posted November 28, 2004 11:41 PM            

Saturn Retrograde
(Martin Schulman)

The Saturn symbol is composed of the Cross and the Crescent. here matter and the form side of life must be united with the Soul's sincere desire to express itself. Thus, all that the individual does he crystallizes into what he is adding to his Soul nature. The value of things is seen by the Soul itself, which must discriminate between what it wants to partake of and what it wants to avoid. As the individual looks at life through his Saturn, he may appear somber and serious; but what he is doing is considering the relationship between idea and form. He concerns himself with his ability to see how much of his soul he can actually manifest with matter. Thus, it becomes important for him to view his deeds as a reflection of his true inner being.

The Retrograde nature of the planet causes him to experience much of this reflection as an inner struggle between the consciousness of his ideals, their practicality, and his ability to live up to them. Thus, for many, the Retrograde Saturn becomes their conscience and guide, bledning as a mediator between the perfected higher being and how much it must still learn in order to live here on earth.

The individual with Retrograde Saturn is intently serious about completing whatever he has left undone in his past. He tends to want to go backwards in order to fill any gaps in what he had hastily considered finished before. As such, he tends to be thoughtful and steady. At times he may seem overly cautious or too frugal, but any reserve on his part is based entirely on his need to conserve substance for purposeful use. He does not believe in waste or extravagance, for he has experienced that in other lives. Now he is deeply appreciative of everything he learns or receives. Often he feels an inner debt to God which manifests itself as a powerful sense of gratitude for all he sees around him.

He tries to teach others, who are less knowledgeable or experienced than himself. Yet, he is unsuccessful if they have not gone through his past life 'fall from heaven' and his great struggle which has now earned him his way back. As a result of this, there is a built-in maturity in the Reatrograde Saturn that one could not have achieved without great personal struggle and sacrifice.

Retrograde Saturn always indicates a continuing Karma from past incarnations. Whatever the lesson, the individual is unusually slow in bringing it to completion. Thus, in this life he needs to carry the extra weight in his soul of a former life so that when the two ultimately combine there will be enough evidence for him to fully understand his true mission. Much of what he does in this life is a repeat of what his Saturn already stands for. But now he faces circumstances and situations that are slightly different. The Retrograde action of the planet can make him feel its restrictive force, particularly if he tries to escape the weight of its lesson. But, if he flows with it, understanding that through the patient guidance he is receiving, he is slowly being led to identification with something higher than he may have imagined, he can truly appreciated the workings of God's beautiful universe through this planet.

Saturn is one's teacher; and when it appears Retrograde, the individual has experienced similar teachings before this life. As the years unfold, there is an enormous amount of wisdom that steadily pours from the Retrograde Saturn.

Of all the planets, it is the most natural and comfortable in its Retrograde position, for it affords the individual a kind of second chance to improve on the relationship formed between his soul, the circumstances he was faced with in a past incarnation, and how these were understood. Now under the gentle guidance of Saturn, he is able to put into form all that he has learned in the past.

Pluto Retrograde

(Martin Schulman)

In the symbol of Pluto we find the Circle of Spirit soaring free above the Crescent of Soul and the Cross of Matter. This is so indicative of the unknown areas man has to pass through before finally reaching an understanding of himself at the very deepest of levels.

When the Soul and the Matter part of existence are not in contact with the essential Spirit of Light, the individual experiences the baser Plutonian energies. But, when he begins to transcend the unknown quantities within himself, he is able to bridge the gap between his lower life and finally link up with the Spirit of purified Golden Light that God had intended him to know. When man is able to achieve this, he comes into contact with that part of himself that is so essentially good that he is sure that no-one he knows would actually believe it. This is his real identity.

The great difficulties involved in reaching such Plutonian energies are that, like the seagull who flies the highest on his own wings, each individual must transcend himself on his own. The endings qualified by Pluto are the symbolic dropping off of phases no longer necessary for the individual's growth.

Since Pluto is Retrograde nearly half of the time, then a very high percentage of the world's population has this configuration appearing in their natal horoscopes. These individuals will ultimately become more concerned with transformations within themselves than with less fruitful attempts at trying to reform the outer world. By inverting the symbol, all else rises from the manifestation of the Divine Spirit expressing itself here on earth.

The individual with Pluto retrograde feels the ills of society as a personal reason to transform himself. He knows that he cannot change the world. Still, he would like to if it were practical or possible. but, he can change the world within himself by ending his ties with all that bind him to less than his purified being. This is a process that takes many years, and sometimes many lifetimes, to achieve. In its highest manifestation, it represents the true Christ Consciousness of bringing the purest form of love here to earth.

In lesser measure and more common, he is continually eliminating from his life all those factors which impede the progress of his Soul and the expression of his Spirit.

The individual with Retrograde Pluto experiences the struggle of mankind as a very personal struggle within himself. He personally feels the need to overcome in himself all that has been lowering the consciousness of the society he lives in. Thus, he reacts strongly to other people's dishonesty to themselves, taking it as a personal affront to his own progress, which he feels he must make for the ultimate good of the civilization of which he is an important part. He must learn to detach a little more from the habit patterns and behavior characteristics of others whose lives really have so little to do with his own true inner identity.

The individual with Retrograde Pluto is living through a Karma of experiencing mass consciousness within himself. He feels the impact of world thought, and is conscious of how it relates to world thought throughout the ages. Not always expressing outwardly what he knows, he tends to see other individuals as part of a larger and more inclusive whole rather than on a constant one-to-one basis.

In his personal life, it is far less important what he does than what he thinks about what he does. Much of the time he lives within his conscience, sifting through the great multitude of feelings he experiences within himself.

The spiritual growth possible with Retrograde Pluto is limited only by the individual's conscious mind. He can literally rise above much of the Karma of his entire race if he chooses. Interestingly enough, if he tries to avoid elevating his Karma, he will feel the lower Karmas of others around him anyway. Thus, if he chooses to elevate himself, he truly can begin to live Jesus's parable of 'being in this world but not of it'. In order to eventually achieve this, he goes through temporary withdrawals during the first half of life, until he learns how to be impersonal with the intensity of the world he senses outside himself, so that he ultimately reaches the point at which he no longer feels it acting within himself.

posted November 30, 2004 04:47 PM            

(Karen Hamaker-Zondag)

The conjunction between Venus and Mars joins together passive and active instincts for self-preservation: that is to say, the desire for the security of harmonious and agreeable contacts goes hand in hand with a need to stand up for ourselves and to make our presence felt. How this will work out in practice depends on the rest of the chart. When we are deeply attached to someone (Venus) we are prepared to go through fire and water for them (Mars), but at the same time we make heavy demands because Mars has a selfish streak. We are very emotional and very sensual, too.

Mars conjunct Venus can make us inclined to indulge in all sorts of amorous adventures and hedonism. But although infidelity does occur with these aspects, it is not irrefrangible law of the Medes and Persians. We look for a partner with whom we can share our emotions and enjoy sexual fulfillment, and, if we succeed, our intense union is not easily disturbed.

The abrasive side of Mars is softened by Venus; but something of Mars tends to rub off on Venus, too, so that tact is not always a strong point. We are a trifle inconsiderate, a bit too sharp-tongued, and quicker off the mark than the situation requires.

posted December 05, 2004 11:58 PM            

Your grasp of astrology has been very easy and natural, you're getting it. Its no wonder with you're Jupiter (expanding your understanding) conjunct Uranus (astrology) both of these planets conjunct the nadir. The 4th house cusp is under rated in its possibilities and stregnths. A very karmic point. Jupiter conjuncting (only off by a few minutes) is very beneficial because of it exaltation in Cancer and Cancers natural affinity with the fourth house. Were talking the most generous of the planets here. STRONG

Uranus on the other hand is the higher octave of Mercury. Where ever Uranus is in the natal shows where your genius is. Technically in the 3rd house (but only by 1 degree) Still conjunct the nadir. Maybe its your Karma to learn Astrology and use it in your understanding of your purpose in life and in evolving spiritually.

Astrology will be a lifelong interest for you and if you ever decide to pursue any astrological avenue, you will do great. But then for some of us, its enough to just understand it.
Your Pisces Sun supports this.

Jupiter conjunct Uranus

(Robert Pelletier)

The conjunction between Jupiter and Uranus shows that you have high expectations for your future. You have much insight into ways to develop your talents to gain the most from them. Youre respect for knowledge is deep, and you admire the intellectual giants of the past and present. You have an insatiable desire to learn as much as you can, knowing the knowledge is freedom as well as power.

This reverence for education was probably fostered by your early conditioning, directly or indirectly. You are above average in your ability to absorb knowledge, and you can visualize its purpose - to open broad avenues for exploiting your potentials. You are eager for growth and never let an opportunity pass without taking advantage of it. In your pursuit of the truth, you are a kind of philosopher, finding significance in everything you do.

Although you might find politics fascinating, your best efforts will probably be in education. Your outlook is to the future, and you can easily stimulate others to become excited about their future. Although you are impatient with the past, you never fail to derive benefit from its lessons. If your interests are not in education, your next best contribution would be in law and government. You have the temperament and the skill to construct social guidelines and policies that will be studied by future historians.

posted December 11, 2004 12:55 AM            

Mercury square Uranus (Betty Lundsted)

If Mercury represents the ability to communicate and Uranus represents the ability to expand the consciousness, then this aspect indicates a person whose spiritual development may be hampered in childhood by mental confusion. The mind is bright, witty and quick but not thorough. Work and learning patterns are not solid because this child is easily and quickly bored. Brilliance will show through periodically, but it can't be counted on until the energy is properly channeled and trained.

Uranus indicates erratic and eccentric behavior as well as willfulness and expanded consciousness. When the hard aspects apply, one tends to use the lower energy first - this is a child who is raised into an atmosphere which doesn't share thoughts and ideas. Decisions are made, words are said without regard for the feelings and needs of the rest of the family members.

Because this kind of energy is present in the early life, the aspect produces adults who don't consider others while talking, who may speak impulsively or erratically in relationships or on the job. Once they start talking, the words just flow out, and under stressful situations they may say things that they later regret.

However, when the energy is properly trained, it becomes creative. These individuals will have to train themselves to talk about their needs before they explode, to consider discussing situations with others before arriving at decisions, and to choose words more carefully in business situations.

posted December 11, 2004 02:32 AM            

With hard Jupiter aspects you get alot of waste. Time, money, energy, etc.

heres another interpretation, let me know if this fits a little better

Mercury square Uranus (Robert Pelletier)

With Mercury square Uranus, you are mentally alert, bright, and ingeniously talented. You are also eccentric in your thinking, and your opinions are usually dramatically at odds with prevailing beliefs. You are a rebel with causes that most people find obnoxious or belligerent. In seeking to obtain truth, you often bypass logic. Your extreme impatience with established facts often forces you to create whatever truths require the least commitment from you. The problem is your refusal to accept responsibility for what you say.

Your arrogant 'know-it-all' attitude makes it very difficult for you to succeed at occupations in which rules must be observed. You take rules lightly, and openly protest to the person who constructed them. The first lesson to learn, then, is humility. When you have learned this, you will be readily accepted and will have the opportunity to demonstrate your vast intellectual talent. You can rise to the top in many fields, such as science, education, social sciences, and even politics.

Only time will convince you that it is foolish to project yourself prematurely and run the risk of being discredited. Experience is what you need to sharpen your deductive ability and reward you for using your talents wisely.

Your personal relationships often don't last long, because you are unable to compromise. Often, what you say is not what you really feel, which makes anyone who is emotionally involved with you feel unsure. Problems between you and the one you love aren't easy to resolve. You don't want to give in, yet to obstinately stand firm is completely unrealistic. You are obviously exciting to have around, but perhaps it would be wise to choose someone with a more stable temperament as your lifetime mate.

Try to slow down and maintain a moderate pace if you want to avoid nervous problems. Don't stay keyed-up for prolonged periods.

Remember Astromis the above interpretation is toned down by your somewhat passive Pisces Sun. Pisces really do take into consideration others feelings and are usually not intentionally cruel. They will make a fool of you though, even when they love you its part of subconsciously testing you.

posted December 11, 2004 02:48 PM              

quote:

---

Often, what you say is not what you really feel, which makes anyone who is emotionally involved with you feel unsure. Problems between you and the one you love aren't easy to resolve. You don't want to give in, yet to obstinately stand firm is completely unrealistic.

---

posted January 10, 2005 09:35 PM            

Your Mars and Venus are conjunct. Up to about 10 degrees for a conjunction unless you're dealing with the Sun or Moon. I look to see if I'm dealing with dignities, debilities or strong house placements (especially the angles) With your conjunction, you have 2 of each, Mars in Aries and Mars in the 8th house a double dignity. With Venus just the opposite a double debility Venus is bold in Aries and secretive and possesive in Scorpios house. Together though they are kind of irristible

Venus conjunct Mars
Donna van Toen)

Your relationship with your parents will determine your attitudes towards the opposite sex and marriage for better or worse. Normally, this gives a harmonious blending of active and passive energies and makes you sensitive and loving unless both planets are under severe stress. Drive is generally expressed constructively. This aspect is an asset when it comes to relating to the public, and is said to give luck in financial matters.

This conjunction can vary dramatically from sign to sign, and tends to give you valuable insights into your earliest dealing with the opposite sex - including dealings with your opposite-sex parent, siblings, and peers.

You have very strong emotions. Because of their intensity, you find it hard to treat relationships lightly; everything, even the smallest gesture, has importance to you. This is true in almost all relationships; it's especially true when it comes to sex and romance. If there are problems in your love life, it could be beacuse you're being too pushy or coming on too strong.

This aspect stimulates affections in a way that causes you to want an all-consuming, 'forever' type of relationship; but, funnily enough, it also givesa flirtatious streak that continues even after you've entered into a satisfying relationship. I think that people with this aspect feel that it's especially important to remain desirable - not just to a mate or lover, but to the opposite sex in general.

As the conjunction is a uniting aspect, and Venus and Mars are the male and female principles, respectively, you might think, as I once did, that it's a portent of a lasting marriage. From my studies, I've learned that this isn't the case. While people with this aspect want a lasting relationship very badly, they suffer their fair share of squabbles and separations. There's a difference between this aspect and the square and opposition though, in that there seems to be greater reluctance to make the first break. Jealousy - sometimes justified, sometimes not - on one side or another seems to be the primary cause of discord.

If you have Venus and Mars in the same sign but not conjunct, the foregoing may apply to you. However, you'd be less pushy.

posted January 19, 2005 02:31 PM            

how was your christmas and New years? I hope Santa was good to you, you're a good egg
Ready to get to work?

Mercury square or opposition Uranus (Karen Hamaker-Zondag)

As soon as this type tries to put thoughts into words or tries to make contacts, the urge to be independent and separate almost infallibly interferes. Sharpness, tactlessness and brusqueness make others shrink away. The person with this aspect is the cause of why others react in this way. What is more, the person is so restless and impatient that usually others have no time to listen. This is true of all the Mercury / Uranus aspects but especially of the discordant ones. Other people express themselves far too slowly for this type so, losing patience with what others are trying to say, this type bursts in with some comment of his or her own. This is a major impediment to good social relations.

Because this type tends to alienate people and yet remains very active and creative mentally, he or she may start weaving unrealistic notions about self and others. To be sure, this person is unable to test the truth of these notions, yet he or she clings to them fanatically. Uranus always encourages people to do their own thing; therefore, with Uranian conflicts, natives experience as much loneliness as with Saturnine conflicts but are less inclined to brood - given their restless inner world, they have no time to sit still all day. Of course, the risk of suffering from overwrought nerves is that much greater, but usually the strain this type is under goes unnoticed unless he or she actually has a breakdown.

There is likely to be a keen interest ni borderline subjects such as unorthodox scientific theories, astrology, innovative techniques or social renewal, and this type can invest a good deal of energy in them.

Mercury square Jupiter (Betty Lundsted)

This aspect indicates htat the individual is raised in a home where words are not used well, the mood of the childhood environment is somewhat excessive, and people are hurt by words - they aren't supportive of each other. The family finds communication difficult; the family members are more involved in role playing than relating. The child absorbs this attitude and assumes that relationships are normal when words are difficult.

The aspect needs to be worked through if this individual ever wants to truly communicate and share his thoughts and feelings with another person. The power of Jupiter, the ability to expand the consciousness, to receive new ideas, cannot take place when one's words are not received well by others. This person has difficulty talking openly once a relationship has been established. He may not relate honestly, he may not listen, he may not hear what others say, he may even destroy relationships by misquoting what he thinks he heard. The ability to communicate can be learned if he thinks it is important enough. Excessiveness can be curbed and understood, for excessive or angry communication only hurts others. The dilemma can be understood by examining the qualities of the signs involved in the square.

posted January 29, 2005 01:53 PM            

In the Venus thread did you say Venus in the 9th house? I double checked and I'm still getting your Mars/Venus conjunction in the 8th,
Your Sun and Venus are in mutual reception, nice for this pair

Venus in the 8th house (Martin Schulman)

With this placement, the love nature is experienced through the mystique of sexuality, the beauty of the unconscious, the wonders of the occult and a fond attraction for all that exists in the hidden and secretive mystical side of life. The individual can regenerate feeling through his deeply passionate nature which seeks to know the very core of all. Thus, he feels the unconscious currents of hidden forces, and has a strong ability to effectively create smooth endings to the influences which he outgrows. Yet, until the lessons of the Venus Yod in the Sign are learned, he can experience much difficulty in finding the profound depths of insight and wisdom which his love can bring him to realize.

Instead, he can linger in darkess, living in the shadow of others almost jealously spying on them, while refusing to see any light in himself. Some with this placement will inherit; but others can tend to sponge off the goodness, finances and resources of a partner or mate as their primary means of support. THere can be a tendency to take advantage of otehrs through a secretively smooth and suave manner, whose subtle undercurrents are not consciously visible.

In this House, Venus opposes its rulership in the Second House. Thus, if the individual hides himself in dishonest feelings, or goes against accepted values, he can lose out on experencing the depth and beauty of love that Venus promises.

In many instances, the love nature is dissipated through sexual preoccupation, and the individual, rather than raising his love to the heart chakra, finds himself struggling with internal fixations which impede his moral, emotional and mental unfoldment. He has a tendency to inhibit what could be easy relationships with others, because of an attachment to a secretive lifestyle which makes him feel separated from the goodness and warmth of society that he truly needs.

Once the lessons of the Venus Yod in the Sign are learned, however, the individual experiences a complete transformation in his consciousness. He realizes that sexual love is more than lust of the body, coming instead from the inner depths of one's being. Thus, rather than hiding his sexual nature behind a façade of complexes which keep him from his true feelings, he begins to confront the regenerative kind of sexual love that brings his unconscious into harmony with his conscious life.

In this way, the secrets of dishonesty become transformed into a sacred love which guides the mystical truths that surface from within. Thus, he becomes sensitive to his unconscious as well as the hidden feelings of others close to him. When this occurs, the individualis afforded the blessings of having other people's resources made open to him, not because he selfishly wants them, but because he is capable of understanding the great hidden mysteries of God's love that exists just below the threshold of human awareness.

He can be the strongest emotional healer in the zodiac, for he can see love manifesting where others have not even thought to look. And, it is through his very special brand of courage and willingness to serve a master higher than himself that he begins to experience the great depth and beauty of regenerative love, the redemption of the Phoenix and its transformation into the birth of spiritual power. Thus, more than any other House placement in the zodiac, he earns his treasure through spiritual tests which bring him to transcend the limitations of the lower self as he overcomes temptations.

His very special Gift of Love is his ability to transform and regenerate the destructiveness of his lower pasions into the reformed beauty of new life, filled with the eternal mystery of wonder at the silent sounds of God's love whispering through the quiet stillness of darkness, and changing it into light.

Venus in Aries

(Julia and Derek Parker)

The individual is passionate, falling in love quickly, and will be demonstrative. Sexual fulfillment is of above-average importance, and an unco-operative partner will not be tolerated. Although an element of Arian selfishness may well cause problems occasionally, the individual wil be generous to a loved one, making sure there are many occasions of joint enjoyment. Here is a lively friend and energetic colleague. The attitude to money is extremely enterprising, but a risk-taking element can cause financial losses. Often, there is an enjoyable second source of income, but money can still slip through the fingers.

If the Sun sign is Pisces, the sensitive watery emotion of Pisces combined with the fiery pasion of Aries makes these individuals ardent but caring and tender lovers. At times they will be confused by their own emotional intensity; and apprehansion and a lack of self-confidence may clash with a desire for the loved one (Venus in Aries). Nonetheless, the striving for a rewarding relationship is important, as are friends with shared interests. Money will be enjoyed, so saving may well be difficult. The subject may find that impulsive generosity could cause problems.