posted February 17, 2015 06:34 PM            

The first thing to know about understanding karma is that it's a long, involved, complicated, often contradictory, process. It impacts you upon many levels in various areas of your life. It can change many things, too. You may not quite recognise yourself after you've delved so deeply, and come to a better, bolder understanding.

We're going to explore many techniques, which will, again, take time, and possibly some venturing into advanced forms of astrology with which you may not be familiar just yet. That's okay. I'll go slow. I'll be thorough. We'll proceed steadily.

posted February 17, 2015 07:02 PM            

I'm many things: a writer, a therapist, profiler, performer, scientist; of them, since a very young girl, astrology has been at my core. Perhaps it's one side of my family being Greek, steeped in such fascinating mythology; having a surname literally derived from a group that sprung up around the worship of one of the Muses. The ancient stories have always captivated me: tales of love, loss, mystery, betrayal, passion, power, and how it rocked entire empires. Ohhh, yeah. That's the good stuff.

Soulmates were an inextricable feature of the material I was writing by my mid-teens. I'd been studying astrology for several years, had recently begun lecturing on the subject (namely, the Vertices; which, in the '90s, just didn't have much written about them at all) and was hungering for technique and understanding. As a collegian, karmic relationships were my bailiwick, and the astrology of it, my stock in trade.

I'd already had several karmic relationships, three of great significance with powerful companion soulmates, and I honestly thought that was about all I needed: to have a vague and general idea of what might've happened 'then' (as I have a very different understanding of time from the standard opinion) and how it might be affecting the relationship now. Still, I wanted depth. I wanted specifics. I wanted detail. I wanted answers.

But never had I wanted or needed answers so badly as when I began a routine analysis of my synastry with my boyfriend. I'd picked up enough over the years to know when glaring red-flags were popping up all over the place. I couldn't believe it, though. It was too much -- way too much.

I tried to calm myself with a phrase that became a mantra: 'it's just a story; it isn't real; none of this is real. It isn't possible. These things DON'T happen.' But my life was already changing -- rapidly. I could barely hang on. The answers began coming to me from all sides. New techniques crossing my path, one right after the other.

The tNNODE was conjunct my nSUN, exactly, following an eclipse that would prove the gateway to what lay immediately ahead. These combined influences would then drive my Solar Return, which continues unfolding.

And I got the answers I was seeking. I couldn't handle them. My soul needed the truth, but I wasn't sure if I wanted it. It took a very long time to process. As tSATURN was slowly moving across my nMOON, I began retreating in order to grok, and accept, and heal.

I'm now emerging from that cave, that chrysalis, being reborn with greater awareness and a deeper understanding.

Now I'm ready to begin sharing what it is that I've learnt. Especially, the long, involved process that was involved. I'm a big fan of efficiency, so by presenting it to you in an organised, systematic fashion, I can help decrease the downtime merely spent in confusion, and not knowing where to go, or what to explore, next.

Bear in mind, you'll want plenty of time to reflect, meditate, and process the many, many things you'll uncover. The answers WILL come. Astrology has the incredible ability to reveal these hidden truths and uncover heavily shrouded mysteries. It's a tool of immeasurable value. So, DO give yourself the time you'll need -- both to properly calculate, delineate, reflect, interpret, reevaluate, process, further investigate, and, most of all -- heal.

Many of us carry around wounds from another time and place; most troubling is when those who caused them are in our lives again -- but a different capacity. It's a head trip, learning to love, and forgive, one who has done you great harm. But that's a big part of WHY we're here, and central to what we have to do to evolve.

There's no better time than the conclusion of a Saros cycle, with tEROS and tPSYCHE conjunct tVENUS and tMARS in the sky; tISIS and tOSIRIS and tJUNO and tJUPITER to follow. 2015 is a big year for soulmates and, especially, relationship karma.

Now you know a bit about me, we can start laying out the basics.

posted February 18, 2015 10:50 PM            

So the first step is to take a 'cookbook approach' to some of these methods and techniques. For example, when to move beyond Tropical charts and explore the Draconic synastry? When does the Sidereal come into play? Do the Draconic and Sidereal have a special relationship in terms of karma? (Spoiler: yes, they do.) And how important are asteroids? (Very, for understanding theme.) And Arabic Parts? (Very useful for confirmation of elements in a determined theme.)

All of this, and plenty more, will be explored in a coherent but comprehensive manner with a clear and concise approach.

posted February 18, 2015 10:53 PM            

quote:

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Originally posted by Aubyanne:
For example, when to move beyond Tropical charts and explore the Draconic synastry? When does the Sidereal come into play? Do the Draconic and Sidereal have a special relationship in terms of karma? (Spoiler: yes, they do.) And how important are asteroids? (Very, for understanding theme.) And Arabic Parts? (Very useful for confirmation of elements in a determined theme.)

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posted February 19, 2015 01:14 AM            

quote:

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Originally posted by Lioness:
I've been going through a Sm or karmic relationship. All I can say is I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy. It's the hardest relationship, I've ever had to deal with.

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It is. We get caught up in labels, too; almost as if we're unconsciously seeking validation or legitimacy. The reality is always MUCH more complex.

posted February 22, 2015 11:27 PM            

Ive been going a bit crazy the past month, maybe even a bit obsessive, with this bombardment of questions from my subconscious regarding soulmates and twin flames. I dont understand why, it is not something I ever put much thought to. It has drawn me to astrology and that has become a definite obsession the past month or so. I dont know what is happening but I do think there is some kind of force, or energy, pulling on me to consider these things seriously.

posted February 23, 2015 02:56 AM            

quote:

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Originally posted by AngaCrowley:
Wonderful!

Ive been going a bit crazy the past month, maybe even a bit obsessive, with this bombardment of questionsfrom my subconscious regarding soulmates and twin flames. I dont understand why, it is not something I evern put much thought to. It has drawn me to astrology and that has become a definite obsession the past month or so. I dont know what is happening but I do think ther e is some kind of force, or energy, pulling on me to conider these things seriously.

I believe that my husband is a soul-mate to me, 100% most likely a Guardian. I do not feel that he is my twin flame, however, and I dont know why I get the sense that my twin flame is going to appear and I'll need to be ready. No plans to leave my husband (I love him very much), and yet, that sense that something is coming... It's all very confusing.

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Ha! Good luck with making that work. It's A LOT of work! Worth every minute, but not for the faint of heart.

posted February 23, 2015 04:01 AM            

quote:

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Originally posted by AngaCrowley:
I will definitely do that!

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posted February 23, 2015 06:56 PM            

quote:

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Originally posted by Aubyanne:
Incidentally, you're unlikely to have a Guardian and a Twin Flame, per se, I'm coming to realise.

If you have specific questions, Anga, have a look at the Guardian thread.

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posted February 24, 2015 03:17 AM            

So, let's start by exploring certain operative definitions. How these particular methods, techniques, and systems can aid us in this sort of explorative research. Be mindful that we will be delving into more complex, advanced astrological technique in this thread in order to best serve this equally complex, deeply nuanced subject matter.

First, we'll be looking at the interrelationship of three different zodiacal systems which become integral at certain stages to full understanding.

TROPICAL -- or 'standard' system of calculation, most equated with 'Western astrology';

DRACONIC -- or the zodiac which is calculated using the position of the Lunar Nodes;

SIDEREAL -- most often referred to as the Vedic system of calculation, and thus commonly called 'Eastern astrology'.

There's an innate interplay among them which emerges over time, and proves remarkable to the karmic astrologer.

Going in order, we begin with the familiar Tropical.

These are our experiences here and now in the present timeline or 'lifeline', as I like to call them: a lifetime which is known as an observed timeline. Astrology is a multidimensional tool to me, and the past, or 'past lives' are merely concurrent alternate timelines which are not being readily observed here in the present. But, via the wonders of astrology, we can use the principles which guide quantum physics, and study the effects of that which cannot be directly observed.

Learning to approach astrology this way isn't exactly easy, but it can make the techniques regularly employed in karmic work feel far more intuitive.

So the Tropical remains a rather straightforward zodiac; besides our already having studied it in depth using a variety of approaches, it's either very, or at least mostly, known to us. It's hardly any surprise that it represents the lifeline which is known to us; which we experience on a daily basis as the lifetime we're living in the here and now.

If our life were essentially an automobile, then the Draconic would be everything operating underneath the hood. We're not even really all that sure what's going on under there -- but we know it's a lot, and part of it makes the car operational. The engine -- and everything attached to it.

The Draconic chart is often thought of as a 'soul chart' or 'soul-based astrology' for its lunar nodal calculation method. (I won't get into the dynamics of it here; there's a smorgasbord of lovely titles out there which can help you become more familiar. I'll gladly recommend some, if you like.) As such, it tends to represent ongoing soul contracts, obligations, rewards, talents and gifts, lessons, experiences, and general energies that are continuing underneath. These are features and elements of ourselves which have amassed over the course of our multidimensional existence, and represent a MUCH 'bigger picture' than the Tropical does.

In terms of synastry, however, the Draconic is rather self-contained. Much like two vehicles pacing each other in a friendly race, there's a connexion between them, as they maintain a spatial and temporal relationship, though we don't see it; merely the result as we are able to travel complementary speeds, going the same direction. Perhaps their engines were designed by the same manufacturer, or the inner layout is similar. These things make it easier for them to 'connect', though as to seem almost invisible.

And so are the 'quantum' dynamics of Draconic synastry, as we observe the effects of these elements, aspects, features, energies, and configurations -- though they are not directly witnessed. At times, these dynamics will be more volatile and intense than the Tropical synastry, belying a more complicated set of behaviours, and a perhaps darker, or at least contentious, karmic history. At other times, the reverse might prove true: the souls' experiences together have been predominantly congenial, but they are now be challenged with more difficult energies in the present lifeline, as shown in the Tropical.

Karmically speaking, there isn't much to do with Draconic synastry outside of glean a sense of the souls' inter-dynamics, and take a temperature of their overall history together. Outstanding debts and 'karma' is not shown here, unless it's the 'resolved' kind. Indeed, we can see echoes of old karmic debts in the Draco, as well as rewards reaped long ago.

All of these act together to create a cohesive portrait of our comprehensive karmic history.

Draconic to Tropical synastry, on the other hand, is an entirely different story. Here we find how these ancient energies are having an effect upon the present interpersonal dynamics and relationship between the two souls; how age-old vendettas might be colouring the current climate, or, conversely, basking in the joy of two loving Soulmates, reunited once again to share in their mutual rewards.

Oftentimes, Soulmates will have an outstanding debt to repay between them and have come together to form a relationship for this purpose as well. When this happens, I tend to call these Soulmates 'Karmic Partners'. Should they have more positive than negative karma, a lifetime relationship is very possible.

Needless to say, we tend to find the Draconic/Tropical synastry shows outstanding karma while the Draconic synastry denotes Companion Soulmates: lovers who have explored all kinds of forms of love over the course of many lifelines together.

This leads us to the investigation of completed karma and fulfilled contracts, and brings us to the Sidereal. Here we find our most troublesome lifeline; it shows what karma has been successfully resolved, and what may be outstanding and requiring our closure. This differs from the Draconic/Tropical synastry as it shows specific debts from the lifeline in which we accrued the most karma. This is why the Sidereal/Tropical shows us what is ending or closing while the Draconic/Tropical shows what energies are continuing to unfold.

In a manner of speaking, the Draconic has a more all-encompassing, even futuristic sense. Much like the NNODE continues to evolve towards a state of Oneness, the Draconic is, in essence, trying to bring us closer to alignment with our Heliocentric energies. (But we'll save that for another time.) Conversely, the Sidereal shows us where we've been, denoting a sense of our past; what we've done, how it's resolved, if it's affecting us now (showing how these events impacted the present, and what needs closure.

Unlike the Draco, once these conclude, they're done.

Relationships with Draconic-heavy synastry are likely to continue following the resolution of karmic debts. Those firmly anchored in the Sidereal are most often to resolve along with those debts, and the karmic closure. They're relationships and events that, while they don't negate or stunt our growth, they CAN get us too bogged down in the past, which prevents us from moving through and into the future. In that sense, they can hinder our progress.

Draconic/Sidereal synastry, on the other hand, is a mixed bag. When the Sidereal echoes through the Draco, the outstanding debts and accumulated karma is influencing the soul's overall evolution. As a result, this becomes karma that seeks urgent clearing and closure. Mathematically speaking, one whose Tropical NNODE is near-to the 0º Aries Point will have a Draconic chart quite similar to their Sidereal. Regardless, I've found this to indicate a heavy karma seeking to be cleared in the present lifeline.

And, in a very tight nutshell, that's how the three major zodiacs, Tropical, Draconic, and Sidereal, work together to reveal to the astrologer their most closely guarded secrets.

It's the very first step to learning to speak the astrological language of karma. Next we'll explore how we can begin to dredge those unfathomable depths.

posted February 24, 2015 03:25 AM            

quote:

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Originally posted by Gabby:
How long after you realized your relationship with your TF was not going to work did your guardian enter your life?

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Well, he entered my life about a month before I met my Twin for the first time, face-to-face. (We'd known each other since 2006, however.) Then, after we tried to give it a go in 2012 -- literally, 2012 -- January to December; in March 2013, my Guardian confessed how his love for me never wavered, and he merely sought to be respectful -- until he realised I wasn't being treated the way I deserved. By November, we were back together, resuming the relationship we'd had from July-November 2010, then April-November 2011.

It was the first time we'd gotten together in November, rather than broke up (2010) or let each other drift (2011). Quite pleased about that! For awhile, that month was regaining its bad rap from my youth.

posted February 24, 2015 06:05 AM            

This is a great topic and I'm looking forward to taking the journey. I firmly believe I've had 2 karmic relationships (1 was platonic but deeply emotional and transformational) which were ultimately meant to set me in the right direction. Both played out negatively, but I can see their purpose in my life. Still finding it extremely difficult to forgive the first person as our relationship traumatised me, and while I mentally can see him as a soul-mate who was meant to have a turbulent role in my life, emotionally I still struggle to view him positively. The 2nd guy however, while he did heart me a lot, I can definitely view him as a friend from a different life-time, I categorically believe we were supposed to meet and each one served a purpose in the other's life which was ultimately positive. I'm very excited about examining these 2 relationships through the lens you propose here.

Can I ask 1 question?

quote:

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Originally posted by Aubyanne:
Mathematically speaking, one whose Tropical NNODE is near-to the 0º Aries Point will have a Draconic chart quite similar to their Sidereal. Regardless, I've found this to indicate a heavy karma seeking to be cleared in the present lifeline.

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posted February 24, 2015 07:10 AM            

great summarizing and explaining of the workings of the zodiacs. I see them the same way.

posted February 24, 2015 08:35 AM            

in sidereal -t ropical Mr Sag and me have a DW of

MC-AMOR
---------

his sid MC on 3°44 Sagittarius conjunct my tropical AMOR on 2°08 Sag

my sid MC on 10°39 Virgo conjunct his tropical AMOR on 9°03 Virgo

this reminds me of the fact that in tropical synastry

my AMOR on 2°08 Sagittarius squares his NN on 1°22 Virgo, and
his AMOR on 9°03 Virgo squares my NN on 10°09 Sagittarius,

hence AMOR represents a mutual skipped step in our synastry.

And fittingly it ends up on the NN in tropical composite; it could have ended up on the SN as well, but for us it is

c-AMOR 20°36 Libra
c-NN 20°46 Libra

So it seems very clear that this is some purpose of this interrelation to learn more about the inner workings of AMOR, unconditional love so to speak, and the sidereal chart seems to emphasize that as well.

The other skipped step in our synastry is Mars (his Mars on 11 Virgo squaring my Nn on 10 Sag, my Mars on 5 Sag squaring his NN on 1 Virgo, albeit widely).

Hence Mars ends up on the composite NN as well, as ruler of the South Node, so something concerned with Mars-symbolism has to be addressed again, as we apparently did not get it right before (ruler of SN conjunct NN in composite)

In the sidereal - tropical the picture around Mars is like this

his sidereal Moon on 4°11 -sag conjunct my tropical Mars on 5°10 Sag (his sidereal Sun on 2 Sag and sidereal MC on 3 Sag might be part of it as well).
of course that means his sid Saturn on 2 Virgo (on his tropical NN, and curiously Tr Saturn was on 2 Virgo when we first met) is squaring my tropical Mars widely.

(Moon-Saturn are interesting in his chart, as they rule the 5th-11th house axis for him).

his sid Mars-Jupiter-conjunction opposes my tropical Moon by one degree as well btw.

Well from my perspective it is

my sid MC conjunct his tropical Mars exact (and sid Pluto conjunct his tropical Mars by 3 degrees).
Plus my sid Venus square his tropical Mars exact.

Why is that important, as for him it was sid Moon-Saturn and for me sid Venus-Pluto that get triggered by each others tropical Mars-position?

Well different planets maybe, but they rule the freaking same axis.

Moon rules 5th house for him, and Saturn rules 11th house for him (so the sid version of his 5th house ruler ends up falling onto my tropical Mars).

Venus rules 5th house for me, and Pluto rules my 11th house (so my 11th house ruler - sid- version- conjunct his Mars).

So for him the immediate triggering is of the 5th house (creativity, expression, giving of love), for me it is actually the other end with 11th house ruler directly triggered by his tropical Mars (and Jupiter and Amor and Eros and 7th house ruler Mercury) - not just friendship house, but really the house of "love received".

And isn`t it true that I am always trying to work out how to respond, be receptive to the attention? How to even grasp it that I - after all- might be a loveable person, well to him at least, with all the caveats that come with that?

It seemed during the last year, he was giving and expressing (to the amount that could be done given our circumstances) and of course with Saturn squaring his 5th house ruler never even expect to be "received well", and I was on the responding end, just without really responding.

Well with the ruler of the 11th house being squared by venus - let`s talk about that sense of loveability again, shall we?

Funny enough, or not funny, but karmically,

his sidereal 11th house ruler Saturn is conjunct his tropical NN.
my sidereal 5th house ruler Venus is conjunct my tropical NN.

So seems I need to learn not only how to receive attention well, but also to express my affections and creativity. while he has to learn to be able to receive affection, too, and probably learning to believe that he is "worth" it. (one of the reasons for him being such a workaholic I guess, always having to prove he deserves (Saturn as ruler of 11th house) to love and be loved (squaring Moon as ruler of 5th house).

posted February 24, 2015 10:37 AM            

quote:

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Originally posted by Aubyanne:
Well, he entered my life about a month before I met my Twin for the first time, face-to-face. (We'd known each other since 2006, however.) Then, after we tried to give it a go in 2012 -- literally, 2012 -- January to December; in March 2013, my Guardian confessed how his love for me never wavered, and he merely sought to be respectful -- until he realised I wasn't being treated the way I deserved. By November, we were back together, resuming the relationship we'd had from July-November 2010, then April-November 2011.

It was the first time we'd gotten together in November, rather than broke up (2010) or let each other drift (2011). Quite pleased about that! For awhile, that month was regaining its bad rap from my youth.

I think the actual transition might've begun May 2013. I have strong reason to suspect that.

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Wow! So the time lines over lapped? It will be interesting to see if that's typical, once more ppl find their guardian and tell their stories about the meeting.

posted February 24, 2015 11:13 AM            

quote:

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Originally posted by Gabby:

I met my Twin May 22, 2008,

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Interestingly that is the exact same day I met Mr Sag.

posted February 24, 2015 12:33 PM            

quote:

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Originally posted by Ceridwen:
Interestingly that is the exact same day I met Mr Sag.

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Aaaaand :: timpani :: the week my Twin and I started a 3-month long-distance relationship.

Something about that week. Wonder what it is?