Category Archives: About astrology

Saturday Extra: 13th Sign of the Zodiac

Neith has pointed out recently that Scorpio’s healing properties often are ignored, which prompted me to write this little explanation for Saturday Extra.

Ophiuchus

The zodiac is comprised of twelve constellations on the ecliptic, the path the Sun takes as it appears to move through the sky from our perspective here on Earth. There is, however, a thirteenth constellation on the ecliptic, Ophiuchus, the serpent bearer. When the ancient Greeks came up with the tropical zodiac system, they excluded Ophiuchus and Continue reading →

Weekly Forecast November 10: Full Moon in Taurus/Scorpio, Venus and Mars Change Signs

Walking a tightropeThere’s a lot going on this week, and no matter what your Sun or Rising sign is, you’ll feel a shift.

We’re still in the wake of the Saturn-Uranus opposition, a long-term aspect with far-reaching consequences. The effects are going to take a couple of years to shake out. The challenge here is to walk the fine line between making much-needed changes in your life and being practical and grounded.

Throughout the week, major aspects will release the energy of this opposition, much the same way that an earthquake releases pent-up earth energy. Most of these aspects are positive, and I’m hopeful that this will help tip the balance in favor of maximum change while keeping within tolerable bounds the disruptions that inevitably come with that change.

On Monday and Tuesday, the Sun in Scorpio makes favorable aspects to both Saturn and Uranus, along with Jupiter, which currently is sitting at a near-exact sextile to Uranus and trine to Saturn. Jupiter, a benevolent influence somewhat tempered by his residence in Capricorn, moves into an exact sextile with Uranus on Thursday and trines Saturn next week. Growth starts in your head; what you think and what you believe, both about yourself and the world, can limit your possibilities. New doorways will appear, but to see them, you may have to be ruthless in examining errors in your thinking.

On Wednesday (late Tuesday in later time zones), Venus conjoins Pluto in the last degree of Sagittarius before moving into Capricorn several hours later. Depending on where this conjunction falls in your chart, you may become obsessive or possessive about something or someone. The feelings themselves may be fleeting, but don’t discount deeper, underlying motivations. It all flows into better self-understanding.

Also on Wednesday, the Moon in Taurus amplifies the Saturn-Uranus opposition and forms a grand earth trine with Jupiter and Saturn, providing still more cosmic support for keeping an even keel while abruptly changing course, if necessary.

Thursday is the Full Moon, with Sun in Scorpio and Moon in Taurus (the Full Moon always falls in the sign opposite the position of Sun). Neith has written a full report already, and she also noted that this is the start of Day 6 of the Galactic Underworld (according to Calleman; I’ll have more on this in a day or two over on The Pisces Chronicles). Not only will this Full Moon activate events of the current eclipse series, but it marks a major shift in planetary energy.

Mercury squares Chiron on Friday, calling attention to our deepest wounds. This is never comfortable, but it is a necessary part of the healing process. Accepting the pain, even for an hour or two, will do you more good than resorting to your favorite painkiller, be it an actual drug or escapist behavior.

The Moon enters Cancer on Saturday and, along with Mercury, keeps the energy of the Saturn-Uranus opposition in full flux for the entire weekend. Add to that the entry of Mars in dynamic Sagittarius, and we’re all in for a wild ride. I’ll have more on Mars in Sag in next week’s forecast.

To sum up, if you’re overwhelmed and feeling a sense of inner chaos, so is everyone else, and this is not a bad thing. We’re all ready for change, and this is a necessary phase.

Much courage and love to all…

Aquarius, the sign of astrologyPat

Image: World High Wire Championships in Seoul, South Korea, in October 2008. Photo by Lee Jin-man for the AP.

Full Moon in Taurus, November 12-13, 2008

 Full Moon in Taurus is here
The Full Moon on November 13 (late November 12 on the West Coast of the United States and points west) is a powerhouse at 21° 15′ Taurus, opposite the Sun in Scorpio. Neptune in Aquarius exactly squares both luminaries, creating a turbulent atmosphere with many unfolding possibilities.

Neptune stationed direct on November 2 but will remain at 21° until mid-December. As usual, we have a choice between using the tenacity of the fixed-sign T-square to cling to our illusions or to start manifesting the changes we need to continue down the path to becoming our authentic selves.

With Mars in Scorpio conjunct the Sun, this may be the time to start unearthing long-buried anger issues and allowing the light of the Sun to help us find the key to unraveling these. Stress abatement can be a prelude to better overall health, and unresolved anger and resentment are definitely sources of stress. Scorpio does not receive the acclaim it deserves as a healer, especially of wounds relating to suppressed rage. The tension created by the 90° aspect can be very useful in prodding us to finally do something, and Neptune in its highest expression represents unlimited compassion and acceptance, providing balm to emotions (the Moon) and self-image (the Sun).

There is a second T-square in this chart with the waning Saturn-Uranus opposition as the base and Pallas in Gemini at the apex. Pallas in Gemini is razor-sharp with words, and it may be a good idea to count to ten before expressing the frustration of dealing with the results of the Saturn-Uranus opposition. By the Full Moon, those of us who got hit by this opposition will be well aware of the challenges it has and will create in our lives. Here, the tension of the T-square brings out the warrior goddess side of Pallas-Athena. Slaying those around us with words is not likely to accomplish much, even though it may feel good in the moment.

Ameliorating the harshness of the two T-squares is a grand trine in earth between the Moon in Taurus, Saturn in Virgo, and Jupiter in Capricorn. This pattern features the practical but comforting side of earth and is celebrated by an emphasis on quality rather than quantity. Prepare your favorite comfort food, put on some relaxing music, and see if you can find someone to give you a good foot massage to help ease the turmoil and tension swirling around. This pattern also favors those willing to eat their vegetables first and then enjoy dessert.

An innovative aspect is the trine between Uranus in Pisces and the Sun and Mercury in Scorpio. This is an excellent time to take on a research project that requires digging deep to get all the facts and to think outside the box. Scorpio delights in gathering data and compiling it behind the scenes before presenting the finished product to a properly awed audience.

Venus, having moved into Capricorn the day before, is trine Ceres in Virgo. These two combine to offer support and nurturance with little fanfare but a great deal of class. Don’t be surprised if you opt for elegance and simplicity in buying for your home or wardrobe.

The Sabian symbol for 22 Taurus is, White dove flying over troubled waters, with the keyword GUIDANCE. Here we find reassurance by maintaining perspective and seeking inner quiet during times of emotional upheaval. As the Saturn-Uranus opposition cycle is beginning to unfold, this is important to hold in your heart and mind.

For the Sun at 22 Scorpio, the Sabian symbol is, Hunters shooting wild ducks, with the keywords SOCIALIZATION OF INSTINCTS. The Sun conjunct Mars in Scorpio in this chart is far more socialized in the expression of aggressive instincts than, say, Mars in Aries. Scorpio is inclined to weight the consequences before taking action and is very controlled and contained in expression for a martial sign.

Shining light on Neptune’s illusions and Saturn’s doubts and fears can help lessen the impact of those tendencies in our lives. We always have the choice of acknowledging our darker aspects within and forgiving ourselves our shortcomings, but no one will hold our feet to the fire and force us to do so – barring a major Pluto transit, of course. For all those who just want a lighter atmosphere, Mars will be moving into Sagittarius on November 16 and the Sun will follow him on November 21. Hang in there and practice kindness!

Libra with Scorpio risingposted by Neith . . .

Ask Real Astrologers: Pisces Feels Like a Fish out of Water

This week’s question comes from Stephanie in Minneapolis:

I have Sun, Moon, and Mercury in Pisces, with the rest of the planets in Capricorn and Taurus. Is there anything interesting off the bat about this combination and could the three planets in Pisces be why I feel so awkward and out of place most of the time?

Aquarius expounds . . .

Pat’s response:

Stephanie, there is nothing unusual about having three planets in Pisces, especially not when those three include the Sun and Mercury, which often are in the same sign. The Sun and Moon in the same sign indicates that you were born near a New Moon, which also is not uncommon.

However, you do have a very unusual chart, and it is easy to see why you feel “different” and out of place.

First of all, you were born during an exceptional period in 1988 and 1989, when Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune were conjunct in Capricorn. Events happened in these years that literally were earth-shaking. So you are part of a generation born into rapid change. Young people your age are starting to come into their own now, and I’m seeing an increasing interest in astrology as you seek to understand your special place and the gifts you bring to the world. In some regard, you are all “different.”

Still, that doesn’t account for your specific feelings, which I would attribute to two things in your chart. First, you have Uranus near your Ascendant. Uranus is the “oddball” of our solar system, and those with strong Uranus in their charts tend not to fit into anyone’s mold. This is also true of Aquarius, the sign ruled by Uranus in modern astrology.

Second, your Ascendant is at 27 degrees Sagittarius, which is the Galactic Core, the center of our galaxy. I’ve written quite a bit on my blog, The Pisces Chronicles, about Pluto’s recent conjunction with the GC, which will provide you with some information about the signficance of this point in space. People with Sun, Ascendant, or other key planets on the GC often have uncommon psychic abilities. These can take many forms, and they can make you feel apart from others who don’t have these capabilities.

We don’t have the space in this forum to go into any depth. I strongly suggest that you get a complete reading with an astrologer you feel comfortable with, as astrology is one of the best tools there is to get to know yourself.

Thanks for writing, and many blessings to you.

Libra ponders . . .
Neith’s response:

Steph, what struck me when I looked at your chart was while all your planets are in either earth or water signs, your Ascendant and Midheaven are in fire and air, respectively. What this can mean is the way others see you in the world has little in common with your private persona and may contribute to your sense of feeling awkward.

Any person with a preponderance of earth and water will be at home with their feminine side and will need to consciously learn to cultivate “masculine” qualities such as being assertive and direct. For you, learning more about your Sagittarius Rising and how this forthright fire sign operates will help you. I realize Pluto in Sagittarius transiting your Ascendant in 2006 and 2007 may have been a crash course, but sometimes Pluto transits are so overwhelming that it takes time to process them.

When Pluto entered Capricorn in January of this year, it conjoined your natal Uranus in Capricorn in your first house. This transit repeats at the end of November. This is an excellent transit to claim your unique appearance and manner and tell the rest of the world to go hang! Pluto transits to the first house teach us lessons in becoming aware of our personal power and of our authentic selves.

Good luck and always keep in mind the power of earth and water . . . think volcanoes and tidal waves!

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Astrology Poll: How do you feel about Scorpio?

This week’s poll is about the sign of the month, Scorpio.

Online Surveys & Market Research

Scorpio is a sign that attracts strong reactions and is often misunderstood. Since they tend to be reserved as a group and enjoy their reputation as the sexy, strong, silent types, the tremendous amount of good they do can be overlooked. Those in the healing professions often have a strong Scorpio signature in their charts for instance. To be sure, the Scorpio “sting” is something to be reckoned with but in many cases it has to do with Scorpio’s lack of tolerance for foolish behaviors. On the other hand, Scorpio is noted for being loyal to their friends and loved ones.

Hey, as many of you know I’m a Libra Sun person with a strong Scorpio rising so in interests of fairness (Libra) I have to stand up for my Scorpio brethren! Anyone else have thoughts and opinions about Scorpio?

Libra with Scorpio risingposted by Neith . . .

Weekly Forecast November 3: Saturn Opposite Uranus

The castration of Uranus by Saturn
The big news this week is the opposition between Saturn in Virgo and Uranus in Pisces, which is exact on Tuesday.

The main reason this aspect is so challenging, both individually and collectively, is that the energies represented by these two planets are diametrically opposed. Saturn is about structure, tradition, limitations, and all that is concrete and tangible, whereas the energy of Uranus is erratic, chaotic, innovative, and unconventional, with a spark of creative genius that can’t be contained. Pit these two opposite each other, and you have a classic tug-of-war between the urge to maintain the status quo and an urgent need for change.

On Monday, the Moon in Capricorn conjoins Jupiter and aspects both Saturn and Uranus, further increasing the intensity of this opposition. We may experience specific events related to Saturn and Uranus, but keep in mind that the effects of a long-term outer aspect like this last for months, and you no doubt have already bumped up against a situation that will persist for the next couple of years.

Also on Monday, Venus squares Saturn and Uranus, reminding us to try to see the bigger picture instead of choosing sides.

Tuesday is Election Day in the United States, and the Saturn-Uranus opposition has a clear role not only in the election itself but in the new administration. To our foreign readers (Real Astrologers has readers in 110 countries around the world), I wish to say, as I’ve written elsewhere, that I don’t believe the United States is so important that we set the standards for the rest of the world. Events in the next four years were set in motion long ago, and we are simply a player in that unfolding drama, which is taking place on the world stage, not just here at home.

I’ve posted an expanded version of this forecast on my personal blog, The Pisces Chronicles, and Neith and I will be writing more about Saturn and Uranus for those who are interested.

That would be enough intensity for one week, but there’s more. Indeed, November is shaping up to be a tumultuous month. For those who have felt stuck in a rut, this will be a good thing, but change typically isn’t easy, especially when it happens suddenly and swiftly.

On Monday, Mars squares Neptune at 21 degrees Scorpio and Aquarius. There will be a lunar eclipse next February at 21 degrees Aquarius, one of an ongoing series of eclipses in Aquarius and Leo that began last February and will continue until August 2009. You already know how this energy is playing out in your life, so just be prepared for developments this week that aren’t likely to be very pleasant.

On Tuesday, Mercury sextiles Pluto before entering Scorpio, the sign that Pluto rules. Rather than trying to banish obsessive thoughts, follow them down into those dark places and fearlessly shine light on them. This is how enlightenment happens.

The Moon is in Aquarius on Wednesday and Thursday, amplifying the dreamy and psychic energy of Neptune, who’s just yawning and stretching as he returns direct. On Saturday, the Moon in Pisces conjoins Uranus and opposes Saturn, and once again we’ll be painfully aware of the tension.

Much courage and love to all…

Aquarius, the sign of astrologyPat

Image: The Defeat of Uranus by Saturn, by Giorgio Vasari and Gherardi Christofano, 16th century, Palazzo Vecchio, Florence. I’ve used this frightening image before, but I’m repeating it, because it so beautifully illustrates the Saturn-Uranus opposition.

Saturday Archives: Ceres as Ruler of Virgo

Ceres Fresco by Cosimo Tura, 1469-70.

Ceres Fresco by Cosimo Tura, 1469-70.

On Monday, Ceres enters Virgo. Just as Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto rule signs in modern astrology, some astrologers believe Ceres should be the modern ruler of Virgo. I am one of them. Here is an article on the topic from my archives (edited for length).

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Astrologers got a little huffy when Pluto was demoted to “dwarf planet,” but otherwise, it’s been business as usual. The technical reclassification hasn’t changed the way we view Pluto.

Not so with Ceres and Eris. In the case of the latter, we’re bending our brains pondering how this newly discovered planet with radically different mythology should fit into our practice. We’ll be grappling with that one for several years, I’m sure.

Of the three, Ceres merits the most immediate attention. Although many astrologers have been using her in chart analysis along with the other asteroid goddesses, she’s now no longer just another asteroid. She has been promoted to Pluto’s equal, and that means she’s about to go mainstream. She’ll likely get a sign to co-rule. Taurus has been suggested as a possibility, but Virgo is emerging as the logical choice.

Ceres was thought to be a planet when she was discovered in 1801 and was later classified as an asteroid, only to be promoted to the new dwarf planet status last year. In addition to being discovered before Neptune and Pluto, she’s also much closer to the Earth. The asteroid belt lies between Mars and Jupiter, meaning that she’s on the boundary between the so-called “personal planets” and the outer planets. This fits nicely with her mythology and with what I believe is the real significance of Ceres in astrology.

To quickly recap the Ceres myth, Ceres was the Roman goddess of the harvest. Her Greek counterpart was Demeter. Ceres had a lovely daughter named Proserpina, the Greek Persephone (so it’s technically incorrect to talk about Ceres and Persephone, although most of us do it).

As you may remember, Demeter and Persephone were out one fine spring day roaming the fields, when the earth split open, and out leapt Hades (the Roman Pluto) in his chariot. Bewitched by Persephone’s beauty, he stole her off to the underworld to be his wife. Demeter searched high and low for her daughter and finally appealed to Zeus, who knew what had happened. Enraged, Demeter demanded her daughter back. Hermes (Mercury), the only god who could come and go freely to the underworld, was dispatched with a message that it was time for Persephone to come home. Hades being Hades, you can guess what his response was.

Grieving for her lost child, Demeter stopped taking care of the plant life, also with predictable results. Zeus was forced to send an edict to Hades, but because Persephone had eaten food in the underworld – Hades had been feeding her pomegranates – she could not return permanently to earth. The compromise was that she’d spend half the year above and half the year below. During the part of the year that Persephone was in Hades, Demeter was so depressed that nothing grew. Ostensibly, this is the mythology of the seasons.

Of all the gods and goddesses, Ceres alone went up against Pluto and won. She didn’t get everything she wanted, but even a compromise with the Lord of the Underworld was a major victory. How symbolic is it, then, that she now gets equal status with him as a special-category planet?

Aquarius, the sign of astrologyPosted by Pat

Image: Ceres, an allegory for August, from a fresco designed by Cosimo Tura, 1469-1470. The Sun begins its tour through Virgo in late August.

Ask Real Astrologers: Am I at Risk on These Dates?

This week’s question comes from Maggie in Christchurch, New Zealand:

I have recently felt drawn to “watch where I am walking,” so I started looking into transits, in particular my transits. I have yet to decide if this is a good thing or not. … My concern is this: There have been a few dates that have stood out as being “risky” in that I see the potential for an accident or illness. Being a single mother of five, I believe being forewarned is being forearmed. On December 22, there will be Sun conjunct Mars and Pluto, Mercury trine Saturn, Venus conjunct Neptune and Chiron, and Saturn conjunct Uranus. … Other dates of concern are December 10, 11, and 15. Am I reading too much into these transits, or am I being prudent? Your advice is deeply appreciated.

Libra ponders . . .
Neith’s response:

Hi Maggie, first I’d like to thank you for your kind words about Real Astrologers and what Pat and I are doing here. It’s always a pleasure to get great feedback from our readers.

What I see as an issue for you is how all your Aries planets are being contained, as it were, by other planets and signs. With your ruling planet Mars in “steady as she goes” Taurus semi-sextile to Saturn in Aries, you are less assertive than most Aries people. However with your North Node in Aries conjunct your Sun and Mercury, being assertive and a self-starter are right and proper for you. Having your Venus conjunct Saturn in the first house and Pisces Rising can present an image to the world at large of a rather subdued personality and lead people you meet to underestimate your naturally spirited self.

The first transit of Saturn conjunct your natal Pluto in Virgo is likely weighing on you now, and when it is exact in the last half of November, you will get an idea of issues you will be dealing with over the next year. However, natal Pluto is part of a grand trine with Mars and the Moon, so you may find this Saturn transit will open new doors relating to your career goals. Keep in mind that Saturn always demands we work for his rewards and you will be fine.

Honestly, I believe all Mars transits for you are more in the nature of a wake-up call to be true to your Aries self. Yes, Mars can make us irritable and feisty, but for Aries people that is a challenge not a threat! My suggestion would be to start celebrating your Aries and surprise a few people.

Aquarius expounds . . .

Pat’s response:

Maggie, I can understand why you might be concerned by the transits you are about to experience, but I also can tell you that one of the hazards of being an astrologer is that we can be our own worst enemy when it comes to looking at our own charts!

You will learn as you advance your studies in astrology that the biggest question we face is how a particular energy will manifest. There are nearly unlimited possibilities. This is especially true for complex transits with more than one planet involved.

Like you, I have Uranus in the seventh house close to the Descendant, and what often happens with transits to my natal Uranus is that my relationships are disrupted in some way. That said, there is no reason not to exercise some extra caution around that time. A few years back, during a “risky” Mars transit, I ran across the highway in high-heeled boots, fell, and sprained my ankle. You can hardly blame Mars for that, can you? As an astrologer, I should have been the first to stop myself from doing such a stupid thing, which would have been imprudent at any time.

The good thing about Mars transits is that they don’t last long. The bigger issue I see for you is that you are having your Uranus half-return with transiting Saturn and Uranus in opposition. Normally during the Uranus half-return — also known as the midlife crisis — we break out of routines and situations that have prevented us from being our authentic selves. It’s common to shock our friends and family with our behavior during this transit, as they don’t understand why we’re doing such radical things. But for you, it’s a necessary part of your personal growth.

With Saturn inhibiting this energy, you may encounter more pressure than usual by people who want you to stay where you are because it’s in their best interest. When we suppress our growth to please others, that energy sometimes does spill over as an accident or illness in order to get our attention. I would definitely take Neith’s advice to heart and let your Aries out to play.

Best of luck to you!

Got a quick question? Click here to contact Ask Real Astrologers. Reminder: Please remember to tell us where you’re located!

Ask Our Readers: The Saturn-Uranus Opposition

Next Tuesday (November 4), the first of five Saturn-Uranus oppositions will be exact at 18° on the Virgo-Pisces axis. I’ve received a sharp reminder that this is an aspect to be reckoned with.

A few days ago, a routine delivery of heating oil turned into a huge mess in short order. We are now in the process of cleanup, and a complete return to normalcy has yet to be determined. In my chart, Uranus is transiting my fourth house and Saturn my tenth, and the opposition is triggering my natal Mars-Uranus inconjunct.

So, anyone else starting to see the effects of this opposition in their charts and lives?

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I also want to express my heartfelt appreciation for all the truly amazing stories you have been willing to share about Pluto transits and the subsequent profound rearranging of your lives. Part of the reason Pat and I started Real Astrologers was to provide an opportunity for this kind of sharing, because this is how we all learn more about ourselves and astrology.

Libra with Scorpio risingposted by Neith . . .

Weekly Forecast October 27: New Moon in Scorpio, Neptune Direct

spider-web.jpgThis week, we celebrate Halloween, Samhain, Day of the Dead, All Saints, and various permutations that are all linked to the symbolism of Scorpio and its ruler, Pluto.

To our readers in the Southern Hemisphere, I apologize, because this is all backwards for you. But for us here in the North, we’re heading into shorter days and into the part of the yearly cycle when plant life is dead and rotting back into the ground. It is our time to turn inward and to allow certain parts of ourselves to die so that we can be regenerated at the beginning of the new cycle.

Not coincidentally, this is the time of year when the veil between the worlds lifts, and many of us become psychic, even those who normally aren’t. Pay attention this week to your dreams and flashes of intuition, especially around the New Moon on Tuesday. As usual, Neith has written a complete report, so I won’t elaborate here. I will add only that this is a great time to think about where you want to go and what you want to become, and to visualize yourself there.

Mars, the traditional ruler of Scorpio before Pluto was discovered in 1930, is powerfully placed in Scorpio this week and makes several aspects to other planets, starting with Chiron and Jupiter on Monday. The square with Chiron could be biting, but the sextile with Jupiter provides energy for manifesting immediate needs. This is not pie-in-the-sky stuff, but down-to-earth and measured. Often what we want and what we need are two different things, and we can be lured toward the former to our detriment.

As I write, we’re already feeling the influence of Tuesday’s New Moon, which we’ll feel equally as strongly on Wednesday, as the Moon carries the energy of this lunation to Jupiter, Mars, Saturn, and Uranus throughout the day. Expect to feel ripples from this lunation through Friday.

Also on Wednesday, Mercury trines Neptune, the third and final pass in a three-part aspect that began around the time Mercury went retrograde in late September. We’re still thinking and talking about the same relationship issues, only now we can begin to make big progress and move beyond the obstacles that were hanging us up. Neptune is stationed in preparation for returning direct on Saturday after his annual five-month retreat, making this a powerful time for healing.

On Thursday and Friday, Mars triggers the opposition between Saturn and Uranus, which is exact next week. If you’ve been nervous and anxious about this aspect, you should start getting a clue now as to how it’s going to play out for you. Also, watch the news headlines, as this is one of those aspects that strongly affects the collective.

On Friday, Venus sextiles Chiron, which is not a major influence, but it is a healing energy nonetheless, and every little bit helps.

Love and blessings to all,

Aquarius, the sign of astrologyPat

Image: Spider web in Tagelswangen, Switzerland. Photo by Steffen Schmidt, AP.