Category Archives: General Musing

New Moon in Cancer, July 2-3

Portland Japanese Garden strolling pondThe New Moon on July 2 (July 3 in the Eastern Hemisphere) falls at 11° Cancer and represents a major sea change from the New Moon in Aries right after the spring equinox.

Even though the New Moon in Aries was a fiery one, Mars, ruler of Aries, was still in Cancer, bringing a balance between the polarities. Now the balance has shifted to the feminine or “negative” polarity, and we are being asked to learn about the strength found in yielding rather than in aggression.

Ceres, lady of the seasons and natural cycles, conjoins the Sun and Moon with Venus drawn in to form a stellium in Cancer. With Ceres amplifying Cancer’s natural urge to mother and protect the innocents, we may find ourselves devoting time to caring for family members and following up on all issues related to the care and well-being of children in general. Uranus in Pisces is widely trine the Cancer stellium, reminding us to give others space to grow and change and become their authentic selves.

Jupiter in Capricorn is exactly opposite Venus in Cancer, and as oppositions are about bringing balance into being, this is a classic situation where we may find ourselves pulled between pushing ahead in our careers and still finding time to devote to our home and family. A new love interest could be a big distraction on the job at this time, too.

Thankfully, Mercury is now direct in Gemini and trine Chiron and Neptune in Aquarius, encouraging creative ways to heal old wounds with kindness directed not only toward others but toward our own sore places. However, Uranus just turned retrograde in Pisces and is squaring Mercury, so be prepared for the occasional miscommunication . . .

Another significant event is Mars entering Virgo and closing in on Saturn in Virgo. This conjunction will be exact on July 10 at 5° Virgo and for those of you who have planets and chart angles close to this degree, be prepared for frustration. Fortunately, Mars will move past Saturn fairly quickly and release the energy. This is one of those times when we will be forced to stop and think about what we’re doing before taking action, no bad thing in my opinion.

The Sabian symbol for the New Moon is, A Chinese woman nursing a baby with a message,” and the keyword is MATERIALIZATION. This Sabian symbol ties in beautifully with the astrology of this New Moon, reinforcing the directive to nurture our inner beings to help us find our way to our higher good. In practical terms, this is an excellent time for a mini-vacation away from the frantic pace of our daily lives. A simple idea is to take a relaxing bath with candles, scented oils, and your favorite soothing music playing in the background.

This is particularly powerful time to feed and water what we wish to materialize in our lives, because the usual sense of gestation engendered in a New Moon is supported by the sign, cardinal Cancer, and the conjunction with nurturing Ceres and creative Venus conjoining the Moon. Taking time to quiet the busy mind in whatever manner works best for you can be very fruitful in the long run!

Libra loves beautyposted by Neith . . .

This beautiful image of a  Japanese garden comes from the Portland Japanese Garden, Portland, OR. Please visit their website:  Portland Japanese Garden

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 . . .

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.

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 . . .

David Cook, Sagittarius Extraordinaire

David Cook, American Idol winner While I was listening to the TV this morning, I caught a performance by David Cook, the latest American Idol winner. I will be the first to admit I know very little about the show and have yet to watch an episode, so there was no special reason for me to walk into the room and watch him sing.

He is good and comes across as genuine, with an appealing personality. Naturally, as an astrologer, I immediately wanted to see his birth chart.

He was born December 20, 1982, in Houston, TX, with Sun in Sagittarius and Moon in Aquarius. The defining aspect in his chart is arguably the close conjunction of his Sun and Neptune sextile Pluto in Libra and semi-sextile Jupiter in Scorpio.

The strong outer planet influence marks him as one who speaks for his generation, and there is no more obvious sign of that than to be voted in as the new American Idol. Neptune, Pluto, and Jupiter combine to give him a quiet charisma and charm as well as the ability to project and be projected on. It does not pay to underestimate the power of Neptune . . . ever. Pluto and Jupiter give him presence and self-confidence.

His Mars in Aquarius is square Saturn in Scorpio, so he has the potential to be his own worst enemy or best friend. Another aspect to his Mars is a sextile to Uranus in Sagittarius, giving him a creative push as well as itchy feet. It will be sometime before this man settles down, if ever. Don’t be surprised if you see his name linked with many lovely women in the months to come!

Venus conjunct Mercury in Capricorn gives him a generous dose of well-grounded charm and the ability to think on his feet and come across as pleasant and kind. David is blessed in many ways and it will be interesting to see if he can use Pluto’s transit over his Venus and Mercury in to make the most of his Idol fame.

Pluto returns to Sagittarius briefly this year and will conjoin David’s Sun one last time. My guess is this transit will complete his transformation as a singer and performer. It is possible that Saturn in Virgo, now sextile his natal Saturn in Scorpio, will help keep him focused, too. He needs this support, because this is not the chart of a driven personality but rather a very blessed one.

Libra hereposted by Neith . . .

David Cook natal chart (birth time unknown, chart set for noon)

New Moon in Gemini, June 3

waning crescent moonThis New Moon features a nice stellium of Venus, Moon, Sun and Mercury from 12 to 19 degrees Gemini. In general, this is a quieter lunation than some we’ve had so far this year. Usually Gemini is more outgoing, but with Mercury in its retrograde phase, the overall tone is more contemplative than usual. Venus closely conjoining the Sun and Moon adds to the softer note, too.

That said, Gemini corresponds to the third house, and all third-house pursuits are going to be favored, from spending time with friends and siblings to hanging out at the local hotspots. Be sure to double-check all of your meeting times and places, due to the Mercury retrograde effect, and be prepared for delays and long waits! If you are traveling with children, don’t forget to take their favorite games, books and toys to keep them amused.

As the New Moon peaks, the luminaries and Venus are moving into a tighter square with Uranus, so we can expect the more erratic side of Gemini to emerge over the week to 10 days following the New Moon. Anyone with planets or chart angles from 19 to 22 degrees of the mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces) can look forward to the finger-in-the-light-socket effect of Uranus. All plans will be subject to change without notice . . .

There is one notable aspect to the Gemini stellium, an energizing sextile from Mars in Leo. If you keep in mind the importance of thinking before speaking, this aspect is very good for expressing warmth and caring with candor. It’s also geat for good times in the neighborhood. Mars in Leo is adept at finding the nearest party to be the life of.

An interesting aspect in this chart is the trine between Neptune in Aquarius and Ceres in Gemini. A good way to demonstrate the compassion of Neptune is to practice kindness to all. Ceres in Gemini always has a kind word or three to offer and is good at thinking up many different ways to express them. Because trines don’t demand our attention like squares, we need to consciously take advantage of this gentle, caring aspect. Besides, this Libra person says it never hurts to use honey instead of vinegar, and the Gemini stellium with Venus repeats this message!

Use the next couple of weeks wisely, because we have a very powerful Full Moon in Sagittarius coming on June 18, with Pluto back in Sagittarius conjoining the Moon. Check back for the next installment.

**It’s that time again! New Moon Abundance Checks!

Libra enjoys Geminiposted by Neith . . .

This photo is from Rendezvous Gallery.

Miley Cyrus (aka Hannah Montana), Chiron in Leo and Billy Ray Cyrus

Billy Ray & Miley Cyrus  Miley Cyrus, best known for playing Hannah Montana, received mixed reviews recently for the photo spread in Vanity Fair magazine. Apparently she was unaware of the repercussions of posing semi-nude. Miley has a powerhouse of a stellium at the end of Scorpio with Pluto, Mercury, and the Moon (including the Sun at 1 degree Sagittarius) squared by Chiron in Leo.

Chiron often presents as an inability to recognize our talents and abilities and in Leo (who loves to shine in public) it’s understandable she would be vulnerable to the expectations of others when it comes to her public persona. Miley has been a source of inspiration to thousands of young teens in her role as Hannah Montana but she may not be able to feel confidence in herself outside that role.

Having both the Sun and Moon squared by Chiron makes her very, very vulnerable to manipulation by the adults surrounding her because while she will put up a good front, behind it she is deeply sensitive to criticism. In fact, it’s very common with Chiron square Moon to feel one is being criticized when that’s not the case.

Billy Ray Cyrus, Miley’s dad, has Saturn in Capricorn sextile to Miley’s stellium in Scorpio. She does feel he supports her and can be depended on to be there for her – a bright spot in her otherwise overwhelming world in the public spotlight. However his Uranus in Leo conjuncts her Chiron and squares her Scorpio stellium, so it’s likely he also throws her off her emotional balance frequently.

Miley has her Venus in Capricorn conjunct both Uranus and Neptune, an excellent combination for being a teen star. Uranus is associated with the teen years and Neptune with the ability to project an image. As Pluto in Capricorn starts to move closer to her Venus in 2014 when she is in her early twenties, I believe Miley will make a move to assert control over her career choices. For now though, her natal Chiron aspects create so much internal uncertainty, she will continue to depend on her father’s guidance to steer her clear of the worst aspects of being a celebrity.

where are we? posted by Neith . . .

Miley Cyrus natal chart (unknown birth time)

Billy Ray Cyrus natal chart (unknown birth time)

All Talk, No Action

Neptune, by Walter Crane

Mercury doesn’t go retrograde for another week, but you’d never know it. Many of you are reporting that it feels like the Messenger is in reverse already.

Sure feels like it to me. On Saturday, my bus into the city was late because the one before it had broken down. That meant twice as many riders, standing room only.

I’m expecting this week to be even worse as both Mercury and Neptune station in preparation to turn retrograde within less than half an hour of each other on May 26. What’s with these two, anyway? Back in January, Mercury turned retrograde tightly conjunct Neptune, and now here they are traveling backwards together. Should we suspect an astrological conspiracy? Or maybe they’re having a secret affair?

Whatever it is, it’s corresponding to a lot of confusion for many of us. And I’m dreading having to rely on the ferries this week.

The week begins with a powerful Full Moon in the last degree of Scorpio, which you already know if you read Neith’s superb analysis in the previous post. She wrote about letting go of what isn’t working for you – a painful process. With Venus squaring Neptune later on Monday, some of us will be hit over the head with the sudden recognition that we’ve been deluded by a romantic situation or perhaps by a material desire. Healing requires confronting the reality directly.

The Sun enters Gemini on Tuesday, which normally would create a buzz and signal an increase in communications. Mercury’s station is going to slow things down, though, so you may have the feeling of driving with the brakes on. Or, you might notice a lot of talk but no follow-through. You’ll fare best if you adjust your expectations accordingly.

On Wednesday, Jupiter sextiles Uranus, the second of a three-part aspect. Both planets will be at 22 degrees, the number of the master builder. I wrote about this in a post on Jupiter’s station retrograde. Spend some quiet time on Wednesday contemplating what isn’t working for you, and send out a mental request for solutions. Then write and tell us about how you got the answers!

Venus enters Gemini on Saturday, which will increase our desire to talk about relationships . . . or just to talk. I predict that online dating will soar, and boy, will it turn into a mess when Mercury goes retrograde! Mercury loves a good romantic comedy, so try to keep your sense of humor.

The Moon opposes Mars on Sunday, which normally wouldn’t be worth mentioning. However, with both Mercury and Neptune at a virtual standstill, there’s a high risk that small disagreements will escalate into major conflict due to misunderstandings. Resist the temptation to resort to the silent treatment or other passive-aggressive forms of communication that will only make matters worse. If you need to talk, wait a few days. By then, you’ll probably have forgotten what you were arguing about.

Welcome to Mercury retrograde!

Aquarius, the sign of astrologyPat