Planets (Part I)

Program? Program!

Can't tell the players--I mean, planets 
without a program!!

Psychologically,the planets  represent the energy potentials of our lives that give force to parts of our life story.  

For example, the Sun represents our self-image and Ego, as well as a father-parent figure; the moon represents our need to be comfortable and safe with people; also Motherhood and the First Female imprint upon our infancy and birth.

 Mercury represents our mind--how we think and intellectualize; Venus indicates our expression of social relationships, pleasure and enjoyment.  Mars indicates expression and release of energy, momentum, anger, and sexual drive.  Jupiter shows our optimistic belief in a higher, larger system of faith, as well as expansive idealism and how we think “bigger than life.”  

Saturn shows how we face up to lessons and responsibilities that we would rather avoid, but have to be dealt with for growth; Saturn also shows delays, limitations and frustration (again, in order to be learned, the lesson is repeated thoroughly), which shows Saturn’s way of postponement.  Therefore, Saturn indicates hard work to master something.  

Uranus shows our rebellious, unconventional need for freedom and uniqueness, as well as eccentricity.  Neptune shows our escapist tendencies, along with our need to loosen boundaries and blend in with the Universe.  Religious experiences (both prophetic and delusional), chemicals and drugs, and liquid indulgences (including alcohol are Neptunian; films are too because they show “escape from reality.”   

(Yes, I'm still counting Pluto as a planet.)

 Pluto shows our exposure to total metamorphic  transforming qualities that leave us “born anew,” and have a life-and-death-rebirth nature.

T H E   S U N

Rules:  Leo

Anatomy:  Heart, upper back

Phrase:  The Giver of Life, Our Self-Identity

Emphasis:  Father-figures, authority figures, the WILL TO EXIST AND BE RECOGNIZED as the Highest Expression, the source of light (our presence as a source of Creation and Inspiration), deep character-Soul traits, individuality and vitality

      The Sun is the key identifying feature of our Self.  It is the birthday sign, the lead role of the zodiac and the life script that we know to be the truest part of our image.  It is the song that we dance to from within, the main casting theme of the leading man or woman and how we choose to portray the role.  The Sun expresses our Self-consciousness, our confidence and leadership potentials and outlets.  It shows the way that we recognize the masculine principle in our life and which parent truly expressed it.  It indicates the way that we see our father as a parent, provider and care-giver, and the according way that we respond to an employer, a boss or a supervising presence.

When the Sun is in a positive-masculine sign, the father may be perceived as vital and dynamic, unless there are other mitigating factors, such as an opposition by Neptune or Uranus.    

       The Sun sign in a negative-female sign can potentially indicate a father-authority figure who was passive and reflective, rather than assertive.  A 12th house sun can indicate a father who was absent or did not play a strong major part in the person’s growth and development.  Any planet aspected by the Sun will need to be dealt with, to allow for balance or integration to allow the True Self Potential to be developed.  The lack of this awareness only limits our self-growth and completion as an individual.

      As the Sun shows vitality, people with an unaspected Sun, or a very strong, overpowering sun can be notoriously obnoxious as they bathe in their own self-glory.  They can preen their egos like peacocks, using love (the Sun rules the heart), pride and displays of vanity to declare their presence.  Frank Sinatra sang it best when he said, “I did it ‘My Way.’”  The French king Louis XIIII, known as the Sun King for his outrageous and flamboyant lifestyle and court presence, is a clear example.

       The Sun is exalted (given its highest evolution) in Aries because that sign is so ready to burn with their blazing energy to start new life.  (It is in its fall—or weakened role—in Libra, opposite Aries; in its Rulership in Leo (giving the full strength of the planet’s vibration).  The Arian phrase, “I Am” personifies the exaltation of the Sun.  It is in its fall in Libra because those born under the Scales seem reluctant to show their need of self-image without another person’s presence (and light from their sun).  It is in detriment in Aquarius because they appear to consider themselves as well as others in a total package of identity, and neglect to emphasize their own self-identity.  The Aquarian need to show the Self as a little more ‘different’ than the others also adds to this.

      Expression:  Here comes the life of the party!  You couldn’t help but notice me, could you!  I’m clearly the person you need for this assignment!  The best thing you could have in life is me, baby!  I am the leader and there will be no tolerance for disputes--my word is final!

T H E  M O O N

Rules:  Cancer

Anatomy:  Breasts, stomach, fluid balance of body, digestion

Phrase:  Emotional nature, feelings and moods, the way we perceived our mother-figure and the exchange of nurturance throughout childhood, intuition, foundation of feminine principles, sensitivity to public responses and perceptions, habits, the home.

      Emphasis:  Capacity to feel and express emotions from the subconscious.  Moon responses are reflexive-gut responses that allow our preservation of safety.

      The Moon shows how we react to daily activities, especially when meeting other people and finding ourselves caught off-guard.  It is the inner side of ourselves that we do not want to readily show the world, in order to protect our sensitivities.  It is the way that we probe for information to know what position we need to take, in order to know how we will be affected by an issue. 

      In Roman mythology, the goddess Diana was associated with the moon.  Many women named “Diana-Diane-Dina/Donna” may show strong Moon-Cancer traits:  a vulnerable, sensitive nature, deep family/home ties, and a need to nurture and comfort, especially children.  Other names associated with child care/child psychology/nursery schools are Carol or Carole.  The Moon is exalted in Taurus; in detriment in Capricorn (a ‘cold, insensitive mother); and in its fall in Scorpio.

      Expression:  I don’t want to show you how much I feel about issues, to protect myself inside.  My emotions are very vulnerable and I can’t let you hurt me like that.

M E R C U R Y

The Messenger of the Gods

Rules:  Gemini & Virgo*

Anatomy:  Nervous system, hands and arms, respiratory system

Phrase:   Mental activity, intellectual expression, communications and words, dexterity, opinion and sensory perception, education, writing, short trips and travel, sales and salesmanship, promiscuity
       Emphasis:  The way the mind functions and reacts, the type of psychological approach to determine a person’s ability to make decisions and convey ideas to others.  It also emphasizes what we find critical and important, and what we choose to ignore.

      People with strong Mercurian emphasis are noted for their abilities to be very easy and quick-minded to grasp ideas, and to be able to communicate on several projects at a time.  The god Mercury was also known as the patron of liars and thieves, and Mercurian-touched souls can be noted for their agile fingers, potential “light touch” with objects they desire, and the ability to glibly talk their way out of problems.

       *Esoterics have mentioned a trans-Mercurian planet called “Vulcan.”  The concept of rulership of Virgo by Mercury has been batted around, even to the point of assigning rulership of Virgo to the satellite Chiron.  I personally feel that Virgo has a Mercurian connection, but that Vulcan will properly be assigned as ruler, when its discovery is made in the 21st Century.

      Expression:  A regular jack-of-all trades.  Any conversation is fair game.  The Joker.  Mercury is exalted in Aquarius (the Higher Thinking Awareness of the Universe; in detriment in Pisces (too overwhelmed by sensations and ‘other-worldly’ impressions); and in fall in Sagittarius (too inclined to think of the righteousness of one’s own Mind).

V E N U S 

The goddess of Love; Rules:  Taurus and Libra

Anatomy:  Kidneys, ovaries, female reproductive system, throat, neck, sensory ability of skin

Phrase:  Social involvement and relationships, sense of value, appreciation of beauty, artistic expression, romance and friendships as a relationship, sensual affection and desire, musical expression, singing, jewelry, beautification & cosmetology, sweets, chocolate

       Emphasis:  What you really love most about life, what you love to have in your life, what you want most to make you feel happy and pleasurable, comforts and joy in life, social relationships.

       Venusian souls are interested in harmony and balance in their lives and the lives of those to whom they are bonded by love or friendship.  They have the outer glow of beauty and attraction to and by the opposite sex, and they have an inner passion for expressing their desire to receive and give affection and love.  They are sensuously aware of themselves and their needs.

       Venus is exalted in Pisces, where it finds the highest, most inspirational (and overly romantic, in some cases!) expression of love; in fall in Virgo (where it tends to dissect and discriminate feelings in place of yielding to the emotion); in detriment in Scorpio, where the possessive, controlling passions may give a love-or-hate/it’s all the same outlook.

       Expression:  Life is beautiful.  Just be nice; good manners and a pleasant condition go a long way with me.  I enjoy pleasure, comforts, and I feel so good with you! 

M A R S

The god of War; Rules:  Aries (also Scorpio)

Anatomy:  Muscular system, adrenal glands, male reproductive system & testosterone, head

Phrase:  Action, courage, aggression, anger, sexual energy, fighting spirit, passion and competition.

Emphasis:  Surgery, wounds and cuts, knives and weaponry, fire, sexuality.

       Mars shows individual ambition, which leads to work-related activity.  Mars can also show how danger and violence can be part of our lives.  It shows the greatest release of motivation, from where we get our energy and passion for something, and how we control our temper (and in what way we release it).  Mars also indicates the kind of man a woman desires in her life.  Mars is exalted in Capricorn (building the big idea that will last); in fall in Cancer.

       Expression:  A good debate clears the air!  Life would be boring without a challenge!  Let’s do something about it!  
Are you talking to me?

J U P I T E R

The King of the Gods; also Jehovah, the Creator

Rules:  Sagittarius (also Pisces)

Anatomy:  Liver, thighs, growth of body size

Phrase:  Benevolence and generosity, optimism, expansion and activities on a large scale; receiving financial and material benefits, spiritual protection and goodwill earned from karmic rewards; compassion to those less fortunate; overindulgence and extravagance.

       Emphasis:  Religious and philosophical ideals, higher education, beliefs and values; how a person emphasizes prosperity gained and understood from obtaining higher truths; sense of justice and morals.

      Jupiterian souls are very optimistic, often blessed with “good fortune or luck,” inclined to be interested in upholding the rules and laws that society maintains to show our Divine inheritance.  It also shows excessive traits, such as wanting too much of something and not knowing when to stop because it it enjoyable.

       Expressions:  Just give me the good news.  Something will turn up for the better.  The bigger, the better.  There’s always room for one more.  Just take a chance.  

S A T U R N

Chronus (Father Time); The Reaper

Rules:  Capricorn (also Aquarius)

Anatomy:  Bones & skeletal system, knees, teeth, skin

Phrase:  Discipline, boundaries, crystallization, structure, duty, responsibility, lessons to be learned, rigidness, sorrow, limitations, hard work, wisdom & aging, conservatism, traditions, fears, delays, depression, time.

     Emphasis:  Saturn shows how a person requires discipline, time in learning a life task and structure.  The lesson of maturity, in which setbacks and repeated efforts bring reward after much trial and obstacles.  Saturn is the proving ground of our development, where we confront the facets of life that we wish to avoid, but must face in order to evolve.

     Saturnian souls are ‘old before their time,’ the proverbial “7-year old going on 40.”  They are intent upon climbing up the ladder of success, or at least having a stable means of securing a living.  They can be cold and insensitive to others, focusing on their achievements and ambitions at any price.  They recognize the value of effort and must learn to mix enjoyment with their work. 

      Saturn is the planet of karmic lessons, when we face up to issues that we were not prepared to handle in earlier years.  The Saturn cycle at age 29-31 brings an encounter of life as a “final exam,” where we must successfully confront the part of ourselves that we have avoided working on as a growth experience.  If this challenge for maturity is turned aside, the next Saturn return at age 58 can bring regrets and frustration at having come full circle again to a necessary type of experience that was thought to be avoided.  The representation of Chronus as Father Time shows that Saturn objectives will be encountered with the passage of years, and that postponement will only bring them back later to be reckoned with again.   

      The rulership of Saturn over the skeletal system shows that we all face up to Saturn in order to have structure in our lives.   

      Expression:  Hard work never hurt anyone.  Anything worth having is worth the hard work to get it.  Responsibilities pay off in the end.  

U R A N U S 
The Sky God
Rules:  Aquarius

Anatomy:  Ankles, shins, body electricity or aura

Phrase:  Eccentricity, rebelliousness, upheavals, a “roller-coaster” life, unexpected change, freedom and traditions unbound, magic, the occult, science and inventions, originality, erratic sexual behavior, revolution and utopian idealism.

        Uranus is the breaker of new ground, the unexpected or unusual changes in our life.  Its energy is electrical or magical in nature, tuning into the Universal Mind for inspiration and original ideas to meet the challenges of life.  It shows intuitive abilities, how we respond to groups, group activities and friends, and where we are given the creative expression of freedom from our karmic past to explore new avenues.

      The planet Uranus does not move on its axis in the same fashion as the other planets, hence the unusual Uranian energy for doing “that which is out of synch” with the rest of the world.

      Expression:  Don’t fence me in--give my space!  March to a different beat.  Create change in an unusual way.  

N E P T U N E 
The god of the Sea

Rules:  Pisces

Anatomy:  The feet and ESP abilities

Phrase:  Escapist tendencies, spiritual urge, "other-worldly" mind, dreams,       illusion, the sea and all that is hidden from the world, drugs and alcohol (and their abuse), hypnosis, poetry and art, music, fragrances, self-sacrifice and self-delusion.

       Emphasis:  Neptunian souls are "out of touch" with the world; they live in fantasy and daydreams of other lives before this time, other places than this world, and intuitive awareness of the Higher Mind/Universal Consciousness.  They are liquid-like in attitude, able to change to meet the empathic bonds they form with others.  They are attuned to the higher vibrations of music and art, being aware of the balance of musical tones or color schemes.  They are also depression prone, and will hide their worries and fears in medical problems, either real or imagined.  They will give "the shirt off their back" if they believe it is for a divine purpose:  a fellow human in need.

       Expression:  I just go with the flow.  They just spaced out again.  What's wrong with wanting to think I can dream my life away?  Music/art is my life!  I feel as though I don’t belong on this planet.

P L U T O

The god of the Underworld

Rules:  Scorpio; (lower scale-Mars)

Anatomy:  Reproductive and eliminative systems, pituitary gland,

   Abnormal growth (warts, tumors, birthmarks)

Phrase:  Destroying and rebuilding, mass actions by groups, death and rebirth, (both on a physical and spiritual plane), phobias and obsessions, isolation, upheaval on a gradual but extreme basis in a permanent way, secrets hidden and brought out into the open; occult tendencies; the act of sex as the basis of life's beginnings.

       Emphasis:  Plutonian influence brings change recognized on a conscious level more often, deeper hidden concepts that are brought into the open and confronted.  It is powerful change, dynamic change, long term, and cannot be avoided.  Pluto literally grabs us by the neck and shakes us; it cannot be ignored.  It indicates legacies, inheritances and insurance settlements, mass karma and how our lives are tied into the larger world order.  Pluto shows where you must face yourself, alone, and demand a resolution.

       Expression:  Damned if I do, damned if I don't.  It's my way or  no way.  I'll do what I want, when I want, and no one is going to stop me.  The paranoids are after me!  I'll die trying...

Plutonian activities include obstetrics/gerontology (life/death), plumbing and waste treatment or recycling, criminal justice and rehabilitation (half-way houses), or reformed, harmful habits (Alcoholics Anonymous)

Retrogrades Part II

Retrogrades and direct motion represent the process of internalization of the meaning of Life Challenges.  There is a 3-step process in retrograde motion. Imagine a planet moving around the Sun in its orbit. Then the planet appears to stop and reverse course. This is the first step.  

Eventually the planet again returns to DIRECT motion and once again moves forward. This is stage two. Finally, as the planet crosses the point at which the retrograde motion began, phase three of the process is initiated. Each one of these points carries with it a subtle yet pervasive psychological shifting of reflection concerning past and future. 

According to Martin Schulman, the 3-stage retrograde process is defined like this:

STAGE 1:  Jumping ahead trying to live the future now.

 
STAGE 2:  In the process of living out the future now, experiencing the feeling of deja vu and that one has done it before. 

STAGE 3:  Mentally repeating once again the future, but this time from the perspective of actually having lived it. One may surmise from this process that retrogrades impel the individual to reflect deeply on certain recurring patterns -- the goal being complete and final resolution, once and for all.

The particular planet, the house and sign it resides in, and any aspects this planet makes while transiting adds a complexity to analysis that seems to relate to recurring patterns in the individual's life. In fact, one concise interpretation of retrograding planets is that in a past life the person had the opportunity to grow and advance in a particular area but did not entirely complete the process. 

So, the retrograde is an indication of this unaccomplished goal. Challenges will show up in the present life to complete the goal each time this particular planet goes retrograde, and the conditions of this current challenge will be defined by sign and house placement, and the new aspects this planet makes to the natal planets. As we continue through the present life and fail to address these patterns effectively, the consequences continue to grow.  Most people can identify with these patterns when presented because they keep recurring.

Psychological-astrological disorders

(subtitled "Help! 

The paranoids are after me!")

Most of us have psychological issues on some level (and some of us, to extremes):  neuroses, compulsions, obsessions, phobias, fears, and other types of grandeur or distress factors.

(I consider the human race itself to have a strong measure of narcissistic tendencies:  we think ourselves superior over others by factors of appearance, gender, religious values, or even wealth.  That's minimal compared to our view of animals...and our own planet Earth too.)

Psychological-astrological disorders are not "guaranteed," but some of these patterns may well help identify issues within a particular sign. And no, emphatically: I don't consider bisexuality or a gay lifestyle to be anything BUT a lifestyle choice. See http://psyast.blogspot.com/search/label/Gay%2FLesbian%20signs

Astrological Disorders

Aries - Narcissistic personality/antisocial personality,

megalomania

Taurus - Borderline personality; hedonistic tendencies

Gemini - ADD/Dyslexia; multiple personality; kleptomania

Cancer - Histrionic personality disorder, passive-resistive, Munchausen-by-proxy

Leo - Self-esteem/self-image.  Egocentrism, megalomania,
Divinity complex

Virgo - Anal retentive, Obsessive-Compulsive, neuroses, Compulsive Personality Disorder

Libra - Dependent Personality Disorder

Scorpio - Paranoia, projection, sociopathic behavior; anti-social; sex addiction

Sagittarius - Manic personality, Divinity complex; gambling addictions

Capricorn - Depression, obsession w/status-career; workaholic

Aquarius - Schizoid personality, Identity Disorder; social deviance; sexual disorders

Pisces - Schizophrenic Disorder, hallucinations, multiple delusions, illogical thinking, Savior-martyr complex, alcoholism/drug addiction


(c) MDLOP8 2010

What's your moon sign mean to you?

What character is your moon sign?

It’s been my observation that the moon ‘acts’ the same way as a sun placement, but with “moon-needs” as far as the type of energy that someone "needs" to be expressed and fulfilled. The moon says, “This is what I Need to feel comfortable, and since I’m subconscious, I’m not an up-in-your-face item.”

As with the other planets, the moon will take on the caliber or quality of the sign with which it’s placed:

1. A moon in Aries will be someone who lives for a fight or challenge; 
2. a Taurus moon wants to take things slow and steady, and enjoys sensuous, physical stimulation;
3. a Gemini moon needs to talk and question things and write down their thoughts;
4. a Cancer moon wants to support and comfort, as well as feel safe before making a move, and will welcome a meal as a sign of comfort;
5. a Leo moon wants attention, grand gestures, display, and to be appreciated for their feelings and gestures of loving someone;
6. a Virgo moon needs to dissect and mince through an issue to find out just how it works and qualify it as an action that can be specific in nature. They also feel it's impossible (for them) to be perfect--and that's what they crave--from their partners, too;
7. a Libra moon wants to be assured that there’s no conflict of interest and that everything is in accordance with everyone’s sense of ownership;
8. a Scorpio moon…well, someone dangerous knows about that and doesn’t want this told!! (which also goes along with the naturally suspicious and protective nature of the sign), as well as a need to be in control and defend against threats;
9. a Sagittarius moon wants BIG things to happen, and be able to philosophize about it, as well as being outdoors to feel good;
10. a Capricorn moon wants achievement and approval in order to feel safe, as well as constant recognition for works and projects done;
11. an Aquarius moon takes the different path for solutions, as well as keeping a sense of detachment and aloofness. Social contacts take the place for intimacy needs;
12. and a Pisces moon wants to cry over everything because they feel everyone’s pain and don’t know where they fit in this crazy world because it doesn’t make sense! If only…if only this were another planet…a dimension…or a fantasy world…ah!

 (c) MDLOP8 2010

The Vertex - the Collective Unconscious Life Pattern & Soul Mate signature

         The vertex and anti-vertex represent involuntary actions and experiences over which we have no control.   Therefore, the vertex/anti-vertex are tied more to fate and karmic patterns.  The vertex is an indicator of the kind of people who may be the momentum behind important changes in our lives.

  It also represents innate qualities that are not being used, as well as karmic circumstances that must be dealt with.  The anti-vertex represents those qualities that others can see in us that we are not aware of, as well as our abilities to become more aware of those talents.

On a secondary personal level, the vertex acts like another Descendant (7th house cusp attraction factor). In synastry, a match between a Sun-Vertex, Moon-Vertex, Venus-Vertex, Mars-Vertex, or  Ascendant/Descendant Vertex is a strong indicator of a possible "love at first sight" encounter or an intense attraction for someone.

  The vertex will fall into either the 5th, 6th, 7th or 8th house** of the birth chart, with the following emphasis (**A very rare 4th or 9th house Vertex is possible if the birth location is at an extremely high or low latitude. I answered a few people on this in comments): For a 3/9: I would consider a strong attachment to siblings, a need for short trips as a lifestyle (perhaps living in a camper or travel vehicle), or a display or array of computers around one's work place, and an affiliation with a religious organization or highly philosophical ideal, an interest for a country that is noted for mountainous terrain, an identification with law enforcement practice or legal authority, and long-distance endurance sports. For a 4/10, the home would be emphasized, along with family, one parent, security, and a base foundation when the Vertex is in the 4th house, and the career and projects of influence, fame, and status when the Anti-Vertex is placed in the 10th, where one could work on team endeavors--perhaps like associating with a sports team but not being a major influence--for instance, a loyal fan who enthusiastically participates in activities before games and shows great enthusiasm with displays of attention during the event.

    A 5th house vertex is "The Lover," (because the 5th house is ruled by Leo).  These people are very creative by nature, with great artistic ability.  Romance and love are very important to them, and they fall in and out of love, looking for that "special person" in their life.   A weakness is that the 5th house vertex person becomes neglectful of all else in their life except for their ideal of love.

    A 5th house vertex will yield an 11th house anti-vertex, which indicates a person who does not realize that they are more accepted and wanted by the many friends that they have made.   The individual must accept those things in themselves that others appreciate and recognize.  Once they accept their social skills and the potential that can come forward in working with others, they will realize that they are more goal-oriented than they understood.

    The 6th house vertex is "The Worker," (because the 6th house is ruled by Virgo).  There is a strong need to be of service to others, and a need to seek out experiences and circumstances to help others.   Work is extremely important, with emphasis placed on detail and precision in career obligations.  There can be activities that require specific talents, often in the fields of health and medicine (because of Virgo's rulership of the 6th house).  

    A 6th house vertex will yield a 12th house anti-vertex.  The 12th house corresponds to our subconscious mind, and therefore these individuals are very psychic and attuned to their intuition.  Attempts to attune oneself through meditation to the Higher Mind is very important, as the subconscious mind can overpower the conscious mind.  This can cause confusion in actions, and these people should always go with their feelings.

    A 7th house vertex is "The Partner," (because the 7th house is ruled by Libra).  Marriage and partnerships are very important to these people, and contentment in marriage is needed for true happiness.  Balance in relationships, both personal and professional, are needed for the individual to explore ideas and obtain valuable insights for critical decisions.  These people must have peace and balance in their lives, and they feel lost without someone else with whom to interact.

    A 7th house vertex will yield a 1st house anti-vertex, and the enterprising, originating side of the Partner will arise.  This will bring forward an Arian-like nature, wanting to start new objectives and ideas, to "get the ball rolling."  This person gains much personal satisfaction by the knowledge that they were the driving force to start a new project.  Once this person realizes the importance of initiating projects independently of others, they will gain great strength and accomplishment.

    An 8th house vertex is "The Mystic," (because the 8th house is ruled by Scorpio).  This person is involved with the exploration of the occult, the hidden secrets and mysteries of Life and Death.  This person may become involved with the study of yoga, astrology, meditation into past lives, or other metaphysical studies.  There will be an undercurrent of strong psychic abilities, physical and sexual power and regeneration, and the ability to overcome extreme obstacles and setbacks in life.   These individuals are intense and expressive in their desire for their personal will to see their goals carried through.  There can also be outward circumstances as well as personal actions that make them change themselves in a dramatic, powerful way.

    An 8th house vertex will yield a 2nd house anti-vertex.  This indicates a person who is subconsciously materialistic and involved with finances, personal belongings, and valuables.  This individual will find themselves facing occasional periods of difficulties in earning a living or maintaining a certain level of material comfort.  During these times, the person will be forced to evaluate their image of self-worth and a positive self-concept.

On a Full Moon, you can see Forever

     

Psychologically, the Moon represents how we perceived the quality of mothering from our primary care-giver, whether or not she actually gave birth to us. Through the years, many women have given me astrological training, nurturing, and wisdom. Dedicated and inspired by the late Jill McLane, May 31, 1955-Oct. 30, 2015. Goodbye, good friend and fellow astrologer.

  

"On a Full Moon,You can See Forever"

Madam, I’m Adam,

But I’m not the First

Man that’s been called that;

My ego would burst.

Your skills I would reckon

Will surely provide

The answers I’m seeking

From the sea’s rising tide.

For the moon has the stories

To the things that I need

And the stars high above

Have the lessons I’ll heed.

For your words I will ponder

All these life episodes

And I hear that direction

Comes from North and South Nodes.

So shortly I’ll forward

All the facts of my birth

And ask you to translate

My mission on Earth.

It comes once again

In April each year.

The news that you’ll give me

Is worthy to hear.

So render your fee

I’ll look at it twice

But act on it timely

And take your advice. 

(c) MDLOP8 2010

Chiron: The Search for a Mentor; The Wounded Healer

       
Chiron's name ("KY-ron") is from Greek mythology, for the centaur who lived on a high mountain, acting as a tutor and teacher to various youths who were to become heroes in their own lifetimes.  Jason, who sought the Golden Fleece, Achilles, near-immortal warrior at Troy, Hercules, strongest man alive, and the musician-poet Orpheus all learned their skills from Chiron.  But Chiron taught (and signifies) values and knowledge; the union of intellect and instinct.  He taught medicine, fighting arts, music and astrology, among other disciplines.  But practically speaking, discipline itself: to show how to change oneself to create a better destiny, a radical transformation of attitude towards life, was Chiron's true purpose.  (The word "chiropractor" comes from his name.)

    Chiron, as a centaur, has bearings towards the sign of Sagittarius, the Archer.   The Archer is indeed a centaur, holding a drawn bow, aimed at a target.  The similarity is no coincidence.  Chiron was the chief centaur, the first of his kind.  He was wounded accidentally by the poisoned arrows that belonged to Hercules.  Chiron’s agony and pain were excrutiating, but he was partially immortal and could not die without permission from the gods.  He voluntarily gave up his immortal life, they granted his request, and at his death, was placed in the sky.

    Chiron is the key to a Cosmic quest for learning higher Universal values to promote growth of our soul by searching for a Teacher.  It is also a search for the way to heal psychological wounds and integrate the lesson into whole-ness.  This is done by blending the skills of a teacher (which is also Sagittarian in nature) and the quest for truth (also Sagittarian) as a separate identity.  Last, consider the glyph, or symbol for Chiron.  It appears to be a stylized key.  It represents an esoteric key or tool to open a door:  the doorway of change in a very personalized search in our lives for answers.  And to find answers, we seek a Teacher, a Mentor, to help us learn those mysteries of Life.  So we find Chiron in our Chart, to help us find what and why and whom we are searching, in that role of a Guide.
   
    Chiron’s role as a Healer, especially one who has been wounded by another’s unintentional actions, find a concurring role in atypical childhood development.  As mentioned in a prior post, Alice Miller speaks of an early developmental awareness of other people’s pain in her book The Drama of the Gifted Child.  She theorizes that children who are sensitive, compassionate, and emotionally empathic to others often become the focal points of their parent’s disparity as a functioning family unit.  The parent who provides the most nurturing, and therefore acts as a Moon-Ceres role model, transmits to the “Gifted Child” that the adult cannot cope with the stress of raising a child and handling the demands of a family.  The child therefore becomes insensitive to his/her own needs and acts as a support system for the parent, sometimes exchanging psychological roles.  This could be thought of as a child who “grows up old before their time.”  Obviously, there can be many factors for this kind of parental role transference:  financial limitations, the loss of a spouse, patterns of abuse or neglect, or simply an emotional lack of strength.  The result is that the child takes on the painful experiences of the parent and identifies with them as their own, and cuts off their own child-like innocence.

    Chiron’s role here is to allow the grown adult who suffered as the Wounded Child to confront their hidden agendas of pain and resolve the issues that have been buried in the subconscious (symbolized by the Moon and the first impressions by the nurturing parent), and the unconscious (symbolized by the 12th house of retreat, psychological issues, the 4th house of early home awareness, the rulership of the sign Cancer as the 4th sign, and lastly, the 8th house of ‘other people’s values’).  These Wounded Children often grow up to become adult healers in the psychological and therapeutic fields, such as social workers, psychologist-psychiatrists, abuse counselors and nursing-nurturing.  They often are unaware on a conscious level of why they have chosen these avenues, but the need to continue to bring ‘treatment’ still lingers (Chiron also taught knowledge of art, martial arts and music, which has a positive healing virtue of achievement, obviously a factor lacked by the parent).

    The mechanics of Chiron come under various divisions within the chart, apart from the houses.  First, there is the nocturnal or diurnal Chiron.  The nocturnal Chiron can be found in the lower half of the chart, from houses 1-6.  With this placement, Chiron brings on the role of the subjective, psychic nature.  Such a person can be expected themselves to play the role of a mentor, or be more intuitively aware of their Higher Guidance.  They may find themselves playing the role of a friend to a younger person to offer the insight of age and maturity.  Or they may simply be attuned to the need for progressive, significant change in their life for reasons that they are not consciously noticing.  Examples of this Chiron are John Lennon, hailed by millions for the messages he brought through his music, and Mahatma Gandhi, who altered the legacy of the British Empire and his native India with his passive means of non-violent change.

    A diurnal Chiron represents an opposite alignment with the principles of the Centaur planet.  This placement will be in the upper half of the chart, from houses 7-12.  This person may actively seek a teacher, and there will be association with those who will fulfill this capacity.  This search will be underlined by the need for self-transformation, yet it may be set aside until the individual finds in their life a catalyst to signify this change.  The spark of momentum may be an event or ideal to strive for, not just a person's presence.  Examples of this Chiron can be found in the literary work of Carlos Castenada, who wrote of a shaman's journey with psychedelics, or novelist Jack Kerouac.

    Another division of the chart for Chiron's placement can be found in the rising or setting hemisphere.  The rising hemisphere are the 1st-3rd houses/10th-12th houses, or the left side of the chart.  The setting hemisphere are the 4th-9th houses, or the right side of the chart.

    A chart with a rising placement of Chiron shows a person who will exhibit more intuitive and idealistic opportunities of the Chironian nature.  The social and intellectual talents will dominate the materialistic and practical side.  This person may be a better teacher than an actual practitioner of medical arts, or a musical historian or critic of a select period, rather than a virtuoso performer.  This Chiron placement will also indicate a search for a mentor who is dramatic and outstanding in personality, a visible beacon for the worldly seeker's quest.  It is therefore vital for one's chart with a rising Chiron to be wary of those who appear in the guise and mantle of Teacher!  Chiron as a mentor is always charismatic but fair in ethics, following the objectivity of the centaur who taught his mythological students.  The lesson was given for a general, holistic and practical education, to prepare the student for a balance of idealism and practicality.  Left-side Chiron hemispheres are found in charts of controversial figures, such as Aleister Crowley, Uri Geller and former California governor Jerry Brown.

    A setting Chiron placement, on the right side of the chart, indicates a person who seeks a mentor/teacher with a sense of practicality and logical order.  This person would expect the quest for Chiron's truths to be found over the course of a lifetime.  They take the careful examination and repeated effort of trial by experience to study cause and effect, and prepare themselves.

    We can therefore see two sides of the Chironian influence.  The left hemisphere takes on a Uranian quality, of an unexpected, unusual quest for a mentor, and the teachings to follow.  The right hemisphere is more Saturnian, giving the individual the steady, determined outlook in their search for a tutor and truth.  This two-sided concept can be further considered as a measure of the two planets in whose orbit we can most easily find Chiron:  that of Uranus and Saturn.  Astrology operates in triplicity: (3 cardinal/fixed/mutable qualities; 3 fire/earth/air/water elements; 30 degrees in each house; the trine, or three 30-degree arcs as a favorable aspect).  So where is the third side to the Chiron puzzle?  The answer is Neptune, a co-ruler with Jupiter of spiritual seeker Pisces.  (Jupiter also rules Sagittarius, our first awareness of Chiron).  Chiron's orbit takes it near Neptune, which represents the mystical, spiritual side in our chart.  All Chironian quests we face ultimately bring us towards a refinement, an upgrade, based on evolving our soul and the world around us.  This growth, and the desire to achieve it, is directed by a Higher Source.  Mankind's quest to return to our Creator carries the Neptunian illusion, as well as the elevated measure of faith found in that planet's higher vibration.

    Chiron's qualities may also be measured by the elements of fire, earth, air and water.  A fire sign Chiron native approaches his or her destiny as a supreme act of will, and that the search for the truth has a moral obligation that can be found by self-sufficiency and independence.  These individuals can be convinced of their direction by sound, logical reason.  They take their quest as a personal goal, putting their (fire) energy into it with all their might.

    An earth Chiron individual places emphasis on the here and now, with lesser regard for past example or the future.  They seek their quest on the basis for a practical, immediate, tangible destiny, undergoing the transformation with determination, endurance and perseverance.

    An air Chiron categorizes a person whose quest gives them visions of the future, and what may come to pass, if their pursuit of their destiny can be brought to man's attention.  They are impatient with the current flow of thought, and seek ways to bring ethereal dreams into the present way of thinking.  For these people, self-transformation is more on a mental level, to paraphrase, "As a man or woman thinks, so they are."

    A water Chiron brings momentum for the quest on the basis of emotion and feeling.  This person tends to live in doubt, even worry, about the present and future.  For them, the destiny they seek to find is spurred on by mystical, illusionary guidance (with Neptunian emphasis).  Compassion and feelings for mankind, whether good or bad, are crucial to the direction taken to find the key to Universal truth.

    Chiron's influence can also be found in the examples of cardinal, fixed and mutable signs.  A cardinal Chiron indicates a person who has a motivating, personal quest to explore, as well as initiating a course for others to follow.  Others (a mutable Chiron as an example) are likely to sense the originality of such a person and the mission of their destiny, adapt the teaching quality as their own, and then place the initiating cardinal Chiron as their own mentor.

    A fixed Chiron shows steady application as they adapt a plan for self-transformation by a mentor who exhibits transcendental or exemplary objectives to uphold.  The fixed Chiron person will firmly adhere to their quest, as the destiny they seek to accomplish becomes purposeful by endured effort.  They may say, "I can have a dream I wish to see come to life, and I believe that it can be true, as long as I never stop trying."

    A mutable Chiron is the most flexible seeker of the quest for destiny and personal change.  This person may not be consciously aware of the rebuilding of their character, nor may they directly seek it or actively try to sustain it, like their cardinal and fixed counterparts.  Instead, they may feel that it has been a fated destiny, and one that has been influenced by undercurrents of subconscious force.  These people may not understand or realize the magnitude of the results of their personal transformation.  The search for the truth demands a paradox:  crisis is necessary for change; destruction must precede it.

(c) MDLOP8 2010

The Part of Fortune - The Gift of Happiness Fulfilled

     The Part of Fortune is one of the unique and special psychological pieces of a chart.  It represents the search of a lifetime’s work.  It gives meaning to the struggles that we face, believing that we can overcome the obstacles and delays in life in order to satisfy our inner belief of Divine Will.  It is our way of saying, “I believe that I was given this life so that I will find meaning and validity for my existence.”  The Part of Fortune shows us how we can manifest and develop that validity.  It also measures our need to maintain certain standards of value that may not be compromised. The POF is NOT a physical planet!
  The challenges of life may take years to master; therefore, the Part of Fortune plays a greater role in the second half of our life.

    It should be noted that luck, opportunity, and fulfillment stay as abstract concepts until an individual makes a directed effort towards focusing his or herself as a vehicle of Divine Will.  We can find good things happen in our lives, but an increase in measure is achieved when we acknowledge that all factors in life are designed by our Creator for our individual growth.  When we are guided by our desire to allow our life to be directed by a higher source, the ultimate experience of these factors is expressed as the Part of Fortune.  As a measurement of ‘luck’ or ‘opportunity,’ the Part of Fortune can be called the treasure of a lifetime, because a person will find themselves truly at inner peace.  The joy of living, as each individual knows in their deepest being, is manifested.  

     One person might express this satisfaction by physical creativity, such as working in the arts.  Another person might feel contentment by exchanging ideas in a social forum, while another might find time spent alone in a retreat, giving quiet meditation to the vastness of thought, to be their most fortunate expression of life.  A personal cognizance of a Universal Source is the foundation, and the individual identification or naming of the Creator has no bearing.  The awareness that we are individually and collectively part of a Universal Oneness, and the dedication to the highest goals of that Divine Presence, become the happiness expressed through the Part of Fortune.

    The Part of Fortune takes three crucial, separate aspects of our chart, each working in harmony, to bring to its full potential into realization.  This is partly why the process of maturation as a growth cycle is a necessary experience, in order to let the Part of Fortune be truly achieved.  A younger person might not have the necessary patience to face up to challenges, and might avoid the vital lessons that are being encountered.  The three significant parts are the Sun sign, Moon sign, and the ascendant (Rising) sign.  This concept can be likened to the strength and stability of a triangle or pyramid as the strongest architectural principle.  When our Sun (our True Self), our Moon (our emotional self-awareness), and our Rising sign (our mirror-Self to the world) are working together at their strongest capacity, we unlock the yields of the Part of Fortune and become our ‘strongest, most wholesome self.’  We are truly happy with our most valuable Self-images (Sun, Moon, Ascendant) and can recognize our higher Identity, as part of our Creator’s plan.

    As with all signs of the zodiac, along with universal principles of positive-negative polarities, there is an opposite response to the Part of Fortune.  This aspect has been called the Impersonal Consciousness, which can be located in the sign and house opposite the Part of Fortune.  It is not represented by a glyph or symbol, but exists as an understanding, or an impartial observer in the ways of the world.  The Impersonal Consciousness experiences will reflect an opposite approach to an individual’s expression of his or her Part of Fortune.  

     It is necessary to recognize that the Impersonal Consciousness must not be challenged as an accomplishment to be faced--it must remain as a detached sense of knowledge; that actions and thought exist as part of the polarity of existence from the personal Part of Fortune.  An individual can change themselves by their attunement to the three focal points and gain their own true joy. The world-at-large and the Universal laws that direct it are for our Creator’s guidance, not our own. 

   The Part of Fortune also plays a different role when found in the upper and lower hemispheres of the chart (1st-6th/7th-12th houses).  The Part of Fortune in the lower horizon indicates a person whose gift of fulfillment is in the giving.  The greatest joy comes to these people when they give of themselves unto others, such as in service work or assistance to those less fortunate.  They are giving the gift of their personal-Self.  From a karmic view, this person is planting the seeds of good fortune to come to them in future times.  

     When the Part of Fortune is found in the upper hemisphere, the person is destined to receive some form of blessing or assistance from others.  This individual has earned his or her rewards from lifetimes of prior obligation, and will receive in turn the fruits of their work.  

    Aspects to the Part of Fortune also work in a similar manner.  Traditional adverse aspects, such as a square or opposition from a strong planetary challenge, can bring great opportunity for joy and opportunity, once the lesson has been met.  In this regard, the Part of Fortune carries benevolent Saturn-like blessings that come with the patience and building of time.


(c) MDLOP8 2010

The North and South Nodes: Our Karmic Past and Future

      
The North and South Nodes of the Moon represent the links to our past and present karmic lessons.  Astrology, as a psychological tool of self-analysis incorporates the eastern philosophy of karma.  The concept gives emphasis to previous experiences that we have mastered, and new concepts to be developed.  Our karmic reward and past achievements are fitted into our current life as talents and skills. 

    Their purpose is to assist us in our efforts as we strive to learn about who we are.  When we know from where we have come on the ladder of our soul’s evolution, we can better understand ourselves, and develop new growth.  This brings the karmic cycle of skills and talents to full circle:  as our psyche continues to grow, we are provided with the awareness of how we achieved that knowledge, and carry it within as a sense of achievement. 

    Each of us individually has his or her own choice of responses to life’s challenges.  How we respond to them, whether or not we choose to overcome or avoid them, can be seen in the overall pattern of the chart, as well as the singular and multiple interactions of the signs and planets.  Astrology also brings to us the awareness that we are progressing through the cycle of objectively learning lessons of the 12 signs in a particular lifetime.  The cycle will be repeated until we learn the strengths and overcome the weaknesses that each sign represents.  The nodes are the gifts that we take with us into our new lifetime.  The South Node represents those gifts that we have recently mastered, as well as a total package of obvious skills, and the North Node represents the next phase of the challenge.  The Nodes will be in opposing signs, to show the path from which we have come, and the new path to tread upon. Think of moonrise as it breaks the horizon in the evening: the North Node. Think of the moon at dawn when it sets: the South Node.

    The South Node represents the way in which we fall back on a combination of past attitudes, habits, and thoughts that remain from our growth patterns.  It is the comfortable way without being aware in which we immerse ourselves in being spiritually lazy toward correcting behavior.  The sign and house of the South Node represent our unconscious manner of allowing past-life memories to filter into our conscious expression.

  We tend to program these routines into daily life.  Therefore, the South Node has a 12th-house symbolism of psychological attachment to self-defeating patterns of behavior, and an opposite corresponding 6th-house manner of expression.  The sign and house are familiar to us, therefore, we find it easier to fall back on this expression, rather than find our new calling by developing the North Node.  The South Node does have a focus that allows us to call upon skills that were developed in previous lifetimes.  A South Node placement will give a “fall-back” vocational guideline to call upon.

    The North Node represents the future of the individual for growth through experiences yet to be faced.  It fulfills a sense of purpose to the highest level for which we can strive in harmony with Universal Thought.  It shows us a position in life yet untried, but its potential and rewards offered to beckon us to come closer.  Through that unfolding, the individual gains inner strength, character, and confidence, and the knowledge that a true lesson has been achieved:  the release and casting aside of the South Node habits.  The South Node talents are not lost as the North Node is developed!  The objective is to use those skills as a backup, a reserve source to be utilized as a sense of familiarity with one’s environment in this life. 

    The South Node will have a remembrance of situations in which we felt most comfortable and which we return to when we need to feel secure.  Therefore, it has an awareness of situations like the natal moon.  Of course, the South Node’s sign will also show the past habit traits that were undesirable as well, but just as significant.  The real gift is the use of the best qualities of the South Node to help bring forward the maturation to accept the quest for the North Node’s opportunities.  The North Node will provide structure for one’s efforts.  Therefore, it has a Saturn-type quality.  It should again be emphasized that this structure is a fulfillment of accomplishment for meeting a new challenge, and is not at all unpleasant.


(c) MDLOP8 2010

Chiron - The Wounded Healer's signature and expression

  The astronomical body, Chiron (once thought to be a comet or asteroid, now considered a "planetoid" or small planet-like body) is named after the ancient Greek, centaur demi-god who was horse from the waist down and human from the waist up. Chiron's orbit, unlike that of the asteroids, lies between Saturn and Uranus, and is irregular in that it occasionally crosses inside the orbit of Saturn. This astronomical characteristic is symbolic of Chiron's reputation for being somewhat of a maverick.

Psychologically and astrologically, Chiron's placement in the horoscope indicates one's experience of the wound that does not heal, (or the wound that does not seem to heal, because although an important lesson may be learned through dealing with it, the wound seems to spiral around with another lesson on a deeper level). Chiron represents one's experience of woundedness and the nature of the wound. Most often, this is a pattern of behavior-and-response learned through early childhood: often the result of parents dealing with their own issues and unaware of our own needs as we grew up.

Second, by coming to terms with suffering through an acceptance of one's mortality, one arrives at a greater state of wholeness or healing. Third, Chiron shows how one comes into one's own as an elder or mentor who can provide healing and guidance to others. Thus Chiron also astrologically indicates the ways and means with which you can guide others, as well as the kind of mentoring and healing you seek for yourself.