How to figure out if you're havig a midlife transit
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Each month, shortly before the sun moves into a new sign (which usually happens around the 20th or 21st of the month), I'll suggest a way for your sign to take advantage of the opportunities provided by one of the solar month's major astrological features. In addition, you can read a short article on one aspect of putting together a horoscope forecast that will give you more insight into how to interpret your own chart. I'll also cover a topic of the month.
Finally, I'll provide a list of keywords for some of the planets, signs, and houses that make up a horoscope so that you can further customize your horoscope.
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MONTHLY HOROSCOPE FOR ALL SIGNS
Happy Birthday, Leo
August sees eclipses in your own sign and the sign of Aquarius. The most typical manifestations of an eclipse are a surprising announcement made by someone else or surprising external events. The other thing that often occurs is that the person affected comes to a sudden relization or decision, often after months of thought. In either case, what happens is usually the result of your own growth, the forward motion of your life--even if it doesn't always seem like it.
The most likely person to make a surprising announcement to you this month is a pouse, business partner, best friend, client or someone else you work closely with on a one-on-one basis. You may also feel a need to radically restructure your own life. In short, you are headed down a new path, one that may last for close to a decade. Although you may not feel ready for the forward momentum symbolized by this eclipse series, in truth you are.
You are poised to make a quantum leap sometime during 2008 or 2009. Have faith that this is a leap that will make you happier and more successful in the long run.
For some additional keywords you can use to customize your own horoscope - click here. For instructions on how to use the keywords - click here.
The sun in Leo woul like you to indulge yourself this month, Aries, and you may get an opportunity to do so. This month's new moon on August 1 is also an eclipse in Leo. This is the sort of eclipse that can bring happiness, often in the form of a new romance. If no one unexpectedly asks you out on a date in August, it is possible that the surprising attention may occur next month. Some of you may also have started a new relationship last month.
Some will also feel the need to end a friendship mid-month. This is not always easy, but you should feel confident that this is occurring because you are outgrowing your previous associations. Hard advice to follow but try not to feel too guilty if you have to cut someone loose.
Also at mid-month, your ruler Mars clashes with Pluto. This is a rather impulsive influence and not one inclined to think things through. It would probably be wise to remain super-conscious and alert while driving (especially on long trips) and to keep a deliberate handle on your temper the weeks of August 10 and 17.
For some additional keywords you can use to customize your own horoscope - click here. For instructions on how to use the keywords - click here.
Special Articles:
The Signs: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, & Cancer
The Signs: Leo, Virgo, Libra, & Scorpio
The Signs: Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, & Pisces
Link: New and Full Moons 2008
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The Taurus solar chart is undergoing a push toward a change or upgrade of professional duties. However, the path toward change often includes conflicts, dissatisfaction or confusion in your current job or professional situation. If you are experiencing distress in your current workplace, try to take it as a signal that you could do much, much better in a different situation. Put bluntly, your chart wants something in your current occupational life to end, and it will probably keep bugging you (or the skies will somehow convince your boss to keep bugging you) until you figure out how to make that ending happen.
Job and career are the focus of mid-August and will probably catch the bulk of your attention this month, but home and roots are the focus of the time period around August 1. You may want to take some time as August opens to get centered and grounded. Check in with yoruself; attend to your psychological or emotional needs. This could be a very rewarding time for you on the home front.
Also making things somewhat easier in August is the presence of four planets in your solar 5th house. Planets here get along well with your Taurus sun, and they can work to boost your confidence in the decisions you will make regarding your work situation.
For some additional keywords you can use to customize your own horoscope - click here. For instructions on how to use the keywords - click here.
The Planets: Sun, Mercury, Venus
The focus this month is on communication. Most of the communicating will probably be with relatives or family members. There's a new moon eclipse in your solar third house on August 1 that can signal a new beginning in this area. For example, you may develop a new and closer bond with a sibling as a result of better, more honest, or more intimate communication with him or her.
Another possibility is getting the chance to address communication problems in general. Most of us have communication issues of one kind or another, issues that hamper effectiveness. You may get a chance to talk with someone about your communication problems with relatives or family members. A therapist or counselor, for example, could help you root out the causes of friction or give you techniques and insights you can use to increase effectiveness in many areas of life.
If there are indeed issues that need to be addressed, they are most likely to come to a head during the time period around August 16. The full moon eclipse in Aquarius could challenge your beliefs, just as Mars and Pluto are clashing on the angles of your chart. Don't count on being particularly productive around this time, as you will most likely have your hands full. Over the long haul, Saturn in Virgo at the base of your chart is trying to let you know that you need to overhaul or at least shore up how you deal with your home and family. Pluto in your 7th house, meanwhile, indicates that depth therapy can help clear out long-standing issues. Mars in Virgo, meanwhile, has the job of bringing the most pressing issues to the surface.
For additional keywords you can use to customize your horoscope - click here. For instructions on how to use the keywords - click here.
This month, the sun and a new moon eclipse highlight your solar second house. This is the house of values, preferences, and tastes. It is also the house of money and possessions. Activity in this sector can give you insight into what you truly value at this point in your life.
Sometimes eclipses in this sector also bring visible changes in financial status. Examples include increases or decreases in your paycheck or a change in how you are paid (e.g., moving from hourly to salary or temp to perm). The eclipse series as a whole (which stretches into the summer of next year) may also bring financial surprises like a large bonus or a loss through theft. You could find yourself dealing with insurance payouts as well. In most cases, by the time the eclipse series ends you will come out ahead financially or at least break even!
This month the most likely times to experience financially-related eclipse activity are in the weeks directly before and after August 1 and August 16. Some of you may feel the effects next month (or have experienced them last month). Good news is most likely to occur near the beginning of the month.
For keywords you can use to customize an alternate interpretation- click here. For instructions on how to use the keywords - click here.
Your job and your money are two areas of interest for your solar chart these days, particularly from mid-August on. At that time, a full moon eclipse in Aquarius will occur (on August 16). These types of eclipses often occur in conjunction with changes in a job situation, such as the departure of a co-worker or boss. Sometimes people experience layoffs in their department or other rather drastic restructurings. You are unlikely to lose your own job, but these situations often cause understandable work or financial stress on those left to pick up the pieces.
Your own chart may already be a bit financially stressed, as Saturn in your own sign can create the need to cut back on spending or correlate with a reduction in income. Fortunately, I hope, Mars will ride into your solar second house of money, property and income on August 19. Before that he will be in your own sign. All month long, Mars can give you the energy you need to address situations forthrightly. Mars in the 2nd can also correlate with temporarily taking on more work to get yourself over a hump.
Another helpful
element this month is likely to be the other eclipse, a new moon eclipse
in Leo on August 1. This new moon may give you the psychological tools
you need to cope with the changes in your life this year and next. You
may consider taking up meditation or adopting other stress-busting practices
to keep yourself calm and centered. If so, the investment in solitude
and me-time is likely to pay off handsomely.
For keywords you can use to customize an alternate interpretation- click here. For instructions on how to use the keywords - click here.
Librans who need more of a social life may find the new moon eclipse on August 1 brings welcome opportunities for friendly interaction. On the other hand, unmarried Librans may also find that a dating relationship needs to end near the full moon eclipse on August 16. All Librans may want to take advantage of the favorable position of Jupiter for real estate matters. Jupiter's been in your solar 4th house of real estate all year, but for most of the time it has been opposed by planets in Cancer and therefore probably hasn't been as helpful as it can be now.
Regardless of market conditions, the outlook is better than usual for Libra folks to invest in home improvements (especially ones that are energy-efficient), buy or sell properties, move to a better location or otherwise make money from real estate. August is also a good month to pay some attention to your long-term goals and objectives. The ideal thing would be to investigate forming alliances with others to push your agenda along. An example would be joining a trade or professional association or another group.
In general, your chart's ability to make a favorable impression on other people is high right now. Although you may not be aware of it, you are likely to project a vibe of greater ease, comfort and self-assurance in August as planets have moved away from stressful angles of your chart. Thus, this is a good time to meet new people. The one exception is around August 16, when in addition to eclipse energy, you will have to contend with Mars square Pluto. This influence tends to make people want to impulsively blurt out things they don't really mean. Just be aware that no matter how urgently Mars may want to get something off your chest, he probably doesn't have enough information to know what he's talking about. He's liable to jump to unwarranted conclusions, get paranoid, or otherwise get you all riled up over something that will soon pass.
For keywords you can use to customize your horoscope - click here. For instructions on how to use the keywords - click here.
If you are a lucky Scorpio (and I hope you are), the days around August 1 will bring you a surprising and wonderful career opportunity, seemingly out of the blue or as a result of some random event. The days around August 16, on the other hand, are more likely to see activity related to your home or its value. The 16th itself is tricky because your ruler Pluto clashes with with Mars then.
At this time, Pluto will be in your solar second house of resources, where he's making a last stand before leaving forever in November. Meanwhile, Mars will be aggressively rooting through your solar 11th house of long-term goals and wishes. Therefore, it's possible that by mid-month you'll be feeling like you simply don't have the resources to make your hopes and dreams come true or even to pursue them as strongly as you'd like. Or you may feel like what you want is somehow at odds with what you value in life on a day to day basis (e.g., you value spontaneity but what you want will require a rigid work schedule).
Others will want to liquidate property, assets or possessions but run into short-term obstacles. With Pluto making a last stand in Sagittarius, though, you should consider this the year of getting rid of stuff. Part of Pluto's job is to encourage you to shed any material objects in your life that burden you, slow you down, or keep you stuck in the past. Doing so will open up more space for new stuff (better stuff) to flow in.
For keywords you can use to customize your horoscope - click here. For instructions on how to use the keywords - click here.
At least some of you will probably feel an urgent desire to get away, out of town or out of the country, as August begins. Others of you will be making plans to embark upon new educational endeavors or will be taking up a new skill, such as learning a foreign language. Regardless of how you indulge it, the new moon solar eclipse on August 1 just wants to broaden your horizons or challenge your beliefs.
Mid-month, the focus shifts to a full moon eclipse. This full moon in Aquarius on the 16th could bring unexpected news from a sibling or other close relative or even get you into an unexpected confrontation with someone. Mars will be squaring Pluto in your own sign at this time, and there's no telling how that will play out, given that there will be short-term stress in both the career and family sectors of your chart this month. Sometimes confrontations can't be avoided or shouldn't be, as they ultimately work to increase honest communication and trust when people confront conflicts straightforwardly. Part of the Sagittarian task for 2008 and 2009 is to buff up or at least examine your ability to communicate honestly.
In other news, things look good in the material world for Sagittarians. Jupiter's been in your solar 2nd house of material goods and income all year, but his abundant influence has been subject to interference from Mars and Pluto for most of the time. This month, he's free to operate as he chooses, which can mean good financial news. Sometimes it also means that you will be dealing with an abundance of possessions--either acquiring them or getting rid of the excess you've already accumulated. One good way to use the energy is to focus on upgrading or recycling what you have with an eye toward quality rather than quantity.
New hobbies are favored as well in August, including just about any activity that helps you express yourself in a unique and powerful way. If formal study doesn't appeal to you these days, maybe you could embark on a self-study program in a subject that interests you. However you slice it, your mind is ready to grow and stretch these days.
For keywords you can use to customize your horoscope - click here. For instructions on how to use the keywords - click here.
This month, the skies highlight the sectors of your chart that relate to the resources in your life. The full moon eclipse in Aquarius on August 16 highlights your solar second house of money, possessions, and values. A full moon eclipse is traditionally said to indicate a loss or ending, although sometimes that means the end of something that has been draining your resources. The new moon eclipse on August 1 should theoretically be a bit easier to deal with, and it may bring a resource or windfall into your life.
It is also possible that nothing notable on the financial front will occur in August. This could be because events have occurred in July or will occur in September. At times, these eclipses also relate to other matters, such as the decision to enter therapy or deciding to have surgery. A small percentage of Capricorns will not be affected by this month's eclipses at all, but most will benefit from some sort of financial restructuring before fall of next year.
Even if events do not occur this summer, it is still worth Capricorn's time to turn a close and analytical eye on his or her finances. Jupiter in your own sign can bring unexpected resources, and it is no longer in difficult aspect to Mars. With Neptune still fogging up your second house, knowing exactly how you want to use any additional resources will be to your advantage. This is because left to its own devices, Neptune will just dissipate away any extra money you bring in.
For keywords you can use to customize your horoscope - click here. For instructions on how to use the keywords - click here.
There are many different things on the agenda this month, Aquarius. The most intense energy takes place at the middle of the month, around the 16th of August. At this time, there's a full moon eclipse in your sign. Pluto in your solar 11th house also clashes with Mars in your solar 8th house.
This could mean that you need to ask yourself very seriously, yet again, whether the friends, groups and intimate others in your life truly serve your needs. If not, you may need to eliminate some toxic or unhelpful people from your life. You may also find that you can achieve gretaer inner peace and integration by shedding an outdated dream or goal at this time. At any rate, you seem to benefit by letting something go.
In the opposite vein, the beginning of the month or the beginning of September could see you welcoming a new relationship into your life. Ideally, the new person in your life would be in many ways your opposite, and the association would bring you much stimulation and balance. You may even meet the person you will eventually marry or start a business with!
For keywords you can use to customize your horoscope - click here. For instructions on how to use the keywords - click here.
There's a new moon eclipse on August 1 in your solar 6th house of service. In modern life, service is typically equated with the work you do in your job, but it can also relate to volunteer activities or even the way you approach your daily tasks. In any case Pisces, as Bob Dylan says, you've got to serve somebody. If things go well, this eclipse will help you find a wonderful new way to serve other people or society in general.
If you are already happy with your job and service activities, and even if you get no news at eclipse time, you can still use this new moon. This is an excellent time to turn over a new leaf and get yourself organized or learn new time management techniques. You could invest in productivity aids or take a class that will update your skills.
The other eclipse of the month takes place on August 16. This eclipse can offer the opportunity to shed a psychological hang-up. If you have a chance to get away and grab some alone time around this date, you'd probably be well-advised to take it. Not only would this help you feel centered and in tune with yourself, but it might also help you to avoid a nasty Pluto/Mars clash taking place at the same time. This is the kind of aspect that can make people irritable, impulsive or accident-prone, so you probably want to be flying below the radar at this time anyway.
For keywords you can use to customize your horoscope - click here. For instructions on how to use the keywords - click here.
As someone who specializes in midlife transits...
As someone who specializes in midlife transits, one thing I have noticed is how individualized they are in manifestation. Astrologers naturally try to group and pull out themes from these predictable passages of midlife, but in real life, they hit you where you need it most, whether you know it at the time or not.
For me, the process of midlife crisis, or really midlife awakening, began with Uranus opposition Uranus. This is a transit that occurs around the age of forty-two, although when it begins varies from person to person. In my case, it began when I was forty.
It began with misery. I remember asking a friend of mine at the time-"do you think the universe is actually trying to get me to kill myself?" She paused and said, "Well, normally I always say no to questions like that, but in your case…"
I was busy losing the things from my life that I liked. People. Places. Routines. Possessions. Even the most minor and odd of possessions, like buying lunch and having it disappear without warning from my desk before I got a chance to eat it. Learning later that a cleaning person had helpfully decided to throw it away for me!
This sort of thing happened all the time. It is a very odd feeling to be walking around in some sort of alternate and warped universe in which you cannot even count on your lunch being where you put it.
In the bigger picture, the structures that I depended upon for comfort were being ripped away from me. Change was happening without my consent or permission and faster than I could absorb.
As if that wasn't bad enough, ghosts from the past were haunting me. Uranus is a planet of the mind in many ways, a stimulator of the mind. Uranus opposition Uranus stimulated my mind beyond all control, and I found myself obsessively rehashing events from long ago. It was as if I kept telling myself, against my will, 'this is why I am the way I am. Do not forget the events that are important to you.' It was an uncomfortable process, and it didn't stop until I consciously agreed to obey the inner dictates and make my current decisions with full awareness of my past. My life may have changed in adulthood, but somehow I needed to recognize that I could not abandon awareness of my roots.
The experiences were specific to me, but some of the themes aren't. The theme of loss is common during midlife transits, including Uranus opposition Uranus. The theme of forced changes is equally common. Feeling as though you have suddenly somehow dropped into an alternate reality that you wouldn't have chosen to visit is pretty frequent. Having to balance the needs of the present and future with due recognition for the experiences, wisdom and achievements (or pains) of the past is common with any opposition.
But the theme that stands out for me with midlife transits is: Darkness before the dawn. Astrologers who tell you that it won't get dark at night are not telling you the truth, really. It usually does. It has to. It has to get dark if there is going to be a dawn worth celebrating.
And the dawn does come. It really does. There are times when you don't think it will, but it does. Astrologers who tell you that the midlife transits are all bad aren't telling you the truth either. Some of the most spectacular dawns of your life (in a metaphorical sense of being a great awakening) will occur in conjunction with your midlife transits.
For me, the dawn began with an eclipse. And wowie zowie what an eclipse it was. That little puppy started me down a path of happiness I had not even known existed.
And that brings me to another theme that I see so often with people and their own midlife transit journeys: It's not just the midlife transits; it's everything else going on in your chart and your life.
You are a unique individual. Your own midlife passages will occur in your own personal astrological context. An eclipse that occurs during a transit like Uranus opposition Uranus may be a trigger for awakening in your life, as it was in mine.
Or the trigger in your life may be the fact that your husband is undergoing his midlife transits at the same time you are, so that his changes are a catalyst for your own awakening. You may be in a phase of your life wherein choosing where you live, finding your home, is of top priority in your life. The trigger for your awakening may be a move to a new city. I have also seen cases where a dire illness, such as a cancer diagnosis, becomes the portal to an awakening of individual power that a person never knew she had.
The tricky part of dealing with these portals to a new life is knowing which doors to choose! It is important, even vital, to say yes to the opportunities these times of change will bring. But sometimes learning how to say yes involves knowing what to say no to. Sometimes that means saying no to a marriage that has long outlived its spiritual purpose. But sometimes it means saying no to the temptation to divorce even though mutual growth has made the old structures of a marriage no longer workable.
One of the purposes of these transits is to help you understand which is which. Which decisions are authentic for you in spite of social pressure. And which decisions are not authentic for you any longer. The transits frequently do this by turning up the volume on your inner voice to almost unbearable levels. It is as though for a time you cannot get away from your thoughts, your feelings, your indecision and conflict. You must confront what your insides are telling you, if only to gain some relief.
And that
brings me to the final theme that I see with these transits, at least
in my own life and in those of my clients. And that is: other people
can help. Maybe even: other people are necessary. In times of transition,
you need someone to talk to. Someone who will listen. That person cannot
always be the person you used to rely on, for things are changing in your
life. When your inner voice becomes very loud, it becomes necessary for
someone else to hear it. The darkness is more bearable when you share
it, and so is the dawn that follows.
Some keywords for the sun: Soul purpose, individuality, the father, one's vitality, consciousness, the self, the will, one's sense of drive, creative potential, the ego, and authority.
Some keywords for Mercury: Writing, the mind, speaking, learning, communication, commerce, messages, intellectual interests, mental abilities, speed, transportation, and language skills.
Some keywords for the Moon: Emotions, the body, instincts, fluctuating moods, rhythm, gut reactions, needs, dependence, responsiveness, memories, the subconscious, and perceptions.
Some keywords for Venus: Love, unity, harmony, pleasure, laziness, relationships, beautiful things, money, the arts, femininity, and aesthetic taste.
Some keywords for Mars: Energy, aggression, conflict, driving determination, strong emotions, male energy, keen competitiveness, sexual drive, and assertiveness.
Some keywords for Jupiter: Abundance, expansiveness, a cheery outlook, foreign travel, big money, philosophical concerns, gambling, sports, risks, advertising, publishing, and luck.
Some keywords for Saturn: Contraction, restriction, life tests, aging, a mature outlook, building structure, limitations, rules, authority, obstacles, discipline, thrift, and hard work.
Some keywords for Uranus: Technology, universal ideas, humanitarian impulses, hopes for the future, sudden changes, shaking up the status quo, reversals, revolution, and science.
Some keywords for Neptune: Artistic impulses, drugs, chemicals, and alcohol, inspiration, imagination, deception, glamor, delusions, hospitals, subconscious yearnings, liquids, oil, psychic experiences, and romanticism.
Some keywords for Pluto: Global events, transformation, regeneration, and elimination.
Some Keywords for the 1st house: The self , personality, the body, appearance, ego, attitudes, how others see you, physical health and vitality, self-regard, and what inspires you.
Some keywords for the 2nd house: All personal resources, values, money, possessions, ownership, attachments, investments in real estate, self-worth, tangible items, gifts, possessiveness, and materialism.
Some keywords for the 3rd house: The daily environment, communication, cell phones, casual conversation, letters, email, commerce, acquaintances, neighbors, relatives, the ability to deal with daily life, and the part of the conscious mind that deals with daily tasks.
Some keywords for the 4th house: Roots, home, family, the parents, traditions, the past, patriotism, nurturing, the need for emotional support, where you belong, ancestors, and the subconscious.
Some keywords for the 5th house: Play, amusements, creative self-expression, romance, children, fun, pleasures, love affairs, and gambling and speculation.
Some keywords for the 6th house: Employment, health, routines, nutrition, chores, service, volunteering, nursing, service professions, illness, employees, and hygiene.
Some keywords for the 7th house: Intimate relationships, partnerships, enemies, marriage, counselors, the general public, the ability to attract and love others, what we feel we lack, what we like and dislike in others, and the ability to resolve conflicts.
Some keywords for the 8th house: The past, transformation, death, inheritance, other people's money, rebirth, trauma, abuse, crisis, the partner's finances, loans, and investments.
Some keywords for the 9th house: Philosophy, religion, the legal profession, travel, academics, synthesis, higher education, the higher mind, the search for meaning, ethical beliefs and standards, foreigners and interest in things foreign, and the ability to gain perspective on events.
Some keywords for the 10th house: Status, career, reputation, authority figures, tangible achievements, the father, the ability to garner admiration, honors, contributions to the communty, fame, vocation or calling, and professional accomplishments.
Some keywords for the 11th house: Friendships, groups, life direction, aspirations, visionaries, scientific thinking, humanitarian impulses, the brotherhood of man, and hopes & wishes.
Some keywords for the 12th house: Secrets, mental illness, incarceration, self-sabotage, dreams, fantasies, subconscious fears, spirituality, intution, oneness with the universe, the inner life, and guilt.
HOW TO USE KEYWORDS: The essence of learning astrology is understanding how to mix, match, and blend the concepts associated with signs, planets, and houses to figure out what is or will be affecting you at a given point in time. This takes practice and practice is exactly what you're going to have a chance to get if you use the keywords each month.
Keywords can be used to plan and take action using the month's energies, to explain events or to make predictions. Scan for keywords that seem relevant to situations in your own life. You'll have 3 sets of keywords you can blend, one for the planet discussed, one for the sign it's in and one for the solar house it's transiting. Pick the keywords that interest you most and create your customized horoscope!
For example, if the Sun is in Aries in your solar first house, if you want to plan or take action you might pick the Sun keyword 'power', the Aries keyword 'initiating', and the 1st house keyword 'self-expression' to create an intention for yourself that you have the power to initiate actions to express yourself more fully in ways that you desire. You'll know what 'self-expression' means to you. It works best if you pick keywords that 'speak' to you or that coincide with elements of your life that already concern you. To receive astrological benefits, it's not necessary that you obligate yourself to do something huge - it's only necessary that you take one step in the right direction at the right time. Astrology concerns itself with when things are born, and if you start something at the right time, you're riding on the energy that's already available to you in the universe.
You can also use the keywords to try to figure out if something that is affecting you is 'in the stars'. For example, let's say you find yourself wondering why you're getting drawn into conflicts with people at your church. You scan the keywords and realize 'Aha! The fiery energy of Aries is currently being activated in my 12th house of faith-related matters!' If the energy is uncomfortable, you'll have a gauge as to how long it will be prominent (oh good, it should ease up next month!) or if it's a good energy you'll know which planet to thank!
You can also try your hand at predicting. If you check in at the beginning of the month and notice that your house of friendships is highlighted along with some active planetary or sign energies, you might predict for yourself that you will be engaging in a lot more fun and restorative activities with your friends in the coming month. This is basically what professional astrologers do and now you have a chance to try your own hand at it and compare your results with the pros. Have fun!
NOTE: There are a wide variety of potential keywords associated with each sign, planet, and house. I pick different ones each month to give you an idea of the range from the most common concepts to much more subtle ones. Over time, you'll gain an intuitive sense of what kinds of concepts are associated with each element and you'll even be able to generate your own keywords as you get a feel for each of the signs, planets, and houses. Each keyword also inherently contains its opposite as well. For example, if the keyword 'divorce' is displayed, it doesn't mean you'll get a divorce. But it does mean that if that is a concern for you and something you want to avoid you have an opportunity, while that energy is activated, to take proactive steps to deal with potential problems or head off an undesirable outcome. So you can turn 'divorce' into 'keeping a marriage together' or 'illness' into 'taking steps to get and stay healthy'.
Use your rising sign for better forecasts! Most published horoscopes are based at least in part on transits to solar houses. Solar houses are based on your sun sign and are easy to calculate. Your sun sign is your solar 1st house, the next sign in the zodiac is your solar 2nd house and so on. You can always determine what solar house a planet is in if you know the sign. Simply start with your own sign and count around the zodiac until you reach the sign you're interested in. For example, if you're a Gemini, the sign of your solar 3rd house is Leo. Pisces is the sign of your solar 10th house. Astrologers who publish horoscopes use sun signs and solar houses for several reasons: a) almost everyone knows their birthday; b) they're easy to calculate; and c) they actually do have some effect. However, if you get a personal reading from a professional astrologer, he or she will almost always use transits to your natal houses to give you a reading instead. Natal houses are based on your rising sign, which is determined by the exact time, place, and day you were born. Transits to your natal planets and houses have at least as much effect on your life as transits to your solar houses, sometimes quite a bit more. If you really want to know your chart, and get better horoscopes, you should find out your rising sign (also called Ascendant). If you know the exact time and place of your birth, you can do this for free at a wonderful website - www.astro.com. Click on the link near the top that says 'Free Horoscopes'. On that page, scroll down to the link that says 'Chart Drawing, Ascendant'. Follow the prompts to enter the information concerning your birth time, date, and place. You'll get a chart that shows your Ascendant (the sign next to the designation 'AC'). To the left will be a box listing your planetary placements. Next to the listing for 'AC' your rising sign will be listed along with the degree of your Ascendant within that sign. Make a note of that sign and be sure to check the horoscope and keywords for your Ascendant as well as your sun sign!
TRACK YOUR RESULTS! Next month when you come back here for your next horoscope, take 30 seconds to assess the results of the action you took last month as a result of your horoscope. Did it make you feel better? Did it make your life any better? Did it give you renewed energy or did you find your effort blocked, delayed, or ineffective? Judging your results allows you to assess how responsive you are to a particular planetary, sign, or house energy. For example, some people are very responsive to the astrological Sun just the way some people are very responsive to a sunny day. Other people work better with the energy of other planets. Only by taking a moment to gauge your results can you learn which planets work best for you in your life. You may have an 'afflicted' natal Sun that never does much for you, but a raring-to-go Mars that will help you in a pinch every time. Checking your results each month will give you an increasingly accurate guide as to how to use astrology to enhance your life.
The PRACTICAL ASTROLOGY website provides a free, sequential course in astrology with at least one article each month on a particular element of horoscope interpretation. If you want to see any articles you've missed, or to receive each month's update by email, sign up using the link below. The Practical Astrology website does not share your email address with anyone else. Sign up!
copyright 2008 victoria bazeley