Life is like a dream. We feel solid, but we're not. We're eternal spirits who arrive in the first breath of a celestial symphony, imprinted with the divine composition of that chosen moment. Call it your electromagnetic DNA. And it's illustrated on a birth chart most of us can't read. "The soul of the newly born baby is marked for life by the pattern of the stars at the moment it comes into the world." ~ Johannes Kepler, Harmonics Mundi

Just a touch more woo... "Psyche" and "Soul" are interchangeable. Psyche is classic Greek for soul and means 'to breathe'. Breath anchors us in this time & space, where human souls alone can manifest our dreams and desires. We're creators with a small 'c' and a destructive shadow, if trauma leads us too far astray. And a birth chart is your guide. And all you need to know to read anyone's birth chart are just three simple astrological basics... 10 PLANETS: electromagnetic frequencies of mind & matter 6 ASPECTS: dynamic conduits that mingle & modify the frequencies. 12 SIGNS: characteristics that add elemental color to the frequencies. (the luminaries are called planets for brevity) ------------ ------------ Most people associate astrology with the signs, but it begins with the planets. The signs (and aspects) are pointless without them. Every psyche is composed of all 10 planets, uniquely blended by select aspects and signs. It's a finely-tuned celestial machine and the singular operating system of every life on Earth. Free will does the rest. The only hurdle is a perceptual paradigm shift, from a material world to an ocean of energy filled with a multiplicity of souls. And each of us has an energy system we can read like a music score. "The tone-zodiac connects twelve zodiac signs to a twelve-tone musical scale. Ptolemy's Harmonics is the earliest known reference to a tone-zodiac." link "Everything in the material universe has a frequency and a corresponding sound vibration that creates and sustains its being." link 1:13:13 Phonetics is another system functionally similar to astrology, by breaking down the 10 Planets, 6 Aspects and 12 Signs into 28 parts. So just as all books are composed of different combinations of 26 letters, all birth charts are composed of different combinations of 28 'letters.' Once the 28 letters are memorized, like children memorize the alphabet, you can begin to 'sound out' any birth chart like an open book. But unlike a book, there's no beginning, middle or end and every 'word' tells a story. Astrology is rooted in Mathematics and both systems are curiously similar. Each begins with 10 essential parts and there's no real end to the journey. From simply basic to deeply profound, we each go as far as it suits us. Translated into the language of science... FREQUENCIES: 'the number of oscillations of energy waves' (planets) DYNAMICS: 'the forces that stimulate growth and development' (aspects) CHARACTERISTICS: 'qualities belonging to a person, place or thing' (signs) PLANETS govern the psyche, from the surface to the depths... ASPECTS blend the planets into a complex system of interactive energy... Everyone's heard of planets and signs, but what the heck are aspects? They should be calles conduits that blend and modify the planetary frequencies. And the one aspect we all know is the opposition, though most know it only as the Full Moon, the dance of the luminaries that enchants us all. They perform every month like clockwork and the whole world basks in the glow. CONDUITS: "transmit frequencies, electricity fluid, etc." The word aspects basically obscures the electromagnetic nature of astrology, where conduits makes it immediately clear. (Not suggesting it's deliberate.) The conjunction, sextile and trine aspects create a supportive flow and the square, quincunx and opposition aspects create a turbulent flow. SIGNS add elemental personality to the planets... Printable keyword charts HERE

Your psyche isn't who you are, it's how you perceive the world and how the world perceives you. Your psyche informs your consciousness and hosts the divine mystery of your eternal spirit, shaped by a multitude of lifetimes. So although any two people born the same day & year share similar qualities, each is a unique, eternal being. For example, Russell Brand & Angelina Jolie; and Greta Thunberg & Karl Rittenhouse, two sets of astrotwins whose similarities are hard to miss... Brand and Jolie are similarly driven, both following unusually similar paths. Thunberg and Rittenhouse are also similarly driven and both became famous at an unusually early age, though with apparently opposing perspectives. A painfully provocative astrotwin comparison is novelist Penelope Halsall and serial killer Ted Bundy. Both were exceedingly prolific, but while Halsall was highly creative, writing well over 150 novels, Bundy was brutally destructive. Bundy spent his early childhood with his maternal grandparents. He was told they were his parents and his grandfather exposed him to violent pornography and animal torture and warped his soul. All psyches are sponges from birth to age seven, the first three years in particular, and Ted's became hopelessly, tragically shattered by this church deacon with a monstrous shadow. The psyche hosts the still, small voice of the (eternal) spirit, but it can't be heard above severe early trauma that makes the psyche its handmaiden. Trauma can be released by a qualified hypnotherapist, but no one knew what lurked within Ted's poisoned young psyche until it was too late. (we'll analyze the aspects of the astrotwins on page four, still a work-in-progress.) Knowing the operating system of your psyche enables you to begin to bring your subconscious and unconscious into conscious alignment. It's the way to becoming whole and the true, sovereign master of your destiny. First pause in peace at mortal's gate then leave eternal to create and fear no death, for that's a lie the only point is that we TRY! The spirit soars in each new life a soul assured that all is right but memory dims each passing year as hope erodes from wear and fear We follow clues we think are true to find our way to what we knew with hollow ache of fading hope in search of truth with narrowed scope It's been our mortal plight you see that we forget eternity Planets, Aspects and Signs are the simple essentials of astrological science. And by the end of this page I bet you'll be like "OMG I GET IT!" It's that simple. And simple makes astrology more accessible and no less profound. And if you want to go deeper than the Planets, Aspects and Signs, just let your fingers do the diving. The Simplicity of Complexity "[A]ll complexity is made up of smaller, simpler parts. And by understanding those parts and how they relate to each other, we can begin to see the simplicity that lies at the heart of even the most complex systems." Medium.com

Astrology is a creative system, just like music, mathematics, phonetics, architecture and all the creative systems we can't live fully without. And we can't live at all without astrology, the energy system that defines everything 'under the Sun'. All creative systems are blended parts that create endless manfestations and none are more essential than the human psyche. "The human mind is the ultimate human resource." - Dr. Julian Simon It's said the average human mind is 90% unconscious. YIKES. But we all have windows into the murky depths and a few of us have revolving doors. And the ASPECTS create the openings. And once you know what you're working with, you can begin to be the CONSCIOUS master of your destiny. Subconscious & unconscious planets are both called unconscious for brevity... Aspects that connect conscious planets to unconscious planets bring the deepest depths to the surface. The supportive aspects are smooth & expansive, but the turbulent ones can feel like a hurricane. So your 'map' will help you right your course and the deeper you go, the more interesting it gets. As Above, So Within Everyone is born with at least a few conscious to unconscious aspects and the most potent are from your Sun and/or Moon to your Uranus, Neptune and/or Pluto (divine unonscious). These aspects profoundly influence our lives, so they're vital to know to make the most of where we are and who we can be. Here are two visual examples of conscious to unconscious planetary aspects... a supportive Sun to Neptune aspect and a turbulent Moon to Pluto aspect: (Aspects from the unconscious planets to Mercury, Venus and/or Mars are less dominant than those to the Sun and Moon, but still significant.) Aspects from the transiting planets above to the stationary planets within are called "transits'. Aspects from unconscious planets above to stationaary planets within create unique and predictable potentials for opportunities and change. Aspects from conscious planets above (Sun through Mars) to any planets within are brief, mundane and generally inconsequential. The Moon is the star of that show, the cosmic crackhead who never slows down and leaves all the rest in the space dust. And whether it's the planetary aspects you're born with, or the ones that form from above to within through time, they always shed light where it's needed. Transiting aspects create & attract circumstances, but free will calls the shots. So the better you know your operating system, the more prepared you are to direct the desired outcome. The beauty of astrology is, planetary aspects are entirely predictable, just like the clock & calendar the planets gave birth to. Unconscious planetary transits are generally eventful and often transformative. And Uranus, Neptune & Pluto are ruthlessly focused on growth and evolution, so the better we're prepared, the smoother the ride. (and you might want to buy an ephemeris) We generally perceive our inner world as a whole, but at times we're acutely aware of its separate parts. Like when the heart & head are in conflict, that's the Moon & Mercury. And if you were born with your Moon in a turbulent aspect to you Mercury, expect to question your perceptions. And if you don't you probably should. All circumstances arise from prior actions, whether we remember them or not. And karma keeps perfect score through countless lives. Nothing is chance or happenstance or even fate. Cause and effect is the science of free will. So trust the science. We can always ask for 'HELP!', but that's free will, too. Dr. Joe Dispenza defines the divine unconscious as: "no one, no time, no place." It's the still small voice that pulls no punches and is always in service to our spiritual development. We ignore it at our own risk and sometimes our peril. Aspects blend two or more planetary frequencies into unique psychological dynamics. The planets mix & mingle and absorb the elemental characteristics of the zodiac, creating a ponderous kaleidoscope of possibilities. (planetary aspects are analyzed below; signs will be added on page four) The most potent aspect is the conjunction; it blends the planetary frequencies into a greater whole. For example, the conjunction of Sun & Mars combines Ego & Drive, so the two become one. The Sun's will and Mars' aggression make for a fiercely driven soul, no matter what the other planets are doing. Because the Sun is the centerpoint of consciousness. And if Venus is also conjunct Sun & Mars, charisma is off the charts. Venus is the frequency of magnetism (and desire) and when unified with ego & drive, the three together create a fierce determination to achieve the heart's desire. And they usually do, to the admiration of others. And Sun+Venus+Mars will diffuse any envy with irresistable charm, so petty plotters are few. Now let's add a Jupiter opposition to the mix to complicate things a little. Jupiter is expansive and aspirational, with great generosity of spirit and a hunger for knowledge and adventure. BUT the turbulent opposition can tip Jupiter's happy vibrations toward excess, just too much of a good thing. And although it's well meaning, it can upset the Sun+Venus+Mars applecart and bruise that juicy and delicious fruit. And where there are gamblers, a wayward Jupiter is often involved. And a Sun+Venus=Mars opposite Jupiter soul with no knowledge of astrology has little guidance but plenty of pleasure-seeking energy. Now imagine Jupiter is not opposite but conjunct Sun+Venus+Mars and WOWZERS! All the positive qualities of Jupiter join the ego, drive & desire to create an amazing, beautiful and blessed soul, with the focus the opposition lacks and the generosity of spirit we should all be so fortunate to experience. And let's not forget the signs... so say this powerful four planet conjunction is in fiery Aries, there's not a more generous adventurer in the world - just try not to take those yearly seasons tickets for granted; in Cancer you may never have to cook or clean again; and in Aquarius s/he may lead the world to peace and prosperity. No matter what sign and elemental flavor they occupy, magnetism, generosity of spirit and tremendous will are a given. And Google AI perfectly agrees. So potent that the remaining six planets are like an afterthought. Sun+Venus+Mars+Jupiter is a rare astrological 'stellium' (three or more planets conjunct or close) And s/he's only hypothetical, anyway. We'll get the inside scoop on real people on page four. If astrology is new to you, the idea that you can know yourself and others so easily and intimately may seem too amazing to be true, but it is true. And one day you'll wonder how you found your way without it.

There's so much to gain from consulting an astrologer and so much more when you speak the same language. So I designed the BirthPrint™ to make it easier to learn the basics, wih more clarity than a standard birth chart. And knowing the language means the questions are deeper and the answers are more illuminating. So you get more for your money and that makes everyone happy. And new experiences bring new insights ad infinitum. BirthPrint™ order page Free birth charts at Alabe.com

The ascendant, or rising sign, is the sign on the horizon at the exact moment of birth. It reflects your persona, which may compliment, facilitate, elevate, frustrate or conceal your planetary dynamics. The ascendant determines what houses your planets occupy, which in turn determines what life issues you're most focused on in this lifetime. A chart that displays the ascendant and houses is a natal birth chart. Below is the natal birth chart and natal BirthPrint™ of Martha Stewart... (the inside scoop on everyone is under construction on page four) Memory isn't always reliable, so fortunately hospitals in most countries record newborns' birth times. In America it's sent to the town hall where the child resides and it's recorded on a long form birth certificate. Even if memory is just few minutes off it can mean false data, so just call the town hall and see. And if your exact birth time is unavailable, don't be too discouraged. The ascendant and houses are illuminating, but only the Planets, Aspects & Signs are essential information and require only an estimated or noon birth time. If your exact birth time is unavailable but you REALLY want it all... Try a chart rectification. It requires a qualified astrologer, it's pricey and there's no way to prove its accuracy. So if you can, have two or three astrologers rectify your chart, then compare the results. Good luck. Some people can't access their exact birth time, but thankfully the Planets, Aspects & Signs are available to everyone. Interesting fun fact: astrologer Ben Franklin disregarded the ascendant & houses for that reason. Both NATAL & SOLAR BIRTHPRINTS™ display the Planets, Aspects & Signs NATAL BIRTHPRINTS™ display the ascendant and planet-to-house positions SOLAR BIRTHPRINTS™ do not display the ascendant, the Sun is always on the horizon (1st house) and all the houses are a silent backdrop. (not to be confused with the solar return chart) The natal and solar BirthPrint™ of Martha Stewart... Natal BirthPrint™ _____________ Solar BirthPrint™ More on the ascendant & houses here and everywhere at your fingertips. The World Library

The cosmic guide through time, relationships and the psyche The top three areas where astrology is most often utilized are psychology, relationships and forecasting, where health and finances generally factor in. Here's a quick keyword glance... WITHIN THE PSYCHE PLANETS: Your psychological frequencies ASPECTS: Conduits that blend & modify your frequencies SIGNS: Characteristics that color & style your frequencies RELATIONSHIP CHEMISTRY: PLANETS: Psychological frequencies of each psyche ASPECTS: Conduits that blend the frequencies & create chemistry SIGNS: Characteristics that color the frequencies & create chemistry MAPPING TIME: PLANETS: Transiting frequencies above to stationary frequencies within ASPECTS: Conduits that connect frequencies above to frequencies within SIGNS: Characterisics that blend frequencies above to frequencies within oops! can't forget BUYING STUFF: Being so accident-prone a minor distraction may be my demise, I chose a placid celestial moment to buy a set of dishes and avoid triggering my high-risk vibrations. One year and a million distractions later and no breakage. Not dishes, anyway. And still breathing.

A quick review... 10 PLANETS: The electromagnetic frequencies of mind and matter 6 ASPECTS: Dynamic csonduits that connect & modify the frequencies 12 SIGNS: Human characteristics that color & modify the frequencies I am will ~ heart ~ ego ~ vitality ~ essential self The Sun frequency is the centerpoint of consciousness called 'ego'. It's the core of self-identity and casts its light over the whole personality. The Sun indicates the early relationship to the father, the model for ego development, and later to men in general (for males & females). Planets in aspect to the Sun are prominent in the personality and planets conjunct the Sun merge with the ego. The sign the Sun occupies infuses it with elemental color & style. I feel emotion ~ intuition ~ instinct ~ habits ~ memory ~ bodily function The Moon frequency is the seat of emotions, intuition and instinct. Planets conjunct the Moon merge with this frequency and are highly pronounced through emotional expression. All aspects to the Moon indicate the early relationship to the mother figure, the model for emotional development, and later to the relationship to females in general. The sign the Moon occupies infuses it with elemental color & style. I think intellect ~ reason ~ discernment ~ perception ~ communication Mercury is the frequency of reason, logic, discernment and articulation. Mercury is never more than one sign from the Sun and when they share the same sign there's a singular focus of ego and intellect. Aspects to Mercury enhance or inhibit mental perceptions and verbal expression. And the sign Mercury occupies infuses the mind with elemental color & style. I desire desire ~ magnetism ~ creative/procreative ~ attractiveness ~ charm Venus is desire & magnetism, receptivity & romance and the longing for an ideal. Lovers may come and go, but creative self-expression is all yours. It keeps the fruits of Venus sweet, with no extra pounds or morning regrets. Planets in aspect to Venus enhance or inhibit its beautiful light and the sign Venus occupies infuses the desire nature with elemental color & style. I assert drive ~ assertion ~ physical/sexual strength ~ force ~ competition Mars is the frequency of physical and sexual drive. It makes love and war and whatever else involves the physical assertion of energy. Bodily motion is Mars in action. Planets in aspect to Mars feel its force for better & worse and in turn will affect Mars' vigor. The sign Mars occupies infuses the natural drive with elemental color & style. I expand expansion ~ aspiration ~ joy/faith ~ optimism ~ generosity ~ understanding Jupiter is aspiration, optimism and the spirit of generosity. It seeks truth, knowledge, expansion and adventure. Jupiter is co-ruler of the subconscious with Saturn, its opposite. Deeply felt experience is stored in the subconscious, where it expands when an intense emotion is re-experienced through Jupiter. If positive, it's uplifting and expansive, if traumatic, it can incite excessive or reckless emotions. So releasing painful suppressed memory can heal what you can't reach with medicine and it can change your life. It's just energy. Planets in aspect to Jupiter are blessed by its uplifting frequency and its sign subtly infuses it with elemental color. I restrict contraction ~ discipline ~ doubt/fear ~ purpose ~ effort ~ temperance Saturn is the inner critic that brings ruthless self-analysis. Its highest impulse is to overcome perceived obstacles; its lowest is to cover them with defeatist graffiti as a monument to failure. And there's a vital need to recognize free will to avoid feelings of persecution or victim consciousness. Saturn is the co-ruler of the subconscious with Jupiter and restricts or inhibits deeply felt emotions that take root through traumatuc experience. Saturn is the keeper and reaper of past actions or inactions, whether or not they're remembered. Planets in aspect to Saturn feel its inhibiting demands for growth and its sign subtly infuses it with elemental color. I expose divine truth ~ ingenuity ~ independence ~ revelation ~ [r]evolution Uranus is the divine truth and ruler of the Age of Aquarius and gives rise to eXposure, revelation and [r]evolution. Uranus is the genius frequency common in Big Thinkers ahead of their time and electrifies with sudden insight. Planets in aspect to Uranus provoke disruption that leads to sudden awareness, ideally before wreaking havoc. Uranus is an unconscious frequency and the more conscious it becomes the more you can make it work for you. And growing pains are a natural part of the process of all the unconsious planets, courtesy of karmic circumstances. Uranus' sign subtly infuses it with elemental color. I inspire divine spirit ~ inspiration ~ escapism ~ divination ~ transcendance Neptune is the frequency of divine inspiration, soaring imagination and transcendence. Neptune is the small 'c' creator that blesses artists & healers. Planets in aspect to Neptune are touched by its magic. Music is Neptune in action and awakens the spirit that longs to return Home. Escapism is the dark side of Neptune; it seeks a shortcut to Paradise and some lose their way as the real world falls to ruin. The challenging aspects from Neptune bring the risk of deception, within the self or by others, when dreams disconnect from reality. But a strong, practical Saturn provides a grounded sense of reality. And self-awareness is key. Neptune's sign adds subtle elemental color. I transform divine will ~ insight ~ regeneration/degeneration ~ transformation Pluto is divine will and transformative power. It's the mythical Phoenix frequency, the will to rise from the ashes and begin anew. Pluto is explosively intense and purposeful and never easy, but always effective. Pluto in aspect to the Sun or Moon indicate a deep sense of powerlessness in early childhood that grows into a determination to become the master of your destiny or die trying. There's no in-between. Pluto has profound creative and destructive power and the sign it occupies subtly infuses it with elemental color. KEYWORDS FOR 260 ASPECTS You'll come to recognize these patterns in time: ASPECT PATTERN DEFINITIONS at Cafe Astrology The minor aspects often reinforce the major aspects, though they're generally overlooked. But that may change in time. I calculated mine only recently and Saturn is busier than I knew. And sometimes ignorance is bliss. KEYWORDS FOR 260 ASPECTS The 12 signs bring elemental characteristics to the planetary frequencies. The sign characteristics are most pronounced through the conscious planets, and generally much subtler through the subconscious & unconscious planets. Calculate your birth chart impulsive ~ headstrong ~ independent [CARDINAL FIRE] The first sign of the zodiac expects to be first in all things. And no matter how timid Aries the Ram may seem, you'll see their Mars temperament soon enough. Aries' enthusiasm is contagious and they project their fiery spirit into every possible circumstance, for better and worser. (opposite sign: LIBRA; CARDINAL AIR) nurturing ~ sensual ~ loyal [FIXED EARTH] Taurus are nurturers and lovers of luxury, beauty, comfort and tranquility. Ruled by Earth [Venus' twin!], no one works harder for their fruits than Taurus. The Bull is patient, steadfast and reliable and calms the spirits of more restless souls, a lot like nature does on Taurus' ruling planet. (opposite sign: SCORPIO; FIXED WATER) communicative ~ mercurial ~ highstrung [MUTABLE AIR] Mercury is the winged messenger and Gemini's ruling planet, who talks to everyone about anything. Geminis interact, inform and gossip and hold their audience in thrall. But the Twins can be a little changeable, so don't try to pin them down to what they said before. Just enjoy the ride and don't take anything personally. It's just a good story. (opposite sign: SAGITTARIUS; MUTABLE FIRE) sensitive ~ moody ~ nurturing [CARDINAL WATER] Moon-ruled Cancer is either clinging to the wall or entertaining a crowd with a loony story, it all just depends on their mood. Their emotions are as changeable as the lunar phases and they're as helpless to control them as the tides. And they'd rather be home than anywhere else. (opposite sign: CAPRICORN; CARDINAL EARTH) strong-willed ~ creative ~ courageous [FIXED FIRE] Sun-ruled Leo naturally assumes the world revolves around them. They're all heart and as courageous as they come. And roaring or purring, they live for their loved ones and incite the jackals' envy. And whatever life throws at them, Leo the Lion takes it all in stride. (opposite sign: AQUARIUS; FIXED AIR) analytical ~ practical ~ hard-working [MUTABLE EARTH] The Wheatbearer's quiet grace and sensuality belie a steel trap mind. Nothing goes unnoticed by their Spock-logical brains, grounded in psychic perceptions and common sense. Virgos listen and serve and tend to the needed things. And to sensitive Virgo, heaven is in the details. (opposite sign: PISCES; MUTABLE WATER) artistic ~ idealistic ~ charming [CARDINAL AIR] Venus-ruled Libra has a charming demeanor and seek balance to maintain their delicate equilibrium. Lovely Libra is symbolized by the Scales and it's hard to know what's true when you always see both sides. But Libra will never give up trying and their famous charm will be happily put aside for a fiery debate. Shades of her shadow opposite, Aries. (opposite sign: ARIES; CARDINAL FIRE) intense ~ private ~ passionate [FIXED WATER] Pluto-ruled Scorpio has a piercing intensity and a drive to expose what's hidden. Knowledge is power and nothing is as it seems and Scorpio will prove it. Scorpio is symbolized by the stinging Scorpion and the mythical Phoenix, who rises from the ashes transformed. And sexual union is 'ruled' by Scorpio because at its purest, it transforms the heart, soul & spirit. Heaven on Earth and still too rare in our 'demon-haunted world'. (opposite sign: TAURUS; FIXED EARTH) philosophical ~ optimistic ~ adventuresome [MUTABLE FIRE] The Jupiter-ruled Archer is the adventurer of the zodiac, compelled to learn, explore and expand. Fiery Sagittarian spirits ignite their surroundings and although they're brutally candid, they mean only the best. The Archer's arrows pierce to the heart of things to enlighten and uplift. (opposite sign: GEMINI; MUTABLE AIR) ambitious ~ determined ~ competitive [CARDINAL EARTH] The Saturn-ruled Sea-Goat is born to ascend a mountain no one else can see. They're determined to accomplish their goals and at their best, no one is more reliable. And Capricorn becomes younger in spirit as time passes and they finally stop to smell the flowers they probably planted. (opposite sign: CANCER; CARDINAL WATER) inventive ~ rebellious ~ independent [FIXED AIR] Aquarius is the Waterbearer of revelation and change. Uranian spirits can't be held back or tied down and their steely will is matched only by their opposite sign, Leo. Aquarius is humanitarian to the core and sees so far ahead they're driven to expose TRUTH and assist in the evolution of humanity. (opposite sign: LEO; FIXED FIRE) imaginative ~ intuitive ~ sensitive [MUTABLE WATER] Neptune-ruled Pisces are dreamers who swim in the sea of inspiration. Their divine symbol is the Fish and their sensitivity absorbs their surroundings like a sea sponge. It's said they contain the qualities of all 12 signs and their empathy is unmatched. Pisces is a chameleon and a born romantic and visionary. And so close to the source of all our dreams. (opposite sign: VIRGO; MUTABLE EARTH) Some say planets can be in only one sign at a time and cusps are non-existent. Others say cusp planets start days before they hit 29°. The rest of us are with the ancients, who considered 29°, the cusp degree, to be a special planetary placement. Every planet at 29° is literally straddling two signs. And once a planet moves into 0°, it fully occupies the next sign. Just follow the math. Earth is the only planet with no sign and Taurus is the only sign with no planet and all their characteristics match perfectly. So the only question in my suspicious mind is, who separated them? Taurus is grounded, nurturing & sensuous, like Mother Earth, and basks in her beautiful bounty, sometimes a little too much. Hindus worship the cow as the symbolic Mother and like Earth, the majestic bovine nourishes and provides for our basic needs, like ice cream & buttered popcorn. Taurus is said to be 'co-ruled' by Venus like a third wheel, because that's Libra's planet. Venus and Earth were called twin planets by the ancients and they even shared the same glyph, with Earth's inverted, so why change it? And why separate Taurus and Earth? Because it appears to be the case. And Earth was once named for the mythical goddess Gaia, whose Roman name was Terra. Terra/Taurus. Earth is now the only planet no longer named for a mythical god or goddess. Now it's named for dirt. Whose idea was that? Nobody knows. And what about Virgo, the Wheatbearer...is Chiron the Wounded Healer really her real ruler? That would make 12 for 12, so I guess time will tell. But I bet someone knows.

Illuminating and accessible to everyone... The Moon's nodes symbolize your spiritual purpose. The north node is the path you're moving into and the south node is what you've moved beyond. Together they signify the law of karma. And a conjunction of the South Node to the Sun or Moon indicates a powerful connection to the prior life. In eastern astrology, the north node (rahu) and south node (ketu) are fateful and fearsome. Vedic astrologer James Braha says Rahu represents "insatiable cravings and desire for power" when prominently placed. Ketu represents "the metaphysical, spiritual and otherwordly" and both are considered 'malefics'. I've used western astrology for 50+ years and have only a passing acquaintance eastern astrology or Jyotish. I do know that the eastern, or vedic system is rooted in ancient Hindu spirituality, while the western system is rooted in ancient science, free will and Jungian psychology. Eastern astrology uses the sidereal system, aligns with the fixed stars and the zodiac moves 'backwards' one degree every 72 years. Western astrology uses the tropical system, aligns with the seasons and the zodiac is stationary. As a result, the western and eastern zodiacs do not align. This means different planet/sign placements more often than not, leading to some intense personal conflicts... "I'm a LEO!" "No, you're a CANCER!" "I should know, it's my sign!" "Well I should know, I'm the astrologer!" "But all the books say I'm a LEO!" "Well all the books are wrong, NASA and I are right and you're a CANCER! For now." It isn't pretty. The thing is, signs are subjectively perceived and can't be definitively proven, so it's a philosophical stalemate, with or without NASA. But the two systems do align over the aspects. Eastern astrologers adopted the western system of aspect calculation by degree and the inclusion of the outer planets. So there's solid agreement about the dynamics (aspects). But the characteristics (signs) may be a point of contention forever.

Next: Chapter 4: The Inside Scoop On...