Astrology Explored

Hello! So you want to know about astrology. Maybe you are looking for a monthly forecast or how well you might get along with that sexy Scorpio you are eyeing. Or you figured out this Saturn Return thing has something to it and you want to understand it. Or you have this midlife thing going on and you want to figure out what is causing this madness.

The world of astrology is more than the horoscope columns you see in newspapers and magazines. Here at Astrology Explored this astrologer tries to show you just that. Look around, things are nicely arranged. Below is the latest post, over on the right side is a list of various astrology topics. And if you don’t see what you are looking for, shoot me an email at starrynightastro@aol.com.

Have fun!

Beth

July 31, 2009

Astrology for the Week of July 31 to August 6

The action of winged messenger of the gods, Mercury, is in sharp focus this week as aspects to three heavy hitting planets ping it. Mercury is in stress aspect to the shocking planet Uranus. At the same time it opposes to Jupiter and Neptune in Aquarius. All this energy from heavy hitting planets enveloped in Uranian energy is sure to lend a unpredictable and even shocking element to our communications with others.

Venus slips into the zodiac sign of Cancer on August 1, challenging Uranus and opposing Pluto. Money matters come to the fore as sudden expenses highlights the need to conserve the resources you have.

Aries—Young people tell you one thing and do another. Is this surprising? Think back to your younger days when you conspired with your compatriots to get over on your parents. Now you know what to watch for.

Taurus—You mustn’t let what other people say upset you. They are off base, and deep inside you know it.

Gemini—You are all set to engage in some summer fun, when your bosses deflate your happiness balloon. Fortunately, you can work quickly, finish up and slip out the day before he or she notices.

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July 30, 2009

My birthday is: 8/1/1960, Brooklyn, NY, 1:05 PM. In a nutshell, I
have been going through hell on many levels, and I simply do not see any end in sight. I have a child with autism, and she is going through a particularly bad spell lately. My financial stresses are growing in leaps and bounds, and here too, I feel I have run out of options. In addition, I am having health problems that I have never had before - ovarian cysts, and an epstein-barr flare-up. I have been married for 20 years, and my husband and I are definitely soul-mates, but we are always crashing up against the same rocks in our relationship.

I guess what I am saying is I am tired - so very, very tired. I am
hanging on by a thread. I don’t know what to do anymore, and I don’t even know what you can tell me, except, can you look at my chart and give me any insight at all?

I am sorry to hear that you are going through a very rough patch. Obviously, a situation as complex as yours can’t be fully addressed in the confines of one column.

Your chart has significant challenges literally written right into it. Your moon is in challenge aspect to the asteroid Chiron, a potent symbol of issues that cry out for healing. Your Moon is opposite the planet of your survival instincts, Mars, and Mars is also in challenge aspect to Chiron. What this symbol says to me is that you are driven by powerful emotions that are often at cross purposes with you own best interests. In other words, you let your heart rule your head. While we are often admonished to listen more to our hearts and less to our heads, in your situation this is rather like doing too much of a good thing. Why? Because Chiron is sitting there, challenging your heart and your survival instincts to make some intrinsic changes in how you operate.

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July 29, 2009

Your eyes lock. There is something so plaintive in his look, like a lost soul wanting to be saved. Or he pursues you relentlessly. “You are the one. I need you.” It is a seductive, addictive message. And for a while, just a little while, it is just like that. He is so handsome; you can’t believe that he picked you. You drink in this heady power. You’ve found love, all consuming soul stirring, gut wrenching love. All systems go in the love department, your brain and your body sucks up the chemical mix of endorphins and hormones that he stirs in you. However, ultimately, this love is like sucking on 98% dark chocolate.

He forgets to call. Or some cruel words are spoken in anger. Or he wants you to drop your friends and concentrate on him. Then he stays out with his friends all night. Maybe some of his friends are women, but you aren’t supposed to worry about that. He borrows money but never has money to pay you back. He expects sex at a drop of a hat, whether you are too tired or too aggravated for it. You didn’t realize he drank this much or did so many drugs, but he does, and there is no money for his share of the bills or the dinner out or for anything YOU need. Not that he can keep a job. And it’s always someone else’s fault. Sometime, he tells you, it is your fault. You get angry; you have a bad fight. You want him to leave. Then he apologizes, tells you what a fool he’s been. “Don’t you know I love you, baby,” he whispers and you melt. After the make-up sex, the cycle starts all over again. You want to believe that this time it’s going to be different, but ultimately it isn’t.

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On Monday July 27, 2009 the ex-wife of Joey Buttafuoco, Mary Jo, went on Good Morning America and called him a sociopath. The ex-lover of the so called “Long Island Lolita” wasted no time in putting his response on the record:

In a statement, Joey Buttafuoco told ABC he would prefer to be diagnosed as a sociopath by a doctor, rather than his ex-wife. He said he felt “victimized” by her characterization.

He also said he was nothing but the best for Mary Jo.

Of course, Mr. Buttafuoco has said a lot of things. He insisted during Amy’s prosecution that he never had sex with Amy Fisher. When he copped a plea on felony sex charges he had to lie to the judge about the incident to get less jail time. His wife, Mary Jo backed her husband, believing his story.

This astrologer remembers the Buttofuoco’s appearance on the
Phil Donohue show. The audience wasn’t buying Joey’s story, though Mary Jo backed him adamantly. One audience member remarked, “If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, its a duck.”

What does astrology say about Joey Buttafuoco?

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July 27, 2009

Neeti Ray asked me a question. “Have you made your peace with the reactions you get when you tell people what you do?” Speaking to other astrologers, there are quite a few that hold down a nice respectable day jobs and they do not tell people what they do in their off hours. One astrologer said to me, “I wouldn’t want people to think I’m flaky.”

It’s not a secret. Those that practice astrology are subject to a fair amount of censure. Take for instance a young astrologer facing her family . . .

“Mom, Dad, I have something to tell you.”

“I knew it,” exclaimed Mom with a tremble in her voice, “You’re gay.”

“What!” roars Dad.

“No, I am NOT gay.”

“Oh, thank goodness,” says Mom.

“I’m an astrologer.”

“A what?” Mom blinks.

“An astrologer. You know, kinda of like what’s in astrology columns in the newspaper.”

“Not a nice Catholic girl like you! What would the Pope say?” Mom starts crying.

“I hardly think . . .”

“No, you aren’t thinking, are you young lady,” spouts Dad. “We didn’t raise you like that! How did all this start?”

“Well, I found some books in the library . . .”

“See Helen,” Dad smacks his hand on the table, “That’s what you get for allowing your daughter to read.”

“Oh for heaven’s sake,” says the daughter.

“Heaven has nothing to do with it, young lady. This is the work of the devil. “

“Astrology has nothing to do with devil worship, Dad.”

“Oh, sure, that’s what they tell you at first isn’t it. Then you get all, all involved and the next thing you know you are dancing naked in the woods.”

“That’s Wicca, not astrology, Dad. And that has nothing to do with the devil either.”

“The hell it doesn’t! The bible specifically says astrology is the work of the devil.”

“It doesn’t!”

“It does I tell ya!”

“How would you know? The last time you even saw a bible was during your confirmation 40 years ago. As far as I know you haven’t cracked one open once.”

“Well, that’s true, dear,” says Mom. “You even tossed that bible that Aunt Helen gave us as a wedding gift.”

“You be quiet now!” snaps Dad. “Nothing good is going to come of this. Astrologer! Hmph! “ Stomps out of the back door, slamming it.

“Are you sure you aren’t gay, dear?”

Photo published under a Creative Commons license from Flickr

If you have a specific question you would like to see answered on these pages, please send your birth date, birth time and birth place to starrynightastro@aol.com. Sorry, time limitations prevents the the posting of full interpretations of birth charts.

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July 25, 2009

Big brother Jupiter apparently does more than take up space. The recent discovery of an impact on Jupiter may point to an important function Jupiter may have in the solar system. Similar to the impact of comet Shoemaker-Levy in July 1994:

the diameter of the object that slammed into Jupiter was at least twice the size of several football fields. The force of the explosion on Jupiter was thousands of times more powerful than the suspected comet or asteroid that exploded over the Tunguska River Valley in Siberia in June 1908 . . .

Discovered by Australian amateur astronomer Anthony Wesley on Sunday, July 19, the spot was created when a small object plunged into Jupiter’s atmosphere and disintegrated. The only other time in history such a feature has been seen on Jupiter was 15 years ago.

Astronomer Franck Marchis has this to say about Jupiter:

We should be thankful to have a large planet like Jupiter in our solar system.

Stephen Hawking theorizes that:
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July 24, 2009

Astrology for the Week of July 24 to July 30

Well, it’s back to give us a refresher course. What I’m I talking back is the Saturn/Uranus opposition which graced us last year and part of this with its presence. We are reminded of what we saw last year, old institutions breaking down under inexorable forces. If we think we have last year’s troubles licked we are in for a surprise. Like an accident victim we are too aware of what might happen and have not enough faith that bad things won’t happen. The inconjuncts from Jupiter and Neptune warn of overreacting with too little information. Look before you leap.

Aries—Either you can double your trouble or double your fun, but its best not to mix the too. The Ram tends to get distracted by the interesting things that cross your path, but don’t let that lead you astray.

Taurus—Your innate stubbornness does not win you any points this week, so if you can try to deflect attacks by a sweet smile. Remember, living well is the best revenge.

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July 22, 2009

Julie Demboski has done half my work by providing a lovely analysis of the solar eclipse energy for today. That taken care of, let’s move on to a horoscope forecast for the Solar Eclipse energy for your Sun sign. Remember, the solar eclipse can activate in your chart anytime within the next six months.

Aries—Your fight or flight response is amped to the max. At one moment you are the conquering hero, the other the cowardly lion. The lesson is not so much about the action you take, but in facing your fears. How you handle them is key for the next six months.

Taurus—As you face some unexpected events you take refuge in your home. Perhaps it is your parent’s home, or you do some ferocious feathering of your own nest. Whatever the case, remember this a temporary refuge, because sooner or later you must face the wide world again. We wouldn’t have it any other way.

Gemini—Quick-witted Gemini always seem to side step the issues. For the next six months you just get to step in it. You may be asked to commit, but you have no intention of tying your self down. How do you handle this one without blowing your life apart?

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July 21, 2009

Sabian symbols are cryptic puzzles, which is why they fascinate. Channeled by psychic Elsie Wheeler to astrologer Marc Edmund Jones in a one day session in 1925, the symbols are used by some astrologers to gain a deeper understanding of the planet at that degree.

On July 21, 2009 we experience a new moon, ripe with the possibilities of the birth of news ideas, and tomorrow in the U. S. will be a solar eclipse, but not just any eclipse. From wikepedia:

“”The solar eclipse that will take place on Wednesday, July 22, 2009 will be a total eclipse of the Sun. It will be the longest total solar eclipse of the 21st century, lasting at greatest eclipse 6 minutes, 39 seconds . . .

The eclipse is part of series 136 in the Saros cycle, like the record setting Solar eclipse of July 11, 1991. The exceptional duration is a result of the moon being near perigee, with the diameter of the moon 8% larger than the sun (magnitude 1.080). This is second in the series of three eclipses in a month. There was a lunar eclipse on July 7 and now a solar eclipse on July 22 and then a lunar eclipse on August 6.

The Sabian Symbol for the degree of the eclipse falls in is:

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Astrology for the Week of July 20 to July 26, 2009

This incident is the perfect foreshadowing of the week to come. As I was driving down a four-lane road, the driver ahead of me on the lane on the right (this is the US folks, we drive on the right hand side of the road) suddenly turned left across my path to make a U-turn. Jamming my brakes, I simultaneously leaned on the horn. Incredibly, the driver stopped, rolled down his window and SMILING said “Sorry, I wasn’t paying attention.” Stunned at both the apology and his cavalier attitude, I drove on without a word. What does one say to such lack of awareness? For both our sakes it was a good thing I WAS paying attention.

And so, my friends should you. This week’s murky aspects contain inconjuncts from Mercury, the South Node of the Moon, and the Sun, who will switch signs on the July 22, but not before it is part of one daddy of a solar eclipse that is the focal point of a Yod, that is two inconjuncts pointing to the same planet. Pluto, the planet of transformation is at one leg of the Yod, while the dynamic due, Neptune and Jupiter are at the other end. Pluto continues the inconjunction for the rest of the week with the Sun. All these inconjuncts signal a lack of awareness, of not paying attention. That’s why this week is the time to watch out for the other guy.

Aries—You can make some valuable connections to help you get what you want. The question is, can you keep up the pace? Much is being demanded of you and the only way to achieve success is to hang on for the long haul.

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July 18, 2009

The stress aspect known as the inconjunct or the quincunx gains most of its energy by the incongruity of male and female expressions. Separated by 150 degrees, nearly all inconjuncts, except those formed by wide orb, have one end in a feminine zodiac sign and the other in a male zodiac sign. Even though we consider male and female to be at opposite ends of the spectrum, in astrology, oppositional pairs of zodiac signs occur in the same gender.

Hard wired in the human brain through hormones and brain structure is a certain approach to life and a particular style of interacting with the environment. Maleness is considered to be active and femaleness passive, though more accurate terms may be “direct” and “indirect”. This behavior is especially apparent in the sex drives of each gender.

Study after study illustrates that men’s sex drives are not only stronger than women’s, but much more straightforward. The sources of women’s libidos, by contrast, are much more difficult to pin down.

“Sexual desire in women is extremely sensitive to environment and context,” says Edward O. Laumann, PhD, a professor of sociology at the University of Chicago and lead author of a major survey of sexual practices, The Social Organization of Sexuality: Sexual Practices in the United States.

Women’s desire “is more contextual, more subjective, more layered on a lattice of emotion . . .”

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July 15, 2009

Matthew Currie in his Daily Sky sums up the planetary energies nicely when he says we are all confused today. He’s right. When I wake up feeling like toast before I have my morning bagel, I’ve got a good inkling that the day’s aspects aren’t pretty. Heck, I got the Tower on my daily tarot card and no one wants to start the day like that!

Maybe its the inconjuncts. How would we know? Those suckers twist and turn everything around on top of each other so we don’t know which way is up, which way is down. We’ve got the Sun and Mercury sitting together at 23/24 degrees of the zodiac sign of Cancer in stress aspect to Jupiter/Neptune in Aquarius. Like the cat meowing at 4:00 AM for her breakfast, or nails on a black board these energies has us feeling like crawling the walls.

Worse yet, the moon is in Aries, which prompts us to do something, anything, just to relieve tension. The problem with inconjunct energy is that there is no good release for it. A lot of leaks out as crankiness, sarcastic retorts, and snarky comments.

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July 14, 2009

As the clock ticks down to what many Washington insiders view as a shoo-in confirmation vote for Sonia Sotomayor as Supreme Court Justice the most notable thing about the whole process is not her qualifications, her political connections or the whiff of racial bias in her rulings, but the obvious posturing done by the political parties.

Msnbc reports this:

It’s a delicate chore. Republicans, seeing their best chance to make big points with the American public since Barack Obama won the White House, are trying to strike just the right balance in criticizing Sonia Sotomayor without alienating Hispanics and women . . .

“The Hispanic element of this hearing is important, but I don’t want it to be lost — this is mostly about liberal and conservative politics,” said Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C.

On the Democratic side:

Sen. Patrick Leahy, the committee’s Democratic chairman, opened the hearings with pointed warnings to Republicans. Criticize her at your own risk, he seemed to say.

“Those who break barriers often face the added burden of overcoming prejudice,” Leahy said, recalling how the Supreme Court’s first black, Jew and Catholic all faced racial and religious bias during their confirmation hearings. “Let no one demean this extraordinary woman.”

The fact is that Sotomayor is recognized as being fast tracked by fellow Yalies, the Clintons, for the Supreme court since her nomination to the U.S. Court of appeals in 1997. At that time the Republicans slowed, but could not block her appointment.

This is the sort of stuff that middle class America roll their eyes over. Drilled into our heads since birth is the idea that if you get a good education, and very work hard, you too can achieve the America dream regardless or race, gender or political leanings. Sotomayor has done those things, and yet she still faces a gauntlet of opposition. Why does Washington insist on making hay out of hype?

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July 13, 2009

Reams of witty comebacks, snappy retorts and stinging sarcasm are our special hell for the next four weeks as the planet of action, Mars, rushed merrily into the sign of the energetic twins. Gemini acts like a toddler on a sugar high, and Mars wants to swing into action, any action, just as long as we don’t have to sit around and be bored. Under the aegis of the twins the god of war takes on new tactics. The weapons aren’t fists, guns or clubs but the sheer power of words. And bucko, they sure can sting. “Can we talk, darling?” or “You need to listen to me” are words you are sure to hear.

Some zodiac signs can handle this energy better than others. For the Fire Signs Aries, Leo and Sagittarius, who tend to run off at the mouth anyway, this is adding high-octane fuel to the fire. Sorry folks, you will have to listen to their tales of conquest and hijincks once again. Just try not to do it with a glazed eye so they don’t wander off to find a new audience. You’d miss them, after all.

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July 11, 2009

Recently both transiting Venus and Mars crossed my ascendant in into the first house of body image. It crossed my mind that maybe, just maybe, it was time for a little home improvement in that area. You see, my body is well, ah, pear shaped, ok, most DECIDELY pear shaped. And I’ve been having nostalgic yearnings for the hourglass figure of my youth perhaps because transiting Mars is conjunct my South Node. With Mars involved. I actually DID something, rather than let my Aquarian self think something over endlessly, then in deciding the end result, let it drop.

I bought a piece of exercise equipment.

Any one who knows me knows how laughable this is from the get-go. You don’t acquire a figure like a beach ball from eating properly and exercising regularly. There are no excuses here. I acquired plenty of baby fat from the last pregnancy, but now that the kid is sixteen years old, that excuse is wearing a little thin.

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