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.

New Moon in Scorpio, October 28, 2008

Moon against the trees The power and mystery of Scorpio moves onto the scene with the New Moon on Tuesday at 5°54′ Scorpio and is enhanced by the presence of Mars, co-ruler of Scorpio along with Pluto.

If we consider the combination of the New Moon’s sense of being pregnant with possibilities and Scorpio’s capacity for regeneration, we begin to get an idea of what is ahead. Of course, since it is Scorpio in charge, it’s very likely something will have to be released or die before the new can emerge.

The Sun and Moon essentially are unaspected by the other planets, but Mars in Scorpio stands in for them by aspecting just about everything. In fact, all the planets in earth and water signs form a pattern called the basket or cradle, with the base being formed by the waxing opposition of Saturn and Uranus. It is as if the energy being generated by the opposition is being moved outwards through Jupiter in Capricorn and Mars in Scorpio. This energy in general is more subtle in expression than the same formation in fire and air would produce. Mars is at home in Scorpio and is incredibly powerful, but is much more inclined to work behind the scenes rather than on center stage. Jupiter is constrained in Capricorn and isn’t up to make bold statements right now. The overall result is a sense of gestation and biding one’s time.

Mercury is thankfully direct now in Libra and is trine Neptune in Aquarius, encouraging us to look at the big picture with detachment and compassion. With Neptune currently at a standstill preparing to go direct on November 2, it is a good time to turn inward and contemplate where we are on our individual paths and what changes we want to implement. Here, too, we are in a holding pattern.

The increasing tension in the atmosphere is aided and abetted by a tightening T-square with Venus at the apex and Saturn-Uranus as the base. This formation will be exact on November 3, the day before the presidential election in the USA. On a personal level, if you have planets or angles at 18-19 degrees of Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, or Pisces, you will no doubt already be aware of the tension! Thankfully, once we are past November 4, these energies will start to slowly dissipate.

Pluto is now at 29° Sagittarius and is grinding down the days until he moves into Capricorn. If the feedback we are getting on Real Astrologers is any indication, there are many people who are hovering between trepidation and anticipation of that move. Pat and I plan on addressing these concerns over the course of the next month or so as best we can.

The Sabian symbol for the New Moon at 6 Scorpio is, The gold rush tears men from their native soil, with a keyword AMBITION. Here, the desire for passionate intensity of Scorpio presses forward in a search for new values and achievements with little regard for the cost. The waxing square from Mars in Scorpio to Neptune in Aquarius cautions all to be aware of hidden costs and unwarranted expectations. Here the classic “unwritten contracts” of Scorpio are fully in play, and if we don’t carefully examine our motives and expectations, we can be seriously disillusioned.

Overall, this New Moon lends itself to contemplation rather than action and actively encourages us to take stock of resources both internal and external in preparation for the release waiting at the Full Moon in Taurus on November 13. For now, practice patience and kindness and remember each of us holds our own unique truth. Be well!

Libra with Scorpio risingposted by Neith . . .

Of course, today is the day to write your New Moon abundance checks! Here’s how.

Ask Real Astrologers: Reckoning with Pluto

This week’s question comes from Mary in Omaha, Nebraska:

For the past two to three years, I have been under a major overhaul of my life. I have lost my 37-year marriage, my job, my home, my credit. Moved, alone, over 600 miles away, to find better employment and I am still struggling today. During this time my girlfriend who I was temporarily living with for two years contracted breast cancer and died, leaving behind her 8-year-old daughter. I took care of my friend and her daughter during this time. She was a single mom, Sagittarius. I am so beat up I am afraid of the next round of Saturn return opposition Uranus. Any advice on how to handle this? Thank you.

Libra ponders . . .
Neith’s response:

This format really isn’t set up to respond to all your issues, Mary, so we will address Pluto conjunct your Sun, and if you wish, you can contact either Pat or me about doing a paid report on your second Saturn return amplified by the Saturn-Uranus opposition.

Pluto first conjoined your Sun exactly in early January 2007 and has moved back and forth over your Sun since then. Now he has made his last pass before moving into Capricorn in late November. One of the most difficult aspects of a Pluto transit is the sheer inexorability of them, because Pluto is a transpersonal planet and as such can be considered a force of nature like a volcano or hurricane. Most of us have lots of “hooks” he can latch onto and yank us about with, and we often are completely unaware of those until Pluto comes along to activate them.

In the Western world, we are typically insulated from direct experience with the cycles of death, birth, and regeneration falling under Pluto’s realm of influence, plus we are often brought up with the idea we can achieve anything if we work hard enough. Then Pluto comes along and shows us how vulnerable we truly are.

How best to handle Pluto transits? Surrendering all personal expectations of the desired outcome is one place to start. Another is to stay firmly focused in the present and deal with each day as it comes. For Sagittarius folk who like to be in motion, I recommend taking up some form of moving meditation like tai chi or walking while focusing on the breath. These help calm the mind and stop the negative tape loops that produce fear and doubt.

Mary, you are learning what many others have learned and will be learning and that is there is truth in the statement, “that which doesn’t kill us, makes us stronger.” Your natal Mars-Saturn conjunction in Virgo knows about moving forward one step at a time. There is life after Pluto transits, and it is often better than the old one. Good luck!

Aquarius expounds . . .

Pat’s response:

As usual, I have very little to add to one of Neith’s responses to a Pluto question! I do have a couple of general observations, though.

First, difficult Pluto transits (and some with Uranus as well) require us to change, and if we try to hang onto beliefs, situations, and people who aren’t serving our higher good, the universe often finds ways to rip them out of our hands in a way that feels cruel and undeserved. I will be the first to tell you that I am not good at letting go (lots of fixed energy in my chart), so this is not a judgment, just an observation.

Second, after death, there is regeneration. Unfortunately, we can’t see it while we are going through the rough period. I experienced a Pluto transit in 2001 that literally nearly killed me. At the time, I was well into my study of astrology and had just dipped my toe into doing it professionally, but I couldn’t let go of my journalism career and was struggling to find a way to make that work. Ultimately, it was ripped away, in a way that made it impossible for me to work in that field ever again. So what happened? I became a professional astrologer, which is what I needed to be doing, and I am much happier as a result.

I hope that helps, Mary. Truly, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Thanks again for writing, and much love and courage to you.

I also want to reinforce Neith’s comment that this column is not intended to be a substitute for a reading. If you have a complicated issue or are going through a complete life change, the benefits of a reading with a professional astrologer will far outweigh the modest cost. I currently am not accepting new clients, but stay tuned for news in a few weeks.

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

Ask Our Readers: Pluto in Capricorn

Neith and I have noticed an increasing number of searches for information about Pluto in Capricorn. In this week’s reader feedback column, we’d like to know what interests you about this event.

Are you worried, and about what? Are you wondering how it will affect you personally, or are you concerned about the economy or other societal issues? Or maybe you just want our take on it?

We also have a highly significant opposition of Saturn and Uranus, which has officially started and will last for nearly a year. Yet this aspect doesn’t seem to be generating nearly the interest of Pluto in Capricorn. Any feedback about why this is?

As always, tell us a little about your chart, if you know it. Sun, Rising sign, and Moon sign are all good, along with where Pluto is transiting your chart, if you know it.

Aquarius, the sign of astrologyPosted by Pat.

Weekly Forecast October 20: Sun in Scorpio, Chiron Direct

The Sun enters Scorpio this week, heralding the time of year (in the Northern Hemisphere) when we turn inward and start thinking about the long winter nights ahead. At the same time, Chiron goes direct this week, just as Mercury is forming a trine, the third and final pass in a three-part transit resulting from Mercury’s recent retrograde. (Post continued below.)

Jason and his Teacher, by Maxfield Parrish

First, let’s look at the Sun’s entry into Scorpio on Wednesday. With Mars and Venus ahead of the Sun, we’ve already had a good dose of Scorpion energy over the past few weeks. Venus moved on into Sagittarius last week, but Mars remains in Scorpio until November 16. Mars is the traditional ruler of Scorpio, which is ruled by Pluto in modern astrology, but the Warrior is still potent here.

Both Mars and the Sun are ego-affirming bodies, and in Scorpio, they will go after what they want without apology. This isn’t a bad thing, especially for those of us who either have been taught to defer to others or who believe that the Universe, God, Spirit, Source, or some mysterious higher power will provide for us. How far would über-Scorpion Bill Gates have gotten if he had entrusted his garage business to the Source?

Most of us aren’t comfortable in such ruthless shoes, and yet we don’t like not getting what we want, either. Scorpio is often described as a sign of tests and challenges. When we go after what we want, we typically meet with obstacles, as though someone is asking us, “How bad do you want it?” As the Sun moves through Scorpio, we’ll find out…

Chiron turns direct on Saturday and is stationed direct on Sunday when the trine by Mercury is exact. I’ve written here and on The Pisces Chronicles, my personal blog, about the significance of Chiron and Mercury, with the lunar North Node and Neptune in conjunction. Mercury, Chiron, and Neptune all went retrograde within hours of each other in late May. Mercury was in Gemini, in a close trine with Chiron, and now here they are again, in a trine as both go direct.

My take on this is that we have had a rare and precious opportunity over the summer to revisit old wounds, some of which go to our very foundations, perhaps even carried with us into this incarnation. In some cases, we have had to relive those old wounds, and now we have a chance to move forward with the next step in our healing. If your issues are with another person, this weekend will be a good time to talk through where you’ve been and where you want to go from here. Or, it simply may be time to move on in your own mind.

Do keep in mind that Mars will square Chiron next Monday (October 27), and you could feel the effects of salt rubbed into those wounds. If you’re still open and raw, this will be a test for you. If you’ve done a good bit of healing over the summer, you may be surprised by how well you can take a hit and not be fazed.

Also on Sunday, Mercury squares Jupiter in Capricorn, which likewise is a third pass in a three-part aspect. This is good for long-range planning and also for correcting errors in your thinking. After all, what we believe does affect our external circumstances.

Much love and courage to all,
Aquarius, the sign of astrologyPat

Image: Jason and his Teacher, by Maxfield Parrish, 1908. In classical mythology, Chiron was the wounded healer who mentored gods and heroes, including Apollo, Achilles, and Jason.

Saturday Archives: The Natal Chart in Synastry, Part 5 – Jupiter

Jupiter - Wheel of Fortune card from Celestial TarotToday Venus moves into Sagittarius and I decided to honor her with a post from the Archives about Jupiter, ruler of Sagittarius.

Just as Saturn tends to get undeserved bad press, I feel Jupiter is on the receiving end of too much good press. My position may be influenced by my Libra tendency to bring balance into everything but my experience with Jupiter inclines me to be more cautious in his praise. That being said, a strong Jupiter influence in the Natal chart does help a person bounce back from Life’s disappointments.

Sun/Jupiter aspects in the Natal chart do make for someone who will keep on looking for that special person to share their lives. I have an out-of-sign Sun/Jupiter conjunction (Jupiter is in the 12th House) and lord only knows, I needed that inner optimism because it took my Libra Sun/Moon self a looong time to find my partner – past my Uranus opposition cycle. The “hard” aspects (square and inconjunct in particular) can lead the Sun to unfounded optimism, leading to the occasional brutal smack of hard, cold reality but these folks are the “cock-eyed” optimists and will soon be chasing another rainbow.

The Moon in aspect to Jupiter, especially by square and conjunction, are those who like to inject some emotional drama into their lives and the lives of their loved ones. This I know because I live with someone who has Moon conjunct Jupiter. Fortunately his conjunction is in Aries, so the drama explodes on the scene in typical Fire sign fashion and dissipates just as quickly. Moon/Jupiter aspects do give an emotional resiliency, especially the trines and sextiles. The worst case scenario I’ve seen is a Moon/Jupiter/Pluto conjunction where the individuals fears (Pluto) were magnified by Jupiter to the point they practically immobilized themselves because they were so afraid of everything!

Mercury/Jupiter aspects can make a person a very good teller of tales or so prone to exaggeration you don’t know what the truth of the matter is. If Mercury is in a Fire sign, the result may be someone who blurts out whatever crosses their minds regardless of the impact of their words. Intent plays a big role with this aspect because it can cause us to laugh or create a great deal of pain as the result of the distortion of the facts.

When Jupiter goes dancing with Venus, we can expect the high, wide and generous romantic gestures. A man with Venus in aspect to Jupiter may be attracted to very voluptuous women and a woman with this aspect will really appreciate being showered with gifts and affection in the grand style. The conjunction, square and inconjunct can lead to living beyond one’s means because the hedonistic pull can be very strong. We tend to like people with Venus/Jupiter aspects because most of the time they know how to enjoy themselves . . .

Moving on the Mars/Jupiter aspects where the extreme expression is the daredevil. This person may create scenarios where he or she can be the hero/heroine riding to the rescue. Mars/Jupiter conjunctions in particular have great physical endurance and if you are not a hardy sort yourself, you may want to consider the ramifications of what it means to be around someone like this! Here again Jupiter “magnifies” the existing energy of the planet.

With an accurate birth time, we can also find out if Jupiter is conjunct the Ascendant or Midheaven in the chart. Those with Jupiter on the Ascendant tend to present a fun loving and sociable face in public even if they are very private people by nature. Jupiter on the Midheaven can be someone who excels in selling themselves or their ideas with flare and verve. Many of us are very different people when we are at home then out in the World and it pays to get to know someone in both settings.

As I was writing this I realized once again why discussing your natal chart with a competent astrologer who can see how the patterns in the chart all tie together is so important. The “cookbook” style on individual aspects just does not allow for the synthesis of information needed to see the whole person – and when we relate to others, the need for a balance, informed perspective is even more important.

Libra loves synastryposted by Neith . . .

Ask Real Astrologers: Need Help with a Cardinal Cross

This week’s question comes from Jay in London, UK:

I apparently have a cardinal grand cross, which I heard isn’t really a positive thing to have, but I don’t understand much about it. What does a cardinal cross say about a person? (I think it’s Moon in Aries, Venus in Libra, Jupiter in Cancer, Neptune/Saturn/Uranus in Capricorn.)

Libra ponders . . .
Neith’s response:

Yes, Jay, you do have a cardinal grand cross in your chart, and when Jupiter transited over the Capricorn corner in December 2007 and January 2008, it likely gave you a jolt and brought it to your attention.

The cardinal signs are the self-starters of the zodiac, and you have more planets in cardinal signs than either of the other two modes, fixed and mutable. However, a grand cross is so well balanced that it can create inertia rather than forward momentum. You also have far more planets in earth and water signs, giving your chart a negative polarity. This suggests that you may be far less aggressive than the preponderance of cardinal signs would imply.

“Positive” a lot of times is in the eyes of the beholder. For instance, a chart with lots of sextiles and trines can be so easy that the individual does not accomplish much in this life, whereas the power generated by the tension of squares and oppositions can encourage one to grow and mature.

Your chart says you have lots of creative potential to tap into, and as Pluto in Capricorn transits trigger your grand cross from the fifth house over the next few years, you may be pleasantly surprised at the inspiration made available. Leo is all about creativity after all.

Take heart, Jay and continue to pursue your dreams.

Aquarius expounds . . .

Pat’s response:

Wow, you sure do, Jay! But it is not necessarily a bad thing — there’s really no such thing as a “bad” chart. It does, however, require some special handling. And you need to know about some upcoming transits that will affect you significantly.

Before I get to that, though, I’d like to comment on something about your chart that you share with others born in 1989 and, to some degree, in 1988. The conjunction of Saturn, Uranus and Neptune at that time was rare and extremely powerful. Think of all the things that happened in that year, culminating with the fall of the Berlin Wall! This was the beginning of a new Saturn-Uranus cycle, which is coming up on its peak with the current opposition of these two outer planets.

It’s probably no coincidence that I’m starting to get questions and inquiries from young people born during this time period. It appears that you are coming of age now, as this cycle peaks and as Pluto begins to transit this configuration in your charts. Naturally, you want to know more about yourselves. Astrology is a wonderful tool for self-discovery, and it will help you with the deep transformation that you are about to go through. I encourage all of you who are at this awakening stage to find an astrologer you resonate with and get a reading.

In your case, Jay, Pluto will transit not just your outer planets, but will aspect all of the planets in your cardinal cross over the next several years. Between now and your Saturn return (roughly 28-29 years old), you will go through some deep and significant changes.

Back to your original question, the key to managing this energy, which Neith described very well in her response, is to know yourself. This should be your main focus for the next few years. Once you’ve got a strong sense of who you are, you will be more able to keep your mind on the bigger question of why you’re here and how to best fulfill your purpose in this life.

Much love and courage to you.

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