What is light? Science tells us that in some ways light acts like a wave. Light doesn't move up and down like water, but it shares the principle of electromagnetic waves - peaks of intensity that can be measured from top to top. Here's a diagram.

As astrologers and students of astrology, we're also interested in light. The very word for Indian astrology means "science of light." I view the 'light as wave' as analogous to all techniques that involve flow and circular movement, like transits and progressions.

Yet science also tells us that light also acts like a particle, which is more discrete. This tells us that our astrology also needs to be balanced by techniques that involve a more concrete beginning and end.

Do these techniques exist? Yes! In fact we refer to them every day. Many of you will be reading this on Monday, day of the Moon. This day begins at sunrise on Monday and lasts until sunset, at which point night of Venus begins. Though we still experience the circular motion of the Sun during this time, we can view this period of time with a definite beginning and end as belonging to the Moon.

What's the deal here? Lots. For starters, every Monday for each and every one of you will have something of the flavor of the Moon in your birth chart. This is impacted by the location of the Moon on that day, but the position of the Moon at birth is very important. The position of the Moon at birth is how you experience the Moon. How you understand the Moon has something to do with how you experience Mondays. This means each Monday for your entire life. And if you really want to fine tune, it also has something to do with every hour of the Moon as well. You can also apply this concept to the days, night and hours of all 7 visible planets.

This concept of time as period also extends to larger units. We have spans of 13 years, 9 years, 12 years, etc, that are influenced by a certain planet. What that planet is doing in our birth chart will tell us something of that time in life.

A similar technique called dhasa and bhuki is considered fundamental in Indian astrology, and is how many Indian astrologers can pick up a chart and start rattling off rather stunning predictions. Yet not too many people know that Western astrology also has a technique that works in the same way, by assigning periods of time to planets. It is equally effective. To learn more about this technique here are two ways - the educational materials of Robert Zoller available at his website, and by getting a reading from yours truly.

In my view of astrology, it is best to balance the 'wave' techniques (the transiting planets, transits, progressions) with the 'particle' or period techniques (knowledge of planetary days, nights, hours and firdaria). If we only do one and not the other, it is like yin without yang - incomplete. But when we combine both we get something really good.

Last week I wrote about planetary stations, a special kind of transit, in the chart of Mozart. If you missed it here's the link. This week here's a rundown of major life events using the period technique of firdaria. You'll see the power of this technique even with a few examples. If you want to check his chart before reading the timing techniques, start here.

Stimulate your own genius. Read up on enhancing your mind with Aquarian food here.

If you want to skip the metaphysics and just want a real world answer to a practical question, view this week's example of a Question of the Hour. "Where are the documents?"

I'm a full time astrologer dedicated towards passing on the wisdom of this venerable tradition to help you live your life. Full readings are available on weekday afternoons and Wednesday evenings. For information on a life or update reading, please visit the Services page. Contact me for an appointment.

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Please help share the wisdom of the Moon - forward Star Pearls to your friends! Also posted to the website on Tuesdays here.

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Star*Watch
All times Pacific Standard Time. Visit www.alabe.com for the view of the chart for your current location, and www.astro.com also gives planet positions. 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 Aquarius. Sun in Aquarius means the spotlight is on community. We learn, share ideas and acquire knowledge. Some of this knowledge leads to changes in the structures that Capricorn set up; Sun in Aquarius is a time to change our rules for the better. The traps of Aquarius - being too community focused that we don't let our own light shine, and being so knowledge oriented we forget about the heart.

Moon * days 9 - 15 (new Moon is day 1). Full Moon in Leo on Sunday.  

Monday 2/6 * Moon in Gemini, Sun square Jupiter. Moon in Gemini makes us more intellectually curious, and with ruler Mercury in Aquarius we are thinking more deeply and seriously. Today through Wednesday we want our knowledge to have practical results. We are aware of our excesses.

Tuesday 2/7 * Moon in Gemini. Cooperation between our outer orientation of knowledge & community and our inner need for curiosity & communication. An intellectual day - enjoy your brain power because soon Mercury will be traveling on a raft in the ocean instead of the hybrid on the freeway!

Wednesday 2/8 * Moon in Gemini, into Cancer 8:35 am, Mercury into Pisces. A bright moon in Cancer turns our attention to feelings of ourselves and others. Tonight our minds go from knowledge Aquarius to spiritual ocean Pisces. This is good for music, art, meditation and all ways our minds connect with the all,  but don't expect all the i's dotted and t's crossed. Mercury goes retrograde in Pisces so get used to this way of thinking - brains floating until tax time. Take something soothing before bedtime.

Thursday 2/9 * Moon in Cancer. Moon in intuitive Cancer will surely pick up on the vibes of Mars on Algol, the most malefic star in the sky. Violence will rear its beastly head. We can try to be aware of the ways we continue the circle of aggression. When in pain, sometimes we turn to drink (al-gol & al-cohol are related). Peace, peace, peace.

Friday 2/10 * Moon in Cancer, into Leo 7:45 pm. The Sun wants more personal connection or at least a special sort of friend, Moon wants high style. A good night out.

Saturday 2/11 * Moon in Leo. We'll enjoy life even more after the Moon-Saturn aspect passes at 9:10 am, yet watch hidden fears and doubts later in the evening.

Sunday 2/12 * Full Moon in Leo. We balance our need to be in community with the expression of our authentic self. Is the spotlight on others or on us? This is the Aquarius - Leo polarity. Do both - give to your friends, and when its your turn stand up and take your bows too.

Have a stellar week!

Peace and love,
Jonathan Pearl

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Wandering Stars - the planets

Mercury * in Aquarius, entering Pisces. Our mind goes from knowledge to compassion, intuitive connection & deeper wisdom. We want unstructured time to explore our inner and outer worlds. Go with the flow, but don't expect the same level of productivity. 

* * * ! Mercury Retrograde Alert ! * * * 

Is it that time already? Mercury retrogrades on March 2 and turns direct on March 25th. Get used to thinking the Pisces way, like fish swimming in the ocean.

Venus * direct in Capricorn. Our love is still oriented towards the past, but now things may actually start happening with desire and relationships. We have pleasure in accomplishments and may be itching for long term markers like the investment account, land and marriage. Venus in Capricorn through March 5. 

Mars * in Taurus. Strong drive for pleasure and wealth that has about run its course - just a few more days of Mars in Taurus. Mars in Taurus through February 17. 

Jupiter * in Scorpio. Jupiter in 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 antiscion) 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. Ruler Mars in Taurus is strong drive for material wealth.

Dragon's Tail * in Libra. Relationships seem troubled by unseen or past murkiness. Art explores the unseen. Ruler Venus Rx in Capricorn means a double emphasis on past relationships.