Category Archives: About astrology

Ellen DeGeneres, Quirky Aquarius

Ellen DeGeneres at her casual best  Ellen DeGeneres recently picked up her fourth Daytime Emmy for hosting her own TV show with humor and style. An Aquarius born January 26, 1958, Ellen has combined the charm of her Venus-Sun conjunction in Aquarius with an innate zaniness amplified by the opposition of Uranus, Aquarius’s ruler.

Playing host to a wide variety of celebrities and others comes easy to Ellen with Jupiter conjunct Neptune in her eleventh house. The eleventh house falls under the aegis of Aquarius, her Sun sign, expanding her ability to relate to a broad cross-section of humanity and see them as kindred spirits. The Jupiter-Neptune combination can act as a mirror for her viewers, allowing them to project their expectations of Ellen as a genial host to all and sundry.

Her Sagittarius Ascendant contributes to her sense of comedic timing and her relaxed sense of style – she almost always wears tennis shoes with everything from jeans to a tux. Mars and Saturn are conjunct in Sagittarius in the first house and give her the drive and energy needed to achieve her goals.

Ellen has been able to use all of her differences and natural quirkiness to her advantage. She was the first woman to play an openly lesbian character on TV in April 1997. At the same time, she disclosed that she was a lesbian in her personal life. Her Moon is in adventurous Aries supported by a trine from Mars and Saturn, giving her a strong sense of independence.

Conversely, her Mercury in conventional Capricorn squares her Moon, so she may have difficulty expressing how she feels, especially to those close to her.

Ellen also is making headline news for her impending marriage to her longtime significant other, Portia de Rossi. Portia is a fellow Aquarian, with Uranus aspecting her Venus-Jupiter conjunction. It is no surprise she, too, is willing to publicly express her individuality. Ellen and Portia both have Mars in Sagittarius within a few degrees, contributing to their compatibility. It’s a safe bet to say that life is never boring around these two.

Saturn in Virgo will be transiting Ellen’s Midheaven in the latter half of this year, then will move back and forth over it before moving deeper into her tenth house. It is likely she will continue to focus time and energy on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” and most likely pick up a fifth Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Talk Show in 2009.

Ellen DeGeneres Natal Chart

Libra hereposted by Neith . . .

Real Astrologers Weekly Poll: What are you interested in?

I got to wondering what type of posts you, our readers, would be most interested in reading more of so this week’s poll addresses that.

Opinion Polls & Market Research

Results of the Previous Poll

You overwhelmingly choose using the natal chart to better understand yourself. In fact, making plans according to the planets came in a very distant second and the other two options barely even got selected at all.

Most of us start learning about astrology from the study of our own chart and the charts of friends and family. Once we learn enough to see astrology really does work, the fascination grows. Astrology has been described as both an art and a science and this is true in my experience.
__________________________________________________________________________

**We need more questions to answer, so send them to us! Please keep them brief and to the point. Thanks!

Click here to contact Ask Real Astrologers.

Libra loves beautyposted by Neith . . .

Weekly Forecast June 23: Sun in Cancer, Uranus Retrograde

Neith's irisThe general tone is overall a lot more relaxed this week, with the Sun in homebody Cancer, Uranus turning retrograde, and not a whole lot else going on. Finally, we can catch our collective breath.

The week begins with the Moon in Aquarius, conjunct Neptune and opposite Mars. We may get a brief revisit of issues or events that cropped up during last week’s Mars-Neptune opposition. As Mars was approaching opposition to Neptune last weekend, I spilled an entire pot of piping hot clam chowder on myself. Fortunately, I was wearing an apron and didn’t get burned. I also heard a report of a fire onboard a boat last weekend. Just try to be careful and keep your mind on what you’re doing.

Mercury is direct but still a little slow at the beginning of the week, and he’s in the post-retrograde shadow period until July 4. I’m getting reports that some of you are still having difficulties with communications problems that began in the pre-retrograde shadow phase. I hate to have to report this, but you may have to endure some mild-to-moderate frustration for another couple of weeks. Astro-Twitter, which began having problems in the shadow phase, still isn’t back up and running, so I’m using this as our “canary in the mine” (Neith’s line; I can’t take credit for it).

On Tuesday, the Sun in Cancer sextiles Saturn in Virgo, emphasizing service and health-related issues, especially regarding diet and the food supply. Watch the headlines for news involving these topics.

The Moon conjoins Uranus in Pisces on Wednesday, the day before Uranus turns retrograde. Aquarius, Rising Aquarius, and Rising Pisces will feel this, along with anyone who has transiting Uranus at a critical point in their charts. Things to look for will be a drop or wild fluctuations in your energy level. I always tell my clients to monitor their caffeine and alcohol intake during this shift, because it may affect you differently than it usually does.

Once Uranus turns retrograde, all of the outer planets except Saturn will be in retreat until early September, when Jupiter and Pluto return direct. Because the outer planets spend so much of the year retrograde, it’s not an uncommon event for several of them to retrograde at once, so I don’t see much significance in this, in and of itself. That said, if you have more than one outer planet in aspect to personal planets or key chart points, you might want to consider getting a transit reading. Neith and I both do them.

May we all have a restful week…

Love and blessings,
Aquarius, the sign of astrologyPat

Image:  Photo by Neith. Irises have a long history in symbolism and are associated with death, particularly with transporting women’s souls to the afterlife. Irises are a main feature in the 14th key of the Tarot, which corresponds to Sagittarius.

Ask Real Astrologers: Pluto on Progressed Ascendant

This week’s question comes from Fumi in the UK:

My Progressed Ascendant is going to be conjunct the full moon in Sagittarius in June, and transiting Pluto is going to retrograde back to and station on my Progressed Ascendant. My Progressed AC will also trine my progressed Uranus. I would like to know your opinion of what this is all likely to mean.

I also have my progressed Jupiter conjunct my progressed 2nd house cusp, as well as transiting Pluto trining my natal and progressed Uranus. After Pluto’s intense 12-year period in Sagittarius, I am seriously meditating on bringing about a major positive breakthrough in my affairs in total.

Libra ponders . . .

Neith’s answer:

Fumi, the experience of Pluto conjunct the Ascendant, whether progressed or natal, often has to do with becoming aware of how we express power and control over our environment and the people in it. Pluto transited your natal Ascendant from 1994 to 1995, during which you went through the first phase of learning these lessons.

Now, as Pluto is finishing his stay in Sagittarius, I suspect that you are in the final stages of assimilating what he has to teach. As one who has been down this road (I also have Scorpio Rising), I found the key is staying neutral and not diving into the nearest power struggle, because it’s very easy to become lost in the obsessions that way.

Since Jupiter rules your Sun, the progressed Ascendant, and Pluto in Sagittarius, I can see why you are paying attention to these transits! You are right in feeling that you are on the verge of a major breakthrough. The key may be doing your best to avoid placing specific expectations on what that will be. With Uranus forming trines, it will be easier to find the path of least resistance to your destination.

If I may make a suggestion on how to maintain a sense of centeredness, it would be to practice some type of moving meditation like Tai Chi. Sagittarius folk do better in motion than sitting still.

Aquarius expounds . . .

Pat’s Answer:

Fumi, I tend to look at transits to the natal chart first – just as I rely on the 10 planets (yes, Pluto is one) before exploring Chiron, the asteroids, lunar nodes, and other factors that I consider as supplemental information. If the basics don’t reveal what we need to know, then I start exploring beyond them. Put another way, I don’t use the progressed chart to explain things that are readily apparent in transits to the natal chart.

Since Pluto already has crossed your natal Ascendant, my take is that you’ve already been there, done that (as Neith suggests) and that you’re moving on to new lessons. These lessons have to do with what you value. Material assets are one component of your resources, so changing how you go about managing your resources is part of this transformation.

I also see that Pluto is squaring your natal Moon. He got close earlier this year but went retrograde before making a direct connection. That will happen early next year. All the power struggle issues that Neith describes will be evident in your life, and then some…

As for Jupiter, he has been in your natal second house since late November 2007, and Jupiter and Pluto conjoined in this important financial sector of your chart on December 11. Many people I know, myself included, experienced a breakthrough related to this transit, but it didn’t happen until months later, due to all the complicating planetary aspects that were happening at the time (Mars out of bounds and retrograde, for one).

With Jupiter in practical Capricorn, it makes all the more sense that you are building a strong material foundation. The Big Guy currently is retrograde but turns direct with Pluto on September 8. Major breakthroughs are possible after this date, so use this energy well. 

Thanks for writing, and best of luck to you!

Got a question for Neith and Pat? Click here to contact Ask Real Astrologers.

Summer Solstice June 20, 2008

mid-summer evening light

The summer solstice is the moment when the Sun enters Cancer. It’s the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere; the longest night in the Southern Hemisphere.

A chart cast for this moment gives us a sense of the tone for the next six months. Because Cancer is ruled by the Moon, the aspects to the Moon in the solstice chart are important. Here, we find the Moon in late Capricorn widely conjunct Jupiter. The Moon is also part of a Yod with Mars in Leo at the apex. Uranus in Pisces is sextile the Moon and is the other planet forming the base of the Yod. The base planets combine to give us innovation and optimism, somewhat at odds with the energetic element in flamboyant Leo. Pursuing creative projects is encouraged, but at the same time, waiting for definitive results before going public is also recommended.

Mars also opposes Neptune, and this aspect underlines the possibility that we will be less than clear about our goals and desires. Neptune can be very high-minded while at the same time being a little weak in the facts department. With Pluto back in Sagittarius and widely trine Mars, the urge to push ahead will be great. Be very careful to double-check all pertinent information before moving ahead with plans.

On the positive side, we have a lovely sextile between Venus, Ceres, and the Sun in Cancer and Saturn in Virgo. Healing, nurturing, and promoting healthy lifestyle changes are all favored and well worth putting energy behind now. Thankfully that rascal Mercury is direct in Gemini, giving mental clarity a boost.

Overall, the path most likely to bring good fortune is to stay with a modest approach rather then trumpeting one’s virtues to all and sundry. There is support for thoughtful, creative ventures benefiting the group as a whole rather than the individual. Being kind is always a good practice and usually generates goodwill. Remember to take time to nurture yourself, too.

Libra loves beautyposted by Neith . . .

Our poll will appear next week . . .

Full Moon in Sagittarius, June 18-19, 2008

Full Moon in JuneThe Full Moon at 28 degrees Sagittarius on June 18 is a powerful one, as it occurs in conjunction with Pluto, recently returned to the sign of the Archer on his retrograde path. Whether on a personal or global scale, the Full Moon-Pluto conjunction ushers in a time of change for many of us, especially those with key planets or chart angles in the late mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces).

Uranus in Pisces forms a T-square with the Full Moon axis, emphasizing the need to clear away the deadwood from our lives. Mars in Leo is still close to the South Node and opposes Chiron and Neptune on the North Node. This ties into the cleansing theme, but because the elements are in harmony with the Full Moon, we may be able to exercise some grace in the manner we choose to do our “housecleaning.”

With fire and air leading the way, there is bound to be lots of discussion of what needs to happen. Jupiter and Saturn are in earth signs, so we have some grounding available but not as much as we had during the Full Moons in May. Be aware that our time for talking will come to an end by the next Full Moon in Capricorn on July 18, when Mars will be in incisive Virgo instead of playful Leo and actions will speak louder than words.

Because Jupiter rules Sagittarius, the minor aspects he is making with the nodal axis may prove to have more impact than usual. Jupiter in Capricorn is semi-sextile the North Node and Chiron in Aquarius and inconjunct Mars on the South Node. My intuitive sense says beware of pride and hubris and focus on taking care of business in a matter-of-fact manner.

Venus and Ceres are conjunct in nurturing Cancer and, for those of us in the northern hemisphere, are heralds for the summer solstice on June 20-21. These two powerful symbols of the feminine archetypes in Cancer remind us to acknowledge and cherish that side of ourselves and nurture it in our loved ones. We can take this one step further and pay our respect and appreciation for the bounties of the natural world, too.

The Sabian Symbols for 28 Gemini, a man declared bankrupt, and 28 Sagittarius, a bridge over a beautiful stream, have keywords of “deliverance” and “conservation.” We are offered support during a time of sacrifice and a means of connection between the past and the future. The caution here is to avoid the risk taking associated with the Pluto in Sagittarius years and to appreciate enduring elements of value from the past.

One of the most important things to keep in mind during this Full Moon is that this is the last time Pluto in Sagittarius will play a role in a lunation. The next time we see a Gemini-Sagittarius lunation in late November, Pluto will have moved back into Capricorn for the duration. Re-examine your ethics and ideals now and choose what’s best for you consciously, because our “grasshopper” days are ending and the “ants” will be taking over with Capricorn.

Libra loves beautyposted by Neith . . .

This photo was actually taken June 2007 of the Full Moon in Sagittarius.

Weekly Forecast June 16: Sagittarius Full Moon and Mercury Direct!

Solstice at Stonehenge There’s a lot going on this week, and while we initially may feel disoriented and even a bit sore, we’ll be feeling more settled and comfortable by the weekend.

Mercury is slowing down (that’s what it looks like from down here, anyway) in preparation for returning direct on Thursday. Expect all Mercury ruled activities – including communications, commerce, and traffic flow – to be slow all week. If you need to have an important discussion with someone, hold off until the weekend.

Normally, the Full Moon in Sagittarius would be a time for exchanging big ideas and setting lofty goals, but with Mercury at a dead stop, the energy of this Full Moon will be more subdued. That’s not a bad thing, though. The Moon’s conjunction with the Galactic Core and Pluto (now back in Sagittarius) likely means that we’ll be “beamed” from a higher place, and if we’re too busy talking, we won’t hear the incoming messages. Neith will have more about this lunation shortly.

A few hours before the Full Moon on Wednesday, Venus enters Cancer, with the Sun following on Friday, the Summer Solstice. I was up at 5:30 this morning, unable to sleep because it seemed like the day was in full swing already. These long days are so amazing and such a blessing after the dismal winters we have up here in the northern latitudes. Our readers in Canada, Ireland, and the UK know exactly what I mean (there are lots of you!).

Mars remains on the South Node, opposite Chiron and Neptune. There’s a huge opportunity for healing here, individually and collectively. However, dredging up old stuff is almost always painful, and we may feel tired as the processing takes place. My past two posts on The Pisces Chronicles have addressed this subject. If you haven’t already joined the discussion, come on over. I’d really like to hear how everyone is experiencing this extremely rare transit.

Before entering Cancer, both Venus and the Sun will oppose Pluto, who’s now back in Sagittarius. Both of these oppositions are about power struggles, in different ways. Venus-Pluto transits often correspond to manipulation through sex, while the Sun and Pluto can bring confrontation in general. Not all confrontation is bad, however, as it can clear the air and clarify where you stand with another person. It’s also good for making deep inner changes, so in that regard, it could help us reorient ourselves following our individual and collective healing process.

After all of this, the shift to Cancer will be a welcome relief, like coming home to rest and recuperate after intensive surgery. And once Mercury is direct, we won’t have to waste so much energy on stop-and-go, but can start moving steadily forward.

I don’t know about you, but I’m more than ready for a little R&R.

Much love and many blessings,
Aquarius, the sign of astrologyPat

Image: The Sun rising over Stonehenge on the summer solstice, June 21, 2005. Photo © Andrew Dunn.

Ask Real Astrologers: Sun Signs in Synastry

 This week’s question comes from Angelica in Samoa:

Virgo is compatible with Taurus and least compatible with Sagittarius, right? Well, I’ve been in a two-year relationship with a Sag, but have been having feelings for a Taurus man. I know that the stars say I would do better with this Taurus, but my Sag boyfriend just won’t let me go. And I am also finding it hard to let go. He’s been more than faithful and I truly feel he is the one. One of my fears is that later on, the predicted bachelor side will eventually kick in and he’ll have the urge to explore love elsewhere. My other fear is that my Taurus friend won’t wait much longer. Who should I go for: my faithful Sagittarian or my dearest Taurean?

Libra ponders . . .

Neith’s answer:

If we go just by the Sun sign, then Virgo would be more compatible with Taurus, as both are earth signs. However, there is a wealth of other information to help determine compatibility between individuals using the whole natal chart based on time, place, and date of birth.

When we find ourselves connecting to someone who Sun sign astrology says is not a good match, it’s often because we our Moon, Venus, or Ascendant is in the same sign as our significant other’s Sun. For example, your Sagittarius sweetheart may have the Moon in Virgo or some other earth sign, giving him a means to relate to your Virgo Sun.

Traditionally, Sagittarius is the sign associated with unwillingness to commit, and Taurus is seen as stable and predictable. But other factors in the natal chart can cause them to behave just the opposite.

Right now, Saturn is transiting through Virgo, causing many of these somewhat solitary types to take a long look at the idea of committing and settling down. If you were born early in Virgo (birthday in late August) then this may be happening to you!

In this instance, you would benefit more from having one of us do a paid report for you going into more detail.

Aquarius expounds . . .

Pat’s Answer:

Angelica, a decision as important as choosing a partner merits deeper exploration into their character than looking at stereotypical Sun sign traits. I would go so far as to say that Sun sign compatibility is almost meaningless. If we accomplish anything here on Real Astrologers, I hope it will be putting this common astrological misconception to rest.

I couldn’t agree more with Neith about the need to have a complete compatibility report. I’m not just saying this because we want your money. Astrological compatibility is truly complex and intricate, and I wouldn’t dream of giving you incomplete information when you’re about to make a decision that will affect the rest of your life.

Along those lines, I agree with Neith that we just can’t answer your question in enough depth in this column. We can answer general questions here, but questions about overall compatibility with a specific person need to be addressed in an individual report. We’re working on putting up sample reports so that our readers can see what you’ll get with each of our compatibility options. I also do telephone readings and am working on getting up to speed with Skype to extend this service internationally.

If we can be of further help, please contact us. Meanwhile, best of luck to you in finding the true love that you deserve.

Got a question for Neith and Pat? Click here to contact Ask Real Astrologers.

Real Astrologers Weekly Poll: Using Astrology

In this week’s poll, we’d like your feedback on how big a role astrology plays in your life. What do you use it for? Please feel free to elaborate with a comment!

Results of Last Week’s Poll

31.3% answered “Love ‘em. They are bright, articulate and witty.”
18.8% answered “Like them a lot because they make me laugh.”
25.0% answered “So, so. They are too unpredictable even if they are charming.”
6.3% answered “They drive me crazy because they talk too much.”
18.8% answered “Don’t have any Gemini friends.”

When it comes to Gemini, the sign of the twins, while those who love them are favored, they still get a mixed review from our readers. I found the overall duality of the responses very interesting and very much in keeping with this dualistic sign. While the first category got the most votes at 31.3 percent, the balance of 68.7 percent said Gemini folk are regarded with a certain amount of caution.

Judging from the excellent comments (thanks, all!), the general rule in astrology stating that fire and air signs are compatible shines through. Those with more earth and water tend to find mutable Gemini too changeable.

I especially liked seeing the comments reflecting knowledge beyond the Sun sign and how it affects their interactions with others. Personally I LOVE getting lots of feedback, adding to our mutual understanding of how astrology works.

Libra loves astrologyPosted by Neith . . .

Weekly Forecast June 9: Pluto Back in Sagittarius, Friday the 13th

Twin Geminis Ashley and Mary-Kate OlsenI’m feeling all jumbled up, and I’m getting reports that others are, too. It’s hard to maintain our balance when planetary energies are this chaotic.

The week starts out well enough, with Venus conjunct the Sun in Gemini. We feel the love and want to express it, but with Mercury retrograde, our attempts may be clumsy at best. At worst, they backfire, and the person on the receiving end may hear something quite different from what we intended.

The Moon in nitpicky Virgo won’t help. “You could stand to lose a few pounds, but I love you anyway” and similar backhanded compliments obviously aren’t going to go over very well. Resist the urge to be critical, and instead channel that Virgo attention to detail into getting your work week off to an organized start. You’ll be glad you did, especially if you’re on an emotional roller coaster.

Mercury just passed the halfway point through his retrograde cycle and, as Jeff Kishner noted on Astro-Twitter, it’s getting “suckier” by the day. Speaking of which, Twitter appears to have fixed everything but the flash badge, and we can’t get Astro-Twitter back up without it. I can still see your twitters, though, so go ahead and post. Ironically, Neith and I figured out that Twitter was launched during Mercury retrograde. No wonder they’re experiencing so many technical difficulties.

The Chiron/North Node/Neptune conjunction remains active, and this week it will be triggered by planets in Gemini. Self-image and ego both get a boost on Tuesday and Wednesday, when Venus and then the Sun trine Chiron. On Friday and Saturday, Venus and the Sun trine Neptune. Merging with a romantic partner is a powerful experience, and it will be even more positive if we go in with a good sense of who we are.

Friday is the 13th, of course, which is a little eerie, but only because we’re programmed that way. Friday is named for Venus – Freya in the Norse mythology for which our days of the week are named, and the number 13 was sacred in ancient Earth religions. Somehow, we’ve got to retrain ourselves to think of this day as exceptionally lucky!

Also on Friday, Pluto returns to Sagittarius, where he’ll stay until November 26. This is the biggest news of the week. Most people won’t feel this transit individually, but we’ll see the effects on a social and political level. Pluto’s entry into Capricorn in January brought some bad news, especially in global financial markets, and so we should get a brief reprieve, just in time for summer in the Northern Hemisphere. Neith and I both will be writing more about this on our blogs, Neith.net and The Pisces Chronicles.

Sunday is Father’s Day, and there is an intense buildup of energy as Mars conjoins the lunar South Node, exactly opposite Chiron and Neptune on the North Node. Mars rules cutting implements and surgery, and he also represents the universal masculine. Individually and collectively, it’s time to open up old wounds that are deeply embedded in our psyches and to allow toxic energy to drain out. Healing “father issues” could be a common theme.

I’ll have an in-depth post about this on PiChron in a few days for anyone who’s interested. Meanwhile, remember to breathe, and give yourself all the space you need to heal. If you need extra rest, take it and don’t agonize over what’s not getting done. It’ll still be there next week.

Love and blessings,
Aquarius, the sign of astrologyPat

Remember, if you need help sorting through challenging life events, Neith and I are here to help. Check out our exclusive forecasts and synastry readings. 

Image: Happy birthday to Gemini twins Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen, who celebrate their 22nd birthday this Friday.