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

Lunar Eclipse - 6/26/2010

Its eclipse season again! This next round starts off with the full moon lunar eclipse that peaks at approximately 7:30am EST on Saturday, June 26.

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 current lunar eclipse will peak at approximately 5° Capricorn and it will be in conjunction with the north node of the moon and Pluto (very intense!). This represents a time of culmination, opening, soul, and emotional energy. When we are open and flexible in the face of change, this can be a rewarding time where we experience the culmination of past efforts. If we have been creating against our best interests or if we have been keeping things under the surface, this may mark a stressful time of culmination with regards to the release of our secrets or the results of our less than stellar creations. The experiences of this nature would be felt within the domain of the astrological house that encompasses the location of this eclipse at 5° 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, emotions, family, and the past. For me (and everyone else who has 5° Capricorn in their 4^th house) this could mark a culmination and opening related to my home base or deeply buried emotions. This eclipse includes challenging aspects to Pluto in my 4^th house, Mercury in my 10^th house of public image, Uranus/Jupiter in my 7^th house of partnerships, and Saturn in my 1^st house of self. This may mark a time for me where I may open up to some intense authentic emotions and feelings and get my revelations out in the open where they may have an effect on my relationships with others; perhaps changing these relationships forever. Oh boy.

My natal Mercury and Saturn lie between 8° and 9° of their respective signs and form part of what is known as a Yod. A Yod is a configuration that represents work that needs to be completed in this lifetime. This Yod will be highlighted by the lunar eclipse suggesting that the themes of the eclipse may have long-range implications. For example, it would be wise for me to ensure that I open up to any new authentic emotional experiences if I intend to move forward with my personal path!

In general, this eclipse falls within a very close conjunction to Pluto so this will intensify its effects. Also, this particular eclipse forms a Grand Cross in Cardinal signs which suggests some potentially major new beginnings as a result of what transpires. Whatever this leads to for you, it may feel like a massive opening and realization of a key piece of information and/or emotional experience. In some cases, drastic adjustments may have to be accommodated relative to what transpires.

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 lunar 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 Lunar Eclipse Configurations

Lunar Eclipse - Moon @ 5° Capricorn, Sun @ 5° Cancer

Pluto - 5° Capricorn

Mercury - 2° Cancer

Jupiter - 2° Aries

Uranus - 0° Aries

Saturn - 28° Virgo

The effects of this eclipse could have been felt as early as the summer solstice and may be felt through the upcoming fall!

For information regarding how the effects of this and the next eclipse (July 11, 2010) may manifest in your life email me at: readings@myastrochris.com!

Happy Eclipse Season!!!

Jupiter Conjunct Uranus: “Growing Through Surprises”

From May 2010 through January 2011, the outer planets Jupiter and Uranus are forming a conjunction (0°) with one another for the first time since February 1997. This is also the first conjunction of these planets in Aries since 1927-28. This pits the planet representing expansion, optimism, society, and growth (Jupiter) in cohesion with the planet representing authenticity, rebellion, rapid change, and technology (Uranus).

Just like with the Moon’s phases, the other planetary bodies go through their own phases relative to the Earth. Like a New Moon, the start of any coupled planetary cycle begins with their conjunction (same location in the sky). As the faster planet moves away from the slower planet, eventually it comes to a 90° angle (waxing square) to it, followed by the 180° opposition (like a Full Moon), the second 90° angle (waning square), and then the cycle finishes when a new cycle between the planets is born at the next conjunction. See below for the basic outline of the process including the associated energy of each of these important climax points in the planetary cycles:

Conjunction (0°) – Birth and creation.
Waxing Square (90°) – Tension due to growth.
Oppostion (180°) – Culmination and results.
Waning Square (270°) – Tension due to decay.

The Jupiter/Uranus cycle takes approximately 13 years to complete and represents a social, progressive, and surprising cycle as the expansive energies of Jupiter combine with the rebellious energies of Uranus. This cycle represents things like technological advancements, quick social changes, and surprises for example. Usually, at the start of these cycles, new technological achievements are hatched. As time moves on, there is usually some tension related to those decisions that come up for review around 3+ years later when Jupiter and Uranus make their first (waxing) square to each other. Then another 3+ years pass and Jupiter makes an opposition to Uranus. This opposition is the time where the culmination or results of those ideas and of the decision making that started at the conjunction bear their fruit. Then the second (waning) square represents a time of decay and last minute decisions related to the same energies birthed at the start of the cycle.

Below is a look at the most recent conjunction of these two planets in Aquarius as well as the current Jupiter/Uranus cycle in Aries/Pisces relative to US issues and concerns, followed by a look at where we are in the current Jupiter/Uranus cycle.

Most Recent Jupiter/Uranus Cycle (1997 – 2010) in Aquarius

Jupiter conjunct Uranus (February 1997)

Immediately following the last Jupiter conjunction with Uranus in the sign of Aquarius (sign of universal brotherhood, equality, and technology) in 1997, several related movements occurred. One was the rapid growth of the internet as a daily technology for both business and pleasure. There was also a major merger between Dean Witter and Morgan Stanley to the tune of $10 billion. In addition, the Dow Jones closed over 7,000 points for the first time and ‘Dolly’ became the first successfully cloned sheep.

Jupiter waxing square to Uranus (July 1999 – May 2000)

Over this time period, America Online buys Time Warner for $162 billion creating the largest corporate merger in history in January 2000. Then in April of 2000, Microsoft is found to be in violation of US antitrust laws and the dot.com bubble essentially bursts. Also, in May of 2000, Bill Clinton announced that GPS technology used by the military would be made available to the people. This waxing square period was a time to make adjustments to that which was initiated during the conjunction period in early 1997.

Jupiter opposite Uranus (August 2003)

This time period included a wide-scale power blackout in the eastern US and southeastern Canada. Also, shortly after this period a 12 yr old girl is sued for downloading music from the internet illegally. In addition, US Spacecraft Voyager begins to escape the earth’s pull as it drifts slowly away. Finally, the hottest temperature ever recorded in London occurs in August as part of the most intense heat-wave in modern European history. This time period represents what was birthed in 1997 and what grew and was adjusted in March 2000.

Jupiter waning square to Uranus (January 2007 - October 2007)

The IPCC completes a 3 year study and concludes that humans are very likely the cause of rising global temperatures world-wide. Barbara Morgan (backup for Christine McAuliffe who died in the Challenger explosion) is part of a mission aboard the space shuttle Endeavor. Finally, two teams of scientists, one in Wisconsin the other in Japan, announce they have discovered a way to make embryonic stem cells without using embryonic stem cells.

Current Jupiter/Uranus Cycle (2010 – 2022) in Aries/Pisces

Jupiter conjunct Uranus (May 2010 – January 2011)

What new technologies and social movements will occur this time around that will set the stage for the next 13 years? This conjunction first occurs at 0° Aries which represents the start of the zodiac. Whatever is birthed over the rest of 2010 into early 2011 you can bet it will have far reaching implications. This may include anything from surprise cures to diseases to new free energy technologies just to name a couple of potentials.

Jupiter waxing square to Uranus (August 2013 – April 2014)

Whatever is hatched around 2010 it will come up for review during this time period. With Saturn in opposition to the first Jupiter/Uranus conjunction in June 2010, rampant growth that is often related to these time periods will be kept at bay somewhat allowing this period to likely be less jarring than usual.

Jupiter opposite Uranus (December 2016 – September 2017)

Maybe cures that were initiated around 2010 get a chance to be spread to the world? Maybe oil is replaced as the primary fuel for transportation due to policies and discoveries initiated in 2010? Guess we will have to wait and see.

Jupiter waning square to Uranus (January 2021)

Who knows??


It appears that the themes for the most recent Aquarius cycle (1997-2010) related mostly to a focus on the internet and the space program. The rapid growth of the internet created a fast-growing monopoly on technologies from Microsoft and resulted in the need for adjustments in 2000 when Microsoft was found to be violating anti-trust laws. Then in 2003, the results of rapid growth and easy accessibility revealed itself when a 12 yr old girl is arrested for downloading music illegally. With foresight and proper regulations neither the ant-trust suit nor the music download case would have been necessary. But mostly Jupiter/Uranus cycles are about rapid growth without restriction. However, the emerging cycle from 2010-2021 starts with an opposition from Saturn, the planet of restriction, likely resulting in a more controlled growth model for this period for whatever is initiated.

Regardless of what actually occurs during this current conjunction time period (May 2010-January 2011), the Jupiter/Uranus conjunction of which we are currently in the midst is about the birth and initiation between optimism (Jupiter) and change (Uranus). Watch especially the two week periods surrounding the exact dates listed below for the most activity in this regard.

Jupiter/Uranus EXACT Conjunctions

June 8, 2010 – Aries 0°
September 18, 2010 – Pisces 29°
January 4, 2011 – Pisces 27°

Advice

When Jupiter and Uranus are in a conjunction it is time to embrace a new round of optimism (Jupiter) and technology (Uranus). Seeds are being planted for the next round of 13 years and it’s up to us to direct the sprouts of these seeds over the coming years.

The beneficial way to approach this time period is to allow the added optimism and expansive energies to enrich our lives and open up doors. However, it is important to not overshoot the mark or to take unrealistic steps toward unattainable ends.

On a global level, note that new scientific advancements will be on their way soon too that promise to improve the lives of many. Expect new energy technologies to emerge that rapidly change the way we obtain and use energy. Also, expect surprises. Jupiter and Uranus can sometimes bring on big surprises that we did not see coming. That this current conjunction initiates at 0° Aries (a fiery sign) for the first time during the nuclear age, I wouldn’t be surprised if we saw something quick and destructive during this period (i.e. nuclear attack, comet/meteor strike, widespread power outages from solar flares, etc.)

2010 will begin the process of unleashing all of the positive and negative potentials of this conjunction. Keep in mind that growth can be good and progressive technologies can be beneficial as well. But there are always downsides to rapidly infiltrating technologies and these must be recognized to maximize the benefits of this time period.

How might this be reflected in someone’s personal life?

From June 2010 through January 2011 expect to feel this rapid growth in your own life as well. Where this finds its way into your life depends on what part of your natal birth chart that this conjunction falls.

In my own chart, Jupiter and Uranus are meeting up in my 7th house of relationships, partners, and clients. I am bound to have brand new people coming into my life that offer a chance for expanding my horizons. But as much as I anticipate this, I realize that the ‘surprise factor’ is never truer than when dealing with this planetary configuration. I can try to predict how this will unravel in my life but the best thing I can do is just allow and be ready. Is this a marriage partner, a business partner, or something else? I just don’t know.



And so it is…



Are you interested in where this conjunction between Jupiter and Uranus will fall in your natal birth chart and what it may mean for you?

If so, contact me through my website (www.myastrochris.com) and we can set up a consultation.

Also, if you enjoyed the content of this type of article, please check back as I will be posting articles soon related to other planetary cycles which are at major turning points over the next few years as well. Stay tuned!

Jupiter Opposite Saturn: “Growing Inside the Flower Pot”

From May 2010 through March 2011, the outer planets Jupiter and Saturn are forming an opposition (180°) with one another for the first time since the late 1980’s and early 1990’s. This pits the planet representing form, structure, rules, resistance, and fear (Saturn) at odds with the planet representing freedom, growth, exaggeration, fortune, and confidence (Jupiter).

Just like with the Moon’s phases, the other planetary bodies go through their own phases relative to the Earth. Like a New Moon, the start of any coupled planetary cycle begins with their conjunction (same location in the sky). As the faster planet moves away from the slower planet, eventually it comes to a 90° angle (waxing square) to it, followed by the 180° opposition (like a Full Moon), the second 90° angle (waning square), and then the cycle finishes when a new cycle between the planets is born at the next conjunction. See below for the basic outline of the process including the associated energy of each of these important climax points in the planetary cycles:

Conjunction (0°) – Birth and creation.
Waxing Square (90°) – Tension due to growth.
Oppostion (180°) – Culmination and results.
Waning Square (270°) – Tension due to decay.

The Jupiter/Saturn cycle takes approximately 20 years to complete and represents a social and financial cycle as the resistant energies of Saturn seemingly oppose the freedom-seeking growth energy of Jupiter. This cycle represents things like finances, social order, and laws for example. Usually, at the start of these cycles, regulatory decisions (especially financial) tend to be hatched and these decisions and values are reflected in how money is invested and distributed during these times.

As time moves on, there is usually some tension related to those decisions that come up for review around 5 years later when Jupiter and Saturn make their first (waxing) square to each other. Then another 5 years goes by and Jupiter makes an opposition to Saturn. Just like our current period, this is the time where the culmination or results of those ideas and of the decision making that started at the conjunction bear their fruit. Then the second (waning) square represents a time of decay and last minute decisions related to the same energies birthed at the start of the cycle.

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Jupiter/Saturn Cycle (May 2000 – December 2020)

Jupiter conjunct Saturn (May 2000)

The conjunction between Jupiter and Saturn is often referred to as a ‘Grand Conjunction’ and the most recent one ushered in the present US economic situation which included the bursting of the dot.com bubble in the spring of 2000 as the NASDAQ crashed. Unsustainable real-estate speculation also started around this time with the obvious consequences easily seen in the present time.

Jupiter waxing square to Saturn (December 2005 - October 2006)

This period represented the peak of the real-estate market which had been growing rapidly since the beginning of the decade. But it was only growing rapidly due to unsustainable banking decisions which put people in situations where they were destined to foreclose. The waxing square marked the period when the growth (Jupiter) of the market was strained by the reality (Saturn) of the situation.

*Jupiter opposite Saturn (May 2010 - March 2011)*

What are we in for here? This period marks the culmination of these poor real-estate decisions. If you thought the worst of the foreclosures and the dropping prices of homes were over, think again. Watch for the foreclosure problem to break into the commercial real-estate market which will lead to a re-structuring of how business is done due to the lack of office space and traditional structures. Fortunately the internet era will offer more technological options to help businesses grow but in a new way.

Jupiter waning square to Saturn (August 2015 - June 2016)

Perhaps regulations are put into places that ensure unsustainable schemes for real-estate cannot be developed. Or this could represent a time when people change the way they live and work (i.e. more communal and telecommuting situations) in response to the inability to own a home or a business in the traditional sense.

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The themes for the most recent previous Jupiter/Saturn cycle (1980’s and 1990’s) on a world-wide scale appear to have involved a heavy emphasis on a changing of the guard in terms of social orders. During the Jupiter/Saturn opposition (culmination phase) of that cycle from September 1989 through May 1991, we saw both the fall of the Berlin Wall as well as the dissolution of the Soviet Union. This culmination phase certainly bared some fruit.

Regardless of what actually occurs during this current time period, the Jupiter/Saturn opposition of which we are currently in the midst is about the battle or tension between growth (Jupiter) and reality (Saturn). In the US, this ‘coming to terms with the reality of growth’ period is likely to reveal the true consequences of unsustainable real-estate growth schemes established a decade ago. Watch the time periods within a week or two of the following dates for indicators of these kinds of revelations.

Jupiter/Saturn EXACT oppositions for the current phase

May 23, 2010
August 16, 2010
March 28, 2011

Advice

When Jupiter and Saturn oppose one another it is time for assessing how and where we are trying to grow (Jupiter) while recognizing the realities (Saturn) of that growth. This is true personally in our own lives as well as on a larger scale. Realty is abundantly clear during these times and the level of tension due to the growth we are trying to attain is directly related to how willing we are to look reality in the face and adjust our growth accordingly. There is no 'right' or 'wrong' side in this case. There is just a beneficial approach or a harmful approach to growth at this time.

The beneficial way to approach this time period is to redirect growth relative to the newly revealed boundaries. But if we continue to expand in certain ways without regard to reality then we will experience a harsh resistance.

Remember that the ultimate intention of this time period is embracing much needed boundaries to create growth (Jupiter) that better reflect these new realities (Saturn). Laying our frustration with restrictions to rest is the first step in the process.

How might this be reflected in someone’s personal life?

From May 2010 through March 2011 expect to feel this battle between growth and resistance in your own life as well. Where this finds its way into your life depends on what part of your natal birth chart that this opposition falls.

In my own chart, Jupiter is traveling through my 7th house of relationships, partners, and clients while opposing Saturn in my 1st house of self-definition, personality, and sovereignty. I have recently done a lot of personal work on defining my own space both professionally and personally by establishing my own independent contracting business (actually more than one) while I have worked to consciously remove codependents from my personal life as well.

On a business level, I expect to encounter a growth in clientele that will require me to more firmly establish my own boundaries of operation so that I can handle the volume of work. On a personal level, I have been single for some time now as I have been developing a better sense of boundaries. I can see this time period bringing the growth of a new serious relationship that will challenge my recent self-development as I try to maintain the growth of a relationship while keeping my boundaries defined so that I am not drained in the way that I have been with past relationships.


And so it is…



Are you interested in where this opposition between Jupiter and Saturn will fall in your natal birth chart and what it may mean for you?

If so, contact me through my website (www.myastrochris.com) and we can set up a consultation.

Also, if you enjoyed the content of this type of article, please check back as I will be posting articles soon related to other planetary cycles which are at major turning points over the next few years as well. Stay tuned!

"What Kind of Astrology Reading Should I Get?"

As an astrologer, this is a question I hear often. Of course my initial response to this question is almost always to say, “The only thing you should do is stop using the word ‘should’.” But rather than discuss the obligatory approach to life that people who ‘should’ themselves to death are accustomed to, I’d like to attempt to answer the question at hand.

With astrology, there is a smorgasbord of possible consultations in which one could participate. There are many styles of astrology including Western, Vedic, Chinese, etc. But even within just Western astrology there are many types of consultations. The bottom line is that it really depends on the kind of information in which you are interested. But if you have previously never experienced an astrological consultation then a Natal Chart Analysis is a good starting point.

Natal Chart Analysis

A Natal Chart Analysis is a thorough and comprehensive overview of an individual’s core intentions, life challenges/growth and unique talents based on their birth time and place. This is often referred to as the ‘Birth Chart’ as well. My Natal consultations cover everything from personal inclinations to past life karma with the intention of uncovering your unconscious motivations and imparting you with wisdom so that you can regain empowerment over your own life choices. With this consultation you can walk away with a higher consciousness of your life intentions as well as a better grasp of the unconscious motivations that block you from achieving these intentions.

Learning how to gain control over your unconscious responses can be a very powerful experience toward aligning with your truth!

The information that you need for the most accurate and useful Natal Chart Analysis is typically found on your birth certificate and it includes the following:

-Birth date: (i.e. April 27, 1965)
-Birth time: (i.e. 6:38 PM)
-Birth location: (i.e. Seattle, WA)

Once you’ve experienced a Natal Chart reading and have digested the information enough to understand yourself from this new perspective, you may be ready to explore other types of consultations.

Sample Natal Chart from Astrodienst
(click to enlarge)


Astrology Forecasts

Forecasts are what most people typically think of when it comes to astrology. But if you want a forecast that is based on your own unique chart and valid only for you then you will need to dig a little deeper than the typical newspaper sun-sign forecasts with which most people are familiar.

Once you have experienced at least one Natal Chart reading to enlighten you with regards to your soul intention and unconscious blockages it becomes very valuable to assess where you are on your journey and what opportunities and challenges are on your plate and/or on your horizon. There is a plethora of forecasting methodologies available including transits, progressions, return charts, solar arcs etc. Depending on the astrologer, they will use some combination of methodologies like these in coming up with a forecast.

While some people want to hear about specific events that ‘will’ occur in their life during a forecast consultation, the reality is that astrology can only reveal the potentials and alert the client in terms of where their power lies relative to circumstances. A client open to the process learns quickly how they alone possess the power to make their own life choices. An astrology forecast simply arms the client with extra resources and alternative perspectives to help them welcome circumstances into their life as part of a continual growth process instead of trying to block out life circumstances that don’t fit into their expected mold for their lives.

I get plenty of feedback from clients regarding the accuracy of ‘predictions’ and how pleased they were to feel more equipped to handle their circumstances due to their consultations with me. These same clients will often ask me how long they should wait for another forecast consultation. Based on how I structure my consultations I usually recommend to ‘check in’ once per year. My forecast consultations typically cover a period from several years previous to the meeting through approximately 1-2 years into the future. So once per year is a pretty good measure of time in between forecasts.

In fact, the Solar Return Chart Analysis is a great ‘once per year’ chart consultation that reveals themes for the client for the measure of one entire birthday year. This is a chart derived for when the Sun returns to the same location in the zodiac it was when the client was born. This occurs once per year within a day or so of their birthday. One drawback to the Solar Return consultation is that timing is relatively non-specific with the chart. I personally feel that giving the client an accurate sense of timing for life circumstances on their horizon is more valuable to them and provides more opportunity for prognostic feedback. I will often recommend getting a Solar Return reading in conjunction with other forecasting modalities to better sync a sense of timing with the consultation.

While these once a year forecasts make great birthday and holiday gifts for New Years, sometimes there are situations that come up in between these time periods where an astrological perspective may be beneficial. Such is often the case with relationships.

Relationships

Whether it’s with a romantic partner, business partner, friend, or family member, relationships are pretty complex organisms. Based on the Natal Charts of two individuals, an astrologer can assess the dynamics between them in terms of attraction, projection and opportunities for growth. The connections between two charts, called ‘synastry’, can be very revealing in this regard.

An astrologer can also analyze the couple in terms of their collective energy using what are known as Composite Charts and/or Davidson Charts. These charts look at the relationship as a 3rd entity; separate from the individuals that form the pair. A chart like this can be thought of as a ‘user manual’ for the relationship and can offer insight into the unique dynamics that exist within this pairing.

If both individuals are open to it, this can be a very powerful tool for growth and healing. This reading is NOT for finding out if someone is your soul mate but instead is a tool to assess how to work constructively with the existing dynamics within the relationships that you choose. Deciding on with whom to spend the rest of your life is always the choice of the individual.

While a relationship analysis is traditionally applied in terms of life partners and exclusive romantic relationships, this method can also be adjusted and applied to any interaction between two people including siblings, friends, roommates, parent/child, boss/employee, etc.

The feedback that I have received for my relationship consultations has been very positive. Couples that are looking to astrology to enhance their ability to understand each other and to communicate their differences find it very beneficial. Also, individuals that come to me regarding a relationship that they are questioning often receive the validation they are looking for to help them better make a decision regarding the future of the relationship in question.

Looking for an Astrology Consultation?

This article barely scratches the surface with regards to the types of astrology readings available and in terms of how astrology can be used. But my intention here is to introduce the basic make-up of astrology consultations and the value of forecasts and other astrological assessments in one’s life.

For more information on the personal consultations that I offer please visit my website at www.myastrochris.com and go to the Personal Consultations tab.

Thank you for reading!

The Astrology of 'Nothing' - Part 5 of 5: Cast Relationships

I am a big fan of the show “Seinfeld” and I can’t get enough of the syndicated episodes even though it has been off the air for over a decade. I literally cannot go a day without recalling an episode triggered by my daily life experiences. As an astrologer, I am bursting with curiosity as to how the characters’ fictional birth charts may look.

I love to speculate on the planetary configurations of the people I meet when there is a distinct personality trait that stands out. I do a decent job at guessing people’s astrological make-up but most of the time I am incorrect. Ultimately, astrology is just too complex to allow for such simple extrapolations based on a few personality characteristics.

But I thought it would be interesting to at least attempt to sum up the basic astrological make-up of the four main characters (Jerry, Elaine, George, & Kramer) of “Seinfeld”. This analysis is complete conjecture as there is no way of actually knowing the astrological make-up of a set of fictional characters. But over this series of articles (5 parts), I will explore my assessment of the ‘Big Three’ (Sun, Moon, & Ascendant) for each of the four main characters. I will also discuss how these configurations play out in their collective relationship as well as in their individual relationships. For simplicity, I will use the ‘Whole House’ system of astrology.

Enjoy!

Part 5 of 5: Cast Relationships

Jerry & George

Jerry sees George as both a fun friend (George’s Moon in Jerry’s 5^th house) and a potential business partner (George’s Sun in Jerry’s 10^th house). Considering they have been friends since high school and that they joined forces to work on the pilot for NBC, both of these assessments seem to fit.

George sees Jerry as a confidant for both his daily analytical musings (Jerry’s Moon in George’s 1^st house) and his ‘big-picture’ perspective (Jerry’s Sun in George’s 12^th house). One of the most obvious dynamics of the show is the relationship between these two with regards to their painstaking detailed accounts of daily life (Virgo Moon/Virgo Ascendant connection). Also, George is often enlightened through conversations with Jerry regarding the big picture aspects of his life (i.e. the day George creates a ‘pact’ with Jerry to change their lives and get married).

George’s Libra Moon is also in a favorable position to Jerry’s Sun in Leo and Ascendant in Gemini suggesting an easy friendship. George is somewhat of a ‘fan’ of Jerry in a way, so much so that he actually dated a woman who bore a striking physical resemblance to Jerry.

Jerry & Elaine

Jerry sees Elaine as both a friend (Elaine’s Moon in Jerry’s 11^th house) and a potential life partner (Elaine’s Sun in Jerry’s 7^th house). Jerry and Elaine just seem like a natural couple and yet there is a keen awareness of their lighthearted friendship and romantic boundaries as well. On more than one occasion their romance has started up only to fizzle back into a friendship.

Elaine sees Jerry as a source of security (Jerry’s Sun in Elaine’s 2^nd house) and as an ear to listen to her (Jerry’s Moon in Elaine’s 3^rd house). Jerry’s Leo Sun actually completes a Grand Trine in fire signs with Elaine’s Sun in Sagittarius and Moon in Aries. This gives Elaine a feeling of completeness with Jerry. Also, note how she reacted to learning how much money Jerry was making (i.e. when he was buying his father a Cadillac). It certainly stimulated her sense of security and rootedness within her own fiery nature.

Also note that they both have fire Suns which creates an inner sense of resonance while their Moons are out of harmony. She is honest and quick to react regarding her feelings while he is a ‘closed book’ and takes practical action regarding his feelings. This is one of the reasons they remain friends instead of lovers.

Jerry & Kramer

Jerry sees Kramer as someone who offers alternative philosophical outlooks (Kramer’s Sun in Jerry’s 9^th house) as someone with whom he shares a day-to-day domestic routine (Kramer’s Moon in Jerry’s 6^th house). Jerry and Kramer are often in discussion and disagreement over Kramer’s new ideas or suggestions for solutions to problems (i.e. the US Postal Service ‘write-off’ and the Michigan can redemption attempt). Kramer also enlightened Jerry on the ills of marriage after Jerry was contemplating making serious changes in his life (i.e. “….they’re prisons, Jerry!”). Kramer’s constant presence in Jerry’s apartment also irks yet somehow comforts Jerry who prefers his domestic abode to be predictable (Jerry’s Virgo Moon in his 4^th house). This conflict can be seen on both ends of the spectrum. For example, this can be seen when Jerry attempted to bill Kramer for his consumption of food but on the flip side as well when Jerry was upset with Kramer for not being home at a decent hour to eat chicken after getting a new job.

Kramer sees Jerry as both a fun friend (Jerry’s Sun in Kramer’s 5^th house) as well as a part of his day-to-day routines (Jerry’s Moon in Kramer’s 6^th house). Kramer is constantly indulging in his spontaneous self and goes along with Jerry on whatever trip or excursion he suggests (i.e. going to the Bronx to remove fliers off of George’s car). He certainly sees Jerry as someone who can lead him to fun. And just like with Jerry, Kramer has emotional investment in their domestic arrangement. They are both quite comfortable with their set-up no matter how irksome it gets for either one of them.

Their Moons are in a pleasant aspect to each other suggesting that their domestic set-up can work for them. Their Suns are in opposition which is reflected in the way that they constantly argue about what direction to take with certain matters. Also, Jerry’s Leo Sun can sometimes be taken off guard by Kramer’s Scorpio Moon. Jerry, who needs to be loved and the center of attention can sometimes suddenly feel excommunicated by Kramer without warning (i.e. the Bette Midler incident, the ‘outing’ in the newspaper, Jerry’s disgust for one of Kramers girlfriends, and Kramer’s quick response to a hypothetical question regarding turning him into authorities if he murdered somebody). Kramer can cut Jerry out of his life without a second thought.

George & Elaine

George sees Elaine as someone who stirs his deepest emotions (Elaine’s Sun in George’s 4^th house) and forces him to show up honestly and authentically in life (Elaine’s Moon in George’s 8^th house). Elaine’s fiery and authentic presence can’t stand George’s self-deprecation and constant deception and thinks nothing of revealing George for all that he is (i.e. impulsively throwing George’s toupee out of Jerry’s window). If George could gain more confidence to be himself, he would see that Elaine’s honest assessment of his character can serve as a launching pad for his own confidence and comfort. Also, the manikin that looked exactly like Elaine and Elaine’s sexy voiceover recording were very sexually stimulating to George (Her Moon in his 8^th house).

Elaine sees George as someone who offers alternative philosophical outlooks (George’s Sun in Elaine’s 9^th house) and as someone who triggers her emotions (George’s Moon in Elaine’s 4^th house). George and Elaine battle over philosophic preferences in a similar way that Jerry and Kramer battle. For example, when George and Elaine were discussing their lie to tell Susan so George could meet with Marisa Tomei, Elaine was getting frustrated with George for not letting any of her ideas into the discussion. Also, Elaine blows up emotionally as a reaction to George much more than she does with Kramer or Jerry. He certainly stimulates her emotional intensity (i.e. pulling his hat brim over hisface, tossing his toupee out the window, etc.).

George & Kramer

George sees Kramer as a part of his daily routine (Kramer’s Sun in George’s 6^th house) as well as a confidant for discussing day-to-day issues (Kramer’s Moon in George’s 3^rd house). There’s no doubt that Kramer is a constant presence in George’s life whenever he visits with Jerry. There’s also a ‘helpmate’ kind of image that George sees in Kramer. For example, George hired Kramer to cover as a dermatologist (Dr. Van Nostrand) so as to examine Mr. Krueger’s skin.

Kramer sees George as someone with whom he shares mutual emotional support (George’s Moon in Kramer’s 7^th house) and as someone who opens up his ‘big-picture’ aspect of life (George’s Sun in Kramer’s 12^th house). Recall that it was Kramer that supported George when he decided to start wearing a toupee. The instance mentioned in the above paragraph was also a show of support by Kramer for George. Kramer has been awakened to larger parts of life through his interaction with George as well. For example, it was through George that Kramer became aware of Frank Costanza’s holiday known as “Festivus”.

Their Suns are in ‘side-by-side’ signs as well as their Moons. George and Kramer are very different individuals but they can find harmony with each other as each of their Suns is in an easy aspect to their respective Moons. You’ll never confuse these two but when they work together they can find ways to create new things.

Elaine & Kramer

Elaine sees Kramer as a wake-up call to make changes in her habits (Kramer’s Sun in Elaine’s 8^th house) and as someone who is a source of fun and good times (Kramer’s Moon in Elaine’s 5^th house). Elaine has a habit of making quick judgments. For example, she rejected Kramer’s idea for the coffee table book about coffee tables only to find that her boss had wished she could come up with such an idea. Also, Kramer put her in her place as far as her dancing skills are concerned. Kramer is also a source of fun for Elaine and she even contemplated having a casual affair with him just to appease her starving brain during a bout of celibacy.

Kramer sees Elaine as someone who offers an alternative philosophic outlook (Elaine’s Sun in Kramer’s 9^th house) and as someone who he can get into hot water with when making mutually impulsive decisions (Elaine’s Moon in Kramer’s 1^st house). The disagreement over the coffee table book is a good example of a philosophic battle over ideas. Impulsively jumping into a dog-knapping scheme together as well as impulsive words and actions involved with Elaine’s bicycle are examples of how they got themselves in trouble by not thinking things through.

With the bicycle incident, Elaine impulsively stated that she would give her bike to the first person that could fix her neck (Moon in Aries). Kramer responded with equal haste as he adjusted her neck without agreement (Ascendant in Aries). They then found themselves in need of a mediator to settle the matter. This fiery connection between these two often results in arguments since haste is usually a part of anything they get into together and because they both want to be ‘the winner’. Remember also Kramer’s hasty support of Elaine’s endeavor to run the Jay Peterman catalogue. However, the sextile aspect between their Sun energies creates an easy ability for friendship to form between them.

Group Dynamics

-Their Moons represent all 4 elements (fire, air, earth, and water). This allows the audience to feel the full spectrum of human emotion and reaction through each of the characters.

-Jerry is the only character without water energy in his basic pieces. There was an entire episode that dealt with Jerry’s inability to express emotion which is represented by this lack of water energy.

-Elaine is the only character without air energy in her basic pieces. In one episode she grew tired of the same old discussions and interactions with the gang and found a group of ‘bizarro’ friends with which to join. Unfortunately, her fiery nature was a bit too much for this new group of friends to handle.

-George is the only character without fire energy in his basic pieces. George is so uninspired that he spent a significant amount of time living with his parents and trying to figure out what he wanted to do with his life. His only moments of inspiration are spurred on by interactions with his fiery friends like Jerry. For example, his decision to ask Susan to marry him was based on an inspiring conversation with Jerry.

-Kramer and Elaine both lack earth energy in their basic pieces. Kramer certainly has his head in the clouds and has trouble manifesting his many ideas. Elaine projects these qualities in herself onto Kramer (i.e. calling him a ‘hipster doofus). But in reality, Elaine has just as much trouble keeping her life organized and getting things successfully accomplished (i.e. when she had trouble running the Jay Peterman catalogue).

Part 1 of 5: Jerry

Part 2 of 5: Elaine

Part 3 of 5: George

Part 4 of 5: Kramer

This assessment is just my personal take on the energies of the “Seinfeld” cast and their interactions. I am sure there are dozens of potential views on these energies. But there is no way to actually prove or disprove my suggestions for these fictional characters.

So what is your take?

Thanks for reading!

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