In the language of life that is astrology, we get acquainted with the actors, the planets, and their costumes, the 12 signs of the zodiac. Aries through Pisces is simple to start but the nuance is endless. There are 10-degree divisions called faces or decans, then there are smaller unequal divisions called terms, both used extensively in traditional astrology. There are even smaller units like the duodecima. One of the most useful of these refinements is the exaltation and fall degrees.

While not well known by many modern astrologers and even disputed by a few, the exaltations of the signs are straight out of Ptolemy's 2nd century Tetrabiblos, long considered a standard. Abu Ma'shar, royal astrologer from Baghdad in the 9th century, gives exact degrees in his Introduction to Astrology. Here they are:

Sun: 18.0-18.59' of Aries
Moon: 2.0-2.59' of Taurus
Mercury: 14.0-14.59' of Virgo
Venus: 26.0-26.59' of Pisces
Mars: 27.0-27.59' of Capricorn
Jupiter: 14.0-14.59' of Cancer
Saturn: 20.0-20.59' of Libra
Dragon's Head: 2.0-2.59' of Gemini
Dragon's Tail: 2.0-2.59' of Sagittarius

This means that of all the degrees in the zodiac, the Sun will function at its most powerful and benefic at 18 Aries - ditto for the others. Conversely, Sun at 18 Libra may be challenging.

Those of you know your charts can check to see if any of these points are set off (the antiscia, or mirror points, also count). You can even have one of the degrees set off by a different planet, and this will be part of your story. Since there are 9 exaltation degrees and 9 fall degrees making a total of 18, and everyone has 7 visible planets, 2 nodes, 3 invisible planets, and double the number of these by the mirror points called antiscia, it is actually quite common to have these points involved in your chart. And if we allow a common sense 1 degree on either side, then hits are even more frequent.

I have two (one positive and one not) and anyone familiar with these degrees, the basic meanings of the planets and the technique of antiscia could at a glance make completely accurate statements about two of the more significant themes of my life. If you have a planet connection to an exaltation degree, congratulate yourself on the blessings of these principles in your life and try to make the most of them. But if you have a planet connected to a fall degree, it does not mean you are a Bad Person. It means this may be a sticky area. 

The exaltation and fall degrees are also set off by the transiting planets. Mercury was on the exaltation degree of Venus on Feb 27 - March 5, and it was easier to think of beauty and love. But Mercury is soon spending quite a bit of time on and near his fall degree of 14 Pisces, so we can expect that plans, schedules, transportation, computers, diagnoses and thinking in general will go astray. As the movements would have it, Mercury will be on the exact fall degree from March 19-20 and again March 30-31, and stations at 13 Pisces, just one off. So for the entire time of March 17 - April 2 we'll not be thinking our finest. We'll be tempted to jump towards new ideas and technology given the messengers proximity to cosmic shaman Uranus, yet the fall degree is the fall degree - it means what you think it does. The plans change, the computer crashes.

The points can also be set off in birth charts by primary directions and secondary progressions as well. The latter technique is more common - here the Moon moves the fastest, about 27 years around the chart. When the Moon, signifying feelings in general and more depending on the chart, progresses to 2 Taurus then everything the Moon means is quite literally exalted. On the other hand, when the Moon gets to 2 Scorpio then feelings and whatever else the Moon connects to in the chart is probably having a setback. If you are an artist and a planet like Jupiter or Venus progresses to 26 Pisces, you are in for big-time success!

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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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Ideas to live more comfortably in ocean Pisces 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 Pisces. Sun in Pisces means we are living like fish, swimming and finding our way through the ocean, yet profoundly aware of our connections to others (the fish are joined by a cord). We are more emotional, compassionate and willing to go with the flow; but these same sensitivities mean awareness of suffering in this difficult modern world. This is one reason why planets in Pisces are notorious for sugar and alcohol addictions - people are trying to cope with too much pain. Find your spiritual solution instead - Sun in Pisces and Cancer are the two best months of the year for spiritual practice. Creativity benefits too; ideas just come to us. The most important things to do in Pisces are to take time to find our inner vision and let go of anything getting in the way of a fresh start when the Sun enters Aries at the spring equinox. The difficulty of Pisces - we are so emotional we cannot get much done.

Moon * days 15 - 21 with Full Moon Eclipse on Tuesday.

Monday 3/13 * Moon in Virgo. We arrange and organize by taking care of past business; music alongside is a natural. Motion & co-motion energy this afternoon around 4:00 pm.

Tuesday 3/14 * Full Moon Eclipse, Mercury trine Jupiter. We see the silver lining and think positively in the midst of trials. In this eclipse, our routine of comforts and habitual emotions are brushed aside by the Dragon's Tail - the past returns to change our life.

Wednesday 3/15 * Moon in Libra, Jupiter square Neptune. Feel full moon afterglow release with a movie or music, wine and a date. Moon in Libra ends our Virgo to-do and puts our mind on connection. Jupiter-Neptune, influencing the week, can mean overboard in intangible attractions.

Thursday 3/16 * Moon in Libra. Have you taken rest and time to vision with Sun in Pisces time? The new zodiac year is about to launch. Today we sense the accomplishments of the past season and our goals for Spring. Soothe sleep tonight with calming herbs.

Friday 3/17 * Moon in Libra, into Scorpio 3:00 pm, Sun square Pluto. Sun challenged by underworld Pluto is in the wee hours, so Thursday afternoon, eve and sleep are the most threatened. Take note of this Pluto business for we have more at the end of the month. Otherwise more willing to go into emotional depths with Moon in Scorpio in the afternoon. Though Scorpio is passionate, not a party evening.

Saturday 3/18 * Moon in Scorpio, Mercury square Mars. One aspect, many meanings depending on your life: communication with men from your past; anger over past hurts; drive towards antique arts; energy for old-time religion. Yet some for all, drive carefully and speak with care. Tonight's the party night of this weekend with happy times into the wee hours.

Sunday 3/19 * Moon in Scorpio. The last double water weekend means two days of strong emotions, dealing, healing. Tomorrow comes spring and our cycle and lives start anew. Today though, we have special vantage over the whole circle. 

Have a stellar week!

Peace and love,
Jonathan Pearl

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Wandering Stars - the planets

Mercury * in Pisces. Our mind is compassionate, intuitive and creative. We sense our connection with others and the all. We more easily recognize spiritual truth. And yet ... the details are dropped like an umbrella falling from your 4th frou-frou drink in the Bahamas. Go with the flow, but don't expect the same level of productivity. 

* * * ! Mercury Retrograde Alert ! * * *  

Mercury retrogrades on March 2 and turns direct on March 25th. Get used to thinking the Pisces way, like fish swimming in the ocean. The usual caveats: expect technological malfunction, avoid purchase of things you want to last more than 3 months, expect to hear from people out of your past, and know your mind is orienting backwards in time. Use it for what this is worth but don't make long term plans.

Venus * in Aquarius. Venus in Aquarius means innovative ways in romance like the couple married twenty years yet living in two different homes or the woman willing to be a single mom. The traditional structures of Capricorn get revised. Venus in Aquarius also loves connecting with people, learning and knowledge that benefits humanity. Venus in Aquarius through April 5.

Mars * in Gemini. We are driven by thinking, curiosity, words and wit. Even our arms and hands have more motion. The good: we can read more, learn more and flirt up a storm. The bad: them's fightin' words and an inflamed mind. Gemini delivers both the light and the dark. Mars in Gemini through April 16.  

Jupiter * in Scorpio. Now retrograde, so some prosperity on hold while we pursue inner wisdom and riches. 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 Gemini means an extra strong drive for learning.

Dragon's Tail * in Libra. Relationships seem troubled by unseen or past murkiness. Art explores the unseen. Ruler Venus in Aquarius means our past is informed by new takes on knowledge.