Category Archives: Ask Real Astrologers

Ask Real Astrologers: What Is the Significance of the Sun-Moon Midpoint in Synastry?

This week’s question comes from Kerry in London, England:

There does not appear to be much info on the Sun-Moon midpoint in synastry out there. My midpoint is conjunct his North Node, and this guy’s midpoint is conjunct my South Node. In addition, his midpoint is conjunct my Jupiter. We certainly have a strong connection and have been in “deep” contact for 18 months, but bizarrely have never met in person … I would be very interested to know what your take is on this.

Diane’s response:

Kerry, I tend to weight all the calculated points in the chart much less than the planets or the chart angles (Ascendant, Descendant, Midheaven and Nadir) in synastry. Other calculated points used frequently in synastry are the Vertex and the Moon’s Nodes. They all can add depth to the interpretation, but not much more.

It is easy to see the attraction you have for each other, with his Sun in Gemini conjoined your Sun-Venus in Gemini in your seventh house. We always enjoy interacting with people whose Venus is conjunct our Sun. Plus, his Mars exactly conjunct your Ascendant is wonderfully energizing for you.

However, I highly recommend figuring out some way to meet and chat in person, because there is no substitute for face time in learning about another person. Remember, your Moon in Capricorn is closely square his Moon in Aries, meaning the two of you respond quite differently on an emotional, intuitive level. Fiery Aries is often in too big a hurry for reserved, careful Capricorn.

Uranus in Pisces will conjoin his North Node and your Sun-Moon midpoint from March 8 to March 24, and that’s about as powerful a transit as there is. Uranus is great for immediate results and should be good for illuminating this synastry aspect!

Let us know how this goes, Kerry, because know I’m curious about these aspects too.

Pat’s response:

Kerry, I always look at the Sun-Moon midpoint in synastry readings, as it can be a strong indicator of a close and long-lasting romantic relationship. However, there has to be a tight conjunction of one partner’s Sun-Moon midpoint and the other person’s Sun, Moon, Venus, or chart angles. It’s interesting that your Jupiter is conjunct his Sun-Moon midpoint, but I wouldn’t attribute your feeling of a deep connection to this.

Likewise, the lunar nodes can be powerful indicators of a karmic connection, but they also have to be closely conjunct a personal planet or chart angle to carry much weight. It’s certainly rare to see a double midpoint-node conjunction, but I wouldn’t consider it an indicator of a strong love match, although it does suggest some kind of karmic tie. That said, not all karmic connections are positive. Some of them fall into the “watch what you wish for” category.

There are a couple of big red flags in your synastry chart that are markers for obsession. Like Diane, I think you need to meet as soon as possible. Although many people these days are meeting via the Internet, many find, when they finally meet, that the fantasy was far better than the reality … not that this is necessarily bad. You may learn a great deal about yourself, and that will only increase your chances of finding someone who is perfect for you.

I have a special place in my heart for people who are searching for true love. I truly hope that you find it, Kerry, and thanks for writing.

Got a quick question? Click here to contact Ask Real Astrologers. You must use this form to contact us, or we don’t get your question. Be sure to fill out all the fields, and please spell out the month of your birthday. If you don’t know your time of birth, indicate “time unknown.” NEW: You can also use the drop-down menu above under “About Us” to get to the question form. THANKS!

Ask Real Astrologers: Why Can’t I Heal My Back Pain?

This week’s question comes from Wendy in Hobart, Australia:

Why can I not heal my chronic pain in my lower left side back? I have worked on this on all levels, spiritually, mentally and emotionally, for years.

Pat’s response:

I can really sympathize with you, Wendy, as I injured my back a year ago, and I have chronic pain, a lot of it in the lower left side. In my case, however, the pain is directly related to an injury, which is different from chronic pain that persists for years.

Astrology is indeed a useful tool for dealing with this kind of pain, as it informs us of your energetic imprint and helps us detect where you may have built-in weaknesses. You didn’t give us a birth time, so I constructed a sunrise chart for you. This gives us an idea of planetary aspects but not house placements, which are very important in doing this kind of detective work. That said, a couple of things jump out at me in your chart.

First, you have a fixed T-square with Mars and Venus on one side, opposite Jupiter and the Moon, with Saturn and Pluto conjunct at the apex in Leo, which rules the heart and back. There are strong suggestions here of issues with mother and father. I know that sounds kind of Freudian and cliché, but our parents have such a huge impact on us, in ways we’re often unaware of, that many people do end up with lifelong issues as a result of their early childhood experience. Since you’ve already been doing emotional work, you’re probably aware of this.

Second, Mars currently is retrograde, and he’s sitting right on your natal Saturn-Pluto conjunction, which means he’s also activating your fixed T-square. If you’re having a major flare-up right now, it’s no surprise.

It’s beyond the scope of this column to explore all of the details. I strongly suggest that you find a good medical astrologer, who not only will dig more deeply into your chart, but who will help you find the best approach to heal. Bodies are different, and some respond better to certain treatments than others.

I literally feel your pain and wish you the best in finding relief.

Diane’s response:

Wendy, Pat covered the essentials for you, and I concur about consulting a good medical astrologer.

I would like to note a couple of other important aspects in your chart. One is an aspect to Mercury, the planet that rules your Gemini Sun, and the second is an aspect to your Sun itself.

Your Mercury is widely conjunct Uranus, gifting you with an exceptionally quick and agile mind. If you are used to being able to think your way around just about any problem, this is why. Pluto in Sagittarius opposed your Uranus and Mercury from sometime in 2004 until it moved into Capricorn in 2008 – a very important transit for you. Pluto transits have a way of making us review all sorts of uncomfortable issues in ourselves and our lives.

The second aspect is the natal trine between your Gemini Sun and Neptune in Libra. While this aspect is wonderful for any type of creative work, it also gives one a dislike for unpleasantness of any kind. Neptune in Libra is noted for choosing peace at any price . . . I know this, because my Libra Moon conjoins Neptune.

Sometimes hidden stressors are the source of physical aches and pains, and we are reluctant to acknowledge them, knowing how difficult they will be to deal with. As Saturn in Libra closes on your natal Neptune in Libra in September and October 2010, you may have opportunities to explore that possibility.

Best wishes on sorting this out, Wendy. Take advantage of Saturn’s transit through Libra over the year or so trine your Gemini planets and you may solve this yet!

Ask Real Astrologers: What Happens With Mars Opposite Natal Chiron?

This week’s question comes from Mary in Pennsylvania:

I’ve read that this Mars retrograde will station direct at 1 degree Leo, a point opposite my natal Chiron. Any thoughts on that particular aspect?

Diane’s response:

Mary, this transit may prove quite helpful to you, because your natal Chiron lies hidden away in your twelfth house and forms no aspects to your personal planets or chart angles. This means you aren’t often able to access those places within where you feel wounded.

From about March 7 to 10, not only will Mars station opposite your Chiron, your Chiron will be trine Saturn in Libra and sextile Venus in Aries (Saturn will oppose Venus), forming a Mystic Rectangle. This dynamic pattern has the potential for triggering insights in a firm but gentle way, promoting healing of old wounds you may not have been previously aware of.

I’m wondering if the recent Chiron-Neptune conjunction in Aquarius right on your Sun was responsible for prompting you to look at your natal Chiron. By the time Mars stations in March, both Chiron and Neptune will have moved past your Sun, allowing for more clarity in general. In my experience, Neptune transits in particular are best understood in retrospect.

Between now and early March, as Mars slows to a standstill in your sixth house, you have a window of opportunity to review your daily routines, how you interact with your co-workers, your health and exercise program, and the details of your daily life in general. Are any of these areas a source of frustration for you? If so, perhaps you can figure out why now.

Good luck on your road to a better place within and without, Mary.

Pat’s response:

Mary, by the time a transiting planet stations direct in aspect to a natal planet, you already have gone through the transit once and sometimes twice, so you should have an idea already of how this transit is affecting you.

Mars opposed your natal Chiron in mid-October, 2009. As he continues on his retrograde path, he will oppose natal Chiron on February 25. After he returns direct, he will make a third pass on March 24. When a transiting planet moves over a natal planet and then turns retrograde, you have an opportunity for review and possible revision. Since the twelfth house is one of the houses concerning the past, you may have gone through a period of revisiting unresolved wounds from early childhood or some other trauma buried in your deep psyche. Mars might have performed a little “surgery” to help find the source of the wound and perhaps even cut it out — figuratively speaking, of course. Re-opening wounds is painful, so if this process happened for you, it likely wasn’t very pleasant.

When Mars returns direct, it’s like sewing the wound back up, minus the “poison” (whatever that symbolizes to you), and that means the wound can heal cleanly.

Because your natal Chiron is in Aquarius in the twelfth house, your particular wound may be something that is deeply ingrained in the collective. In other words, it’s something bigger than just you. If you are able to heal, you put healing energy into the collective unconscious, and that is very powerful.

Wishing you much courage, and thanks for writing.

Ask Real Astrologers: Is My First House Sun in Retreat?

This week’s question comes from Geraldine in London, England:

In my chart, the Sun is almost exactly conjunct the Ascendant. As this is such a close conjunction, I was wondering what this means, with the Sun just nosing into the first house, but am I really more of a 12th house person, with the Moon is in Pisces. Coincidentally, where I live is called the Retreat (it’s the name of the estate actually).

Diane’s response:

Geraldine, your Sun in Libra is definitely belongs to your first house, not the twelfth. If you feel like a twelfth house person, I believe you are correct in looking at your sensitive Moon in Pisces.

Even though your Moon is in the fifth house, it is linked to the twelfth house in two ways: first, the inconjunct aspect between your Moon and Neptune located there; and second, Pisces rules the twelfth house.

The inconjunct is a rather difficult aspect, linking signs with little common ground. In your case, it is Neptune in airy Libra aspecting the Moon in watery Pisces. While there is often mutual respect between Libra and Pisces, Libra prefers an intellectual approach drawing on the best available data, while Pisces is fond of intuitive leaps and can be hazy when it comes to facts.

The Moon-Neptune inconjunct may bless you with creativity but at the same time makes you especially sensitive to confrontation of any kind. Hence it makes sense you prefer to live apart from the hustle and bustle of the mainstream. May I say, as one who has Moon conjunct Neptune in Libra, I completely understand? I have a profound aversion to yelling matches and emotional drama.

A second look at your twelfth shows you have an out-of-sign conjunction of Mercury in Virgo and Neptune in Libra located there. Mercury in the twelfth often receives information through dreams and in the moments between going to sleep and upon waking. Do you record your dreams? I would guess having your Mercury in Virgo would give you a better than usual ability to recall them.

Thanks for a good question, Geraldine, and enjoy your days in the Retreat!

Pat’s response:

Geraldine, your Sun should be considered in the first house, no question, but I know how you feel. I, too, have a first house Sun with Moon in Pisces, and I have a sensitivity to surroundings and people that makes it easier for me to be in retreat (love that symbolism!).

However, there is one important way in which your chart and mine differ. Your Moon is the “handle” of a basket, all alone on one side of the chart with all of your other planets almost entirely within one third of the chart wheel. This gives the Moon a much greater influence than it otherwise would have, so it’s hardly surprising that you feel this part of yourself more strongly.

That said, people with Sun on the Ascendant really do wish to be seen, and they often project a strong public persona, even if it’s not how they feel deep inside. I would bet that others see you quite differently than you perceive yourself. And I would encourage you to put yourself out there, even though you may feel like blending into the background at times. That’s the same advice I give myself, by the way.

Thanks for the great question, and all the best to you.

Got a quick question? Click here to contact Ask Real Astrologers. You must use this form to contact us, or we don’t get your question. Be sure to fill out all the fields, and please spell out the month of your birthday. If you don’t know your time of birth, indicate “time unknown.” NEW: You can also use the drop-down menu above under “About Us” to get to the question form. THANKS!

Ask Real Astrologers: What’s Happening with My New Job?

This week’s question comes from Christina in Greece:

I’ve been unemployed for ten months, and now I am given an opportunity to work for sales for a medical department of a big company. I am going to persuade people be our members. But I have some doubts about the progress of this step. I totally have no other income and I feel very unsecure.

Diane’s response:

Christina, for the past year or so, Saturn has conjoined your Midheaven, Pluto, Jupiter, Mars, and Uranus, so if you feel apprehensive where your work is concerned it is not at all surprising. This is not an easy transit by any means but most of us survive it just fine.

At this time, Saturn in Libra is preparing to station and turn retrograde on January 13 and will be moving back over your Uranus and Mars between now and the end of March. Yes, it is likely you will be working very hard for what seems to be few rewards. Saturn is known for making us work for every gain but we seldom have to repeat those lessons.

Mars is very important in your chart, with both your Sun and Ascendant in Scorpio, because Mars rules Scorpio along with Pluto. With your Mars in Libra conjoined Uranus, Jupiter and Pluto in your tenth house, I am guessing you have a strong presence, especially out in public, perhaps more than you realize.

Another factor we are all dealing with at this time is having both Mars and Mercury retrograde, interfering with effective communications and generally slowing life down for everyone. Thankfully, Mercury will turn direct on January 15 on the New Moon in Capricorn, and by the end of the month we all will start feeling like we can get something accomplished once more.

Take plenty of time to review all the information about your new position, Christina, and ask lots of questions. It is far better to spend extra time preparing for your new responsibilities with Saturn transiting your tenth saying doing it step by step. Your natal Mars-Uranus conjunction in Libra urges you to rush ahead – not a good idea at this time.

Best of luck and remember it is often easier to be doing something rather than just thinking about it!

Pat’s response:

First of all Christina, I agree with Diane’s assessment of Mercury retrograde being a contributing factor in your job search. Mercury currently is in Capricorn, which places him in your second house of earned income. Communications can be slow and difficult during this transit. Even if you wanted to hop right onboard, the company’s hiring process may be bogged down for some reason unbeknownst to you.

The good news is that the period when Mercury is in your second house is usually a great time for negotiating salary and contract terms. Just don’t actually sign anything until he returns direct next week. You’ve also got Venus and the Sun in your second house, which are advantageous when you’re seeking employment.

You mention that you haven’t had any appreciable income for about ten months. I see that Pluto recently entered your second house, and so it’s pretty much a no-brainer that your means of earning a living are going through a transformation. With the cardinal T-square coming up in the next two years, the entire world is going to experience sweeping changes, but this will be true for us individually as well. For you, it appears that the changes will be most apparent in your job and salary, as well as your living situation. I wouldn’t be surprised to find out that you have to move in the next few years to take a new job.

It’s so hard living with uncertainty, and I do understand the quiet fear that comes with having no visible means of support. Sometimes we try to compromise by getting a job that really doesn’t suit us just to have money coming in. But with Pluto in your second house, I don’t think this is going to work for you, at least not in the long run. Indeed, I’m wondering if this is part of your uncertainty in asking this question.

Finally, I suspect you will do very well at selling memberships. With Jupiter currently in your third house of communications, you’ll be very effective. You just need to wait until Mercury returns direct and communications are flowing normally again.

I wish you a New Year of abundance and prosperity!

Got a quick question? Click here to contact Ask Real Astrologers. You must use this form to contact us, or we don’t get your question. Be sure to fill out all the fields, and please spell out the month of your birthday. If you don’t know your time of birth, indicate “time unknown.” Thanks!

Ask Real Astrologers: Why Can’t Mom and Daughter Get Along?

This week’s question comes from Charlotte in Pennsylvania:

My daughter and I can’t seem to be in the same room for very long. Her Saturn and Mars are conjunct my Moon and Uranus in the ninth house. Could this be the culprit? Her Moon sits on her Ascendant at 7 Virgo. She is an emotional basket case, and I’m raising her child … Any insight would be very helpful.

P.S She thinks she’s pregnant again!

Neith’s response:

Charlotte, not only is her Saturn-Mars conjunct your Moon-Uranus, but her Uranus conjoins your Ascendant, only adding to the unpredictability factor. I would not be surprised to find that you both think the other is impulsive and very independent-minded.

However, you two do have many parallel signatures in your natal charts. You both have Moon square Neptune, Venus aspecting Neptune, Venus aspecting Pluto, and natal Moon-Uranus aspects. These parallels hold out hope for greater understanding between you, but it may take some doing to end up in the same place at the same time long enough to get there.

Saturn in Libra will conjoin her Pluto in October 2010 and your Sun in December 2010. Since her Pluto is closely inconjunct her Venus-Jupiter in Taurus, it does look like that transit is going to be an important one for her. Perhaps she will be forced into taking responsibility in some way, or at the very least her pursuit of pleasure will be curtailed.

If she is indeed pregnant again, you may be in the unenviable position of having to decide whether or not you have the resources, both emotional and financial, to rear another child. Is there anyone you can talk this over with? Here is where a neutral third party could do you both a world of good.

I wish you well, Charlotte, in finding your path to resolution of your relationship with your daughter. There are no easy answers, as no doubt you are already aware.

Pat’s response:

Charlotte, I agree with Neith that this is a difficult chart combination with no easy answers. It reminds me of those times when I know that planetary transits are interfering with my ability to relate to others or to one person in particular, and still I can’t keep myself from doing or saying the wrong thing. In such cases, astrology can help us understand the obstacles in our path, but finding a way to remove them is another matter.

Still, at least you know what you are dealing with — and, by the way, you get major points for seeing that difficult aspect in your synastry chart. It certainly is the one that leapt out at me right away!

Another thing that immediately got my attention is your very tight Sun-Saturn opposition. With your Saturn opposite your daughter’s Sun, I’m guessing that you feel duty bound to parent her, for better or for worse, and her stubborn Taurus nature is going to naturally resist anyone telling her what to do. You’ve probably already figured out that the more you try to advise her or guide her, the more she tunes you out. I’m guessing that she perceives you as controlling, whether or not you actually are.

I would certainly be concerned that she is back in the vicinity and possibly pregnant. As Neith wisely pointed out, you will have to set your boundaries. At this point, it is up to you to focus on your own personal growth and awareness, and to let your daughter grow and develop in her own way, in her own time.

What becomes of your granddaughter is another question, of course. You didn’t give us her chart information, but she is an integral part of this equation and will become more of one the older she gets. Until then, her welfare has to be the primary consideration. Because she is a minor, circumstances may require family counseling at some point. More and more therapists are incorporating astrology into their practice. Hopefully you will be able to find one who understands the difficult dynamics and can help you work through it.

I join Neith in wishing you the best of luck. Thank you so much for writing.

Ask Real Astrologers: Seeking the Best Legal Outcome

This week’s question comes from Danielle in Michigan:

Two years ago I did something very stupid that got me in serious trouble with the law. It has been an awful two years, and in order to get it behind me, I am going to plead guilty on December 21, the date of the Jupiter-Neptune conjunction. Should I try to put off sentencing for a better outcome or try and get it over with on that date?

Pat’s response:

Danielle, before I answer your question, I need to qualify that we are not legal experts, and it’s beyond the scope of this column to do the kind of complete astrological reading you would need in order to make a decision of this magnitude.

With that caveat, I will tell you that I’m not happy about the date you’ve selected, even before looking at your chart. Although Jupiter and Neptune can bring good fortune in some cases (operative word some), there are other factors present on this date that could complicate any proceeding, legal or otherwise. The Sun and Pluto are conjunct in Capricorn, representing serious conflicts with authority figures. And that’s just for starters.

Another very important factor is that troublemaker Mars will have just turned retrograde opposite Jupiter and Neptune.

Now, the cardinal T-square, which recently began building when Saturn entered Libra, is going to be very difficult for many people, especially those like you who have chart angles in the early degrees of the cardinal signs. So there isn’t going to be any ideal date for your hearing in the near future. Still, I would hold off, if possible.

In the meantime, find a reputable astrologer who is skilled in electional astrology to do a complete reading in order to find the best date for you. Off the top of my head, I would think that just about any astrologer would tell you to wait until after Mars turns direct in mid-March.

I wish you the very best of luck with your challenging situation and hope you get the best possible outcome for all concerned.

Neith’s response:

Danielle, I agree with Pat on changing the date if possible, but if you cannot, then there are factors I believe may prove helpful for you. I suspect you generally are good at helping yourself, since you have a very nice grand trine in fire in your chart (Sun, Saturn and Pluto).

First, the Aquarius stellium of Jupiter, Neptune and Chiron will be sextile your Sun and trine your natal Jupiter in Libra. This configuration will support your ability to put your best “face” on and project willingness to be honest. Being absolutely honest is often the best defense. It throws those in the legal system off balance, as they are far more used to being lied to.

Second, the Saturn in Libra square to Pluto in Capricorn is working on reintroducing equity and justice once more into our legal system. Saturn in Libra may be stern, but it is always fair and even-handed. Pluto in Capricorn can come across as harsh and authoritative, but at this time, Saturn in Libra is demanding that Pluto remember to be just.

I also believe the timing of this coming right on the heels of your Chiron return is no accident, either. We can experience a subtle sea change in the way we view our old wounds and patterns of causing harm to ourselves at that time, often emerging with a fresh perspective and desire to avoid beating our heads against those particular walls anymore.

Be honest and direct as only those with an Aries Sun can! I wish you well and join Pat in hoping for the best possible outcome for all concerned.

Ask Real Astrologers: What Location Should I Use for a Solar Return Chart?

This week’s question comes from Kerrie in Washington State:

I was in Paris, France, on my birthday, and it changes the house placement [of my Solar Return chart]. Is it appropriate to use my birthplace, which puts Libra on the Ascendant, or Paris, which moves it to Capricorn?

[NOTE: Neith is taking a much-needed rest after three harrowing days of upgrading our site. She will be back for next week’s Q&A.]

Pat’s response:

Excellent question, Kerrie. Before I answer, let me briefly explain what a Solar Return chart is for those who have never heard of it.

In astrology, a “return” occurs when a transiting planet moves back to its position in your birth chart. Many people have heard of the Saturn return, which happens to everyone in their late 20s and late 50s.

The Solar Return chart is cast for the exact moment when the Sun moves over the degree of your natal Sun. This may be on your birthday or a day or two on either side. Thus, the Solar Return is sometimes called a birthday chart.

The Solar Return chart is used as a predictive tool to determine the dominant themes in your life from one birthday to the next. The sign on the Ascendant is a key indicator and therefore very important. And yes, it changes depending on where you are.

That said, there is a big debate among astrologers as to whether you should cast your Solar Return chart for your primary place of residence or where you’re physically located on your birthday. Some go so far as to plan on being somewhere else on their birthday in order to influence the coming year!

I would say that if you were taking a short vacation to another place, it probably isn’t that significant, and you should use your primary residence. Conversely, if you were on an extended trip abroad, I would use your temporary location. I know there will be other astrologers who radically disagree with me, and that’s perfectly OK. You might want to look at both charts and then when your birthday rolls around in 2010, determine which was more accurate.

Best wishes for a healthy and prosperous year, Kerrie!

Please note that Neith and I both do Solar Return charts. You can find more information on our forecast page.

Ask Real Astrologers: What Can We Tell from Outer Planet Transits?

This week’s question comes from Adina from Montreal, Quebec:

How will Saturn’s transit through Libra affect me (personally, professionally), taking into consideration the position of Pluto until 2024, of Neptune and Uranus and Jupiter – the slower moving planets?

Neith’s response:

Adina, I believe you will find Saturn in Libra much, much easier to live with than when he was in Virgo for many reasons, the most important being Saturn is far more at home in thoughtful, equitable Libra.

When Saturn entered Virgo in September 2007, he started right out by conjoining your Jupiter, making you feel like you had to earn every bit of luck that came your way. Also, just before he moved into Libra, Saturn conjoined your Uranus, a transit that almost always feels extremely confining. Since this transit was through your eleventh house, those with whom you have chosen to ally yourself are probably a much smaller group than before.

The good news is that you will not be directly impacted by Saturn until he enters the second half of Libra in 2011, because he will be tucked away behind the scenes in your twelfth house. None of the other outer planets will be strongly affecting your chart for quite some time, either. So relax for now and take advantage of this time to consolidate gains and restore balance to your life – something Libras everywhere will be doing!

One note of caution that applies to you and all of the rest of us with Mercury in Scorpio: Transiting Mars in Leo will be squaring our Mercury on and off for the next several months, and we’ll be quicker to take offense than usual. This can come as quite a surprise to friends, co-workers and family members if you are generally seen as a peace-loving Libra!

If you can, Adina, take time to refresh yourself in beautiful surroundings, always important for the Venus-ruled. Best of luck to you!

Pat’s response:

Adina, I concur wholeheartedly with Neith regarding Saturn in your twelfth house. It’s not inconsequential, but it’s a more subtle influence that doesn’t manifest outright as other house transits of Saturn tend to do.

This is a time for finishing what you started, not a good time for starting new projects, relationships, careers, etc. This would be true regardless of what aspects transiting Saturn and the other outer planets are making to one another. If a new job does come along — a real possibility after Uranus moves into your sixth house in late March — then of course you shouldn’t reject it out of hand. But in general, you should be focused on completing what you’ve already started rather than looking for something new.

Beyond that, understanding how the complex energies create by the T-square (Saturn in Libra, Pluto in Capricorn, Uranus and Jupiter in Aries) will affect you personally exceeds the scope of this column. You’d need to have a complete reading by a professional astrologer to explore all the ins and outs. In general, I think it’s safe to say that all of us are going to experience sudden shifts and sweeping changes. How much depends on our individual charts and unique circumstances.

Thanks for writing, and I hope you’ll join the discussion on our blog. Our readers often leave comments about how astrological aspects are affecting their lives. It’s all information we can use to better understand how these complicate transits involving multiple planets work.

Ask Real Astrologers: Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Saturn-Pluto Square?

This week’s question comes from Karin in Amsterdam, Netherlands:

The upcoming Saturn/Pluto square is becoming tighter now. Can you tell us anything about it? And how will it affect the lucky ones with the conjunction in their natal charts? Mine has been sizzling for weeks now, scaring the hell out of me.

Neith’s response:

Karin, I think what you have been noticing is Saturn moving through the final degrees of Virgo, and once he is firmly established in Libra, you will find the effect less harsh for the next few months.

Saturn promises to be easier to live with in fair-minded Libra, even with the square to Pluto in Capricorn. Honest, equitable behaviors, especially in relationships, will stand us in good stead. You have your Moon conjunct Neptune in Libra as I do, and we lived through this transit in the early 1980’s. Think back to what was happening in your life at that time and that realize all you’ve learned in the intervening years will serve you well. Saturn is always much kinder to those of us who have seen a couple of Saturn returns.

You are also in the midst of another major life cycle transit, Uranus square Uranus. Because this transit triggers your natal Sun-Uranus square as well as your Ascendant and Midheaven, the period from May 2009 through January 2011 will be filled with intense moments of introspection about who you are, what you are doing in your career, and how you wish to be seen by others. Partners, both business and personal, may challenge you, too. The best thing about transits is they pass . . . so says someone who managed to live through her Uranus square Uranus transit.

My recommendation, Karin, is to live as much as possible in the present. Expectations, projections and good old-fashioned worrying are all stress producers. Dig out a copy of the serenity prayer and remind yourself daily you are making the best decisions you can based on the information you have – my mantra for Saturn in Libra!

Pat’s response:

Great question, Karin. A square between Saturn and Pluto does sound kind of ominous, doesn’t it? But honestly, I don’t see any relationship between your natal Saturn-Pluto conjunction and the square between transiting Saturn and Pluto.

The bigger issue for you is going to be the conjunction of transiting Mars on your natal Saturn-Pluto. Mars just entered Leo and will stay there for several months, since he’s retrograde from Dec. 20 to March 10. During this time, you may feel frustrated by circumstances out of your control, or you may encounter a person who is totally overbearing and attempts to have control over you. This could be a friend, or perhaps someone in an organization to which you belong. If you have children or grandchildren, there could be an issue there.

As for transiting Saturn and Pluto, they are hitting two key angles in your chart, the Ascendant and IC (fourth-house cusp). If I had to guess, I’d say this is the source of that “sizzling” feeling you describe. Saturn crosses our Ascendant once every 29 years, and we typically feel it as a heaviness, increase in responsibility, or major change in life circumstances. With Pluto on your IC at the same time, you likely will experience some radical changes involving your home or family, perhaps a change of residence.

Although these changes will be significant, there is no reason to fear this aspect or any other astrological influence, for that matter. As with bad weather, we just need to take proper precautions and not doing anything to invite trouble. If you’re really worried about it, consider a transit reading with an experienced astrologer.

Wishing you much courage, and thanks for writing.

RealAstrologers

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