'Black Friday' Solar Eclipse - 11/25/2011

Its eclipse season again! This most recent round starts off with a new moon solar eclipse that peaks at approximately 1:12am EST on Friday, November 25...'Black Friday' in the US.

Eclipses usually occur two weeks apart from each other twice per year. Each series typically includes a lunar eclipse followed by a solar eclipse or vice versa. A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth is partially blocking the moon from the sun during a full moon. A solar eclipse occurs when the moon blocks the sun from the Earth during a new moon.

Full moons and new moons represent astrologically potent time periods anyway, but the eclipses just add some amplification and usually a little dose of the unexpected!

Astrologically speaking, new moons are generally a time of sowing seeds while full moons are a time of reaping what we sow. Where a new moon falls in our personal natal chart represents a time of new beginnings and laying new foundations in the parts of our lives represented by the astrological house that is highlighted. Where a full moon falls in our personal natal chart represents a time of sudden awareness, revelation, culmination and completion in the parts of our lives represented by the astrological house that is highlighted. Eclipses just add some spice and surprise to these time periods.

Ancient astrologers saw eclipse seasons as especially potent time periods with regards to wars and the fate of nations. I personally prefer to look at eclipses relative to the lives and relationships of individuals. In this regard, eclipse seasons are often potent times for unexpected change in terms of surprise new beginnings and to final culminations of things which have been building for some time.

This particular solar eclipse occurs at 3° Sagittarius and will be forming difficult square aspects to Mars at 7° Virgo and to Neptune at 28° Aquarius. It will also form a smoother flowing trine to Uranus at 1° Aries as well as an adjustment-seeking quincunx to Jupiter at 2° Taurus. Its 'Black Friday' in the US and shoppers will be out in masses. But the unusually early start to this year's event has some people protesting. Is there really any question WHY the 'occupy' movement is occurring? The only real question that remains is what to do about a situation where high powered executives are not held accountable. Forcing their workers to work strange hours for higher profits while they pass out on a couch at home somewhere, is just another example of the unaccountability problem.

With this eclipse occurring in Sagittarius (along with the start of Mercury retrograde in Sagittarius), I see some sort of 'wake-up call' incident occurring that leads to a need to reassess the value of rushing out to beat out other shoppers in a game that only serves an elite few. It may be that it takes an unfortunate accident to occur that reminds us that this kind of approach just isn't 'worth' it. Hopefully not though...

Depending on where this lands in your own personal natal chart, this eclipse is likely to lead to the start of some type of new initiative that requires independent action without any clear sense of which way is the 'right' way. Our values are shifting and we just don't need the collective approval that we always thought we needed to move forward. We are prepared to do the little details and grunt work to head in the direction of our visions, even without a compass. Such brave souls we are!

The experiences of this nature would be felt within the domain of the astrological house that encompasses the location of this eclipse at 3° Sagittarius. You would need to consult your own natal chart to find out where this position falls for you. For example, this point falls in my natal 3rd house which is the house covering contracts, discussions, information, and general life 'busyness'. For me (and everyone else who has 3° Sagittarius in their 3rd house) this could mark a new beginning related to my daily activities and contract discussions. I'll be hitting the ground running (Mars in Virgo) with a new venture (Solar Eclipse in Sagittarius/3rd house) and meeting with clients in a whole new way (Uranus in Aries/7th house) relative to my previous experience all while remaining unclear exactly what my cause is (Neptune in Aquarius/6th house) and whether it will actually support me financially (Jupiter in Taurus/8th house). Sounds about right ;)!

The combination of the house location of the eclipse, its aspects to other current planets, and its aspects to the personal natal planets yields a very unique interpretation for each individual. For the best results in this case, find out where this solar eclipse and the other planets involved fall in your natal chart. Then find any planets or personal points in your natal chart that are also aspected by these configurations.

Location of Current Solar Eclipse Configurations

Solar Eclipse – Sun/Moon @ 3° Sagittarius

Mars – 7° Virgo

Neptune – 28° Aquarius

Uranus – 1° Aries

Jupiter - 2° Taurus

The effects of this eclipse may ripple out as long as several months with initial conditions starting at or near the eclipse date (November 25, 2011). Mars recently squared the location of this eclipse from Virgo last week (~Nov 15, 2011) and won't form a conjunction with this location in early Sagittarius until ~Oct 10, 2012. You may have already felt some of the effects of this eclipse starting last week and the full force of what this eclipse is unleashing may not be fully apparent until October 2012!

General Advice:

Expanding beyond our comfort zones takes a 'leap of faith' at the very least. Fortunately, we are ready for the hard work and we are more aware of our independent needs and can honor this shift in values while taking chances with our 'truth'. Its one thing to know your truth, but its another thing to take action to honor it. Let the window that opens with this eclipse allow in the courage you need to act as though you actually value your truth for once!

Good luck!

To find out where all of this is happening in your own personal natal chart and for a look at other configurations currently showing up in your chart schedule a personal consultation with me today!

Eclipse Report Sample! (now just $40!)

www.SovereignHarmony.com

Happy Eclipse Season!

Honoring Skeptics

When you dabble in a practice that is considered to be on the 'fringe' relative to common or mainstream thinking you are bound to run into skeptics along the way. Astrology is certainly a fringe topic and it is an art/science that tends to attract some of the most sensitive souls into the grip of its siren song. Though I always have a way of coming off as though I am unfettered by a barrage of doubter energy, I am no exception to the trends toward sensitivity in those who practice and use astrology. Put simply, it affects me ( I have a Pisces Sun after all). But at the same time, there is something about feeling that barrage that gets my blood pumping and infuses me with a confidence (or maybe its arrogance) to respond with a solid argument.

If I try and respond in the heat of the moment, I can easily come off more arrogant and berating than I intend (Mercury in Aries). But when I actually take a minute to honor the value in the skeptic argument I can find the compassion to respond in a more conciliatory manner. I have to always remind myself that, I too, am a skeptic in many respects (Virgo Moon/AC) and that allowing healthy skepticism is actually what opens up the opportunities for those fringe ideas and topics to find there way into the common fray.

Below is a recent email that I received from a skeptic regarding my upcoming Relationship Astrology Workshop at Planet Earth Rising in Folsom, CA followed by my response to the email. I am glad I waited a day to respond and ensure that I honor her healthy skepticism. This is just an example of how someone who uses astrology can counter a common set of common assumptions regarding this ancient art/science. Enjoy!

Her Email:

"I’m on the e-mail list for Planet Earth Rising, so I get advertisements for classes all the time. Most of these I ignore because I’m not impressed with the presenters. To be blunt, I think they’re uneducated, superstitious people who are making up stuff because they don’t understand how the universe works. I was ready to delete your ad, until I read the part about how you have degrees in the sciences. Most scientists don’t believe in astrology. I’m wondering why you’re different. I’m intrigued. How is it that you don’t think astrology is superstitious nonsense for the simple minded?"

My Response:

"Sorry for not getting back to you sooner. I appreciate that you are opening your mind enough to discriminate what I am putting out there from what you usually encounter. The way I see it is that, people are not 'simple-minded' but people can approach situations with a 'simple mind'...i.e. black & white thinking. With regards to taking in new information there are two simple-minded approaches. One simple-minded approach is taking EVERY piece of information as truth while the other simple-minded approach is refusing EVERY piece of information as having any shread of truth. To me, both approaches lead a person away from their own personal truth.

My personal adages regarding any new information are to 'take the best & leave the rest' and 'never throw the baby out with the bathwater' and I start every presentation that I do with those statements. See this brief video below from a previous relationship workshop where I explain this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEmYH5UXu64&feature=channel_video_title

Some of the presenters at Planet Earth Rising resonate with me while others do not resonate with me at all. But even with those who resonate with me, I don't take EVERYTHING that they say as truth. The point is, I believe we have our own truth and that following any whole truth of another person or group is just an example of 'dogma.' I also find that even the presenters that don't resonate with me can have SOME nuggets of wisdom and truth to offer me so I usually give people a chance and then filter as needed.

When you say that 'most scientists don't believe in astrology' I have to admit that the statement itself requires some clarification on two levels.

First, if you include scientists like Copernicus, Einstein, Newton, Galileo, Pythagorus, Jung, and other classic scientists that worked with astrology, then I am not sure if the word 'most' can be used with any scientific confidence. These scientists, as well as others, have utilized astrology and studied it quite extensively. Their other works have been accepted into modern times and is what made them 'famous' but it begs one to question why so many of our 'most intelligent' and 'scientific' forefathers would have bothered beyond an initial assessment if it was 'superstitious nonsense'. The reason is that, as bizarre as the 'concept' of astrology seems, scientifically speaking...there IS something to it! I really can't get into everything regarding this on an email as there is just too much information.

In terms of modern research, have you heard of the Gauquelin Sectors study? Here is a brief link to it (http://www.astrosoftware.com/gauquelinsectors.htm). Here is also a good analogy for you from a previous recorded class where I compare our lack of understanding of astrology to our lack of understanding of gravity:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zyaj2UCgPU&feature=related. And while its true that through modern media outlets, astrology is 'portrayed' as something that 'most scientists' don't 'believe' in, it isn't true that there aren't plenty of modern scientists who, while they don't understand 'how', cannot deny the results that they see with it.

Second, you use the word 'believe' in your statement which implies that those who work with astrology do so because they 'believe' in it and not because it works. To judge anything based on simple-minded 'belief' or simple-minded 'dis-belief' is the definition of 'unscientific'. Are you aware of the practice of astrology beyond using simple Sun-signs? I personally do not deal with astrology on such a simplistic level and refuse to feed people's false assumptions about just their sun-signs (i.e. I am Aries so I'm...). Here is a clip of me from January when I was invited on FOX 40 Live to field questions from Joe Orlando where I respond to a similar 'simple-minded' assumption about astrology: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60mwAtU_rbI&feature=channel_video_title

Your question:

"How is it that you don’t think astrology is superstitious nonsense for the simple minded?"

My answer:

I don't think that astrology is 'superstitious nonsense for the simple minded' because I am not simple minded enough to take astrology at face value as something to either believe in or not believe in. I spent YEARS observing astrology in action because I was skeptical. And at some point (as is true with every scientific type that investigates it) I had to surrender to the fact that even though I don't completely understand it, it doesn't mean that it doesn't somehow work.

I am curious as to what your own personal research into astrology has yielded or whether you have completed any of your own research since you sound so confident in your assertion that astrology is superficial nonsense? Are you merely taking on the 'dogma' of what you have heard? :). That would be a pretty simple-minded approach to something for which you don't have any experience...no? :)...i'm teasing.

Sir Isaac Newton (i.e. Mr. Physics) may have said it best in regards to defending astrology when he said to the man for which Halley's Comet was named :

"Sir, I have studied it, you have not" - Sir Isaac Newton

Halley was questioning Newton's involvement with astrology at the time.

You are MORE than welcome to attend my relationship astrology workshop on Sun May 22 at Planet Earth (230-530p) as I enjoy introducing these concepts to those with skeptical (i.e. filtering) minds like my own. For a glimpse at other pieces of this workshop, please check out some of these videos on this playlist from a previously recorded workshop on the topic: http://www.youtube.com/user/myastrochris#grid/user/66212E6F300843C5

Regardless of what tool one is using (i.e. astrology or anything else), when you can gain a better understanding of your own unconscious drives and gain a better understanding of the higher meaning behind your current experiences, it can improve your life and ability to accept what is. THIS is why I value astrology. Getting over my own need to 'know' how it works just happens to be the hardest part.

I hope that helps!

Thanks for your feedback!"

-My Astro Chris

Solar Eclipse – 1/4/2011

Its eclipse season again! This most recent round started off with the full moon lunar eclipse that peaked at approximately 3:15am EST on Tuesday, December 21. Now the follow up to this initial eclipse is the new moon solar eclipse which peaks at approximately 4:03am EST on Tuesday, January 4.

Eclipses usually occur two weeks apart from each other twice per year. Each series typically includes a lunar eclipse followed by a solar eclipse or vice versa. A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth is partially blocking the moon from the sun during a full moon. A solar eclipse occurs when the moon blocks the sun from the Earth during a new moon. Full moons and new moons represent astrologically potent time periods anyway, but the eclipses just add some amplification and usually a little dose of the unexpected!

Astrologically speaking, new moons are generally a time of sowing seeds while full moons are a time of reaping what we sow. Where a new moon falls in our personal natal chart represents a time of new beginnings and laying new foundations in the parts of our lives represented by the astrological house that is highlighted. Where a full moon falls in our personal natal chart represents a time of sudden awareness, revelation, culmination and completion in the parts of our lives represented by the astrological house that is highlighted. Eclipses just add some spice and surprise to these time periods.

Ancient astrologers saw eclipse seasons as especially potent time periods with regards to wars and the fate of nations. I personally prefer to look at eclipses relative to the lives and relationships of individuals. In this regard, eclipse seasons are often potent times for unexpected change in terms of surprise new beginnings and to final culminations of things which have been building for some time.

This particular solar eclipse occurs at 14° Capricorn and will be in a difficult square aspect to Saturn at 17° Libra. It will also be in a wide conjunction with both Mars and Pluto in Capricorn. Depending on where this lands in your own personal natal chart, this eclipse is likely to lead to the start of some type of new initiative that requires an inner transformation in order to move forward. With Saturn in a close square to this eclipse, any new endeavors will start slowly but with proper adjustment can lead to eventual success. Most of the required adjustments are of an inner nature as it is our own sense of disempowerment that must be dealt with before we can move forward.

The experiences of this nature would be felt within the domain of the astrological house that encompasses the location of this eclipse at 14° Capricorn. You would need to consult your own natal chart to find out where this position falls for you. For example, this point falls in my natal 4^th house which is the house covering home, family, emotions, and our ‘bottom line’. For me (and everyone else who has 14° Capricorn in their 4^th house) this could mark a new beginning related to a place of residence or to a new sense of inner fortitude. The square to Saturn, in this case, is from the 4^th house to the 1^st house of self, image, and personality. For me this could be a time where I am faced with some moral dilemmas and other difficult decisions possibly related to where I live but also, more importantly, related to how I live. I will be challenged to set some boundaries and stick to them while also releasing old boundaries that no longer serve their purpose. Sounds like fun.

In general, this eclipse also falls at the midpoint of the Venus/Neptune square which perfects within minutes of the eclipse itself. In fact, a Jupiter/Uranus conjunction, a Venus/Jupiter trine, and a Venus/Uranus trine all perfect within a few hours of the eclipse as well! There’s lots of planetary activity occurring early on the morning of January 4^th! These energies add some dynamics to the eclipse and promise that the growth we can experience now make the required patience worth it as long as we are realistic. This eclipse will have a way of ushering in the realities that we have refused to face up to this point.

The combination of the house location of the eclipse, its aspects to other current planets, and its aspects to the personal natal planets yields a very unique interpretation for each individual. For the best results in this case, find out where this solar eclipse and the other planets involved fall in your natal chart. Then find any planets or personal points in your natal chart that are also aspected by these configurations.

Location of Current Solar Eclipse Configurations

Solar Eclipse – Sun/Moon @ 14° Capricorn

Saturn – 17° Libra

Mars – 21° Capricorn

Pluto – 5° Capricorn

The effects of this eclipse may ripple out as long as a few months with initial conditions starting at or near the eclipse date (January 4, 2011).

General Advice:

New developments and endeavors can happen now but we need to be realistic about how we go about them. We also need to grow beyond our own inner sense of disempowerment if we are to experience our full empowerment and head toward our goals. Strength and courage are indicated so we are more likely to take a chance on things even if we know it will hurt.

Good luck!

To find out where all of this is happening in your own personal natal chart and for a look at other configurations currently showing up in your chart schedule a personal consultation with me today!

Eclipse Report Sample! (now just $40!)

www.myastrochris.com

Happy Eclipse Season!

2011 (part I) – A Call for Freedom

By Maurice Fernandez

www.mauricefernandez.com

Greetings Everyone!

2010 is almost over leaving most of us marked quite deeply by its tempestuous passage. Astrologically speaking, it was no surprise as it seems that whoever is behind the organization of planetary positions ensured that the blend of intensity would hurl everything into the mix including the kitchen sink and in high doses. Some of us managed to harness the strong forces at play in order to crack open patterns and access completely new ground while others were essentially ravaged by the elements; the majority of us ended up somewhere in the middle, having fluctuated between breakthroughs and breakdowns.

Looking back, 2010 was a year that propelled people forward whether by choice or by circumstance…the urge to “take the plunge” was compelling…some made the leap consciously, while others felt pushed into it. And yet, with this strong calling for change, many felt they were simultaneously held back and not able to go forward all the way; the future was calling, but the past—often unyielding and asking for its dues—left many in the twilight zone, sometimes trapped in frustration.

The series of events that manifested under the 2010 planetary cycle was surely shocking, and at times truly bizarre: perhaps symbolically, European airports, especially Heathrow, in England, reflected the bewilderment when repeatedly pounded by strikes, extreme weather conditions, or volcanic ash from the Eyjafjallajökull volcano that stalled all activities. On other shores, the series of Haitian plagues have almost become casual news, and the trauma of the Gulf spill remains deeply marked in our consciousness—along with new and controversial figures like Assange—a public outcry was fostered against the misuse of power by those in authority.

This intensity continues until the very last days of 2010 since a dramatic and tight lunar eclipse conjuncts December’s solstice point, generating a new wave of intensity throughout the month. When I wrote an article last year about the then coming year of 2010, I predicted that by the end of it, one’s life would not be the same; this seems to have held true: all around me I see the entire planet earth in transition, with the past left behind and not yet fully integrated into the future.

We step into 2011 in that state of transition, excited, bewildered, overwhelmed, and some of us completely renewed. Like previous articles of this kind, I will attempt to explain the planetary cycles ahead while keeping the language accessible to non-astrologers; basic terms will be utilized.

From a planetary standpoint, I would say that 2011 actually begins around January 20^th when the planet Jupiter moves into the sign of Aries. Jupiter will rush through the sign of Aries, remaining only 5 months in that sign until early June (unlike other Jupiter passages that typically last about a year in a sign). This accelerated motion seems to capture the character of the times ahead. The pace will be sped up, particularly during the first half of the year. We may envision the energy of Jupiter in Aries much like an uncompromising force: raw in its expression, and highly charged emotionally. There is a peak excitement, a surge of adrenaline, and a powerful eruption of creative energy; it is a birthing process, catapulting us into newness and action. A new phase of your life is now actively in the making!

This particular cycle receives considerable support from a series of other planets joining Jupiter in Aries, creating a climax, perhaps orgasmic, when by the April 2^nd new Moon, 7 planets (Eris included) will be aligned in this sign! It is not possible to remain still or indifferent under such a concentration of energy and the answer is to take action! People will be highly inspired to act, change, and follow their truth. This is not a time to succumb to anxiety or insecurities—it is about risk and action. The need for autonomy and breaking away from any form of external control will be tremendous…almost unstoppable.

Those who have a background in astrology will find it significant to pinpoint where the sign of Aries is located in their charts to identify the area of focus where this burst of change and creativity will be most active.

Along with the fiery energy of Aries, the nodal axis moves from Cancer/Capricorn into Gemini/Sagittarius by March—the good news about it is that compared to 2010, this shift is bound to infuse more lightness into the year as it fosters motion to help energy circulate more fluidly.

If (as I mentioned earlier) during 2010, people were caught between the future and the unyielding past, by the first quarter of 2011 the shackles will be severed and the motion focused primarily forward. This powerfully expressive and uncompromising energy awakens the primal self in people: the warrior, the creator, and the dissident. It is time for the instincts to lead rather than the mind, potentially bringing interesting developments: more protest and activism, new projects being launched, and leadership redefinition. It is going to be loud… At its worst, this form of release will unleash aggression, as repressed emotions may erupt destructively. The compelling need for independence may foster ruptures. At its best, it is a call for freedom—a myriad of seeds will be planted to eventually remodel all forms and structures of our lives. Along with the emergence of new life, the past will claim that debts be paid and require us to relinquish something. This may manifest as a difficult rupture and/or sacrifice for some.

Along with this fire raging in our soul and lighting up the skies, an equally unique manifestation occurs in early April: the planet Neptune moves temporarily into its own sign of Pisces, for the duration of 4 months only (April-August). Neptune will move decisively into Pisces by February 2012 for approximately 14 years.

In simple terms Neptune represents all that we cannot control—that which came before civilization and human intervention. Thus, as it travels through the sign of Pisces, humans will be in the hands of the greater elements, nature, and the infinite cosmos. With Neptune in Pisces, the limit is beyond what the mind conceives, higher than the sky, way past the horizon…but be warned: without inner centeredness and integrity as guiding principles, this vastness is a maze that may blur our senses, potentially generating false perceptions, and thus, disorientation and debilitation. Natural events of extreme nature are bound to continue affecting our existence. With Neptune in Pisces, nature has a stronger hand over civilization.

The deeper message is that the influence of Neptune through Pisces provides a larger context, a profound and more distant calling, or a more “religious” inspiration to the previously described influence of planets in Aries responsible for the surge of creativity. The sum of it all represents a wide open field where chaos and creation collide—a space for higher inspiration, adventure, risk, unexpected results, unrestrained expression, wildness, instability, magic, and self-dedication; the spirit wants not only to be freed, but to answer a deeper calling! While security in material realms will be fleeting, one may find clarity and strength in higher dedication. (For a full article written by Maurice Fernandez on Neptune in Pisces, read the forthcoming issue of The Mountain Astrologer magazine—July/August 2011 issue).

From July onward, the climate shifts and the concentrated planetary influences are more diluted. The new seeds planted during the first part of the year will pass through a “test of time,” and of all the new initiatives, only a few will manage to truly take root—credibility will be tested. Indeed, the second part of 2011 is mostly about grounding the energy and nourishing it. From a career standpoint, it will be time to assess what brings adequate remuneration out of the new projects. From a spiritual point of view, it is about integrating the vastness of higher inspiration and vision within the confines of time and space…while the spirit demands its freedom, it still needs to demonstrate substantial promise “down here!” Thus, excesses, far-fetched ideals, or visions too far ahead of their time will falter.

In simple terms, I strongly encourage you to utilize the energy of the first months of 2011, particularly from the end of January until the end of June, to step out of your comfort zone and advance your life. Despite economic strain and collective insecurities, it is a time to step out and conquer life. If you want to promote a new project, embark on a journey, or break free from unfulfilling life conditions, this will be a time to dismantle the shackles—this is your time! Do risk and be prepared for an acceleration of processes. Along with inspiration and highs, expect crashes too because this energy is volatile, and like riding an untamed horse, it will try to shake you off balance at times. However, with all the risks involved, this time is unique: truly, a portal to a new dimension of yourself.

You will be inspired to follow your truth in all autonomy and without compromise—this call for freedom can at times compromise cooperation. To avoid whimsical or merely reactive behavior, I emphasize again that actions must serve a greater context, not solely immediate personal needs.

Importantly, this energy can at times make you feel invincible and thus neglectful about self care. Lack of sleep, overstimulation of adrenals and energy crashes, or migraines are possible repercussions. It is best avoid caffeine during these months because you will be stimulated enough from stardust. Physical exercise will be tremendously helpful to provide an outlet for the internal buildup…the body will need to sweat and motion will bring inspiration, helping to circulate the flow.

Timeline:

January 20: Jupiter moves into Aries until June 4, 2011 – The freedom of spirit.

March 3: The Nodes move into Gemini/Sagittarius until August 2012 – Circulation and exchange.

March 12: Uranus moves into Aries until 2018 – Intelligent action to create a new future.

April 2 and 3: New Moon in Aries aligning 7 planets in the sign – Breaking away from the past.

March 4: Neptune moves into Pisces until August 6 2011 (and then from February 2012-2025) – Aligning our core with needs greater than our own.

June 6: Jupiter moves into Taurus – Integrating spirit into matter.

May we all have the courage to bring forth the best of ourselves: to heal, inspire, and create, while guided by heart. Allow the internal hero to emerge and do not wait to be rescued by another. Importantly, save yourselves from being self-righteousness …whatever truth you wish to bring forth, allow that truth to speak for itself with grace.

May love guide your way;

Maurice Fernandez

The Importance of 'Exact' Birth Time in Astrology

Finding your exact birth time can be an onerous process. But for most people born within the last few decades in developed countries, the birth time is often included on the official birth certificate. However, this is not always the case. Further, just how accurate is the birth time that is listed on the birth certificate? And what defines the moment of 'birth'?

These questions are difficult to answer. But in general, it is believed among many meta-physicians that the moment of birth is predicated upon when the child takes its first breath. Before this moment, the child's nutrients are delivered exclusively through the mother. Taking ownership of one's life through a 'first breath' is like signing a contract. The astrological chart represented by that moment in time then acts a coded language for that soul contract. Since most doctors record the time of birth fairly close to this moment of 'first breath', the birth time listed on the birth certificate is typically close enough to allow for the derivation of an accurate birth chart.

But how exact does a birth time need to be in order to be useful for astrology? And can an astrology consultation still yield useful information without a birth time at all?

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What the Birth Time Tells Us

When a horoscope is cast, the point on that chart that represents the eastern horizon (far left of the chart) is known as the 'Ascendant' or AC. The sign in which this point falls is referred to as the 'Rising Sign'. For an individual, the rising sign is highly significant in terms of interpretation of the outward personality or mask that the person wears. This AC point within the rising sign is also essentially the starting point of the chart and the rest of the chart house system is set relative to this starting point.

While the speed of change of this AC varies based on things like latitude and time of year, on average, each sign ticks through the AC point approximately once every 2 hours. With 30 degrees of arc for each sign, that means that each degree moves through the AC point approximately once every 4 minutes. Considering that the house system of the chart is based on this starting point and that this starting point is in constant and somewhat rapid motion, it isn't difficult to see how important having an exact birth time can be for deriving an accurate horoscope.

For example, when I had my first astrological chart created over a decade ago I used the approximate birth time that my mother had told me which was 6:00pm (See Chart #1). However, when I saw my birth certificate a few years later I noticed that I was actually born at 5:44PM and NOT 6:00PM. If you compare Chart #1 (6:00PM) to Chart #2 (5:44PM) below, you can see that this 16 minute gap made a significant difference.

Chart #1 - 6:00PM (click to enlarge)

Chart #2 - 5:44PM (click to enlarge)

In both charts, the rising sign is Virgo and there is only a 3 degree difference in terms of the two AC points (25 degrees versus 22 degrees Virgo). However, my Sun/Moon opposition crosses over the horizon line (very significant zone) between one chart and the other. Also, planets like Pluto and Uranus fall in different houses between the two charts. These differences alter the interpretation of my chart with some significance and this is only a 16 minute discrepancy!

Chart #3 - 7:26AM (click to enlarge)

With larger discrepancies, the alterations can lead to complete inaccuracy relative to the location of the planets in the houses. In Chart #3 above, for example, the birth time is listed as 7:26AM just to show how drastically different a chart can look if we have a birth time that is far from accurate. This chart has the AC at 26 degrees Aries and my Sun/Moon opposition and the other planets in very different houses which would yield a very different interpretation. Despite the fact that all three charts represent the same day and place of birth, when you compare Chart #3 to either Chart #1 or Chart #2 (actual birth time) it is plain to see how different these interpretations would be in this case.

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Useful Information Regardless of Birth Time

Sometimes an accurate birth time just isn't available. In these case, there is still useful information present but there is just much less information. So a reading can still be conducted without a birth time but the depth of that reading, while still accurate, will be far less than one conducted with an accurate birth time. While the house positions of the planets vary widely throughout the day, the positions of the planets within the signs does not change much over a given day, in most cases.

For example, in all three charts above the Moon is in Virgo and it would have been in Virgo no matter what time I was born on that day in that place. Also, all of the other planets were in the same signs all day and the aspects between the planets did not change throughout the day either (i.e. the opposition between the Sun and the Moon). However note that the Moon travels approximately 12-14 degrees per day so on some days the Moon DOES change signs and without an accurate birth time it would be more difficult to assess the person's Moon sign if they were born on a day when the Moon changed signs. The same is true when other planets change signs on the day of a person's birth.

So even without an accurate birth time, the placement of the planets in certain signs and the aspects between the planets yield plenty of useful information with which to work. With this kind of information, a client can be informed of the energies that they have brought into this life. However, without a sense of where these planets fall into the house system of the chart, the clients soul intentions and lessons cannot be revealed with accuracy for the most part. Since most people who obtain astrological readings are interested in their life purpose and direction in this current life, an accurate birth time becomes very important.

For those who do not have access to their accurate birth time but who are interested in trying to derive their birth time, there is a process known as chart rectification. This process involves using a diary of events and experiences from a person's past to piece together a map of their journey which can then be used to attempt to create a chart and its derived birth time. There are several astrological practitioners who specialize in this process but the results need to be taken with a grain of salt.

In general, it is more valuable to have an accurate birth time for a complete astrological reading but that does not mean that useful information cannot be derived from a chart of a person without an accurate birth time.