You can find abundant information about current astro weather everywhere on the internet. So, instead, for today, I’m going to write about what’s on my mind a lot lately with regard to the planets… Though first I will say briefly that there is a lot going on right now astrologically (but there always is. It never stops). We’re in-between eclipses — a North Node Solar Eclipse in Virgo on Sep 13 and a South Node Lunar Eclipse in Aries on Sep 27. Eclipses mark big though sometimes subtle shifts, which unfold over the course of several months before and after the actual eclipse dates. Also, Mercury is about to turn retrograde on Sep 17 (we’ve been in the shadow period since Aug 28) and Saturn moves into Sagittarius (also on Sep 17) to stay until Dec 2017…
But what I want to mention today is the last Venus/Sun conjunction, which occurred on Aug 15th. Astrologer, Gary Caton, taught me to pay attention to these special conjunctions, because they set into motion a deep transformative process that is in effect for about 9.5 months until the next Venus/Sun conjunction. Through observation I have found this to be profoundly true, yet it’s sometimes only in retrospect that I can really see and appreciate it, which is why I’m bringing it up now. We’ve had a month to start feeling this new Venus unfoldment process. The conjunction was at about 23º Leo. What house of your birth chart does Leo fall in for you? That house will describe the sphere of life that is beginning to undergo a transformation of values (values, a Venus thing), especially if 23º Leo is near an angle or planet in your chart. Where Leo is in your chart is an area of your life that will be in focus until the next conjunction in Jun of 2016 in mid Gemini. The domain of life affected by the Venus/Sun conjunction often manifests in a clear or concrete way over the 9 month period so it is worth contemplating. The Venus/Sun conjunction correlates with a discovery process of what you truly value/desire/enjoy and that discovery creates change. if you want to think about the 9 months prior to Aug 2015, the Venus/Sun conjunction before this last one was on Oct 25, 2014 at 2º Scorpio. If you aren’t familiar with your chart or if you want to explore this further, contact me and we can set up a consultation.
Mercury retrograde in Libra, Lunar eclipse in Aries
We’re past the halfway point of this Mercury retrograde (Sep 17-Oct 9, 2015), and so I have a few observations (The deepest learning of astrology comes through observation). Like all Mercury retrograde cycles this one is providing opportunities to revisit and reconnect with projects and relationships from the past, review misunderstandings or mistakes, and move towards resolving old issues. Since this Mercury retrograde takes place fully in the sign of Libra, the revisits may revolve around Libran values, such as interpersonal relating, empathy, and understanding the feelings and needs of both sides of any difference or conflict. Depending on the house of your birth chart where you have Libra will determine more specifically the types of things you may be reworking during this Mercury retrograde period.
Meanwhile the Lunar eclipse on Sep 27th was an interesting counterbalance occurring in the opposite sign of Aries. A Full Moon is always the peak, climax, or crisis point of the lunar month, but the addition of an eclipse takes it to a more intense level. Even though the deeper significations of an eclipse take place over a period of months (before and after the exact date of the eclipse), the day of the eclipse itself can certainly be telling too. I knew of three people who had this eclipse tightly conjunct one of their Aries planets, and they were all sick during the few days around the eclipse. Since this was an eclipse occurring near the South node of the Moon, it suggests a time of letting go. For those who were sick, I’m interpreting this as a detoxification process. But more generally this eclipse could be seen as a detoxification process for all of us in whatever part of our natal chart where we have Aries. I have Aries in my 7th house of one-to-one relationships, and right around the time of the eclipse, I had fleeting but important differences to attend to with a few people I connect with in a one-to-one way. Each one involved letting go of old thought forms or patterns. The fact that it was a Full Moon, an eclipse, and being in the fiery, impulsive, assertive sign of Aries added a higher degree of emotionality than might otherwise be present.
How did this eclipse play out for you? It’s always fruitful to note these things, in the same way it is fruitful to remember and explore the meanings of one’s dreams. These practices help us along the path towards greater self-knowledge and self-mastery.
During Mercury’s apparent travel backwards, at the midpoint of the retrograde phase, is a special moment when Mercury meets up with the Sun. This occurred on Sep 30th. It can be thought of as Mercury’s New Moon so to speak, the beginning point of a new Mercury cycle. Things are sown, either consciously or unconsciously, at this conjunction, so you can note what occurred on that day — ideas, discussions, events, or flashes or urges for a new and different way. It is an inception point, though it may not be clear just how those things will grow up and expand until after Mercury goes direct.
Today an astrology friend mentioned to me her observation about the current Mercury retrograde: “It seems like I have to go backward rather than being able to go forward with my plans. But when I really look at it I see that all the stuff that comes up does serve my plans from a larger perspective… Just not the ones I had at the top of my most current to do list.” This is a helpful way to perceive the classic delays or needed repairs that occur during Mercury retrograde.
My experience with this Mercury retrograde is the uncanniness of how unresolved issues from the past pop up like clockwork during Mercury’s retrograde phase. Especially when it is something that was initiated during a previous Mercury retrograde cycle. It seems it will forevermore come up in subsequent Mercury retrogrades, in hopes of resolution! Yet in many circumstances it may be that a final resolution will be impossible until a resolution is reached while Mercury is direct and not retrograde. Remembering this can help when patience for things to be resolved is needed. Because even if it is resolved during Mercury retrograde it may not *really* be resolved, so might as well sit tight and peacefully wait for that desired resolution until after Mercury turns direct!
Likewise, I am once again observing that if a decision is made during the shadow phase, which started on May 4th this time, I should be prepared that it may not be as final as it seems. The issue will probably surface again for review during the retrograde phase, and the decision may even appear to move in the reverse direction (appropriate symbolism for a retrograde planet). Further reviews may occur in the post-retrograde shadow phase. However when a decision is come to after Mercury is direct, it has usually gone through the necessary back and forth process and will actually be final.
The same astrology friend as mentioned above said another telling thing that reflects this back and forth process of a retrograde planet: “It was like ironing. I had to go back and forth till I got the thing ironed out.”
I heard from a few clients recently that the recordings of their sessions with me are disappearing after they download them. If this has happened for you, please please please contact me and let me know! This is an error and should not be the case. I have utilized different services for sending large files over the years and some work differently than others. I have all my recordings stored permanently and confidentially and I can always resend a recording to you. Meanwhile I am looking into the issue and looking for different options.
4/28/2015 UPDATE: I got confirmation from some clients that the recordings do not disappear after downloading, but they may be difficult to find (so sorry about that)! For example here is what one person wrote to me regarding two older recordings past the download link’s expiration date: “I found the recording! It automatically went into a folder in my iTunes music library called ‘my recording,’ then into a folder ‘unknown album!’ The files were numbered... for example ‘Z0000049.’ I also found a previous one in there!”
Hope that is helpful!!
For people with smart phones I also discovered a way to send the recording directly over text message without utilizing a service to send large files. No link that way. Just straight downloading to your phone (or computer if you have Messages on your computer). Not exactly sure where it gets downloaded to but it seems to be working for people. :)
An Eclectic Approach ~ Modern and Ancient Astrology
There are countless ways to practice astrology and within Western astrology alone there are a huge variety of systems, paradigms, and techniques from which to choose. Throughout the years of my own study and practice I have found that it serves me to remain open to all the different paradigms that I encounter, while also remaining focused and not overly diffused with too many different techniques at once. My biggest learning is always through direct observation, so when it comes to where I put my attention within the wide variety of approaches, my eclectic approach is based on personal experience of the usefulness and relevance of a particular concept or system.
When I began studying and practicing astrology, I was mostly exposed to Modern Astrology and Evolutionary Astrology. This is mainly what is out there nowadays, has many merits, and no doubt still forms the foundation of my understanding of astrology. As time went on, however, I began to encounter more Ancient or Traditional Astrology and I found these frameworks to be equally valuable. For instance, I certainly honor the modern practice of paying close attention to the outer planets (Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto, as well as Chiron), as I and many people and clients I know experience monumental internal or external events in our lives that correspond with the transits from these planets. The Uranus/Pluto square from 2012 to 2015 is a palpable example of this, being unfathomably intense for many especially those whose charts were directly lined up with the degrees of this life-changing, era-defining square (By the way, the last exact pass of this square is on March 16th, 2015).
On the other hand, I found that shifting to the Whole Sign house system (the oldest house system known); using the antiquated classification of planets in dignity, exaltation, detriment, or fall; and looking to the ancient rulers vs. the modern rulers, for example — are all undeniably useful to me when I analyze a chart. I didn’t necessarily want to adopt these older techniques, especially ones that appear on the surface to imply a value judgement, but when I investigated them I couldn’t help but notice their definite relevance. Through contemplation I realized that instead of seeing a planet that is in detriment or fall as a “bad” placement, for instance, the classification is rather a tool to acknowledge when an aspect of one’s self or one’s life (as symbolized by the planet) is experienced as inherently more challenging or uncomfortable than other planets that are more “favorably” placed. These challenges are of course not “bad,” just as squares and oppositions (aspects known to be associated with more challenges) are not “bad,” but a planet in detriment, for example, may represent a part of one’s life where one undergoes more suffering and requires more work or adjustment. I view this type of inner work or challenge as part of the divine intelligence within all of Reality, reflected perfectly in the birth chart, and for the purpose of learning and spiritual growth for the individual.
This is a good segue to the last example I will mention, regarding what I resonate with from Evolutionary Astrology. Evolutionary Astrology suggests that the birth chart is a reflection of what is needed for the soul for spiritual growth in this lifetime. My view is that the birth chart is a perfect illustration of one’s karma (the results of past impressions and actions) in this lifetime. The birth chart is literally a blueprint for how one is fulfilling one’s spiritual purpose and direction in this incarnation. Yet it is an illustration made up of symbols and full of moving parts, not a black and white, simplistic, or static depiction. Therefore it requires on-going exploration and can manifest in a multitude of ways, which will also invariably change over time as a person’s consciousness expands. I am always delighted to learn how people are living their charts. it is always more perfect then I could have imagined by looking at the chart alone.
Mercury is preparing to turn retrograde Jan 21st—Feb 11th, and we are already in the shadow period. Mercury retrograde can be thought of as a time when Mercury takes a break from normal duties and goes on a little vacation. This is often considered a frustration for people, but in actuality it is meant to give all of us a vacation of sorts. The pre-retrograde shadow period from Jan 5th—Jan 20th is a built in span of time that can help us prepare mentally and take some practical steps to get ready for this type of vacation. Read more...
Here are a few examples of the ways in which we can try to flow harmoniously with Mercury’s holiday. Mercury retrograde can be a vacation from making big decisions, since one may not have all the pertinent information and clarity until after Mercury turns direct. Or it can be a vacation from shopping for anything beyond day-to-day necessities, since one may be a bit more blurry on details and relevant factors when considering the options presented. And it certainly can be a vacation from jumping to conclusions or assumptions about what someone said or meant, as it will be revealed in time, but perhaps not fully during the retrograde period.
Taking a break from things like this creates room for what Mercury retrograde is actually for: introspection, introversion, slowing down the pace, reviewing the past, clearing up or fixing things from the past, pondering, mulling things over, and sleeping on it, etc. The delays that are often associated with Mercury retrograde can be seen as beneficial and helpful in allowing the type of spaciousness that is needed to balance the habitual go go go energy of typical daily life.
Astrological Relationship Analysis and Compatibility
“A mystic will seek to penetrate the veils through constant and arduous meditation practice, whilst the lover, through his feelings for the beloved, will arrive there in his heart. In this sense, human relationship is spiritual practice, with benefits of equal value.” ~Robert P. Blaschke
Astrological relationship analysis is one of my favorite areas of study. While astrological knowledge certainly can’t give any guarantees about whether a relationship will be “successful” or not, it can provide insights into the everyday dynamics of a relationship as well as give some clues about the underlying spiritual journey two people have together. Below is a compilation of gems I have gleaned from my studies as well as observations taken from client experiences and personal experience.
The three main ways I investigate relationships: Read more...
Synastry: This is the comparison of two individual’s natal charts to understand how they affect one another, including aspects between the charts (for example: A’s Sun is conjunct B’s Moon) and house overlays (for example: A’s Sun falls into B’s 11th house, B’s Moon falls into A’s 7th house).
The Composite chart (the midpoints of A’s & B’s respective planets and angles): This is an illustration of the relationship itself, i.e., the third entity that is created when the two come together (interpreted like a birth chart, but representing the couple as a unit).
Birth chart analysis — to determine individual propensities in relationship.
Some of the key elements I look at when considering attraction, harmony, and endurability:
7th house overlays (the 7th house represents the partner, as well as how the native relates within partnerships): for example, what part of A’s chart falls into B’s 7th house and vice versa; and noting what other houses are overlaid by the other person’s planets and angles — showing main areas of focus in the relationship (such as home, career, finances, or spirituality).
Ascendant contacts — represent strong attraction indicators and show love & affection.
Descendant contacts — represent the marriage bond and partnership needs.
Aspects between personal planets, especially the Sun & Moon, and Venus & Mars —show yin/yang complementarity, attraction, and compatibility.
The ratio of harmonious to disharmonious aspects between the two individuals and within the composite chart — harmonious aspects give the feeling of being loved effortlessly, whereas disharmonious aspects require growth and change. It is said that a two-to-one ratio of harmony to disharmony is desired to make the relationship sustainable, yet too much harmony can lead to stagnation and lack of personal and spiritual growth. The challenge is working out how to tally this ratio. I am still experimenting with different methods.
Whether the chart rulers are in aspect and if so, what type of aspect is it, as this represents a key dynamic between the two individuals.
Whether the chart ruler of one is conjunct the horizon of the other — represents a strong compatibility indicator.
Sun conjunct Venus in the composite chart — indicates a foundation of love in the relationship.
The aspects that the composite chart makes to the two individuals charts — shows how each individual experiences the relationship.
Planets in the 7th house of the composite chart, or the lack thereof.
Nodal & vertex contacts — to consider past life links, karma, and “fate”
Saturn trines between the two show longevity; the Saturn placement in the other’s chart or the composite shows where there is responsibility, seriousness, and duty towards the other, but can also represent limitations or heaviness in the relationship.
Transits and progressions for the individuals as well as to the composite to consider timing and ripeness/receptivity towards love and relationship.
The Sabian symbol for the degree of the composite chart ascendant — illustrates a subtle, symbolic flavor of the relationship.
Aspect configurations between the charts and in the composite — reveals special features about the relationship.
These points might seem like exacting requirements, but it is amazing how often couples do indeed exhibit many of them (of course not all are seen in every relationship)!
Opportune times for love (some examples):
Transiting Jupiter through the 5th house (romance), 7th house (partnership), and 8th house (emotional and physical intimacy/bonding) — correlates with opportunity and abundance in these areas.
Transiting Jupiter conjunct Venus — correlates with an opportunity for love
Progressed Venus trine progressed Jupiter — same as above.
Progressed Moon conjunct natal Venus — the heart is ready.
Synastric timing: for example, progressed Sun of one conjunct natal Venus or natal Moon of the other or progressed Ascendant conjunct natal Ascendant of the other — shows a synchronization between the two, and often reveals the time of meeting.
Key elements to analyze in the birth chart:
The sign on the 7th house cusp and planets in the 7th — signify the type of partner who will be a complement, and in general, the experience the individual has of partnership, as well as the way one is as a partner, oneself. Also, is the individual owning or projecting their 7th house of “other”?
The ruler of the 7th house — provides further information of the above.
The condition of Venus, who presides over love and attraction, gives ideas about inherent relationship dynamics for the individual.
Traditionally the sign, placement, and aspects of the Sun and Mars in a woman’s chart give clues about the partner she will seek.
Traditionally the sign, placement, and aspects of the Moon and Venus in a man’s chart give clues about the partner he will seek.
The sign and placement of the asteroid, Juno (Hera), who presides over marriage, gives information about what is desired and needed in a marriage partner.
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Some of the best information I have found about synastric comparison and the composite chart:
“No amount of love can continually offset lack of harmony in a relationship… It is highly recommended that a minimum ratio of two harmonious aspects to one disharmonious aspect be present when comparing the planets of two individuals involved…” and
“The composite chart is the ‘bottom line.’ If the composite chart is very harmonious, whereas the planetary comparison is not, there is a possibility the relationship can survive... It would also be wise to remember the two-to-one ratio in composites.” ~Nance McCullough
“The Sun, ascendant, or Moon of partner A in partner B’s 7th house makes B feel that A is his/her ideal for a mate; i.e. you are my epitome!” ~Nance McCullough
“Regarding angular love ties (Sun, Moon, Venus, Jupiter of one partner in the 1st and/or 7th house of the other partner) — these ties are felt immediately and are very strong from the beginning… Planetary conjunctions and close trines of the Sun, Moon, Venus, or Jupiter and trines to the ascendant have no impact at first, but every time these two individuals are together, the love between them grows more and more until ‘death due us part.’” ~Nance McCullough
“Sun-Moon conjunctions are the Cadillac of all synastry aspects for marriage, with the trine between the Luminaries, or a Sun-Ascendant conjunction, tying for second place.” ~Robert P. Blaschke
“Sun, Moon, Venus, or Mars in one horoscope in the sign ascending or descending in the other horoscope is an astrological testimony of a strong attraction… Unless the Ascendant or Descendant of one horoscope combines with the planets of the other by sign, it is doubtful that the attraction would result in marriage.” ~Lois Haines Sargent
“Contacts with the Ascendant are rather physical and instinctive, and always instantaneous. Contacts with the luminaries are deep and virtually potent.” ~www.astrotheme.com
“The stronger the love tie, the more ecstatic the union. Once you have experienced a fantastic close Venus tie with someone’s Sun, Moon, ascendant, or Jupiter, you will never be satisfied with less.” ~Nance McCullough
“I always take an aspect between the ruling planets (i.e., the rulers of their Ascendants) as a testimony to the fact that the two people are likely to have a relationship of extraordinary intensity and importance… The close interaction of the ruling planets’ energies can be seen as indicative of a particularly specific symbol of how the two people interact with each other… in the vast majority of such cases, all of the other levels of interaction shown in a comparison will be secondary to the intense type of interchange symbolized by the aspect between the rulers.” ~Stephen Arroyo
“The composite chart describes the entity of the relationship itself. When you consider the aspects between the composite chart and the birthcharts, concentrate on the effect that the entity of the couple, symbolized by their composite chart, has on the individual birthcharts.” ~Steven and Jodie Forrest
“It appears that the aspects to the Sun are the heart and soul of any partnership, and, as a composite Sun goes, so goes a relationship.” ~Robert P. Blaschke
“According to many sources, lack of a 7th house composite planet precludes marriage.” ~Nance McCullough
“[L. Edward Johndro] felt that the Vertex was the electrical, the Ascendant the magnetic and the MC the gravity axis in a natal chart.” ~Alice Portman
“The astrologer should look for any synastric aspect configurations… Just as marriage vows state that both parties take each other for better or for worse, so too, do shared configurations manifest in either a positive or negative fashion… If a Grand Cross, T-square, or Yod are formed by synastry, then the couple, just by being together, will encounter unexpected stress factors in the relationship… When a Grand Trine is produced by synastry, couple can appear to withdraw into a cocoon, a sort of private world… Couples with synastry Stelliums live as if they are one unified being, made whole by their love.” ~Robert P. Blaschke
Some of the best information I have found about past life links and karmic relationships:
“Ancestral and family karma is found in the 4th house, the karma of loss in the 8th house, and spiritual emancipation in the 12th house... The deepest karmic lessons are usually accompanied by pain and suffering. Can the astrologer see this type of karmic lesson between a couple? Yes, it would be found with an overlay Sun, Moon, or Saturn in the 8th house, with the planets also in synastric square or opposition.” ~Robert P. Blaschke
“When I see a synastric conjunction from one person’s Light or planet to the partner’s natal IC, I interpret it as a past life family connection… The 12th house symbolizes the most recent past life and a synastric conjunction with the 12th cusp is an indicator of two souls having been together in their most immediate past lives. However, the South Node represents the ongoing spiritual growth for as many as seven past incarnations. If the astrologer sees a synastric conjunction to the South Node, he knows that two souls have had a long history.” ~Robert P. Blaschke
“The South Node conjunct a planet is supposedly very karmic and implies that the South Node individual owes the planet individual a debt or service from a previous life.” ~Nance McCullough
“One of the jokes that I told is how one, when seeing that another soul has planets on their South Node, instinctively reaches for their wallet and asks, ‘how much do I owe you?’” ~Robert P. Blaschke
“When astrologers see synastric or composite conjunctions to a North Node, they can view this as a karmic credit. In the case of synastry, however, the planet person will repay the Node person in some positive way. When found in the composite chart, couples will have positive karma… As a general rule, the astrologer can interpret synastry conjunctions to the South Node that are not also accompanied by a conjunction to the North Node, as the karma of conscious completion… If there is also a North Node conjunction, astrologers can view this as an ongoing soul connection, continuing into the next life together.” ~Robert P. Blaschke
The Vertex: “This sensitive degree in the horoscope has been associated with fated love, and appears to symbolize relationship brought into one’s life for karmic purposes, such as for the birth of a child, or a life-changing transformative journey together.” ~Robert P. Blaschke
References:
Astrology A Launguage of Life: Volume IV - Relationship Analysis by Robert P. Blaschke
Skymates II: The Composite Chart by Steven Forrest and Jodie Forrest
Love Formulas~2 by Nance McCullough
How to Handle Your Human Relations by Lois Haines Sargent
Astrology Karma & Transformation: The Inner Dimensions of the Birth Chart by Stephen Arroyo
As Mercury continues to move backwards, he converges with the Sun today and is fully absorbed into the Sun’s light. I have heard a couple of explanations about this that I really like. One is that when a planet is conjunct the Sun, it becomes purified by the heat and fire of the Sun. Since Mercury represents the mind, thoughts, and how we communicate, we can take this moment as an opportunity to consciously choose to place certain habitual thought forms or patterns of communication that are no longer serving us, into a symbolic sacred fire to be dissolved and burned away. The other explanation I like is that the conjunction with the Sun represents a significant moment to seed a new beginning. So after the fire there is a space, an opportunity for regeneration, and a freedom to create a new thought, a new idea, a new way of communicating that represents how we want to think and express ourselves moving forward into the future. The rest of the Mercury retrograde cycle (through Oct 25) can be an incubation period providing time for further research, development, and clarification for this new consciousness or intention.
The next Mercury retrograde period is immanent (Oct 4th thru 25th), and we have been in the shadow period since Sep 13th. Mercury goes retrograde 3 to 4 times a year, so it is something to embrace! Yes, Mercury is a little mischievous, but there is nothing to fear or dread about Mercury appearing to go backwards for a few weeks! Having awareness of when it is and what it means, however, helps to either avoid those stereotypical mishaps associated with it, or have more patience and understanding about the message Mercury is trying to convey through those mishaps, when they do happen. If I were to try to briefly sum up my observations about Mercury retrograde it would be this:
Mercury retrograde gives us an opportunity to slow down and be more conscientious about how we are thinking, speaking, connecting, and interacting. Things that are said, heard, decided, bought, sold, created, or destroyed, etc. by you or those you are dealing with or relating to, during Mercury retrograde and possibly during the shadow period before it, will often need to be revisited and altered after Mercury goes direct. Knowing this makes all the difference. Read more...
So, for example, when you find yourself making an important decision, judgement, or purchase during Mercury retrograde, remember it might not be written in stone, as more information will often be revealed in the situation after Mercury goes direct, which may add to your perspective at that point. Regarding electronics, vehicles, and other equipment having problems during Mercury retrograde — Mercury is just the messenger. These problems were most likely developing for a long time under the surface and thanks to Mercury, they are now brought to your attention so you can deal with them.
In Mythology, where we glean much of our astrological symbolism from and apply it psychologically, Mercury is a complex archetype. He is not only associated with day-to-day things like commerce and communication, but he is also the only god who can travel freely between the worlds, transporting souls to and from the underworld, and the staff that he carries, the Caduceus, is a mystical symbol indeed…
How to decode the birth chart - my reply to a client/reader’s question
Recently I received a question, referencing my last blog about Jupiter retrograde, which I thought was an excellent question and one that other readers probably have as well. The question was:
“Is there an easy way for you to explain how I can look at my chart and see ‘where you have these degrees of Taurus in your chart (and other planets in early degrees which may be aspected’? I never understand that stuff. How do I know if it’s ‘aspected?’”
For people who have not studied astrology, the explanation below may seem complicated, as I have to begin to delve into the technical side of astrology in order to answer the question. For those with an interest however, I hope this will be helpful. Read more...
To begin, look around the circle of your chart and find the glyph for Taurus, which looks like: ♉. The chart is divided into 12 sections, called “houses” and 12 signs of the zodiac. However, unless you are using an equal house system, the signs and houses do not correspond exactly with one another, but rather each sign is usually covering part of 2 houses or each house has part of 2 signs within it. And each sign takes up a space of 30 degrees.
Returning to the example from my last blog, find the beginning of the section showing Taurus (♉) — that is 0º Taurus. There will be lines to count within that section until you get to 30º ♉, which then leads to the next section beginning at 0º ♊ (Gemini), and so forth. You are looking for 0º to 10º of ♉. Look to see in which numbered house (1-12) those degrees of ♉ fall. If you happen to be using a chart that does not number the houses, look for the horizontal line dividing the chart, referred to as the horizon. House 1 is the first section on the left side of the chart, below the horizon line. Then count the sections all the way around the chart. House 12 is the last section on the left side above the horizon line. For the client who asked, those degrees fall within her 11th house — of friends, community, hopes, long-term goals, etc. As Jupiter retrogrades back from 10º to 0º it will pass over her Chiron, the Wounded Healer archetype, at 3º of Taurus (for the second pass on Nov 11, 2011. The first pass when Jupiter was direct was on Jun 22, 2011, and the 3rd pass after Jupiter turns forwards again will be on 2/7/2012). Jupiter’s contact with Chiron may involve some kind of reminder of a primal wound for this woman, but more importantly an opportunity for further healing of and learning about this sensitive place within herself. Though the aspect happens on exact dates, the influence may be felt generally over the course of the several months that Jupiter travels back and forth over her Chiron...
Jupiter will not be making any other major aspects (Ptolemaic aspects) to other planets in her chart. The way one can tell if important aspects will be made from Jupiter’s retrograde travel from 10º back to 0º Taurus is by looking at the degrees of all the planets in the chart. If any are from 0º-10º Taurus, Jupiter will conjunct them (as in the case above with Jupiter passing over Chiron at 3º of Taurus). If any are from 0º-10º in other signs, specifically ¼ way around the chart on either side from Taurus, in other fixed signs of Aquarius (♒) and Leo (♌) — that planet would be squared by Jupiter. ⅓ way around the chart from Taurus, in the other earth signs of Capricorn (♑) and Virgo (♍) — that planet would be trined. ½ way around the chart from Taurus in the opposite fixed sign of Scorpio (♏) — that planet would be opposed. If you look at an ephemeris (a calendar of the calculated positions of celestial bodies), you can discover exactly when these aspects will occur...
