t coming, so I checked my e-mails, desperate for something to do. I can distinctly remember feeling a sense of gratitude that this e-mail came through my inbox. The chart is set for 10:12 p.m. BST, Mansfield, England. These are the time, date, and location that mark the moment when I not only understood the situation (which by itself is insufficient for timing a horary, really), but also fully

engaged with it and personally consented to being the client’s and the question’s astrologer. In this horary (see Chart 1, following page), 15° Gemini rises, which I took on this occasion to indicate there being two querents, whom I will call A and D. We find Mercury, ruler of Gemini, at 15° Libra in the 5th house, forming (though separating from) a partile trine to the Ascendant. A connection to the Ascendant, especially out of favorable houses,1 often shows that the client still has some power in the situation, even when it feels the opposite. The Moon being in the Ascendant can accomplish something similar; as the significator of the question itself, the Moon in the Ascendant could point to the ball being squarely in the querent’s court, so to speak. Here, we have the Moon applying to Mercury from 9° Libra, without any interposing aspect. I felt quite confident from this that there was something needed from the querent to find Tiny again, but I had to step away from Mercury to get a sense of what that something was. The 6th house of pets and small beasts has 22° Libra on the cusp, giving Venus signification over Tiny the cat. It’s a fitting descriptor — Venus is the perfect significator for things dear to us, especially loved ones, and all the more appropriate that Venus is in Leo, the sign of the big cat. AUG. / SEPT. 2018

— 33

Horary in Action

hand in deciding Tiny’s well-being. Sat I ran the clock back and looked at recently formed aspects. A few days urn is in the horary’s 6th house, Tiny’s prior, Venus had stationed direct and derived Ascendant (i.e., Tiny’s turned 1st house), an initial confirmation that There are a number of scale-tipping was, at the time of the horary, moving very slowly (though picking up speed). something undesirable was at play. testimonies in this chart, many of them Her most recent contact had been to In charts for missing pets and peoseemingly in disagreement with each Mars, ruler of the unfortunate 12th ple, the possibility of death always other. This is generally a good sign that, house. This connection to Mars left me hangs overhead, as hard a pill as that as an astrologer, you’re about to learn uneasy and worried about some violent can be to swallow. The involvement something as you attempt to wrest the encounter involving Tiny. Mars points of dark houses (see Note 1) and maanswer from the sky and pin itMissing downCat to Caves Natal Chart lefic planets made me suspect from the Sep 14 2015, Mon equally well to dogs, weapons that draw the ground. 10:12 pm BST -1:00 start that Tiny had already met her end, England blood, cruel young men, cars, and en I didn’t know what to makeMansfield, of Venus 53°N09' 001°W11' Geocentric though the chart showed that she was gines — any of these could have had a angular in this chart. As a rule, finding Tropical Regiomontanus still nearby (her significator in an angle benefic planets angular in any horary is Mean Node suggests that she hadn’t gone far). What ideal because they bring release and con07° Š 55' kept me hopeful was Mercury’s appliciliation. Venus is in the lower angle, 40' 23° ‰ 36' ‹ cation to Venus by sextile, already though, and that is what troubled me. 00° partile, with mere minutes of arc The 4th house is where the Sun À until perfection. I attempted to 08° anti-culminates each night. This ‹ Ê 03' 09° answer for myself what it might house points northward, the diÁ 01' 01° ‰ Ü ¿ Œ 13° 10 9 Ü mean that a reunion between rection in which shadows are ‰ 20' 06' 22° 19° 00' Œ Ü Œ 11 8 33' Tiny and her owners’ significast, as the Sun culminates Œ cators was juxtaposed with Ý in the south at midday. The such bleak symbolism elseangularity of the 4th house 12 7 Chart 1: 15° 15° where in the figure. empowers planets within ‚ ˆ Where is the Then I realized: This asit, but its associations mix 24' 24' 46' ‡ 29° missing cat? 1 6 pect had already perfected. strength with darkness, ¾ Mercury was past his point 45' power with secrecy, and the ‡ 02°ƒ of greatest elongation west, ancients incorporated within 2 5 Ï 30' † Œ 05' 03' 15° 09° preparing to station retroits space images of the Under20' † 3 4 44' † 09° º † ƒ grade and turn his course back world, the depths of the earth, 27' … 01° ¶ 22° 06' … 21° 34' to the Sun. Venus, having just 44' and the grave. É 07° „ ¸ „ stationed direct, was increasing 23° ½ 15° 40' in speed, with Mercury decreasing. 23° » ¼ 00°… ƒ Charts use Regiomontanus 36' Both Venus and Mercury have an averhouses and the Mean Node. 07° „ 55' age daily speed greater than 1º per day.

HEALING | ASTROLOGY | CONSULTING Visit our booth at NORWAC & Booth #P6 at UAC

Specializing in Vibrational Healing: • Handcrafted Gem Elixirs/Flower Essences, & personal remedies based on Natal chart/Transits & Progressions • Fine gemstone custom jewelry based on your Natal chart

Diane Swanson, CMT, CYT, LAADC-II Master Certified Evolutionary Astrologer

(209) 559-4459 | [email protected]

WalelaHealingInstitute.com 34 —

THE MOUNTAIN ASTROLOGER

Here, Venus’s daily motion is only 0°18' and speeding up; Mercury’s, 0°17' and slowing down. With Venus moving faster, the two would pull farther away from the sextile. I had started a running list of arguments for and against Tiny’s health, but the deck was stacking quickly now to one side: Venus, Tiny’s significator, in the 4th house; Venus recently in conjunction with Mars, which is now void of course; Saturn, the natural significator of death, ruling the horary’s radical 8th house and placed in the 6th. It was growing more and more difficult for me to find testimonies of life, and the final confirmation of death came at the heels of my last realization: The conjunction with Mars had not been Venus’s last aspect, as I had initially thought; instead, it was that sextile to Mercury, and my hopeful interpretation of this aspect needed to be adapted now to conform to the backdrop of all else happening here. The separation between the 1st ruler (Mercury) and the 6th ruler (Venus) certainly mirrors the separation between cat and owner; however, the Ascendant plays double duty in missing pet charts, as it is the turned 8th house from the 6th. Venus’s conjunction with Mars intimated Tiny’s unhappy accident; the sextile to Mercury, that death had taken her. My heart plummeted and my stomach turned. I wished then that I’d gone straight to bed and hadn’t picked up the horary in the first place. Delivering news of this sort is the worst part of the job, bar none, and it doesn’t seem to get much easier with time or experience. I knew I hadn’t done everything I could do with this chart, and I decided to redouble my efforts to help my clients get the closure I would have wanted for myself if this had been my loss. Feeling a sense of urgency, I roused myself out of bed, snuck into the kitchen, and made myself some tea while the rest of the house slept. (I probably stole a cigarette of Deb’s to settle the nerves — I’d apologize to you, Deb, but I know you understand!) In my return e-mail, I wrote that I shared my clients’ concerns for Tiny’s well-being and insisted that they do another search of their home and nearby avenues. Venus’s placement in the 4th could very easily suggest that Tiny was

in the home itself, although in my heart, I didn’t suspect that this was the case. In terms of direction, testimonies conflict. Venus is in the 4th house, which points northward; Leo points to the east, veering north, so a general

The angularity of the 4th house empowers planets within it, but its associations mix strength with darkness, power with secrecy. sense of “to the north” was coming to bear. The Moon, along with Mercury, is in Libra, which points due west. I wasn’t sure what to make of this, but I encouraged the clients to intensify search efforts north by northeast and to the west. The Moon’s application to Mercury suggests news being brought to the client (because application implies action, and the Moon is the one doing the applying here). It’s worth the moment it takes to identify who or what the Moon might be, otherwise we might miss an opportunity. To do this, we trace back the Moon’s houses of rulership: For which houses is the Moon acting as ambassador and emissary? She rules both the 2nd and 3rd, and believing the 2nd-house connection to be less relevant (or irrelevant entirely), I dismissed that possibility and advised instead that a neighbor or child who lived nearby might have some information. The horary request came at 10:00 p.m., by 10:12 p.m. I’d drawn up the chart, and at 11:14 p.m. I hit “Send.” Thankfully, the e-mailed response reached the clients on the same day (Minneapolis being about six hours behind Mansfield), and they renewed their search in the directions I had indicated, handing out bulletins door to door on the blocks to the northeast and west. The next morning on September 15, they received a phone call from a

neighbor who shared their alley to the west (3rd-house ruler, the Moon, in Libra, a western sign). This neighbor had found a cat matching Tiny’s description; she had been hit by a car (resolving the Mars connection). He had contacted local animal control authorities, who — being unable to identify the cat’s owners, as Tiny wore no collar — collected the cat’s body. My clients were able to give a positive identification of the cat later that day, when they visited the Animal Care and Control facility to the northeast. (A point should be made here that all the significators having relevancy to the client guide us westward, and those connected to Tiny, north by northeast.) For the curious, the neighbor called at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 15. In Minneapolis, 10°12' Libra was rising, just 1° away from the horary Moon that signified the neighbor. Now I learned something in this process about the delicacy with which some things ought to be said. I had noted in my first e-mail that Saturn’s presence in the 6th house should give some kind of description of Tiny’s present condition (“death” being one possible interpretation of “environment” here, as Saturn naturally rules death and is the ruler of the 8th house at the time of the question). The chief element of Saturn’s influence that I built into my delineation was the lack of warmth, that coldness should play a factor in describing Tiny’s environment. I added to this

It’s worth the moment it takes to identify who or what the Moon might be, otherwise we might miss an opportunity. Saturn’s placement at the final degree of a fixed sign, thinking that Tiny had perhaps been stuck between two places, or enclosed in some way that had kept her trapped. I shared a version of this with the client. AUG. / SEPT. 2018

— 35

Horary in Action

As much as I dreaded the prospect of dispensing the unhappy news to my clients, this consultation made real to me that for them to experience the grief of loss without closure would have been far worse. We can be forgiven for feeling despondent at such trying questions, but in order to do this work, astrologers must be ready to get out of the way and let Nature do her work through us (lest we force her to do it in spite of us). Something larger than any of us is constantly at work in us and through us, and from this comes a quiet sort of confidence: that this question has come to me and no one else, and there is a reason. A great trust in life soon fills the space that doubt once called home.

You will have seen my mistake, though I didn’t at the time: I should have slowed down long enough to think about how that would sound to a worried pet owner. The clients wrote back, terrified at the prospect of their poor baby helplessly trapped somewhere, freezing and suffering. The laziness with which I’d crafted this portion of my e-mail had tapped into their greatest fear, something they were trying not to entertain as a possibility as September nights in Minneapolis can be unforgivingly cold. What they took away from that passage wasn’t at all what I meant. At THE VALENTINE the time, I was quite sure that the cat A few days later, the same clients the following spring as a bittersweet had already left this world and was free contacted me again. The precision that remembrance. from any suffering, and if coldness or horary is capable of was new to them, A few days after the consultation, being trapped had played a part in her I think, and they had another issue that a white envelope arrived in the mail, a passing, it would have been a secondhad been plaguing them for some time. bit tattered and scuffed from the jourary consideration, as the influence of ney but intact. In it was a photo of Tiny, My clients had been trying to conceive, Mars was more immediate. Saturn to which I now keep locked away as a trea- unsuccessfully, for the past year via me seemed a more passive influence intrauterine insemination, and wondered sure and a personal reminder of the (because neither Venus nor the Moon emotion this consultation evoked within if horary might offer a glimpse into the was actively aspecting or separating prospects of their fertility treatment. me. Looking at Tiny’s photo caused a from Saturn), so Saturn was more likely They were down to their last “6-pack stillness in my mind. To think that the to shed a light on Tiny’s current whereof sperm,” as they put it (a detail too modest involvement of a hurried, fumabouts instead of the nature of her Pregnancy? Caves chuckle-worthy to leave out), and asked bling astrologer halfway around the death. Thankfully, I had the opportunity Natal Chart Sep 23 2015, Wed world led to the recovery of someone’s if their luck was about to change. to reshape my words with a quick e-mail 8:03 pm PDT +7:00 San Francisco, CA beloved pet, allowing for needed closure The chart is set for 8:03 p.m. PDT before boarding my flight (otherwise, 37°N46'30'' 122°W25'06'' Geocentric on September 23, 2015 in San Franand a private burial. the clients might have sat with that dark Tropical Regiomontanus cisco, California (where I was at the thought until their neighbor called). Mean Node time). In this chart, 25°36' Aries rises, My intended point had its rele14° ‰ 42' with Mars, ruler of Aries, being the vancy in the end. From the client: 01' 25° Á ˆ 58' Š significator of my querent, A. (See “Just as you predicted, it was the 06° 12° ¶ Chart 2, at left.) We find Mars at additional efforts of outreach that ‰ 05° 58' 29° Leo in the 5th house. The Š allowed for our neighbor to bring S 44' 02° 23' image of Mars in the 5th shows us the news about Tiny. Honˆ ‹ À 10 9 a great striving for a sucestly, the nature of her death 43' 08° 07° ‹ ¾ 00° 11 8 47' cessful pregnancy, and his feels like such a relief to us. ˆ Œ 26' ‡ occupation of the final de[…] Had we not contacted Ê 00°Ü 50'Œ gree of Leo speaks to the you, we may never have Chart 2: 12 7 25° 25° ¿ 19° Ü 13'Œ long road the client has albeen able to get the closure Will we have a Ü † Œ36' † 13° ready taken, the “last-ditch we needed. Even your readº successful 36' 36' Œ50' † 1 6 00° effort” now before her. ing of her being in a small, É 45' † pregnancy? 00° I was disappointed yet cold, enclosed space was ¸ Ý 24' … 2 5 unsurprised to find the chart completely correct — she 14' 09° 23' …00° ½ 44' 02° emphasizing symbols of sterilwas being stored in a small „ 3 4 46' 29° Ï … ‚ „ ity. Both A’s significator and the refrigerated space at Care 19° ¼ 08° 43' cusp of the 5th house are in Leo, and Control.” » a sign classically termed “barren.” My clients were able to bring 01' 25° Leo indicates few or no children, their baby home to rest. Tiny was ‚ 58' „ 06° and lions themselves bear few cubs. Arburied in their backyard, and a jasmine 14° ƒ 42' ies rising wasn’t any more helpful, nor bush was planted on her burial place

In order to do this work, astrologers must be ready to get out of the way and let Nature do her work through us (lest we force her to do it in spite of us).

36 —

THE MOUNTAIN ASTROLOGER

was having Mars as her chief significator. Of these, Lilly wrote, “Aries: by reason Mars, a sterile planet has that for his house, and the Sun for his exaltation, is rather a sign of barrenness than otherwise.”2 The 5th ruler is the Sun and will signify the promise of conception. The Sun in this chart is in fairly bad shape: He’s in his sign of fall, and peregrine, and cadent in the 6th house of illness, separating from a sextile to malefic Saturn on the cusp of the 8th and now applying mutually to a conjunction with the 6th ruler, retrograde Mercury. The first flash I had in my mind on seeing this was that the sperm itself could be faulty, as the Sun has anciently been connected to male virility and was judged, in tandem with his eternal consort Venus, to measure cycles of mundane, global fertility. Whether the Sun signifies the sperm itself or simply signifies the hoped-for conception, there are no indications of a successful pregnancy in this chart. The best chance my client had was behind her, or so I judged: The Sun is now separating from a received sextile to Saturn (the Sun being in the sign of Saturn’s exaltation), and the Moon has just separated from a trine to the Sun and a sextile to Saturn. Saturn is key here because he disposes both the luminaries, the Sun by exaltation and the Moon by sign, but also because he rules the 10th house of medical treatments (which, in this case, is a fertility treatment). Saturn, as significator of the treatment, describes it as taxing and hard on the body. It was troubling to find that the 10th ruler was on the cusp of the 8th (anxiety, worries, death, and miscarriages), and that Mars, upon changing signs, would perfect a square to Saturn without reception. Mars’s application to Saturn is, simply put, my client preparing for another attempt, but this time, the attempt will be met with the full force of Saturn’s harmful square. Again, I found myself in that awful place: For a brief moment, I selfishly wished I hadn’t taken this question. I saw nothing here to indicate a viable pregnancy for my client. I wasn’t satisfied that “no dice” is where the chart was leading me, and needed to step away for a minute. I stood up and took my dog on a walk, annoyed at life.

The walk did me good. When I came back, I sat down with a new determination. If there was an “out,” I was going to find it. And there was a puzzle still to be solved, anyway: what to make of the Moon in Aquarius, perched on the 11th-house cusp. The 11th house signifies hopes and dreams; this house is the joy of Jupiter, it rises in diurnal motion, and it receives a benevolent sextile from the Ascendant. The 11th is an overwhelmingly positive house, and I hadn’t yet made sense of why the Moon should be in such happy condition while the rest of the chart wasn’t singing the same song. Then lightning flashed somewhere behind my eyes, and I remembered this unusual line in my client’s e-mail: “D and I have been trying to have a baby for the

The 11th house signifies hopes and dreams; this house is the joy of Jupiter, it rises in diurnal motion, and it receives a benevolent sextile from the Ascendant.

last year or so. We are a queer couple, and so we have been needing to use a sperm bank donor for this process.” I’d found a thread that needed some pulling. “Hi, A,” I wrote back. “Is there a reason why you are carrying instead of D? Preference, or medical reason? I’m asking to help me place the symbolism of the chart. Is there anything else I should know?” I didn’t want to draw undue attention to this question and so nestled it between a few paragraphs of peripheral details and niceties. Yet here was my suspicion: The Moon was going to be my “out,” the key to a door sealed shut. I couldn’t be sure what was meant

by “We are a queer couple” — phrases like this are intentionally stripped of gendering language — but I learned long ago to pay close attention to the words and language my clients use, as hidden clues are often nestled there in plain sight. Whatever the case, clarification was needed. Perhaps clarification isn’t the right word — confirmation is more what I was after. The Moon on the 11th house does argue that we should keep hope, but perhaps the 11th house has more relevancy here as the turned 5th house from the 7th. But was it even possible that the other partner could conceive? For lack of better phrasing, was there a second uterus available to us? The Moon, always the focus of the chart and natural significator of the question itself, seems to be hinting at the affirmative, as is the 7th ruler’s placement in the radical 5th. The 7th cusp is in Libra, a sign that Lilly described as “rather a sign of fecundity, it being the house of Venus, and Saturn his exaltation.”3 Venus, ruler of the 7th, is a temperately warm and moist feminine planet, i.e., naturally fertile. And Aquarius, the sign of the Moon, Lilly described as “without doubt more fruitful than barren.” In the initial e-mail from A, birth details were given for both partners. The horary’s connections to A’s chart (not shown) are tense: The horary Saturn (significator of the treatment) activates her natal Moon–Venus opposition in late Scorpio–Taurus, and her natal Saturn in Leo activates the horary’s Moon–Venus opposition. The horary’s Moon–Venus opposition is too wide by orb to mean much on its own, but A’s natal Saturn at 14° Leo is very much within orb of both planets, and so obstructs these two birth-giving bodies simultaneously. The horary’s connections to D’s nativity (not shown) give another picture altogether. D’s natal Moon at 4° Libra is conjunct the horary Sun, significator of conception, and trine the horary Moon, who seemed to be pointing me in D’s direction in the first place. The horary Descendant (i.e., D’s derived Ascendant) is conjunct natal Venus at 27° Libra, and the horary Jupiter is conjunct the natal Sun at 11° Virgo. D’s solar return for that year (not shown) held equal promise. The solar AUG. / SEPT. 2018

— 37

Horary in Action return’s Ascendant ruler, Mars at 17° Leo, is conjunct the horary Venus, D’s significator. The solar return Moon at 2° Gemini is trine the horary Moon, and the solar return 5th-house cusp is 15° Pisces, an extremely fertile sign. To place a cherry on top: Mars is D’s natal 5th ruler, and as Mars is the ruler of the solar return Ascendant at 8° Scorpio, themes of body and conception had been temporarily united. The next day, A answered my question: “I am carrying the child because my partner is transgender (female to male). It is not out of the question in the future for him to come off his testosterone and get pregnant, but we are hoping not to go down that road (for obvious gender dysphoria reasons).” I can still remember how it felt reading that: a rush and lightheadedness, because finally a path had revealed itself — but also nervousness and hesitation, as there is nothing more feminizing on the body than pregnancy, and the coming-off-and-back-on-again of hormone therapy isn’t a light matter. As I sat hemming and hawing over how best to make my response, my subconscious mind started to bring something to the surface. The horary Ascendant is the place of my Jupiter; the Moon, the place of my Sun; Jupiter, the place of my Moon; Ascendant ruler Mars, the place of my Midheaven; Venus, in trine to my natal Ascendant ruler. A bit in awe, I took this as a subtle message of reassurance and encouragement from the Cosmos that, in this consultation, I should be protected and should trust my instincts. So, I poured a glass of wine (again, to settle the nerves — it’s a very real part of the job with situations like these) and set to typing an e-mail. I put it to my client, as straight as I could, that the best chance she had for conceiving with intrauterine insemination had passed, the treatment that had already begun to havoc her body hadn’t yet reached its worst, and her partner, D, was the one ready to conceive, if that was a road he was willing to walk. Hit “Send,” close computer, walk away. Some hours later, I saw that I had a response from A. I don’t think I read

38 —

THE MOUNTAIN ASTROLOGER

it immediately because I was a bit apprehensive about what I assumed the response would be, but curiosity won out before long. From A: “This e-mail confirms much of what we’ve been thinking. Honestly, that fertility drug was so hard on my body, it’s very validating to see that it was being reflected so strongly in the chart. After a lot of conversation, we’ve decided that we’d like to pursue D getting pregnant.” A wave of relief: Their minds were open, and I had worried for nothing.

Planting the Seed From there, A walked me through the details of how this would work. D would need to come off testosterone, and a month or so later he should begin ovulating again. For three months, they would chart the ovulation cycles, get him on some herbal treatments, and begin a regular acupuncture regimen. They were looking at attempting insemination in February or March 2016. At their request, I stayed on with A and D to help them elect the best dates for insemination. By January 2016, they were able to provide four ovulation windows from March to the very end of May. I now had the task of assessing the best dates among these (a kind of election, I suppose), using the tools available to me: the original horary, plus D’s nativity and current solar return. I felt best about the first window, March 3–6, and March 5 seemed especially positive. The Sun would then be at 15° Pisces, conjunct D’s solar return 5th-house cusp. The Moon would return to her horary position at the early degrees of Aquarius, and Venus in Aquarius would be in opposition to her place in the horary. While I wouldn’t advise anyone to seek out an opposition when electing, the fact remains that real-time connections between horary significators (or, in this case, the same planet in aspect to its original horary placement) mark reliable times to act, if you’re looking to cash in on the promise within a horary. I did note that Mars would be at 29° Scorpio on this date, and that final degrees seemed to be a theme: Mars is at 29° Leo in the horary, Saturn at 29° Scorpio in D’s solar return. I didn’t make much of this at the time, but in hindsight, this should have clued me into the possi-

bility of a long, difficult labor and delivery (if conception was indeed successful). The other three windows provided were good, too (and I labeled them as such), but none of them gave me the optimism of the March dates (and I told them that as well). My clients wrote back to say that they’d make sure to keep those calendar dates at the top of the list, and assured me that they’d keep in touch to let me know how things progressed. On March 22, I received an e-mail from D: “Hi, Wade. Just wanted to drop

It worked! You never lose that sense of wonder and astonishment from seeing astrology come to life. you a note to say how great your reading, chart interpretation, and advice was, and how valuable it was to have your positive outlook to focus on. March was our month. We did the insemination on March 3 and got it on the first try! Already pregnant! How crazy is that? It’s still sinking in and feels great and surreal all at once. We’re both very excited.” It worked! Such a bizarre mix of emotions. On one hand, of course, I believe it should have worked — otherwise how could I justify advising that path? But you never lose that sense of wonder and astonishment from seeing astrology come to life. Elated, I shot back an e-mail of congratulations. The clients were able to provide precise times for the intrauterine insemination procedures. There were two that day: The first occurred right as 5° Aquarius culminated on the Midheaven for their location (the degree of the horary Moon), and the second occurred late in the evening, when the Moon was passing over mid Capricorn (the horary Midheaven).

Nine months later, in the early hours of December 7, this loving couple welcomed a healthy baby boy into the world. That they had a boy didn’t surprise me, as every indicator points toward a male in the horary: Leo (a masculine sign) is on the cusp of the 5th, ruled by the Sun (a masculine planet) in Libra (a masculine sign), placed between the Descendant and the IC (a masculine quadrant) — and the Moon is in Aquarius (a masculine sign) between the Ascendant and the Midheaven (another masculine quadrant). The baby’s middle name is Valentine — so perfect a name considering Venus’s very active role in the horary. Valentine was born with 25° Libra rising (chart not shown), the exact degree of the horary Descendant (i.e., the derived Ascendant for D, the birth parent). This is also within 2° of D’s natal Venus at 27° Libra. Venus features as Valentine’s Ascendant ruler, and I had a little laugh seeing his Venus at 29° Capricorn: Indeed, something about the final degrees of signs resonates with this kid! Further, 0° Aquarius is on his IC, bringing the horary Moon at 5° Aquarius to an angle. Valentine’s Moon falls at 15° Pisces, conjunct both the 5th-house cusp of D’s solar return and A’s natal Ascendant. Valentine’s North Node at 7° Virgo hits D’s solar return Jupiter in

Virgo (and Jupiter is key here, ruling D’s solar return 5th house), and Valentine’s natal Jupiter at 17° Libra exactly sextiles D’s solar return Mars at 17° Leo, which falls within 2° of an exact conjunction with the horary Venus. The list of connections I’ve found between Valentine’s nativity and the charts that led to his birth (the horary, the parents’ nativities, their solar returns and profections) is something like 30 items long. Sometimes these moments just leave you dumbstruck and in awe of the magnitude of cosmic order. In my final letter to A and D, I thanked them for allowing me to be a part of something so beautiful and meaningful, and smiled to think that we all came together thanks to dear Tiny the cat. In A’s words, “Tiny is definitely the patron saint of this baby. Her death led to this little life. What a beautiful thing to remember!”

2. William Lilly, Christian Astrology (1647), Astrology Classics, 2004, pp. 565–566. It’s worth noting here that the chart’s emphasis on barren signs is not meant to indicate that the client herself is barren in an absolute sense, but rather to guide the astrologer toward the inevitable judgment that, under present circumstances, the querent either will not conceive or will have great difficulty in conceiving and carrying a child to term. 3. If it seems unusual that Libra should be considered at least somewhat fertile — in part, due to Saturn finding exaltation here — consider that Libra and Aquarius are human signs, conducive to life since they are warm and moist (as are all air signs), and the dignity of Saturn in these signs provides the promise of sound structure and form. Gemini and Virgo are also human signs, but both are linked to barrenness: the former because it is the image of two young children not yet sexually matured, and the latter because it is the image of a virgin. © 2018 Wade Caves – all rights reserved

For the author’s bio, see p. 41.

References and Notes 1. Houses traditionally considered favorable are the Ascendant, the 10th house, 11th, 5th, 9th, and 3rd, the reason being that these houses are culmination points connected to vitality (the 1st house) and honor (the 10th house), whereas the 11th, 5th, 9th, and 3rd houses form sextiles or trines to the Ascendant. The more difficult (or “dark”) houses are those that fall from the angles by diurnal motion without aspecting the Ascendant (the 12th and 6th), or are in aversion to it (as with the 8th).

AUG. / SEPT. 2018

— 39

TRIBUTES TO

Our Astrological Inspirations

H

eroes. Teachers. Mentors. We all have people who have inspired, guided, or coached us along our path to absorbing the infinitely fascinating subject of astrology. Some we’ve learned from directly, others we only know from books, articles, recordings, or anecdotes. At the start of this year, I wrote to a dozen writers requesting short tribute essays on noted astrologers who have been instrumental in shaping our community and our understanding of astrology. I asked the writers for personal anecdotes and professional recollections, as well as biographical snippets, chart comments, and/or book excerpts. I was curious to know how the times in which these astrologers lived moulded them, and to discover their role in shaping their own astrological era. Several dozen key names had come from the initial brainstorming — far too many to feature in one issue. One proviso was to profile only astrologers who had passed away. (It was decided not to include those whose recent passing had been featured in TMA.) There are always exceptions to every rule, though. When I approached Lynn Bell to write a piece, she suggested paying homage to the great French mundane astrologer André Barbault, who at his last birthday (October 2017) turned a sprightly 96 years old. Some rules are worth breaking. The final twelve chosen for this issue (ten astrologers and two statisticians) are all unique and unforgettable characters — particularly to those fortunate enough to have known them — and they have left their mark on Western astrology, inspiring new generations to learn the craft. I’m delighted with the tributes: Each not only reflects uniquely its exceptional subject and his or her legacy, but also reveals much about the contemporary astrologer invited to contribute. And in most instances, writer and subject knew each other personally. I hope that, in future issues, we’ll be able to explore other astrologers and to honour those still teaching and writing. In the meantime, read on and you’ll discover: • Which famous astrologer introduced Al Morrison to the void-of-course Moon; • Which astrologer packed sardines wharfside for a living; • Who walked into the Church of Light looking for an astrology course just 20 minutes before it began.

40 —

THE MOUNTAIN ASTROLOGER

The tributes begin with a short biography I’ve written about each stellar contributor. May you enjoy learning more about the twelve individuals who have been selected, and I hope that each profile will encourage you to find out more about their important contribution to astrology. — Frank C. Clifford

MELANIE REINHART (writing about DANE RUDHYAR ) www.melaniereinhart.com Melanie began studying the ancient wisdom traditions at an early age and, while teaching herself astrology, became deeply immersed in the profound writings of Dane Rudhyar. Since then, she has won respect and admiration for her in-depth research and intuitive work on the Centaurs, which includes her books Chiron and the Healing Journey and Saturn, Chiron and the Centaurs.

ALAN OKEN (writing about ALICE A. BAILEY ) www.alanoken.com Alan’s groundbreaking 50-year career has seen him continue the esoteric work of Alice Bailey in a dozen books, including Soul-Centered Astrology and Alan Oken’s Complete Astrology, a collection of three of his earlier titles. Having taught worldwide, co-founded various institutes, and acted as Director of Esoteric Studies for Quiron in Lisbon, Alan now lives and works in Bali.

LYNN BELL (writing about ANDRÉ BARBAULT ) www.lynnbellastrology.com Lynn’s insightful and perceptive psychological contributions to our field were recently honoured with a prestigious Charles Harvey Award. A longtime teacher of astrological cycles and myth at many astrology schools and conferences internationally, Lynn has also worked at the New Chartres School and CMED Institute. Her books include Cycles of Light and Planetary Threads.

FRANK C. CLIFFORD (writing about LOIS RODDEN ) www.frankclifford.co.uk My astrological studies began at age 16 (in 1989), and eight years later I published my first data book (British Entertainers) and a data compendium for Solar Fire. Since then, I’ve been a full-time astrologer and palmist (consulting, writing, publishing, researching, teaching), and I run the London School of Astrology, lecture around the world, and feel blessed to be doing work that I truly love.

WADE CAVES (writing about WILLIAM LILLY ) www.wadecaves.com Wade’s infectious energy and working knowledge of horary, electional, and classical techniques have made him a sought-after speaker in the U.S. in recent years. A few years ago, he trained at Deborah Houlding’s School of Traditional Astrology and now leads courses there. In 2015, Wade annotated a 300th anniversary edition of William Lilly’s autobiography.

BRIAN CLARK (writing about ISABEL HICKEY ) www.astrosynthesis.com.au Brian is a respected educator who runs his Astro*Synthesis course online and conducts tours to sacred sites in Greece. For 40 years, Brian has used astrology as a psychological tool to facilitate healing, and when he first met Isabel Hickey, the transiting North Node was on his Sun and transiting Neptune on his Descendant — themes that he examines in his new relationship book, From the Moment We Met.

KAREN CHRISTINO (writing about LINDA GOODMAN ) www.karenchristino.com Having written books on Evangeline Adams (including the acclaimed Foreseeing the Future) and edited The Best of Al H. Morrison, Karen is well qualified to explore astrological pioneers and their lives. Among her specialties are wedding astrology and declination. She cites Morrison, Robert Zoller, Anthony Aveni, and her first teacher, Zoltan Mason, as her mentors.

ZANE B. STEIN (writing about AL H. MORRISON ) www.zanestein.com A leading expert on Chiron, Zane’s 40-year focus on the Centaur has been instrumental in bringing it to public consciousness. He has published ephemerides, articles (including a pivotal one in Dell Horoscope in January 1981), and a groundbreaking 1985 volume, Essence and Application: A View from Chiron. He continues researching the Centaurs and Trans-Neptunians.

KENNETH IRVING (writing about MICHEL AND FRANÇOISE GAUQUELIN ) www.planetos.info Ken has lent his considerable skills as a writer, researcher, and editor to numerous magazines and books. For many years, he wrote for American Astrology and later for Horoscope Guide. Ken has also co-authored two significant contributions to astrological literature: The Tenacious Mars Effect (with Suitbert Ertel) and The Psychology of Astro*Carto*Graphy (with Jim Lewis).

DORIAN GIESELER GREENBAUM (writing about VETTIUS VALENS ) www.classicalastrology.org A former Classical Languages teacher, Dorian began her study of astrology in 1988. A noted scholar who has shed light on numerous ancient astrological theories and practices, Dorian has also translated work for ARHAT, written Temperament: Astrology’s Forgotten Key (2005), and co-written From Masha’Allah to Kepler: Theory and Practice in Medieval and Renaissance Astrology (2015).

KENNETH BOWSER (writing about CYRIL FAGAN ) www.westernsiderealastrology.com Like the subject of his tribute, Ken has done much to bring the sidereal zodiac to the attention of the astrological community and the public. An astrologer with over 40 years’ experience, he is known for his careful scholarship, his columns in American Astrology, and the books An Introduction to Western Sidereal Astrology and Primary Directions and the Horoscope of the United States. AUG. / SEPT. 2018

— 41

TRIBUTES

DANE RUDHYAR Renaissance Man of the 20th Century by Melanie Reinhart

But now in my own self I stand, my soul riveted to the Star round which centered and firm I move, whole within the span of the day.1

I

n the autumn of 1975, I had the good fortune to attend an inspirational workshop with Dane Rudhyar in New York. Along with a whole generation of astrologers, I had been immersed for many years in Rudhyar’s writings, but his personal words of encouragement ignited in me the courage to take my next step — later that month, I would do my very first professional reading. Rudhyar’s synthesizing vision arose early on from spontaneous personal insights. During his life, esoteric teachings from both East and West were becoming more available, and modern psychology was developing rapidly. He absorbed deeply the work of luminaries such as Madame Blavatsky, Annie Besant, Carl Jung, Henri Bergson, and many others. Rudhyar offers a post-Copernican astrology, as expressed in his books, The Galactic Dimension of Astrology: The Sun Is Also a Star and Beyond Individualism: The Psychology of Transformation. His work is a precious link in the “Golden Chain” which invisibly connects those called to the Wisdom Traditions, of which astrology is the lingua franca. Its relevance for our times of profound and turbulent transition can hardly be overstated. Rudhyar emphasizes the nuanced and multivalent cycles of “astrological time,” demonstrating their relevance for our ongoing individual life-journey. Countless astrologers who have written or spoken about planetary cycles owe an ancestral debt to Rudhyar, as his influence pervades our contemporary understanding of the individual as participating in “a metacultural, metaindividual whole.”2 The “mind of wholeness” begins to operate and to supersede the analytical intellect. Instead … [I]t begins to see the “ground” out of which particularities differentiate and their inherent interrelatedness. Rudhyar calls this kind of mental activity “eonic consciousness” (eon meaning a cycle of time). It is required to disentangle several complex, inter-penetrating patterns … but it retains an understanding of the whole without reductionary analysis. It is with this kind of mind that Rudhyar examines human history and evolution as these processes within the plan­ etary life-field of the earth.3

42 —

THE MOUNTAIN ASTROLOGER

Today, we astrologers need a firm rooting in a sense of vision deeper than the prevailing hyper-materialism, aggression, fear, and chaos. We need a “felt cosmology,” a perspective which is embodied and open, rather than intellectual and polemic. Rudhyar’s work offers exactly this, taking us to the very edge of gnosis, where heart and mind unite. Rudhyar was born Daniel Chennevière, in Paris, on March 23, 1895. At the age of 13, one of his kidneys had to be removed, so he was declared unfit for active military service during World War I (1914–18) — his destiny lay elsewhere. Libra rules the kidneys, and in Rudhyar’s horoscope we see a prominent Chiron in Libra in the 9th house conjunct the Midheaven (MC) and opposite his Aries Sun in the 3rd. (See Chart, below.) Rudhyar saw himself as a “Seed Man,” a bearer of the future, a pioneer in the realm of ideas. In spite of hardship and ill health, he sought and found fertile ground in which to thrive into his 91st year. Dane Rudhyar Rudhyar was also a musical prodigy and, by the age of Natal Chart Mar17, 23 1895 NS, composing Sat was original work. Later, his musical associ0:42 am -0:09:20 Paris, France ates were numerous and illustrious, and his influences broad 48°N52' 002°E20' Geocentric — ancient and modern, Eastern and Western. He compares Tropical

Koch Mean Node

11° † 41'

‡ 02°

07'

22°

‡ 10' Œ

19°

‡ 35' Œ

13°

10

08°

ƒ

9

52'

11

8

12

Chart: Dane Rudhyar

1

Koch houses, Mean Node

ˆ 50'

„ 11'

† … 13' 33' Œ Œ

06°

31'

46' ‚

6

04°

¶º

Š 11'

À ¼ 09° Á

14' ‚ 13° 07' ‚ 12° 56' ‚

‹

31'

4

37'24' Œ 33'08' Š ‹ ‹ Ü 24°

52'

13°

5 3

‰

27° ½

7

2

08°

15°

15°

06° 21°

¾ ‡ ¿

…

 Ê

21°02°

ɸ 11° Ü 41'

Ý

22°

47' Ü

28°

»

Ý

02°

07'

‚ 50'

the Pythagorean notion of the “music of the spheres” with the contemplative gong music of Java and Bali, where the gamelans, as planets, “can be perceived as vast gongs, huge discs vibrant with hosts of energies centered around a core of flaming power.”4 Rudhyar’s composition Métachorie was the first ever performance of “dissonant polytonal music.” This premiered in New York in 1917, during the very week that the United States entered WWI and shortly after his relocation to the U.S.5 Rudhyar’s physical beauty, talent, and intelligence meant that he never lacked stimulating companionship. With Jupiter, the Ascendant ruler, in his 7th house and sextile Venus, the MC ruler, his personal contacts came to include many people who were distinguished in the visual arts, theatre, cinema, poetry, music, dance, literature, philosophy, and of course astrology. As a multi-talented “Renaissance Man,” Rudhyar himself achieved considerable success in several of these fields. The name “Rudhyar” derives from Rudra, a Hindu storm god associated with Shiva. Rudhyar rejected his ancestral name and, with it, his allegiance to the “Old World” of Europe, which he felt epitomized the degenerating “autumn phase” of Western civilisation. Here is Chiron in Libra in the 9th house opposite the Aries Sun and IC: a future-orientation, interest in foreign cultures, migration, a rejection of his “birthright,” taking a new nationality and a mythic identity. He became a Seed Man, indeed. Rudhyar began studying astrology in 1920, while transiting Chiron in the 3rd house was conjunct his Sun. In 1931, he became friends with astrologer Marc Edmund Jones, subsequently re-interpreting his original work on the Sabian symbols in the book An Astrological Mandala (Vintage, 1974). Years earlier, he had become friends with Alice Bailey, and she published the first edition of The Astrology of Personality through her Lucis Trust. In 1936, Rudhyar sent her an inscribed copy (see Figure, below), and about 70 years later, this very book came into the hands of Wendy Alexander, a librarian in Rosendale, New York. Local astrologer Eric Francis Coppolino was known to her, and so it was that he became the custodian of this precious fragment of astrological history. The 9th house relates to publishing, study of the mysteries, connecting with fellow astrologers, and thus to Rudhyar’s Chiron and South Node. His Chiron “life-gift” was the articulation of elegant new ideas summarizing the past and opening into the future — a veritable reframing of astrology itself.

Starting in 1933, Rudhyar wrote for the magazine The American Astrologer, which was influential in bringing astrology to a wider public. Rudhyar’s outpouring of material was inspirational and prolific, amounting to more than a thousand articles, many of which provided substance for books to follow. From the 1960s onwards, his astrology work flowered, with more than 40 books published, many of which are still available. Today, the Rudhyar Archives (http://www.khaldea. com) offers a treasure trove of material curated by Michael Meyer, as does the Rudhyar Audio Archives, curated by Nicki Michaels (http://www.beyondsunsigns.com/rudhyaraudioar chives.html). As a teacher, Rudhyar always considered deeply the role of the practising astrologer, asking questions pertinent, profound, and not always comfortable. See, for example, his article “The Future of Astrology — Profession or Revelation?”6 and also his book From Humanistic to Transpersonal Astrology. During his final years, Rudhyar’s progressed Sun would conjoin natal Jupiter in Gemini in the 7th house, which rules his Sagittarius Ascendant and makes a t-square with his nodal axis. This offers a fitting signature both for the consolidation of his magnificent astrological legacy, and also for the support received from his loving wife, Leyla Raël. Dane Rudhyar died peacefully on September 13, 1985, the day after a station direct of Neptune at the world point of 0° Capricorn. And with natal Mercury and Neptune in mutual reception, the very Heavens paid their respects to one who had so elegantly voiced their meaning.

Figure

(All URLs were accessed in April 2018.)

“If you want to know what Astrology really stands for — if you want an ‘experience’ — read Dane Rudhyar.” — Henry Miller7 Author’s Note: My thanks to Eric Francis Coppolino for the scan of the inscribed frontispiece, and to Leyla Rudhyar Hill for the photograph of Dane Rudhyar and for permission to quote from The Essential Rudhyar. Chart Data and Source Dane Rudhyar, March 23, 1895; 1:00 a.m. (–0.09.20), Paris, France (48°N52', 02°E20'); AA: From his birth certificate, obtained by Didier Geslain. The chart presented is Rudhyar’s rectification (12:42 a.m.).

References and Notes 1. Poem by Dane Rudhyar, “Ultimate Stance,” from Leyla Raël, The Essential Rudhyar: An outline and evocation (1983): http://www.khaldea.com/ rudhyar/ess/ess_29.shtml 2. Leyla Raël, The Essential Rudhyar: http://www.khaldea.com/rudhyar/ ess/ess_16.shtml 3. Ibid. 4. Dane Rudhyar, New Mansions for New Men (1971), Servire, Wassenaar, NL, pp. 99–100. 5. Rudhyar’s horoscope shows striking synastry with the July 4, 1776 horoscope of the U.S. 6. See http://www.khaldea.com/rudhyar/astroarticles/futureastrology.shtml 7. From the frontispiece of Triptych (1978), Aurora Press, NM. © 2018 Melanie Reinhart – all rights reserved

AUG. / SEPT. 2018

— 43

TRIBUTES

ALICE A. BAILEY

Her Work and Contribution to Astrology by Alan Oken

If, in the presentation of this vast subject of astrology, and in the process of indicating the attitude of the Ageless Wisdom to this new and coming yet very ancient “science of effective energies,” as it has been called, I may present a new approach … I am hoping that some astrologers may be found who will be sensitive to that which is new. I am believing that there are investigators along astrological lines who will be open-minded enough to recognize possible hypotheses and then to make fair experiment with them … I am looking for these fair-minded astrologers to experiment with the factors and suggestions I may indicate. — The Tibetan Master, Djwhal Khul, quoted in Alice A. Bailey, Esoteric Astrology, Volume III: A Treatise on the Seven Rays (Lucis Trust, 9th edition, 1974)

I

n the fall of 1967, I found myself on the road to becoming one of these “fair-minded astrologers,” fortunate enough to be able “to experiment with the factors and suggestions” introduced in that amazing and incredibly challenging text, Esoteric Astrology. This volume, along with the 23 other treatises and texts written by Mrs. Bailey and the Tibetan, has shaped my orientation not only to astrology, but to life itself. In that same incredible year of my life (now more than 50 years past), a Master of the Wisdom told me, “Become an astrologer, my son, as this study will lead you to your Path in life.” And so it has — and so it still does. The fusion of what is now called “humanistic astrology” and the Ancient Wisdom Teachings (of which esoteric astrology is an important branch) gave rise to my work of “soul-centered astrology,” which is a technique to synthesize the exoteric (experiences and expressions within the streams of the personality life) with the esoteric (the subjective life of the Soul and its externalization through service, love, and wisdom). In this respect, I have come to see, practice, and teach astrology as an initiatic tool, as a vehicle for expanding consciousness and thus a spiritual path. In order to practice astrology as “the science of effective energies,” one has to perceive life as energy. This level of perception is taught in the Bailey books so that when these teachings are applied to the astrological map, the astrologer is in conscious contact with the qualitative dynamics of the

44 —

THE MOUNTAIN ASTROLOGER

planets, signs, and houses as they relate to the level of consciousness of the client. In this respect, the astrologer has learned to perceive planetary energies on the level of archetype. He or she is therefore rather “Uranian” in nature, as Uranus is the father of archetypes. When one is functioning at this level, then true intuition is at work, the heart center opens (Uranus/Aquarius to Sun/Leo), and the impersonal (astrology) becomes the personal (client) through profound learning, skillful speech, and the urge to serve and heal. Astrology, when applied through the Bailey work, allows the astrologer an opportunity to evolve out of a life centered in the solar plexus to one centered in the heart. It is then that a relationship of consciousness is created between the heart and the Ajna center (third eye), resulting in the anchoring of the Will-to-Good in one’s daily life. One then becomes a center for solution, a point of resolution, and a mediator for union. There are many paths to the Wisdom that enlightens, many avenues leading to the Love that heals, many roads to astrological attainment in terms of acquired higher knowledge and correct counseling skills. The Bailey material is not for everyone — when I began, I could only manage about three pages before my eyes got blurry, my mind sought out an escape in fantasy, and my body issued forth a yawn. But there was a “quality of fire” within the material that beaconed me

Astrology, when applied through the Bailey work, allows the astrologer an opportunity to evolve out of a life centered in the solar plexus to one centered in the heart.

forward and an accompanying sense of “mmm-mmm, good” that satisfied my appetite. I still read on today. In fact, there is a copy of The Rays and the Initiations within view on my desk as I write these words. Esoteric Astrology (and most of the many thousands of pages that comprise the Alice Bailey material) is rather hard to grasp, although her autobiography is a delightful, simple, and straightforward read. Such texts as A Treatise on White Magic (my personal favorite!), A Treatise on Cosmic Fire, and Esoteric Healing are written in a rather archaic style of English, sometimes deliberately twisted with “esoteric blinds” so that their powerful contents may only be uncovered by the persistent seeker. Indeed, we learn through these teachings to understand, observe, and practice the Law of Persistent Effort. There is no lack of Saturn in this material! Alice La Trobe-Bateman was born on June 16, 1880 in Manchester, England, to a well-to-do upper middle-class family. Her spiritual background was decidedly Anglican

I strongly suggest reading Alice Bailey’s autobiography before opening the first of her books.

Christian, strong themes of which may be found in certain segments of her work. Her involvement with evangelicalism through the YMCA and the politics of British rule at the time took her to India in 1907. It was there that she met her first husband, Walter Evans, an Episcopalian priest. The couple moved to the United States that same year. This marriage failed, and Alice found herself in Monterey, California, as a single mother of three girls when World War I broke out, leaving her stranded without any financial resources. She then got a job on Cannery Row packing sardines! At around the same time (1917), she became intimately connected with the Theosophical Society headquartered “up the road” in San Francisco. In 1919, she began her work with the Tibetan Master DK, a work that lasted until her death in 1949 and produced the 24 volumes collectively known as “The Blue Books.” She also founded The Arcane School, The Beacon magazine, and The Lucis Trust publishing company. Alice met her second husband, Foster Bailey, sometime in 1919–20, and they were married in 1921, working together until her passing. Foster Bailey continued on with the work of The Arcane School and the publishing of Alice’s books until his own death in 1977. The above is only the briefest sketch of an incredible life. I strongly suggest reading Alice Bailey’s autobiography before opening the first of her books. If you are new to her material, I recommend that you begin with a slim volume entitled The Consciousness of the Atom. My own book on the subject of esoteric astrology, Soul-Centered Astrology, was written primarily as a primer to Bailey’s Esoteric Astrology, with the intent to ease the reader’s passage into an amazing treasury of astrological wisdom. I cannot too strongly reiterate the constant necessity for you to think in terms of energies and forces, of lines of force, and energy relationships … The whole story of astrology is, in reality, one of magnetic and magical interplay for the production of externalization of the inner reality. — Alice A. Bailey, Esoteric Astrology Chart Data and Source Alice A. Bailey, June 16, 1880; birth time unknown; Manchester, England (53°N30', 02°W15'); X: Date and place from Bailey’s autobiography, The Unfinished Autobiography of Alice A. Bailey (Lucis, 1951). Dane Rudhyar rectified it to approximately 7:45 a.m.; in her autobiography, Bailey speculated that she had Pisces rising. © 2018 Alan Oken – all rights reserved

AUG. / SEPT. 2018

— 45

TRIBUTES

ANDRÉ BARBAULT At the Crossroads of Time by Lynn Bell

I

remember my first encounter with André Barbault’s work on mundane planetary cycles. I was sitting on the floor of the library in the Centre Pompidou in Paris, poring over one of his books, Les Astres et l’histoire, and grasping the remarkable precision of the Saturn–Neptune cycle in world history. A thrill went through me. The excitement I felt, and the insight gained, lifted me all at once into a totally new dimension of astrology. I had not seen this work anywhere else, and it was a revelation. Barbault had found the larger picture by plunging into the painstaking work of history and scholarship — detailing cycles with great rigor in the charts of countries, politicians, and world leaders. In 1936, at the suggestion of his older brother Armand, Barbault began exploring astrological planetary cycles. He was 15. André tested everything, poring through history and biography, tweaking long-term cycles through minor and major aspects. Over the years, his forecasts were astonishingly prescient. For instance, he predicted the collapse of the Soviet Union many years before it happened. André Barbault is now 96 years old and has retired from practice. He was born at a solar eclipse on October 1, 1921, at 5:00 p.m. in Champignelles, France, and he rectified his chart to 4:54:21 p.m. (See Chart, at right.) Oddly, for someone eclipse-born, he showed little interest in the lunar nodes. His New Moon comes fresh from a Jupiter–Saturn conjunction and carries the potency of this newly formed “royal” conjunction. In each generation, there are individuals born with a Jupiter–Saturn conjunction who carry an imprint for an incoming 20-year cycle. It may be a creative impulse, a philosophy, a political dynasty. In Barbault’s case, it was a reinventing of the art of astrology. That he came in with the power of both an eclipse and the Jupiter–Saturn conjunction perhaps explains, in part, his outsized influence. The Sun, the Moon, and Jupiter are conjunct in Libra, bringing airy fertility: Barbault’s words and ideas flowed from his pen into nearly 50 books. André is, in many ways, perfectly Uranian. Uranus is a singleton in his birth chart, lying in the 1st house, 13° from his Ascendant. Uranus adds to André’s brilliance and singularity. Uranus is also part of a grand trine in water — with Mercury in Scorpio and Pluto in Cancer — giving wide scope and focus to his mind. Many of his ideas became books as Uranus and Pluto came together in the 1960s. In resonance with the

46 —

THE MOUNTAIN ASTROLOGER

cycle, André was profoundly modern, discarding techniques that he believed did not work and promoting the use of transits over older traditional tools, such as primary directions. His mundane work, like that of Kepler, emphasized the planets and paid little attention to signs. But elsewhere, in personal chart work, he took the signs closely into account. His twelve-volume zodiacal collection for Éditions du Seuil has been in print ever since it was first published in 1957. It made him famous. The depth of his psychological insights into each sign, along with his pioneering use of ancient images, has made it a lasting reference, with a prominent place on the shelves of bookstores in each new edition. In his book, La Prévision de l’avenir par l’astrologie (Paris: Hachette, 1982), Barbault argues that the emphasis placed on transits as a predictive technique is one of the major shifts in 20th-century astrology. “Our solar system grew Andre Barbault from seven to ten planets,” he points out. “It means astrologers Natal Chart Octwent 1 1921,from Sat 17 possible transit combinations to 45. With the 4:54:21 pm BST -1:00 Champigneulles, mutation France of the macrocosm, we must not confuse tradition and 47°N47' 003°E04' Geocentric conservatism.” He defines transits as “linking living beings to

Tropical Placidus Mean Node

12° ˆ 55'

‰

20°

48'

01°

‡ 54'

27' 10

22°

9

11

Š

¿

06° ‹ 29'Œ

‹

Ü

Â

18°

8

Chart: André Barbault

12

23° 38'

º 18° ¶ † ¸ 11' ½ ¾ … 07° ¼ … 39' 38' … 06° » 23°

02°

‰

7

„

Placidus houses

1

‡ 09° 26' † 53' †07° 55' 01° † 13' 29° … 15'

20' „ 15°

6

À

51'Œ

11°

2

5 3

Ü

4

27'

02' ƒ

ƒ

10°

11'

Á

20°

Ý 54'

ƒ

01° 12° ‚ 55'

48'

22°

38'

the cosmos, through the rhythms of time.” [my translation] Barbault didn’t bother much with retrograde planets, progressions, or solar returns in his practice. This was a fairly radical position during the last quarter of the 20th century. In 1984, Charles Harvey, Michael Baigent, and Nick Campion synthesized many of Barbault’s ideas in their volume, Mundane Astrology: Introduction to the Astrology of Nations and Groups. And English-speaking readers now have Rick Tarnas’s impressive Cosmos and Psyche: Intimations of a New World View (2006) to pore over. Tarnas is more concerned with the archetypal sweep of history, while Barbault’s work is detailed and meticulous, determined to work out proofs to support his findings. André had been gracious when I first visited him in 1979 on the outskirts of Paris, in the 19th arrondissement, to talk about his work. He immediately left the formal “vous” for the more intimate French “tu” — a token of equality and friendship. This Uranian openness was natural for him. Despite his accomplishments, André was never arrogant; he still called himself a student of astrology into his 80s. His wit, his vivacity of thought and language, his sheer energy all came through in his lectures as well as his writings. Although he retired from astrology a few years ago, he still lives with his wife Jacqueline in the same home, surrounded by books. He no longer looks at transits for individuals, but the larger planetary cycles continue to animate his thinking. He remains optimistic about the new world that will emerge in 2026, when the outer planets are sextile and trine in air and fire signs. André arrived in Paris in 1944, and as the war ended, he was part of an informal group of friends who formed the CIA: le Centre Internationale d’Astrologie. The first congresses in Paris grew out of this group. André’s work, like that of other astrologers of the time, was originally prepared without the help of computers. It may be difficult to imagine now, but until the 1970s, astrologers did not have access to the historical, pre–19th-century positions of the outer planets. In 1966, André was approached by a computer company, Astroflash, with the idea of using his texts to create a computer report. In exchange, he asked if they could calculate a thousand years of planetary positions. This collaboration was the first of its kind and wildly successful. When Astroflash opened its boutique on the Champs-Elysées in 1968, people poured in, and the company averaged 6,000 chart reports per month. These reports were remarkably influential, despite their simplicity of design. Many of my own French clients would bring their computer printouts to our sessions. Other French astrologers hated the computer reports, and André was roundly attacked for “selling out.” His critics were many, and some even threatened to come to his house and punch him in the face. Lawsuits were initiated. As a result, the CIA group collapsed during Uranus’s transit to André’s natal Saturn: a terrible time for someone with so much Libra and so many planets in the 7th house! Soon after this split, André launched the astrological magazine l’Astrologue, which continues to this day. Among those he interviewed for the journal were C. G. Jung, Mircea Eliade, Claude Lévi-Strauss, and André Breton — some of the great intellectuals and cultural shapers of the time.

By the time I met André in 1979, I had a soulful, Jungian, and humanistic approach to the horoscope, so I was less sensitive to his pioneering work linking psychoanalysis and astrology. His Freudian approach jarred me, and I didn’t share his dark views of Neptune and Pluto. Still, this has made no difference to our cordial connection over the years. I had initially wanted to help translate his mundane work into English, but this turned out to be a task beyond my ability. In 2005, just before his 84th birthday, André was invited to open the Astrological Association Conference in England. Knowing his dislike of travel and his limited English, I wondered if he would actually make it. Danielle de Diesbach, a student and videographer, agreed to help make a film just in case. We interviewed André over the course of three days, and Danielle edited the footage into an hour-long video. What a delicious experience that was! André’s intellectual gifts were keen and quick, his humor ready, and he could still read an ephemeris without glasses. When back pain prevented him from traveling, we rushed to get the video ready. I had to

André Barbault argues that the emphasis placed on transits as a predictive technique is one of the major shifts in 20th-century astrology. jump in and translate live during the conference. It was an honor for me to present André to an English-speaking audience, though I regret that he couldn’t appear in person. At 89, on his third Saturn return, he returned to the subject of Saturn in his final book, l’Univers de Saturne. André Barbault’s work has long been available in Spanish, Italian, and other European languages, but his dense literary style defied translation into English until 2014. Kate Johnston and Roy Gillett of the Astrological Association finally managed to accomplish this with The Value of Astrology (2014) and Planetary Cycles: Mundane Astrology (2016). After we first met, André gave my name to the organizer of a French astrology conference, and thanks to this introduction, I gave my first talk on astrology to other professionals in early 1981. I am immensely grateful to this bright spirit — this brilliant astrological mind — who opened the window of cycles to me, and welcomed a young American astrologer to France. Author’s Note: Some biographical information came from “L’interview d’André Barbault par Fabrice Pascaud,” in L’Astrologue, no. 161, 1er trimestre, 2008, Paris. Chart Data and Source André Barbault, October 1, 1921; 5:00 p.m. GMD; Champignelles, France (47°N47', 03°E04'); AA: From his birth certificate, obtained by Didier Geslain. The chart presented is Barbault’s rectification (4:54:21 p.m.). © 2018 Lynn Bell – all rights reserved

AUG. / SEPT. 2018

— 47

TRIBUTES

LOIS RODDEN

A Personal and Professional Recollection by Frank C. Clifford

I

t is easy to be inspired by Lois Rodden and her 40-year commitment to data collection. She dedicated her career to setting professional standards by classifying data sources and demanding that astrologers take accountability for the data they presented in lectures, articles, and books. She motivated me and countless others to question and record sources, and to hunt down accurate data and share these with others. In her first data volume, Profiles of Women (AFA, 1979), she wrote: Accuracy of data is essential to sound research, as well as to skillful delineation … Presentation of rectified data that are not designated as such is careless or presumptive and is an insult to the intelligence of our community. Following the publication of Women, Lois became the central source for collectors to send in their contributions and to access and exchange data. In addition to incorporating the work of many collectors into her files, by 1980 she had also created and developed a classification system to rate the integrity of data. Her simple coding system — the Rodden Rating — would become her most significant, enduring legacy to the astrological community. I was always tickled by the story of Lois’s timely discovery of astrology. When she moved to Los Angeles in 1961, she walked three blocks from her house to the Church of Light and asked when the next astrology beginners’ class was due to start. The answer was “20 minutes.” Later, she would quip, “That’s called Uranus trine the MC.” Seven years later, she began her professional career in astrology — seeing clients and ghost-writing forecasting annuals for well-known names. Although I missed Lois’s first trip to London in 1990 (“I was treated with such abysmal indifference I thought I must have just fallen off the turnip truck,” she later confided), I did write to her in mid 1992, and this began a decade-long correspondence of letters, faxes, and e-mails and an association that lasted until her death on June 5, 2003 (at 8:30 a.m. in Yucaipa, California). Our friendship developed fast from the summer of 1994, and by late 1995, I had offered to proofread and contribute to her new edition of Profiles of Women, which was published

48 —

THE MOUNTAIN ASTROLOGER

shortly before my stay at her home. After the series of edits, she sent me a note that read: “Muchas Gracias. That’s Spanish for: If I were any more grateful, I’d give you my car.” During my stay at her home in Yucaipa, California, in June 1996, she took me to meet Ed Steinbrecher, Dana Holliday, and Marc Penfield. We also had a special afternoon at Marion March’s home in Encino, and had fun being entertained at the world-renowned Magic Castle in Hollywood. “I’ll pretend that you’re my young gigolo rather than a grandson,” she winked. Back in Yucaipa, we embarked upon a hilarious trip to a trailer park where she met with a laconic UFO investigator in less than salubrious surroundings. Lois interviewed him briefly and made a quick exit. As we stumbled out of the trailer, she turned to me and used two of her favourite phrases, “Oh, for heaven’s sakes … he was so ungracious!” An ever-curious child of Mercury (with the Sun at 0° Gemini), Lois had a deliciously wicked sense of humour and loved bons mots. (See Chart, following page.) And travelling around California with her, I heard all the gossip — mostly about astrologers I had yet to meet. She revealed her tender side when she spoke poignantly of how cancer and surgery had punctuated much of her adult life. And she wept when she recalled the fundraising undertaken by the astrological community to pay for one particularly important cancer operation. At her home, Lois showed me folders of letters and reviews from people all over the world who had written admiringly to share their appreciation of her work.

An ever-curious child of Mercury (with the Sun at 0° Gemini), Lois Rodden had a deliciously wicked sense of humour.

Lois hated seeing speculative and rectified charts in publications, particularly when presented as fact. She didn’t know her own time of birth — an irony that perhaps contributed to her choice of specialism as a “data freak,” as she called us collectors. She had rectified her own chart to 12:22 a.m. and later tweaked it to 12:27 a.m. — joking that it couldn’t be any later as she wouldn’t allow Neptune closer to her Descendant. Her rectification placed Saturn, the handle of her Bucket chart, at the MC in Sagittarius. It reflected the nature of her life’s work and the relentless responsibility that came with it. At one point, she wrote to me: “Ed [Steinbrecher] and I have agreed to adopt you as our data-child, probably not as deliciously scandalous as our love-child, but the best we have going.” Looking at our synastry, it’s not hard to see why we connected, worked so well together, and shared a passion for research and data. I suggested that she name her data collection AstroDatabank, after her wonderful series of five Astro-Data volumes that had long been invaluable, standard reference books. Her data books had encouraged me to research the lives of well-known people — and I still learn with a biography in one hand and a birth chart in the other. Lois’s last trip to England was for the Astrological Association’s memorable Eclipse Conference in Plymouth, August 1999. After another bout of cancer — and vocal cord damage from explorative surgery — she nevertheless soldiered on and gave a lecture in half a voice. A few years later, although terribly ill, she took time out to write the foreword to a book of mine. Lois wasn’t easy. With the Moon in Cancer conjunct Pluto, she needed a terse, tough shell to protect herself from the daily grind of data requests, family dramas, and numerous Lois Rodden bouts with major illness. As a woman who lived alone and supNatal Chart May 22 1928, Tue ported and members of her family, she had to focus 0:27 am MST herself +7:00 Lang, Saskatchewan on earning a living and paying for her medical care. I admired 49°N56' 104°W23'

Geocentric Tropical Equal Mean Node

13° ‡ 37'

ˆ

13°

37'

13°

¾

ÊÌ

08° 10° 16° ˆ ˆ

ˆ 06'46' 57' Œ Œ 10

37'

‰ 13°

…

9

12

13°

Š 37'

1

8

7

Equal houses, Mean Node

6

2

13° 37'

05' Ü 21' 04° Ü

06°

¼ ¿ 13°

Ü 37'

Lois Rodden, May 22, 1928; 12:27 a.m. MST; Lang, Saskatchewan, Canada (49°N56', 104°W23'); C: Rectified by Rodden from her mother’s statement of “after midnight.” The chart has been cast with Equal house cusps (the author and the subject’s preference).

37'

Chart: Lois Rodden

15' 18' Ü Ý

27° 07°

½ Â

À 13°

© 2018 Frank C. Clifford – all rights reserved

37'

32' ƒ 15° 25' ƒ

09°

4

Œ 21' ‚ 06' 46' 20° ‚ 00' 56' ‚ Ý ‚ 08°10°

20° 00°

»

26°

„

5 3

26' „

how she managed to reply so diplomatically to the various brusque letters, phone calls, and e-mails she sometimes received from people who insisted on “farkling” around, as she put it. With Aquarius–Leo on the natal horizon, Lois avoided councils and committees and the politics and monstrous egos that thrive therein. “Groups are not my favorite environment. I think committees in particular are designed to allow just enough balance of power as to ensure impotence. May the strongest Pluto win, regardless of quality of judgment,” she once wrote to me. Lois had a great deal of wisdom, and many of her astrological gems were throwaway lines in conversations or letters. From her non-data books, it was easy to see that Lois was a great astrologer, too — one who was most at home with the occupational and business concerns of her clients. Her research into vocational astrology formed the basis of Money: How to Find It with Astrology — an all-time favourite of mine for its thorough research and sharp insights. Her books Money, The Mercury Method of Chart Comparison, and Modern Transits attest to her practical astrological skills and perception. And true to her chart, she was also bright, inquisitive, and individualistic. She confided, “As we get older, if we are able to be rude with élan, it’s called ‘eccentric,’ and if we are able to carry it off with grand style, we may even be called a ‘character.’” That made me chuckle, and it still does, knowing what an unforgettable character she truly was. Chart Data and Source

13°

11

‹

† 37'

Lois was a great astrologer, too — one who was most at home with the occupational and business concerns of her clients.

É ¸è

13°

Á 37' ¶ ƒ 13°

º

‚

37'

13° Ý 37'

AUG. / SEPT. 2018

— 49

TRIBUTES

WILLIAM LILLY England’s Prophetical Merlin by Wade Caves

N

ot being one for biographies, I did not intend to undertake a study of Lilly’s life. It became something of a necessity, however, if I were to understand the full weight behind key passages in his Christian Astrology, or the political nuances often touched upon in his portfolio of serialized almanacs. I’d picked up a few books about Lilly’s life, but it’s more my style to go straight to the source. I had tracked down a used copy of his autobiography and decided to give it a go. What a labor that proved to be! I well and truly struggled with that book, likely due to the unfamiliar 17th-century turn of phrase, my marked ignorance of English and European history, and no practical knowledge of English civic and societal structures. And what you don’t know, you can’t retain: I found myself reading and rereading the same lines, gaining no ground. In my annoyance and frustration (powerful motivators, in my experience), I downloaded an online version of the autobiography and migrated it into a word-processing software. Each time I ran across a word, name, place, or reference that I didn’t understand, I paused my reading to do research. What I learned I put into footnotes, painstakingly annotating my way through this trying little book.1 My progress was slow to start, and even slower as I made my way through the text in earnest. What I read was nothing short of extraordinary. His autobiography proved his life to be full of political intrigue and upheaval, moments of supernatural wonder and terror, sharp spikes and plummets of fame, and humbling moments when Lilly nearly lost everything dear to him. And all of this was juxtaposed by the everyday comings and goings of an everyday man. Lilly was born at the turn of the 17th century to a family of provincial farmers in the English Midlands. Though his father intended Lilly to join in the family labors, Lilly himself was an aspiring scholar. Both he and his mother had high hopes that Lilly might be trained by the brighter minds that English universities had to offer, but with tight funds came few opportunities. Lilly’s deliverance from a country life came in the form of his father’s attorney, Samuel Smatty, who took pity on Lilly’s condition as a budding young mind trapped by rural life.

50 —

THE MOUNTAIN ASTROLOGER

Smatty arranged a meeting with Lilly to share details of a recent trip to London. Smatty had met a gentleman in need of an attendant and scribe, a post for which Lilly was well suited. With his father’s blessing (and as Lilly tells it, “my father … was very willing to be rid of me, for I could not work, drive the plough, or endure any country labour; my father oft would say, I was good for nothing”),2 Lilly departed for London in April 1620. There, Lilly worked as secretary and scribe for Gilbert Wright, whose primary income came from various lodgings he kept and maintained. Upon Wright’s death, Lilly — still a servant — proposed to Wright’s widow, Ellen. It was a daring move, but she eventually accepted his offer, and the two were wed in September 1627, keeping their marriage a secret for two full years. The marriage was a happy one but did not last long — Ellen grew gravely ill and died in October 1633. Her death brought Lilly an inheritance of a thousand pounds, roughly the equivalent of $150,000 today. With this, Lilly purchased his deceased master’s house, and enjoyed an elevated position in London society. Some years later, Lilly began studying astrology in earnest. He chiefly credits the works of Ptolemy, Haly Abenrigel (ibn Rijal, in the Arabic), Guido Bonatti, and Valentine Naibod’s Commentary on Alcabitius as influences on his own work. In 1647, Lilly sought to democratize astrology by publishing the first astrological text in the English language, Christian Astrology, which comprised a thorough assessment of horary and natal astrological techniques.

It is through Lilly’s case files — his demonstrated chart examples, so rarely found in astrological texts of this kind — that we learn of his brilliance.

The influence of Christian Astrology can hardly be overstated. Even as it fell out of publication, an English astrologer going by the pseudonym “Zadkiel” sought to adapt and paraphrase the work to keep it in live circulation. Today, we can thank people like Clive Kavan and Olivia Barclay for bringing Christian Astrology out of facsimile and into modern print. The real power in this text isn’t so much seen in Lilly’s survey of astrological theory. Here, Lilly is inconsistent and often unorganized. It is through the astrologer’s case files — his demonstrated chart examples, so rarely found in astrological texts of this kind — that we learn of Lilly’s brilliance. At the height of Lilly’s practice, he was seeing upwards of 2,000 clients per year. He played a fascinating (albeit minor) role in the history of England’s Second Civil War, advising both sides, King and Parliament, on a number of occasions.

I can share, from experience, that the study of Lilly’s life and work repays the student in dividends. With friends in high places (and some well-positioned friends in low places), Lilly managed to escape the harsher punishments that some of his contemporaries endured for practicing forms of astrology that were likened to witchcraft and sorcery (i.e., horary).

Nearer the end of his life, Lilly retired to the countryside to practice medicine and tend to its poor and impoverished citizenry. A humorous anecdote is found in a letter from Lilly to Elias Ashmole regarding such clients: “An aged woman, 85, sent me 4d to preserve her to 105. I am persuaded I shall cozen her, but I took her groat, fearing I should get no more that day; but 2s came afterward. You see how I thrive.”3 I later learned that my annotation of Lilly’s autobiography coincided with Saturn’s transit over my Ascendant and a Saturn return to Lilly’s nativity. The pressure was certainly real, as were the strain and difficulty in making complete sense of some of his accounts. But a little pressure and heat make diamonds out of coal, and I can share, from experience, that the study of Lilly’s life and work repays the student in dividends. Though three-and-a-quarter centuries have passed since Lilly’s death, his contribution to astrology has taken new life and new meaning as it kindles the curiosity and interest of budding astrologers worldwide. As Lilly wrote in his letter “to the Student in Astrology”: My Friend, whoever thou art, that with so much ease shalt receive the benefit of my hard studies, and does intend to proceed in this heavenly knowledge of the stars … learn all the ornaments of virtue, be sufficiently instructed therein: be humane, courteous, familiar to all, easy of access, afflict not the miserable with terror of harsh judgment … be modest, conversant with the learned, civil, sober man, covet not an estate; give freely to the poor, both money and judgment: let no worldly wealth procure an erroneous judgment from you, or such that may dishonor the Art, or this divine Science … be faithful, tenacious, betray no one’s secrets, no, no I charge you never divulge either friend or enemies trust committed to thy faith. Instruct all men to live well: be a good example thyself.4 Chart Data and Source William Lilly, May 1, 1602 O.S. (May 11, N.S.); 2:00 a.m. LMT; Diseworth, Leicestershire, England (52°N59', 01°W20'); A (?): From Lilly’s letter to Elias Ashmole; same in his autobiography. In his annual Anglicus entitled Peace or No Peace (1645), he writes that he has a Pisces Moon (which would suggest a date of May 5 or 6 O.S.).

References and Notes 1. My efforts caught the interest of Jenn Zahrt, then of Rubedo Press, and my annotated work was published as a 300th Anniversary Critical Edition of William Lilly’s History of His Life & Times. (What timing!) 2. William Lilly, William Lilly’s History of His Life & Times: 1602–1681, ed. Wade Caves, Rubedo Press, 2015, p. 23. 3. Derek Parker, Familiar to All: William Lilly and Astrology in the Seventeenth Century, Jonathan Cape Ltd., 1975, p. 247. 4. William Lilly, Christian Astrology (1647), Astrology Classics, 2004, p. xxxi. © 2018 Wade Caves – all rights reserved

AUG. / SEPT. 2018

— 51

TRIBUTES

ISABEL HICKEY The Spiritual Spark Plug by Brian Clark

R

eflecting on Isabel Hickey has sent me tumbling back through time, arriving at 1972 when I was given Astrology: A Cosmic Science as a birthday present. I was 23 and searching — reading Alan Watts, visiting the Spiritualist Church, and practicing Hatha Yoga. The book felt like a sacred text: a hardback edition with a blue-and-yellow dust jacket and a mandala of a twelve-pointed star on the cover. When I opened it to the Preface, I read: “So you have decided to study astrology. Welcome. You are starting a journey towards self-understanding …”1 A chord deep inside me was struck. I had come home. I thought she was speaking just to me, illuminating the path I had always been seeking. Astrology: A Cosmic Science was self-published. My copy was the fifth printing and, if I recall, about 5,000 were published each edition. By the time the book was republished by CRCS Publications in 1992, more than 80,000 of the hardbacks had been sold. The front cover of the new edition was subtitled The Classic Work on Spiritual Astrology. Perhaps it was the “spiritual” connection that spoke most clearly to me, but Issie, as she was affectionately known, also spoke about the soul, the importance of symbols, and the power to shape our own destiny from the blueprint of the horoscope. She was not just an astrologer and teacher, but a spiritual mentor as well. I fondly remember meeting Isabel. It was June 23, 1978. Astrology was now a cornerstone of my life, but I was still exploring realms of consciousness. One track I was following was the Huna philosophy of Max Freedom Long. Imagine my surprise and delight when the next Huna Convention was announced for Ottawa, and one of the main presenters would be Isabel Hickey. At that time, I was living only two kilometres from the venue. The confluence was remarkable: Destiny had smiled upon me. At the moment I met Issie, the transiting North Node was at 1°06' Libra. My natal Sun is at 0°42' Libra; Issie’s natal Venus was at 0°33' Libra. The picture this paints is a faithful portrait of our relationship. Issie died two years later; our time together was brief, yet it left its enduring influence. Her legacy is a reminder of the divinatory and spiritual foundation stones of astrology. In Issie’s natal chart, all seven classical planets are in the signs of their rulership — something Issie liked to point out,

52 —

THE MOUNTAIN ASTROLOGER

as if it were a blessing from the gods. (See Chart, below.) A mutable grand cross involving Mercury, ruler of her Midheaven, challenged her to strengthen her ideas and articulate her knowledge, and it contributed to her vocation as an influential, inspiring, and dynamic teacher of astrological wisdom. It was the 1970s. The counterculture and the Human Potential Movement were morphing into the New Age, a populist blend of esotericism and spirituality. In the midst of these times, Issie became a sought-after speaker and spiritual leader. At the AFA Convention in 1972, Issie’s teachings on Huna were considered inappropriate, so she, along with a huge following, continued the teachings at a hotel across the street. She was known in Boston as the “spiritual spark plug,” and her “Friday Night Fix” became an established ritual for those in quest of spiritual sustenance. Issie’s regular teachingsHickey and meditations on those Friday evenings were a boon Isabel Natal Chart to19many Aug 1903, Wedwho would come to hear about the “real self” be12:30 pm EST +5:00 hind MA the personality, how we create our inner condition, and Brookline, 42°N19'54'' 071°W07'18'' how, in order to change our life, we must change our attitude. Geocentric

Tropical Placidus True Node

06° … 30' 57'

† 07°

É» Ï 07°00°

09° † †

† 35'33' 11' Œ

44'

‡ 02°

¼ 07°

25°

… 32'

ƒ 33'

„ 32'

¶ À

11°

10

ƒ 05° 49' ƒ 14'

9

54'

ˆ

8

12

Chart: Isabel Hickey

7

1

Placidus houses, True Node

6

‡

23°

‚ 27'

Á 20°

‚

22°

Ý 54'

Π41' 2

21°

Œ 57' ‰

ˆ 27'

16°

29°

30'

50'

22°

¿

¸

11

‡

23°

„

º

17°

 29°

5 3

Œ 31' Š

04°

Œ 13' ‹

½ Š

06° ‹ 30'

Ý

Œ 35' Ü

21°

¾

‰ 33'

44'

4

02°

07°

Ê

Ü

07°

57'

These conscious-raising ideas appear simple now, many having been recycled into mindfulness exercises, but back then they mesmerized Issie’s audience. Self-awareness was the stimulus behind Issie’s astrological teaching. Her approach proposed that astrology “trains the student in perceiving realities behind forms.” She stressed the importance of a symbolic approach, since “in planes beyond the earth, everything must be understood through symbols, for language is of the material plane only.”2 Her New Age blend of esotericism, spirituality, psychology, and common sense was the cornerstone of her approach to astrology. It was her spiritual and symbolic underpinning of the astrological model that inspired me to forge my own melding of astrological images and symbols with the soul. I first experienced Issie’s presence when she closed the opening day of the Huna conference with a meditation. What I remember so clearly was her broad Bostonian accent and the invitation to deepen my inner world — the world that astrology has enriched throughout my life. But it wasn’t until the final day of the conference, when Issie spoke of her spiritual experiences, that we mutually met. I invited her to Ottawa for an astrological seminar later that year. It was the beginning of a wonderful association. For the next two years, I would visit Issie at her beloved retreat house in New Hampshire, which was called Harmony Hill. She loved the peace and solitude, but she also invited guests and facilitated seminars there. I remember fondly one Saturday when the group had all decided to go swimming, and we asked Issie to join us. “No,” she said abruptly. I thought that she might have felt awkward being with the young ones. Everyone went home later that afternoon, but I stayed to get an early start the next day for the long drive back home. The next morning, I was in the kitchen and was startled when I felt a pat

Her New Age blend of esotericism, spirituality, psychology, and common sense was the cornerstone of her approach to astrology. book she published in 1976, in which she reiterated one of her core teachings: that we are connected to everything that happens to us.3 Issie had always wanted to go to Hawaii, the home of Huna. With an upcoming conference in Hilo, Hawaii, and with Jupiter transiting her 9th house in 1980, she thought this would be the perfect time to take the long journey. Her ticket was booked for June 18, but Issie was about to make a different transition. She died on June 17, as transiting Uranus was retrograding over her Ascendant, and Jupiter was approaching her Midheaven. She was going on a long journey — just to another destination.4 At her Harmony Hill memorial service, a large gust of wind stirred and rushed through the pines, then disappeared. We all thought that it was Issie saying goodbye. I was ever so grateful that I had had the opportunity to say hello. Chart Data and Source Isabel Hickey, August 19, 1903; 12:30 p.m. EST; Brookline, MA, USA (42°N20', 71°W07'); A: From her, as quoted in Mercury Hour, July 1982. References and Notes

Isabel Hickey spoke about the soul, the importance of symbols, and the power to shape our own destiny from the blueprint of the horoscope. on my shoulder. I was even more startled when I turned around and saw Issie. There she was — 75 years old, in her bathing suit with a huge Mexican sunhat — I burst out laughing. She grinned and said in her broad Boston accent, “Uranus in the 1st house!” We continued laughing. She was one of a kind: unique and often very challenging. And she knew that. Towards the end, Issie was in a lot of pain with angina, so she could often be short-tempered. I remember a sign near her phone that read “Watch Out,” which reminded her when she answered the phone not to be as abrupt as she would often feel. Phone calls came in from all over the country, asking for Issie’s encouragement, blessing, or insight. To which she would often respond, “It is all right” — the title of the

1. Isabel Hickey, Astrology: A Cosmic Science, Altieri Press, 1972, p. 5. 2. Both quotes are from the new edition of Astrology: A Cosmic Science, CRCS, 1992, p. ii. This book also includes Issie’s monograph Pluto or Minerva: The Choice Is Yours. 3. Isabel Hickey, It Is ALL Right, self-published, 1976. Posthumously, her grandson Jay Hickey and astrologer Amy Shapiro published Issie’s Never Mind, 2012. 4. In a private letter, Issie told me the date she booked to leave for Hawaii. She died on June 17, 1980 at 8:15 a.m., at her beloved Harmony Hill in Nottingham, New Hampshire, as reported by her daughter Helen. My thanks to Amy Shapiro for the use of the main profile photograph.

© 2018 Brian Clark – all rights reserved

AUG. / SEPT. 2018

— 53

TRIBUTES

A Letter to

VETTIUS VALENS by Dorian Gieseler Greenbaum

D

ear Vettius Valens, I’m not ashamed to admit that this is a fan letter. I really love your work! And I hope you don’t mind me writing to you. You’ve had such an impact on the way I think about astrology, and certainly on the practice of astrology, that I thought I should let you know that you’re not preaching to an empty stadium. And I’m not the only one. Lots of us are out there reading what you say and using your ideas in the real world.

Living in Interesting Times Aren’t you lucky to be living in the 2nd century — what a great time to be an astrologer! Antiochus of Athens, Ptolemy, and you. (Sometimes I wish I had been born in 120 C.E. like you were.) So many people talking about philosophy, oracles, divination, and science — Plutarch, the Stoics, Platonists, Pythagoreans, Hermetists — and you in the thick of it.

You Taught Me Some of My Favorite Things From you I’ve learned that the four most important Lots are Fortune, Daimon, Eros, and Necessity — body, soul/mind, love, and necessity — and that only in astrology can you see how they connect, how they mirror and depend on each other (because, in the way they are calculated, they form a double mirror image in the chart). Maybe it’s because of you that Macrobius can tell us about “the four deities who are present to preside over the human being born: Daimon, Tyche, Eros and Ananke … the sun and the moon … daimon and fortune … love and necessity.” (Saturnalia, I, 19.17) When you write about profections, I understand that, even though they repeat every twelve years, what happens to us the next time won’t be the same (though it will still match the symbolism), and how we react to it can change everything, as it did for the dancer you give as an example. (Anthologies V, 6.121–125) At age 19, the dancer was imprisoned after a mob riot, but was released by the judge and became famous. But twelve years later, his honor, reputation, and livelihood were ruined because he became insolent and a braggart. Why such contrasting outcomes? You explain that different configurations can be emphasized in different years. In his case, this involved the Lots of Fortune and Daimon (body and mind). At 19, his

54 —

THE MOUNTAIN ASTROLOGER

physical good luck — Venus in the Ascendant, and Jupiter and the Sun in the 10th place from Fortune — prevailed over the Saturn–Moon profection to Mars. But at 31, pride went before his fall. His mental actions, insolence, and boasting undid him because the Lot of Daimon in Gemini (his mind) was opposed by its lord, Mercury. You talk about katarche: How does it work, why does it work, and what does the “right” time (kairos) have to do with it? What you write helps me to think about why this is important for astrology and, just maybe, to understand it a little better. Finally, the daimon: that special being who mediates between the gods and humans, whom we choose before we are born, who accompanies us through our lives, who can help us to find what our virtue is — if we will only listen. You certainly listened to yours. The daimon led you to an astrology teacher: “we kept on experimenting, until the wished-for daimonion, through a certain providence, made the transmission … through a certain man who loved learning.” (IV, 11.7) It changed your life: “… but when I lit upon the divine and revered theory of the heavens, I wished to purify my way of life of every vice and pollution, and anticipate the immortal soul.” (VI, 1.15) You were “exalted because of the heavenly theory poured over me by the daimon.” (VI, 1.7) And you let it be your guide: “… those who possess intelligence must follow the daimonion as it wishes (for it provides the idea for what it wills) …” (IX, 12.31)

What’s Fate Got to Do with It? Fate (heimarmene) is one of your big issues. Sure, I understand that not everything is up to us — some things we are just born with, and there’s nothing we can do about that. “For fate has ordained by law for each an unchangeable actuality of outcomes …” (V, 6.4.) We can see this in our birth charts. (IX, 12.19) But you also tell us that this is not all there is. Even though there’s a lot we can’t change, our virtue counts for something. We have a choice to be good — we can remember that we have a daimon who guides us and wants us to do our best, and we have divine Providence: “… I was thought fit by God and providence to light upon a safe and secure harbor.” (IX, 1.10)

What I Like about You First, that you’re willing to tell us what you do and how you do it. You want to pass on your work to those who come after you. You give us real-life examples, not just theory, like your story of the dancer and his profections. I know you’re worried about your work getting into the wrong hands — I get that. You want us to take it seriously — this stuff isn’t frivolous, but really serious, and not to be abused. I think you’re right to tell us to take an oath not to trivialize astrology, swearing by our beloved stars and the vault of heaven, and providence, and necessity. (IV, 11.11) But in spite of your worries, you have written it all down, and I am so grateful for that. Second, that you also give us the theory. And I can tell that you have thought a lot about the intersections of theory and practice. It’s made me think a lot about this, too. Third, that you use your own chart! (As we all do.) I count 21 times in your book. It’s great to see how you learned about using astrology by studying your chart. I’m thinking especially of that time you were almost shipwrecked with five other people (VII, 6.127–60) — what it taught you was pretty amazing! You all had different birth charts, but each of you had a malefic planet as a time-lord when the near-disaster took place. Luckily for all of you, the effects were ameliorated by a benefic. So, although the ship had taken on water and the rudder was lost, your pilot saved the ship with his skill. And you found the astrological threads that, despite the variances in your birth charts, linked you all together by fate.

You Don’t Forget the Ones Who Came Before You not only give us quotations from Homer, Orpheus, and Euripides, you also tell us about the astrologers who came before you, who paved the way for you, like Critodemus and Thrasyllus. But I think the most important ones you talk about are “Nechepso” and “Petosiris” (even if we don’t know exactly who they are). Whoever they were, much of what you say about their work would be lost if you hadn’t mentioned

Astrology isn’t frivolous, but really serious, and not to be abused or trivialized. Pragmatist and Mystic I love how you can be completely practical (lots of techniques and examples), but you can also say something that is so profound and poetic that I’m blown away: For all that humans have obtained as their lot is not [only] perishable and wretched, but also some divine piece of work that is God-inspired; … such imperishable air being poured round us, actually being and extending into us, imparts a timely effluence of immortality in ordered and measured time … (IX, 1.11) I think this is exactly what astrology is: a mix of the mundane and the ethereal, the human and the divine.

Your devoted admirer, Dorian

Editor’s Note: All translations are by this author. Chart Data and Source Vettius Valens, February 8, 120 C.E.; c. 7:15 p.m. LAT; Antioch, Syria (now Turkey) (36°N12', 36°E09'); C: Details have been discerned by O. Neugebauer and H. B. Van Hoesen in Greek Horoscopes (Philadelphia: The American Philosophical Society, 1959, repr. 1987) from details published in Valens’s work.

Books Consulted

You (Vettius Valens) tell us that fate is not all there is. Even though there’s a lot we can’t change, our virtue counts for something. We have a choice to be good.

Greenbaum, Dorian Gieseler. The Daimon in Hellenistic Astrology: Origins and Influence. Leiden/Boston: Brill, 2016. Macrobius, Ambrosius Theodosius. Saturnalia. 2nd ed. Edited by James Willis. Macrobius Vol. 1. Stuttgart/Leipzig: B. G. Teubner, 1994. Vettius Valens. Anthologiarum libri novem. Edited by David Pingree. Leipzig: B. G. Teubner, 1986. © 2018 Dorian Gieseler Greenbaum – all rights reserved

it, so thanks! As I said before, I’m especially interested in the Lots, so you can imagine how thrilled I was to see that you talk about Fortune and Daimon in Book IX, and what “Petosiris” said about them. It would have been nice if what he said had been clearer, but I know that these ancient sages aren’t the easiest to understand. Anyway, my takeaway is that “Petosiris” used both Fortune and Daimon in his work, and you do, too. That makes perfect sense to me, since they mirror each other. Body and soul, matter and spirit, always intertwined. AUG. / SEPT. 2018

— 55

TRIBUTES

CYRIL FAGAN

The Father of Western Sidereal Astrology by Kenneth Bowser

T

he main point at issue in contemporary astrology devolves onto the zodiac itself: whether trait characteristics derive from the tropical signs, invented by the Greeks, or the sidereal signs, discovered by the Babylonians. The entire controversy is the consequence of the work of Irish astrologer Cyril Fagan. In the sidereal system, the positions of celestial bodies are reckoned from the stars — it is a stellar frame of reference. In the tropical system, the positions of celestial bodies are reckoned from the equinoxes and solstices — it is a seasonal frame of reference. There are two schools of sidereal astrology: Eastern or Indian astrology and Western or Babylonian astrology. Western sidereal astrology is the rediscovery of an ancient astrology that was originally practiced in Babylonia and Assyria, and spread throughout the Near and Middle East and the Mediterranean world. Fagan is known as the father of Western sidereal astrology. He was a student of astrology from the age of 20 until his death. He was an extraordinary technician, interpreter, and lifelong researcher. His interpretations were so amazing that some people, unnerved by them, insisted that he was psychic, although he made no such claim. In February 1944, with transiting Uranus stationary direct conjunct his natal Taurus Midheaven, and transiting Jupiter in Cancer sextile his natal Mercury in Taurus (see Chart, following page), Fagan fully grasped that Babylonian astrology and astronomy were wholly sidereal. This came after years of studying the work of scholars who had translated ancient Babylonian astronomical and astrological texts excavated in the 1840s from what is now Iraq. Fagan had been a tropical astrologer since 1916, and by the 1930s, he was well regarded as a prominent figure in the tropical world — the only astrological world at the time for a Westerner. The epiphany that astrology was at one time resting on a different foundation from that of the current one instantly begs the question of why it was changed. It was the search to address this issue that engaged Fagan during the second half of his life. In other words, if the world was sidereal for the people who discovered the zodiac, how did tropical astrology, which separates the art from the stars, become a standard in the West?

56 —

THE MOUNTAIN ASTROLOGER

Until the Greeks introduced tropical reckoning late in the first millennium B.C.E. — probably during the lifetime of Hipparchus of Rhodes (who flourished 146–127 B.C.E.) — the equinoxes and solstices were described in sidereal terms. That is, as time wore on, the equinox was described in ten, eight, five, or four degrees of Aries as precession carried it inexorably toward the zero degree. Precession, from the Latin root praecedere (“to precede or go before”), is the agency that separates tropical from sidereal. Precession causes a different part of the zodiac to appear with the Sun at the time of the equinoxes and the solstices, at the rate of change of 1° every 71.6 years. Tropical advocates say that this doesn’t matter, that the arrival of the Sun at the intersection of the ecliptic and the celestial equator is the central issue. Siderealists think that it very

Cyril Fagan’s interpretations were so amazing that some people, unnerved by them, insisted that he was psychic, although he made no such claim. much matters because, otherwise, astrology is disconnected from the sky. The various astrological ages, like the Age of Pisces that we are in now, are sidereal issues. This means that, during the age of Pisces, the Sun rises with the stars in the constellation Pisces at the March equinox. One can see that. It was these matters that engaged Fagan, like no other astrologer before him. Like Fagan, and because of him, I was powerfully influenced by these issues, too. All the siderealists I know were affected that way; Fagan’s work struck a chord in us that was revelatory. The great majority of the siderealists in the United States are tropical heretics who learned the rudimentary

elements of the art as tropicalists, became disaffected with that school of thought, and subsequently became converts to the sidereal zodiac — not as novices, but as journeymen. Fagan suffered a disaster at the age of seven, when he contracted scarlet fever; this may well have turned him toward astrology. His hearing was so badly damaged, as a result of the infection, that he had great difficulty hearing a lecture in a classroom situation. Fagan’s father was a surgeon, and the boy was unable to follow in his father’s footsteps. Instead, as a natural intellectual with the Moon in Virgo, he became a denizen of archives, museums, and libraries — places where he could work alone. All of this was done in his spare time and after he retired in 1956 from the British Civil Service, but Fagan never retired from astrology. His real job was always astrologer extraordinaire. Sidereally, Cyril Fagan had both the Sun in Taurus and the Moon in Virgo sextiling Jupiter in Cancer, which gave him a good early life, a good marriage, two healthy children, and success in his true profession: astrology. His Mercury was conjunct Neptune and closely quincunx Uranus. Mercury–Uranus combinations can be seen as a signature for astrologers, and Mercury–Neptune natives are often intuitive. Leo rising made Fagan an authority and a figure of consequence in his art. The Neptune–Pluto conjunction of the early 1890s in his 10th house was symbolic of one whose career would be a harbinger of things to come. Perhaps most importantly, he had the Moon opposite Mars. Though a gentle man with a Taurus Sun, he was also tough: He had to endure considerable opposition to the sidereal zodiac, but he was more than adequate to the task. He was a delightful, friendly, and lively person — described as charming by most people. However, in championing the sidereal zodiac, Fagan disturbed a hornet’s nest. Cyril Fagan The passions unleashed on both sides were (and still are) exNatal Chart May 22 1896 NS,heated. Fri tremely The firestorm from the 1950s onward was 12:00:21 pm +0:25 Dublin, IRELAND a wild free-for-all exchange of ideas, which I think has been 53°N20' 006°W15' Geocentric good for the art.

Fagan-Allen Campanus True Node

09° Ý 28'

‚

19'

07°

Á º À 18° 29°23° Ý Ý

Ý 41' 22'50'

45'

ƒ ½

10°

16°

10

10°

ƒ

38'

Ê 05° „ 36'Œ

„ 1

¶

… 20'

08°

Œ 55' …

18°

… 01'

27°

14°

»

08°

Ü 26'

Ü 31'

‹ 01' 8

Chart: Cyril Fagan

19' ‹

07° ¼

7

Fagan-Allen sidereal zodiac, Campanus Houses, True Node

16°

Š 6

Œ36' Š

05°

É

© 2018 Kenneth Bowser – all rights reserved

34'

5 3

45'

4

‰

Œ Œ 17' 47' † †

Â

Cyril Fagan, May 22, 1896; 12:00 p.m. Dunsink Time (12:25:21 p.m.); Dublin, Ireland (53°N20', 06°W15'); AA: From Fagan to Arthur Blackwell by letter (February 20, 1963), “recorded time.” Kenneth Bowser adds, “In 1896, the local mean time of the Dunsink Observatory just outside Dublin was the time standard in Ireland. The observatory is at longitude 06°W20'15'', which is 25 minutes 21 seconds slow of Greenwich.”

18°

9

2

Fagan repeatedly crossed swords with Dane Rudhyar, especially in the 1960s. Rudhyar wrote for Horoscope magazine, and their ongoing battles in print fueled the tropical–sidereal debate to an extreme degree, drawing in many people from the periphery who became interested in the points at issue. The controversy sold a lot of magazines and stirred up interest in astrology like never before in the U.S. Fagan’s notoriety and the profound interest in sidereal astrology that he evoked were the result, not so much of his three books (Zodiacs Old and New: A Probe into Antiquity and What Was Found; The Symbolism of the Constellations; and Astrological Origins), but of his monthly column in American Astrology magazine, entitled “Solunars.” It ran from 1953 until his death in 1970, and then for more than three years afterward in reprint form. Fagan’s 200 “Solunars” articles and his three books educated an entire generation of modern siderealists — a whole generation before the arrival of Vedic astrologers on the American scene. My wife, Colleen Mauro, and I have since obtained the rights to Fagan’s first book and the “Solunars” columns in American Astrology from the Fagan family. We plan to publish an edited edition of Zodiacs Old and New and the first of what will be a four-volume series of the “Solunars” articles later this year. We hope that this will keep his work alive and be of interest to new generations. Chart Data and Source

25°

Ý 33'

11

12

34'

¸

Though a gentle man with a Taurus Sun, Fagan was also tough: He had to endure considerable opposition to the sidereal zodiac.

21°

10°

28°

¾ ¿ † 26'

14°

07°

ˆ

19'

09° ‡ 28'

AUG. / SEPT. 2018

— 57

TRIBUTES

LINDA GOODMAN Charting an Astrological Icon by Karen Christino

W

here would we astrologers be without Linda Goodman? Through her warm, accessible writing and intuitive understanding of the public, she pioneered mass-market astrology. Climbing to bestseller lists with her book Sun Signs in 1968, she introduced millions of readers to the subject. Born Mary Alice Kemery, Goodman kept her birth information private, but thanks to data sleuth Frank Clifford, we have an accurate horoscope. Her chart features six planets in or on the cusps of angular houses, where they have their greatest strength. (See Chart, following page.) Her Aries Sun–Libra Moon opposition across the Ascendant–Descendant reflects her self-development, dynamic personality, and need to reach out both to partners and to the public. The lights are also squared by Jupiter in Capricorn in the 10th house, indicating her high-profile opportunities and wildly successful publishing career. Linda’s Aries Sun on the Ascendant gave her assertiveness and strength, while the t-square pattern increased her motivation. She was known as being generous to a fault, brash, outspoken, and even aggressive. What kind of person gets her name above the title of her first book? Someone with the Sun rising in Aries, the sign of its exaltation, which shouts, “Me first! Me, me, me!” The Moon in Libra and Saturn in Scorpio, both in the 7th house, show the importance of partnerships in her life. Linda married her first husband, Bill Snyder (a Gemini), in the small city of Parkersburg, West Virginia, where she grew up. Tragically, two of their four children died in infancy, and it’s not surprising that the relationship faltered and ended in divorce. Virgo on the 6th house of work, along with its ruler, Mercury in Taurus, in the 1st house of self-expression, consistently drew Linda to the communications field. She had been a newspaper writer before meeting her second husband, disc jockey Sam Goodman, at the radio station where she later worked as a continuity writer, traffic director, and announcer. Linda and Sam had two children together and moved to New York City in the early ’60s. Sam brought home The Coffee Table Book of Astrology one day, sparking Linda’s interest. Her progressed Sun had been in Taurus for 30 years. During this time, she had focused on basic essentials: family, home, and earnings. But the progressed Sun’s pas-

58 —

THE MOUNTAIN ASTROLOGER

sage into Gemini in 1967, which remained active for the rest of her life, signaled a period of writing, study, and intellectual curiosity. Astrologically, the counterculture movement of the ’60s began with the Uranus–Pluto conjunction in 1965–66. But generational aspects like these have large orbs of influence, and society had already been changing. The year 1963 brought the publication of Betty Friedan’s The Feminine Mystique, as well as the historic civil rights march on Washington, D.C. The West Coast “Summer of Love” was celebrated in 1967, the Beatles studied Transcendental Meditation in India in 1968, and students protested the Vietnam War across American campuses the same year. Also in 1968, the musical Hair premiered on Broadway (with the famous song lyrics, “When the Moon is in the 7th house …”). When Linda’s prominent 10th-house Jupiter sextile to Uranus was activated by outer-planet transits in 1966–67, her

The progressed Sun’s passage into Gemini in 1967, which remained active for the rest of Linda Goodman’s life, signaled a period of writing, study, and intellectual curiosity. career broke out. A total solar eclipse in Virgo in September 1968 closely conjoined transiting Uranus, putting the spotlight on astrology. Linda Goodman’s Sun Signs was released that month and soon became a publishing phenomenon. Goodman’s birth chart promises notable abilities and connections, but progressions in declination brought life experiences on a grander scale.1 Out-of-bounds (OOB) planets are defined by being outside the limit of the ecliptic, and may offer situations above and beyond the norm. Planets that progress OOB usher in a period of unusual events and potentially greater achievement. Linda’s dynamic Aries energies

highlight her chart ruler, Mars, in Gemini in her 2nd house. Mars progressed OOB until the age of 59, eventually making a terrific impact on her writing and earnings. By 1970, Linda had left Sam Goodman to relocate to a small town in Colorado with Robert Brewer, a marine biologist 20 years her junior. Brewer’s departure a few years later was devastating for her. But in 1973, Goodman experienced the greatest tragedy of her life when her daughter Sally died in New York City. Sam identified the body, and the authorities declared it a suicide. Linda was convinced that Sally was alive but missing as a result of a conspiracy. She spent a fortune on private detectives and advertising, but never found her daughter. With Venus placed in her introspective 12th house and square to Pluto, her work became increasingly subjective and her relationships more complex. Linda had ongoing disagreements with several publishers over the rights to her second book, Love Signs (1978); she had gifted large percentages of her future earnings to others, and this resulted in several lawsuits. While a new literary agent resolved the issues, her $450,000 advance on her subsequent book, Star Signs (1987), was spent before the book was even written, and Linda embarked on a lengthy bankruptcy action. Ultimately, all of her creditors were paid, thanks to her books continuing to generate remarkable sales. Among several extraordinary deals, Linda Goodman’s Love Signs sold paperback rights for $2.2 million, and Sun Signs sold paperback renewal rights for $450,000. The closest traditional (Ptolemaic) aspect in Linda Goodman’s birth chart is the Sun’s trine to Neptune in the 5th house. Venus is also trine Neptune, making it easy for Linda Linda Goodman to direct her energy into creative projects. But Neptune’s Natal Chart Aprmost 9 1925, powerful Thu influence in Linda’s horoscope is in declina6:05 am EST +5:00 Morgantown, WV tion, where it almost exactly parallels her 1st-house Mercury,

allowing her to channel transcendental topics and reach a tremendous audience. Her books were always written in the first person and often appear to capture her stream of consciousness. But in her late sixties, her 1st-house Mercury also progressed out of bounds in declination, and her remaining connection with the physical world began to dissolve. Her diet consisted mainly of fruit, and she developed diabetes, which she left untreated. She eventually needed the surgical removal of a big toe and parts of her foot in late 1993, then amputation to the knee the next year. She became a recluse and died on October 21, 1995.2 While Linda Goodman’s work can be sentimental and often has gender roles now considered outdated, her brand continues to thrive. Her book Relationship Signs was published posthumously, and she still has devoted followers more than 20 years after her death. Goodman’s ability to tap into the public’s hunger for Sun-sign astrology led to the high degree of astrology consciousness today. And since Sun signs are often a gateway to a deeper study of astrology, she has done us all a great service.

Geocentric Tropical Placidus True Node

Chart Data and Source

39°N37'46'' 079°W57'22''

Linda Goodman, April 9, 1925; 6:05 a.m. EST; Morgantown, WV, USA (39°N38', 79°W57'); AA: From her birth certificate, obtained by Frank C. Clifford; Bibi DeAngelo quotes Goodman for the same data.

12° ‰ 23'

Š

37'

½

05°

11°

Š 19' Œ

‹ 06°

¿ 23°‹

‰ 02'

00' 12

1

10

Ý 08'

33' ‚

Chart: Linda Goodman

7

Placidus houses, True Node

6

‚ 10'

‡ Œ38'

12° ¾

05' † 23°

3

4

Á

11°

É 05°

„

22°

https://www.nytimes.com/1995/10/25/us/linda-goodman-writer-turnedastrologer-dies.html

29'

Contemporary Authors Online, Detroit: Gale, 2003. http://people.com/archive/why-did-her-lover-flee-is-her-daughter-dead-lindagoodman-seeks-answers-in-the-stars-vol-11-no-19/

Œ Œ 55' 19' „ „ 19°

11°

2. Biographical information originated from the following:

¶ †

5

26' ƒ

21°

1. For more information on declination, please see Kt. Boehrer, Declination the Other Dimension, Fortunata Press, 1994.

08' 8

10°

¼

(All URLs were accessed in April 2018.)

‡

9

2

27°

References

27°

11

» 15° Ü 17' 22° 19° Ü 04' ¸ Ü 23° Ü 49' Â 29' 36' S º 02° Ý

ˆ 10'

21°

Ê 39'

21°

Goodman’s ability to tap into the public’s hunger for Sun-sign astrology led to the high degree of astrology consciousness today.

À

37'

39'

…

06°

http://www.linda-goodman.com/ubb/Forum5/HTML/000324.html Arthur Klebanoff, The Agent: Personalities, Politics and Publishing, Texere, 2002. © 2018 Karen Christino – all rights reserved

12° ƒ 23'

AUG. / SEPT. 2018

— 59

TRIBUTES

AL H. MORRISON An Inconvenient Benefic by Zane B. Stein

I

first met Al H. Morrison in September 1973 at a publishing party for Eleanor Bach’s groundbreaking book, Ephemeris of the Asteroids, which introduced astrologers to Ceres, Pallas, Juno, and Vesta. Transiting Uranus was sextile my MC, and Chiron was sextile my Mars. While I didn’t know it at the time, that day I was in the presence of one of the world’s truly great astrologers — someone who would eventually become my teacher and friend. If one of the keywords for Chiron is “mentor,” Al was my Chiron. Al’s birth certificate states that he was born in North Little Rock in Arkansas on July 8, 1916 at 12:15 a.m., but he later discovered that he was born nearby in Bellevue. (He would rectify his birth time to 12:17:29 a.m., and this is the chart I am including with this tribute.) Al once told me that he would never have become an astrologer if he had stayed in Arkansas, but his birth chart relocated to New York had “career astrologer” written all over it. Over the years, I got to know Al quite well. When asked what he was like, I tell people to think of the way Robert Heinlein describes his character, Jubal Harshaw, in Stranger in a Strange Land (Putnam, 1961): “author extraordinary, neo-pessimist philosopher, devout agnostic, professional clown, amateur subversive.” If you add “astrologer, teacher, lecturer, researcher, and publisher,” you have Al H. Morrison. Al was best known for bringing the ancient void-of-course Moon technique into modern astrology, but he did much more than that. He influenced the careers of many astrologers, became a well-known figure in the New York astrological community, and spoke to astrological groups throughout the United States, Great Britain, and Ireland. Growing up in the Bible Belt town of Little Rock, Arkansas, young Al never even gave astrology a thought. But the universe (or, at least, the government) had plans for him. Al was working in the civil service in Atlanta during the Depression, and his boss decided to transfer him to New York. One evening, Al’s friend Tony Hunt invited him over for a dinner party. Tony’s sister Barbara, a student astrologer, was there. Making sure she had his undivided attention, Barbara read Al’s birth chart for him. Barbara went on to become a highly respected astrologer herself. You may have read some of her material, written under her married name of Barbara Watters.

60 —

THE MOUNTAIN ASTROLOGER

But it wasn’t until another meeting in 1940 that Al’s life truly changed. He was just beginning a career as a federal law enforcement investigative officer. Barbara was now very “into” astrology and a bit frustrated that Al was still a skeptic. So, she explained the void-of-course (VOC) Moon to him and suggested that he try to disprove it by using data from the investigative case files he worked with. When case after case showed that efforts to bring suspects in during the VOC Moon proved fruitless, he was hooked and began to study astrology in earnest. Al studied with a number of noted astrologers, and he felt that he learned the most from Charles Jayne and Marc Edmund Jones. Eventually, he chose to leave the civil service and become a full-time astrologer. After World War II, he joined the Astrologers Guild of America. He took a very active role, becoming the editor of its publication, The Astrological Review,

Al Morrison was best known for bringing the ancient void-of-course Moon technique into modern astrology. and eventually the Guild President. Later he was co-founder of the Congress of Astrological Organizations and began publishing their magazine, CAO Times, running it as an independent journal after the Congress officially dissolved in 1978. He was one of the astrologers featured in a September 26, 1969 article in Life magazine entitled “Now It Can Be Foretold,” where author Ann Bayer referred to him as one of the “eight leading New York Astrologers,” along with such notables as Linda Goodman and Lynne Palmer. Al’s passion for the VOC Moon became a labor of love. He printed a one-page sheet each year, The Void of Course Moon Ephemeris, and it was Al’s untiring promotion of this technique that saw it being included as a standard in ephemerides and, later, in astrological software.

He was a prolific writer of astrological articles, but he only wrote about subjects he felt strongly about. One of Al’s pet topics was the chart of the U.S., which he firmly believed has Gemini rising. In one article, he linked a series of major events (such as the 1993 bombing of the Twin Towers) to transits to the U.S. chart. He once told me that the 2:17 a.m. Gemini rising chart was the only valid horoscope, with the Moon applying in trine to Mars. All the others, he said, have the Moon void of course, and “I ask you, is this a Void of Moon country?” Al hated technology for himself and, at one point, ripped the telephone from his wall, never getting another. He wrote evAl H. Morrison Natal Chart erything on a manual typewriter and assembled his publications Jul 8 1916, Sat 0:17:29 amhand-operated CST +6:00 on a bookbinding machine in his living room. Belleville, AR 34°N56' 092°W42' But he saw the benefits of technology for other astrologers. Geocentric

Tropical Koch True Node

16° ‰ 10'

Š

16'

‰ 02' S

18°

Š 57' Œ

18'

19°

 26°

‹

Ü 47'

10

28°

18'Œ

½ 01° Ý 51'

‡

9

11

26°

ˆ 22'

29°

¿ ‹

24°

É

14°

49' 8

12

Chart: Al H. Morrison

7

1

Koch houses, True Node

6

26°

† 54' † 16'

2

28°

5 3

Ý

24°

ºÁ

‚ 22'

21°

4

¼

18'

…

19°

08°15°15° 19° 29°01°

» Æ ¸ ¾ ÊÀ

¶

…

Œ S 07' 08'47' 44' ‚ 01' 43' 30' 02' ƒ ƒ „ 26° ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ 03°

49'

47'

12°

14°

„

16'

16° ƒ 10'

                

USER-DEFINED POINTS America America 916 Amor Amor 1221 Apollo Apollo 1862 Atlanti Atlantis 1198 Bacchus Bacchus 2063 Damocle Damocles 5335 Eros Eros 433 Heracle Heracles 5143 Hidalgo Hidalgo 944 Icarus Icarus 1566 Lilith Lilith 1181 Pandora Pandora 55 Psyche Psyche 16 Sappho Sappho 80 Toro Toro 1685 Urania Urania 30 Pholus Pholus 5145

10°ƒ37 23°ˆ26 Œ 12°‚54 01°…16 28°Ý01 08°Š54 Œ 13°Ý22 16°Ü45 25°ˆ39 Œ 05°‹44 Œ 28°ú01 Œ 18°†12 23°ƒ00 02°‡13 01°‹51 11°‹07 01°ˆ08 Œ

In 1978, I received an astronomical ephemeris for part of the orbit of a recently discovered body, Object Kowal. Al was as excited as I was to get tables for this possible “Tenth Planet” and contacted someone with a personal computer to “crunch the numbers.” He then printed out the world’s first ephemeris of this body (soon to be named Chiron) and sent it out free to many astrologers. Eventually, he published one of the first 100-year ephemerides of Chiron. In 1980, Al contacted astronomers and purchased ephemerides for ten unstudied asteroids. Included among these were Eros, Psyche, Icarus, and Lilith. For a man, asteroid Lilith often reveals the defence mechanisms employed to deal with suppressed feelings of rejection, resentment, and anger. Al repeatedly got himself into situations where he would react explosively and push people away. As Lilith at 28° Capricorn was closely conjunct Al’s 10th-house North Node (see Chart and Table, at left), perhaps it did help him to grow a bit, for he seemed to get into trouble less often as he got older. Al’s Sun in Cancer was closely conjunct Ceres in his 3rd house of communications. Ask any of his students, and they will tell you that he loved to nurture their minds, to encourage them to grow. And he tended to divide people into two groups: those who were like family … and everyone else. He was very good at pushing people out of their comfort zones when he saw potential that they did not see in themselves. In 1979, he got me to speak in public, for the first time, on Chiron, and he later became my publisher when I wrote Essence and Application: A View from Chiron. Al once told me that people like himself, who have Chiron in the 12th house, almost never get proper credit for their work, but he also said that, since these people weren’t working to make a name for themselves, they didn’t really mind being a force behind the scenes. Chiron’s exact square to his Mercury made him an original thinker, one of a kind — and proud of it. Al was hungry to learn more and experiment with new things. He never hesitated to speak his mind, but he also had a blind spot, a tendency to stick to his conclusions rather than consider what others had to say. Al died in 1995. He would have loved to have learned that his Chiron was conjunct the recently discovered dwarf planet Eris. I can almost hear him say, “That’s me … I’m always rolling the golden apple down the aisle to shake things up.” He’d often say that Chiron could be a real pain in the neck, but it was “an inconvenient benefic.” Well, that was Al to me: He could be a real pain in the neck, but I will always be grateful for the benefic influence he had on my life. Chart Data and Source Al H. Morrison, July 8, 1916; 12:15 a.m. CST; Bellevue, AR, USA (34°N56', 92°W42'); AA: From his birth certificate, which states North Little Rock. The chart presented is Morrison’s rectification (12:17:29 a.m.) for Bellevue. © 2018 Zane B. Stein – all rights reserved

Table: Al H. Morrison’s Natal Asteroids AUG. / SEPT. 2018

— 61

TRIBUTES

MICHEL AND FRANÇOISE

GAUQUELIN

Their Unique Gift to Astrology by Kenneth Irving

A

nyone who wants to understand Michel and Françoise Gauquelin would do well to begin with this interesting figure: 145,228. This is the total number of timed births collected by either Michel or his wife Françoise, or the two of them together, that you will find posted, free for all to use, in the “Archives Gauquelin” on Patrice Guinard’s website at http://cura.free.fr Another smaller but equally important number is 23: the age at which Michel made the discovery that led to that monumental amount of data, collected from France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Scotland, and the United States. What he discovered, in 1951, was the statistically significant role of Saturn at the births of 576 French physicians, born from 1820 to 1929 and listed in the biographical index of the Académie de Médecine. By 1955, Michel had written his first book, L’Influence des Astres, presenting findings that singled out the importance of three planets (Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn) at the births of eminent people in seven professions. By the time his life’s work was finished, 36 years later, he had found significant connections between those three planets, plus the Moon and Venus, at the births of eminent people in eleven different professions — discoveries that confounded astrologers and skeptics alike. The intensive research that led to these discoveries began in Michel’s youth with a detailed examination of the traditional tools of Western astrology (signs, aspects, and houses). Michel was driven by a firm belief in astrology and a need to prove the soundness of that belief to others, so it was disheartening that none of these early studies produced anything of significance. Although what he eventually discovered about the relationship between planets and professions was heartening, it was also puzzling. The celestial bodies connected with success for each of those eleven professions seemed to fit well with astrology (Mars for sports, Saturn for science, Jupiter for actors, and so on), but they were most significant when found in places surprising to astrologers: the 12th and 9th Placidus houses. This sometimes confuses astrologers when they are introduced to the Gauquelin work, until they understand that he was measuring angularity, the ebb and flow of a planet’s strength during its daily journey from rising to setting and back again.

62 —

THE MOUNTAIN ASTROLOGER

Over time, astrologers accepted what Gauquelin had found, and a small number of scientists gradually accepted his work as sound. But professional skeptics were a different story altogether, as they took on a challenge from Michel to study one of his key findings: the Mars effect for sports champions. The short version of the Gauquelins’ interactions with those skeptics, which occupied a period from 1956 to 1996, is that Michel, sometimes along with Françoise, struggled patiently with three skeptic committees along a trail of broken promises and sham science, which ended with internecine warfare among the skeptics and occasional public apologies for their conduct. However, it also led more objective scientists, such as H. J. Eysenck, Suitbert Ertel, and Arno Müller, to take up the study of the Gauquelins’ work. It helped that Michel was a very prolific writer and used that talent to explain his work to a mass audience. Though many of his books are now out of print, used copies are not

Michel Gauquelin was driven by a firm belief in astrology and a need to prove the soundness of that belief to others. difficult to find on the Internet. Four that I can suggest here are The Cosmic Clocks, Birthtimes, Cosmic Influences on Human Behavior, and Neo-Astrology: A Copernican Revolution — and anyone who wants to understand the technical side of his work should read Written in the Stars. Michel was one of a small group of people whose writings made me feel that it was worthwhile to become part of the world of astrology, which I did in 1974 when I started working for American Astrology magazine in Tucson, Arizona. Four years later, the National Astrological Society (NASO, now many years gone) held a conference in Tucson, and I was probably less excited about my own participation

(a tandem lecture with Jim Lewis, whom I already knew well at the time) than about the chance to hear Michel in person. His lecture was a basic explanation of his work, and I sat there listening with my four-year-old daughter beside me as she took “notes” in a sketchbook (stars, planets with and without rings, and maybe a comet or two). After the lecture, I showed him that sketchbook to overcome my shyness about introducing myself as an editor at American Astrology. It was during that lecture, I think, that Neil Michelsen of Astro Computing Services announced to the public (including Michel, who had been unaware of it) that he and Tom Shanks had begun computerizing the many Gauquelin data volumes that Michel and Françoise had begun publishing in the early 1970s. Neil and Tom’s translation of the Gauquelin database into digital form made a great deal of difference not only to Michel and Françoise’s own research, but to work done by others as well. I met Françoise two years later at a conference in California. Michel was on the lecture bill but was also asked to participate in a panel discussion of heliocentric astrology, which was somewhat comical given the fact that he was so ardent a critic of plain old geocentric astrology. In fact, no one on the panel seemed able to say much of anything about the topic, so people began to drift quietly toward the exits. As I entered the anteroom attached to the lecture hall, it became obvious that the leave-takers mainly consisted of several sidereal astrologers (including Lee Chapman, Ken Bowser, and myself) and perhaps some other technical-minded types. Suddenly, Françoise came charging out of the lecture hall, complaining vigorously about the panel and wondering out loud why Michel had consented to waste his time with such a thing. Our small group ended up having quite a lively panel discussion among ourselves on various non-heliocentric topics, and answering questions Françoise asked us about our own work as she took pictures of the group. I saw her only three more times after that: at UAC ’92, just a year after Michel’s passing; at UAC ’95, where I gave her a copy of my contribution to The Tenacious Mars Effect; and at the ’96 ISAR conference outside of Chicago, where I participated with her in a panel discussion about how to deal with professional skeptics. After that conference, as I learned many years later, she became a mystery, disappearing from the public sphere until her death in 2007. During the Gauquelins’ long scientific partnership as husband and wife, from the 1950s until their divorce in September 1985, Michel’s “magnificent obsession” with astrology made him the primary center of interest, so people often ask about Françoise’s contribution. My read on this is that Michel was the driving force and would have made his discoveries on his own, but Françoise as his partner helped to increase the scope and the depth of those discoveries. Together they made a good team, and her journal, Astro-Psychological Problems, published from 1982 to 1995, encouraged further work on the Gauquelin effects, as well as new research in other areas of astrology. Not long after that California conference where I first met Françoise, I interviewed Michel at Astro Computing Services, for the February 1982 issue of American Astrology. Over the next eight years, I corresponded with him, bought

Michel would have made his discoveries on his own, but Françoise as his partner helped to increase the scope and the depth of those discoveries.

new data volumes as he published them, and sent him an editorial or two that I had written about his continuing struggles with skeptics. During that period, I was relatively isolated from the astrological scene, and though I knew of the breakup of Michel and Françoise’s marriage, I knew little about the problems it caused until I had occasion to talk to him about it while arranging a second interview. About a year-and-a-half later, in December 1990, when I talked to him on the phone about an editorial I had written on the latest Mars-effect happenings, I mentioned that it was a couple of days past my birthday. He asked how old I was, and when I said 42, he said, wistfully, that at that age he could play tennis all morning and then work on his data collection until late at night, and now, at age 62, that kind of schedule was becoming a challenge. A few months later, in the spring of 1991, and just a few days after I had completed a difficult step in a study I was doing with the Gauquelins’ American data, a friend called to let me know that Michel was gone. One chapter in the Gauquelin story was closed. Another would close just a few years later when Françoise exited from public life in 1996, not to be heard from again, and she passed away in 2007. But the Gauquelin data remains available for all to use, the written record of their research is still available for others to study, and the book of astrological discovery, which opened to all of us with Michel’s first important finding in 1951, remains open for those willing to add to it. Chart Data and Sources Michel Gauquelin, November 13, 1928; 10:15 p.m. GMT; Paris, France (48°N52', 02°E20'); AA: From his birth certificate, obtained by Jany Bessière. Françoise Gauquelin, June 19, 1929; 4:00 a.m. MET; Neuchâtel, Switzerland (46°N59', 06°E56'); A: From her to Lois Rodden, April 1979. © 2018 Kenneth Irving – all rights reserved

AUG. / SEPT. 2018

— 63

What kind of person are you? What makes you tick? What’s happening in your life right now? Which areas of life offer you the greatest potential?

The Cosmic Egg Timer Introducing Astrological Psychology New colour edition of the classic introduction to Bruno & Louise Huber’s astrological psychology, by Joyce Hopewell and Richard Llewellyn.

64 —

THE MOUNTAIN ASTROLOGER

FULL COLOR PAGE

THE NEW SCIENTIFIC PARADIGM AND THE “BLACK LUMINARIES” Astrology in the 21st Century, Part 2 by Charlotte Wenner

I

n Part 1 of this article (in the June/ July 2018 issue of The Mountain Astrologer), I compared the evolution of scientific paradigm — that is, the concepts that define and guide the science of any given age in its exploration of reality and its phenomena — with the evolution in astrology. This comparison revealed the synchronic development in both disciplines, and illustrated the manner through which the original unity of astronomy and astrology was separated into two distinct areas focused on the physical and the metaphysical, respectively. The comparison concluded with the most recent evolutionary trend in science described by research at quantum levels of matter, in which the role of consciousness is recognized as an indivisible factor of those phenomena, and the implications this has had for developments within astrology. Many scientists involved in work at the quantum level compare the phenomena they observe in their research to concepts and practices from Eastern spiritual philosophy. Thus, quantum physics is seen by many as the reconciliation of science with spirituality. Ironically, for astrology to embrace the new paradigm that this shift in science represents, it would have to exhibit a reconciliation of spirituality with science. It is precisely the latter that French astrologers Dom Néroman and Jean Carteret pioneered in their work during the 20th century, and that has been continued and expanded upon by George Bode and Dutch astrol-

ogers with Structural Astrology in the 21st century. Briefly stated, Structural Astrology expands the esoteric and psychological foundation of astrology, which is based on the study of the visible luminaries and planets, to embrace the metaphysical realm of Consciousness with the inclusion of “invisible” luminaries and planets. The invisible planets Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto were discovered by first using the scientific process of mathematical calculations to approximate their position and by using advanced telescopes to observe them. The invisible luminaries, the Black Moon and Black Sun, were likewise established by Néroman through the mathematical calculation of the position of the second “center point” in the elliptical orbit of the Moon and the Sun’s (apparent) orbit around the Earth. The work of Néroman, Carteret, and Bode has been embraced by relatively few astrologers to date, owing to its publication in French and Dutch and the necessity of adopting an entirely new way of using astrology. It is my belief, however, that the rising numbers of people involved in aligning human consciousness with universal Consciousness make this new form of astrology both timely and necessary.

Defining Concepts of the Black Luminaries in Structural Astrology That having been said, I will now give a necessarily concise description of the working of the Black Luminaries as

they apply to the radix (or natal chart). Before I begin, however, I should try to make clear what is meant by the terms “(human or individual) consciousness” and “universal consciousness” or “Consciousness.” For those who know the work of teachers such as Eckhart Tolle, the concepts will be familiar. Those readers will, moreover, appreciate the impossibility of adequately defining these terms, as reflected in the old saying, “He who knows, does not speak; he who speaks, does not know.” Nevertheless, for the purpose of clarity, “(human) consciousness” can be defined as the mental process of thought, based on sensory stimuli and information, both from the present and from memory. Whereas “universal Consciousness” can be most simply

The rising numbers of people involved in aligning human consciousness with universal Consciousness make this new form of astrology both timely and necessary. AUG. / SEPT. 2018

— 65

Black Luminaries compared to the state of being that one experiences when perceiving or observing (oneself in) the act of thinking. This Consciousness is pure, nonjudgmental, nondirected, nonpersonal awareness/ being that inhabits and creates all form. A first step in understanding the principles of the Black Lights is afforded by their position in the apparent orbit of the Moon or Sun around the Earth, illustrated in the Figure (below right). The empty focus is closest to the point in the orbit that is at the maximum distance between the Earth and the luminary: the apogee (Moon) and the aphelion (Sun). The opposite point, which is at the minimum distance between the objects, is called the perigee (Moon) and perihelion (Sun). These two latter points are also integrated in Structural Astrology as Priapus and the Diamond, respectively. Furthermore, the terms “Black” Moon and Sun must be understood in the proper context. It is the confusion around the word “black” that may have contributed most to the misunderstanding of these points in the horoscope. As already mentioned, the Black Luminaries are found at the point in their respective (apparent, in the case of the Sun) orbits at which each is farthest from the Earth. This fact lends the aspect to the Black Moon of being “least lunar” in expression, and to the Black Sun as being “least solar.” The Moon is an object that is, in essence, a reflector of light. She has no light of her own. She is dependent on the Sun for her light as well as on the extent to which the Earth allows her to reflect it. But the Black Moon is not a point at which there is a complete absence of light. It has, rather, such an intense concentration of metaphysical light that this cannot be seen.1 In this sense, it is comparable to a black hole, which is the remnant of a dead star whose gravity is so intense that nothing escapes it, not even light.2 According to Structural Astrology, the Black Moon is self-sufficient for her light. The expression of the Black Moon in the individual horoscope shows an absolute, cosmic wisdom that is independent of, and rejects any expectations or conditioning by, earthly society. Because this

66 —

THE MOUNTAIN ASTROLOGER

knowledge does not take societal norms or wishes into account, the individual is initially rejected by others in childhood when expressing that inborn knowledge. This works two ways, of course, and the Black Moon also shows where the individual rejects artificial structures and behaviors in other people and society.

The Black Moon is a point of absolute inner integrity in the adherence to that which is known to be true. Thus, the Black Moon is a point of absolute inner integrity in the adherence to that which is known to be true. This self-sufficiency and the refusal to submit to artificial authority or inauthentic structures are the actual parallels to the myth of Lilith, which is often associated with the Black Moon. Unfortunately, this myth is not understood by most astrologers in its metaphysical sense, but is used in the same manner that the Jewish patriarchs vilified the first wife of Adam and women in general. Similarly, the Sun is the star at the center of its own system of planets, the force around which everything gravitates, and in this it is unique. The Black Sun, on the other hand, is the point at which the Sun has the least gravitational association with the Earth, and at which it could easily blend in as just another star in an endless universe or even multiverses of stars. Its metaphysical light blends with all the rest of space when viewed from the edge of that universe. Thus, the

Black Sun shows the unending sea of energy, light, and Consciousness that permeates the entire universe. It is universal in its orientation and expression, unlimited, unconditioned, unformed. As the Black Sun only progresses about 20 minutes of arc per century, the sign and degree of the Black Sun are approximately the same for everybody born in the 20th and 21st centuries: 12° Cancer. This mathematical fact reinforces its absolutely nonpersonal nature. Therefore, the Black Moon is that aspect of Consciousness that is incredibly concentrated. It can be understood in the horoscope to show an elevated, inborn form of insight and aptitude expressed in a particular area of life (house) and in a particular manner (sign). The Black Sun represents a point of unstructured, unconditioned, universal form of pure Consciousness/ energy/life infusing the area of life represented by the house it is in. In Structural Astrology, we work with both the “Mean” and the “True” Black Moon, the latter being the position of this point when the gravitational pull of Earth is included in its calculation, such as is the case with the Mean and True North Lunar Node. The interpretation of the True Black Moon is essentially the same as that of the Mean Black Moon. The only difference is that the True Black Moon has the role of “Initiator,” whereas the Mean Black Moon is the “Expresser” of that “initiated” energy of the True Black Moon. The Black Sun has only one position. Priapus, the point opposite the Black Moon, is a kind of “super Moon.” Priapus shows the manner and area in which the individual has had to completely accept conditioning by society in order to be accepted by others, and, during those impressionable years, in order to accept him- or herself. Through Moon ellipse

Black Moon point of deceleration Apogeum

Figure: The Black Moon

empty focus

Earth

Priapus point of acceleration Perigeum

developing Priapus, the individual hides the Black Moon essence in order to avoid further rejection. The Diamond, the point opposite the Black Sun, is a kind of “super Sun.” It is the point of the ultimate individual refinement of earthly experience in consciousness to serve the universal whole. Just as the gemstone diamond is formed through the intense compression of coal and the meticulous cutting and polishing by the jeweler, so too is the gross expression of human consciousness perfected to the highest expression of universal Consciousness achieved only through unremitting effort and the integration of challenging experiences. Like the Black Moon, Priapus has both a Mean and a True position in the horoscope, exactly opposite the Mean and True positions of the Black Moon, and with a similar difference in interpretation as their counterpart Black Moon. Another parallel with quantum science is that the function of these points in the horoscope can be likened to concepts from (Buddhist) Eastern spirituality. Indeed, it is owing to my more than 20 years of training in meditation and Buddhism that I have been able to develop an experiential relationship to these points, which is impossible to achieve, in my opinion, using the common functions of the mind and logic. In terms of human consciousness, the Black Moon is not the one who feels, thinks, and reacts (Moon), but the one who observes feeling, thinking, and acting objectively. In my experience, the Black Moon is that aspect of Consciousness with which you “know” something without or beyond sensory evidence: claircognition, clairsentience, or clairvoyance. The quality of energy most related to the Black Sun is that which was expressed by Buddha or Christ, a form of Consciousness that allows one to identify with the Source. The interaction of the two axes — that is, of the Black Moon and the Black Sun — illustrates the process of consciousness coming to Consciousness, or “enlightenment.” But that is a subject for another time. Since space allows only a very short description of the concepts associated with these points, I will list just a few keywords here, to help clarify the delineations in the next section.

Black Moon: absolute knowledge; elevated talent and insight; principle of rejection; integrity; cosmic wisdom. Because the Black Moon is incapable of reflecting or emitting light, conjunctions and oppositions to it in synastry often give an attraction and intensity to a relationship that is otherwise difficult to explain. Priapus: conditioning; the known and accepted; the tried and true; a facility for expressing exactly what is desired and expected in the manner shown by sign and the area shown by house. At some point, the individual may reject the inauthentic persona formed through this conditioning, and embark upon his or her journey toward the refinement of Consciousness in what could be called “The Path of the Diamond,” which refers to the point opposite the Black Sun explained below. At this point, Priapus is transformed into a rich foundation upon which the individual can depend in his or her further development. Black Sun: unbound potential; infinite possibilities of expression; liveliness, vitality, radiance, generosity; cosmic impartiality. Often the Black Sun indicates a kind of chaos or a lack of clarity and definition in the house where it falls in the radix. The Diamond: highest refinement of human consciousness in form or expression; utmost selectivity; process of gestation and distillation into a unique “nectar.” Not so coincidentally, A. H. Almaas describes his approach to spiritual and psychological awakening as “The Diamond Approach.”3 Often the Diamond in the horoscope indicates a secret ambition related to the house in which it falls. A quotation by Nisargadatta Maharaj has helped to illuminate my sense of the essential nature of the Black Luminaries:

Wisdom tells me I am nothing [Black Moon]; Love tells me I am everything [Black Sun]; Between these two, my life dances.

Example Delineations of Horoscopes with and without the Black Luminaries Of course, the proof of the pudding is in the eating. In this section, I will show that the inclusion of the Black Luminaries in the horoscope does not just give interesting “extra” information, but that their inclusion is essential for astrologers to provide clients, many of whom have been already dedicated to aligning with Consciousness for years, with the insights and support they need. It is especially for these people that it is vital to focus on the elements important to their coming to Consciousness, shown by the Black Luminaries and their interaction with other factors in the chart. The horoscopes that I will use are from clients who experienced problems in their choice of behavior and/or their nature, which could be called abnormal in psychological and social terms. The problems centered on relationships and sexuality, areas that underwent upheaval and radical change in the 1960s–’80s. EXAMPLE 1: “JOHN” This consultation took place in February 2012. The problem that “John” (a pseudonym) presented to me concerned his relationship with his partner of 20 years. For some years, they had had a platonic relationship, and although there was certainly love, their sex life was unsatisfactory for him. Another issue was his desire to assume a submissive role in a kind of sadomasochistic role play. In light of these factors, his question was: Would it be better for him to leave his current partner and look for another, to stay with his current partner but find a mistress, or to remain with his partner in a “spiritual” relationship without a sexual component? First of all, let us consider the information given in John’s horoscope without the inclusion of the Black Luminaries and other spiritual factors used in Structural Astrology. (See Chart 1, following page.) Certain aspects are immediately apparent in the “basic” horoscope, which are relevant to John’s situation: The Sun in Capricorn in the 6th house is square the Moon in Libra in the 3rd: disharmony between the major male and female significators, earth versus air. The solar energy is expressed AUG. / SEPT. 2018

— 67

Black Luminaries

using Transactional Analysis, Cognitive or Behavioral therapy, or psychoanalysis. For instance:

in a more serious, restricted manner in • So, you experience your partner matters related to service, while the luas being cooler, more mentally oriented, nar energy expresses itself in a sociable, harmonious, mental way in areas of com- less physically oriented. Can you identify these qualities within yourself? Can you munication and everyday encounters. integrate them more into your conscious Venus in Aquarius is in the 7th personality? house: The partner is cooler, more intel • Your partner is open to a variety lectually an equal in expressing love and of new ideas and is willing to comproenjoyment, more of a friend than a pasmise. Perhaps you could both act from sionate lover. The Moon, also in an air your Adult and check out Fifty Shades sign, reinforces the mental aspect of the of Grey, to see if this avenue is possible. relationship to a partner. • You could search within yourself The Sun’s dispositor, Saturn in Scor- to see where early childhood traumas pio on the 5th-house cusp, is conjunct related to the restriction or repression of Mars in the 4th, which could indicate One new aspect of the horoscope sexuality or desires may be coming up sexual passion in bondage. that immediately becomes obvious is for resolution, and determine whether Mars in Scorpio in the 4th house that both the Sun and the Moon are insquare Pluto in Leo in the 2nd shows the you can channel this energy in some tegrated in the process of becoming other way. desire nature challenged by the experiConscious for John. (See Chart 1a, ence of physical power and powerlessness below right.) Symbols These are all very valid areasBlack of Luminary in the home environment. The Sun is conjunct both Black investigation, one could argue. But tin Jupiter (conjunct Pluto) square Mars Moons and the Diamond. These are opBlack Luminary Symbols indicates the drive to break down barriers kering with the ego is not very satisfying posite Priapus and the Black Sun. Thus, Mean Black Moon - of Black Luminary Symbols for individuals involved in the process in this challenge. the process of developing himself and his Black Luminary Symbols becoming Conscious. Without a framework that includes identity is part and parcel of his coming Black Mean Black True Moon - Moon . Black Luminary Symbols By adding the Black Luminaries, an- Symbols a process of acquiring Consciousness, to Consciousness. The rejection principle Black Luminary Mean Priapus C to True Black Moon . First, a key Mean Black Moon - Black otherMean dimension is shown. but relying solely on the factors present he has experienced in revealing his esMoon the additional glyphs isCnecessary. R in the horoscope without theTrue spiritual sential insight and nature, shown by the True Priapus Mean Priapus Black Moon . True Moon . Mean Moon - Black Mean Black Moon (Mean): points, an astrologer would be ableBlack to Black Moon -, Black Moon Black Moon’s conjunction with the Sun, Black Sun D Priapus R Wenner Mean PriapusTrue C, Priapus John John Wenner Mean Priapus C (True): (Mean): , Priapus steer the conversation toward a soluBlack Luminary Symbols True Black Moon . would propel him to socially accepted beNatal Chart Natal Chart True Black Moon . Wed Jan 4 1956, Jan 4 1956, Wed a psychological perspective, (True): , Black Sun: , Diamond: tion from Black Luminary Symbols Diamond E Black Sun D True Priapus R havior within his groups and friendships Black Luminary Symbols 7:00 pm CET -1:00 7:00 pm CET -1:00 Black Luminary Symbols True RLuminary Symbols Black Mean Priapus C Priapus Brielle, Netherlands Brielle, Netherlands Mean Priapus C Black Luminary Symbols Black Luminary Symbols 51°N54' 004°E10' Mean Black Moon 51°N54' 004°E10' Diamond E Symbols Black Sun D Sun Black Luminary Geocentric Geocentric Black D Mean Black Moon True PriapusTrue RMoon Black Mean Black Moon. Tropical Tropical Mean Black Moon Black True Priapus R Luminary Symbols Placidus Placidus True Black Moon . Diamond E True Black Moon . Mean Black Moon . Mean : 3° Cap. 17' Mean Node True Black Moon Diamond E Mean Moon -Node Black Sun Mean DBlack Priapus Mean Black MoonC 3° Can. 17'Mean Priapus C Black Sun D Mean Black Mean Priapus C: Moon 18° Ü 57' True Black Moon . 18° Ü 57' Mean Priapus C True Black Moon R .: 7° Cap.34' Priapus True Priapus R True Black Moon . Diamond True E Mean Black Moon 53' 18° True Priapus R 53' 18° Mean Priapus C True Priapus R : 7° Can. 30'. Diamond E Mean Priapus C Black D Moon ‹ 30' Ý ‹True Ý Black Sun Black Sun D 28° Black Sun D: 12° Can. 10' 30' 28° Black Sun D True Priapus R Mean Priapus True Priapus RMoon C. True Black Diamond E Diamond E Diamond E: 12° Cap. 10' Mean Priapus C ‚ Diamond E Black D ‚ BlackSun Sun D True Priapus RC Ê Mean Priapus Ê Diamond E Diamond True Priapus R 45' 26° 15° 45' 26° 15° ‚ ‚ Black Sun D Rƒ Š True Priapus Š ƒ 10 9 53' 10 9 Black Lumina 53' Black Sun24' D08° Œ 24' Œ 08° Diamond ED 11 8 Black Sun 11 8 Diamond E Diamond E Mean Black Moon -

John’s need for emotional security and bonding is challenged by — or challenges — the process of becoming Conscious.

09°

¿ 01° „ 00'Œ

12

„ 23'

1

„

26°

„ 24'

Œ 19' Œ

28° …00' Á 01°

2 3

4

12' ‡

11°

00°

¶

À

23°

THE MOUNTAIN ASTROLOGER

‰

13°

Œ 53' ˆ 15' 15° 52' ‡ ‡ 29°

18° † 57'

68 —

08' Š 04° 31' Š 00°

6

5

03' †

… 30'

11' Š 14°

21'

½

18°

7

Chart 1: John

¼

¾

28°

‡

É

53'

»

 º

¸

45'

‰

08°

09°

09°

Š

„

23'

23'

¿ 01° „ 00'Œ

Chart 1a:

12

„

„

Œ 19' Œ

28° …00' Á 01°

24'

½

ˆ All charts use Placidus houses and the Mean Node.

18°

… 30'

11' Š 14°

»

09°

.

Š John (with Black 08' Š 04° Â 23' 31' Š 00° C 6 Luminaries)Mean Priapus º

1

26°

7

True Black Moon True Priapus 21'

2

5

‰

Black Lumina R

13°

Black Sun D Luminary Black ¸ 45' Œ 3 4 Mean 53' Black Moon ‰ E ˆ Diamond 15' 15° 52' ‡ 08° Black Moon . 12' True 03' ‡ 29° Mean23°BlackÉMoon ‡ † ˆ C ¾ 00° Mean Priapus 11° ¼ 53'Moon . True Black ‡ À True Priapus ¶ R 28° Mean Priapus C 18° † 57' Black Sun D True Priapus R Diamond E Black Sun D Diamond

E

(Priapus in the 11th house), though later he would expand through spirituality, opening himself to broader possibilities of Consciousness than the mere repetition of socially approved ideals (Black Sun in the 12th). This enhanced understanding of his being in the universe would inspire him to further deepen and improve his expression as a Conscious being in various aspects of daily life and service (Diamond in the 6th). The “White” Moon is square these oppositions, creating a t-square. John’s need for emotional security and bonding is challenged by — or challenges — the process described above. Since he is a man, it is likely that some, if not all, of the discomfort and conflict indicated by this t-square could be projected onto women, his partner in particular. At the same time, this placement indicates that women can function as a stimulus and a “mirror” through which this content is experienced Consciously. The t-square is also linked to the Mars–Saturn square to Jupiter–Pluto by a series of semi-squares (45°) and sesquiquadrates (135°). These latter aspects, though often considered “minor,” indicate even greater conflict than the square and opposition, as the latter aspects at least offer the possibility of integration through either a shared modality or harmonious elements, respectively. Because the powerhouses of the solar system — Saturn, Mars, Pluto, and Jupiter — are linked up dynamically to the Black Luminaries, the urges of aggression/assertion, power/transformation, limitation/formation, and expansion/freedom become driving forces within the process of coming to Consciousness. All this is related to the conflict between the “I” and the “Other,” because the Sun and Black Moon are the rulers of the Ascendant in Structural Astrology,4 and thus involve the Ascendant–Descendant axis. The experiences of “Me as an individual” and “Me in a relationship” are the inevitable areas where the process of this man’s acquiring of Consciousness will take place. Finally, the process of John’s development of his individual identity (Sun) will correspond with the re-integration of his higher cosmic insight and knowledge (Black Moon) and the refinement of this fuller being (Diamond). The spiritual process of universal being in Consciousness will take place through the acquired daily

behavior (Priapus), along with expressions of sexuality and emotions. By placing the tensions and difficulties in his life and relationships within a framework illustrating his process of gaining Consciousness, John was able to understand the deeper dimensions of it. When I mentioned that these challenges were, indeed, a sort of cosmic “assignment,” a look of relaxation came over his face, and he said, “Yes!” During the consultation, we examined various methods by which he could remain centered in his strength in order to find avenues of expression for his needs and desires, which would support his development. In my discussion of the various progressive influences he would have in the coming five years, I mentioned that, in 2014–15, a powerful, unremitting period of transformation would take place in perhaps a sudden, merciless manner as Pluto transited in conjunction with his Black Moons, Sun, and Diamond. I received a letter from him a few weeks later, thanking me for the CD of the consultation and saying that it had been of great benefit. EXAMPLE 2: “JANE” The consultation with “Jane” (a pseudonym) was also about relationships as vehicles for attaining Consciousness. Our appointment was in March 2015. The problem that she wished to discuss was how to deal with the judgments she experienced, which others had made about her choices in partners. She found it difficult to communicate her experience of partnerships with others, and had no experience of talking about important emotional situations from her childhood. Speaking about feelings was simply “not done,” despite her parents’ otherwise loving treatment of her. After a painful breakup with her first boyfriend as a teenager, Jane had then had two long-term relationships with women. But at the time of our consultation, she had had a relationship with a much older man for a few months, which had brought an end to the relationship with the second woman. She wished to achieve insight, during our conversation, into how to become less disturbed by the negative reactions from others, particularly her parents, about her current manner of relating. Yet, at the same time, a nagging voice inside her questioned

whether there was something wrong with her and she had some kind of fear of commitment. In the analysis of Jane’s radix without the Black Luminaries, a number of points are relevant. (See Chart 2, following page.) The Moon in Taurus in the 8th house is the apex of a yod with Pluto in Libra in the 1st sextile the Sun (and Mars and Neptune) in Sagittarius in the 3rd. Her calm, stable, sensual female emotional energy, expressed in situations of deeply shared things of value and sexuality (Moon), is discordant with her need for individual power and transformation (Pluto), on the one hand, and with the process of developing her identity (Sun), on the other. Uranus in Scorpio in the 2nd house is opposite her Moon. The ruler of her Libra Ascendant, Venus in Capricorn in the 4th, is trine Jupiter in Taurus in the 8th. These aspects indicate a strong desire for freedom and the ability to follow her own, unique path in love and relationships, to strive for personal space and growth. Saturn in Leo in the 11th is square the Moon. This shows the restrictions and negativity that Jane experiences about the way she meets her need for emotional security and bonding, most notably concerning her friendships and society’s norms and values. Uranus in Scorpio in the 2nd is semi-square Mercury in Sagittarius in the 3rd. Also, the Moon is sesquiquadrate Mercury. This represents the stress and difficulty she has in communicating about her inner feelings, and that she does not feel “heard.” In summary, then, Jane’s urge toward emotional safety and connection, her very female sense of identity, is shaped by the conflicting experiences of being criticized and limited by the collective social norms and friendships (Moon square Saturn in the 11th), on the one hand — and, on the other hand, the equally dynamic need to experience the original and revolutionary in the things she values and in her self-worth (Moon opposite Uranus in the 2nd), the incompatible urge toward elimination of unnecessary ballast in her intensive self-transformation process (Pluto in the 1st), and the drive to express herself in an assertive yet spiritual/sensitive manner in AUG. / SEPT. 2018

— 69

Black Luminaries

events into your life in which you may feel that the very ground you stand on is taken away. It is important to remember that a new you will emerge from the destruction. • Your emotional life may likely never follow a conventional, predictable path. You will resist — even unconsciously and even if it causes you pain — all attempts by others to confine you in limiting roles and expectations in your relationships. • Despite the criticism that others (seem to) have about you and your emotional choices, don’t become discouraged. Try to view this all from a detached, spiritual perspective.

her surroundings (Sun, Mars, and Neptune in the 3rd). The chart ruler (and dispositor of the Moon), Venus in Capricorn in the 4th, beckons her with the longing to show her love and express herself in an earthy, grounded manner in her home environment, as a means to expand and grow in her ability to share deep emotions with others (Venus trine Jupiter in the 8th). However, the semi-square that Jupiter forms with the Midheaven (MC) shows tension in her expressing this nature to society as a whole, in her career, and/ or with regard to her mother, as her true nature is in conflict with their norms or expectations. So, what could an astrologer tell Jane to assist her in resolving or integrating these conflicts in a workable way, based purely on a psychological interpretation of the horoscope without the Black Luminaries?

Jane’s aspects indicate a strong desire for freedom and the ability to follow her own, unique path in love and relationships, to strive for personal space and growth.

Again, this information could be useful in deepening Jane’s understanding of conjunction intensified with a compoherself, and promote acceptance based nent of Consciousness (Black Moon), on being understood and “heard” by the but also the Sun, Mars, and Neptune beastrologer. However, it offers little promcome the apex of a second yod formed ise of individual development, nor does it with Moon–Mean Black Moon sextile the reveal any “purpose” or direction related Black Sun–MC.5 The Black Luminaries to spiritual development. also color the Moon–Saturn square and The inclusion of the Black Lumithe Moon–Uranus opposition. • It will be very difficult for you to naries adds a universal dimension to the The yod formed with the Black Sun Black Luminary Symbols express your male and female energies interpretation of the conflict. As with conjunct MC adds a universal dimenharmoniously. Therefore, perhaps you the horoscope in the first example, the sion to how Jane expresses herself to can learn to accept both forms of energy Black Luminaries reflect an enormous the world Mean Black Moon - professionally. This indicates as valuable in themselves, and work to area of tension in the woman’s radix. an unlimited number of potential ways True . — energy that cannot be congive both a place in your life. (See Chart 2a, below Not Black only Moon Janeright.) Wenner of being Jane Wenner Natal Chart Natal Chart • Attempts to resolve the conflict will is the yod formed by the Moon (apex) Black Luminary Symbols Dec 4 1976, Sat Dec 4 1976, Sat Mean Priapus ditioned C by earthly expectations because 2:22 am CET -1:00 2:22 am CET -1:00 Symbols bring regular with Pluto andBlack theLuminary Sun–Mars–Neptune Soesterberg, Netherlands it taps out of the universal. It also shows Soesterberg, Netherlandsdramatic, transformative Black Luminary Symbols Black Luminary Symbols 52°N07' 005°E17' 52°N07' 005°E17' Black Luminary Sym True Priapus R GeocentricSymbols Geocentric Mean Black MoonBlack - Luminary

Tropical Placidus Mean Node

08° ƒ 03'

„

51'

13°

¾ „ 50' Œ

09'

… 13°

10

9

11

12

06°

†

Á

13° † 39'

1

Π21'

¶ Ê Â

7

Chart 2: Jane 2

06°

Ü 6

5

D 08°Mean ƒ 03'

E

¾

½

16°

08'

Black Luminary Tropical Symbols Mean Black Moon Placidus Mean Node Black Sun True True Black Black Moon Moon . Mean Black Moon . -: 14° Tau. 21' True Black Moon . Mean Priapus Mean Black MoonC Mean Priapus C Diamond Mean Priapus C: 14° Sco. 21' True Black Moon . Mean Priapus C True Black Moon R .: 21° Tau. 30' 51' True Priapus 01° True Priapus R True Priapus R „ ‚ Mean Priapus C True Priapus R Mean Priapus C: 21° Sco. 30' 13° 21' Black Sun D Black Sun D Black Sun Sun D: 12° Can. 32' Black D True R TruePriapus Priapus R Diamond E Diamond E Diamond E: 12° Cap. 32' Diamond E Black Sun D 16° Black Sun D 24° „ 09' 00° ÝDiamond E Diamond 50' 12° 03' … Œ Ý Ý Œ 13° 36' 36' 01° Ý 11 8 21' 27° Œ Ü 50' Œ Mean Black Moon. Mean Black Moon True Black Moon

08'

10

Black Luminary S Black Moon -

7 ChartDiamond 2a: E 06° † Ü Jane (with Black 08' 08' 39' † 1 6 13° Luminary Luminaries) Black Luminary Symbols Black Symbols Á

06°

12

Black Luminary Symbols Π21'

2

‡ 32' Mean Black Moon Mean09'Black Moon 00° - 01° 3 4 3 4 Mean ‹ Black Moon ‡ - É 09°‡ ‡ True Black Moon . True Black Moon . ¿ 36' 36' ¿ 13° 23'01' 23'01' True Black Moon . 30' 37' 30' 30' 37' 30' ˆ ˆ ˆ ˆ ˆ ˆ ‰ Mean Priapus C‰ Mean Priapus C ˆ ˆ 09° 09° 12° 12°13° 23° Mean Priapus C 13°26° 23° 26° ¼¸ 01° Priapus ¼ 51' 01° R » True Priapus R True » À ˆ ˆ 21' ¸ À º Š º True Priapus R 21' 13° Black Sun D Black Sun 03' 08° ‰ D 08° ‰ 03' Black Sun D E Diamond E Diamond Diamond E 70 — THE MOUNTAIN ASTROLOGER

00°

‡

01°

‚ 21' . True Black Moon Mean Black Moon Mean Priapus ½ C True Black24° Moon . ¶R 00° Ý True Priapus 12° 03' Mean Priapus 9 Ý ÊCÝ Œ Black Sun 36' Ý01° D 36'  8 21' True Priapus 27° R Œ Ü 50' Diamond E Œ Black Sun D

5

01° ‡32' É 09°

09'

‹

13°

13°

Š

51'

a possible confusion or chaos related to the acceptability of this energy with regard to society/mother. This woman’s path (Diamond conjunct IC) is to refine her expression of the sacred, universal whole in her most fundamental being and, through this struggle, to give form to the highest individual reflection of this universal Consciousness. She is not to be restricted by societal norms or rules in her expressions of love and affection, but is able to choose from the broad range of possibilities. The Mean Black Moon conjunct the (White) Moon indicates both rejection of and attraction to the female principle, as well as universal insight into the Feminine itself. Despite her deep need for emotional and sensual connection, this woman will always remain absolutely independent and impossible to possess. Her inherent understanding of the nature of the process of sharing aspects of deep value, both emotional and physical, goes to the very roots of possession and possessiveness, sexuality, life, and death. Her insights, and the freedom and authenticity they demand, will not always be welcomed when shared with others. Since the Sun and the ruler of the 7th house, Mars, are factors involved in the yod with the Moon–Mean Black Moon as apex, Jane’s process of becoming Conscious will be activated and reflected in her partnerships (with men). Priapus conjunct Uranus indicates that sudden, unexpected disruptions will systematically serve to deepen her Consciousness of personal values and self-worth in order to discard socially conditioned structures in favor of authentic, supportive forms. Pluto in the 1st (widely conjunct the Ascendant and the second ruler of the Descendant) is square the Black Sun–MC and Diamond–IC. This indicates that the intense process of transformation, which she experiences through the vehicle of partnership, serves to drive her in the refinement of universal Consciousness in her fundamental emotional nature. Jupiter is now conjunct the True Black Moon. (It was otherwise rather isolated.) The beauty of this conjunction is that it adds the aspect of connection with the cosmic Consciousness in her drive to expand and grow. When I placed her struggle within a universal framework, Jane was deeply

of the unlimited opportunities these aspects indicated (Black Sun), a space from which she could choose for herself without feeling limited by the expectations or approval of others. Her stumbling block was focusing too much on the Other, seen in the rejection aspect of the Mean Black Moon conjunct the Moon. It was her task now to remain true to her cosmic insight and wisdom, and to resist the urge to fall into conditioned, socially accepted behavior.

moved. She had been involved with spiritual development for many years. Tears filled her eyes when she finally received recognition and confirmation of the cosmic principles she attempted to personify in her life. An analysis of her progressions showed that she was in the middle of a crucial time in her life, which was indicated (among other things) by the square of transiting Pluto to natal Pluto. Besides showing that this was a period in which unnecessary attitudes, people, situations, and beliefs would be mercilessly eliminated from her life, transiting Pluto’s conjunction with the Diamond and thus opposition to the Black Sun showed that this transformation would catapult her into further refinements of Consciousness. Much of the consultation was spent discussing the energy symbolized by the two yods, for these represented the points of the deepest pain. But from the perspective of universal Consciousness, Jane wished to avail herself fully

EXAMPLE 3: THE COUPLE At the end of 2014, John, the man in the first example, contacted me and requested a relationship consultation for himself and his new partner — Jane, the woman from the second example! After our meeting in 2012, he had returned to his partner of 20 years and continued to live with her until the summer of 2014, when he met Jane at a spiritual festival. As they danced together, both were simultaneously overcome by a wave of powerful emotion, not only of incredible attraction, but also with a sense of coming home. After this meeting, everything happened at breathtaking speed: Both John and Jane broke off the relationships they were currently in and became partners, despite an age difference of 20 years. The areas they wished to address in their joint consultation were the challenges and the themes in their exchange of love. They were also curious about whether or not there was some kind of cosmic “mission” in their relationship, given the nature of their synchronistic meeting and the numerous “cosmic gifts” through which the partnership had continued to develop. Once again, a comparison of the synastry of the two horoscopes — first without the Black Luminaries and then with their inclusion — illustrates the importance of these factors in delineations for the future. In Chart 3 (following page), John’s horoscope is shown in the inner ring, while Jane’s horoscope is set in the outer ring. Synastry without the Black Luminaries (Spiritual Factors) • John’s Sun is trine Jane’s Moon; Jane’s Sun is sextile John’s Moon: These aspects show a natural compatibility AUG. / SEPT. 2018

— 71

Geocentric Tropical Placidus Mean Node

Geocentric Tropical Placidus Mean Node

Black Luminaries

18° Ü 57'

Ý 28°

53'

¶Ê 01°

18°

Â

‹

30' between the two in which their emotions ½ 12° 27° Ü blend easily with the being of the other. Ý 24° Ý 50' ‚ Ý 36' 21' • John’s Mars is sextile Jane’s VeŒ Œ 03' Œ nus; John’s Venus is sextile Jane’s Mars: 45' 26° The interaction of attraction and assertion ƒ Š Ì08° flows easily; sexuality is infused with love. 24' 08° ƒ 03' Ê • Ruler of John’s Ascendant (Sun in 15° ‚ Capricorn) conjoins the ruler of Jane’s 53' Œ 10 9 Ascendant (Venus in Capricorn): This 11 8 aspect in synastry is considered to be indicative of an important relationship, the 09° 09° ¿ 01°„ 00'Œ 12 7 11' Š14° » quality of which is shown in the type of Chart 3 „ Š 08' Š04°  aspect and its orb (10°). 31' 1 6 Š00° 23' 23' º • John’s Saturn is sextile Jane’s 50'Œ 21' „ 30' 16° Œ 2 5 ‰13° Venus; John’s Venus is opposite Jane’s 19' Œ ‰23° ¾ „ 00' Œ » 3 4 ¸ Saturn: Aspects of Saturn to Venus indi28° … 53' 01° 15' ˆ Á 52' cate stability and durability of affection. ‡ 15° 12' 03' ½ 30' ‡ 29° • John’s Moon is conjunct Jane’s 45' 26° É 37' ˆ26° ‡ † 23° Inner Wheel Outer Wheel Pluto, which is thus also square his 00° 11° ˆ ¾ 01' „ ‰Wenner 13° º John Wenner Jane ¼ 23' ˆ Sun; John’s Pluto squares Jane’s JupiNatal Chart 24' ¶ À 08°Natal Chart 12° À ˆ Jan 4 1956, Wed Dec 4 1976, Sat ter, her Jupiter also being opposite his 09° ¸ Œ 32' 7:00 pm CET -1:00 2:22 am CET -1:00 08' 21' 39' Mars–Saturn conjunction: These aspects Brielle, Netherlands Netherlands ¼Soesterberg, ˆ52°N07' † † ‡ ‡ 005°E17' indicate that both will stimulate the pro- 51°N54' 004°E10' 09° 06° 01° 13° Geocentric Geocentric 53' 18° cess of transformation in the other. Tropical Tropical Ë Á … 30' É ¿ 28°‡ Placidus Placidus • John’s Venus completes Jane’s Mean Node Mean Node t-square (involving the Moon, Saturn, and 57' 18° †Symbols Black Luminary Uranus), making a fixed grand square (or Black Luminary Symbols Black Luminary Symbols grand cross): The tension inherent in the 18° Ü 57' t-square is given more balance by the inMean Black Moon 53' 18°  Black Luminary Ý ‹ 30' clusion of the fourth point. ÊSymbols Black Luminary Symbols Mean Black Moon ¶ 28° True . Mean Black Moon - Black Moon ½ 01° 27° Black Luminary Symbols 12° Ý Ü True Black Moon 24° These harmonious and/orTrue sup- Black MoonMean C. Ý 21' 50' . Priapus ‚ Ý 36' Œ Œ Black Moon portive aspects are certainly extremely Mean 03' MeanTrue Black Moon - RC Mean Priapus Œ Priapus Mean Priapus C 45' 26° pleasant. But in my opinion, they do Mean Black Moon True Black Moon .True Black Black Moon . True Priapus R Sun D not illustrate by any means theTrue intense Priapus RÌ ƒ Š TruePriapus Black Moon C. 08° Black Luminary24' Symbols changes and coming to Consciousness Mean 08° Mean Priapus C Black Sun D ƒ Ê Diamond E Black Sun D 03' Mean Priapus that John and Jane experienced in their True Priapus R C 15°‚ True Priapus R Black Luminary Sym Diamond E53' Diamond E meeting and their relationship thereafter. Œ 10Mean 9 Black Moon TrueSun Priapus Black DR Black Sun D 11 8 Black Sun Diamond ED Synastry with the True Black Moon . Moon Diamond E Mean Black 09° 09° 01°„ 00'Œ 12 ¿ 7 Black Luminaries 11' Š14° » Diamond E Mean Priapus C Moon . Chart 3a True 08'Black and Spiritual Factors „ Š 04° ÂLuminary Symbols Black Š 31' 1 6 Š00°R The inclusion of the Black LuminarTrue Priapus 23' 23' º Mean Priapus C ies and the Lunar Nodal Cross (Structural 50'Œ 21' Black Luminary Symbols „ 30' Œ Black Sun D 2 5 True ‰ 19' Œ ‰23° 13° Priapus R ¾ 16° Astrology)6 adds a dimension of the proMoon „ 00' Œ » 3Mean 4 Black ¸ 28° … 53' Diamond E cess of becoming spiritually Conscious 15'Black Black Luminary Symbols Sun D ˆ Á 01° 52' True Black Moon . ‡ 15° to a story that was otherwise a bit super­ 12' Black 03' ½ Mean ‡ 29°Moon - 30' Diamond E 45' ˆ Symbols 26° ÉLuminary ‡ Priapus †Mean 23° ficially pleasant. (See Chart 3a, at right.) C 37' Black 26° True00° Black Moon . 11° ˆ ¾ 01' º „ ‰ 13° MeanTrue Black Moon ¼ - 23' R ˆ Priapus 24' ¶ 08° 12° MeanÀ Priapus C À ˆ TrueBlack BlackŒMoon Moon- . 09° Black Sun D ¸ Mean 32' Chart 3: Bi-wheel. 08' True 21' Priapus R¼ 39' ˆ ‡ Mean Priapus C † Black Chart 3a: Bi-wheel (with Black ‡ †Diamond E True Moon . 06° 13° Black Sun D 01° 09° Luminaries). 53' 18° TruePriapus Priapus R Mean Ë Á … 30' É ¿ C 28°‡ Diamond E Inner wheel and house cusps: John Black Sun True Priapus RD Outer wheel: Jane 18° † 57' Diamond Black Sun D E

72 —

THE MOUNTAIN ASTROLOGER

Diamond

E

• John’s wide opposition of his Venus and Pluto is squared by Jane’s Moon and her Mean and True Black Moons, thus forming a dynamic t-square and forcing some kind of resolution of the issues that the wide opposition in John’s chart represents, i.e., the interplay of power, transformation, and love.7 • The incredible tension reflected in the series of semi-squares and sesquiquadrates in John’s horoscope is given a channel for recognition from the elevated insight shown by the opposition that Jane’s True Black Moon forms to his Mars. • John’s Sun–Black Moon is trine her Moon–Black Moon. This adds a harmonious bridge between their personal male and female identities as well as their spiritual cosmic insight. • In Structural Astrology, the Black Luminaries are said to represent the content of cosmic Consciousness incarnated in the person. The purpose of this coming to Consciousness is described in the Lunar Nodal Cross. In the synastry of the man and the woman, Jane’s stellium in Sagittarius is conjunct John’s North Node, the point showing where it

John’s Sun–Black Moon is trine Jane’s Moon–Black Moon. This adds a harmonious bridge between their personal male and female identities. is his purpose in this life to create something through a unique integration of his talents and experience in Consciousness. John’s t-square involving Neptune, Mercury, and Uranus is conjunct and square Jane’s North Node. He plays a vital role in her life’s purpose through the communication of his uniqueness and spirituality.

By explaining the energies and processes indicated by the Black Luminaries and spiritual factors in John and Jane’s synastry, the spiritual worth and integrity of the relationship was emphasized, rather than their relationship being labeled as falling under an Electra complex or midlife crisis. The latter psychological judgments are without universal basis, but are manmade concepts founded on a need to establish absolutes of “good” and “bad” behavior. John and Jane are examples of how the Consciousness of the New Age unfolds through expression in material form. By including the Black Luminaries in the chart analysis, the astrologer is able to clarify these challenges as well as identify their essence and purpose.

Conclusion Though useful and necessary for a period, the old psychological concepts used to describe social measurements and norms for behavior no longer adequately reflect the process of becoming continued on p. 102

Find Wisdom From the Stars Work with the Pleiadians to reveal deep universal wisdom, learn a new astrological system, how to navigate relationships, elevate your total human experience! We offer Books of Pleiadian Wisdom, Weekly Cosmic Messages, and A New Astrology Book by Nautilus Gold Award winner Personal Sessions Pia Orleane, Ph.D. & Cullen with the Pleiadian Baird Smith, with Laarkmaa group, Laarkmaa. Preorder at: https://www.

laarkmaa.com

innertraditions.com/pleiadianearth-energy-astrology.html

Michael Bartlett Personal & Soul Centered Astrology Facilitating the change you seek

www.CoreMichael.com

Readings for individual & couples Relationship Career Life Path Teaching Webinars Mentorship

[email protected]

(505) 690.3860 AUG. / SEPT. 2018

— 73

FULL COLOR PAGE

TMA’s AstroSoftware Marketplace

40 new features in version 9! Now available for

Windows, Macintosh, Android

tablets and phones.

Extremely easy to use, yet very sophisticated Vedic astrology software. Serving you for 25 years! 1-800-459-6847 [email protected]

74 —

THE MOUNTAIN ASTROLOGER

www.parashara.com

SoftStar Muse by Hank Friedman

Customizing Your Astrology Program We astrologers are a very eclectic group, each of us using our own preferred set of chart points, house systems, aspect sets and orbs, different predictive approaches, and more. Every astrology program allows you to choose and customize what house system, points, aspects, etc., you want to use in your charts. But what separates the most powerful programs from others is just how much you can make the software work the way that you want it to. In my previous TMA column (June/ July 2018), I explained the value of being able to have different aspect sets for different astrological jobs. The same value could be found in having various sets of points, types of chart wheels, and sets of predictive techniques for differing time spans. For example, when I am inspecting major events in a person’s life, I set the time range I’m examining from six months to a few years, and use the transits of either the outer three planets, or all of the planets from Jupiter outward. Yet, for my Wedding Date transit search, I use all of the transiting planets, even the Moon, and set the span for a two-day period, so that I can see exactly what is happening throughout the wedding day.

Making Sure That the Settings Are What You Want You may need to adjust settings in your astrology program, because the creators of your software have different ideas about what defaults to use for their calculations. Some astrologers prefer to see minor aspects in a chart, or asteroids, or the comet Chiron, or the points beyond Pluto, and your software is un-

likely to arrive at your door preset exactly as you’d like it to be. (Fortunately, once you customize your software to meet your needs, you can save the settings and keep them permanent.) But there are also more critical issues. For instance, one of the strengths of Kepler and Sirius is their ability to show major and minor aspect lines in astro-maps (not just Rising and Culminating lines). Because of this capability, the authors of those programs have chosen to have both programs default to using Zodiacal Longitude to create map lines. However, this is not how actual Astro* Carto*Graphy maps are calculated. They require using “in mundo” lines (showing where on the map the planets actually rise, culminate, set, and anti-culminate). The software can be changed to using in mundo lines, but most novice astrologers might not know to do this. The same is true in the calculation of Vedic charts. The vast majority of Vedic astrologers use the Lahiri ayanamsha, but most Western astrology programs are geared toward Western sidereal astrologers, who prefer the Fagan-Bradley ayanamsha. In other words, if you want to create Vedic charts the way Jyotishis do, you need to change the ayanamsha setting to Lahiri.

The Glory of Page Designers One of the best features of the top Western and Vedic astrology programs is the ability to create your own custom screens and printed pages. On each page, you can add one or more chart wheels and other items, and resize and arrange them on the page just to your liking. The value of this feature is priceless. If you want to see a closest-aspect table, or a table of dignities, or a break-

down of the modes and elements, for example, you can add them to the page you create. And you can create many pages, not just one. The power and the ease of use of page designers vary a great deal. Fortunately, most programs include predesigned pages that you can modify to your liking. The selection of objects that you can place on a page is also quite variable from one program to the next. You might be able to place single wheels, for example, but not bi-wheels on a page. Among the objects that you can add to a page are chart wheels, aspect grids, labels (e.g., the person’s name or full birth data), graphs (e.g., showing the proportion of each element in a chart), listings (e.g., of planet positions, astrodynes, recent eclipses, etc.), and many types of tables (e.g., planetary hours, dignities, elements, Fixed Stars). Solar Fire allows you to choose from among 90 objects to add to a page, while the Vedic program Shri Jyoti Star offers the largest number of tables to choose from (more than 150), and both programs allow users to custom design their own tables, too, selecting what columns to include. A few programs only allow you to design pages for printing (not for viewing onscreen), but even this is a great boon. When you use a page designer, you select an item that you want shown and then place it on the page. In many programs, you can move an object to a new position on the page by entering its horizontal and vertical position. The easiest method is called drag-and-drop. In programs that allow this approach, you just grab the object with your mouse and pull it to where you want it. continued on p. 77 AUG. / SEPT. 2018

— 75

Astrology News

If you have astrology news or events of interest to the astrological community that you would like to share with TMA readers, please send the information directly to: Gloria Star, P.O. Box 311, Clinton, CT 06413

by Gloria Star

TIME Magazine Features Mercury Retrograde

An article by Wilder Davies, “Mercury Is Entering Retro­ grade Again. This Is Why So Many People Care” (TIME, March 22, 2018), draws attention to the fact that the Internet has contributed to a more prevalent understanding of astrology and its applications in our lives. Including comments from an interview that Davies conducted with researcher and historian of cultural astrology Nick Campion, the author describes a brief history of the evolution of popular Sun-sign astrology and the more serious study of astrology as it has grown since the early 20th century. Davies gives a clear description of Mercury retrograde and the widespread reference to this cycle over recent years. Campion discussed the application of Mercury retrograde as it is used in horary astrology, and how that interpretation has broadened. Davies states: “Now, decades later, just as newspapers and call lines previously changed how people once interacted with popular astrology, the Internet has made it possible for people to read and access more complex astronomical data.” He continues, “It was only a matter of time until articles about Mercury retrograde began to circulate, and the Internet’s favorite excuse for when things go wrong was born. As history has shown, when journalism changes, astrology does too.”

In Brief Speaking of the ubiquitous Mercury retrograde, Jen Doll has written an entertaining essay, “Is April Really the Cruelest Month?” for The Week magazine (April 13, 2018). After citing the trials of dealing with the terrible weather and taxes, she goes on to write about Mercury retrograde and its implications in the loss of “everything you’ve ever owned” or “doors slamming in your face.” But she ultimately uses the end of the cycle as a potential for hope: “So … it’s coming to an end April 15 … We really can hope! … I mean, it chewed me up and spit me out, but I’m sure I learned a lot from my April experience this year, just as Mark Zuckerberg has with his.” Thanks to TMA reader Natori Moore for sending along this gem. Wynne Jordan, one of TMA’s readers in Halifax, Nova Scotia, forwarded a terrific article published in Canada’s The

76 —

THE MOUNTAIN ASTROLOGER

Globe and Mail (March 15, 2018), “The Age of Aquarius: Why More People Are Turning to Astrology for Answers.” Gayle MacDonald reports on “the reasons increasing numbers of people seeking substance and spirituality in their lives are starting to take the stars seriously.” Her extensive article contains comments from a wide range of individuals who mention the value they’ve discovered by applying astrological insights in their lives. She also interviewed Banu Guler, Chief Executive of the astrology website, Co-Star, which has seen downloads at rates “close to 1,000 per hour.” This is an article well worth the read, and it may still be available in the archives. Thanks to Wynne for sending the link. Maurice Fernandez writes to announce the ongoing selection for the second scholarship to be awarded by OPA (Organization for Professional Astrology). The scholarship rewards “determination, vision, and talent” shown by applicants, who will be able to submit their candidacy through several options, outlined on the OPA website. Recipients will be awarded one of two monetary prizes of $2,500 and $1,500, plus invitations to speak at major conferences. To find out more, log on to https://www.opaastrology.org/ annual-retreat/i-astrologer/2018-program#scholarship The American College of Vedic Astrology (ACVA) has recently chosen Charlotte Benson as Chairman of the Board of Directors. She is the first woman to serve in this capacity. From ACVA’s web page: “ACVA’s purpose is to provide the highest quality of education and training in Vedic Astrology to students and professional astrologers worldwide; emphasizing ethics and professionalism in the mastery of the principles and practice of Vedic Astrology. The primary objective of the American College of Vedic Astrology is to advance the study of Vedic Sciences by providing a certification program which utilizes symposia, research and online education.”

In Memoriam Diana Stone, unique astrologer, mystic, healer, and true humorist, died on May 6, 2018 of a heart attack. Her infectious smile could be disarming, but so too was her witty way of presenting universal truths. Her work with horary astrology continued until her last few days of life, despite some powerful physical challenges. If you are unfamiliar with her work, just

contemplate this title of her recent book: Playing the Ascension Game: A Guidebook for Navigating the Third Dimension Step-By-Step to Higher Consciousness (no matter who the hell you are) (Technology of Ascension) (Volume 3). Diana was born February 4, 1936. She will be sorely missed. Editor’s Note: Diana Stone was a long-time friend of the late Donna Cunningham and wrote a moving tribute to Donna in TMA’s Oct./Nov. 2017 issue.

Astrology Conference Calendar July 7–8, 2018: 16th Annual Sophia Centre Conference, “Rivers, Mountains, Sky and Sea: The Materiality of Spirit and Place,” Lampeter Campus, University of Wales Trinity Saint David, UK. For info: URL: http://sophia-project.net/ conferences/Spirit-And-Place/index.php July 12–16, 2018: Great Lakes Astrology Conference (GLAC), “Empowering the Joyful Path,” Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA. For info: tel. (734) 434-0804; e-mail: info@greatlakes astrology.com; URL: http://greatlakesastrology.com August 9–12, 2018: Sky Astrology Conference, Joyful Journey Hot Springs, Moffat, Colorado, USA. For info: URL: http://skyastrologyconference.com August 17–24, 2018: Faculty of Astrological Studies Summer School, Exeter College, Oxford, UK. For info: URL: https://www.astrology.org.uk/summer-school/ summer-school-2018/ September 1–2, 2018: The 11th Astrology Student Conference, ASC 2018, London, UK. For info: URL: http:// www.astroconference.com October 4–10, 2018: OPA Retreat and I-Astrologer Workshops, “Sky Meets Earth,” Tucson, Arizona, USA. For info: URL: https://www.opaastrology.org/annualretreat/i-astrologer/2018-program October 18–22, 2018: State of the Art (SOTA) Astrology Conference, Cheektowaga (near Buffalo), New York, USA. For info: URL: http://www.donnavantoen.com; Facebook: SotaAstrologyConference November 30 – December 3, 2018: Sedona Vedic Astrology Conference, “Ancient Vedic Wisdom for the Modern Western World,” Sedona, Arizona, USA. For info: URL: http://SedonaVedicAstrology.com January 24–27, 2019: The Kepler Conference, “Building the Future of Astrology,” Cocoa Beach, Florida, USA. For info: URL: https://canaveralresearchcenter.com © 2018 Gloria Star – all rights reserved Gloria Star is a professional astrologer, author, and teacher. You can learn more about her and her services through her website, http://www. GloriaStar.com

SoftStar Muse

continued from p. 75

There are also different ways to resize objects on a page. You might be able to enlarge a chart wheel by grabbing one side of it, or entering its width and height numerically, and resize a table similarly by grabbing its corner or changing the font size. All this might sound a little complicated, but once you get started, it’s actually not too hard to do. People pretty quickly get used to whatever approach their program uses, and many programs provide online videos helping you to see how to design pages. Since you can’t actually break anything, I encourage you to explore page designing and enjoy the fruits of your efforts.

Weblog News Recent articles on my online blog (https://www.soulheal ing.com/softstar.htm) include my newly revised tutorial “The Very Basic Elements of Astrology,” plus you can take a Virtual Tour of Mars, listen to the sound of Saturn’s rings, read Andrew Foss’s article “Vedic Astrology and the Use of the Sidereal and Tropical Zodiacs,” and more. © 2018 Hank Friedman – all rights reserved Hank Friedman is a professional Vedic and Western astrologer, author, and teacher. Visit his http://www.soulhealing.com website for astrology software guidance and his http://www.learnastrologyfree.com website for free in-depth astrology tutorials. You may contact him at stars@soulheal ing.com for help in choosing the right astrology software for your needs.

Coming in TMA • Janis Joplin’s Birth Chart (and Life) • Understanding the Midheaven • The Jupiter–Saturn Conjunction of 2020 • Interpreting Your Solar Return • The Sun–Mercury Cycle • Out-of-Bounds Venus Explained • The Astrology of Churchill and Dunkirk • The Chart of the NRA • Mike Pence’s Second Saturn Return ... and much more! Subscribe at www.mountainastrologer.com or call us at (800) 287-4828 AUG. / SEPT. 2018

— 77

Sky Watch

August & September 2018 by Julene Louis

V

enus, Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars are visible in the night sky throughout August and September. Mercury is visible before dawn from mid August to mid September. The Perseid meteor shower will be spectacular this August, peaking shortly after the New Moon solar eclipse.

The Night Sky At sunset on August 1, locate Venus in the west in the constellation Virgo, Jupiter in the SSW in the constellation Libra, Saturn in the SSE in the constellation Sagittarius, and Mars rising in the southeast in the constellation Capricorn. Venus will set around 10:30 p.m., followed by Jupiter around 12:30 a.m., then Saturn around 3:30 a.m., and Mars around 5:00 a.m. The Moon will help you to locate the planets: On August 14, Venus will be below the Moon. On August 16, locate Jupiter below and to the left (east) of the Moon. On August 20, Saturn will be slightly below and to the left of the Moon. On the 22nd, locate Mars below and to the left of the Moon. The following evening, Mars will be below and to the right (west) of the Moon. We can observe Jupiter’s movement against Zuben Elgenubi of Libra in mid August. Jupiter begins August slightly to the right of Zuben Elgenubi. On the evening of August 12, Jupiter’s lower left side will appear to almost touch the star. On August 17, Jupiter will be directly above Zuben Elgenubi, and the Moon will be above and to the left of Jupiter. On the 23rd, Jupiter will be slightly to the left of Zuben Elgenubi. Venus’s movement can be observed against Spica of Virgo. On August 30, Venus will be slightly below and to the right of Spica. On August 31 and September 1, Venus will pass directly below Spica. On September 2, Venus will be slightly below and to the left of Spica. On September 1, locate the evening planets in the following directions during the evening twilight: Venus in the WSW,

78 —

THE MOUNTAIN ASTROLOGER

Jupiter in the southwest, Saturn in the south, and Mars in the SSE. At the beginning of September, Venus sets around 9:15 p.m., followed by Jupiter around 10:00 p.m., Saturn around 1:00 a.m., and Mars around 3:00 a.m. On September 12, locate Venus directly below the Moon. On the evening of the 13th, Jupiter will be slightly below and to the left of the Moon. On September 16, locate Saturn to the left of the Moon; the following evening, Saturn will be to the right of the Moon. On the 19th, locate Mars slightly below the Moon. At the end of September, Venus will be very low to the southwest horizon at sunset, Jupiter will be above and to the left of Venus, Saturn will be in the south, and Mars in the SSE. These planets will set at the following times: Venus around 7:45 p.m., Jupiter around 9:00 p.m., Saturn around 11:30 p.m., and Mars around 2:00 a.m.

The Morning Sky Mercury is visible in the morning sky from August 17 until September 12. On the morning of August 17, Mercury rises in the constellation Cancer around 5:45 a.m. On August 26, the morning of his greatest western elongation, Mercury will rise a bit before 5:30 a.m. and be visible until just after 6:15 a.m., when sunrise brightens the sky. The 45-minute observation window gradually shifts to 6:00–6:45 a.m. through the beginning of September. During the first week of September, observe Mercury as he passes above Regulus, the alpha star of Leo. On September 5, Mercury will be above and slightly to the right (west) of Regulus. The following morning, Mercury will be slightly to the left (east) of Regulus. On September 8, the Moon will be directly above Regulus, with Mercury below and to the left. After this, the visibility of Mercury decreases rapidly. On September 10, Mercury rises around 6:15 a.m. On the 12th,

Calendar of Celestial Events

August 2018

September 2018

Aug. 8 at 10:05 p.m. EDT: Mercury at inferior conjunction (between the Sun and Earth)

Sept. 2 at 6:00 a.m. EDT: Mercury at perihelion3

Aug. 10 at 2:05 p.m. EDT: Moon at perigee1 (358,083 km / 222,502 mi)

Sept. 5 at 4:00 a.m. EDT: Venus at aphelion4

Aug. 11 at 5:47 a.m. EDT: partial solar eclipse

Sept. 7 at 9:21 p.m. EDT: Moon at perigee (361,355 km / 224,536 mi)

Aug. 17 at 2:00 p.m. EDT: Venus at greatest eastern elongation (45.9°)

Sept. 16 at 8:00 a.m. EDT: Mars at perihelion

Aug. 19 at 12:24 a.m. EDT: Mercury stations direct

Sept. 19 at 8:54 p.m. EDT: Moon at apogee (404,875 km / 251,578 mi)

Aug. 23 at 7:23 a.m. EDT: Moon at apogee2 (405,744 km / 252,118 mi)

Sept. 20 at 9:51 p.m. EDT: Mercury at superior conjunction (Sun between Mercury and Earth)

Aug. 26 at 4:00 p.m. EDT: Mercury at greatest western elongation (18.3°)

Sept. 22 at 9:54 p.m. EDT: autumnal (Libra) equinox

Aug. 27 at 10:04 a.m. EDT: Mars stations direct

Mercury rises around 6:30 a.m. Dawn obscures Mercury from view around 6:40 a.m. After September 12, he will no longer be visible in the morning sky.

Partial Solar Eclipses The partial solar eclipse on August 11 is visible in northern Europe and northeastern Asia. This is the third and final eclipse this season. There was a partial solar and a total lunar eclipse in July. This can occur because eclipse season (the time frame when the lunar nodes are in alignment to create an eclipse) lasts for 34 days, and a lunation cycle lasts for 29.5 days. When a New or Full Moon occurs in the first four days of an eclipse season, there will be three eclipses: two solar and one lunar, or two lunar and one solar, depending on which lunation occurred at the beginning of the season. The last time we had two solar eclipses and one lunar eclipse was the summer of 2011, and this will happen again in the summer of 2029. Two solar eclipses and one lunar eclipse typically occur in intervals of four, seven, nine, or eleven years apart.

Perseid Meteor Shower

1. 2. 3. 4.

Perigee is the Moon’s closest distance to Earth. Apogee is the Moon’s farthest distance from Earth. Perihelion is a planet’s closest distance to the Sun. Aphelion is a planet’s farthest distance from the Sun.

of August 11–12. The meteors radiate from the constellation Perseus. The radiant of the shower (the point from which the meteors appear to begin streaking across the sky in all directions) will lie low to the northern horizon at sunset and high above the northeast horizon at sunrise. Meteors from this shower can be seen during its active period from July 17 through August 24. The Perseids come to us compliments of parent comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle. For visual aids that help you to locate the planets and meteor shower radiants, visit “The Mountain Astrologer Sky Maps” tab at Julene’s website: http://julenelouis.com © 2018 Julene Louis – all rights reserved Julene Louis, Dipl.IAA, ISAR-CAP, Jyotish Visharada-CVA, is a full-time consulting and teaching astrologer and co-founder of the Sky Astrology Conference (http://www.skyastrologyconference.com). She lectures at conferences and local groups in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Julene is available for consultation, group lectures, and tutoring toward CVA Jyotish Visharada certification. She can be reached via e-mail: [email protected]

The Perseids should be the best shower of the year! We can expect to see 60–80 meteors per hour on the peak night of August 12–13, and nearly as many are expected on the night AUG. / SEPT. 2018

— 79

MAGICAL ELECTIONS August and September 2018

by Nina Gryphon

Love … and Career?

August 14, 2018, 9:34 a.m. – 10:18 a.m. PDT This is the first of two elections in this issue focused on Venus in Libra. Libra is Venus’s own sign, which means that whenever Venus enters this sign, she expresses herself in the most pure and unalloyed Venusian tone possible. Venus, of course, is the planet ruling the arts, romance, clothes, games and gambling, women, decorators, and everything pertaining to beautification of the body and our environment. Therefore, ugust and September are replete with strong magithis magical election is ideal for talismans of attraction, glamcal elections, as many of the planets will be in powour, good luck in all manner of games, and drawing more erful essential dignities, a happy condition for creating beauty into our lives. effective talismans. August alone hosts two strong Venusian In magical elections, a planet is most strengthened and talismanic elections, which are wonderful for all matters conemphasized when it rules the Ascendant and is positioned nected with romance, the arts, and good fortune in general, within 5° of the ascending degree. In this chart, Venus rules while September holds a most unique astro-magical opportuthe Libra Ascendant, and she is on the Ascendant. (See nity. This year, Mercury will be cazimi (within 16 arc minutes Chart 1, below.) It’s also very important that the Moon of the Sun, an auspicious condition), while highly dignified in makes an applying aspect to the planet we are invoking in Virgo and on the protective star Alkaid. the ritual, because the Moon is the intermediary between our Mages looking to make talismans utilizing Mars or Saturn Love 818-NINA-1 earthly sphere and the more elevated planetary spheres. This will want to wait for more auspicious dates later this year. In Natal Chart Augis14why, 2018, Tue in traditional astrology, the Moon is as much a mesAugust and September, Mars is exalted for a few days in 9:34 am PDT +7:00 Lossenger Angeles, CA as Mercury is, if not more so. We rely on the Moon’s Capricorn, but he is still very slow, having come out of his 34°N03'08'' 118°W14'34'' Geocentric reflective powers to bring down the divine and otherwise retrograde slumber. Saturn is not afflicted, but there are few Tropical Placidus dates when he is supported by another strong planet to help True Node take off the edge of his inherently challenging nature. Since 03° ƒ 02' he will be in Capricorn for nearly three years, we can wait 24' 00° ‚ 38' „ 05° for an ideal talismanic opportunity. É Jupiter, who has been retrograde for most of 2018, is º 05° now going direct. When planets emerge from their retrograde 12° ¸ „ 47' 00° 21° „ 49' inertia, we like to wait a little while until they pick up speed Ý … „ 41' Œ 10 9 50' Œ 07' 05° and regain their usual power. In this issue, we celebrate Jupi11 8 ter’s emergence from hibernation with an astro-magical ritual. All charts are set for Los Angeles, California, in Pacific 12 7 Time. While you can simply add or subtract time to get the Chart 1: 02° 02° same Ascendant degrees as the charts shown in this column, † Ü August 14, 2018 06° † 53' be sure to examine the new chart set for your location and 47' ¶ 47' 43' 1 6 † 9:34 a.m. PDT time zone, because whenever you set the new chart to match » 07° the rising degree in the original location, the Moon will likely 2 5 have moved and may be applying to a different planet. The 47' 00° 07' Moon’s applying aspects are essential in electing for magical 3 4 Œ ‡ 50' ‡ ‹ Œ 49' 15° ‡ purposes, so consider whether the relocated election still ful07' 05° 43' Š Œ ½ 17° 57' ‰ 05° fills your needs. As with any electional horoscope, not every Ï ‰ 29° magical election can be successfully relocated. Ê 02°

Editor’s Note: Please see previous issues of TMA, starting with Feb./March 2017, for background and continuing instruction in the principles behind the intertwining of magic and astrology.

A

00°

ˆ 38'

All charts use Placidus houses and the True Node.

80 —

THE MOUNTAIN ASTROLOGER

¾ 03° ‰ 02'

¼

05°

Š

24'

inaccessible influences from the other planets, so her aspects in magical elections are essential. In the rare cases where she does not aspect the planet we wish to activate magically, it’s helpful to have the Moon aspecting another planet with a similar energy or theme, for indirect support of our aims. In this election, the Moon applies to conjoin Venus in the Ascendant, and because the Moon is in Libra, she is received by Venus into her domicile. We can think of reception as the mortar that holds together the masonry represented by an aspect. With benefic planets such as Venus, the Moon’s reception is not absolutely essential, but it adds more reliability and solidity to the relationship promised by the aspect, so we take advantage of reception whenever possible. This election, like so many of the best ones, is a Swiss Army knife, in that it can be used in multiple ways. We can certainly take advantage of the pure Venusian energy flowing through the Moon, Ascendant, and Venus, or we can make this into a talisman for a good relationship with one’s boss or a desired job. This is because the Moon rules the 10th house in this election, which means that she can symbolize an authority figure in our lives, the government, or just a job position that we would very much like. The Moon in the Ascendant is a position known as emplacement, when a desired thing or person comes to us without too much effort on our part. For example, if the Moon is a job that we want, its presence just inside the Ascendant shows that we may get the position with ease — in some cases, without even looking for it. If we want a good relationship with our boss, the Moon in the Ascendant symbolizes the boss coming over to our side and appreciating our perspective. Needless to say, this is a great talisman for requesting raises, promotions, or other work advancement, as well as for job searching. Neighbors 818-NINA-2 Whether we are using this election for purely Venusian Natal Chart Aug 2018, Sun or19 10th-house aims, we can engrave an appropriate image in 9:36 am PDT +7:00 Loscopper, Angeles, CAthe metal of Venus. One image listed in the medieval 34°N03'08'' 118°W14'34'' Geocentric magical manual, Picatrix, is “the form of a woman with her

Tropical Placidus True Node

08° ƒ 01'

„

10°

º 40'

É

26°

„ 38'

10°

„ 45' 32' S S

04° 10

Ý

9

57'

11

21'

» 12° † 32'

8

Chart 2: August 19, 2018 9:36 a.m. PDT

12

07°

†

1

2

‡ 57'

3

15°

½

14' ˆ

12° 05°

¶

ˆ 34'

7

07°

Ü 21'

6

40'

4

Œ 47' ‰

02°

¾ 08° ‰ 01'

‹

ŒS 45' 57'01' Š ‰ ‰ 05°

22°29°

hair spread, riding on a stag: in her right hand is an apple and in her left hand flowers, and her clothing is colored white.”1 Ritual incense for the consecration of the talisman can consist of dried apples or apple skins, rose petals, thyme, amber, or figs, all of which are ruled by Venus.2 Venus also governs poetry and music, so the poetically inclined mage can write her invocation in verse, and play music (live or recorded) as part of the ritual.

Good Neighbors and Happy Siblings August 19, 2018, 9:36 a.m. – 10:09 a.m. PDT This is the other of the two Venus in Libra elections. The chief difference between this election and the August 14 date is that, in this election, the Moon is not applying to conjoin Venus, but instead, the Moon will sextile Venus from the 3rd house. (See Chart 2.) This election can be used in the same way as the other Venus in Libra election — for Venusian matters, career advancement, and good relationships with authorities — but because of the Moon’s location in the 3rd house, we can also add good relationships with neighbors and siblings (3rd-house people) to the mix. If, for instance, we are hoping to patch up misunderstandings with the 3rd-house individuals in our lives, we can create a talisman to carry whenever we are interacting with them, to help ensure smooth and peaceful communication. The Moon in this election is not received by Venus, but harmonious aspects, such as the sextile, to benefic planets are as auspicious as can be, so reception in these cases is merely gilding the lily. This election is also unique because it has Mercury stationing direct, which means that Mercury doesn’t have much strength. It is best to avoid making this talisman for matters with Mercurial significations, such as technology and commerce. For the magical ritual, we can use the same symbolic items as in the August 14 election, as well as the same image of Venus — or this image, also listed in the Picatrix: “a woman, standing on her feet, and in her right hand she holds an apple.”3

Glory and Vitality 5

38' ‡

04°

‚ 34'

05° 11° „

¸

…

05°

25'

In magical elections, a planet is most strengthened and emphasized when it rules the Ascendant and is positioned within 5° of the ascending degree.

ϼ

10°

Ê 10°

Š

25'

August 15, 2018, 5:53 a.m. – 6:42 a.m. PDT Once a year, the Sun enters his own regal sign, Leo, giving us an opportunity to make a life-affirming solar talisman. The Sun is the source of life, biologically and astrologically, so any talismans that rely on the Sun’s strength help to ignite the fire of vitality within. The Sun symbolizes the heart, as does the sign of Leo. Certainly, this could be a wonderful magical election to help support health, vitality, resistance to disease, AUG. / SEPT. 2018

— 81

Magical Elections and even a new exercise regimen focusing on increased energy. As with all magical efforts, stronger vitality will not come about solely as the result of ritual, but magic can support concrete, real-world steps to better health and strength. Of course, the Sun is the royal planet, so any talisman highlighting the Sun can also cast the bright beam of specialness on a person. For example, if the mage wanted publicity and as much attention as possible for a special project, a solar talisman would be a perfect way to help direct the public gaze onto the wearer of the talisman. The Sun represents people who are elevated above the crowd for some reason; historically, that would have been the ruler of a country, and today that is still true, but “royalty” now encompasses people who are celebrated for their identity or special achievements. The cult of celebrity is entirely solar. If we consider the medieval theory of vision as a ray of invisible light emerging from one’s eye to touch upon objects, we can understand why the bright solar disc is a symbol of the spotlight or searchlight — whatever is represented by the Sun is impossible to ignore. It’s as brilliantly illuminated as the Sun is. This is why, in horary questions about lost objects or people, whenever the Sun is prominent and harmoniously configured to the significator of the lost person or thing, we have a strong testimony that they will eventually be found. Similarly, if we want attention, solar talismans are a good way to get it. The Sun in this election rules the 1st house of self and the body, and conjoins the Ascendant. (See Chart 3, below.) As always, a planet has the greatest power of expression when conjunct an angle, especially the Ascendant. We keep Glory the818-NINA-3 conjunction close, no more than 5°, for the most powerNatal Chart Augful 15 2018, Wed influence of the Sun to emerge during the talismanic ritual. 5:53 am PDT +7:00 LosBecause Angeles, CA most of the planets are below the horizon in this 34°N03'08'' 118°W14'34'' Geocentric chart, this is a better talisman for health and energy than for Tropical

Placidus True Node

11° Ý 19' 08°

35'

‚

15°

Ü 49'

Ï 21°

10°

‚ 18'

04'

ƒ

10

18°

„ 20'

É 05° „ 47' Œ º 12° „ 18'Œ

Chart 3: August 15, 2018 5:53 a.m. PDT

12

¸ 22° „ 39'

1

2 3

33' †

49'

08°

» 08°

† 49'

7

Š

41' †

18°

¶

20'

Œ47' 6 Š 05° Œ34' ‰29°

4

Ê ¼

Œ 55' ‰

04'

02°

¾

12' ‡

15°

½ 11° ‡ 19'

82 —

17°

5

10°

…

49' 8

11

17°

‹

9

THE MOUNTAIN ASTROLOGER

15°

ˆ

35'

‰

18°

visibility. Generally, for the latter goal, it is ideal if the significators are above the Ascendant–Descendant axis. Its best when the Moon’s next aspect is to the planet highlighted in the election, so in this case, the Moon is about to make a sextile to the Sun from the 3rd house. As with the second Venus election, we have a wonderful opportunity to create bonds between ourselves and 3rd-house individuals, such as extended family and siblings, as well as neighbors. Solar symbolism is intuitive: Gold is a Sun metal, of course, but so are all stones with red or orange coloring, as well as diamonds. Bright yellow, orange, and vivid red are solar colors. The Sun’s image, according to the magical manual Picatrix, is “a man standing on his feet, as though he wished to salute those he sees; in his left hand he is holding a round shield, and under his feet is the image of a dragon.”4 This image is particularly iconic, because it is reminiscent of the traditional portrayals of Saint George, the dragon slayer, a classically solar image of the forces of light overcoming the powers of darkness. Going back still further, there are echoes of the image of the god Abraxas (or Abrasax), a solar deity with the head of a rooster and with serpents for feet. Closer to home, we can think of the coat of arms for Mexico, featuring the eagle, a solar bird, grasping and tearing at the subterranean serpent. We can see that magical imagery can be remarkably consistent across the millennia in portraying the solar principle of light and life. According to a different solar ritual in the Picatrix, the solar spirits to invoke during a solar talismanic consecration are as follows: “Tebdeluz, Dihymez, Andulez, Dehycayz, Aginafez, Mahagnuz, Ahadyz, Tuymeryz.”5

Abundance and Fertility September 13, 2018, 10:54 a.m. – 11:14 a.m. PDT By September, Jupiter is happily direct again and up to his full speed, so he is well able to provide oomph for our talismans of abundance and plenty. He is the financial planet par excellence, but also represents fertility of all kinds, whether agricultural or baby-related. As the Picatrix says, “Jupiter is the source of the augmentative virtue.”6 In other words, if Jupiter could be a mathematical operation, his power would be multiplication. This is especially true because he is now in one of the so-called fertile signs, Scorpio. As one of the water signs, Scorpio encourages growth and reproduction. Whenever we have a talisman with significators in water signs, we can expect lots of the thing symbolized by the planet in question. Some years ago, I reached out to numerous mailing lists for an astrological study of mine, electing the request in order to place the relevant planets in water signs, and I received an unexpectedly overwhelming number of responses. Behold the power of the fertile signs! Since Jupiter is the planet of plenty in a water sign, quantity is the watchword. In this election, Jupiter is in his own term or bound. The bounds are small, unequal slices of a zodiac sign, each slice ruled by a different planet. They are not as powerful as domiciles or exaltations, but a planet in its own bound has a little bit of authority over the piece of real estate in a given sign, and has more authority and ability to operate in that part of the zodiac than when it has no essential dignity at all. The Egyptian system of bounds gives Jupiter 19°00' – 23°59' Scorpio; Ju-

piter has no major dignity in Scorpio, so essential fortitude by bound is as good as it will get while he passes through this sign. When it comes to plenty, this talisman doesn’t do things by halves. The Moon — the other planet of multiplication — is also in Scorpio, and applies to conjoin Jupiter on the Ascendant. (See Chart 4, below.) This is a powerful talisman for material abundance, as Jupiter rules the 2nd house of possessions and finances. In addition, Saturn in his own sign is in the 2nd house as well, conjoining the Part of Fortune. This can be a boost of the slow-and-steady sort, such as making regular and steady investments involving assets like real estate. However, we must not neglect the more traditional signification of abundance: children. Jupiter also rules the 5th house of offspring in this chart, so this is a wonderful talisman for those who want to surround themselves with the energy of children. As with health-related elections, people who want to add kids to their lives will need more than a talisman, but this is a helpful support for bringing more family members into the world. The ruler of the 1st house is Mars, as we have Scorpio rising, and Mars is placed in Aquarius in the 3rd house. Mars has no essential dignity in early Aquarius, but he is in a sign that aspects the Ascendant by whole signs, so we do have the very advantageous Ascendant and Ascendant-ruler connection helpful in most elections. The downside is that Mars conjoins the South Node, a placement that some astrologers consider good, because the South Node’s reductive nature takes away from Mars’s natural malice, while others consider it bad, due to a possible multiplication of difficulty (two malefics, rather than just one). This talisman focuses strongly on the planets on the Ascendant, so my view is that we do not need to concern ourselves with Mars’s condition overmuch. Jupiter’s symbolism for talismans is straightforward; his Abundance 818-NINA-4 colors are blue and sea-green, and his metal is tin. Picatrix Natal Chart Sepsays 13 2018, Thu for attributions, his is the “emerald and all white that, 10:54 am PDT +7:00 Losand Angeles, CA yellow stones, and crystal, and all stones that are bright 34°N03'08'' 118°W14'34'' Geocentric and considered precious … among colors he has red tending

Tropical Placidus True Node

toward white.”7 Who knew — at least some medieval Arabs thought of Jupiter as governing the color pink! One image for Jupiter is that of “a crowned man sitting on a throne with four feet carried by four winged men and the man who is sitting on the throne is raising his hands as though he were praying.”8 This image can be engraved on a tin surface during the talismanic period, while burning sweet-smelling incense, since pleasant and uplifting odors are associated with Jupiter.

Mercury Cazimi on Alkaid September 20, 2018, 12:43 p.m. – 12:54 p.m. PDT This is the rarest of elections: a planet in the heart of the Sun, a condition known as cazimi, or more correctly in the Arabic, kasmīmī. The usual rule for cazimi is that the planet is within 16 arc minutes of the Sun, typically a fleeting few moments until the planet and the Sun move on and go their separate ways. Planets that are cazimi are thought to be momentarily strengthened by their proximity to the life-giving Sun, and are given a new burst of solar energy as they begin a new solar cycle. In this election, Mercury is also strengthened by being in his favorite sign, Virgo, where he is in both his domicile and exaltation. Additionally, Mercury and the Sun are on the Midheaven, a highly empowering position in the chart. (See Chart 5, below.) Mercury is truly on top of the world here as he readies himself for a moment of cleansing and rebirth into a new existence. Mercury governs literature and the written and spoken word, philosophy, mathematics, astrology, commerce (the word root merc comes from Mercury), divination, sculpture and poetry, printing, attorneys, accountancy, banking, and tailoring.9 Any work that primarily relies on mental or physical dexterity and a command of detail has Mercurial associations, so today we Mercury would818-NINA-5 add work such as technology and programming to the list. Natal Chart Sep 20 2018, In Thu addition, Mercury and the Sun are closely conjunct 12:43 pm PDT +7:00 Losthe Angeles, CA star Alkaid, the tail of the celestial Bear, located at fixed 34°N03'08'' 118°W14'34'' Geocentric 27°10' Virgo. Alkaid’s planetary associations, according to

Tropical Placidus True Node

20° „ 31'

…

59'

22°

É

¸º

„ 50' Œ

… … 18' 53'

†

10

20°

» 02°‡

57'

12

¶ 13° ‡ 17' ‡ ‡ 04' 09' ½ 19°

1

ˆ 31'

¾ 06° Ï 16°

‚

‰ 09'

‡ ½

21°

31'

Chart 4: September 13, 2018 10:54 a.m. PDT

35' ‰ 33' 02° ‰

06'

7

6

27°27°

49'

4

Ü

Œ 33'50' Š Š

20°

00°04°

¼Ê

22° 20° Š 31'

12°

Ý

ˆ

09'

31'

‹

59'

… … 47' 34'

20°

14'

‰ 59'

10

„ 44' S

9

11

1

14°

É

04°

‡ 57'

12

02°

„ 27'

06°

‡

¾

5 3

14°

21°

¸º

»

8

2

13°

†

26°

13°

9

11

14°

ƒ 09'

43'

04°

14° 20°

49'

26° … 54' 16°

14°

ƒ 59'

8

Chart 5: September 20, 2018 12:43 p.m. PDT

7

12°

‚ 31'

6

‰ 42' 2

24' S Š 44' 02° Š 46' 04° Š

5 3

06'

4

Ý

30' Ü

¼ 09° Ê ¶

21°

24°

Ï

21°

Š 27'

26°

Ü

43'

26° ‹ 54'

AUG. / SEPT. 2018

— 83

Magical Elections

8. Ibid., p. 106. 9. Lilly, Christian Astrology, p. 78.

Ptolemy, are Venus and the Moon, which is our first hint that this star is helpful and protective. According to Agrippa, under this star the ancients “made the image of a pensive Man or of a Bull, or the Figure of a Calf; it availeth against incantations, and maketh him who carrieth it secure in his travels.”10 According to Hermes on the 15 Fixed Stars, one should create a ring with a lodestone (magnetite) combined with the plant chicory to take advantage of the protective nature of this combination.11 One can engrave the depicted star glyph on the talisman. (See Glyph, at right.)12 Because Mercury is a messenger and traveler, the combination of the Sun, Mercury, and Alkaid on the Midheaven is particularly good for those who want protection on their journeys.

10. Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa, Three Books of Occult Philosophy (1651), reprint by Theophania Publishing, 2011, p. 347. 11. Hermes on the 15 Fixed Stars, translated and annotated by John Michael Greer, available at: http://www.renaissanceastrology.com/hermesfixedstars. html 12. Image of Alkaid is credited to Wonder Bright; the font is used with her kind permission and is available at http://starsofwonder.com/2017/07/behenianfixed-star-font/ © 2018 Nina Gryphon – all rights reserved

Nina Gryphon is an astrologer and corporate lawyer living in Los Angeles, California. Upon completing John Frawley’s Horary Apprenticeship, she has studied with Deborah Houlding, a leading traditional astrologer. Nina practices traditional astrology, specializing in personal, financial, and political forecasting. Her latest project is an illustrated version of Bonatti’s 146 Considerations, available serially on Patreon. She may be Please credit this image to Wonder Bright. The font is used with her permission and is available at http://starsofwonder.com/2017/07/behenian-fixed-star-font/ References contacted via http://ninagryphon.com 1. Anonymous, The Picatrix Liber Atratus Edition, trans. John Michael Greer and Christopher Warnock, Adocentyn Press, 2010, p. 104.

H

2. William Lilly, Christian Astrology, Astrology Center of America, 2004, p. 75. 3. The Picatrix, p. 104. 4. Ibid., p. 103. 5. Ibid., p. 190. 6. Ibid., p. 133. 7. Ibid.

84 —

THE MOUNTAIN ASTROLOGER

Forecast Calendar for

August and September 2018 by Pam Younghans

All times given are in Pacific Daylight Time. For Eastern time, add 3 hours; Central Time, add 2 hours; Mountain Time, add 1 hour; Greenwich Mean Time, add 7 hours.

Overview for August and September We are fully immersed in eclipse season as August dawns: Two July eclipses are in the rearview mirror, and a rare third eclipse lies directly ahead. With the atmosphere already highly electrified by the provocative July 27 total lunar eclipse in Aquarius, the square on August 1 between retrograde Mars in Aquarius and Uranus in Taurus may effectively galvanize us into a future no one could have predicted — especially since Uranus is looming large, with the planet virtually at a standstill, about to go retrograde. This is the second of three Mars–Uranus fixed squares this year; the other two occur on May 16 and September 18. This August square may be the most powerful of the three; not only is retrograde Mars in progressive Aquarius, but it is also the closest it has been to the Earth since 2003, increasing its influence on our lives. Half of the ten primary planets are moving backward at the beginning of August (Mercury, Mars, Saturn, Neptune, and Pluto), with Chiron also moving backward and Uranus stationing retrograde on August 7. This overwhelming emphasis on retrograde planets means that we are in a very subjective phase of our development, in spite of the Leo Sun’s penchant for overt demonstration. Even as events propel us into new realities, we are directed to take stock of where we’ve been and to consider how our past actions have created our current circumstances. In addition to Uranus, four other planets also make their stations in August and September. Mercury, having gone retrograde on July 25, stations direct on August 18, liberating those who have been cautiously avoiding signing contracts or starting new enterprises for the previous 24 days. Mars began its backward phase on June 26 while in Aquarius, dips back into Capricorn on August 12, and goes direct in that sign on August 27. Saturn completes its nearly five-month retrograde period in Capricorn on September 6, giving the go-ahead to business concerns that have been on hold since April 17. And Pluto’s forward journey through Capricorn, interrupted by its retrograde phase that began on April 22, resumes on September 30. The Leo solar eclipse on August 11 is conjunct the fixed star Alterf, activating the archetypes of Performer and Showman. This star invokes dramatic self-expression and the ability to affect and convince, as demonstrated in the life of South African revolutionary and orator Nelson Mandela (natal Mercury conjunct Alterf). Politicians, actors, and other personalities who thrive in the spotlight take center stage with this influence; it is up to us to distinguish between the truth-tellers and those who excel at sleight of hand. (For a more complete interpretation of this solar eclipse, see page 89.) The Saturn–Uranus fire trine that was in effect throughout 2017 converts to an earth trine in 2018, with these two planets within one degree of an exact aspect throughout August and September. With the shift from fire to earth, the joint efforts of

pragmatic Saturn and revolutionary Uranus are dedicated to giving form to innovative ideas, based on the inspiration and insights received last year. Giant Jupiter easily shoulders the weight of three longterm aspects in 2018, all of which complete in August and September. First to culminate, the creative Jupiter–Neptune water trine perfects for the third and final time on August 19 (previous dates were December 2, 2017, and May 25, 2018). This aspect helps us to find a positive perspective in difficult times, advances spiritual growth, and allows us to release old resentments and anger. The frustrating Jupiter–Saturn semisquare that occurred on December 22, 2017, and March 14, 2018, occurs for the last time on September 3. This aspect challenges us to overcome our resistance to the deeper-level social changes that are required for us to achieve our highest aspirations. Jupiter has also been in a stimulating sextile aspect to Pluto since the beginning of 2018, perfecting on January 15, April 14, and September 12. Although a sextile may not typically be seen as a major influence, this particular aspect gains significance since Jupiter is in Scorpio, Pluto’s sign of rulership. As the two planets link energetically, Jupiter amplifies Pluto in Capricorn’s goal of revealing those in authority who have feet of clay; at the same time, Pluto focuses Jupiter’s ability to magnify hidden truths, so that they can no longer be denied. The “#MeToo” and “Time’s Up” movements, as well as the ongoing investigations into the misuse of political power, are demonstrations of the dynamic effects of this aspect. Wednesday, August 1 – Friday, August 3: The stage is set for action when the Moon enters Aries at 3:55 a.m. on Wednesday. Luna keeps us busy in the morning hours, starting with her conjunction with Chiron (7:59 a.m.) that reawakens old insecurities and anger. The Moon–Mars sextile (60°) an hour later tempts us to charge ahead in spite of our fears, but the light turns red when the Moon squares (90°) Saturn at 10:45 a.m. As the day unfolds and the Mars–Uranus square (2°32' Aquarius– Taurus), exact at 7:38 p.m., gathers strength, tempers become more volatile and actions less predictable. We spend most of the daylight hours on Thursday in damage control, after last night’s shakeup, but it will be hard to establish any stability with the Mars–Uranus influence still reverberating and the Moon continuing its journey through fiery Aries. Emotions are especially explosive around the time of the Moon–Pluto square (5:17 p.m.). A Moon–Mercury trine (120°) at 7:51 p.m. provides a positive outlet for venting our feelings — for the more dramatic types, by screaming into a pillow, and for the more reserved, by writing down thoughts and reactions.

85

TMA FORECAST CALENDAR The adrenalin rush begins to subside once the Moon enters peaceable Taurus at 12:51 p.m. on Friday. The day is not without its challenges, however; an archetypal war of the roses occurs with Jupiter in Scorpio opposite his wife, the asteroid goddess Juno, in Taurus (14°12') at 1:14 p.m. This aspect can cause turmoil in partnerships that are already unstable, but it can also deepen intimacy, if both parties are willing to be honest and vulnerable and meet each other halfway. If you are involved in any type of relationship discussion, take a break around the time of the Moon–Mars square at 4:39 p.m. to give yourself space for releasing built-up frustrations. With retrograde Mars’s sextile to Chiron (2°02' Aquarius–Aries), perfecting at 5:57 p.m., the evening hours offer a better opportunity to redeem lost causes. The practical Moon–Saturn trine about an hour later contributes to the positive outcome of any negotiations that may be under way. Saturday, August 4 – Sunday, August 5: The Last Quarter Moon occurs on Saturday at 11:17 a.m., as the practical Moon in Taurus challenges the playful Leo Sun to reconsider its priorities and fine-tune its intentions. Luna’s desire for tranquility continues to be tested over the next few hours, as she first squares creatively inspired Pallas Athene in Leo (1:25 p.m.) and then opposes larger-than-life Jupiter in Scorpio (2:48 p.m.). Lunar aspects in the late afternoon are more supportive of inner serenity: A grounding Moon– Juno conjunction at 3:28 p.m. stabilizes partnerships, while a nurturing Moon–Ceres trine two hours later and a sensitive Moon–Neptune sextile at 5:48 p.m. help to smooth any feathers that have been ruffled. Still, retrograde Mercury is quincunx (150°) Pluto (19°27' Leo–Capricorn) at 10:14 p.m., so we create at best an uneasy peace that will need to be renegotiated in the days ahead. Elusive Neptune opposes hardworking Ceres (15°55' Pisces–Virgo) on Sunday morning, leaving us discouraged about finding practical solutions for our current problems. We may be feeling disappointed in loved ones or in ourselves and aware that reality has not lived up to our idealistic expectations. The light finally begins to dawn in the late afternoon, thanks to some benevolent lunar activity: A Moon–Venus trine at 4:47 p.m. helps us to access unconditional love, which has the power to restore harmony, and Luna’s ingress into Gemini at 6:32 p.m. starts ideas and communication flowing again. The evening hours may be particularly energized, due to a dynamic Moon–Mars trine at 9:08 p.m. that awakens us to new potentials and a subtle Moon–Chiron sextile about an hour later that opens the door to improved self-confidence. Monday, August 6 – Wednesday, August 8: The road we walk on Monday is littered with hazards. Two disruptive sesquiquadrates (135°) fill out the morning; the first, between Mars in Aquarius and Ceres in Virgo (7:39 a.m.), indicates an urge to flee when circumstances are not easily controlled, while the second, between Mercury in Leo and Saturn in Capricorn (11:52 a.m.), creates static in the airwaves, making it difficult for us to articulate what we’re thinking. Frustrations build throughout the day, due to a stubborn Sun–Jupiter

86

square (14°26' Leo–Scorpio) that perfects at 4:27 p.m., fueling conflicts between those who care deeply and those who seem to care less. Venus does her best to begin the reconciliation process when she enters harmony-loving Libra at the same time, and a Moon–Sun sextile at 7:23 p.m. provides a release point for the day’s tensions. Tuesday is a day for breakthroughs, starting off early with a creatively inspired Sun–Pallas Athene conjunction (14°58' Leo) at 6:00 a.m. High-energy Uranus then stations retrograde (2°33' Taurus) at 9:49 a.m., increasing our impatience with restrictions and limitations — even if they are self-imposed. For the frosting on the cake, a Venus–Mars air trine (1°03' Libra–Aquarius) perfects at 5:32 p.m., encouraging a positive exchange of ideas and energy. We finally begin to wind down this evening when sensitive Neptune’s sextile to loyal Juno (15°52' Pisces–Taurus), exact at 8:37 p.m., adds a scent of roses to the air, and Luna’s ingress into Cancer at 9:01 p.m. wraps a soft blanket around our shoulders. The protective Cancer Moon watches disapprovingly while the other planets create disorder on Wednesday, starting before dawn with a confusing Sun–Neptune quincunx (15°51' Leo–Pisces) at 4:09 a.m. and an irrational Mercury– Feb 14 2017

Solar Fire v8.1.2

Sag FM 617-1 - Natal Chart

Geocentric Aspects,

ITime ngresses and Date P1 ,Asp P2 S tations Pos1 Jul 31 2018 11:20p » – ò 24°…05' Þ Pacific Daylight Aug 1 2018 Aug 1 2018 Aug 1 2018 Aug 1 2018 Aug 2 2018 Aug 3 2018 Aug 3 2018 Aug 3 2018 Aug 3 2018 Aug 4 2018 Aug 4 2018 Aug 4 2018 Aug 4 2018 Aug 5 2018 Aug 5 2018 Aug 6 2018 Aug 6 2018 Aug 6 2018 Aug 6 2018 Aug 6 2018 Aug 6 2018 Aug 7 2018 Aug 7 2018 Aug 7 2018 Aug 7 2018 Aug 7 2018 Aug 7 2018 Aug 8 2018 Aug 8 2018 Aug 8 2018 Aug 8 2018 Aug 8 2018 Aug 8 2018 Aug 8 2018 Aug 8 2018 Aug 8 2018 Aug 8 2018 Aug 8 2018

3:41a 1:05p 7:38p 11:39p 1:09a 4:20a 8:08a 1:14p 5:57p 1:10a 1:33a 11:13a 10:14p 5:42a 11:34p 2:12a 4:50a 7:39a 11:52a 4:27p 4:27p 6:00a 8:23a 9:49a 5:32p 8:37p 11:09p 0:11a 4:09a 4:58a 9:24a 9:59a 1:40p 3:44p 7:05p 7:54p 11:24p 11:55p

à ¸ ¼ » ¸ » » ½ ¼ » º É º À » » ½ ¼ º ¸ » ¸ » ¿ » À º » ¸ º ¸ º » ¼ ¸ À ¿ º

SÞ ˜ ‘ § ˜ ¦ ˜ à ’ › ¦ SÞ – à “ “ ‘ ” ” ‘ ß ß ” SŒ á ’ • § – ” ‘ “ à “ ß – ” ‘

¾ ¿ ò À Ä ¿ Å Â É Å Á Æ Ä ½ Ä Æ ¾ ½ † Ä Å ¼ Å Æ Ä À Â Å » Â À º Ä Æ Å

22°ˆ08' Þ 09°„31' Þ 02°Š32' Œ +01°52' 09°„59' Þ +01°17' 26°…33' Þ 14°‡12' Þ 02°Š02' Œ 27°…17' Þ +10°10' 05°„51' Þ 19°„27' Œ 15°‹55' Œ 29°…16' Þ 29°…23' Þ 14°‡24' Þ 01°Š24' Œ 18°„16' Œ 14°„26' Þ 00°†00' Þ 14°„58' Þ 00°†40' Þ 02°Ý33' Œ 01°†03' Þ 15°‹52' Œ 17°„07' Œ -01°04' 15°„51' Þ 16°„55' Œ 16°„04' Þ 16°„45' Œ 01°†54' Þ 00°Š51' Œ 16°„27' Þ 15°‹50' Œ 02°Ý33' Œ 16°„18' Œ

Pos2 24°Ü05' Œ 03°‰31' Œ 02°Ý32' Þ -01°52' 15°‹59' Œ +01°17' 02°Ý33' Þ 14°Ý12' Þ 02°Ü02' Œ 05°„51' Œ +10°10' 19°‰27' Œ 15°…55' Þ 14°„16' Þ 14°‡23' Þ 14°„24' Þ 16°…24' Þ 03°‰16' Œ 14°‡26' Þ 00°†00' Þ 14°„58' Þ 15°Ý40' Þ 01°Š03' Œ 15°Ý52' Þ 17°…07' Þ +01°04' 15°‹51' Œ 01°Ü55' Œ 16°Ý04' Þ 01°†45' Þ 01°Ü54' Œ 15°‹51' Œ 16°„27' Œ 15°„50' Þ 17°…33' Þ 16°Ý18' Þ

46 43 24

38 44 25 47 02 36 57 10 E 30 43 Data 35 12 25 21 45 33 30 10 F 13 02 31 49 24 56 36 ay Time 30 09 09 G 24 51 6 28 324:27 23PM31 39 H 13 12 26 07PM 2 567:13 25 22 20 28 20 2 9:08 PM 23 49 03 I 18 15 22 18 15 46 03 20 49 27 56 04 ay21TimeJ 53 20 19 09 7 559:49 17 21AM43 08 K 30 32 16 8 319:24 03PM 15 08 15 20 14 7 7:04 AM 13 47 27 16 16 12 28 09 L 21 52 11 11 21 39 17 09 55 04 A 09 53 08 42 16 54 05 07 30 29 51 35 06 21 13 B 01 38 05 14 26 23 20 04 10 09 C 55 58 03 07 23 39 06

44 26 05 50 13 53 17 41 28 38 25 16Sa 1701 0245 39 39 15 02 18 2644 15 1905 04 50 13 40 17 26 28 39 16 15 02 40 02 26 15 27 15 34 21 26 45a 21 05 a j 14 b27 18 c19 28 d37 16 e22 02 f38 02 g25 15 h25 06 LHr 16 38 27 02 g 2559 15 1905 03 49 j 14 b 43 18 c 35 28 d 37 26 e 2502 02` f 30 hL25 i 43 13 14 a 15 Su 03 Day +12 Hr True +12 True48 18 55 02 05 45 15 40 19 28 28 36 27 16M 3203 02 37 09 02L 2436 15 1905 02 41 23 16 21 13 15LB23 46 } 15 E22 y 19 G13 y 28 J36 y 16 H30 y 02 J37 } 02 B24 } 15 L23 F B E B E E G J H J B J } y y y y } } } } 3136 10 12 12 50 15 49 17 42 58 25 05 1 Sa40 080239 18 15 0501 23 21 34 23 29 28 44y 17 09 02 33 02 19 15 1 22 A 14 22 16 22 43 00 20 23 20 44 28 28 36 45 y 28 17 33 02 28 1918 1805 5842 01 05 40 16 02 23 15 19 17 38 01 Tu 1204 02 21 27 C21 16 24 20 05 28 36 16 38 02 36 02 23 15 22 2935 13 25 29 48 15 14 33 12 24 40 05 2 Su48 0902 02A20 0500 21 23 05 24 19 28 48 17 18 02 33 02 18 15 1 06 C 46 20 17 23 54 32 21 24 12 33 28 28 37 49 29 17 20 0237 33 02A 50 1731 13 1805 5737 13 05 35 16 02 22 15 19 13 05 58 W 05 03 10 17 33 20 57 28 37 16 45 02 36 02 22 15 20 C 03 y 27 18 40 57 15 00 36 3 M 10 09 15 05 20 24 40 25 07 28 53 17 26 02 33 02 16 15 1 20 05 20 25 09 25 21 28 54 17 29 02 33 02 16 15 12 18 56 26 30 36 05 30 19 10 22 03 28 39 30 16Th 5606 0235 10 35 16 02 24 2131 15 1805 59 32 18 46 19 22 18 47 21 49 28 38 16 53 02 35 02 21 15 19 D y 25 25 55 22 57 59 B 06 49 33 05 4 Tu04 1102 22 29B17 0558 20 26 19 25 55 28 58 17 35 02 32 02 15 15 1 04 28 21 20 26 33 49 22 26 54 09 28 29 42 00 31 17 37 02 32 02 15 15 10 18 55 09 05 26 17 34 02 20 15 18 33 09 11 32 40 19 F 07 29 D 05 D 05 27 20 08 22 39 28 41 17 01 02 34 02 20 15 17 2333 34 07 05 01 15 16 17 29 25 42 05 5 W 461202 14 08 0558 22 28 02 26 42 29 05 17 43 02 32 02 14 15 0 18 42 22 22 28 00 33 23 26 44 56 28 29 45 07 17 17 32 02B 12 1450 1805 5423 22 05 22 02 19 15 18 49 17 1 Sa 12 08 0231 10 12 18 15 21 34 23 29 28 44 17 09 02 33 02 19 15 15 45 21 6 Th551302 2132 28 0750 14 03 E 07 35 05 23 00 F 19 27 42 29 14 17 02 31 1230 15 18 0554 23 29 48 27 29 29 12 17 52 02 32 02 13 15 0 58 y 06 7 F 031402 1932 13 E0535 58 17 55 44 05 23 } 02 08 28 27 29 22 18 02E 11 11 57 15 18 0553 24 } 01 F 36 28 14 29 20 18 01 02 32 y 02 11 15 0 Lunar Ingresses & Void Moons Phases Eclipses 1832 13 21 30 15 40 8 Sa131502Data 28 0327Ingresses 26 Moons 28 59 29 28 18 10 02Phases 32 02 & 10 15 0 Lunar & Void Eclipses 02 F 47 51 05 22 03 58 29 12 29 31 Planetary 18 02 &01 09 18 0552 23 03 F 53 F0218 00 29 05 36 16 05 19 05 50 29 9 Su221602 16 13 29 43 29 38 18 19 02 Lunar 32 02 08 15 0 17 29 41 Ingresses 18 32 02 0831 15 18 0552 20 05 17 Void Ingresses Void 55 Times Lunar Phases Ingresses Times Phases H G H 48 20 10 M 311702 1433 27 0058 59 02 13 04 13 07 43 00 38 29 51Last 18Aspect 02 40 0609 15 18 0551 15 07 10 00 25 29 48 18 28 02 33 02 07 15 0 Day05Time Day Day TimeTime Time Last Aspect Day Time G 13 G5823Day 08 05 12 Tu40 1802 1333 12L 05 14 a5 16 L 31 132905 4:28 07 09 37 01 19 00 K 02 11 18 02 0535 14 18B0551 09 09 04 01 07 29 59 18 R c a R 37 c 02 334 02 PM 31 3:42 PM 4 11:18 AM 12 1911:28 PM 29 31 10:42 PM 6:18 PM K c G H 11 30 27 09 24 58 6 11:27 PM 26 57 18 0550 02 10 58 01 48 00 11 18 47 02 34 02 04 14 5 00 25 43 05 00 11 31 02 00 00 14 12 18 W 501902 34 19 02 03 14 A STh59 b2002 0934 ~ E 4110:55 H AM H550118 S 56 b 02 34 11 03 2:58 02 AM 23 18 11 02 9:58 AM 10A 12 52 02 3 282:5100 02 14 ~5 d J 13 54 03 104 3:55 53AM13 26 02 2 397:51 00PM 27 13 18 02 0218 14 18104 49 55 AM 13 542:13 AM 16 SF 09 c a H 0835 19 16 39 07 14 1025 44 B 14 21 23 04 49 14 47 03 06 00 36 19 06 02 35 02 00 14 a5 S c 26 B 56 18 304 12:51 48 PM 15 20 03 5 174:47 00PM 40 ` 19 02 02 00 53 18 49 18 12:49 AM 3 7:51 PM 5 11:47 PM 18 7:49 AM F 23 464:08 AM 36 09 I 55 44 20 I 34 40 04 44 17 14 03 55 00 54 15 29 58 14 05C 16 02 36 01 59 14 z5 09 C 19 52 18L0449 45 16 41 03 44 00 50 19 VSa19b2202 0636 z 5 6:32 PM V b 7 12:55 AM 26 01 4:56 AM 6 1:32 AM 03 12 AM 26 11:56 AM 14 12 18 5019 26 0448 42 18 34 04 7 207:5501 05 19 26 02 36 01 57 14 5 21 D 52 58 04 42 19 08 04 31 01 09 16 19 Su282302 0537 01I 09 5759 14 DJ4926 2218 R i Stations 7 9:01 PM R 35 i 02 37 01 55 14 4 y 20 28 04 9 5511:20 80448 4:01 AM 45 24 24 41 14 AM20 19 00 41 01 03 J 55 58 04 42 y 21 01 05 9 054:20 01AM 25 17 19 M 382402 03 38 01 55 18 Solar Eclipses Solar Eclipses Day Time QTu ` 0239 16 2502 06 12E4721 39 42AM22 20 0511 29 46 02 39 01 53 14 4 Q ` 10 0447 4:18 15 E 48 50 904 9:18 42PM22 53 0511 392:58 01AM 41 18 19 01J 25 5308 14 18 9:5801 AM 36 19 Day Time g W} 48 Day Time52 14 4 7 4:49 PM 00 50 16 34 10 32 26 18 24 04 43 24 12 06 01 01 52 19 56 02 40 01 27 F 36 491104 8:59 44PM24 45 06 11 01 57 19 19 59 02 40 01 51 14 45 18 47 FK 12 3:59 AM S d S d 14 4:37 AM K 04 K 24 50 04 44 26 36 0613 419:3702PM 15 20 5941 25 03 b Th 00 05PG 01 50 14P 4 11 2:47 AM 0.737 09 G 20 092602 01 4910 14 4458 18 0447 44 26 03 06 32 02 10 20 06 02 41 y 19 4:24 AM 11 9:47 13 9:57 PM TF 19d2702 5843 14 4:57 AM T 16 d 02 42 01 AM 02 11 AM 27 20 17 4248 46 48 14 4 21 17 15 04 44 } 28 26 0716 1012:56 02 AM33 21 20 01 52 4745 14 18 0446 44 } 27 54 0716 027:5602 d y 27 2:04 PM H H L G VSa30d2802 56Lunar 40 23 46 16 0446 8:54 29 4146 34 42AM29 43 07 30 44 01 46 14 4 V 27 d 02 Lunar 03 17 421604 1:54 41AM00 15 0718 388:06 02AM 51 22 20 44 01 4534 14 18 18 3:0602 PM 46 20 Eclipses Eclipses L3954 27 21 05 2902 5546 11I 38PM01 G 31 07 56 03 05 20 37 02 45 01 44 14 3 15 I 28 591804 9:45 36AM02 03 08 04 03 10 23 20 01L 49 4305 14 18 SSu40 ` 18 0446 4:45 S ` 20 4:47 PM 20 11:47 PM Day Time 53 24 14 33 G 5448 Time42 14 3 03 18 47 01 27 J 52 542004 9:01 29PM03 50 08 28 03 30 24 20 M 510002 01 02 41 14 J37 18 0446 31 03 19 08 21 03 24 20 48 02 Day 21 4:01 AM Q d Q 58 d 02 49 01 40 A 30 17 04 19 05 36 0823 517:1903AM 50 25 47 00 47 58 06 A36 14 ~ 3 10 K 21 Tu010102 5249 01A 29 39 14 18 0445 22 05 05 0823 442:1903PM 44 20 ~34None ~ ~ None K 18 AM 23 0445 4:56 SW 12c0202 5151 33 13 19 3434 59 12PM06 51 09 06 S 09 c 02 51 01 38 14 3 23 21 132304 9:56 09 07 22 0924 119:39 04PM 11 26 21 01 09 3748 14 25 4:3904 AM 05 21 B3335 10 B 25 052503 10:32 21 26 02L 01AM08 36 09 25 04 26 21 06 L 58 PM 09 06 0928 306:55 04AM 33 27 21 01 03 3529 14 18 26 0445 5:32 VTh23d0302 5053 V 20 d 02 53 01 36 14 3 28 1:55 PM 11 09 15A3147 43 0345 51 10 20 09 43 04 48 21 31 02 55 01 34 14 3 19 A 41 052803 9:35 49AM10 50 09 48 04 54 28 21 F 340402 4955 01B 09 3357 14 18 28 4:35 PM T d T 42 d 02 57 01 32 14 3 C 08 19 03 41 12 32 1030 034:0405PM 17 29 04 22 29 3011 45 0345 43 12 02 0930 5911:04 05PM10 21 03 B 21 Sa450502 4857 01 28 3121 14 B 18 30 6:30 PM 310345 1:30 58 05 Su560603 4600 12 C2846 36 37AM13 44 10 12 05 33 21 53 02 59 01 30 14 2 16 46 14 03 35 14 14 10 16 05PACIFIC 40 30 21 TIME 01C 57 2951 14 18 GREENWICH MEAN TIME 55 19 1 M 070703 4502 26 2731 53 00 D 34 32 03 32 15 55 10 27 06 03 22 01 37 2757 14 18 0345 y33 15 25 10 24 05 56 22 04 03 01 01 27 14 2

Data

Lunar Ingresses & Void Moons

9

0

7:38 PM 2:24 AM 5:55 PM

21 8:39 PM

2

6:53 PM

ay Time 6 4:08 AM

0

7:02 PM

ust

C D E F G H I J K L A B C

2 4 6 8

10 12 14 17 19 22 24 27 29

1:01 AM 5:03 AM 6:54 AM 7:28 AM 8:20 AM 11:14 AM 5:44 PM 4:08 AM 4:52 PM 5:27 AM 4:04 PM 12:16 AM 6:26 AM

Planetary Data Lunar Ingresses & Void Moons Phases & Eclipses

Ingresses Lunar Phases Time Last Aspect DayDay Time S d 1 10:57 PM b F 6 22:387:38 AM PM

Ingresses Void Times Day Time Last Aspect B 1031 S d a C 331:30 AM 2 5:57 AM C 17 F2 008:01 AM V b V H b 9 99:2411:02 ~ 4 6:37 AM 11:37 PM AM c AM D 24 I4 0112:03 PM R d R d a 6 12:43 PM 5:43 AM 4:15 PM d K 11 1612:55 AM E V c V G c 22 243:397:53 z A 6 1:54 PM 8 1:30 PM 6:30 AM PM b 01 59 AM F S d S G d 23 1:53 AM 8 2:28 PM 10 3:13 PM 8:13 AM ` Solar Eclipses G 10 3:20 PM T i T i 11 10:58 PM 3:58 PM Day Time Apr 4 2017 Stations Solar Fire v8.1.2 H 12 6:14 PM V ` V ` 14 8:54 AM 1:54 AM Day Time ~ NoneI~ 15 12:44 AM T ` T- Natal ` Chart 16 11:15 PM Pis 4:15FM PM817-3f y 11:08 AM J 17 11:08 AM S ` S ` 6Lunar 19 5:10 PM 10:10 AM Eclipses Date P1 Asp P2 Pos1 Pos2PM K 19 11:52 T e TTime e 21 5:13 PM 10:1327 AM DayàTime Jun 2018 9:52p ¶ ¸ 06°‰28' Þ 06°ƒ28' Þ L 22 12:27 PM S e S e 24 5:26 AM 10:26 PM ~ NoneA~ PM Þ Jul 2018 T1:15a ¶ ” ¸ 25°Š24' 24 Þ 11:04 10°ƒ24' T i i 26 10:29 AM 3:292AM B Jul 6 2018 R0:50a ¶ ‘ ¸ 14°Ü12' Þ 14°ƒ12' Þ 27 7:16 AM R e e 28 10:37 PM 3:37 PM Jul 9 2018 2:20p ¶ “ ¸ 02°‚36' Þ 1:26 17°ƒ36' Þ C 29 PM Jul 12 2018 7:47p ¶ ß ¸ 20°ƒ41' Þ 20°ƒ41' Þ TIME Jul 16PACIFIC 2018 0:51a ¶ “ ¸ 08°…45' Þ 23°ƒ45' Þ GREENWICH MEAN TIME Jul 19 2018 12:52p ¶ ‘ ¸ 27°†05' Þ 27°ƒ05' Þ Jul 23 2018 10:22a ¶ ” ¸ 15°ˆ48' Þ 00°„48' Þ Jul 27 2018 1:20p ¶ à ¸ 04°Š44' Þ 04°„44' Þ Jul 31 2018 3:30p ¶ ” ¸ 23°‹39' Þ 08°„39' Þ

Void Times

3 6 8

10

11

14 16 19

21

23 26 28

ber

5

Ingresses Day Time B 30 6:30 PM

tem

ay Time

Where’s That Moon?

aug

16

sep

02 32 18

`00 23 00 La43 54 58 16 12 49 00 48 11 06 16 B 03 37 56 25 03 38 46 09 29 A 29 23 54 07 07 25 10 44 05 15 13 C 06 23 52 20 04 50 42 04 23 27 B 57 21 50 02 01 52 40 06 32 11 D 03 16 37 06 48

Phases & Eclipse Lunar Phases Day Time 3 2:38 AM 9

16 25

6:02 PM 11:15 PM 2:53 AM

Solar Eclipses Day Time

Lunar Eclipses Day Time

~ None ~

Pacific Time

Aug 4 2018 Aug 7 2018 Aug 11 2018 Aug 14 2018 Aug 18 2018 Aug 22 2018 Aug 26 2018 Aug 30 2018

11:17a 10:01p 2:57a 9:28a 0:48a 1:48a 4:56a 3:34a

¶ ¶ ¶ ¶ ¶ ¶ ¶ ¶

‘ “ ß “ ‘ ” à ”

¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸

12°Ý19' Þ 00°ƒ37' Þ 18°„41' Þ 06°†50' Þ 25°‡20' Þ 14°‰13' Þ 03°‹12' Þ 22°Ü00' Þ

12°„19' Þ 15°„37' Þ 18°„41' Þ 21°„50' Þ 25°„20' Þ 29°„13' Þ 03°…12' Þ 07°…00' Þ

LQ BL NW CR FQ GB FL DS

Sep 2 2018 Sep 6 2018 Sep 9 2018 Sep 12 2018 Sep 16 2018 Sep 20 2018 Sep 24 2018 Sep 28 2018

7:37p 5:01a 11:01a 8:36p 4:14p 7:24p 7:52p 1:46p

¶ ¶ ¶ ¶ ¶ ¶ ¶ ¶

‘ “ ß “ ‘ ” à ”

¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸

10°‚33' Þ 28°ƒ50' Þ 17°…00' Þ 05°‡18' Þ 24°ˆ01' Þ 13°Š03' Þ 01°Ü59' Þ 20°Ý40' Þ

10°…33' Þ 13°…50' Þ 17°…00' Þ 20°…18' Þ 24°…01' Þ 28°…03' Þ 01°†59' Þ 05°†40' Þ

NW=New CR=Crescent Oct FQ=First Quarter2:45a GB=Gibbous 2 2018 ¶ Oct 5 2018 12:08p ¶ Oct 8 2018 8:46p ¶ Oct 12 2018 10:58a ¶ Oct 16 2018 11:01a ¶

FL=Full LQ=Last Quarter ‘ ¸ DS=Disseminating 09°ƒ08' Þ 09°†08' Þ “ ¸ 27°„29' Þ 12°†29' Þ ß ¸ 15°†48' Þ 15°†48' Þ “ ¸ 04°ˆ21' Þ 19°†21' Þ ‘ ¸ 23°‰19' Þ 23°†19' Þ

BL=Balsamic

P

~ None ~

PHASES OF THE MOON (START-POINTS) LQ BL NW CR FQ GB FL DS

a ~ a z

87

Feb 14 2017

Solar Fire v8.1.2

Sag FM 617-1 - Natal Chart Time TMA FORECASTDate CALENDAR Jul 31 2018

Chiron sesquiquadrate perfecting an hour later. Even usually supportive relationships seem to falter as the day unfolds: We feel unappreciated, due to the Sun’s square to jealous Juno (16°04' Leo–Taurus) at 9:24 a.m.; ignored, thanks to the missed connections represented by a Mercury–Venus semi-square (45°) at 9:59 a.m.; deeply hurt, courtesy of a Venus–Chiron opposition (180°) (1°54' Libra–Aries) at 1:40 p.m.; and quite ineffectual in getting what we want, with a Mars–Neptune semi-square two hours later. It’s time to take a break and try again after dinner, when a supportive Sun–Mercury conjunction (16°27' Leo), exact at 7:05 p.m., helps us to get back on the right track. Luna, having been quiet all day, does her best to soothe heated emotions, forming a water grand trine with Jupiter and Neptune this evening. But the scales are still tipped in the direction of conflict: Rebel Uranus sesquiquadrates dutiful Ceres in Virgo (11:24 p.m.), and Mercury squares Juno (16°18' Leo– Taurus) at 11:55 p.m. Thursday, August 9 – Saturday, August 11: The road is rocky again on Thursday, with an emotionally disruptive Moon– Pluto opposition heralding the dawn. Other planets meet with equally disagreeable challenges: Venus stumbles over a quincunx to Uranus (2°33' Libra–Taurus) and a square to Saturn (3°07' Libra–Capricorn), testing our relationships and our ability to stay calm under stress, while a demoralizing Sun–Chiron sesquiquadrate frustrates our attempts to take positive action. The one bright light shining from the heavens today is the conjunction between retrograde Mercury and innovative Pallas Athene (16°05' Leo), which sets our minds to envisioning new possibilities. We’ll just need to delay implementation of any groundbreaking ideas for another couple of weeks, until Mercury is solidly moving direct again. Hoping to lighten the mood, Luna enters Leo this evening but quickly erupts in dramatic anger when she stubs her toe against an opposition to Mars at 10:13 p.m. Our evolutionary path becomes clearer on Friday, when the Leo Moon conjoins the North Node at 6:40 a.m. This alignment prepares us energetically for the effects of tomorrow’s predawn solar eclipse, which launches us into new creative endeavors. Other aspects that perfect today are a preamble to that solar eclipse, giving clues to its influence: The Sun’s sesquiquadrate to Saturn at 12:06 p.m. indicates that the success of new ventures depends, in part, on our ability to employ some self-control when we are drawn into melodrama, and retrograde Mercury’s square to Jupiter (14°47' Leo–Scorpio) at 11:31 p.m. cautions us to take the time to understand our true motivations for beginning any new projects. The Leo New Moon solar eclipse occurs at 2:57 a.m. on Saturday. Both the Sun and Moon are quincunx Pluto at the time, indicating that self-examination is vital to our short-term and long-term progress; as we acknowledge the instinctive reactions that interfere with achieving our goals, we take the first step in either adjusting or eliminating unproductive attitudes. Luna enhances our capacity for discernment when she enters Virgo at 8:59 p.m., setting up a yod with Mars in Aquarius and Chiron in Aries. This “finger of God” configuration, with the Moon at the apex, compels

88

11:20p

P1 Asp P2 » – ò

Pos1 24°…05' Þ

Pos2 24°Ü05' Œ

us self-defeating habit patterns and Augto1confront 2018 3:41a à SÞ 22°ˆ08' Þ to become aware of the inner who˜sabotages our efforts move Œ Aug 1 2018 1:05pcritic¸ ¾ 09°„31' Þ to 03°‰31' Aug 1 2018 7:38p ¼ ‘ ¿ 02°Š32' Œ 02°Ý32' Þ forward. Aug 1 2018

11:39p

»

§ ò

+01°52'

-01°52'

Aug 2 2018 1:09a ¸ ˜ ÀAugust 09°„59' 15°‹59' Œ Sunday, August 12 – Monday, 13: Þ The primary Aug 3 2018 4:20a » ¦ Ä +01°17' +01°17' planetary action on Sunday occurs late26°…33' in the day, allowing Aug 3 2018 8:08a » ˜ ¿ Þ 02°Ý33' Þ us several to adjust theÅ effects of yesterday’s solar Þ Aug 3 2018hours 1:14p ½ toà 14°‡12' Þ 14°Ý12' eclipse. Most significantly, crosses over Œ Aug 3 2018 5:57p ¼ retrograde ’  Mars 02°Š02' Œ back 02°Ü02' the between signs, Capricorn at 7:13 Œ Augthreshold 4 2018 1:10a » ›re-entering É 27°…17' Þ 05°„51' Aug 4and 2018again 1:33a º ¦ our Å efforts +10°10' +10°10' p.m. confounding to make tangible Aug 4 2018 11:13a É SÞ 05°„51' progress toward our goals. In an aspect that Þ finds mythoAug 4 2018 10:14p º in – harmony, Á 19°„27' logical adversaries working PlutoŒ trines19°‰27' dutiful Œ Aug 5 2018 5:42a À à Æ 15°‹55' Œ 15°…55' Þ Ceres (19°17' Capricorn–Virgo) at 10:11 p.m., transformAug 5 2018 11:34p » “ Ä 29°…16' Þ 14°„16' Þ ing fears of2:12a inadequacy into½empowered self-worth. AÞ Augour 6 2018 » “ 29°…23' Þ 14°‡23' Moon–Neptune opposition just minutes later softens our Aug 6 2018 4:50a ½ ‘ Ä 14°‡24' Þ 14°„24' Þ perception helps off into Aug 6 2018 of reality 7:39a and¼ ” usÆto drift 01°Š24' Œdreamland. 16°…24' Þ 6 2018 º her ” hands ¾ full 18°„16' 03°‰16' Œ Aug The Virgo11:52a Moon has earlyŒ on Monday, Aug 6 2018 4:27p ¸ ‘ ½ being trine Pluto and conjunct Ceres14°„26' before Þ dawn.14°‡26' Fortu- Þ Aug 6 2018 4:27p build » ß 00°†00'effects Þ 00°†00' nately, these aspects on † the positive of last Þ Aug 7 2018 6:00a ¸ ß Ä 14°„58' Þ 14°„58' Þ night’s Pluto–Ceres trine, thus increasing our knowledge Aug 7 2018 8:23a » ” Å 00°†40' Þ 15°Ý40' Þ of our own competency. planetary Aug 7 2018 9:49a ¿ Otherwise, SŒ 02°Ý33' Œ activity is quiet picking p.m.Þwhen Luna Œ Aug 7 today, 2018 only 5:32p » upáa bit ¼ at 9:37 01°†03' 01°Š03' trines retrograde Mars. À This’short-lived aspectŒhelps us to Þ Aug 7 2018 8:37p Å 15°‹52' 15°Ý52' Aug 7 2018 11:09p º • Æ 17°„07' Œ Aug 8 2018 0:11a » § Ä -01°04' Aug 8 2018 4:09a ¸ – À 15°„51' Þ Aug 8 2018 4:58a º ” ÂA spects 16°„55', Œ Geocentric Aug 8 2018 9:24a ¸ ‘ Å 16°„04' Þ ngresses and Aug 8 2018 I9:59a º ,“ » S tations 16°„45' Œ Aug 8 2018 1:40p » à  01°†54' Þ Pacific Daylight Aug 8 2018 3:44p ¼ “ À 00°Š51' Œ Aug 8 2018 7:05p ¸ ß º 16°„27' Þ Aug 8 2018 7:54p À – Ä 15°‹50' Œ Aug 8 2018 11:24p ¿ ” Æ 02°Ý33' Œ Aug 8 2018 11:55p º ‘ Å 16°„18' Œ Aug 9 2018 4:56a » – ¿ 02°†33' Þ Aug 9 2018 5:52a à ˜ Å 22°ˆ23' Þ Aug 9 2018 5:59a ¸ ”  16°„53' Þ Aug 9 2018 6:26a º ß Ä 16°„05' Œ Aug 9 2018 2:28p º – À 15°„49' Œ Aug 9 2018 4:33p » ¦ ò -01°54' Aug 9 2018 6:33p » ‘ ¾ 03°†07' Þ Aug 10 2018 2:53a Æ ˜ ò 18°…03' Þ Aug 10 2018 6:47a É SŒ 05°„54' Œ Aug 10 2018 9:54a º ¦ ¿ +11°50' Aug 10 2018 11:33a  “ Å 01°Ü51' Œ Aug 10 2018 12:06p ¸ ” ¾ 18°„06' Þ Aug 10 2018 2:14p ¸ § ½ +15°22' Aug 10 2018 3:00p º ¦ Æ +11°55' Aug 10 2018 3:51p  ” Ä 01°Ü51' Œ Aug 10 2018 6:01p ¸ • Æ 18°„20' Þ Aug 10 2018 11:31p º ‘ ½ 14°„47' Œ Aug 11 2018 0:18a ¿ ¦ Æ +11°50' Feb Aug14 112017 2018 1:41a Ä ‘ Å 17°„04' Þ Aug 11 2018 6:27p ¸ – Á 19°„18' Þ Sag 617-1 -2:18a Natal Chart Aug FM 12 2018 º › » 14°„01' Œ Aug 12 2018 12:41p » ’ É 05°†52' Þ Date12 2018 6:33p Time P1 Pos1 Aug ¾ Asp ” P2 Ä 03°‰00' Œ Aug 12 2018 7:13p ¼ ß ‰ 00°Š00' Œ Aug 12 2018 10:11p Á á Æ 19°‰17' Œ Aug 13 2018 12:40p ¾ ” Å 02°‰59' Œ Aug 14 2018 0:31a » §  -04°00' Aug 15 2018 1:00a Á – Ä 19°‰14' Œ Aug 15 2018 1:08p ¸ á à 22°„56' Þ Aug 15 2018 8:06p ¸ ¦ º +13°46' Aug 16 2018 6:34a Æ “ É 20°…46' Þ Aug 16 2018 4:21p ¸ á ò 24°„02' Þ Aug 16 2018 11:01p Á á Å 19°‰12' Œ Aug 17 2018 9:20p ¸ ˜ Á 25°„11' Þ

17°…07' Þ +01°04' 15°‹51' Œ 01°Ü55' Œ 16°Ý04' Þ 01°†45' Þ 01°Ü54' Œ 15°‹51' Œ 16°„27' Œ 15°„50' Þ 17°…33' Þ 16°Ý18' Þ 02°Ý33' Œ 16°Ý23' Þ 01°Ü53' Œ 16°„05' Þ 15°‹49' Œ -01°54' 03°‰07' Œ 24°Ü03' Œ +11°50' 16°Ý51' Þ 03°‰06' Œ -15°22' +11°55' 16°„51' Þ 18°…20' Þ 14°‡47' Þ +11°50' Solar FireÞv8.1.2 17°Ý04' 19°‰18' Œ 05°†27' Þ 05°„52' Œ Pos2 18°„00' Þ 00°Š00' Þ 19°…17' Þ 17°Ý59' Þ +04°00' 19°„14' Þ 22°ˆ56' Þ +13°46' 05°„46' Œ 24°Ü02' Œ 19°Ý12' Þ 19°‰11' Œ

Leo Solar Eclipse — August 11 by Diana McMahon Collis The charts for the lunations in this issue are all set on the natural wheel with 0° Aries rising.

Jupiter in Scorpio, speaker of our highest and deepest truth. Pallas, whilst a warrior goddess, can help us to find peaceful ways to resolve disputes, thanks partly to her fem Leo is the natural performer of the zodiac — the actor, inine wisdom and ability to see overarching patterns. Curthe drama queen, and the charismatic leader — comfortable rently, her vision is effectively stronger than Jupiter’s, at centre stage when any desired applause arrives and confiwhich, in Scorpio, has a narrower-than-usual range of dence is high with recognition of a job well done. The regal perspective. Pallas can cut through intensity and relieve lion rules the jungle. We can hardly fail to notice that unmisconflict, but should be watchful of stifling her own need to takable roar or the halo of golden hair around the wild cat’s compete. Pallas represents the fear that success might unface. Through Leo’s lens, we need a focal point and anchor. dermine the collective male ego, thus risking abandonment We are drawn to leaders, whether we fear or admire them; in relationships. Yet, to not share the gifts of her divine we look to those who have the resilience to stand on the insight could be a sorrowful waste and betrayal of herself. world stage to be observed and judged. We equally need to A solar eclipse is like blinking and finding that you know whom we can trust and believe in, whilst recognising have woken up somewhere new — such as travelling and who represents danger as we decide our own direction. Leo momentarily forgetting that you are not at home. Yet you is the fire sign ruled by the Sun and intrinsically linked with are not stranded, since the Leo focus connects firmly with light and warmth. Leo can carry a light ahead of us, illumithe heart: the true home within each of us. This last eclipse nating inner wisdom — or it can singe us if we step on its of the year beckons us to tune into the diagnostics of the proud paws! heart and notice what is going on there. Do we hurt? Are With the Sun’s light eclipsed by the Moon, there may we lonely? What does the heart really want for us? Can also be a difference in the quality or transmission of Leo the SE Leo818-1it take the risk to open up once more and let life in more Natal Chart light. For ancient peoples, an eclipse, often viewed as preAuga11 2018, Satfully? Even if our desires sometimes bring pain along the am PDT +7:00 cursor of ruined crops, would have been greeted with2:57 panic. way, the pleasure and satisfaction of fulfilling them may be Fresno, CA 36°N44'52'' In modern times, we may appreciate its symbolic power as 119°W46'17'' worth the price of any temporary discomforts. Geocentric Tropicalif more like a power outage. Perhaps we do panic, at first, 0° Aries Trueon Node electricity stops flowing! Many of us have come to rely 00° ‰ 00' electronic devices and appliances to the extent that our live00' 00° lihoods and lifestyles depend on them. A power outage will ¾ à ˆ 00' Š 00° Á almost certainly force us out of our routine, prompting us to 03° 22° 19° become more innovative or to delve into a memory of past ¼ ‰ ˆ Ù 00° ‰ ways and knowledge, to cope with our sudden “power04' 31' Ê ½ 00° 19' 00° Š Œ 00' lessness.” Such moments can help to remind us that Œ 05° Š 19' 14° Š 34' Œ ‡ ‡ ‹ 10 9 we are humans, not machines. As much as we may 54' 48' 00' 00° S attempt to regularise and systematise our lives by giv11 8 ing them our own timetables, the truth is that we are not robots running on computer programmes — À 15°‹ 47'Œ 7 12 and may not thrive if we try to mirror them. 00° 00° 29' † 04° » We have all had “programming,” of course, Ü † from family life, school, and other sources of  01° Ü 50'Œ 00' 00' 1 6 30' … formative experience. Leo, as natural ruler of the 18° Æ 5th house, reminds us of the inner child within the 03'Œ Ü Œ 24° psyche, whose messages were shaped early and 2 5 33' 41' ò Ý 41' „18° who may yet need communication with the adult 00' 02° 00° Œ 06' „ 3 4 05' S 41' „ 18° ¸ … “self” today. The child within may need to be conÝ ¿ Ý 54' „ 17° ¶ 00° 17° 00' sulted about feelings, ideas, and desires. Maybe our „ 14° Ä 05° Å child-self was never allowed an opinion, which could sudº É denly want to be voiced during this eclipse. Perhaps our 00' 00° child-self wanted to participate in certain ways, or felt that ‚ 00' „ 00° it gave more than was ever acknowledged; these facts and 00° ƒ 00' the emotional energies linked to them may need space to be honoured and expressed. This Leo New Moon eclipse is conjunct the asteroid August 11, 2018 — 2:57 a.m. PDT Pallas Athena and the “ideas” planet Mercury, all squaring August 11, 2018 — 9:57 a.m. GMT

89

TMA FORECAST CALENDAR analyze past actions, so that we can make more informed choices in the future. Tuesday, August 14 – Thursday, August 16: The Moon, now in amiable Libra, enjoys her alignment with charming Venus at 11:05 a.m. on Tuesday. Relationship harmony and emotional balance are the highest priorities today. The only other significant aspect is a subtle Moon–Mercury sextile at 7:10 p.m., which helps us to be tactful and gracious as we converse over dessert. It’s a different story on Wednesday, when the cooperative Libra Moon squares manipulative Pluto early this morning, triggering codependency issues in even the healthiest relationships. Perhaps the idealistic Sun–Vesta trine (22°56' Leo–Sagittarius) that perfects at 1:08 p.m. will help to turn the tide, revitalizing our desire to work together for a common cause. Luna enters Scorpio overnight, setting the stage for another challenging morning on Thursday. Although core themes of give and take may still be central, this time it’s a Moon–Uranus opposition at 6:27 a.m. that threatens to derail us emotionally. Thankfully, two trines are the stronger aspects in effect today: The first, between the Sun and warrior goddess Eris (24°02' Leo–Aries), exact at 4:21 p.m., can help us to muster the courage we need to face difficult issues. The second trine, between Pluto and commitment-minded Juno (19°12' Capricorn–Taurus) at 11:01 p.m., encourages us to deal honestly with relationship problems, rather than allowing past fears and wounds to dictate our actions. Friday, August 17 – Sunday, August 19: Although the Jupiter– Neptune trine doesn’t perfect for two more days, we feel its effects strongly on Friday morning when the Scorpio Moon conjoins Jupiter (6:06 a.m.) and trines Neptune (6:32 a.m.). Emotional intensity may be heightened, but we are also able to access a higher perspective, calling upon our capacity for forgiveness and compassion. The rest of the day is filled with lunar aspects that take us on an emotional roller coaster. A Moon–Pluto sextile at 1:12 p.m. helps us to understand our motivations — an especially valuable asset, since the Moon also opposes Juno a few minutes later, triggering old jealousies and resentments. With Luna’s square to wise Pallas Athene, minds and hearts may clash, but her sextile to nurturing Ceres in Virgo at 5:21 p.m. reactivates our capacity to express unconditional love. The mood lightens on Saturday morning when the Moon enters adventurous Sagittarius at 9:45 a.m. and then trines Chiron at 12:51 p.m., building up our self-confidence. When Mercury stations direct tonight (11°31' Leo) at 9:24 p.m., it is just past a sextile to Venus, making this a good night to reconnect with a friend or loved one and ponder the mysteries of the universe together. The trine between transcendental brothers Jupiter and Neptune (15°36' Scorpio–Pisces) perfects at 12:44 a.m. on Sunday. For the past ten months, these two planets have collaborated to help us release our attachment to drama. By now, many people are weary of the political power games, and are ready to clear out the toxicity that has been absorbed. The Sagittarius Moon assists in any forward progress

90

we choose to make this morning: Luna’s trine to Mercury (8:13 a.m.) stimulates our imagination, and her sextile to Venus two hours later encourages us to form alliances with like-minded souls. The only other aspect of note today is a Moon–Neptune square at 4:13 p.m., which fills the afternoon with a rosy glow of idealism that makes real-world progress elusive. Monday, August 20 – Wednesday, August 22: As Luna continues her journey through philosophical Sagittarius on Monday morning, she shares her expansive vision with three other goddesses, with varying responses. Innovative Pallas Athene in Leo is an early and very supportive companion, forming a trine to the Moon at 5:04 a.m. But fault-finding Ceres, wearing her practical Virgo shoes, crosses Luna’s path and points out all the flaws in her Sagittarian idealism. The Moon trudges on, temporarily humbled, but is re-energized when she joins visionary Vesta at 8:04 a.m. More inspiration is available when the Moon trines the Sun at 4:47 p.m., enabling Luna to finish her passage through Sagittarius on a high p.m. Feb 14 note 2017 before entering austere Capricorn at 9:01 Solar Fire v8.1.2 The planets are very quiet on Tuesday, the only major aspect Sag an FMirritating 617-1 - Sun–Mars Natal Chartquincunx (28°49' Leo–Capricorn) Date Time P1 Asp P2 Pos1 Aug 12 2018 7:13p ¼ ß ‰ 00°Š00' Œ Aug 12 2018 10:11p Á á Æ 19°‰17' Œ Geocentric Aspects , Aug 13 2018 12:40p ¾ ” Å 02°‰59' Œ ngresses and Aug 14 2018 I0:31a » ,§  S tations -04°00' Aug 15 2018 1:00a Á – Ä 19°‰14' Œ Pacific Daylight Aug 15 2018 1:08p ¸ á à 22°„56' Þ Aug 15 2018 8:06p ¸ ¦ º +13°46' Aug 16 2018 6:34a Æ “ É 20°…46' Þ Aug 16 2018 4:21p ¸ á ò 24°„02' Þ Aug 16 2018 11:01p Á á Å 19°‰12' Œ Aug 17 2018 9:20p ¸ ˜ Á 25°„11' Þ Aug 18 2018 0:34a É SÞ 05°„44' Þ Aug 18 2018 0:50a » — à 11°†14' Þ Aug 18 2018 7:41a ¸ ˜  25°„36' Þ Aug 18 2018 8:34a º ’ » 11°„32' Þ Aug 18 2018 9:24p º SÞ 11°„31' Þ Aug 19 2018 0:44a ½ á À 15°‡36' Þ Aug 19 2018 10:41a » ¦ À -06°35' Aug 20 2018 3:53p » › Ä 13°†43' Þ Aug 21 2018 3:51p ¸ – ¼ 28°„49' Þ Aug 21 2018 8:47p ¸ ¦ ¿ +11°48' Aug 21 2018 11:07p » ˜ Å 14°†55' Þ Aug 22 2018 2:53a Å ¦ Æ +09°42' Aug 22 2018 2:09p » – À 15°†30' Þ Aug 22 2018 9:08p ¸ ß … 00°…00' Þ Aug 23 2018 5:03a » • ½ 16°†04' Þ Aug 23 2018 6:36a à á ò 24°ˆ00' Þ Aug 23 2018 1:32p Æ – ò 23°…59' Þ Aug 23 2018 5:43p à ‘ Æ 24°ˆ04' Þ Aug 23 2018 8:01p Ä á ò 23°„59' Þ Aug 23 2018 9:52p É SŒ 05°„51' Œ Aug 24 2018 2:12a à á Ä 24°ˆ08' Þ Aug 24 2018 7:50a ¸ –  01°…23' Þ Aug 24 2018 11:41p » § Æ -09°09' Aug 25 2018 3:42a » — É 17°†50' Þ Aug 25 2018 4:36a Ä • Æ 24°„43' Þ Aug 25 2018 9:37a ¸ á ¿ 02°…25' Þ Aug 25 2018 10:54a ½ ”  16°‡21' Þ Aug 25 2018 3:07p ¸ á ¾ 02°…38' Þ Aug 25 2018 4:56p ½ › Æ 16°‡22' Þ Aug 25 2018 5:50p » § Å -09°29' Aug 25 2018 7:38p Á ˜ Ä 19°‰03' Œ Aug 26 2018 7:18a  ˜ Ä 01°Ü19' Œ Aug 26 2018 12:20p » ‘ Á 19°†02' Þ

Pos2 00°Š00' Þ 19°…17' Þ 17°Ý59' Þ +04°00' 19°„14' Þ 22°ˆ56' Þ +13°46' 05°„46' Œ 24°Ü02' Œ 19°Ý12' Þ 19°‰11' Œ 23°ˆ14' Þ 01°Ü36' Œ 11°†32' Þ 15°‹36' Œ -06°35' 22°„17' Þ 28°‰49' Œ +11°48' 20°Ý55' Þ +09°42' 15°‹30' Œ 00°…00' Þ 16°‡04' Þ 24°Ü00' Œ 23°Ü59' Œ 24°…04' Þ 23°Ü59' Œ 24°„08' Þ 01°Ü23' Œ +09°09' 05°„50' Œ 24°…43' Þ 02°Ý25' Œ 01°Ü21' Œ 02°‰38' Œ 24°…57' Þ +09°29' 25°„03' Þ 25°„19' Þ 19°‰02' Œ

Date Time P1 Asp P2 Pos1 Pos2 Aug 12 2018 7:13p ¼ ß ‰ 00°Š00' Œ 00°Š00' Þ Aug 12 2018 10:11p Á á Æ 19°‰17' Œ 19°…17' Þ Aug 13 2018 12:40p ¾ ” Å 02°‰59' Œ 17°Ý59' Þ Aug 14 2018 0:31a » §  -04°00' +04°00' Aug 15 2018 1:00a Á – Ä 19°‰14' Œ 19°„14' Þ Aug 15 2018 1:08p ¸ á à 22°„56' Þ 22°ˆ56' Þ With Mars’s direct just a few days off, Augat153:51 2018p.m. 8:06p ¸ ¦station º +13°46' +13°46' Augthe 16 2018 Æ “ É prove 20°…46' Þ 05°„46' effects 6:34a of this aspect could surprising in theirŒinAugtensity. 16 2018Perhaps 4:21p the ¸ á ò detachment 24°„02' Þprovided 24°Ü02' emotional by Œ the AugCapricorn 16 2018 11:01p á usÅ 19°‰12' Œ 19°Ý12' Þ Moon canÁhelp to avoid the worst of the anger Aug 17 2018 9:20p ¸ ˜ Á 25°„11' Þ 19°‰11' Œ that might otherwiseÉspew forth. 05°„44' Þ Aug 18 2018 0:34a SÞ But the depth » of our is hard ignore Þon Aug 18 2018 0:50a — emotions à 11°†14' Þ to23°ˆ14' at 11:45 the Moon Pluto join AugWednesday 18 2018 7:41a ¸ a.m. ˜ when  25°„36' Þ and01°Ü36' Œ for their Capricorn. the final Augforces 18 2018 8:34amonthly º meeting ’ » in11°„32' Þ With 11°†32' Þ AugJupiter–Pluto 18 2018 9:24p 11°„31' sextile º just SÞ three weeks away,Þthis Moon–Pluto Augcollaboration 19 2018 0:44a ½ aágreater À effect 15°‡36' 15°‹36' Œ may have thanÞusual, activating Augthe 19 2018 10:41a » ¦ À -06°35' -06°35' next step in the process of social change that is currently Aug 20 2018 3:53p » › Ä 13°†43' Þ 22°„17' Þ under way. We also feel an irritating pebble in our shoe today, Aug 21 2018 3:51p ¸ – ¼ 28°„49' Þ 28°‰49' Œ to a Venus–Neptune (15°30' Libra–Pisces) Augdue 21 2018 8:47p ¸ ¦quincunx ¿ +11°48' +11°48' at 2:09 p.m. that interferes with our ability to accurately Aug 21 2018 11:07p » ˜ Å 14°†55' Þ 20°Ý55' perÞ others’ true motivations. late than+09°42' never, the Augceive 22 2018 2:53a Å ¦ Æ Better +09°42' AugSun’s 22 2018 2:09p » – À p.m. 15°†30' Þ 15°‹30' ingress into Virgo at 9:08 sharpens our skillsŒof Augdiscernment 22 2018 9:08p ¸ to ßdissipate … 00°…00' and starts the fog.Þ 00°…00' Þ Aug 23 2018 5:03a » • ½ 16°†04' Þ 16°‡04' Þ Aug 23 2018 6:36a à á ò 24°ˆ00' Þ 24°Ü00' Œ Thursday, August 23 – Friday, August 24: More fireworks Aug 23 2018 1:32p Æ – ò 23°…59' Þ 23°Ü59' Œ light up the sky on Thursday morning when the Moon aligns Aug 23 2018 5:43p à ‘ Æ 24°ˆ04' Þ 24°…04' Þ retrograde in ambitious a.m. The Augwith 23 2018 8:01pMarsÄ á ò Capricorn 23°„59' Þat 7:19 23°Ü59' Œ fade,9:52p and ourÉ attention to other Augsparks 23 2018 SŒ shifts 05°„51' Œconcerns when AugLuna 24 2018 á Aquarius Ä 24°ˆ08' Þ a.m. 24°„08' Þ enters2:12a socially à aware at 9:56 and forms Aug 24 2018 7:50a ¸ –  01°…23' Þ 01°Ü23' Œ Aug 24 2018 11:41p » § Æ -09°09' +09°09' Aug 25 2018 3:42a » — É 17°†50' Þ 05°„50' Œ Aug 25 2018 4:36a Ä • Æ 24°„43' Þ 24°…43' Þ Geocentric Aspects , Aug 25 2018 9:37a ¸ á ¿ 02°…25' Þ 02°Ý25' Œ Aug 25 2018 I ngresses 10:54a ½ , and ” ÂS tations 16°‡21' Þ 01°Ü21' Œ Aug 25 2018 3:07p ¸ á ¾ 02°…38' Þ 02°‰38' Œ Pacific Daylight Aug 25 2018 4:56p ½ › Æ 16°‡22' Þ 24°…57' Þ Aug 25 2018 5:50p » § Å -09°29' +09°29' Aug 25 2018 7:38p Á ˜ Ä 19°‰03' Œ 25°„03' Þ Aug 26 2018 7:18a  ˜ Ä 01°Ü19' Œ 25°„19' Þ Aug 26 2018 12:20p » ‘ Á 19°†02' Þ 19°‰02' Œ Aug 26 2018 5:29p º – À 15°„23' Þ 15°‹23' Œ Aug 26 2018 11:41p ¸ § » +10°03' -10°03' Aug 27 2018 1:40a ¸ ” Á 04°…02' Þ 19°‰02' Œ Aug 27 2018 7:04a ¼ SÞ 28°‰36' Þ Aug 27 2018 10:29a  › Å 01°Ü16' Œ 22°Ý42' Þ Aug 27 2018 12:23p ¼ — ½ 28°‰36' Þ 16°‡36' Þ Aug 27 2018 1:49p º ”  16°„16' Þ 01°Ü16' Œ Aug 27 2018 3:54p ¸ ˜ ¼ 04°…36' Þ 28°‰36' Þ Aug 27 2018 4:25p ¸ — ½ 04°…37' Þ 16°‡37' Þ Aug 27 2018 10:31p º ‘ ½ 16°„39' Þ 16°‡39' Þ Aug 28 2018 7:06a » — ¾ 20°†36' Þ 02°‰36' Œ Aug 28 2018 5:00p ¸ • É 05°…37' Þ 05°„37' Œ Aug 28 2018 5:56p º ” ¾ 17°„35' Þ 02°‰35' Œ Aug 28 2018 9:20p ¿ ˜ Æ 02°Ý22' Œ 26°…22' Þ Aug14 292017 2018 3:24a » ˜ À 21°†20' Þ 15°‹20' Feb Solar FireŒv8.1.2 Aug 29 2018 6:12a ¸ ¦ Å +09°15' +09°15' Aug FM 29 2018 8:39p º – Á 18°„59' Þ 18°‰59' Œ Sag 617-1 Natal Chart Aug 30 2018 1:30a Å — É 23°Ý30' Þ 05°„30' Œ Aug Æ Þ 05°„30' Œ Date30 2018 3:09a Time P1 › Asp É P2 26°…55' Pos1 Pos2 Aug 30 2018 9:38p » § ¿ -11°45' +11°45' Aug 31 2018 1:09p ¸ “ » 08°…21' Þ 23°†21' Þ Aug 31 2018 1:20p Å • ò 23°Ý56' Þ 23°Ü56' Œ Sep 1 2018 Sep 1 2018 Sep 1 2018 Sep 1 2018 Sep 2 2018 Sep 2 2018 Sep 2 2018 Sep 2 2018 Sep 2 2018 Sep 3 2018 Sep 3 2018

3:34a 6:00a 3:23p 10:05p 5:57a 3:04p 7:40p 8:53p 9:54p 5:58a 10:42a

¸ » » ¼ º º É º º º ½

” à – – á ‘ SÞ ˜ ˜ ’ “

ò ò Å Ä ò Å Á Â » ¾

08°…56' Þ 23°†56' Þ 24°†15' Þ 28°‰49' Þ 23°„56' Þ 24°„32' Þ 05°„20' Þ 24°„56' Þ 25°„00' Þ 25°„33' Þ 17°‡32' Þ

23°Ü56' Œ 23°Ü56' Œ 24°Ý15' Þ 28°„49' Þ 23°Ü56' Œ 24°Ý32' Þ 18°‰56' Œ 01°Ü00' Œ 25°†33' Þ 02°‰32' Œ

a sextile to healer Chiron in Aries (12:50 p.m.). We’ll need to be flexible in our expectations throughout the afternoon, due to a Moon–Uranus square at 2:55 p.m. that challenges us to think even further outside the box. Tonight, the Moon conjoins her own South Node (9:49 p.m.), either drawing us into the past or bringing the past forward to meet us. A Sun–Chiron quincunx (1°23' Virgo–Aries) that perfects at 7:50 a.m. on Friday can leave us feeling depleted and unsure about how to proceed with the day’s tasks. But we can use the objectivity provided by the Aquarius Moon to help us overcome the Virgo Sun’s tendency for self-judgment as well as the lack of self-confidence represented by Chiron in Aries. With a Moon–Mercury opposition in effect at 1:27 p.m., an unconscious urge for freedom gets in the way of having a heart-to-heart talk over lunch. We continue to feel disconnected throughout the afternoon, a sensation that increases when Luna squares Jupiter at 6:56 p.m. If we can allow today’s discordant notes to fade away this evening, we’ll be able to relax to the soothing melody of a Moon– Venus trine at 9:39 p.m., reminding us of the sweeter side of love and friendship. Saturday, August 25 – Sunday, August 26: The Virgo Sun forms a productive earth grand trine with Uranus and Saturn on Saturday — although with Uranus in the equation, the forms that we construct now must necessarily be surprising or unusual. A Jupiter–Chiron sesquiquadrate perfects at 10:54 a.m., raising fears of betrayal. We tend to question the motives behind others’ actions, which magnifies any relationship problems that may already have been brewing. Perhaps Luna’s ingress into forgiving Pisces late tonight will dismantle the walls of distrust. The Pisces Full Moon illuminates the predawn skies at 4:56 a.m. on Sunday, highlighting the need to balance the practical and the mystical in our lives. The heightened emotions typical of a Full Moon are intensified further through the Venus–Pluto square (19°02' Libra–Capricorn) at 12:20 p.m. This aspect makes it difficult, if not impossible, to find common ground with loved ones, especially because yesterday’s Jupiter–Chiron aspect is still exaggerating suspicions. A confusing quincunx between Mercury and Neptune (15°23' Leo–Pisces), exact at 5:29 p.m., is also in effect, advising us to delay conversations for another time when our minds are clearer and our emotional responses are less extreme. The evening hours are equally problematic, due to a skeptical Sun–Pluto sesquiquadrate building in effect (exact at 1:40 Page 24 a.m. tomorrow morning). Monday, August 27 – Wednesday, August 29: Mars stations direct (28°36' Capricorn) at 7:04 a.m. on Monday after having been retrograde for two months. With Mars soldiering forward again in Capricorn, stalemates in government or social affairs finally begin to show movement. The fact that Mars is quintile (72°) Jupiter today at 12:23 p.m. bodes well for this next stage of Mars’s journey, since quintiles support finding creative ways of reaching goals. The Virgo Sun is also quintile Jupiter, maximizing the effectiveness of any effort we exert now. A fragmenting Mercury–Chiron sesquiquadrate distorts our thinking midday, making it hard to gain clarity — but

91

TMA FORECAST CALENDAR Mercury’s dramatic square to Jupiter (16°39' Leo–Scorpio) at 10:31 p.m. increases the likelihood that we’ll throw caution to the wind and proceed with our plans anyway. Another quintile graces the skies on Tuesday at 7:06 a.m., between Venus in artistic Libra and Saturn in ambitious Capricorn. This aspect enables us to know more clearly what we value and how best to integrate those values into our long-term goals. At 9:35 a.m., Luna enters Aries, eager to participate in any new enterprise — but she quickly faces old insecurities when she bumps into Chiron at 11:58 a.m. The harsh voice of the inner critic only gets louder over the course of the day, with a Moon–Saturn square at 2:37 p.m. and Mercury sesquiquadrate Saturn around dinnertime. On Wednesday, all of the planetary action comes late in the evening and revolves around the interactions of just three planets: the Moon, Mercury, and Pluto. A compulsive Mercury–Pluto quincunx (18°59' Leo–Capricorn) perfects at 8:39 p.m., unleashing judgments that perhaps should best be kept private. Luna’s square to Pluto (9:53 p.m.) and her trine to Mercury a few minutes later complicate the picture further, increasing our emotional volatility and tendency to over-share uncomfortable truths. Thursday, August 30 – Friday, August 31: The Aries Moon courageously takes charge of all the planetary activity on Thursday, starting off confidently in a grand trine waltz with Vesta in idealistic Sagittarius and Pallas Athene in expressive Leo. But the band misses several beats when the Moon squares Mars at 4:04 p.m., effectively ruining the buoyant mood. In the wake of this unpleasantness, Luna is more than happy to enter the calming embrace of Taurus at 6:30 p.m. The evening may not exactly satisfy our Taurean desire for simplicity, however, thanks to a complicating Moon–Uranus conjunction at 10:51 p.m. — but Saturn is nearby to offer a supportive arm, wrapping up the day with a stabilizing trine to the Moon, exact at 11:17 p.m. The last day of August begins brightly with a trine between the two lights at 9:42 a.m. on Friday. Even the Sun– Venus semi-square that perfects at 1:09 p.m. can’t really dim the glow, but some may find it challenging to accommodate the needs of others when there’s so much work to be done. This evening, a subtly magical Moon–Neptune sextile at 10:33 p.m. lulls us gently to sleep and welcomes us into dreamtime. Saturday, September 1 – Sunday, September 2: The usually productive Taurus Moon exceeds her quota on Saturday morning, trining Pluto at 5:15 a.m. to start the day fully charged. Not everyone will be on board with our projects, however; Venus opposes contrary Eris at 6:00 a.m. (23°56' Libra–Aries), stirring up resistance to any activities that might require compromise. Luna’s square to Mercury in Leo just after noon finds everyone fixed in their own corners and mind-sets, unwilling to budge. And while the Moon happily conjoins loyal Juno at 2:46 p.m., the asteroid is also quincunx Venus, throwing off any attempts to harmonize. Another irritating quincunx, this one between ambitious Mars in Capricorn and creative thinker Pallas Athene in Leo, continues the dissonance well into the evening hours.

92

A shift occurs on Sunday when the Moon moves into adaptable Gemini at 1:01 a.m., helping us to move beyond yesterday’s impasse. Upon arising, we feel energized and excited about the day’s potentials, with fleet-footed Mercury in Leo trine proactive Eris in Aries (23°56') at 5:57 a.m. Disagreements arise this afternoon when Mercury’s flair for drama confronts Juno’s need for simplicity, and again this evening, when the Last Quarter Moon challenges us to be more discerning in our thinking. Monday, September 3 – Wednesday, September 5: Jupiter’s final semi-square to Saturn, exact at 10:42 a.m., is the headline news on Monday. Some of us are still trying to hold together all the disintegrating pieces, fearing that the deep change championed by Jupiter in Scorpio will undermine all that provides stability in our lives. But other aspects today could ease the tension, starting with a subtle but creFeb 14Mercury–Venus 2017 Solar Fire v8.1.2 ative sextile (25°33' Leo–Libra) that perfects just before sunrise. Mercury’s trine to visionary Vesta Sag FM 617-1 - Natal Chart (26°14' Leo–Sagittarius) at 3:39 p.m. helps us to focus our thoughts on visualizing the Date Time P1 future Asp P2we want Pos1 to manifest, Pos2and aAug Mars–Ceres (28°58' Capricorn–Virgo) 30 2018 trine 9:38pat 4:55 » p.m. § ¿ -11°45' +11°45' encourages put greater achieving ideals. Þ Aug 31 2018us to 1:09p ¸ effort “ »into08°…21' Þ our23°†21' Aug 31 2018

1:20p

Å

• ò

23°Ý56' Þ

23°Ü56' Œ

Sep 1 2018 3:34a ¸ ” ò 08°…56' Þ Sep 1 2018 6:00a » à ò 23°†56', Þ Geocentric Aspects Sep 1 2018 3:23p » – Å 24°†15' Þ ngresses and Sep 1 2018 I10:05p ¼ ,– Ä S tations 28°‰49' Þ Sep 2 2018 5:57a º á ò 23°„56' Þ Pacific Daylight Sep 2 2018 3:04p º ‘ Å 24°„32' Þ Sep 2 2018 7:40p É SÞ 05°„20' Þ Sep 2 2018 8:53p º ˜ Á 24°„56' Þ Sep 2 2018 9:54p º ˜  25°„00' Þ Sep 3 2018 5:58a º ’ » 25°„33' Þ Sep 3 2018 10:42a ½ “ ¾ 17°‡32' Þ Sep 3 2018 3:39p º á à 26°„14' Þ Sep 3 2018 4:48p ¸ ¦ Æ +07°16' Sep 3 2018 4:55p ¼ á Æ 28°‰58' Þ Sep 4 2018 3:49a Ä ß … 00°…00' Þ Sep 4 2018 6:51a » ’ à 26°†23' Þ Sep 4 2018 7:26a º § » +13°35' Sep 5 2018 1:48a ¸ § À +06°46' Sep 5 2018 5:58a Á —  18°‰54' Œ Sep 5 2018 8:18a º – ¼ 29°„09' Þ Sep 5 2018 6:22p º • Æ 29°„54' Þ Sep 5 2018 7:38p º ß … 00°…00' Þ Sep 5 2018 8:29p  – Ä 00°Ü53' Œ Sep 5 2018 11:23p Æ ß † 00°†00' Þ Sep 6 2018 4:08a ¾ SÞ 02°‰32' Þ Sep 6 2018 6:22a À § Æ -06°47' Sep 6 2018 7:14a º –  00°…52' Þ Sep 6 2018 11:57a º ß Ä 01°…13' Þ Sep 6 2018 3:44p É SŒ 05°„24' Œ Sep 6 2018 5:07p ¸ ” ¼ 14°…20' Þ Sep 7 2018 0:40a º á ¿ 02°…11' Þ Sep 7 2018 5:19a º á ¾ 02°…32' Þ Sep 7 2018 11:26a ¸ à À 15°…04' Þ Sep 7 2018 6:17p  à Æ 00°Ü48' Œ Sep 7 2018 7:17p º ¦ ¿ +11°42' Sep 7 2018 10:44p º ” Á 03°…52' Þ Sep 8 2018 6:59a ¿ á Ä 02°Ý09' Œ Sep 8 2018 1:38p » ‘ ¼ 29°†37' Þ Sep 8 2018 5:29p º • É 05°…20' Þ Sep 8 2018 9:47p º ˜ ¼ 05°…40' Þ Sep 9 2018 1:04a ¾ á Ä 02°‰32' Þ Sep 9 2018 2:25a » ß ‡ 00°‡00' Þ Sep 9 2018 3:31a » ” À 00°‡01' Þ Sep 9 2018 7:16a º — ½ 06°…24' Þ

23°Ü56' Œ 23°Ü56' Œ 24°Ý15' Þ 28°„49' Þ 23°Ü56' Œ 24°Ý32' Þ 18°‰56' Œ 01°Ü00' Œ 25°†33' Þ 02°‰32' Œ 26°ˆ14' Þ +07°16' 28°…58' Þ 00°…00' Þ 26°ˆ23' Þ -13°35' -06°46' 00°Ü54' Œ 29°‰09' Þ 29°…54' Þ 00°…00' Þ 00°…53' Þ 00°†00' Þ +06°47' 00°Ü52' Œ 01°…13' Þ 29°‰20' Þ 02°Ý11' Œ 02°‰32' Þ 15°‹04' Œ 00°†48' Þ +11°42' 18°‰52' Œ 02°…09' Þ 29°‰37' Þ 05°„20' Œ 29°‰40' Þ 02°…32' Þ 00°‡00' Þ 15°‹01' Œ 18°‡24' Þ

Pisces Full Moon — August 26 by Diana McMahon Collis With the Sun making an earth grand trine with Uranus The Full Moon often magnifies, bringing matters to a in Taurus and Saturn in Capricorn, there is a distinct need head — only some of which we will have seen growing. to examine both the past and the future. Meditation may We need only know that we are in a process, however, to help us with integrating and consolidating content on the make the best use of this lunation’s available energies. With paths we’ve already crossed, as well as offering pointers for a Pisces Full Moon, the focus is on the inner world, the the future and our next steps. We can further absorb lesrich realms of fantasy and vision. The mind’s critical facsons learnt and map out the next stages forward. Uranus ulty can discount imagination and daydreaming as frippery helps us to tap into our inner genius and, given its sextile or a waste of energy, yet we subconsciously rely on such to the Moon, we can appreciate our individual needs all processes. the more. Anyone picturing a plan or thinking up a new idea is Such needs are also echoed in the Black Moon Lilith; linking to those realms, where the brain draws on memories this farthest point of the Moon’s orbit is in Aquarius, quinfrom many sources. Some memories will obviously be percunx the Sun and semi-sextile the Pisces Full Moon. Black sonal; others may relate to trans-generational memory bank Moon Lilith links with earthy instincts and soul passions, resonances or information transmitted psychically from one which can shape our relationships. Saturn and Uranus, human to another. Carl Jung had a strong awareness of joint rulers of Aquarius, relate to boundaries and rebellion, such psychic exchange potentials, through his work on the and are sometimes closely correlated in that conflict situacollective unconscious and archetypes detailed in Man and tions can arise when people react rebelliously to boundaries His Symbols and often referenced by astrologers through being set. The quincunx could represent a blind spot or a mythological stories and symbols. Anyone who has doubted health challenge. The all-inclusive Pisces Moon in this mix the power of psychic phenomena or generational memories Pis FM 818-2speaks of the need to find a cooperative way forward that may find more personal evidence during this Pisces Full Natal Chart Moon phase, with the psychic loop of twin fishes moving Aug 26 2018, Sunlets individuals live life passionately and co-exist harmoniam PDT +7:00 ously, whilst being aware and respectful of true limitations. back and forth across layers of time and perception. 4:56 Fresno, CA 36°N44'52'' 119°W46'17'' The Moon is a distinctly feminine energy symbol, so Geocentric connections with females of all kinds will now tend toTropical be 0° Aries True Node closer and more needed, powerful, or significant. The Virgo 00° ‰ 00' Sun’s role in this Full Moon puts the emphasis on themes 00' 00° of health, logic, and practicality. We may be less inclined to ¾ à ˆ 00' Š 00° Á have great dreams and visions if we never take the steps to 02° 24° ¼ 19° fulfill any aspects of them. Positively, we can use our subtle, Ù ‰ ˆ Ê 02°28°‰ ‰ psychic, and intuitive levels of perception to find clearer 38' 30' ½ 03' 05° Š Œ 00' 00° 16° answers and inspirations, especially in Virgo’s realms of Š 14'37' Œ S ‡ 47' ‡ ‹ 10 9 work and health. This Full Moon provides an opportu26' Œ 00' 00° ¶ 03° nity to change negative patterns and achieve (or re11 8 ‹ discover) equilibrium. There is also a chance to come 12' 18° » À 15°‹ 46' † up with solutions where others have failed to pin 24'Œ 7 12 down matters before, or to find help from others if 00° 00° we’ve been faltering in the dark, alone. Ü † 10' … 25° With health dilemmas, sometimes the answer  01° Ü 19'Œ Æ 00' 00' 1 6 is not in a remedy or panacea-style fix, but in accepting that the condition is here for a reason. 59'Œ Ü 12' 23° Œ Since the Pisces Moon sextiles Saturn in Capricorn, … 2 5 25' 03° 15' ò Ý „ issues of practicality — especially time and other lim¸ 00' 02° 00° 25° 3 4 Œ 54' ¿ itations — present opportunities for positive change. „ 18' Ý Ä … 47' Ý „ 14° 00' 00° Perhaps lifestyle elements need a tweak. Do our work 22° 05° º hours work for us? Does our daily schedule need a Å É shakeup? Is it time to say “no” to a job we do only out of 00' 00° duty? Maybe we simply need a new project or hobby to re‚ 00' „ 00° juvenate us and put us back in touch with youthful enthusi00° ƒ 00' asm and vigour. The Pisces focus also presses on the need to ensure that time is made available for purposeful contemplation or relaxing meditation, to help rebalance mind and August 26, 2018 — 4:56 a.m. PDT body together, after which plans can flow more easily. August 26, 2018 — 11:56 a.m. GMT

93

Aug 31 2018

1:20p

Thursday, September 6 – Friday, September 7: Saturn’s five-month retrograde phase comes to an end on Thursday when the Ringed Planet stations direct at 4:08 a.m. (2°32' Capricorn). We take things very seriously today, and may awaken feeling defensive, thanks to a Moon–Mars opposition at 5:43 a.m. When Luna enters Leo just about an hour later, we can hope to leave behind some of our Cancerian moodiness. Still, we may too readily find fault with others (or with ourselves) when Mercury quincunxes Chiron (0°52' Virgo–Aries), exact at 7:14 a.m. A Moon–Chiron trine at 8:18 a.m. releases some of the tension of that quincunx, but Luna’s square to Uranus at 10:30 a.m. could increase emotional stress. The conjunction of Mercury and wise Pallas Athene at 11:57 a.m. (1°13' Virgo) is the ace up our sleeve for today, energizing our ability to conceive of inventive solutions to current problems. We’ll need to remember this positive influence when tonight’s demoralizing Sun–Mars sesquiquadrate, exact at 5:07 p.m., argues that the old ways are proven to work and are therefore better. Mercury’s trine to Saturn early Friday morning is not exuberantly positive, but it can help us to feel better about our decisions as we begin the day. The Sun–Neptune opposition (15°04' Virgo–Pisces) that perfects at 11:26 a.m. complicates matters, however, causing us to question our analysis of the situation. The Leo Moon’s square to Jupiter an hour later only magnifies a tendency to overdramatize our problems, and the fault-finding Mercury–Pluto sesquiquadrate that occurs tonight makes it hard to find peace of mind at any point today. Saturday, September 8 – Sunday, September 9: On Saturday morning, the Moon and Pallas Athene unite in Virgo to complete an earth grand trine with Uranus and Saturn. This robust configuration, though short-lived, provides direct intuitive access to simple yet profound solutions to practical concerns. By tapping into this creative and magnetic influence, we avail ourselves of great endurance and potentials

94

• ò

23°Ý56' Þ

23°Ü56' Œ

Sep 1 2018 3:34a ¸ ” ò 08°…56' Þ 23°Ü56' Œ Sep 1 2018 6:00a » à ò 23°†56' Þ 23°Ü56' Œ Sep 1 2018 3:23p » – Å 24°†15' Þ 24°Ý15' Þ Sep 1 2018 10:05p ¼ – Ä 28°‰49' Þ 28°„49' Þ Sep 2 2018 5:57a º á ò 23°„56' Þ 23°Ü56' Œ for success. Venus–Mars square Þ Sep 2 2018Unfortunately, 3:04p ºa contentious ‘ Å 24°„32' Þ 24°Ý32' (29°37' Libra–Capricorn) in the Sep 2 2018 7:40p Étakes SÞthe wheel 05°„20' Þ afternoon, Sep 2 2018us from 8:53p º ˜of the Á opportunities 24°„56' Þ provided 18°‰56' Œ distracting our pursuit Sep 9:54p º A˜Moon–Mercury  25°„00' Þ 01°Ü00' Œ by the2 2018 morning’s aspects. conjunction 3 2018 5:58a ’ » 25°„33' 25°†33' atSep 3:54 p.m. can help usºto communicate our Þ feelings, but Þ Sep 3 2018 10:42a ½ “ ¾ 17°‡32' Þ 02°‰32' Œ with these planets in no-nonsense Virgo, we will need to Sep 3 2018 3:39p º á à 26°„14' Þ 26°ˆ14' Þ consciously choose compassion over judgment. Sep 3 2018 4:48p ¸ ¦ Æ +07°16' +07°16' SepVenus in the of Sunday 3 2018changes 4:55psigns¼ á darkness Æ 28°‰58' Þ morning, 28°…58' Þ anSep appropriate the Goddess of Love into Þ 4 2018 time 3:49aof dayÄfor ß … 00°…00' Þ to slip 00°…00' Sepseductive 4 2018 Scorpio 6:51a negligee. » ’ The à effects 26°†23' Þ predawn 26°ˆ23' Þ her of her Sep 4 2018 7:26a º linger § » +13°35' sesquiquadrate to Neptune into the sunlit hours,-13°35' causSep 5 2018 1:48a ¸ § À +06°46' -06°46' ing some confusion in relationship roles. Perhaps Mercury’s Sep 5 2018 5:58a —  18°‰54' Œ 00°Ü54' Œ quintile to Jupiter at 7:16Áa.m. will help us to find creative Sep 5 2018 8:18a º – ¼ 29°„09' Þ 29°‰09' Þ solutions to the6:22p issues that been 29°„54' raised, but Virgo Þ Sep 5 2018 º have • Æ Þ the29°…54' Moon’s opposition to Neptune at 7:49 a.m. leads us back into Þ Sep 5 2018 7:38p º ß … 00°…00' Þ 00°…00' the fog, at least momentarily. New Moon at Þ Sep 5 2018 8:29p  When – Ä the00°Ü53' Œ occurs 00°…53' Sep 5a.m., 2018 Neptune 11:23pis closely Æ ßopposite † 00°†00' Þ infusing 00°†00' Þ 11:01 both lights, Sep 6 2018 4:08awith ¾ SÞ and02°‰32' the new lunar cycle a mystical perhapsÞdisorienting Sep 6 The 2018Sun 6:22a Àare§alsoÆin a close -06°47' +06°47' flavor. and Moon sesquiquadrate Sep 6 2018 7:14a º –  00°…52' Þ 00°Ü52' Œ aspect to Uranus today, amplifying the nervous energy. Sep 6 2018 11:57a º ß Ä 01°…13' Þ 01°…13' Þ Sep 6 2018 3:44p É SŒ 05°„24' Œ Monday, September September The Þ Sep 6 2018 5:07p 10¸– Tuesday, ” ¼ 14°…20' Þ 11: 29°‰20' Moon both at º the “critical” degree earth Œ Sep 7and 2018Mars, 0:40a á ¿ (29th) 02°…11' Þ of 02°Ý11' Sep 7 2018 5:19a º á ¾ 02°…32' Þ 02°‰32' Þ Sep 7 2018 11:26a ¸ à À 15°…04' Þ 15°‹04' Œ Sep 7 2018 6:17p  à Æ 00°Ü48' Œ 00°†48' Þ Sep 7 2018 7:17p º ¦ ¿ +11°42' +11°42' Geocentric Aspects, Sep 7 2018 10:44p º ” Á 03°…52' Þ 18°‰52' Œ ngresses and Sep 8 2018 I6:59a ¿ ,á Ä S tations 02°Ý09' Œ 02°…09' Þ Sep 8 2018 1:38p » ‘ ¼ 29°†37' Þ 29°‰37' Þ Pacific Daylight Sep 8 2018 5:29p º • É 05°…20' Þ 05°„20' Œ Sep 8 2018 9:47p º ˜ ¼ 05°…40' Þ 29°‰40' Þ Sep 9 2018 1:04a ¾ á Ä 02°‰32' Þ 02°…32' Þ Sep 9 2018 2:25a » ß ‡ 00°‡00' Þ 00°‡00' Þ Sep 9 2018 3:31a » ” À 00°‡01' Þ 15°‹01' Œ Sep 9 2018 7:16a º — ½ 06°…24' Þ 18°‡24' Þ Sep 9 2018 2:00p ¸ ” ¿ 17°…07' Þ 02°Ý07' Œ Sep 10 2018 2:16a » –  00°‡42' Þ 00°Ü42' Œ Sep 10 2018 6:19a ¾ ˜ Å 02°‰33' Þ 26°Ý33' Þ Sep 10 2018 8:34a ¸ ˜ ò 17°…52' Þ 23°Ü52' Œ Sep 10 2018 2:31p º ” ò 08°…52' Þ 23°Ü52' Œ Sep 10 2018 3:12p ¿ – Æ 02°Ý05' Œ 02°†05' Þ Sep 10 2018 4:40p ¼ “ À 29°‰59' Þ 14°‹59' Œ Sep 10 2018 5:55p ¼ ß Š 00°Š00' Þ 00°Š00' Þ Sep 10 2018 10:39p ¼ ¦ à -25°05' -25°05' Sep 11 2018 5:09a ¸ ’ ½ 18°…42' Þ 18°‡42' Þ Sep14 112017 2018 5:23a º › » 10°…03' Þ 01°‡28' Feb Solar FireÞv8.1.2 Sep 11 2018 8:31a ¸ á Á 18°…50' Þ 18°‰50' Œ Sep FM 11 2018 Á ” Ä 18°‰50' Œ 03°…50' Þ Sag 617-1 -1:11p Natal Chart Sep 11 2018 4:06p ¾ ‘ Æ 02°‰34' Þ 02°†34' Þ Sep 11 2018 10:53p À Asp — P2 Å 14°‹57' Œ 26°Ý57' Þ Date Time P1 Pos1 Pos2 Sep 12 2018 0:55a ½ ’ Á 18°‡50' Þ 18°‰50' Œ Sep 12 2018 2:01a » à ¿ 02°‡03' Þ 02°Ý03' Œ Sep 12 2018 9:52a » ¦ ½ -16°39' -16°39' Sep 12 2018 11:40a ¸ “ É 19°…56' Þ 04°„56' Œ Sep 12 2018 8:57p » ’ ¾ 02°‡34' Þ 02°‰34' Þ Sep 13 2018 10:35a ¼ ’  00°Š33' Þ 00°Ü33' Œ Sep 13 2018 11:43a Ä • É 04°…50' Þ 04°„50' Œ Sep 13 2018 3:19p º ¦ Å +07°42' +07°42' Sep 13 2018 3:28p ¸ ¦  +03°32' +03°32' Sep 13 2018 6:31p º à À 14°…54' Þ 14°‹54' Œ Sep 13 2018 6:39p à ˜ É 28°ˆ49' Þ 04°„49' Œ Sep 14 2018 4:52a º ” ¼ 15°…43' Þ 00°Š43' Þ Sep 14 2018 5:46p º § À +06°52' -06°52' Sep 14 2018 8:44p º ” ¿ 16°…58' Þ 01°Ý58' Œ Sep 15 2018 7:32a º ˜ ò 17°…50' Þ 23°Ü50' Œ Sep 15 2018 7:53p º á Á 18°…48' Þ 18°‰48' Œ Sep 15 2018 8:43p ½ “ Æ 19°‡27' Þ 04°†27' Þ Sep 16 2018 0:40a » • Æ 04°‡32' Þ 04°†32' Þ

TMA FORECAST CALENDAR Luna’s ingress into Cancer on Tuesday at 5:03 a.m. sets up an early-morning square to Chiron that threatens to unravel last night’s self-confidence. And although the Moon soon sextiles Uranus (8:51 a.m.) — encouraging us to break free from old insecurities — the Moon–Saturn opposition at 9:22 a.m. thwarts our efforts. This is the last exact aspect of the day, leaving us plenty of time to indulge in a little Cancerian self-nurturing to lift our spirits. A predawn Pluto–Chiron quintile on Wednesday offers creative ways to heal wounds that have discouraged us from taking charge of our lives. Meanwhile, an empathetic Moon–Neptune trine at 6:27 a.m. inspires us to care as deeply about another’s pain as we do our own. But it’s best to avoid impulsive action today with Mercury quincunx Mars at 8:18 a.m. (29°09' Leo–Capricorn); a lack of forethought can result in a great waste of energy, with nothing to show for our efforts. The Cancer Moon activates the influence of the ongoing Jupiter–Pluto sextile in the middle of the day, making the lunch break a good time to do some soul-searching. Mercury adds to our ability to self-analyze when the Messenger Planet enters Virgo at 7:38 p.m.

Å

Virgo New Moon — September 9 by Diana McMahon Collis

truths. Through the concentration of feelings that this may September’s New Moon in Virgo emphasises a jump start evoke, we could also benefit from being watchful of how we for the physical body. This earth sign New Moon reminds us process the flow that springs forth! We often react to the that, as important as our minds are, if we neglect our bodies vicissitudes and traumas of life by burying difficult feelings they tend to suffer for it and soon enough will let us know. that cannot be immediately expressed. With time to reflect Emanuel Swedenborg was one of the major thinkers and mysand understand — finding ways to dilute emotions and to let tics whose philosophies and reflections have informed the idea memories air and evaporate — we can use our wisdom to of powerful correspondences between mind, body, and spirit. help something beautiful to flourish. He saw divine love and wisdom located in the mind and spirit Sometimes we do need the caustic intensity of difficult but also in conjunction with the body, whereby angelic activity feelings to be able to recognise when something is not good could be transmitted. Arguably, when we nurture one part for us — and use our strength to simply detach. Ideally, we of the system, we nurture the other and thus allow in divine will not do harm along the way, but will be able to figuraassistance. If we are ailing, then now is the time to make tively burn a rotting bridge or let deadwood crumble away, adjustments, under the dual lights of the Sun and Moon in as we remove ourselves from negative situations. wisdom-based Virgo. With Pluto, it is often a case of just knowing that some What may be needed will no doubt become clear within thing has become redundant and then allowing the space this new lunar cycle. It could be a tweak of the diet or a review for new life to emerge. This New Moon may mark a good of exercise plans, noting any lack or excess. Beginnings and time for a super clearing-out of physical debris at home: reboots are often easier under a New Moon. The September sorting through closets and kitchen shelves for unused Sun–Moon conjunction sits in opposition to Neptune, which items, culling papers in the study, and so on. That which no particularly emphasises chemical and fluid balance in the body. Vir NM 818-3 longer holds living energy for us might be useful to someSmall, practical adjustments will be key here. For example, a Natal Chart Sep 9 2018, Sun one else — and letting go can provide great relief! proliferation of beans in the diet may suit a moral stance or PDT +7:00 11:01 am Fresno, CA avoid weight gain, but are we preparing them in the best ways 36°N44'52'' 119°W46'17'' Geocentric to avoid digestive challenges? We all need enough water in the Tropical 0° Aries body, but it should be brought in at the right times and land True Node in the right places. Pluto is sextile Neptune and trine this New 00° ‰ 00' Moon, offering possible insights and opportunities to correct 00' 00° ¾Ã ˆ 00' Š dysfunctional fluid retention levels — ideally with the assis00° Á 02°27° ¼ 18° tance of someone who has deeper knowledge of this process. Ù ‰ ˆ Nurturing of mind, body, and spirit can also be found Ê 03°29°‰ ‰ ½ 33' 39' 05° Š 45' 51' in physical renewal activities, such as walking by the sea 18° 00' 00° Œ Š 48' ‡ or a river, or being near a fountain, waterfall, or other ‡ ‹ 16' 26' 10 9 » Œ 00' 00° 00° source of running water. A salt lamp, giving out neg‡ 8 11 15' ative ions, might be beneficial as well. We may not even need to go too far or to have special props at À 15°‹ 01'Œ hand. Taking time for that special shower or bath 12 7 00° 00° can connect us to feelings of rebirth and a fresh 34' † 01° Æ Ü † start, or being safe in the remembered comfort of  00° Ü 43'Œ 00' … 17° 00' the waters of the womb. Invigorated or soothed, ¸ 00' 1 6 00' … 17° we are then ready to face any practical tasks ahead. ¶ 42' … 53'Œ Jupiter in Scorpio is sextile this New Moon; the 06° Ü 45' 23° Œ … 2 5 07' 02° º sextile aspect can sometimes indicate a minor chalò Ý Ä 00' 02° 00° lenge, experienced as a useful opportunity if viewed in 3 4 Œ ¿ Ý … 16' 21' the right way. With Jupiter in the sign ruled by Pluto, 00' 00° „ Ý there is an ongoing challenge to dig for deeper truth. 05° 26° Traditionally, we look up to the heavens for inspiration É Å and to the future for what might lie ahead. On this occasion, 00' 00° ‚ 00' „ the deepest wisdom is to be found by going inwards, down00° wards, and even backwards, given that Pluto remains in retro00° ƒ 00' grade motion. By reviewing past actions — both our own and others’ — September 9, 2018 — 11:01 a.m. PDT we can find a more profound, powerful, and resonant set of September 9, 2018 — 6:01 p.m. GMT

95

TMA FORECAST CALENDAR signs, form a productive trine at 8:13 a.m. on Monday. With eager Mars involved, this trine starts the day with a certain sense of urgency, but with Luna entering sometimesindecisive Libra just a few minutes later, it will be a challenge to stay on task. Our hopes of keeping our balance may be frustrated for most of the morning, due to a disruptive cardinal t-square between the Moon and Ceres in Libra, Chiron in Aries, and Saturn in Capricorn. Planetary activity in the afternoon likewise keeps us on edge: A Uranus–Ceres quincunx (2°05' Taurus–Libra) at 3:12 p.m. indicates a conflict between our desire for independence and our need for support, while a Mars–Neptune semi-square, just an hour before Mars moves into Aquarius at 5:55 p.m., creates uncertainty about our best course of action. Tuesday dawns with a stronger sense of empowerment and possibility: The Virgo Sun is sextile Jupiter and trine Pluto, activating the transformation-enhancing sextile between those two planets, which is exact (18°50' Scorpio– Capricorn) in the wee hours of Wednesday. This afternoon, the Libra Moon square Pluto voices apprehension about the depth of change that appears to be occurring, fearing that it will disturb the already tenuous harmony. These concerns are underscored by a Saturn–Ceres square (2°34' Capricorn– Libra) that perfects at 4:06 p.m. Relationship conflicts increase during the evening hours as a Venus–Uranus opposition (2°01' Scorpio–Taurus) builds in effect. Wednesday, September 12 – Friday, September 14: Luna dives into Scorpio’s opinionated waters at 11:14 a.m. on Wednesday, giving up her valiant attempts to remain unbiased. Mars in Aquarius is quick to challenge her, and their square at 11:51 a.m. could set us at odds with anyone who happens to see things differently than we do. This afternoon, when the Moon opposes Uranus (2:50 p.m.) and conjoins Venus (3:32 p.m.), the divisive effects of the recent Venus– Uranus opposition are brought sharply into focus. But stabilizing Saturn helps Venus to regain her footing when the two planets form a sextile (2°34' Scorpio–Capricorn) at 8:57 p.m. If we’ve been waiting for an opportunity to heal old insecurities, the Mars–Chiron sextile (0°33' Aquarius–Aries) on Thursday morning provides a green light for our efforts. To assist in the process, compassion and forgiveness come more easily today with Mercury opposing Neptune at 6:31 p.m. (14°54' Virgo–Pisces) — but since this aspect can weaken our powers of discrimination, it’s best not to make impor­tant decisions now. Tonight, the Moon once again activates the motivational Jupiter–Pluto sextile, this time by being sextile Pluto (8:58 p.m.) and conjunct Jupiter (9:33 p.m.). The sleeping giant stirs on Friday: Mercury triggers next Tuesday’s unsettling Mars–Uranus square, when the Messenger Planet is sesquiquadrate both Mars (4:52 a.m.) and Uranus (8:44 p.m.). Irritations are to be expected, and risky behavior seems the norm throughout the day. The Moon is in Scorpio for most of our waking hours, adding to the overall emotional intensity. Once Luna enters good-humored Sagittarius at 5:44 p.m., the mood lightens a bit, especially after she sextiles Mars at 7:24 p.m. and helps the Red Planet to release frustrations through laughter.

96

Saturday, September 15 – Sunday, September 16: The general tone for Saturday is one of greater self-control and accomplishment, with the main aspect being an empowering Mercury–Pluto trine at 7:53 p.m. (18°48' Virgo–Capricorn). The Jupiter–Ceres semi-square that perfects at 8:43 p.m. has similar goals but with an edge: Jupiter in Scorpio challenges harmony-seeking Ceres in Libra to see the truth of an issue, instead of hiding behind a façade of “all is well.” The Sagittarius Moon wanders quietly through most of the day, with a lazy Moon–Neptune square at 10:13 p.m. timed just right to help us slip into slumber. We awaken on Sunday ready to divulge our deepest feelings, due to a predawn Mercury–Jupiter sextile (19°30' Virgo–Scorpio), but a Mercury–Venus semi-square before breakfast means that achieving true intimacy may take more Feb 14 2017 Solar Fire v8.1.2 work than we had anticipated. With Venus also in Scorpio Sagsquaring FM 617-1the - Natal Chart but nodes, rehashing our hidden agendas can hamper our ability to enjoy time with loved ones. The Moon’s Date to Mercury Time (7:47P1a.m.) AspisP2another Pos1indicator Pos2 square that too Sep 12 2018 0:55a ½ ’ Á 18°‡50' Þ 18°‰50' Œ many words can undermine our enjoyment of the morning. Sep 12 2018 2:01a » à ¿ 02°‡03' Þ 02°Ý03' Œ The Quarter Moon»occurs at 4:14 p.m., asking us to Sep First 12 2018 9:52a ¦ ½ -16°39' -16°39' confront old ideals and expectations. Sep 12 2018 11:40a ¸ “ É 19°…56' Þ 04°„56' Œ Sep 12 2018 8:57p » ’ ¾ 02°‡34' Þ Sep 13 2018 10:35a ¼ ’  00°Š33' Þ Sep 13 2018 11:43a Ä • É 04°…50' Þ Sep 13 2018 3:19p º ¦ Å +07°42' Sep 13 2018 3:28p ¸ ¦  +03°32' Geocentric Sep 13 2018 6:31p º à ÀA spects 14°…54', Þ ngresses Sep 13 2018 I6:39p à ,˜and É S tations 28°ˆ49' Þ Sep 14 2018 4:52a º ” ¼ 15°…43' Þ Pacific Daylight Sep 14 2018 5:46p º § À +06°52' Sep 14 2018 8:44p º ” ¿ 16°…58' Þ Sep 15 2018 7:32a º ˜ ò 17°…50' Þ Sep 15 2018 7:53p º á Á 18°…48' Þ Sep 15 2018 8:43p ½ “ Æ 19°‡27' Þ Sep 16 2018 0:40a » • Æ 04°‡32' Þ Sep 16 2018 4:50a º ’ ½ 19°…30' Þ Sep 16 2018 7:03a º “ » 19°…41' Þ Sep 16 2018 7:11a º “ É 19°…42' Þ Sep 16 2018 7:29a » ‘ É 04°‡42' Þ Sep 16 2018 9:27a Æ ’ É 04°†41' Þ Sep 16 2018 11:12a ¸ – ò 23°…49' Þ Sep 16 2018 4:02p É SÞ 04°„41' Þ Sep 17 2018 1:40p ¸ § ò +02°01' Sep 17 2018 4:52p º ¦ Æ +04°35' Sep 17 2018 8:55p Ã ß ‰ 00°‰00' Þ Sep 18 2018 6:16a ¸ § Ä +01°45' Sep 18 2018 11:48a º – ò 23°…48' Þ Sep 18 2018 1:32p ¸ ˜ ¿ 25°…52' Þ Sep 18 2018 4:01p ¼ ‘ ¿ 01°Š52' Þ Sep 18 2018 8:36p ¸ › É 26°…09' Þ Sep 18 2018 9:41p  ‘ à 00°Ü18' Œ Sep 19 2018 4:00a º ¦  +03°26' Sep 19 2018 4:21a ¼ — ½ 02°Š00' Þ Sep 19 2018 5:04a » ˜  06°‡17' Þ Sep 19 2018 10:22a À § Å -06°55' Sep 19 2018 2:06p º ˜ ¿ 25°…50' Þ Sep 19 2018 6:26p º › É 26°…10' Þ Sep 19 2018 11:03p ½ — Ä 20°‡08' Þ Sep 20 2018 0:34a » § É -19°04' Sep 20 2018 2:32a É SŒ 04°„44' Œ Sep 20 2018 4:20a » — Á 06°‡47' Þ Sep 20 2018 9:39a ¼ ˜ Ä 02°Š22' Þ Sep 20 2018 6:43p ¾ — À 02°‰42' Þ Sep 20 2018 6:51p ¸ ß º 28°…02' Þ Sep 20 2018 10:24p º § ò +02°02' Sep 21 2018 0:02a º § Ä +01°58' Sep 21 2018 5:06a º á Å 28°…49' Þ Sep 21 2018 5:16a Ä ” ò 08°…47' Þ

02°‰34' Þ 00°Ü33' Œ 04°„50' Œ +07°42' +03°32' 14°‹54' Œ 04°„49' Œ 00°Š43' Þ -06°52' 01°Ý58' Œ 23°Ü50' Œ 18°‰48' Œ 04°†27' Þ 04°†32' Þ 19°‡30' Þ 04°‡41' Þ 04°„42' Œ 04°„42' Œ 04°„41' Œ 23°Ü49' Œ -02°01' +04°35' 00°‰00' Þ -01°45' 23°Ü48' Œ 01°Ý52' Œ 01°Ý52' Œ 04°„43' Þ 00°‰18' Þ +03°26' 20°‡00' Þ 00°Ü17' Œ +06°55' 01°Ý50' Œ 04°„44' Þ 08°…08' Þ +19°04' 18°‰47' Œ 08°…22' Þ 14°‹42' Œ 28°…02' Þ -02°02' -01°58' 28°Ý49' Þ 23°Ü47' Œ

Libra Equinox 818

Libra Equinox — September 22 Natal Chart Sep 22 2018, Sat 9:54:05 pm EDT +4:00 Washington, DC 38°N53'42'' 077°W02'12''

Geocentric

Tropical by Tem Tarriktar Placidus True Node

One highlight of this chart (cast for Washington, D.C.) is a Sun–Mercury conjunction in Libra, which opposes Chiron in Aries, trines an elevated Mars–South Node conjunction, and forms a tight inconjunct with Uranus. One interpretation of this is a disruption to diplomatic efforts as a result of past events or from hidden undermining forces. A Moon–Venus water trine may bring an outpouring of compassion from the public (more help forthcoming for the detained immigrant children?). Sun– Mercury also squares Saturn in the 8th house, which may correspond with more pessimism (or worse) in financial markets.

10° Š 54'

‹

09°

À 48'

18°

Ý

‹ 46' 39' Ü Œ 07' Œ

9

12

‘ ‘ á á

‘ á

’

Å 29° Ý 04' ‚ 14'

¾ 27° Ã ˆ

02°

‰ 01° 46' ‰ 30'

8

“

Ý 44' Œ

à à à – á

á ‘

1

’

‘ ‘ á á á á á á – á

3

14'

4

48'

Æ † 00° º 18° ¸

34' …

09°

Ä

É

14'

½ 58' ‡ 07° » ‡

35' 40' †07° 00' † † 01°

5

04°

ƒ 14'

ˆ 38' ‡ 20°

’

Œ 37' „

18°

03°

6

‘

‚

7

–

’

27°

14'

‘ ‘ ‘

2

September 22, 2018 9:54 p.m. EDT Washington, D.C.

09°

…

38'

10° „ 54'

Placidus houses, True Node

e

f

i

d

a

l

g

Portland

Minneapolis

Sacramento Denver

Los Angeles

Honolulu

Mexico City

Montreal

h

b l

Santo Domingo

Dakar

c Bogota e

Guayaquil Manaus

g

Cuiaba

Tucuman

f

Freetown

i

Astrahan

al-Qahira

Kerman

ar-Riyad

Sokoto

d Bangui

Addis Abeba

Kinshasa

a h

Nairobi

Lubumbashi

Salvador

Harare

Sao Paulo

Irkutsk Ulaanbaatar

Mumbai

Tokyo Xian Shanghai

Dhaka

Kolamba

b

Sapporo

Seoul

Luzhou

Guangzhou

Bengaluru Krung Thep

`

Harbin

Datong

Lahore

Karachi

Umm Durman

Lagos

Fortaleza

Bratsk

Urumqi

Toskent

Halab Tehran

ad-Dar-al-Bayda Las Palmas

Lima

Odesa

Roma Istanbul Tbilisi

Madrid

Miami

Surgut Kirov

Ufa Kurgan Novosibirsk Kyyiv Saratov Karaganda

Lyon

New York

Maracaibo

`

Moskva

London Berlin Wien

Memphis

Houston

b

Arhangelsk

Glasgow Calgary Winnipeg

`

Murmansk

Oslo Sankt Peterburg

a

10

‰ 14'

18° ‰ 46' Œ

11

h

d

Š Š 37' 06' Œ

00°

03°

Á

04°03°

Libra Equinox

Natal Chart September 22, 2018 6:54:05 PM PDT Washington, D.C. Tropical Porphyry

c

¶

ò 23° ¿ 01° Ü 46'Œ

18°

ʼ

06° 14° ‹

Â

Ü

The map below shows Sun–Mercury and Saturn lines running through the Los Angeles area (as well as the Pakistan/Iran border area and Eastern Australia). Pluto, Venus, and Uranus lines pass through Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas. Uranus is on the MC in London and Spain. Mars is overhead in Michigan, Florida, and Central America. Neptune lines influence Moscow, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Brazil, and British Columbia. There is a Mars–Jupiter crossing near Atlanta, Georgia. Jupiter lines pass directly through Cape Town, Prague, and Miami. We may see world events (or extreme weather) that correspond to the style of each planet at their designated locations over the next three months.

equinox fall 2018

38'

c

e

Singapore

Manila Davao

Jakarta

g

f Port Moresby

l

Johannesburg

Brisbane

Perth

Cape Town

Buenos Aires

i

Sydney

Auckland Christchurch

b `

h c

e

f

i

d

a

l

g

97

Sep 13 2018 11:43a Ä • É 04°…50' Þ 04°„50' Œ Sep 13 2018 3:19p º ¦ Å +07°42' +07°42' Sep 13 2018 3:28p ¸ ¦  +03°32' +03°32' Sep 13 2018 6:31p º à À 14°…54' Þ 14°‹54' Œ Sep 13 2018 6:39p à ˜ É 28°ˆ49' Þ 04°„49' Œ Sep 14 2018 4:52a º ” ¼ 15°…43' Þ 00°Š43' Þ Sep 14 2018 5:46p º § À +06°52' -06°52' Tonight is the equinox, when Sun enters Libra p.m.) Œ Sep 14 2018 8:44p º ”the¿ 16°…58' Þ (6:54 01°Ý58' and hours of darkness the hours But Œ Sep the 15 2018 7:32a º are˜equal ò to17°…50' Þ of light. 23°Ü50' Sep 15 2018 at7:53p 18°…48' Þ contains 18°‰48'a Œ with Chiron 0° Aries,º the á chartÁfor the equinox Sep 15 2018 8:43p ½ “ Æ indicating 19°‡27' Þ 04°†27' very close Sun–Chiron opposition, that we have Þ Sep 16healing 2018 0:40a » •over Æ the04°‡32' Þ months. 04°†32' Þ much to accomplish next three Sep 16 2018 4:50a º ’ ½ 19°…30' Þ 19°‡30' Þ Sep 16 The2018 mood7:03a could be º sullen on Sunday morning with Mer“ » 19°…41' Þ 04°‡41' Þ cury squaring Saturn at º 9:45“a.m. Libra–Capricorn), Sep 16 2018 7:11a É (2°47' 19°…42' Þ 04°„42' Œ but dark clouds as theÞday unfolds. Sep the 16 2018 7:29a slowly » begin ‘ É to lift 04°‡42' 04°„42' Œ The Moon Neptune Pisces atÞ10:23 a.m., Œ Sep 16 2018and 9:27a Æ conjoin ’ É in 04°†41' 04°„41' Sep 16 2018 11:12a into ¸ mystical – ò realms, 23°…49'and Þ a Uranus– 23°Ü49' Œ allowing us entrance Sep 16trine 2018 (1°43' 4:02p Taurus–Capricorn) É SÞ 04°„41' Þ Vesta that perfects just a Sep 17 2018 1:40p ¸ § ò +02°01' -02°01' few minutes later helps us to convert innovative ideas into Sep 17 2018 4:52p ¦ Æ +04°35' +04°35' practical solutions. Thisºevening, an air trine between MerSep 17 2018 8:55p Ã ß ‰ 00°‰00' Þ 00°‰00' Þ cury and Mars6:16a (3°26' Libra–Aquarius) enhances our-01°45' ability Sep 18 2018 ¸ § Ä +01°45' to access higher insights, while Luna’s sextile to Pluto (6:24 Œ Sep 18 2018 11:48a º – ò 23°…48' Þ 23°Ü48' p.m.) trine1:32p to Jupiter provide inspira- Œ Sep 18and 2018 ¸ (10:26 ˜ ¿p.m.) 25°…52' Þ the 01°Ý52' Sep 18 4:01p tion for2018 creative change.¼ ‘ ¿ 01°Š52' Þ 01°Ý52' Œ Sep 18 2018 8:36p ¸ › É 26°…09' Þ 04°„43' Þ Sep 18 2018 9:41p 24 ‘ à 00°Ü18' Œ 26: 00°‰18' Monday, September – Wednesday, September With Þ Sep 19 2018 4:00a º ¦  +03°26' +03°26' the Libra Sun quincunx Uranus in Taurus at high noon on Sep 19 2018 4:21a ¼ — ½ 02°Š00' Þ 20°‡00' Þ Monday, we feel off balance knowing exactly why. Œ Sep 19 2018 5:04a » ˜without  06°‡17' Þ 00°Ü17' Emotions that 10:22a have been are expressed+06°55' forceSep 19 2018 À held § within Å -06°55' fully, once Moon enters Aries p.m.Þ — but01°Ý50' Luna’s Œ Sep 19 2018the2:06p º ˜ ¿at 4:04 25°…50' Sep 19 2018 6:26p º › É 26°…10' Þ 04°„44' Þ Sep 19 2018 11:03p ½ — Ä 20°‡08' Þ 08°…08' Þ Sep 20 2018 0:34a » § É -19°04' +19°04' Sep 20 2018 2:32a É SŒ 04°„44' Œ Geocentric Aspects , Sep 20 2018 4:20a » — Á 06°‡47' Þ 18°‰47' Œ ngresses Sep 20 2018 I9:39a ¼ ,˜and Ä S tations 02°Š22' Þ 08°…22' Þ Sep 20 2018 6:43p ¾ — À 02°‰42' Þ 14°‹42' Œ Pacific Daylight Sep 20 2018 6:51p ¸ ß º 28°…02' Þ 28°…02' Þ Sep 20 2018 10:24p º § ò +02°02' -02°02' Sep 21 2018 0:02a º § Ä +01°58' -01°58' Sep 21 2018 5:06a º á Å 28°…49' Þ 28°Ý49' Þ Sep 21 2018 5:16a Ä ” ò 08°…47' Þ 23°Ü47' Œ Sep 21 2018 6:45a º › ½ 28°…56' Þ 20°‡22' Þ Sep 21 2018 2:20p ¼ • ¾ 02°Š44' Þ 02°‰44' Þ Sep 21 2018 3:51p ¸ á Å 28°…53' Þ 28°Ý53' Þ Sep 21 2018 4:26p Ä ¦ ò -02°02' -02°02' Sep 21 2018 7:18p ¸ › ½ 29°…02' Þ 20°‡28' Þ Sep 21 2018 8:39p º ß † 00°†00' Þ 00°†00' Þ Sep 21 2018 10:54p º à  00°†10' Þ 00°Ü10' Œ Sep14 222017 2018 4:15p º ‘ à 01°†28' Þ 01°‰28' Feb Solar FireÞv8.1.2 Sep 22 2018 6:54p ¸ ß † 00°†00' Þ 00°†00' Þ Sep FM 22 2018 º – ¿ 01°†44' Þ 01°Ý44' Œ Sag 617-1 -7:45p Natal Chart Sep 22 2018 10:00p ¸ à  00°†07' Þ 00°Ü07' Œ Sep 23 2018 Time 6:29a ¸ Asp § P2 º -00°11' +00°11' Date P1 Pos1 Pos2 Sep 23 2018 9:45a º ‘ ¾ 02°†47' Þ 02°‰47' Þ Sep 23 2018 10:31a ¿ á à 01°Ý43' Œ 01°‰43' Þ Sep 23 2018 6:29p º á ¼ 03°†26' Þ 03°Š26' Þ Sep 24 2018 5:09a ¸ ¦ º -00°33' -00°33' Sep 24 2018 6:23a  ¦ Æ +03°20' +03°20' Sep 24 2018 8:01a º ’ É 04°†26' Þ 04°„26' Œ Sep 24 2018 12:08p ¸ – ¿ 01°†40' Þ 01°Ý40' Œ Sep 25 2018 2:01a ¸ ‘ à 02°†14' Þ 02°‰14' Þ Sep 25 2018 6:19a º “ ½ 06°†04' Þ 21°‡04' Þ Sep 25 2018 4:50p ¸ ‘ ¾ 02°†51' Þ 02°‰51' Þ R Sep 25 2018 5:11p Â ß ‹ 00°Ü00' Þ 00°Ü00' Þ Sep 25 2018 10:17p ¼ à É 04°Š10' Þ 04°„10' Œ Sep 26 2018 2:09a À — à 14°‹34' Œ 02°‰34' Þ Sep 26 2018 3:10a º ¦ ò -02°03' -02°03' Sep 26 2018 3:26p º ¦ Ä -02°27' -02°27' Sep 26 2018 9:00p ¸ ’ É 04°†00' Þ 04°„00' Œ Sep 27 2018 1:20a ¾ ß Ã 02°‰53' Þ 02°‰53' Þ Sep 27 2018 2:19a º § Æ -02°48' +02°48' Sep 27 2018 2:39a » • Æ 09°‡32' Þ 09°†32' Þ Sep 27 2018 6:47a º • » 09°†36' Þ 09°‡36' Þ Sep 27 2018 7:18a º ß Æ 09°†38' Þ 09°†38' Þ Sep 27 2018 4:34p ¸ á ¼ 04°†48' Þ 04°Š48' Þ

TMA FORECAST CALENDAR Monday, September 17 – Tuesday, September 18: At first glance, the Capricorn Moon appears to be wearing a standard grey suit on Monday. But she soon reveals a pinkstriped vest beneath her blazer, as she trines Uranus at 7:57 a.m. and conjoins Saturn at 9:25 a.m., briefly activating the Saturn–Uranus trine and its potentials for innovative but practical developments. This evening, Luna builds on her success, forming a trine to solution-savvy Pallas Athene in Virgo at 6:14 p.m. Headline news on Tuesday is the potentially earthshaking Mars–Uranus square (1°52' Aquarius–Taurus), which perfects at 4:01 p.m. This being the third such aspect between these two forceful planets within the past four months, we’ll want to observe how this final pass completes the process that began in mid May and accelerated in early August. The Moon has a ticket for today’s roller-coaster ride as well, conjoining transformative Pluto at 6:03 p.m. and then forming a sextile to Jupiter in dramatic Scorpio at 8:26 p.m. Wednesday, September 19 – Friday, September 21: The Capricorn Moon does her best to keep the train on the tracks for much of Wednesday, finding support through earth trines to map-expert Mercury in Virgo (7:20 a.m.), the alwaysefficient Virgo Sun (10:10 a.m.), and loyal Juno in Taurus (1:53 p.m.). But Luna is ever changeable; her ingress into rule-breaking Aquarius at 4:52 p.m. turns the world upside down, setting the stage for a Moon–Uranus square (8:35 p.m.) and a Moon–Mars conjunction (9:23 p.m.). Since the effects of yesterday’s exact Mars–Uranus square are likely still reverberating, this lunar activity will feel like aftershocks of the main seismic event. Saturn and Neptune, both strong in their signs of rulership, are in exact quintile on Thursday at 6:43 p.m. This aspect brings two planets with very different perspectives to the negotiating table, to discuss how best to ground the ideal in reality, as well as finding ways to bridge the gap between intuition and reason. The Sun’s conjunction with Mercury at 28°02' Virgo, which perfects at 6:51 p.m., assists in all forms of communication that concern the practical application of ideas. Both Mercury and the Sun trine dependable Juno on Friday, helping us to find common ground in business and marital partnerships. The Aquarius Moon is not as thrilled about the prospect of compromise, showing her resistance to sharing the wealth through a lunar square to Jupiter mid morning. At 8:39 p.m., Mercury enters conciliatory Libra and is prepared to discuss terms — but its opposition to Chiron in Aries at 10:54 p.m. (0°10' Libra–Aries) reignites old insecurities about its ability to think for itself. Saturday, September 22 – Sunday, September 23: Luna slips into the watery realms of mystical Pisces before dawn on Saturday, her baptism supported in the morning hours by sextiles from three of her compatriots back on land: disciplined Vesta and responsible Saturn, both in Capricorn, and energizing Uranus in Taurus. On the sidelines, Mercury in Libra finds it difficult to make decisions under pressure from a square to Vesta at 4:15 p.m. (1°28' Libra–Capricorn) and a quincunx to Uranus at 7:45 p.m. (1°44' Libra–Taurus).

98

Aries Full Moon — September 24–25 by Diana McMahon Collis candle flame or a lamp can be especially beneficial to bring After the autumnal equinox turning point, the Aries Full a strong sense of order and calm. Moon harks back to spring-like energies of the prior vernal Saturn often represents an older person: a parent, equinox. Memory of once-green leaves, now in fall, reminds guardian, elder relative, friend, colleague, mentor, or sponus of opposite ends in the normal cycle of life and death in sor to be looked up to and relied on. Nonetheless, needed nature’s year, promising new life again in another six months. help can arrive in various ways. In a less personified or The Aries Moon conjoins planetoid Chiron, the mythic alive form, this help could be the wisdom of ancient texts Wounded Healer, echoing that human births are seldom ideal, or the continuing voice of a historical figure with worldly and yet we know ourselves better when we are aware of their experience, imparting a learned understanding. circumstances. Our mother may have had her own challenges Saturn links with time; Vesta keeps the flame, making — some improving, others still bearing scars. The Moon and the concept of the candle wick or lamp tallow pertinent as Chiron opposing the Sun and Mercury speaks of the need a symbol of the life span. None of us can know how long to voice our inherited pain and problems. Maybe our birth this span is intended to be, but we can aim to make the was induced, or we arrived without all our needs being met most of living it out. immediately. We may want to kick and scream at early life’s discomforts. Aries impatience reflects a baby’s natural impulses to cry if hungry or in pain, registering the danger of © 2018 Diana McMahon Collis – all rights reserved its helpless status. Such primal needs call forth a caring response — the Moon sextiles Mars–South Node in humanitarBritish writer Diana McMahon Collis studied traditional and modian Aquarius. ern astrology at the Company of Astrologers in Bloomsbury, London, practicing professionally since 1990. In 2001, she co-founded Tarot Asteroid Ceres is conjunct Sun–Mercury in Libra. In Association of the British Isles. She has a BA Honours degree in Film, mythology, Ceres was both a compassionate mother,Arioffering FM 818-4 Drama, and English from Reading University and has written many Natal Chart unconditional love and comfort, and a withholding, angry, Sep 24 2018, Mon columns and features. She works as an editor and mentor in mind, pm PDT +7:00 non-nurturing mother. What she gave or withheld was7:52 capable body, and spirit nonfiction with Oxford-based https://jerichowriters.com; Fresno, CA 36°N44'52'' of feeding not just the body, but also the soul and spirit. This119°W46'17'' see also http://mindbliss.co.uk and https://celestialspot.blogspot.com Geocentric Aries Full Moon prompts us to make more effort to be heard Tropical 0° Aries and to ensure that we pick the right sources to meetTrue ourNode needs. We cannot always rely on others to be there; some00° ‰ 00' times we need more inner reliance. Aries is a natural fighter, 00' 00° à ˆ 00' Š and we can use that inner warrior spirit to survive. Occasion00° Á ¾ 02°02° ally, the energy of anger itself is enough to drive action to 18° ¼ ‰ ‰ ‰ ½ take a project forward, regardless of others’ cooperation. Ê 03° 49' 09' 45' 21° Ù 04° Š Whilst the Aries Moon demands a me first/ 00' Œ ‡ 05° Š 47' » 00° 00' Š 21' ‡ ‹ witness my issues approach, the Libra Sun and Mer08° 10 9 31' Œ ‡ 00' 00° cury emphasise us and we, keen on compromises and 47' 11 8 win–win scenarios. Typical tensions could be offset through well-thought-out words, since Mercury’s À 14°‹ 08° Æ 36'Œ 30' † rationale can help to cool a fever. But Mercury con7 12 18' † 05° º 00° 00° junct the Sun is also “combust,” suggesting more 59' † 01° ¸ Ü † 02'Œ volatility or less verbal and mental power. If a situaÜ 00°  00' 00' 59' Ü 1 6 tion becomes explosive, perhaps that is part of the ¶ 01° way forward! 36' … 45'Œ 10° Ü Most situations have the potential to be conÄ 23° Œ 2 5 40' ò tained, thanks to the Full Moon’s t-square configuraÝ 00' 01° 00° 3 4 tion with Saturn and Vesta in Capricorn. The internal Œ Ý ¿ … 21' 23' tensions of a t-square cannot be denied, with an oppo00' 00° „ Ý 04° sition and two 90° angles, but Saturn, strong in its own 29° sign of Capricorn at the apex, offers rules, protocols, and É Å steadfast qualities. Asteroid Vesta poses the option to re00' 00° ‚ 00' „ treat, concentrating one’s own energy. If others are creating 00° drama and distraction, then retreating is a route to personal 00° ƒ 00' peace. The eternal, living hearth flame is Vesta’s symbol; discipline and centredness, her tools and aims. Meditation on a September 24, 2018 — 7:52 p.m. PDT September 25, 2018 — 2:52 a.m. GMT

99

TMA FORECAST CALENDAR conjunction with Chiron occurs within minutes, indicating that we may still not feel validated. With the Full Moon just a few hours away, the chart for the lunation shows the Moon still conjunct Chiron, and also square Saturn and Vesta. The Harvest Moon that perfects at 7:52 p.m. will shine a spotlight on those areas where we feel less than confident about our capabilities; we are called to focus on building greater self-awareness and self-appreciation for the rest of the evening and into the week ahead. A disagreement (semi-square) between Mercury in Libra and Jupiter in Scorpio starts Tuesday off on a sour note. This unsatisfying beginning feeds directly into the mood of this afternoon’s Sun–Saturn square (2°51' Libra–Capricorn), which perfects at 4:50 p.m. and requires that we ascertain the value of certain alliances. Retrograde Chiron re-enters Pisces at 5:11 p.m. to re-acquaint us with the need to heal our lack of faith, while Mars’s conjunction with the South Node (4°10' Aquarius) at 10:17 p.m. causes us to reflect on old patterns of avoidance and withdrawal. Those who work the night shift may be the only ones to feel the effects of Wednesday’s Moon–Pluto square, which occurs at 3:29 a.m. and is the sole significant aspect of the day. Irritations and conflicts are heightened with this square, but thankfully the aspect is only short-lived, giving us the rest of the day to find more constructive ways to use the influence of the impulsive Aries Moon. Thursday, September 27 – Friday, September 28: Mercury and nurturing Ceres sing in sweet harmony on Thursday when they align in Libra (9°38') at 7:18 a.m. This planetary combination helps us to speak more kindly to loved ones, due to an increased ability to empathize and to gently convey support through our words. Unfortunately, the peaceful atmosphere may be shattered when the Taurus Moon squares Mars at 8:51 a.m., representing a conflict between our need for comfortable familiarity and our desire not to be confined. The Sun–Mars trine (4°48' Libra–Aquarius) that perfects at 4:34 p.m. should help us to negotiate past this obstacle, as we find ways to reconcile our sometimes-competing desires for partnership and independence. Luna’s opposition to Venus at 6:03 p.m. adds another variation to the same theme, calling for us to find a balance between self-reliance and interdependence in our relationships. The cautious Taurus Moon is empowered by a trine to Pluto on Friday morning, so we might feel more comfortable with deep change. The only other major aspect today is Luna’s opposition to Jupiter at 3:37 p.m., which amplifies emotional reactions — a lingering resistance to the profound shifts that are occurring. Saturday, September 29 – Sunday, September 30: We’re more flexible in our expectations once the Moon enters Gemini at 6:26 a.m. on Saturday. This afternoon, Luna’s trines to Mars in Aquarius (4:15 p.m.) and the Sun in Libra (6:33 p.m.) create a short-term air grand trine, augmenting our idealism and objectivity. Tonight’s Sun–Jupiter semisquare at 8:10 p.m. yields benefits, if we can overcome a tendency to procrastinate.

100

We may have difficulty sorting dreams from reality on Sunday morning, due to a square between the Gemini Moon and Neptune at 7:59 a.m. But Luna quickly recovers, forming an intellectually stimulating trine aspect to Mercury in Libra just a half-hour later. The primary news of the day is Pluto’s station direct (18°45' Capricorn), which occurs at 7:03 p.m. As an appropriate farewell to the month, Pluto ends its retrograde phase and turns to look forward, anticipating the next level of transformation soon to unfold. © 2018 Pam Younghans – all rights reserved

Feb 14 2017

Solar Fire v8.1.2

Sag FM 617-1 - Natal Chart Pam Younghans is a professional astrologer, writer, and editor living in the Pacific

Date Time P1 Asp P2 Pos1personal and Pos2 Northwest. She offers relationSep 23 2018 9:45a ship º readings ‘ ¾ by 02°†47' 02°‰47' phone or Þ on Skype. PamÞ Sep 23 2018 10:31a also ¿ writes á à 01°Ý43' Œ e-forecast, 01°‰43' Þ a weekly astrology Sep 23 2018 6:29p the ºNorthPoint á ¼ Journal, 03°†26' Þ free 03°Š26' offered by sub-Þ Sep 24 2018 5:09a scription. ¸ ¦ Visit º http://www.northpointastrol -00°33' -00°33' Sep 24 2018 6:23a ogy.com  ¦ toÆlearn +03°20' +03°20' more about Pam’s work Sep 24 2018 8:01a orºto subscribe ’ É to 04°†26' Þ To schedule 04°„26'aŒ the journal. Sep 24 2018 12:08p reading, ¸ – e-mail ¿ pam@northpointastrology. 01°†40' Þ 01°Ý40' Œ Sep 25 2018 2:01a com ¸ or‘leave Ãa message 02°†14' Þ 445-3775. 02°‰14' Þ at (425) Sep 25 2018 6:19a º “ ½ 06°†04' Þ 21°‡04' Þ Sep 25 2018 4:50p ¸ ‘ ¾ 02°†51' Þ 02°‰51' Þ Sep 25 2018 5:11p Â ß ‹ 00°Ü00' Þ 00°Ü00' Þ Sep 25 2018 10:17p ¼ à É 04°Š10' Þ 04°„10' Œ Sep 26 2018 2:09a À — à 14°‹34' Œ 02°‰34' Þ Geocentric Aspects , Sep 26 2018 3:10a º ¦ ò -02°03' -02°03' ngresses Sep 26 2018 I3:26p º ,¦and Ä S tations -02°27' -02°27' Sep 26 2018 9:00p ¸ ’ É 04°†00' Þ 04°„00' Œ Pacific Daylight Sep 27 2018 1:20a ¾ ß Ã 02°‰53' Þ 02°‰53' Þ Sep 27 2018 2:19a º § Æ -02°48' +02°48' Sep 27 2018 2:39a » • Æ 09°‡32' Þ 09°†32' Þ Sep 27 2018 6:47a º • » 09°†36' Þ 09°‡36' Þ Sep 27 2018 7:18a º ß Æ 09°†38' Þ 09°†38' Þ Sep 27 2018 4:34p ¸ á ¼ 04°†48' Þ 04°Š48' Þ Sep 27 2018 4:56p º §  -03°16' +03°16' Sep 28 2018 2:03a ¸ ¦ ò -02°03' -02°03' Sep 28 2018 5:58a Ä § Æ -02°35' +02°35' Sep 28 2018 12:58p  ’ Å 29°‹52' Œ 29°Ý52' Þ Sep 29 2018 1:08a ¸ § Æ -02°26' +02°26' Sep 29 2018 2:43a º • Ä 12°†44' Þ 12°…44' Þ Sep 29 2018 7:26a à – É 03°‰39' Þ 03°„39' Œ Sep 29 2018 8:09a ¼ ¦ ¾ -22°45' -22°45' Sep 29 2018 4:43p Å ß ‚ 00°‚00' Þ 00°‚00' Þ Sep 29 2018 6:12p ¸ ¦ Ä -02°42' -02°42' Sep 29 2018 8:10p ¸ “ ½ 06°†54' Þ 21°‡54' Þ Sep 30 2018 3:21a º – À 14°†28' Þ 14°‹28' Œ Sep 30 2018 6:06a º § Å -05°12' +05°12' Sep 30 2018 12:02p º ” Å 15°†04' Þ 00°‚04' Þ Sep 30 2018 6:47p º — É 15°†33' Þ 03°„33' Œ Sep 30 2018 7:03p Á SÞ 18°‰45' Þ Sep 30 2018 11:42p Æ § ò +02°04' -02°04' Oct 1 2018 Oct 2 2018 Oct 2 2018 Oct 2 2018 Oct 2 2018 Oct 3 2018 Oct 3 2018 Oct 3 2018 Oct 3 2018 Oct 4 2018 Oct 4 2018 Oct 4 2018 Oct 4 2018 Oct 5 2018 Oct 5 2018

0:50a 2:48a 12:19p 5:03p 6:05p 2:05p 4:54p 6:35p 8:13p 4:31a 8:01a 7:50p 10:59p 6:38a 12:04p

¸ É À º º ¼ º ¸ É º ¸ Â » º »

§ SÞ à ‘ ¦ ¦ ˜ • SŒ — § § ¦ • SŒ

Â Ä Á À Á À » ¾ Å Ä ¼ ½

-03°12' 03°„31' Þ 14°‹24' Œ 18°†45' Þ -07°03' -22°05' 20°†23' Þ 10°†46' Þ 03°„32' Œ 21°†10' Þ -04°28' +03°08' -21°52' 22°†56' Þ 10°‡50' Œ

+03°12' 14°…24' Þ 18°‰45' Þ -07°03' -22°05' 14°‹23' Œ 10°‡46' Þ 03°‰10' Þ +04°28' -03°08' -21°52' 22°‡56' Þ

1/6th page tall ad (2.3” W x 4.75” H) and square ad (3.5” W x 3.5” H): colour and greyscale:

AUG. / SEPT. 2018

— 101

Black Luminaries

continued from p. 73

Conscious, which is taking place among a growing part of humanity now. In the same manner that classical scientific theories are unable to explain quantum reality, a horoscope without the Black Luminaries and other spiritual factors is unable to provide the insight necessary to clarify the processes taking place in cosmic awareness through the individual. Just as quantum physics has introduced a new dimension through which the scientific paradigm is changing into a holistic model, the Black Luminaries have shaped a new structure for astrology, incorporating universal Consciousness and Knowledge in the horoscope. The new spiritual factors are indispensable in the interpretation of the processes taking place in the new, Conscious human and in the new — hopefully — Conscious future. Chart Data and Sources “John,” January 4, 1956; 7:00 p.m. CET; Brielle, Netherlands (51°N54', 04°E10'); A: mother’s memory. “Jane,” December 4, 1976; 2:22 a.m. CET; Soesterberg, Netherlands (52°N07', 05°E17'); AA: birth certificate.

References and Notes 1. This phenomenon is mirrored in the investigations of so-called empty space in quantum physics, in which a calculation of the amount of virtual particles that make up the apparent vacuum reveals that it is “a ridiculously huge number — about 120 orders of magnitude too large. That much energy would literally blow the universe apart: Objects a few inches from us would be carried away to astronomical distances; the universe would literally double in size every 10–43 second, and it would keep doubling at that rate until all the vacuum energy was gone.” Tim Folger, “Nothingness of Space Could Illuminate the Theory of Everything,” from Discover Magazine: http://discovermagazine.com/2008/ aug/18-nothingness-of-space-theory-of-everything (accessed in May 2018). 2. See January 6, 2017 article by Ryan Whitwam at: https://www.extremetech. com/extreme/242220-chandra-observatory-spies-densest-ever-concentration -black-holes (accessed in April 2018).

102 —

THE MOUNTAIN ASTROLOGER

3. John Davis, The Diamond Approach: An Introduction to the Teachings of A. H. Almaas, Shambhala Publications, Inc., 1999. 4. Structural Astrology employs a dual rulership for each sign, and equates the function of the Black Moon for the metaphysical (unseen) planets with that of the Sun for the physical planets. Thus, the Sun and Black Moon rule Leo. A full discussion of the dual rulerships of Structural Astrology will be presented in my upcoming book. 5. In Structural Astrology, the orbs of aspects to the Black Luminaries are the same as those to other planets, although the latter are kept relatively small. For instance, the orbs for conjunctions, oppositions, and squares are usually no greater than 7 or 8 degrees; trines, 5°–6°; sextiles, 3°; inconjunctions, semi-squares, and sesquiquadrates, no more than 1°–2°. When the planets and Luminaries are involved in configurations, however, the orbs can be applied more flexibly, since they refer to the flow of energy and thus are not absolute or static. 6. The Lunar Nodal Cross includes squares to the nodal axis, termed the Dragon (northernmost declination) and the Beast (southernmost declination). 7. This is an example of the relaxation of “exact” orbs mentioned in Note 5 above: John’s Venus at 14° Aquarius is square Jane’s Moon at 12° Taurus and Mean Black Moon at 14° Taurus; her Mean Black Moon is conjunct her True Black Moon at 21° Taurus, and this in turn is square his Pluto at 28° Leo. © 2018 Charlotte Wenner – all rights reserved Although born in the U.S., where she began her study of astrology at 15, Charlotte Wenner has been living in the Netherlands since 1988. She acquired an accredited degree as Astrological Counselor and began her own practice in 2001. In 2006–08, she studied Structural Astrology with George Bode, and facilitated groups in this method from 2009 to 2012. Currently, she is an instructor in a four-year astrology program, Caelestis. Charlotte frequently gives lectures at various astrological associations, and publishes articles in Dutch astrology journals. In 2019, she intends to publish a book on Structural Astrology in English. Contact: [email protected]

Spirituality and Health_YLAD_7x4.625in_Layout 1 03/05/2018 15:55 Page 1

SHIPPED DIRECT FROM THE UNITED STATES

If you only read one spiritual book in your lifetime, make it

The JOSEPH Communications

YOUR LIFE AFTER DEATH

OBLIVION OR OPPORTUNITIES AND WONDERS... ...just what, precisely, awaits beyond physical death? Authored by ‘Joseph’ from an advanced reality ‘beyond the veil’, this internationally acclaimed book delivers arguably the most comprehensive, no-nonsense account ever written of what lies ahead upon leaving this world behind. Revealing, inspiring, comforting ...Your Life After Death dares to draw back the final curtain and demystify the mystery. Read it and you’ll never look at the next life, or, indeed, this one, in quite the same way again. Even though I am only half way into the book, I am already dreading the moment I will finish it. What a gift to humanity this is! Not enough stars in Amazon to give it true justice. Milena Albert (Amazon.com). The most informative spiritual book I’ve ever read. I like very much Joseph’s language - very clear and easy to understand. I highly recommend it. Malusa (Amazon.com) Never lend this book to anyone – you will never get it back! Mrs W J Cook.

$23.75

(inc. shipping & handling.) ALSO AVAILABLE IN THE JOSEPH COMMUNICATIONS SERIES: Revelation: who you are, why you’re here

$22.75 (inc. s&h)

Illumination: change yourself, change the world

$20.75 (inc. s&h)

the Fall: you were there, it's why you're here

$23.75 (inc. s&h)

From Here to Infinity: new perspectives on your life and world $23.75 (inc. s&h)

Available from: thejosephcommmunications.us or amazon.com or send check made payable to: The Band of Light Inc., to: 1930 Village Center Circle, #3-6568, Las Vegas, NV 89134 eBook versions available from

AUG. / SEPT. 2018

— 103

T i me P a s s a ge s A S T R O L O G Y

S O F T W A R E

For PC and Mac

The Software Pros Trust and Beginners Love

The acclaimed TimePassages Astrology Software is an incredible tool for both beginners and professionals alike. Whether you are studying astrology and using the point and click interpretations to learn more, or you are a seasoned veteran in need of all the bells and whistles, TimePassage has got you covered. Bringing the wisdom of the stars to your fingertips since 1995.

”TimePassages has to be one of the best astrology programs available today. Its graphics are superb, its content accurate and excellently presented. I highly recommend TimePassages.” -Alan Oken, Author & Astrologer

T i m e P a s s a g e s for iPhone Intuitive Astrology in the Palm of Your Hand The powerful engine behind our desktop software has been fully re-imagined to fit in the palm of your hand. Loaded with user-friendly features, including current configurations, daily horoscopes, transits, progressions, comparison charts, and compatibility meter, with full interpretations of all planetary placements and aspects. Now astrology can go wherever you do!

With over 500 five-star reviews, here’s what our customers are saying: “…incredibly thorough, accurate and WORTH every penny of the price!” “I adore this app. I check my daily horoscope and future transits almost every day!” “I have long dreamed of an astrology watch I could just look at to know what’s what at any time. This app is beyond that. The ease of use and convenience are already exceeding my expectations. Thank you!”

Download a Free Demo Today! WWW.ASTROGRAPH.COM