Art (and astrology), Part II

 Well, hello, Venus, Mars, and Lilith in Scorpio, how ARE you?

Reconsidering (or not) Ophiuchus, the 13th sign?

 

Cosmic Thought for the Month: I heard/watched a very interesting video about the allegedly-replaced 13th sign, Ophiuchus. I do have to recognize that it was quite well-researched and presented. So I let this sit in my mind while I went for a short vacation to see my middle brother, whose birthday is April 2nd. I'm several days after him.

And then I came home and began researching anew the story of the 13th sign.

Now, initially, before I had the chance to review the data, I thought, "Maybe it puts the other 12 signs within a 3-4 day range before/after, so that it more-or-less acts like what I call "Cusp Creatures," often found within that scope as a "Six-and-one-half-dozen-more" extension for the Sun. 

Instead...I found that, for example, Aries (my sign, along with my brother) would THEN start, Ophiuchus-style, on April 18th. And that's beyond his/my current birthday in this incarnation. ALSO, a friend of mine, born Oct. 20th, would be a Virgo, not a Libra. 

Let me say this: from the three of us, not only does this "replacement" NOT fit us, it would not go over well in a discussion in person or through other sources, like the phone. Try it at your own risk with me. Sorry, I am a Fire sign. YES, I have a VERY strong Venus in Pisces. Opposes my Ascendant; it makes me VERY vulnerable in relationships, and super-sensitive to people and music. But I'm an Aries. Just ask how many arguments I can start in less than five seconds.

IS there validity for Ophiuchus? I'm sure there's a reason; it might have a Chiron-like quality, since I see the Centaur-man as being a natural healer. The healer energy IS part of Ophiuchus.

 But don't mess with me as an Aries, if you want to enjoy another chat about astrology. My Sun sign, as it's positioned now, is quite who I Am.

Art (and astrology!) is life!!

 

And so, astrology students, here we have an example of a 1st-house Moon in Cancer with a Leo interception!! 😁😁

(Or maybe not.)

Saturn and Neptune in Aries (revisited)

 

With a nod to this fine authoress and author, respectively, I'm providing another glimpse ahead of what may be our experience soon enough this spring when Saturn and Neptune join forces again in Aries. This is not just about the reunion, but beyond: the next two years, at least. Even though Saturn will exit Aries at that point, Neptune will remain--and we will be faced, as I see it, by choices of Cooperation, not Competition (my words).

https://astrologicalpsychology.org/2025/07/16/saturn-and-neptune/

 

 I had originally posted on this subject, but I felt compelled to remove it because I felt the issues were too much in conflict with attitudes in our national perspective, as well as personal issues from some of my extended and close connections.

Let me again state what I said before: Saturn and Neptune were last joined over 150 years ago--at the start of the American Civil War. If you follow history, you already know where I'm going. I'm not asking you to validate nor agree with me; I feel sure enough of my intuitive skills as well as the years of studying history that I've done and still do--as well as human nature--and outcomes.

There's a greater implication to the union of these two planets as Indicators of Reactions and Responses: Hard, Tough Life Lessons and Spiritual Illusion (but also Wisdom). The choices are whichever ones you, individually, and we, collectively, as a nation, and planet, choose to follow. I could answer in my own mind what I see as the outcome, but that's both personal and also up to you, individually, for your decision and results.

As an Aries Sun, I'm not looking forward to these challenges, but I realize at this late point of my lifespan, I will have an active role as I already do, as a leader of choice and motivation, through education and counseling. My goal is for the evolution of the individual and the planet, and ultimately, the Higher Plans of the Creator, as every way you choose to define that word.

And, as a Cardinal (Major Life Leadership and Challenges to be faced) sign, Aries is one who willingly says, "Me, first! Let me show you how...." So be it.

If you have Saturn/Neptune's alignment on your Ascendant or within your 1st house, I'd clearly indicate you are personally in for one intense ride of responsibility, intuition, and emotion.

Living Astrology: Your Cosmic DNA and Soul's Purpose

Hooray for Mercury Direct! I get to PLAY again!!

 

Venus in Capricorn - Love, Gravity, and Existence on an atomic and universal level

This is about the strongest force in Universal Awareness--but brought down to a micro-level. We all think about Divine Inspiration with many special deified names according to our faith. That's fine as a concept; it's the foundation of this essay.

Because I want to use that concept as a baseline; I want it to be the framework. And I want to then juxtapose that idea into an astrological term: Venus in Capricorn. 

We have all heard about Love from our earliest days when we began to comprehend words. It was one of the most-often repeated phrases in our young lives, and it has been a powerful base of function thereafter. But what is Love on a Micro level? A sub-atomic level--or a simultaneous universal level? 

The answer is Gravity: the very binding force of Nature that draws together two objects to each other. In the micro world, this is represented by the most basic pairing of atoms: two in a terrific force of attraction to each other. This is gravity: the sensational pull of two; one for each other. 

This is also the micro representation of Love: two atoms bound to each other. 

Gravity is Love in its smallest form on a planetary level. 

On a human level, we experience it as romantic love, but it's also biological too. (Carbon-based life form, high density, low spirituality level.)

On an astrological level, this is the highest level of Venus in Capricorn: a Love that Endures, Persists, Builds, Creates, Manifests, and Establishes precedence of Existence. 

“By My Existence and Force of Power, I Attract a Likeness to Me,” says Venus in Capricorn. “I Must Create a Legacy” by complimentary energy and nature; I must draw to me that which is harmonious in structure to my reality and existence to be the bedrock starting point of Life: like two atoms are drawn together.

To me, this is the beauty of Venus in Capricorn: a determined effort to draw and create an energy force of “Like Attracts Like” with magnetic power; the smallest vibration of a union that is both a blend but also a separate measure together-but-apart: two atoms, both independent but joined, and not fused.

 (Nuclear Fusion; the splitting and reforming of two atomic particles and sub-particles. This what creates chemical patterns of potential life. Not just human life, but ALL.) 

Venus in Capricorn, representing the building blocks of gravity as an explanation for the attraction of atomic particles to each other as a means of physical manifestation in lower-dimensional structures of life-form existence, is purely represented in its strongest and basic concept as Love of Tangible Existence: as Venus in Capricorn, as was, as will always be. The ever-existence of Love from its Highest Form to other levels and presentations.

(C) MDLOP8 2013; 2025

What did YOU do in a past life?

 REVISITING a conundrum about astrology and how it's viewed in the Western world versus other areas about the ancient topic of reincarnation and living in a previous life....

That's January 10, 2006, no time known. She was only nine years old when she made this first recording. (She's 19 now.) Her name is Angelina Jordan; her ancestry is Norwegian and Korean. Want to tell HER she didn't know this song from a past life? Her grand-mother introduced her to jazz singers when she was only two years old. I think Grandma knew and so did the kid.

What I HAVE done privately is work on configuring her chart (time unknown), and I'm using Placidus instead of Koch in spite of Oslo (her birth city) being a bit further north. Outcome regardless, and I'll hold that bet: that's a Gemini ASC (Moon 11th house Gemini); 8th house Sun (OH yeah, she knows about life/death issues), 3rd house Saturn in Leo, and Scorpio Jupiter/Sagittarius Pluto 6th: let her TELL you some life truths, I swear! Capricorn Venus 9th; that's her business and travel, and OLD material, yes; Aquarius Neptune 10th (she works independently as a solo artist); and Taurus Mars 12th (you never IMAGINED anyone so powerful with a voice so young).

A VISUAL GUIDE for Psychological Astrology (Kindle format)

 Now available in Kindle format: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DTGYD9NB

This features a large selection of the Powerpoint images in my other book but with color and texture enhancements for visual impact. (This was especially written for neuro-divergent readers. This goes along with what I've said (in that status) about my views as an educator regarding "Fluid Learning" for those of us who see and learn this way.)

 Over 200 pages/slides, plus a few new tricks. LOL

Not as much text as it is "colorful" (and fun, I hope) for sure!

Past lifetimes and astrology - a view with a laugh

 Steven Forrest gives a great analysis of how the South Node's patterns, including signs and house placement, but also challenges via squares and oppositions, but also conjunctions to tie in with past lifetime talents, gifts, and roles of choices/actions and social identities of "Who you were and what you did {for a job skill and how you related to society}."

But just for fun, I did this as a challenge:

For my next lifetime, I will...

Aries: Initiates life on a barren planet.

Taurus: Spends the next lifetime as a tree.

Gemini: Comes back next lifetime as a crow: can't stop telling everyone about it.

Cancer: Sustains the primordial soup of life after Aries is finished.

Leo: Solar flare. What did you expect?

Virgo: Oversees evolution on planet after Aries and Cancer.

Libra: Makes sure that flowers are part of the process after Virgo.

Scorpio: Spends the next lifetime as a great white shark. Just keep orcas away from me.

Sagittarius: THERE's your comet. 

Capricorn: Spends the next lifetime as a mountain. Bigger. Better. Famous.

Aquarius: Exists as a different lifeform on the evolving planet. CERTAINLY not as a human.

Pisces: Nope. Not incarnating or doing anything except chilling out for...well, time isn't measured in that reality.

Retrograde Planets and how to use their wisdom

(A shout-out of respect and thanks to SageGoddess.com for sharing this)

 

LGTBQ signs? Why does it matter to you?

 

Let me make this statement up front because it seems that some people look for this kind of information:  there isn't any "guaranteed" sign for someone who is gay, lesbian, trans-gender, or bisexual.  Yes, some signs and aspects have more potential--but to label them here is pointless.  It's pointless because as soon as I do it (and it's been written enough in astrology books on that subject), someone is going to label someone else--and I'm not going to join in that foolish game.

I've known many people from every sign who had partners from their own gender.  It was their individual choice, and their respective signs were as different and unique as they were.  Trying to identify them by a birth sign has no real bearing.

Again, I will say this: yes, there are several signs and planets in signs which have more potential for a gay lifestyle--just as there are some aspects and house placements which can possibly indicate such a choice.  But I'd rather leave it to a formal discussion in an academic or professional environment for further qualification of those dynamics.  In the meanwhile, be happy with the choices YOU make--because those are the only ones which should matter.

I will, however, say this: regarding sexual energies, look for Venus, Mars, Pluto, Uranus, Jupiter, Vesta, Pallas, and Juno. Within those planets are the potential variables of enjoyment, sexual action, domination, lust, experimentation, over-indulgence, sacrifice, S&M, identification with gender roles, and desire. How they match up with the signs is another story.

 Regarding houses: keep your eye on the 2^nd, 5^th, 7^th, 8^th, and 12^th. And there’s no hard-and-fast rule to any of these as areas of Life Experiences. 

Signs - the Actors and Actresses in our Life Expressions

 

The SIGNS emphasize an actor or actress who is playing the role in the movie or play about your life—and how they decide to portray the scene.  They are energized by the planet with which they are working.  Some signs are excitable, some are quiet, some are serious.  They follow the cue of the planet to which they are assigned for that part of your life energies, and are influenced and enhanced by the houses in which they are placed by the time of birth (the natal chart analysis), and current activities (transits, solar return-birthday cycle, or progressions).

1.  ARIES shows ACTION AND INITIATIVE
2.  TAURUS shows STABILITY AND GROUNDING
3.  GEMINI shows INQUISITIVENESS AND BASIC LEARNING
4.  CANCER shows EMPATHY AND NURTURING
5.  LEO shows APPRECIATION AND DISPLAY
6.  VIRGO shows CRITICAL ANALYSES AND SERVICES BEING OFFERED
7.  LIBRA shows COMPROMISE AND PARTNERSHIP RELATIONS
8.  SCORPIO shows INSIGHT FOR MOTIVATIONS AND MAGNETIC ATTRACTION
9.  SAGITTARIUS shows EXPANSION OF THOUGHT THROUGH HIGHER IDEALS
10.  CAPRICORN shows PERMANENCE OF IDENTITY BEING ESTABLISHED
11.  AQUARIUS shows UNEXPECTED BRILLIANCE AND HUMANITARIAN WORKS
12.  PISCES shows UNION WITH DIVINE EXISTENCE OF THE CREATOR/GOD-SELF

(c) MDLOP8 2010

A basic guide to planets and symbols

 I was working on a concept to describe the glyphs (symbols) as a language of human behavior, and this is the result. Not complete as a total idea, but it's the basics.

Thyroid issues and Taurus

 Just to note this for any Taurus Sun, Ascendant, or 1st-house focus folks:

The Astrological Arsonist: Setting Fire to their lifestyle for Excitement & Control--or incapability to manage

"Oh, I can't find work! I'm living as a guest in a home and my landlord is mean! I don't have any money! And my six pets are taking up all of my attention!"

(Wait. If you had to give up the pets, would you be able to find work, or even a better place to live?)

"I can't! They're my family! They're my babies! I can't abandon them!"

Meet the astrological Arsonist--an original concept of mine. They seem to self-destruct and ask for help on a continuous basis by which they use, either openly or through means, passive-resistance refusal, child-like behavior, manipulation, or pure willfulness. An Arsonist is a master of creating Controlled Chaos, and most likely a psychopath. This is an article that I am postulating on this subject.
   An Arsonist in my astrological-psychological view is someone who deliberately creates circumstances or behaviors where someone must come and figuratively and emotionally put out a fire: an event or condition that has dead-end results and misjudged expectations without consideration. The Arsonist enjoys the thrill of power-control: he/she has reinforcement of ego and importance as a new obstacle-hurdle has been put in the way of a daily routine, a long-term plan, or just spontaneous action. I would imagine those of us who are now experiencing the role of caregiver for friends and elderly parents are noticing this identity. Also, consider the Arsonist in relationship patterns: a continued sense of "My life is not exciting enough--I must do something to see others jump at my command!" A romantic involvement is often a playground for an Arsonist.

    On a separate note, I believe an Arsonist is also someone who cannot get out of his/her own way; they place obstacles, hurdles, delays, rejections, and other forms of non-compliance and resolutions in their path. And THEN they complain, worry, fret, and limit themselves from accomplishments--and in turn, will take time and engage anyone willing to listen that life is difficult and thwarting their efforts. 
      Arsonists are often bored--they seek excitement and adventure. I would therefore categorize the Fire signs (Aries/Leo/Sagittarius) as the primary candidates, but that is too obvious. Instead, consider that the other 11 signs also have tendencies, each with its own quality.
     For example, it's obvious that an Aries would easily trigger patterns of disruption for sheer initiation and "something new," but Taurus can delay, refuse, resist, and be unwilling to yield to even the most reasonable offer or request. The delaying tactic is one that creates a whirlpool of potential resolution. Gemini, in a search for endless information, may surely continue to be involved in so many commercially-driven promotions and solicitations from media sources who are sales-driven and based on self-promotion and exploitation of the consumer. Financial management problems would likely follow: "I can't get enough ideas!" Crabs surely know how to make the best of worries and fears, especially over personal safety or that of family members, in order to maintain and keep close ties. Fear and smothering demands for love and nurturance to/from others can be like quicksand to those involved. Leo, again as Fire, can be bombastic and pompous to the point of distress: "How dare you defy me?" is a phrase I heard from my own mother, who had a Leo ascendant. The sense of royal obligation by underlings is not only expected, but held as a sense of status and entitlement.
     Virgos can micro-manage even themselves into a state of Obsessive-Compulsive disorder, let alone unhinge the person who has to manage or care for someone with organization-is-life needs. Libra can be caught in the net of Co-Dependency so tightly that they can not bear to be alone for 24 hours, and may use social media formats and electronics as a tool of continuous contact. Scorpio surely knows how to be in control: paranoia and suspicion of ANYTHING or ANYONE who dares threaten must be kept at arm's length and under careful observation.
    Sagittarius can potentially be an Arsonist in both speech and action. Words can cause huge battles, especially with family members, colleagues, and social outlets of beliefs and values. Also, don't put it past an Archer to be a hoarder: "more is better." Try and manage a house where "don't throw that out!" is a mandate, and Time is left sitting in cabinets and closets, later to be discarded when it should have been avoided in the first place.
      Capricorns don't usually find a spot as an Arsonist, but there are surely those who take advantage of others for personal advantage--and usually financial gain. Aquarius in search of Freedom can be an Arsonist in style: "I'll follow my own path and disregard any action or result that doesn't give it my way." Anyone in partnership with this type knows this likely means associating with a lack of constraints on social structures: living from day-to-day in group units (shelters, collective gatherings). Pisces offers a never-ending potential of Arsonist qualities, but it's emotional-sensitive in nature and not aggressive-dynamic. A Pisces soul caught in an Arsonist pattern can be caught in a maelstrom of confusion followed up with sensitively good intentions and terrible judgment.
     What to do about the Arsonist in your life? It's clearly a matter of Power & Control--and personal boundaries. The Arsonist has no qualms about encroachment on other peoples' lives--this is a very self-centered character flaw, and may likely be hiding a Narcissistic Personality. The key factor to remember is simple: "No." An Arsonist will rise into whatever level of insistence their sign carries with a likely demonstration of unhealthy tendencies, but it is essential for anyone involved in a relationship or caregiver role to recognize the need to put out the Arsonist's ability to ignite intention and spark an inappropriate or unwise response. 
(C) MDLOP8 2024    

It's Elemental to my students!

  

Okay, students, look at this image: this is a great way of learning the ELEMENTAL NATURE of each sign and "who's on which team." 

Red Fire signs, ready for action (from L-R, counter-clockwise): 

Aries, Leo, Sagittarius

Green Down-to-earth signs, ready to be steady: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn

White Lighter-than-Air signs, and away we go: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius

Blue Ocean-deep emotional water/"Tears 4 Fears" signs: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces

Additional Pairs:

Red & White; that's alright (Fire & Air)

Green & Blue; works for you (Earth & Water)

Sun sign by egg--and lesson

 

Now then. I don't post serious ideas ALL the time. There's a wonderful post about how children of each Sun sign view the world-at-large. And I have a naughty sense of humor--which goes along with my Mars in Gemini and Aries Sun. 

But THESE kids are priceless--especially the way the Leo/Sagittarius just glowers at her assailant and then delivers the perfect response. Same for that little Aries girl: she gave Dad a shot that sent him reeling--and did he ever deserve it! So, on this first day of May, be thankful for the child you may have, either as your own or a family member, and remember to honor YOUR Inner Child too. Learning about ourselves, especially in the array of wisdom that astrological concepts can bring, is a marvelous way to understand the world around us. (I'd say there's a bit of a Saturn twist to the adults who were on the receiving end.) And have an egg while you're at it.

The Lunar Return and month-to-month Activity cycles of the Moon

The lunar return is one method of tuning in oneself to the trends of psychological astrology as well as "what's up for me?"  Similar in nature to the solar return but in a 27.5 day phase, the lunar return offers us the chance to see what the month(s) ahead will bring, each with a new "social/public/business scene" from the Moon's energies.  And since the Moon is part of our subconscious nature, it represents what we have asked to learn and have drawn to ourselves in the process.  What better way to see "What have I asked to experience next?" in the month(s) ahead? 

I use lunar returns to keep aware of timing phases that are manageable in small scale: "What's going on with me for next/this month?" The other planets can also be identified within a lunar return; they may have a cooperative or limited flow of energy with the Moon, depending on placements for the specified time.  

The lunar return is yet ANOTHER reason that I encourage you to follow the potential flows of Life Activity during the course of a year. Note: "lunar types" (4th house Moon or Asc. or Cancer Asc or 4th house stellium) should ESPECIALLY follow the lunar returns throughout the year!

Magi astrology Cinderella/Prince Charming Romance Timing for Soul Mate connections

(Note: the role of Cinderella 

is being played by Scarlett Johansson.)

“Dear Astrological Consultant, when will I find the man (or woman) of my dreams**?”**(Note: yes, men do have 'romantic times' too; the author Robert Louis Stevenson met his wife, who was 10 years senior, during such an event--and he wrote some great love letters to her. And there certainly are 'romantic' signs for men with Venus in their chart.)

The Magi system comes from the Shaolin monks (yes, the ones who developed kung fu as a martial arts discipline); it's based ONLY on aspects between key planets and the timing/transit activations. If you consider that horary astrology ("Where are my missing keys" or "Should I buy or sell stocks now?") is on a similar method. Are key players engaged or not either in harmony or challenge?

The comet Chiron is the planet of Cinderellas.  Like any other planet, Chiron is constantly moving as it orbits the Sun. As Chiron moves in the sky, whenever it makes a special harmonious energy to your Venus, Jupiter, or Neptune, you are at the peak of your Romance Cycle. The same is true when the position of Venus, Jupiter, or Neptune in the sky makes a harmonious energy flow to your Chiron. It is at these times that you are in your Cinderella Time and you are most attractive, most charming, and most fascinating. (A Pluto Magi time would likely bring someone who has a great $$ opportunity.)

During your Cinderella Time, people forgive you for everything. They overlook your faults and you are at the peak of your popularity. It is during your Cinderella Time that you are as irresistible as you can possibly be. You can almost walk on air. 

   ***This is when you have the greatest chance of meeting your Prince Charming (or your princess), fall in love together, and marry him (or her). But as you must have guessed, your Cinderella Gateway is open only for a few times in your life and only briefly each time. Don't miss it. It is crucial that you take advantage of it whenever it occurs in your own life.

Now: does EVERY timing mean a happy encounter? No. Keep in mind that free will is a guiding rule in all human interactions and decisions; anyone can talk him/herself into validating the wrong person's presence despite obvious warnings and refusals to accept "He/she's NOT right for me." But you MAY find yourself meeting a Significant Soul Mate who is there for a major lesson, or even to fulfill some form of obligation. The results are both yours and theirs.