2010: The Truth of this Momentous Year (Part IV)

When you reach the precipice, that´s when you are mostly likely to change. When you reach the precipice, that´s when you are most likely to make a huge leap forward.

There are many Astrologers who look to their ephemeris, who dig out their history books, though most Astrologers don´t actually own History books since they are far more focused on the future than on the past. They dig out their History Books and glance backwards in time through the ephemeris and wonder with awe and amazement at the coming configuration that is being formed by the planets in the sky during the late Summer of next year; 2010.

At first I did the same, I looked and I was shocked, by some of the historical events which occurred during similar times, and I thought to myself, perhaps it would be better to not be around, to not be in the thick of things in the year 2010, and the years immediately afterwards, for it is not an “event” as such, more simply a vortex, which is at the beginning of new things; at the beginning of a decade that is sure to be noted down in History for the “new” things which occur, for events, people, discoveries, happenings, ideas, books, music, politics, that will change everything.

I was affraid to begin with contemplating personal points which are to be transited by this great and momentous outer planet line up. But further study has revealed to me that these on the surface frightening Cardinal Transits do not necessarily bring death, nor do they necessarily bring accidents or malignity. Whatever the rest of the Astrological world proclaims, I am confident that my 1st house Cardinally placed planets on a personal transit level will be brought into consciousness, into physical manifestation 100 times what they have been for my entire life.

I stand obviously at the edge of a personal precipice. A precipice which is not frightening, and it´s not equal to death, not for me, because I am ready for it with a parachute, with a para-glider. I see the cliff and I am taking a run up. I have natal Mars in the last minutes of Tropical Virgo, 180 degrees from the Aries Point, and so to me the experience will be one of reckless, bold, fearless, and courageous enterprise. I feel the juice of the 2010 T-Square in my bones already.

The mystery of 2010 and the years that follow is not difficult to decipher. There is a cliff, there are difficulties, there is a proposition to most persons on the planet at this time, and depending on how much enthusiasm you have and how eager you are for change, for revolution on a personal level, the Grand Transits of next year will endow you with the gifts and the genius to create the future that you so desire.

The opportunities that are around the corner are there because of the nature of the transit. The challenges that the human species set itself creates the opportunities to find ways around them. The problems in society and the problems in individual lives are often solved at the point when there seems to be the most pressure to either concede defeat, or take a new road, or come up with something new.

The greatest opportunity is about to be presented to both individuals, and to humanity over the next year and the years that follow next year. The question we ought to ask ourselves, is whether we all look to the past and stay stuck in that past and concentrate on things which no longer are important, things which cannot be changed, or whether we make choices which are in accordance with higher principles, in which as individuals we all face the precipice and jump. If you are asked to give up your personal fortune in the name of saving humanity, or fight for it, difficult choices, but the nobler one would probably be the one in which you as an individual “do” something which in itself has worth.

To be ready for anything should be the slogan for the next decade. To be ready to change job, occupation, outlook. It is certain that the ideology, that the modes of thought are changing. Sure there is a continuity within history, and it does not escape my judgement to acknowledge that humanity, and the systems and eternal truths of human life are unchanging. It may even be possible that what is old, what is thought of as outmoded and ancient, will in fact come back with avengeance, simply because it is a human truth that has been with society since it first began.

The nature of the family, the social group, the network of friends, the national conscience, and now the global conscience are things which are in one sense unchanging. What unites and disunites, is knowledge, and lack of knowledge. This is not empirical knowledge that sociologists or philosophers talked about in gross material terms, but knowledge of basic human life and its continuity and its “NATURAL” state which is has moral and spiritual dimensions that cannot be explained away by 3rd house writers and 9th house philosophers.

The opportunity is now here because the rules are in the air so to speak. The opportunity now is to not “write the rules again” in the visage of your own self, but to appreciate the eternal truth. To see what is really true in the light of what has passed. This is a new CARDINAL era. Fire is of the nature of spirit, and Air is of the nature of intellect, so understanding shall be brought that will Enlighten, all underpinned by Cardinal Earth and material foundations, structures and practical needs.

2010: The Next Ideology; the U.S.A. and the U.K. (Part III)

It is an interesting fact that the 2010 grand configuration takes place on all of the cardinal points with sole exception of the Summer Solstice point, the degrees which span early Tropical Cancer. It is also an accepted fact that the USA´s natal chart has a stellium of Sun, Venus and Jupiter placed in the early degrees of Tropical Cancer where the blue ray of Sirius shined brightly in the late 18th century; not that the Zodiac has moved that many degrees through the cosmos since then.

So what does it mean? The 1930´s as in the first article I wrote on 2010, had in the sky above Pluto acting in configuration from the twentieth degree of Tropical Cancer which was in orb of USA´s natal Sun and natal Mercury. The early 1930´s T-Square was activating the United States 9th ruler and 10th ruler, with Pluto conjoined with those planets. The threat to America´s core belief systems of freedom and of their place in the world as described by 10th ruler Mercury is what was going on; and the conclusions which may be drawn from such a transit chart are that of drastic transformations involving core beliefs and place in the world, for if anything the result of 1931 and all that followed was to galvanise America into protecting freedom and democracy (9th house beliefs) and to become a true Superpower in the global arena; (10th house social standing and job). More proof of this Pluto focus is described perfectly by Mercury as ruler of 7th house; for 1931 brought America new enemies and Allies. The 1931 transits were not easy for the USA; for the conjunction of Pluto although bringer of massive power and change does not do it gently or kindly in the abrasive conjunction aspect.

1966 is the following grand configuration that we can say for certain that helped America. There is no question that the late 1960´s transit was not at all hard for USA; for on one side Saturn trines both US 9th ruler and 10th+7th ruler which on the other side from the 9th house the Uranus-Pluto conjunction formed a highly creative sextile to America´s public image. Can we say that the last four decades of the twentieth century have been hard on America? In fact the exact opposite is true, those decades have been the most successful, innovative, and stable, up to and including the first decade of the 21st century.

Some of the reasons for the United States´alliance with the U.K. are to do with the 1801 U.K. Cancer Moon at 20 degrees tropical Cancer. For both the 1930´s and 1960´s configurations pivoted on this area, and since the United Kindom´s Midheaven ruler is in fact that Cancer Moon, it goes without saying that the power and social standing of both nations are tied together both by natally predisposed similarities at certain degrees in tropical Cancer as well as the transits of the twentieth century which were both powerful to begin with and then harmonious and power-giving.

There is no question that the United Kingdom in 2010 and thereafter will undergo major shifts and changes akin to an Earthquake. However, it is through the proximity to the natal Sun ruler of 11th house of friendships in the house of communications, brothers, sisters and cousins. Those changes for the U.K. are likely to be in the form of tidal waves coming from friends, from political and social interests that the U.K. has always been a part of. Some of this may indeed be the Commonwealth, it may be through N.G.O´s it may be through political wrangling in bigger social groups such as the United Nations, and it is highly likely to be through Europe, without a doubt through Europe, which represents to the United Kingdom a real 11th house social threat to its existence.

However, the transits of 2010 are taking place on the Ascendant ruler of the United States of America, with Pluto not placed in abrasive conjunction (indicating power given), but in abrasive opposition; which is more likely to be indicative of a rivalry and challenge to its power, in the most brutal way imaginable. This Pluto in America´s 1st house is likely to indicate that whatever destructive power that emerges does not come from the other side of the chart, the Western quarter, indicating foreign enemies, but from within. The fact is that America really has no enemies that can rival it in 2009, the closest to an enemy that America can call “an enemy” of freedom is a country that America could bomb in a fortnight and leave completely flattened. The text-book comparison to be made is the Roman Republic; there were no true rivals to Rome circa the 1st century A.D. and hence in those years it was Romans who challenged and fought amongst themselves, as all enemies had in fact been subjugated.

The United States´ Venus Jupiter conjunction is the focus of 2010. All outer planets will be configured in hard aspect to these Cardinal points. It is in the U.S.A. that changes will be occurring. It is in the U.S.A. that the next decades of History will be formed with the events and people that act during the 2010 MEGA T-Square that shall rock the world. In this prediction I am certain. In this prediction; that there is something coming next year that will set the scene for the next decades or more I am certain. 1931 was simply a victory for totalitarianism in Eastern Europe, while 1966 was simply the crescendo of Western Capitalism, and of innovation, consumerism made available to the masses, with the West being an easier place to live than the East, though the East still sharing in that stability.

It is likely that Public Health, and daily running of the U.S. will be damaged or put under immense pressure in 2010, with Venus closest to the aspect pattern, also 11th house rulership of friends, and political groups, as well as all “humanitarian” or social enterprises shall in a mundane sense also be in the spotlight, since Venus desposits 11th house in the 4th July 1776 chart. But the point which is most important and the point with which no prediction of certainty can be made is that of Ascendant and IC ruler Jupiter at 5 degrees of Cancer coming under the most abrasive and challenging aspects.

With such strong and completely destructive transits, it would be easy to predict, “the demise” or the end of America; however, the astrology doesn´t really support this view. America´s power and standing in the world, is represented by both Saturn and Mercury, planets that have control over America´s MC. These planets are unafflicted by the 2010 transit. So it would be fair to say that in one sense, America may in fact continue with its role in the world, with the same standing with nations, with the same “job”, with the same career and goals. The Ascendant ruler and 4th ruler are a more fundamental part of the picture. The aspects that take place will be threatening the “body”, or appearance of America, the basic personality, the people, and the Fathers and History of the nation (4th house); it may be possible to add; the land, the foundations, the cities and buildings and homes (4th house) ruler in Cancer, with more emphasis on home and structures which are domestic in nature.

Ascendant ruler under threat does signify the “life” of a person, and of a nation also. It may well be that America changes its constitution, affecting that special (4th house) inhertitance and family tradition. It may well be that the image of America and self concept of the people changes, new technology represented by Uranus transiting America´s 4th house will with out a doubt be brought into the public arena.

Chart: Barack Obama

Like the last two American Presidents, Mr Obama is a man of the 12th house. With the 12th house the public is never going to know the full truth of the man, who has Ascendant ruler Saturn placed therein. Both GW Bush and Bill Clinton had Ascendant ruler placed in the 12th house, and to a certain extent it is possible to say that their downfall was in each case caused by their own actions, though one might argue that both previous presidents never really “fell” from office, having both completed the terms that they had set out to complete, and not wanting to do more. While in Clinton´s chart the secrets going on were of an amorous nature what with Venus and Mars well placed together in Venus´s domicile, and in GW´s chart it was a Cancer Sun under the influence of a strong 2nd house Mars bringing forth the need to protect and defend using force, Obama´s 12th house dynamic is different.

Obama´s chart contains many aspects, and not just the obvious longitudinal aspects, it is in fact stacked with parallels and contra-parallels, which means that there is hidden energy which is not visible in the man´s face and words, but ought to be visible through actions.

The first thing to take note of is that Capricorn Saturn although accidentally debilitated through being 12th house, retrograde, and slow in motion does have essential dignity by domicile and by terms. The meaning to garner from this is that the man himself is a strong person with good mind, aptitude and self-control, a person of dignity and character with strong sense of self and goals. The traditional view is that Saturn has joy in the 12th house. However, for the purposes of the natal chart having AC ruler in the 12th is without question an indication of misfortune. The accidental debility of Saturn here indicates misfortune despite the planet´s strength.

Jaques Chirac is also a 12th house Saturn with Aquarius Rising, and Saturn placed in Aquarius. And although Chirac´s Saturn is not accidentally debilitated the way Obama´s is, it is possible that Obama like Chirac, manages to keep all problems and secrets behind closed doors and out of the public´s knowledge.

Jupiter is obviously conjunct and parallel to Saturn in the chart, ruler of house 2 and of the 11th, but unlike the myth of Jupiter the benefactor, Obama´s Jupiter is not only peregrine but highly accidentally debilitated also. The 2nd house rules finance and income, and the 11th rules groups, societies and non governmental organisations, these things will be dragging Mr Obama throughout his presidency as they are simply a big (Jupiter) problem and will be until the end, as indeed the man has stated.

The hidden personality of Obama is revealed by Parallels of declination. Saturn as mentioned in parallel with Jupiter gives the person optimism and expansive goals, as well as opportunity. But this is one planet. Saturn is also in direct aspect to Venus, Mercury and Pluto. The strongest is to Venus, which is testament to the regard people hold for him, does he have charisma? A lot of people see this in him, Venus rules the 3rd and the 8th houses, so his words and voice are the conveyor of that persuasiveness and ease, but in more mundane terms he is likely to support primary education and schools because this 3rd house link, Venus as ruler of 8th is testament to being loved in a time of crisis. Mercury adds yet more complication, because it is parallel to Venus and contraparallel to both Saturn and Jupiter. Ruler of the 5th and the 8th is in opposition to ruler of the second and 11th. It may come to signify conflict between personal resources and joint resources, and between groups and individuals, Obama is clearly on the side of personal resources and the societies and vested interests, however this is the losing side. This Mercury contra-parallel signifies furthermore that Barack has a keen mind whatever the appearances of things may be, he will be one step ahead of the crowd.

The final contra-parallel is Pluto, symbol of real power and transformation. There are a lot of people that say that Obama has no power of his own and that he is merely a puppet like the rest of the presidents since JFK. They may be right because of the weakness of Saturn in the 12th, and the fact that Saturn is in fact challenging Pluto rather than harmonising with it. But it is possible, that as with the USA itself, Pluto contraparallel could symbolise real unadulterated power, the kind of power that kings or dictators may weild.

Mars may be a further indication of this, with Mars in accidental strength and ruler of the MC, Obama´s Saturn with all of its other aspects may be able to control and harness the energy of Mars the way GW Bush wasn´t able to. There is no question that Obama will be involved in the affairs of war with such a powerful and strong Mars which is in fact the strongest planet in his chart despite peregrination followed by Venus. Perhaps the final thing to note about Obama is the Sun Neptune square, it indicates that the public, 7th ruler will always be under great illusions with Obama, as will the allies  to America and her enemies.

New Forum

http://www.youforum.cc/astrology_forum/index.php

I started a new Astrology Forum. Everyone´s got one. And me being a Scorpio am suject to the green eyed sin more than most. I started it at the most auspicious moment imaginable. I don´t really care if no one joins, it was just a fad, a passing fancy. It was something piqued my interest and fulfilled my ego for five minutes while I achieved it. Its chart is here:

I myself am signified by the IC, with the chart´s Moon conjunct my natal Sun. It is curious that this chart which was not pre-meditated, elecion driven has all of the hall-marks of Astrology involved. It´s Ascendant ruler Sun is conjunct Uranus in the 8th house, house of deep emotions and of death and rebirth. This planet is accidentally weakened in the 8th house of death. However, conjoined with Uranus is friendly towards that Astrological thought. Midheaven ruler Venus in the 9th is once again in the house of Astrology, despite being debilitated and weak.

The conclusion that I make is that this is a forum dedicated to true astrology, however the weaknesses indicate that it shall not be very successful, despite some nice things like a strong Jupiter in 7th house and a strong Mars ruler of the 9th.

I would like to add that  if you read this, Night Sky blog, and you have an interest in traditional dignities as well as modern astrology, an interest in the Stars, or in just having an opportunity to ask me about any of what I write, or want to share your thoughts with me, then I would like you on my forum:

http://www.youforum.cc/astrology_forum/index.php

Mundane: The History of the UK

Many changes have occurred since the 1801 formation of the United Kingdom enterprise, including constitutional, or more specifically changes in what the UK actually consists of. The fact that Ireland was lost in the 1920´s is of no real significance though in comparison to the gains of the 19th century and the losses of the 20th, but the essence of the UK, is I believe still the same as it was in that prime year. All possessions, servants, slaves, and I mean slaves in no coy terms, vassals and colonies belonged to the Monarch, our sovereign, and like pearls and diamonds were lost or stolen without that sovereign dignity losing his life, or his essential nature.

Recent PM´s

One of the reasons why this chart is so clearly still in effect is the synastry with a few of the last Prime Ministers. Tony Blair´s Sun is conjunct 1801 UK´s Mars in house 8, a man who didn´t flinch to defend this nation militarily or to be involved in asserting Britain´s aggressive power in the world in Bosnia, in Sierra Leon, in Afghanistan, in Iraq. In the space of 10 years Blair fought more than enough wars to confirm the efficacy of the stimulation from the 1801 UK natal chart, and peace-loving Taurus is not a sign to commit to war on a whim.

Maggie Thatcher´s chart is even more compelling information. Her Mars conjoined 1801 UK´s Ascendant, with her Sun-Mercury in its house 1. A woman that caused a lot of anger, but a person who as a personality dominated UK politics for a decade without any real opposition. Arguably she in fact benefited the UK by allowing free enterprise and private property, again, her Jupiter conjoins UK´s 4th house Sun; she privatised and expanded British property ownership on a massive scale. With her Saturn in UK´s 2nd house she acted tough with the UK economy being often heartless about unemployment and cutting benefits, tough decisions are Saturn´s realm.

Libra Rising

UK came into existence as a joint partnership, despite all Imperial regalia associated with this nation, it is in fact a conglomerate of nations, an association, a club. UK´s South Node in Libra in house 1 indicates that its inherent gifts were alliance and its founders were Venusian, peace loving, civilised and justified. 1st house South Node shows that they were unafraid to take anything that they wanted, and indeed the people that culminated this nation did so off the back of the late 18th century reaction against Romantic notions of revolution. It was in fact an act of self preservation which necessitated an alliance of sorts. The Act of the Union was created to preserve the life of the nations of the British Isles and Ireland from the threat of Revolutionary Europe.

The destiny of this UK then was tied up in the North Node. A placement in which this nation was meant to become an ally itself with a nation founded on the exact same principles of that revolutionary French Republic: America. In fact when the UK is fulfilling its destiny it is seeking out violent, assertive situations and making bold actions especially in diplomacy and in alliance. The UK´s future is Martian, the pre-World War II appeasement was South Node speaking, being “nice” in order to preserve the self, when Churchill came along and made speeches like “we will fight them on the beaches,” he fulfilled the UK´s destiny, no easy task with natal Mars in essential debility in a house of crisis an death. Churchill´s Mars and Jupiter were in UK´s 1st house, and like Thatcher, he fought a war in order to defend and save, only his Mars exactly trined UK´s Ascendant ruler Venus.

Royalty and Vega

This Venus rules both Ascendant and 8th house. Matters which relate to death, to rebirth and to anything of 8th house crisis is part of the UK. The acquisition of Empire and its eventual loss is signified by this combination, for ruling the 8th Venus is given other´s wealth, riches which are inherited, which are “managed” on behalf of others. In the 19th century, UK converted Indian and American cotton into cloth, and then sold it back to them, resources which were not owned strictly speaking were still used and transformed due to 8th house ruling Venus. In the 20th Century London became a financial capital, (which is now in cathartic transformation). The placement in Aquarius in the 5th is an indication of ego, of creativity, and of children, it might be interesting to think of the Commonwealth of Nations, as the children of the Empire who grew up and left home, though with 5th ruler Saturn in detriment and opposite Venus, they grew up too soon, and became problem children, some of them at least. Saturn rules the fourth also so in fact the idea of UK´s home, parents and lineage is connected to royal blood.

11th house Leo, placed the Monarchy into an association, a group, and into the nation´s house of hope and wishes, and out of the spotlight with this house´s “ruler” Sun firmly established in Buckingham Palace on the IC in traditional Capricorn, conjunct the star Vega.

With Sun: Critical, abrupt, reserved, unpopular, fleeting honors, influential position, insincere friends. If with Mars also, above the earth, and the Moon be with Procyon, death from the bite of a mad dog. [Robson*, p.217.]

The most essentially dignified planet is MC ruler Moon placed in the most public place. Despite having been an Empire, UK has never really had an image problem, and its success and social standing in the world has never really been damaged despite losing actual power. Horatio Nelson the Admiral of the Navy is one of Britain´s biggest heroes, someone who lived a short life but was triumphant at sea. Perhaps it is at sea where the UK´s success really comes from, trading on the ocean, the powerful trine to 2nd house Neptune might be a sign of this.

Literary

Venus is the UK chart´s most accidentally fortified planet in 5th house, and is closely sextiled by 3rd house Mercury ruler of 9th and 12th houses. The pride which comes from art and literary creations is large in this chart. Mercury although weak being in detriment has been the most successful publisher in the world ruling the 9th house. Probably due to the contra-parallel to its ruler Jupiter, the expansion in writing and publication in UK took off after 1801. It is in effect the biggest support to the Ascendant ruler Venus and therefore the people of the UK. This nation relies on knowledge and conveyance of information, as a nation that has no real resources of its own except coal, Mercury as ruler of 9th house brings knowledge of the world to its people and whether artistic, religious or in search of “true” finite knowledge, Mercury in detriment has forced UK into writing certainty about universal things (ruler of 9th in 3rd).

Mundane: The Destiny of America

The nation at the centre stage of the world for the last half century, the nation that led the world into a new era, and a nation that has been the spur of growth, of world hope and optimism is marked by this chart.

Ascending Sagittarius denotes a fiery ardent and questing nature, one that is not likely able to sit still for long periods of time, one that is restless and likely to move about to and fro in any direction so long as there is somewhere it can go.

Sirius (Canis Major)

America was born under two very bright and fortunate stars: Sirius, and Canopus which in 1776 were between one and two degrees before Tropical Cancer Sun in this chart.

It stirs up war and restores peace, and returning in different guise affects the world with the glance it gives it and governs with its mien. Sure proof that the star has this power are its colour and the quivering of the fire that sparkles in its face. Hardly is it inferior to the Sun, save that its abode is far away and the beams it launches from its sea-blue face are cold. In splendour it surpasses all other constellations, and no brighter star is bathed in ocean or returns to heaven from the waves. [Manilius, Astronomica, 1st century AD, book 1, p.34-37]

Sirius is associated with a vast mythology and esoteric power, so it´s no surprise then that a nation born both with its Ascendant ruler Exalted and conjunct this star on one side and its Sun, its heart conjunct on the other side should shine like the bright star among all nations.

When the Dogstar rises over the rim of the sea, which at its birth not even the flood of Ocean can quench, it will fashion unbridled spirits and impetuous hearts; it will bestow on its sons billows of anger, and draw upon them the hatred and fear of the whole populace. [Manilius, Astronomica, 1st century AD]

Conflict and America´s Heart

The conflict in America is easily understood by observing ruler of 2nd and third house Saturn in Exaltation and angular in close square with ruler of the 9th house Sun in the 8th with Ascendant Ruler Jupiter. The signification is of values and wealth (2nd rulership) being placed above and in direct conflict with the spiritual heart (9th rulership Sun). 8th house Sun denotes the fidelity and Faith of America is often put into a state of crisis and death.

Ascendant ruler Jupiter is also ruler of house 4. This means that America identifies with home, with roots and with home comforts. Also that the “fathers” are part of their being and identity. The founding fathers, the idea that each is descended from a certain lineage, whether this be Irish, English, African, Latin, Asian, Italian, Jewish, the surname seems to be all important.

The second conflict of America is 3rd house finite knowledge ruler Saturn in direct conflict with the heart of America and its soul, 9th ruler Sun in crisis in the 8th, with Ascendant Ruler Jupiter. Saturn appears to be the stronger of these two and in air there is a mental calculation and connection with the second house of resources and money.

The Destiny of America

The United States of America came into the world as a bunch of colonial rebellious Aquarian traders. South node in house 2 denotes that America was born as a financially independent state with an income, and that in Aquarius it was born as an act of rebellion, with certain “high ideals” swirling about on those rebels´minds.

The destiny of America is Imperial. There is no question of this with North Node in Leo, and indeed when there has been forward momentum and motion, when America has been fulfilling its destiny in the past it has been acquiring new territories, and achieving domination of the world through all techniques that Empires use; but primarily as a diplomatic and economic power with Saturn the most essentially dignified planet in the Tropical sign of diplomacy. 8th house North Node also indicates that destiny will be fulfilled through crisis and transformation, often through death and legacy.

Mars is in fact the most accidentally dignified planet and has terms avoiding peregrination. So although America has benefited most from other areas, it without a doubt is the Hawk side of this country that has had the biggest growth and opportunity. Mars as ruler of the 5th house shows an ego which is based upon sexual drive, sexual drive, physical power, and in more mundane thought, military power, which is the primary Martial signifier. Ruling the 12th house means that it will be through violent, spontaneous actions that it will undermine itself.

America´s place in the world is not secure. MC ruler Mercury is not only placed in 8th house of death and crisis, but is so damaged by essential and accidental debility, that it may be the greatest challenge to keep a good reputation. Mercury also rules over the Descendant so America´s allies are likely to be weak, though the same should be said of opponents.

Pluto

In whichever chart you use, Pluto is more closely ingrained in America than is visible. This little planet placed in tropical Capricorn is in fact contra-parallel to both America´s Jupiter, Sun, Venus, and Mars. Whatever the true meaning of the planet Pluto is, America a nation which has not only transformed, but has acted to transform others, whether they liked it or not, is truly tied in with the destiny of the nation.

The Charts of Astrology Forums

To answer the question of what Astrology is. Using the very nomenclature of that symbology this may be answered by looking at the Astrological chart of an Astrology forum itself.

http://s1.zetaboards.com/Astrology_Forum/index/

This chart contains elements which are common to other forums of a similar nature. This forum has recently been created and can be found here: http://s1.zetaboards.com/Astrology_Forum/index/

Chart Analysis:

What is interesting here is the domination of this chart by both Mercury and Saturn held in mutual reception and dispositors of not only all planets, but of 9th house. This chart emphasises the 5th house through Ascendant ruler´s rulership of that house and Saturn´s position there. Though this has nothing to do with knowledge or pure astrology, and more to do with romantic ventures, gambling, ego and fun. Node in the 9th house seems to be another indication of the search for true knowledge.

Astrology within the chart:

Astrology is a system of symbols which clearly make up a certain form of philosophy. A philosophy in which knowledge is infinite as opposed to finite is indicated by the 9th house. Starlight Knight Forum has both Jupiter and Node in this placing with 9th ruler Saturn dispositing most of the chart including MC. Mercury is very important though, marking a mutual reception, between the higher knowledge of the 9th and the individual search for that knowledge and understanding through Mercury.

Astrology forum 2 (Astrodienst):

Once again the 9th house is the primary focus of its existence, with the 9th ruler Jupiter placed in domicile and pivoting the whole chart from the 5th house of ego. Saturn as dispositor of Aquarius seems to be highly accidentally dignified and in this case concerned with the self (5th house). The Sun in this chart rules the 1st and 2nd house, meaning that there is a financial incentive for this forum as a part of the Astrodienst site, and this is exalted, indicating that the success here is guaranteed without the need for the free service which it provides.

Astrology Forum 3 (Astrology Weekly):

Ruler of the 9th once again is highly important despite being in detriment. Sun as centre of a 3rd house stellium in Saturn´s intellectual sign in the house of communication and learning, house 3.

The Common Thread:

Different styles and different sets of interests are clearly marked by these forums. But the common thread of these all is an interest in the same subject, the same houses are marked with the same planets. The 9th house, Mercury and Saturn as well as the Sun and Aquarius.

Motivations and personalities always figure in anything created by someone. And in these charts it would be noteworthy to take heed of the fact that some connect the essence of the forum Ascendant ruler with ruler of the 5th house, with the 11th, with the 2nd or with the 3rd. An astrologer has a vision of creating a place in order to increase the trade of their site, and the 2nd house is obviously disposited as a result. Another may simply want to create a fun place for mutual interests, friendship and perhaps even romance, and those houses are emphasised in a likewise manner.

The essence though is an experience and a symbolism, a language which relates to the dual worlds about us. The parallels between the Earthly plane ruled by Saturn and the Heavenly plane of the 9th house.

Chart: William Blake

William Blake was a Cancer Rising with Moon placed in domicile in the 12th house of hidden enemies and evil spirits. Four aspects are made by this strong Ascendant ruler. The first is to creative Venus in opposition. The second is a sesqui-quadrate to Mercury ruler of 3rd house, ruler of writing and mental thought. The third aspect is a bi-quintile to Sun second house ruler placed in the 5th house of creativity and children.

The Sun Moon longitudinal connection in Blake´s chart is compounded by a contra-parallel emphasising the importance in expressing the houses involved.  1st house ruler Moon in 12th channels his self and identity into the search for all things hidden and mysterious. If there was something hidden and unknown to society then Moon in own sign and therefore having the highest essential dignity would indicate that it would be seen, perceived and felt in a most emotional, and psychic way. The Moon-Sun aspect connects the first house (reason for being and living) with the 2nd house (house of value and income) with the 12th house of the unconscious and the 5th of creativity. And primarily, William Blake made his livelihood from the most creative of crafts involving poetry, drawing, writing and the most skillful of engraving, the most notable demonstration of this Biquintile aspect.

The second important planet that Cancer Moon contacts in this chart is Venus, placed in the 6th house of work and daily business in Capricorn. The fact that Venus rules 4th and 11th houses is testament to the fact that his home was his workshop and a place of meeting with the people who Blake had political and social intercourse with.

Mercury in this chart is important.  Mercury ruler of 3rd and 12th houses aspects to both Moon within the 12th that gives the ability to write about the 12th house knowledge, but also in aspect to Mars ruler of the Midheaven and Blake´s eventual life´s work. This Mercury, however, is conjoined with a Sagittarius Jupiter, imparting a wisdom, knowledge and awareness from its rulership over the 6th and 9th houses.

The final rulership to be considered in Blake´s chart must be 7th ruler Saturn aspecting both Mars in opposition and Moon through another Biquintile. And to note, his wife was greatly involved in his work being also contra-parallel to MC ruler Mars and energetically linked to him (Biquintile Moon).

Descendant ruler Saturn also rules 8th house and is placed exactly on the 8th cusp. Catherine Boucher his wife would have been a huge support to him and possibly mystical or psychic with regard to having domicile over the 8th. She was also probably a most humane and dignified woman with Aquarius Saturn, the sign of rational understanding and possibly most solid and loyal placements.

The most powerful planet in this chart despite combustion, is Jupiter; placed in the fifth house, and lord over Mars, Mercury, North Node and Sun. It is no surprise therefore that his art and creation (5th house) is inspired by spiritual fire and Religious and Mystical knowledge, with Jupiter having direct rulership of the 9th house of dreams and higher knowledge.

Fixed Stars Bungula (our closest neighbour Alpha Centaury) and Antares, the Royal Star Archangel Oriel and Watcher of the West would have been closely conjunct Blake´s Mercury and Sun. These stars are both bright and strong influences. Mercury with Alpha Centaury is described as pertaining to occult knowledge and philosophy, and the star which denotes the Heart of the Scorpion of the nature of Mars Jupiter and Mercury would have emphasised the nature of the mystery involved.

Saturn: Who you´re born to be

Whether ’tis nobler in the mind to suffer
The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune,
Or to take arms against a sea of troubles,
And by opposing end them? Shakespeare

Saturn, ruler of the Zodiac sign of Aquarius by day, of Capricorn by night, Exalted by Libra and ruler of the triplicity of air by day is one of the most neglected planets in the solar system.

His traditional rulerships indicate that this planet has most effect and affinity with the air element than with Earth which is generally what the modernists of Astrology regard him as; the block building realist. But not so, Saturn is after all a Gas Giant of the solar system following only Jupiter in Size and mass, with an atmosphere which is quite similar in its composition to the “great benific”.

Saturn´s air makes this planet surely like Venus and Mercury one of the intellectual and social planets, his day time rulership Aquarius gives him the tools and knowledge which imply that he is not “dull” or lacking in potential for either understanding, technological genius, and coherent thought.

Saturn´s “joy” in the 12th house is an interesting fact. Is this because he is happiest in the house of sorrow? A planet of sorrow, like that of the modern planet Neptune? The strange nature of this “joy” for a planet that rules over the sign of humanity Aquarius, is a planet who is happiest alone in the soft and over- shadowed light of the 12th house. Aquarius is the sign of detriment for the Sun, for individual fire, and spontaneous life-force, but Saturn´s exaltation Libra is also a sign in which Sun “falls”.

It´s the sorrow of being human. It´s the sorrow of not being a Sun god, but being a mere mortal, that makes Saturn like to hide away in the 12th house. A lot has been written on the “malefic” nature of Saturn, and in the psychological school on the “experience” or “karma” that the so called teacher of the Zodiac is meant to impart. But this is not the real Saturn.

The real Saturn is in fact the most human like planet of all. Saturn is the human planet because his power is defeated and brought down by his sons. He is the human planet because he is forced out of his place, and forced down, killed off and mortalised by the usurpers. Saturn knows that his time is coming, time of being brought down, leveled, ended, something which the Leo Sun, or the Cancer Moon, Helios and Selene are utterly oblivious of, being true immortals. This is the reason for Aquarius´s refusal to play immortal parts in life, preferring the all so temporary friendship because, after all we´re only here for the day, not staying the night, the night of course belonging to his partner in crime the other malefic Mars and modern Pluto or Hades. A day being equivalent to a life in terms of immortality.

Saturn in the life does symbolise the individual fears, restrictions, and stuff that´s hard, where unprepared for responsibility is forced. But to not become your Saturn sign is to not be fully human. How are we supposed to “be our Saturn”? The nature of the planet is that of accepting not being good enough, like the mythical Saturn, of being allowed only a certain amount of time, in order to be a god, a kind of  mortal god, because to be deposed, de-throned as king of the gods, is death, even for an immortal god, death of self-respect, death of the respect that your sons once held for you and death of those relations and worship that made you immortal in the first place.

Saturn is in fact the Biblical Adam being cast out of the Garden of Eden and forced into living in the Society of Men, (Aquarius) and to work and struggle for food on the desolate Earth (Capricorn), with Eve  the first wife and first to succumb and fall (Libra, fall of Sun).

As planet of the Air triplicity and ruler of Aquarius, Saturn asks why he is alone. He asks why is the land and Earth dark, and in that darkness creates fire, through mental planning, he not only creates fire, something that Leo Sun naturally had, and didn´t need, like a Sahara Lion, but he creates shelter in that wilderness and community, with the first woman, and the sons which are his from that union. Sons that he knows will one day take his place, and probably fight with each other to divide what he has.

Finding Saturn in the natal birth chart is where we will all find exposure like the first man and the first woman. This is the spot where nakedness and weakness exist, but like the first human beings, and like mythological Cronus, we are meant to make the absolute most of before the time is up. Time on planet Earth is under the sole rulership of the planet Saturn, Saturn is where we must ask “there must be something more,” and “there are times when I must try to be so much more alive”.

The Saturn sign is the sign of being human. The Sun sign is the spiritual, the place of God in our lives. Saturn is not the devil, far from it, Saturn is what makes us fragile, where we hide. Saturn in Aquarius is afraid of the friendship of man, feels alone, but is endowed with the purest form of Saturnine air and mental ability to create community, it is up to him to pursue this and become a true Aquarian, in order to be human, and draw upon that pain of being alone to achieve it before his death. Scorpio Saturn is asked to be a strong warrior, he is asked to exhibit the features of Scorpio, to be deep, and passionate, Libra Saturn is asked to be perfect in partnership and to be the perfect Libran diplomat pleasing all and upsetting none.

One great lie of Astrology is ascribing the Sun as the most important influence in the sky. He might be the strongest, the brightest, the most obvious, but it is on the Earth that we live, and in the Air that our existence as human beings is borne out. The most important element in the sky is not the Sun, the undying, spiritual force of warmth, it is the cold ringed planet of sobering and haunting beauty, a silent figure, a figure of insecurity a figure of rage at being out-caste from paradise, a figure sublime in his Aquarian and immensely painful and real state.

Is it consciousness if a being feels nothing but warm Sun on its face? Grass feel this, they grow using sensory data collected from hormones which encourage growth and reproduction. Sentience felt by all creatures are part of the Sun, as well as the Moon. Reproduction is part of the sexual selection as described by Mars and Venus rulerships. Animals share these planetary influences with human beings. But Saturn is the planet who has consciousness. To become your Saturn sign is the greatest challenge that anyone can attempt. The person they are within the human race, the things that they are to be remembered by, and what their children will think of them as is governed by their natal Saturn. This is the real deal. This is your Earth Self, the site where you are a true human being in fault as well as in greatness.

Saturn in Sagittarius

Saturn has terms at 19 to 25 degrees and face between 20 and 30 degrees of the Tropical sign of Sagittarius, with the other 19 degrees being peregrine. The elemental nature of Sagittarius is hot and humid, it is a fiery and moveable sign, while the humour of Saturn is that of melancholic.

One of the most noble Sagittarian Saturns was Mahatma Gandhi. This is the Saturn whose struggle to power and to Independence, the achievement of the Saturnine goal was made through the use of every benefit available and every gift from Jupiter, namely: non-violence based on religious and spiritual conviction, legal and political publishing and media coverage of his campaign and political fasting. His aims and ambitions were eventually successful because he listened to Jupiter, a Jupiter that does not hurt anyone, being a benific, a Jupiter that is completely generous, but one that is loud and gets his message across to touch and win people over from their hearts.

Like Pisces, Sagittarius Saturn is under the guidance of the greater benific Jupiter. And although on the surface the two planets seem like chalk and cheese, appear to be of opposite natures, that of expansion and contraction, that of enthusiasm and apathy, this is a misleading notion. For in the myth it was Jupiter (Zeus) who opposed his father Saturn (Cronus) in order to take over and govern the heavens. These deities are both in one sense associated with authority, with being the highest and most dignified of rulers. And so it should be noted that the Winter Solstice point occurs at zero Capricorn while the Midheaven (highest point) in an Equal House system is between the associated houses of these two planets, both of Jupiter and Saturn. In one sense Sagittarius represents the Ascent, or movement in an upwards direction, while Saturn on the other hand is the planet of being in that high place already and staying there. The idea is that this Saturn is propelled upwards and given luck in order to achieve his aims. And while this may be true, the reality is that this Saturn is peregrine, meaning he is not in his own land and is on the move, the most apt description for Sagittarius.

Saturn, while in Sagittarius is often asked to build solid foundations while on the move, while in a foreign land. This is easier said than done. Saturn requires respect, traditions, and a solid idea of who he is and what he does in relation to the community. As an immigrant gaining respect from the local people and either having or keeping traditional values, while adapting to those around him is not a natural thing to do for this planet and it feels alien quite often.

Sagittarius Jupiter also gives Saturn an upbringing and background with strong moral belief and strong tendencies towards belief systems, that Saturn as a realist and a melancholy soul is quite at odds with. The result is often that he will reject this idea, and like Pisces become a committed Atheist. However, this does not change the essence or attitude of Sagittarius Saturn, for he is likely to “preach” whether Atheist, or Believer, just the same. But there are many ways for Sagittarius Saturn to act and to behave, his undignified state is that of one who forces his point of view onto others, whether he is  forcing Liberalism and Freedom, or whether he is forcing deep conviction it amounts to the same.

When Saturn is essentially dignified in Sagittarius, his ideas and vision are given without prejudice. He adapts to other cultures and gives his all to them while integrating his own culture into it. Being once again in a fire sign, and similar to the debilities of Leo and Aries, Saturn is asked by Jupiter to find his higher self, his spiritual self, which is easier than in those other fire signs. Saturn is asked to show enthusiasm and to learn and travel, he is asked to have Faith, and vision.

One great Sagittarius Saturn was Che Guevara the revolutionary. His story is about travelling and learning about people directly, about his continent´s suffering and lack of opportunities and then standing up for them using a committed set of beliefs, that of Marxism, in order to bring hope and change. Now of course, his dreams of revolution bringing hope and “raising” people were fulfilled in Cuba, but not in the rest of South America. The eternal truth of the phrase “travel light” is denied with Saturn, who travels with everything he has, and travels seriously, making his life and his home, the road.

When dignified, Sagittarius Saturn develops tolerance, and a healthy happy attitude towards life, a faith in the future and avoids thinking negative thoughts, the game of Saturn in this sign is to have positivity, to have joy and spontaneity. Saturn will never gain happiness here by sitting still, through responsibility or professionalism, his needs will only be met if he does what´s asked of him by Jupiter.

Some People with Sagittarius Saturn: Mahatma Gandhi Andy Warhol, Edgar Allan Po, Che, Dvorak, Ernest Hemingway, Frederic Chopin, Gabriel Garcia Marquez