Dear friends,
Astro Santa has delivered over 100 readings! More this week and next. I hope
I've communicated with everyone who emailed, but if you think you were
overlooked its possible a few got lost in the shuffle. To all who requested
before 7:00 am on 12/1 we will make it happen.
This has been a wonderful experience. 3 years ago I looked at a hundred charts
all year. Now I've done this number in 3 weeks, and I've learned a lot. Some
people on this list are professional astrologers or serious students - consider
this idea or some version of it for your own study and practice. It is also
helpful to work a few charts in as much detail as possible, but that's for
another day.
For people new to astrology, one of the more common questions was "What is
special about my chart?" The short answer: They are all special! Being an
astrologer is like being a snowflake examiner. Each chart has an arrangement of
the same materials: 7 visible planets, 2 nodes, and 3 outer planets, all falling
against the backdrop of the stars; 12 signs of the zodiac; and 12 houses of
experience. Yet each chart is its own unique arrangement. Just like all
snowflakes are made of frozen water but each is different from the next. The
full answer to this question is what readings are all about. What makes you You?
What are your special strengths and talents? What are your challenges? These are
the themes of an astrology reading that are addressed in a precise and
systematic way.
If you are new to astrology and this column, the place to start is to watch the
Sun and Moon - check Star*Watch below. After you learn some of the language, the
top portion of this weekly column will make more sense. Also the Learning
Astrology section of my site will be up soon!
For people who knew some astrology, a common question was "What does this aspect
mean in my chart?" Let's make this specific as an example: "What does Venus
square Mars mean?" Many people asked something like this. I cannot blame you all
- many astrologers and websites will begin their astrology in the same way. "You
have Venus square Mars, and this means ... " Yet I will say to you that Venus
square Mars does NOT exist! Wha? That's right, there is no such thing as Venus
square Mars. Even though you will see a long list of such aspects on every
computerized astrology report. I still say they don't exist! Why? Because all
planets must be in signs. We cannot conceive of them otherwise. We can have
Venus in Cancer square Mars in Aries, or Venus in Cancer square Mars in Libra.
But just plain Venus square Mars doesn't exist until we have the God's eye view.
Why am I sticking on this point? Because many people said: "What does this
aspect mean?" Yet *no one* asked: What's your take on my Mercury in Leo? Or
Venus in Gemini in the 3rd house? Almost all the astrology questions were about
aspects. Let's think about this for a minute.
An aspect is literally a 'look' or 'glance.' It is as if two actors on the
cosmic stage are looking at each other. The aspect will describe the nature of
that look. Is it a friendly trine? It is a challenging square? Yet in the
context of things we have to see who is looking at who and what costume each is
wearing. Only then can we understand their relationship and the nature of the
aspect.
In the example above, Venus in Cancer square Mars in Aries is entirely different
from Venus in Cancer square Mars in Libra. Why? Venus in Cancer will find
pleasure in nurturing, feelings, going within, food, motherhood and nature. In a
square aspect to Mars in Aries, these Cancerian qualities feel highly threatened
by the unthinking & uncaring hostility of Mars. She won't like Mars at all. But
Venus in Cancer square Mars in Libra turns the table. Here Mars is going back
and forth and being a bit indecisive because he is taking the other persons
views into account. This is why Libra can be a bit challenging for Mars, since
Mars is our fighting spirit. But Venus in Cancer, a sensitive sign, will
appreciate this concern and will actually like Mars much more for it. See? Same
aspect, same planets but in different signs, and our interpretation is the
opposite.
For people who *really* know astrology, I was surprised to realize how few
people kept track of the transiting nodes. Even people who knew minor aspects of
the outer planets didn't follow the nodes in the houses. I think the nodes are
as important as Jupiter and Saturn! Because they are shadowy they are easy to
overlook. Check them out.
In all readings, I utilized two period techniques of firdaria and profection.
For those who knew some astro lingo I explained what I was doing. I'll be
writing more about these two invaluable tools in coming columns. If you are
interested in learning more in the meantime, to my knowledge there is only one
person teaching them and his name is Robert Zoller. Information on his basic
course is here.
*
More columns and news:
The Fated Sky is one of the best astrology books I've ever read. It's great for
avid astro fans and skeptics alike. Read my full book review
here.
Also here's a link to an interview
with the author Benson Brobrick on New Hampshire Public Radio. It is a good
introduction to his perspective and the kinds of astrology stories that the
Fated Sky is full of.
This week's Question of the Hour -
When will I have a
husband and kids? In spite of the difficult astrology of the month, this one
has a happy ending!
*
I'm glad that so many people who tasted real astrology are interested in the
full experience. December is now booked and I'm scheduling full readings in
January. For information on a life or update reading, please visit the Services page.
Like what you are reading? Get it free
delivered to your email on Monday by
signing up here.
Please help share the wisdom of the Moon - forward Star Pearls to your friends!
Also posted to the website on Tuesdays
here.
*
Star*Watch
All times Pacific Daylight Time. Visit
www.astro.com for current planet positions in your location. See below for
comments on other visible planets.
The Sun and Moon together set the tone of the time. The Sun is our fundamental
orientation for the month; Moon signs and aspects are the energetic pulls of the
day, and tell us how we approach the truth of the Sun. Planet aspects influence
the energies for several days and sometimes weeks before and after the aspect
depending on the planets involved.
Sun * in Sagittarius. Sagittarius knows there is darkness yet looks forward to
the future and creates a happy time. Sagittarius enlarges and expands - hence
the American Sagittarius ritual of Thanksgiving where we eat extra and the Day
After where many shop extra. Sagittarius delights in pleasures, but there is a
higher side too, one that seeks wisdom through a variety of experiences. We look
forward to the future - we have to, because the Sun dims each day. In the face
of this decreasing light we have faith that the Sun will be reborn after the
winter solstice. The trap of Sag - too much is not even enough.
Moon * days 5 - 11 (new Moon is day 1). First quarter Moon in Pisces early on
Thursday.
Monday 12/5 * Moon in Aquarius. Moon in intellectual Aquarius puts our attention
on ideas that benefit humanity, and today there is a focus on resources, budgets
and money. We're dragging or under the gun until Moon opposes Saturn at 2:05 pm,
then things lighten up. What does Neptune mean? Just see what happens in your
environment (often foggy in the Bay Area) and your mind (music & wine are my
faves, others include movies, art and mood alterants of all kinds) as the
conjunction happens at 9:00 pm.
Tuesday 12/6 * Moon in Aquarius, into Pisces 9:45 pm. A slower start for early
risers but after 7:30 am energy picks up. Tuesday is day of Mars. Mars the war
god is both happy and frustrated at the same time, but leaning towards
frustration! Today we have the power of fighting against authority and ways we
are reviewing past pursuits and endeavors, especially in relation to
finances. One version of this: convince your boss to change her mind about the
budget. Physical energy strong around 7:30, then another evening of Neptunian
enjoyments (see Monday 12/5).
Wednesday 12/7 * Moon in Pisces. Do you remember your dreams? I have astrology
dreams all the time. The images and stories in the dreams are related to the
current positions of the planets. I'm sure other people have such dreams too,
but until you study you might not know the symbolism. Moon in Pisces is always a
bit more emotional and symbolic, and you might find that your dreams are richer
in significance. Midday is mostly happy, though some will not want to hear the
message the teacher brings even it is for our own good. Evening around 5:30 is
open to a flash of intuitive wisdom or at least a change in plan.
Thursday 12/8 * First quarter Moon in Pisces. We're sleeping through this
square, which is much easier than most - Sun in Sag and Moon in Pisces both
connect through uplifting Jupiter. The difference is that Sag wants external
exploration - travel, variety of jobs, lovers, experiences etc - and Pisces
wants internal exploration, a rich emotional palette regardless of the external
number. A beautiful aspect between Queen Moon and Lady Venus tonight - we'll
have the best of long lasting love and the trust that comes with true friendship
and open hearts.
Friday 12/9 * Moon in Aries 1:00 am, Mars direct. Mars the warrior has been
retrograde since the beginning of October. This is like taking the star
quarterback off the field for two months. What he doing? Pacing back and forth
in the locker room getting more frustrated with each passing week. Many of you
might have noticed changes in affairs of Mars - for some this is career, for
others relationships, but for all this has been tense and frustrating. The good
news is that the hero finally gets the go ahead tonight at 8:05 pm. The forces
are unleashed. Two months of restraint are now unchained and ready to blow.
Saturday 12/10 * Moon in Aries. As our physical drive resumes its external
effects (less hard on ourselves, and we are again driven towards exercise, the
job, boyfriend, whatever) we also have a weekend of beauty and artistic
communication. Women and lovers in general appreciate the message, but it might
be wise to soften a message of direct honesty into a more subtle one of taking
it one step at a time in love.
Sunday 12/11 * Moon in Taurus 5:45 am. Taurus weekends are for organic food and
nature. If it's cold out, cook something long and slow. Then in the evening we
are highly driven towards physical pleasures, motion in general, and security
both in the bedroom (read: is it as much and as good as I want?) and the bank
(ditto).
Have a stellar week!
Peace and love,
Jonathan Pearl
Please help share the wisdom of the Moon - forward Star Pearls to your friends!
Also posted to the website on Tuesdays
here.
If you don't want to learn about the real meaning of aspects,
unsubscribe
here.
*
Wandering Stars - the planets
Mercury * re-treading in Scorpio. Mercury now direct, buy those computers! Our
minds are back into emotional depth, even though our hearts want to be done with
the drama and just enjoy the holidays. Mercury will re-enter Sagittarius on
12/12.
Venus * in Capricorn. We want to be safe in our desires. We take the long term
approach to pleasure and relationships. If the partner isn't marriage potential,
move on. Older things attract, yet we are willing to save and sacrifice for
greater goals. We take step after accomplishment step to reach romance, finance
and relationship goals. Venus in Capricorn through December 15.
Mars * in Taurus. Turning direct on December 9 - see this date above for a
description! Currently still retrograde, so we are feeling Mars more internally.
This can mean that we're extra self driven at best and more frustrated or angry
at our selves at worst. Whatever Mars connects to in our personal charts gets
put on hold until direct motion on December 9. Mars in Taurus until February 06.
Jupiter * in Scorpio. Jupiter entering Scorpio blesses therapies, healing
modalities, joint finance arrangements and amplifies our sexuality. Jupiter
wants to do good, but in Scorpio functions by responding to others with some
kind of attack. The energy: This might hurt, but it is for your own good and my
own protection! Great regeneration and power is possible if we find the positive
side of our deepest emotions. Jupiter here also benefits Aquarius (by antiscia)
and sister water signs of Cancer and Pisces. Jupiter in Scorpio through November
2006.
Saturn * in Leo. Now retrograde, so developments in some long term structures in
life are on hold. Essential challenge to self expression. Color feels a bit
much; we prefer black. The people revolt against the leaders.
Anti-authoritarianism in many guises. A positive vision of this energy: we know
the work we need to do and do it. Saturn in Leo September 2007.
Dragon's Head * in Aries. We gain by new adventures and physical vigor, yet are
more prone to hostility.
Dragon's Tail * in Libra. We fear loss in relationships. Art explores the
unseen.
* * * MAY ALL BE AUSPICIOUS * * *
