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.

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.

Uranus the Liberator Frees Your Life for the Unexpected!

She said, "Mitch! My life is turning upside down!! What's going on--and while you're at it, why is it so crazy and hard to handle?"

Answer: 

Uranus by transit in the 1st house of Personality.  Like so: "Uranus is the Social Rebel (for example, think "The Grateful Dead band's" energy) which says "I Break the Rules of Society BECAUSE Society needs a wake-up call." Uranus, and its sponsoring sign of Aquarius, really allows us to overthrow and overcome blockage, both personal and socially, on an individual and global scale. 

Uranus is a liberator--it wants us to break free from limitation--the "anti-Saturn" influence. Its purpose is evolution, experimentation, and growth. Although Uranus can sometimes live in reaction mode, it motivates us to think and act outside of the box. In fact, Uranus in its purest form is intuition itself. By house, the position of Uranus shows where individuals look to stir things up, put a new spin on situations, and go against established thought or order. 

Uranus doesn't act like other planetary energies: it has no respect or use for regulations, structures, routines. In your 1st house of Personality and Appearance, you can expect that people "see" you differently, even if not on the surface--but they can sense it. It will also impact on extension the other side of your chart: the 7th house of Relationships and Partnerships. Uranus in the 1st alters the way an individual projects personal energies onto others. You are likely to seek, nay demand, freedom in the way you present yourself to the world. Dressing simply but quirky, you will have no problems in asserting yourself. 

You are not shy in letting everyone know where you stand on issues. In fact you take pride in presenting your unique perspective. "I am a simple soul with few wants and needs," is what you tell yourself. All you can feel is an altruistic desire to change the world! Friends and relatives probably find you a trifle erratic. They know you to be good-hearted and genuine about your feelings. Your passions rise fast and you lose interest at the same rate. 

Why is this happening? It's likely about Personal Change within that indicates you are being prepared for a shift in lifestyle for reasons that are not only about you, but your place in the larger whole of society. In short, you're experiencing what I call "being a Cosmic Tuning Fork." Welcome to MY life! 

(My middle brother's birthday party: he has Uranus on the Ascendant in Leo. Guess who had to wear his custom-design outfit? You bet! His older brother! Someone just asked me if I lost a paintball fight in Haight-Ashbury, San Francisco. Yep. Feels that way.)

Pluto direct (and retrograde) - Coal into diamonds of the soul

 

 Pluto retrograde is asking us to internalize wisdom and make it part of our individual character. It also works on national and social levels: it will bring down an Institution just as easily as a government. It's almost like a time-out from the relentless pressure building up that releases an earthquake. Pluto direct (especially by transit) shows us how to move ahead and evolve from the lessons we have learned and should bring forward to build character in our soul and life awareness.

Pluto retrograde teaches us to keep our chin up during crisis because it shows us how to handle Transformation, Change, Power Struggles, and The Inevitable. It's deep Phoenix-Powered Energy: to rebuild from within. (Fixed signs ESPECIALLY don't like this--but it's their greatest strength of character.) This is about "staying with the Focus"). Souls born with Pluto retrograde usually want to keep inner upheavals private; there is SOME measure of secrecy and brooding over "not being Important again." This usually indicates a soul who was famous or important in some way during a previous life--but has chosen to be overlooked in this one. This decision brings constant frustration and yearning for "the fame that used to be."

Pluto is the planet of complete transformation, upheaval, reversals, and bad beginnings. It spends on average, five months out of the year in retrograde. This is a time of destruction and rebuilding when intense situations and outside forces intervene. Be willing to go to extremes and prepared to cut away the useless in those areas of life represented by the house your Pluto is in, releasing what no longer serves you in order to regenerate your life. 

Pluto retrograde in your natal chart indicates that you are here to learn karmic lessons about intensity, control, and struggles for dominance. While you are wrestling with your own inner conflicts, outside forces are likely to upset your life. You are likely to find public opinion can be fickle, giving you little outward reason for blind trust in others. The people who make up your world may revere you one moment and revile you the next. 

Part of your lesson is to refuse to get locked in a battle of egos. Penetrate to the essence of the situation uncovering hidden truth. Trust your instincts being completely honest with yourself. Forgive yourself and others, but do not forget the lessons as you learn that you are the final authority. You may not always be able to control what you face nor what is done, but you are in sole control of how you choose to respond or react.

Saturn Lessons by House Placement

 

And now, a few lessons from our dear 

Master Teacher! 

Saturn in the chart is always a place where many people do not want to go for answers.  However, it's one of the most profound areas where we can learn about our need for soul growth, lessons to achieve this, and how to find answers to day-to-day life challenges as well as long-term needs.  Here are the Fear Factors that must be overcome, and their respective Saturn Life Lessons and goals.

 

States of Saturn, Fear Factors, 

& Life Mastery Goals: Houses 1-12

 

1st house:  State of Being

Fear: not existing; not having recognition for Self; not being recognized for accomplishments; fears of not being adequate enough; disputing ego validation: “I will prove myself to you.”

Duty:  commitment.  Rebuilding the persona, body, image, and presentation; Rearranging and rebuilding the personality; actions that prove Self.

Mastery Goal: Adaptation.  Courage to face change.

 2nd house:  State of Security

Fear: That nothing lasts; loss of love, property, assets, and resources. Questioning guarantees, self-value; ownership; and being stuck in ruts. “I’m a loser: nothing I ever wanted had wanted to stay in my life, and neither did anyone.”

Duty:  Commitment to values that define Self; economic responsibilities; establishment of self-worth; validation of the ability to earn or show monetary or trade flow of goods; learning to speak up for self; affirming needs.

Mastery Goal:  self-establishment of self-worth; ownership of assets and resources.

 3rd house:  State of Mind

Fear: not being intelligent enough; fear of speech & learning; doubting the use of ideas and words. Difficulty with tests, written materials, and responses, basic and higher education fulfillment. Difficulty with sibling relationships and how to manage them. “I don’t have brains for this!”

Duty:  education; public speaking; writing; conceptual competency and strong communication skills; coursework - class work; teaching. (I have a 3rd house Saturn; oh, boy, is this ever real!)

Mastery Goal: intellectual commitment concentrated mental efforts.

 4th house - Home State

Fear:  no home or family; worries about “end of life”; no “roots"; "belonging” anxiety;  not close to group & distrusting attachment. Avoiding grounding and establishing the foundation of self: “I have no place to call my own.”

Duty: Manifestation of home and family as a social hub for transition; safety in the present environment; building a home base; owning land; Ability to live by oneself.

Mastery Goal:  Emotional commitment and dependability.

 5th house - Creative State

Fear: no love or affection; not sure about the desire for children; questioning the authenticity of love; doubting creativity. Little or no interest in arts or sports; “I’m not talented.” 

Duty: dignified presentation and acceptance of artistic endeavors or creative integrity through coordinated activities: dancing, movement classes (yoga, Tai Chi, Qi Gong); working with children in groups (Scouts, camping, pre/nursery school, or daycare).

Mastery Goal:  artistic discipline; recreating oneself through creative endeavors.

 6th house:  State of Employment

Fear:  hard work; responsibility; skeptical of one’s real usefulness to others; reluctance to do dirty jobs or daily routines; superstitions & (over)-attention to health matters. Not willing to follow a schedule: “I don’t know what I want to do.”

Duty:  designing vocational potentials; (human resources); competent employment record built and maintained; following schedules; following a proper diet and eating habits.

Mastery Goal: commitment to apprenticeship; service to others.

 7th house:  State of Intimacy

Fear: no Life Partner or enduring relationship; uncertainty about being bonded to another; needing distance. Not wanting to give up  freedom of Self and choices: “I’ll never find someone who wants to be with me.”

Duty: Stable, committed, and lasting relationship; union with another; willingness to share life with someone on a mutual schedule.

Mastery Goal:  Accepting rituals and protocols of attraction and acceptance by and for another.

 8th house - State of Surrender

Fear:  change; sharing assets;  ($$, home, car); resources;  Afraid of death; sex; intimacy; Reluctance to surrender to another body and soul: “I don’t feel safe sharing (myself) with someone else.”

Duty:  commanding the proficiency of sharing resources and values of others; blending self with Other; exploring other beliefs and information about end-of-life processes.

Mastery Goal:  commitment to growth; learning to share; incorporating others’ values to promote growth.

 9th house - Intuitive State

Fear: nothing to believe in; skeptical about faith in any Divine System. Reluctance to pursue education as a path for wisdom. Distrust in authority figures of moral or social impact and influence. "I can't trust what I'm being told by those who say they speak the truths that I need to learn!"

Duty: structuring one’s cosmology; commitment to teaching others Higher Social Values, Truths, & Spiritual Ideals.

Mastery Goal: authority to establish and represent one’s metaphysical values. Acceptance and awareness of own knowledge of Spirit within Self and internalizing this as Wisdom.

 10th house - Professional State

Fear: being nobody; doubting fame, lacking recognition and public involvement; issues with father/authority figures. Reluctance to create a career goal or accomplishment; no ambition for reasonable work. “I’m not interested in that kind of work--and don't know if I WANT a job.”

Duty: commitment to developing and delivering one’s knowledge and achievement.

Mastery Goal: Pursuing and establishing concrete skills, training, and application in a path of growth; steady advancement of rank or structure within a large environment for society.

 11th house - Community State

Fear: not belonging; questioning the significance of friends and groups; not wanting to be part of a team; claustrophobic in crowds; not wanting to join in social gathering places. 

Duty: social responsibilities; building friendships and associations.

Mastery Goal: social shaper; group co-op membership; effective association with groups and humanitarian projects; networking.

 12th house - Unconscious State

Fear: need to disappear from the world; blaming fate; questioning the substantial nature of one’s reality; not living in this realm; afraid of life, the Great Unknown, or unseen things; phobias. Fears of death or losing one’s sanity.

Duty:  commitment to solitude and spiritual discipline; intimacy with Void, Higher Realm, or Divine Creative Source.

Mastery: Manifestation of a sanctuary as refuge from suffering and retreat for regeneration; compassion and depth. Willingness to sacrifice for others.

 (c) MDLOP8 2024

The psychological astrology of the Titanic tragedy (and others) in our history

 

My birthday is April 14^th, the anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic. In more ways than one, I have a “Titanic connection.”  

  

Part of what I mean is a concept pioneered by my Seattle friend and astrologer, Eileen Grimes, whose book Titanic Astrology – The Grand Design of a Famous Shipwreck, was endorsed by the late Noel Tyl and Michael Lutin, two of the premier names in psychological astrology circles.  Eileen has also served on the board of the Washington State Astrological Association and teaches a popular series of astrology courses and workshops.  

Eileen’s research of more than 1000 charts connected to the Titanic’s legacy and disaster has revealed a very valuable and important set of markers to consider in psychological astrology.  In my view after reading her book and recognizing my personal association beyond my birth date with this tragedy, the Titanic stands as an indication of the hubris, or elevated arrogance, of mankind; in the case of the Titanic, that it was about the Edwardian time period’s infatuation with glamour and amenities rather than practicality for safety that stands as the greater part of the reason more than 1500 people lost their lives.  This too is about Ego, and that word itself is an Aries trait—which certainly ties into the latter half of the sign and the above-mentioned date of the Titanic’s unfortunate voyage.  

What Eileen has identified are four major cardinal points within a range of degrees that are consistent with the building of the ship, its voyage, and the important people associated with it, ranging from passengers to the board directors of the White Star Line and the crew.  These marker points are within the range of 19-25 degrees of the Aries-Cancer-Libra-Capricorn cross.  As cardinal signs, these are the ones which psychologically indicate that the soul is prepared to accept a lifetime of challenges and experiences that are demanding and more direct in nature regarding significant soul lessons.  Depending on a person’s birth date, they may or may not have a number of these ranges of cardinal sign placements and degrees; one variation is to use midpoints as a determination.  (For reference, a midpoint is the mid-range of two signs: kind of a 50-50 position.  Most computers can provide this grid.)

What does a person with a significant “Titanic signature” experience in his/her life and how does it play out in psychological astrology?  He or she may undergo tremendous Life Change experiences that reveal a great deal about the need to manage and control the ego, or they may be open to great upheavals of events or circumstances that are like the biblical story of Job (or Joseph—or even Samson. All three men were known to be outspoken about their superior status—and were humbled as a means of learning to control this). In a social setting, the Titanic’s sinking and the bombastic attitude that the ship was unsinkable are reminders. Those individuals who may carry the Titanic signature are the embodiment that we are responsible for the voice of reason and practicality as a way of protecting innocent people as well as cautioning against elevated thinking without foundation.

Other events in society also mark this way of imprinting us in the ways that we are cautioned to heed the warnings after disaster strikes:  the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in New York City in 1911 that killed 146 young women, mostly immigrants; the 1966 Aberfan, Wales, coal mining disaster that wiped out a school and its children; the Tenerife (Canary Islands) airport disaster of 1977 when two 747 airliners collided and killed 583 people, the greatest air catastrophe ever known; the Bhopal chemical accident in India which killed anywhere from 4,000 to 20,000 people; and of course, the Challenger shuttle explosion in 1986, the Exxon Valdez tanker spill of crude oil in Alaska in 1984; the Olympic luge athlete who died in the 2010 Winter Games event after warning his family that he was concerned about the safety of the track; the Gulf of Mexico oil well explosion of 2010, and the nuclear plant disasters at Chernobyl in 1986 and the Fukashima reactor in Japan in 2011. Update 2020: the world is swept up in COVID-19. How many countries were unprepared and even worse, after the realization of the epidemic?

The messages are clear each time:  when we forget to care for each other’s safety as members of society or ignore the hazards and dangers to the environment, we are forced into action that is devastating and overwhelming in its overall price.  Unfortunately, these cardinal degrees are potential signals of being motivated to learn a major phase of responsibility—like the influence and legacy of a great ship that was doomed for failure because no one thought of looking at the synchronicity of the event until Eileen mapped out the possible identifying coordinates.

Regarding the sign positions that indicate a "Titanic connection" in my chart: counting planets and midpoints, I have six natal--and eight midpoints--that qualify that I was involved from the beginning...and onboard--in a significant role. And the implications are something I don't enjoy by reincarnation. However, they are part of my life pattern and astrological awareness. And I accept my culpability.

The Yod: "The Finger of God" that touches your chart like you're a Cosmic Tuning Fork

When two natal planets are caught in a quincunx-inconjunct pattern of 150 degrees as the channels for the Y-shape (think of the opposition to a sign, but look to either side instead. For example, from Aries, you'll get Virgo and Scorpio)--and that's a Yod. It's a Cosmic Lightning Rod--a divining rod, if you please--for Action, Intelligence, and Form. And you are the receiver of this energy. Yods are given no more than 3 degrees aspect, but the Sun and Moon are allowed 4 degrees.

A Yod is "the Finger of God," meaning that the Creative Source of All is tapping on your forehead--a "Big Energy that is Powerful in its Expression is coming your way." Think of it as a Cardinal sign dynamic: "Life Events are Magnified."
 
What are you going to do with it? What's the message?
Truly: get yourself some astrological advice here. Pick up a natal report and LEARN your strengths, talents, abilities--and also your challenges and limitations that NEED to be tested and proven to develop your character and personality. Order the asteroids-Chiron profile and understand/fulfill deep understanding about your Life Partner quality; your nurturing/caring need to share with society; empowerment & courage, and dedication to a cause or purpose. It's better to be prepared than to wait for lightning to strike, and you're on target--or THE target.

So take this as a signal to do something: order a report or book from me, or get involved as you please with your astrological studies. The stars are saying it's time you tap your empowerment by learning why you're unique.

The Draconic Chart - The Path of Purpose & Development of Character at 0 degrees Aries Node

 

THE  DRAGON'S  TALE

OR A FEW NOTES ON DRACONIC CHARTS

                       by Bette Denlinger © Copyright 1997

**My comments: have a look at your Draconic chart--or order a "natal draconic chart". Why? I'm living it: mine is in the 4th house--in Aries, as a draconic chart shows where an individual's Life Path (akin to the North Node) will emphasize a Purpose and Action to be taken. So: I have moved SO many times and have JUST been informed again that I must make a decision to relocate from a beautiful view in the San Bernardino mountains--because Pluto and Mars at zero Aquarius are activating my 0 degree Aries Draconic Node--in the 4th house of the Home. I have to accept my life path as a "pull up roots and relocate" way of existence.

 Oh, and my Aries draconic 4th house conjuncts my asteroid Athena; the advocate for those in need. I teach online from home. And I'm well aware that upcoming Saturn entering Aries--and Neptune too--will conjunct my Dragon's Node. I'll leave my suitcase packed.

Once upon a time....there were three zodiacs: the Sidereal, the Tropical, and the Draconic. The Sidereal zodiac takes into account the precession of the equinoxes and is the zodiac used by astronomers. The Tropical is based on the traditional positions of the demarcations of the zodiac and is primarily used by astrologers. The Draconic Zodiac, used by some astrologers searching for hidden spiritual truths, is a symbolic zodiac rather than real. Rumors abound, however, that the Draconic Zodiac is the oldest of them all.

The term DRACONIC comes from the Latin terms for the Lunar Nodes. Caput Draconis, is the dragon's head or Moon's North Node, and Cauda Draconis, the dragon's tail or South Node. It is traditional to place these points in a chart although they are often ignored and considered insignificant by those looking for indicators of "events". Or we may alternatively hear the terms "karma" or "fate" tossed about in regards to the Nodes. Those who use Arabic Parts in their practice may feel an affinity with the sensitive points created in a Draconic Chart.

Draconic degrees show you exactly where you can grow, widen, fulfill, and enhance your life. These are the important points that can show where you may initiate individual growth of spirit and travel from what was into what will be. We can choose to make our futures brighter and happier by searching for the critical points upon which that future may hinge.

Use your Draconic Chart as a sign post pointing to relationships and experiences that will help you become rather than just be.

A Draconic Chart is calculated by subtracting the TRUE NORTH NODE in absolute degrees of longitude from 360 degrees and placing the node at 0 degrees Aries. The difference between the North Node and 360 degrees is added to all the planets and house cusps, and a new chart is erected.

The planets will appear in the same houses, but the degrees and signs will change in direct proportion to the distance of the True North Node to 0 Aries. The TRUE NODE is always used because this is the position of the Node after correction for the perturbations caused by the gravitational forces of Sun and Moon.

"It is said that life lessons which surface when comparing the Draconic to the Tropical chart will always manifest in the charts of those with whom we form close relationships. Transits and progressions to the Draconic chart may manifest as major events which alter the course of our lives."

What is the Node then? Why is it important? The Nodes are astronomically, and in reality, the two points on the plane of the ecliptic that the Moon crosses on its daily orbit. If the ecliptic is where events happen, then those Nodal points are of importance as an indicator of trends in the world around us. 

The Node is the point of awareness of common events, daily occurrences, and perhaps could be termed the area of what’s happening in the world. The transits of the nodes give us the flavor for the day, the week, the month....the subjects for personal reflection...the activity and moods of the common people (i.e., the Moon). 

Though they do not produce events, they produce a feel, an aura, a sense of the rhythms around us which we can tune into and harmonize with. The Nodes are where the Sun’s path and Moon’s path meet along the planes of the ecliptic; where Light path meets Light path. The symbols for the Nodes are two circles, symbols of the spirit, linked by a crescent which is the esoteric symbol of the soul, or the emotional and desire nature.

One Node is associated with intake and the other with an outward flow, like respiration with the breathe going in and out or the tide’s ebb and flow..... In some opinions the South Node represents the past and those areas of life we have experienced in a previous incarnation. Those areas if emphasized in this lifetime prevent growth, since we have already become accomplished in this area. The South Node tells you, in essence, "been there, done that".

The North Node represents the future and what we need to strive towards to balance our personalities, and to empower our souls on a forward path. The North Node shows us the direction where we will become whole, internally united and empowered, if we choose to go. 

The South Node then, according to this philosophy looks backwards, relying on abilities one is already comfortable and competent with, but by adhering to the tried and true we miss out on a whole realm of experience and become one sided. The North Node points to new, unexplored territory, which may be daunting to the timid, but which if embraced creates joy, fulfillment, and coalescence. 

The South Node represents abilities and aptitudes we are born with in this life, and the North Node is the direction in which we can build or realize new skills and strengths that complement and enhance our natural ones.

It then follows that to accentuate the area of life represented by the North Node via its house and sign will benefit the growth of the soul as it struggles on its spiral towards perfection.

The South Node may show what we possess innately, and the North what we lack, but only by striving for those very qualities which are the antithesis of our nature may we become a whole person, at one with the universe, and at peace. In every opposition and every duality one side both balances and needs the other to maintain its own balance. We often do not know just what our strengths and positive attributes are until we project them outward and utilize them with the other as represented by the opposition aspect.

Why is the Draconic Chart focused on zero degrees Aries? Consider that Aries is the starting gate, the Cardinal Sign of spring, the turning point of fresh beginnings, and symbolizes taking action that will lead to growth. Even the symbol for the sign Aries appears as a fountain of life gushing forth with vital force. 

In the Draconic chart the North Node moves symbolically to zero Aries, and we reorient the chart to the starting point. Now, what actually happens when the North Node is at 0 Aries? That is the time the Node starts a new 19 yr. cycle, isn’t it? It is also when the Nodes are simultaneously on the ecliptic and equatorial planes. Powerful forces, magnetic and otherwise, are at work when planes coincide. An eclipse is an alignment of Sun and Moon along the same planes of ecliptic and declination. Other planes may coincide and intersect, creating areas that are conduits for energy transmittal.

The Vertex, called a point of fateful encounters over which we have no conscious control, is the intersection of the great circles of the ecliptic and the prime vertical in the west at the time and place of birth. In the Draconic Chart the ecliptic plane of the Sun, the equatorial plane of the Earth, and that of the Lunar orbit are all brought together....Light paths meet Earth.

 Compare the Tropical chart to the Draconic to examine the theme of the life search for actualization. If the Tropical planetary positions of another person’s chart coincides with a Draconic placement in your chart, this person will in some way teach or challenge you to use the abilities of your Draconic planet in a way that sows seeds for future flowering. 

The same may be said for transits and progressions to those Draconic degrees. Aspects between charts retain their basic interpretations. If by trine; in positive, easy ways that inspire. If by square, by creating tension and cross purposes which may test your resolve. If by opposition, a choice must be made, balance must be created, and if by conjunction the lesson may be for good or ill, but certainly important.

 Since we have choice to set out on this quest to fulfill our spiritual needs and as the Draconic chart is based on the Aries point which represents taking action, it follows that to manifest the best and highest of our nature we must deliberately seek the characteristics and concepts of the planets and signs Draconically pointed out.

Each individual walks his own unique path, and only by self-searching and reflection will you understand the particular lesson that is yours to learn. Below there are some guidelines, but choose what makes you feel right on target, trust to the voice of your Higher Self , and you can never go wrong.

 When the Sun sun is highlighted in a Draconic comparison, you may reach out and achieve your potential through taking pleasure in creative abilities. One may create on many levels; you may visualize your goals, take pride in leadership and worldly accomplishment, raise either a child of the body or the mind, or simply enjoy and enlighten those around you. Whatever you focus your whole heart on will be successful if you will concentrate on the matters associated with this placement by house and by sign.

Should the Moon be notably aspected, the expression of feelings and emotion will lead you on a path by which you may find completion. Attuning to the rhythms of the world around you, cherishing those people and things which surround you in daily life, and being receptive is the way to fulfillment of your Draconic road. Opportunities are presented for you to nurture and feed others as well as the self, whether physically, mentally, or emotionally. Learn to listen and reflect on what you hear and feel.

 Mercury as a focus planet directs one towards using logic and precision in everyday matters. Strive for clarity of thought, use the mind as a tool for accomplishing your visions. What you say and write may have importance for your future. Information may be a springboard for consolidating your conflicts. The handle for improvement may lie within the immediate environment. Thoughts are things, so direct your mind along pleasant paths.

 Venus lights the way of potentiality via relationships, social activities, and the ability to love. Pay close attention to people and things attracted into the life through no effort of your own. While you walk on a road with another being, harmonize and agree with them. Appreciation of beauty and the arts may catapult you into new and untried directions. Your gaiety and kindness may attract friends that help you in times to come.

When Mars is the planet accentuated work and effort will be the rewarding areas of life to concentrate on. There may be higher implications in actions taken. Push forward your personal desires, assert yourself and go after those things you want. Your own initiative may produce a turning point for your future. By pleasing yourself first you may become a pleasure for others. Accept challenges and bravely face struggles as you can grow by overcoming strife.

Jupiter in the Draconic chart gives deeper meaning to the development of philosophy and faith. How you react to the opinions of others and their words has a deeper portent for you. Acts of generosity to and from other people, especially family, may be signposts to future rewards. Learning to refine your judgment, weigh what is wasteful and extravagant versus what empowers others, and expanding your horizons are all areas to explore. Educational opportunities are avenues of positive portent.

 The only way to deal with Saturn in any form is to accept the limitations put upon you and learn to follow the rules. As you become aware of the value of public recognition or accept the fact that a reputation is built and not given without merit, you grow in wisdom. Obstructions and responsibilities are placed in your path so that you may become stronger, more capable, and more organized. Learning to plan for the future is your vehicle for gaining self-respect. Ethical considerations are important to your fulfillment.

 Uranus brings sudden changes and unusual circumstances into life, and by meeting these face-on, you grow and fulfill the other side of your personality. Accept the new and different. The key to future possibilities lies in chance meetings and temporary friendships that spark new thoughts and goals. Embrace change, progress, and humanitarian endeavors. Refuse to stick with the tried and true out of fear. Learn to adjust to change. Let your innate independence shine.

 The Draconic chart with Neptune exchanges indicates that seeds may be sown through an awareness of compassion and sympathy. Once we realize that all mankind is swimming together in a sea of similar consciousness, we may touch the pain of others from within ourselves. Acts of kindness stemming from imagined needs may be catalysts to our future. Confusing or glamorous situations may arise where things are not as they appear, but by accepting these without fear one may walk a path of higher ideals. Don’t shirk from sympathy or accepting charity. Walking a mile in another’s shoes may help you advance on your own road.

  In Draconic charts Pluto dominating the delineation may point to accepting major upheavals as the route to satisfy the soul’s quest. There are people, situations, and things which must be eliminated and discarded to clear the road for future accomplishment. Pluto may represent abandonment of an element of the life that is the key to the future performance. The proverb, As we sow, so we reap reminds us to banish resentment from the past before we replant. Purity of purpose is all important with Pluto.

The Vertex involved in a Draconic combination blends the meaning of the Vertex with Nodes. There is no personal control whatsoever over the situation. The power over our own future lies in the hands of someone else. Another person is thrown into the life and we are swept up into a relationship that may, by surrendering ourselves to the influence of the other, fulfill our personal dreams and bring them into actuality.

Meeting the aspects as Conditions of Reaction to Human Responses: The Sun/Moon

Some musings/observations/perspectives, if you will allow me, on the exchange of energies between two planets. As I've mentioned throughout this site, I've taken a holistic and psychological approach to my studies, chart analyses, and educational overview that (1) the planets are Indicators of Human Responses, and that (2) the aspects chosen by an astrological consultant or student-in-training-learning are Indicators of Reaction to those Responses. To this end, rather than analyze each planet in aspect, I'm staying with the Sun and its partnerships with the others. 

To that end, I'm doing a breakdown of MY thoughts regarding the aspects of a conjunction, sextile, square, trine, inconjunct/quincunx, and opposition. I use these as primaries; I could also involve the declinations, as I do use them. However, for this response/post, I'm sticking with the Ptolemaic group of six. For the sake of declination analyses, I would say the parallel/contraparallel are in the fashion of the conjunction. 

I want to emphasize that these are MY thoughts and overviews, provided again for educational and consultational purposes. As anyone who has studied the art and psychological ramifications of astrology can and should (in my view) say, it's a never-ending skill of combing layers of Intuition, methodology, and Wisdom. I'm doing the  Sun as a separate endeavor to allow for my own writing to flow and also to accommodate any learners/readers.

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In a Sun-Moon conjunction, also known as the New Moon, I would say there are several possibilities. For one, this is a potential indicator that the parents were in alignment with each other in starting a family: the Sun as the father-figure and the Moon as the mother-figure. There's also a likelihood of similarities in comfortable role models as male and female. In general, I would suggest here that the individual's Self-Identity is in harmony/union with his/her emotional needs and also in response to social contacts that involve subconscious responses. 

One special consideration: depending on whether or not the Sun or Moon are in the same polarity (male-female by signage), one may expect an individual to be more "solar" and outgoing or more "lunar" and internally responsive. If they are in different signage, depending on the outcome, the individual may be more inclined to the dominant outcome, such as a Sun in Aquarius and a Cancer-Crab Moon. (In this case, the Sun is in detriment and not fully expressed, while the Moon rules Cancer, and to my overview, dominating the psyche.) 

In a sextile pattern, I'd say the individual feels comfortable with both parents, and also with Self-Identity awareness and emotional needs being met. In a square pattern, there's an internal conflict: both challenging the Self-Identity and Emotional-Subconscious needs. Again, this may be a reflection on the relationship of the parents with each other and on how the individual/child was raised.

In a similar way, the Sun-Moon square is a potential indicator that the parents were at odds in some form or display in their relationship with each other at the time of birth--and most likely, during the formative months prior to birth. In my view, the psyche is well aware of this interaction. But even though there may be behavioral clashes that both or one parent may have presented, this still continues over after birth has occurred, and the individual may unknowingly try to find ways of appeasing one or both parents. This may carry over to formative or adult relationships. But in my view, even though the square is an indicator of potential frustration, it may give the individual great insight and encouragement to develop cooperative social skills and behaviors to overcome subconscious responses that are not fulfilling to the Self-identity or emotional needs. It's more than likely that counseling in some form for the adult individual with a Sun-Moon square will be both helpful and provide a resolution to psychological challenges. I'd also say there's a potential here for various levels of conditions on the spectrum which also include autism, or at least, difficulty in being comfortable with social interactions. Neuro-divergency is the key here: there are both strengths and challenges as potentials. It's one of the reasons I coined the term "Fluid Learning" to describe both myself and others as individuals who are comfortable in expression of both left-and-right brain hemispheres.

The trine can be both an obvious and subtle outcome, as I see it: both cooperation and a possible indulgence to excess within the psyche regarding "I am Who I Am" from the Sun and "This is What I Need from the World" via the Moon. One parent may have been more active regarding the expression, if other indications are shown, for this as an indulgence, or even an addictive response if the individual shows possibilities. As much as a trine is a favorable aspect, it can also indicate laziness on the part of the individual to act on his/her behavior and responses to decision-making. In any case, we could expect by elemental nature that a fire trine Sun-Moon would be more enthusiastic and possibly volatile; an earth trine would be more grounded and resolute in practical matters; an air trine would be more accommodating in mental activity or social exchanges of ideas; and a water trine would offer greater intuitive sensitivities. Again, I would note that even though I think a trine will work harmoniously, if the Sun-Moon are in different elements, I would be aware there may be an undertone of tension in resolution of this outcome.

The quincunx/inconjunct, as I understand it, is more about tension without a clear successful resolution. In regards to the Sun-Moon in aspect, I would think it is more of a personal and social frustration that "I can't comfortably be Myself no matter how I try." Sometimes, this is possibly not as much an internal challenge as it is an expression that society-at-large has not yet caught up to patterns that reflect ongoing changes in behaviors that may be decades ahead. Issues may be possible with gender roles or choices as well as relationship needs. I do not want to categorize the LGBTQ as such because in my view, there are no specific signages or aspects that indicate these choices as fulfilling outcomes. Again, as a parental indicator, this may be an indication that one or both parents were at subtle odds with each other but unable to comfortably fulfill their respective roles as each saw fit for the needs of the individual as a child.

As I understand, the opposition is an external challenge, and for sure, the possibility that one or both parents were at odds with some outside force, possibly economic or social in nature. For the individual, there may be clashes between "I am Fiercely Defending my Identity" and honoring one's emotional needs. This may be overtly obvious with a Sun-Moon which are beyond elemental qualities and contradict each other: for example, a Fire sign sun and a Water Moon. Even an Air Sun and Earth Moon could find challenges in trying to fulfill mental and social images and being practical and stabilizing.

The chart wheel: window to the psyche and timing events

 

The natal chart (birth chart) is a tool unto itself:  a 12-way, 12-level blueprint of seeing how to build “you” into a better person.  It offers a 4-way mirror for viewing the profile of the psyche:  head-on (the ascendant), the view from behind closed doors at home (4th house), relating to others (7th house), and at work (10th).  Each view will provide a different view of interpreting how the subject sees his or her world-at-large from these major vantage points of social engagement. 

This is the primary advantage of psychological astrology:  having the flexibility of interpreting the psyche but being accurate enough to stay within a tight enough range of cause-and-effect patterns that can be anticipated as well as managed. 

Timing can be prepared for as a means of establishing behavior as well as building emotional structure for the inevitable crises that are part of the Life Cycle.  Choices and decisions can always be applied:  it’s never too late to Learn and Change; one is always going to happen anyway!

Three other blueprint options are also available and very popular:  Transits, Progressions, and Solar Returns, also known as “Now, Eventually, and Yearly.”  Transits let us see what activity is being stirred in life areas of responses (houses) to activate or initiate a Life Lesson and how it will be applied.  Progressions show how the soul has evolved: what lessons the psyche is meant to “graduate” and advance through over time, usually by age 30 and beyond.  Timing phases of social challenge can be pivotal here and narrowed to the month.

A solar return comes as a birthday gift of sorts from the Universal Life Source:  “Take these challenges and gifts for one year and see what you can do with them.”  A window of three months approaching the date will manifest if the subject is aware and willing to be responsible and active, with the arrival of the year’s life events beginning within six weeks after the birth date itself.

(c) MDLOP8 2010

The (Magi) Astrology of the Beatles

I know they're back in the music news (yet again!) because of a long-lost track that was part of John Lennon's legacy: it's been modified by Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr to "fill in" their perhaps-last-ever for our listening enjoyment. But there's been something on my mind for over 15 years: a perspective I found in a book on Magi astrology (the kind from the Shaolin monks of China's studies) about declinations. Declinations, as I've mentioned on this site, are the degrees of alignment that are close to the equatorial balance of the northern/southern hemispheres of a chart. And I'm an avid Beatles fan; I have a library of unreleased material on audio format.

In this article in the Magi book, it said that the Beatles as a collaborative group had very unique declinations--and I didn't quite understand it. So I just redid their charts in that fashion in order to try and find clues as to what might have inspired their bonding connections as friends and bandmates. To do this, I only use their birth dates and not the time, per the Magi system. It's done on a solar chart, and I run an equatorial chart instead to find the declinations.

What I found was incredibly unique to my understanding: there are synchronicity ("super linkages") matches with George/Paul between the Sun/Chiron, which indicate a trusting level of identifying with someone else in a relationship; Chiron-Neptune (for a 'reunion' with a long-ago soul mate'; with George/John with Venus-Mars, indicating a close personal "bromance"; John/Ringo's Moon-Jupiter-Saturn, indicating an emotional past-life connection of growth and responsibility, possibly parental; Paul-John's Moon-Mercury-Venus-Jupiter, surely indicating their emotional connection, mental attunement to each other's musical/artistic styles, and growth opportunities and the ability to prosper from it; and Ringo/Paul's Moon-Mercury-Venus-Chiron-Saturn, indicating their emotional-mental-relationship bonds, social appreciation of each other's musical styles, but also, the longevity that they are the last two remaining members with us today. Finally, there's a connection of financial success between Paul's Chiron (relationship with a soul mate) and John's Venus (social pleasure and enjoyment/arts). No wonder they were the premier songwriting duo of their time!

Whatever someone wants to say about astrological techniques or analysis: the Beatles once again come to the foreground in the subject. The union of these four men as a social institution has its origins and validations in the stars.

How to interpret a chart; the processes of delinations

 

"How do you interpret a chart?"

I don't know there's a definitive answer. Everyone has his/her own style. Some say to look at the ascendant first and planets nearby/conjunct; others say to look at houses (depending on what system/style is used); then there are those who look at other patterns: amounts of elements, rulerships, hemispheres, and signages with planetary match-ups.

I do all of that. At once. I can't say my way is better, but it's how my mind works. Sometimes the planets in signs appear to me like a chessboard configuration--and then they (the planets) figuratively rise up as though they're in 3D and not a flat 2D image. And they start to yell at me: "HEY! Look HERE! LOOK at my placement! Look whom I'm in aspect with and how it's making me react!" I also look at declinations (which is ALSO mentioned on this web page). And I consider the aspects, elements, and the houses--several times over. 

(I DO see patterns, and I mentally connect with the symbolism of the glyphs. You do the same thing with the letters of the alphabet. Letters in language (or symbols) are the same to me as glyphs. I mentally connect with the mythic-psychological-archetypical representations of the glyphs. Why? I'm ADD with a learning disorder, but I'm also a Fluid Learner. You'll have to look that up on my education web site here.)

And so much of this happens in a rush of information. Remember, I'm a Virgo ASC--and Mercury in Aries. I think at two levels: either nanosecond speed or delayed comprehension. High-functioning Virgo; Vulcan Rising. (You can look that up on this site as well. Just scroll down to 'V' and you'll see it alphabetized.)

I let the chart talk to me; I use my Intuition as well as my Cognition. 

So I would say to anyone: find your own method. Nurture it. Let it work within you. Let it work externally; learn how to share what you see and what you feel. And express what you know and then learn more.

And have fun. And apply it with care, wisdom, and sincerity. Help others, and in turn, help yourself learn about who and why they are and the same for yourself.