Category Archives: astrology
I Was Raised by Uranus: Full moon in Aquarius 9th house
“Last night, I didn’t get to sleep at all…”- The 5th Dimension
Source: http://www.owlsdaughter.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/full-moon-aquarius.jpg
There was a moment late last night when I began wondering about the value and use of facebook. So I posted “I think Facebook is making me less human.” Luckily, my call into the facebook ether was responded to by a friend (who lives very far away geographically) who asked, “or differently human? or more human?” My response was, differently human, I suppose, but less. The more interactions I make, the more isolated I feel from actual humans. I get my cerebral fix but I’m missing the living, breathing messiness of humanity.
It just feels like a social shortcut—it’s a communication channel that feeds a certain intellectual need to know what’s going on among people I can’t be with often. And then, even when I meet with people, phones come out to check in or upload pictures. There’s usually a “oh yea, I saw that on Facebook about your <insert life event here>”. In a sense, this channel is necessary because of the logistics of my life today, however, I keep wondering what I’d be missing/gaining if I wasn’t connected this way.
Of course, after this somewhat serious pondering, another friend (a very close, childhood friend who also lives far away) attributed these feelings to my titanium exoskeleton.
It was during this moment of conscious questioning that I realized its trigger: the Aquarius full moon which was occurring in my natal 9th house of philosophy and higher consciousness. Ah, Aquarius.
I recently wrote about celebrating Leo so I think a celebration of Aquarius, as Leo’s opposite, is necessary too. I was raised by an Aquarian father, as well as a highly Uranian, Aries mother. The Water Bearer is my guiding force and also the constant reminder to balance self vs all. I struggle with isolation and immersion and real vs ideal. Read more about the sign of Aquarius here: http://www.astro.com/astrology/in_kd_aqu_e.htm.
Sun Kings of Leo: Jerry Garcia and Ian Anderson
Source: http://www.dead.net/sites/deadbeta.rhino.com/files/images/jerry_180x270.jpg
August is the month when the Sun travels through the sign of Leo. August 1st also marks the celebration of the birth of Jerry Garcia, the heart of The Grateful Dead. In medical astrology, the heart is associated with the sign of Leo. August is the birth month of another musical icon, Ian Anderson, lead singer and flutist for Jethro Tull, born on August 10th.
Both Jerry and Ian exhibited their Leonine traits in starkly different ways, however, they undoubtedly shined the brightest in true Leo fashion. While Anderson ostentatiously rocked out with a codpiece and snarling flute, Garcia jammed righteously and chose to rule less conspicuously, though not unnoticed by millions of followers.
Source: http://www.cliffordmeth.com/files/ian_tull.jpg
These musicians were born five years apart but share a Sun/Pluto conjunction, as well as a nodal conjunction: Garcia with Mars conjunct the North Node; Anderson with Moon conjunct North Node. If the birth times are accurate, both also have planets in the uppermost section of their natal chart which suggests a life led in the public eye.
Whenever the Sun makes its way through the degrees of Leo, it’s a time for us all to celebrate the life force of the Earth and express ourselves. If you learn anything from the Kings of Leo, it’s to be authentic, to shine bright, and to enjoy life. 
Read more about Leo here: http://www.astro.com/astrology/in_kd_leo_e.htm
National Political Astrology: Mr. Scorpio Speaker of the House- John Boehner, (R) Ohio
In the funeral wake of the loss of Democratic power in the U.S. House of Representatives during the current Venus Retrograde in Scorpio, I wanted to shine the light on the power of the new Speaker of the House: Scorpio, John Boehner, (R) Ohio. As astrology will tell you, the sign of Scorpio, ruled by the power planet, Pluto, is strong-willed, extreme, powerful, obsessive, secretive, and probing. Speaker Boehner will assume his new leadership role, after Aries, Nancy Pelosi, (D) California.
I find it interesting that soon-to-be former Speaker Pelosi’s Aries Sun is ruled by Mars, while soon-to-be Speaker Boehner’s Scorpio Sun is ruled by Mars’ higher octave, Pluto. In fact, astrology lore tells us that Scorpio’s former ruler was Mars, before Pluto was discovered in 1930, and there are still many astrologers who uphold Mars‘ rulership of both Aries and Scorpio. The point being, we are not losing a fighter in the U.S. House of Representatives—we have a different warrior.
I decided to pull up Speaker John Boehner’s astro chart, born November 11, 1949, and look at the progressions and transits on election day, November 2, 2010. I’ve used a default 6am birth time as I do not have an exact time of birth, so the Ascendant, House positions, and Moon will not be taken into account. Aspects of note are listed below:
- Note: Boehner’s Natal Moon can be anywhere between 11-26 degrees Libra, based on the day of birth and the Moon’s travel speed. This is important as the planet Saturn is current traveling around 12 degrees Libra (its sign of exaltation) and can bring rewards for hard work.
- Natal Sun/Mercury conjunction in Scorpio square Pluto in Leo. Progressed Sun/Mercury conjunction in Capricorn, conjunct natal Jupiter: This is a very important set of aspects! Nothing says “Speaker of the House” better than the Sun and Mercury in harmony, with planetary aspects to powerful Pluto, expansive Jupiter, in the backdrop of public recognition in the sign of Capricorn?
- Transiting Mercury in Scorpio approaching conjunction with natal Mercury in Scorpio: Boehner’s Mercury Return occurred soon after the election. Another nod to Mercury, the ruler of communication.
- Natal Venus in Capricorn trine natal Saturn/Mars conjunction in Virgo. Progressed Venus opposite natal Pluto: Another reinforcement of transiting Saturn, exalted in Libra (ruled by Venus). John Boehner is known to be a fiscal conservative, among other things, and his natal chart reflects delayed gratification, small business, favoring lobbyists, etc, with Venus in Capricorn (ruled by Saturn) in aspect to Mars and Saturn. It is also extremely interesting to see Pluto and Venus (power and money, big business) together. Restructuring of finances, anyone?
- Natal Mars/Saturn conjunction in Virgo: Hard…work…sustained…effort…steady…climb…to…the…top…criticizing…all…the..way…
- Natal Uranus in Cancer opposite transiting Pluto/North Node conjunction in Capricorn/conjunct transiting South Node in Cancer: Boehner was able to tap into the will of the people (South Node in Cancer) who wanted dramatic change (Uranus) in government leadership (Pluto/North Node in Capricorn).
Interview with Author and Cosmopolitan Astrologer, Hazel Dixon-Cooper (and FREE book giveaway!)
On the brink of a lovely new moon in Libra, I’m pleased to be able to host one of my favorite authors on the subject of astrology, Hazel Dixon-Cooper. Her latest book, Work on a Rotten Day, is available on Amazon.com and one lucky reader and commenter on my blog will receive a FREE copy!
SignOn2Nine: Astrologers usually have a heads-up on the effects of the upcoming planetary configurations. Did you plan this Work on a Rotten Day blog tour during the current Jupiter/Uranus conjunction due to its surprisingly lucky, unexpectedly opportunistic vibe?
Hazel Dixon-Cooper: Yes. My natal Sun is 27º Pisces and this conjuction occurs not only in my sign but so close to exact that it’s wildly exciting.
SignOn2Nine: Where does this conjunction fall in your own chart?
Hazel Dixon-Cooper: The 11th House. Lucky encounters with new people and groups, new doors opening, breaking new ground. Uranus is also Trine my natal Jupiter, which is at 27º Scorpio in the 6th House, another strongly positive aspect. However, even when the stars indicate the possibility of good things, we still have to make the effort to look for opportunities and make the most of them.
SignOn2Nine: I noticed on facebook that you have a Pisces birthday (March 18). How much do you own/disown your “dustbin of the zodiac,” Pisces rotten day-ness?
Hazel Dixon-Cooper: I love my Pisces rotten-day-ness!
SignOn2Nine: Since you’re near the Aries cusp, do you aspire to be one instead?
Hazel Dixon-Cooper: Nope. I’m not close enough to the cusp to have any Aries traits. In fact, I have very little Fire in my chart which means it takes a lot to push me from friendly dolphin into Jaws mode. I would like to have more of the Ram’s ballsy courage.
SignOn2Nine: Do you get along with Virgos, your polar opposite?
Hazel Dixon-Cooper: Some of my closest friends are Virgos or have Virgo Moons. We get along fine because we’ve learned to appreciate our polar opposite ways of thinking…and know when to kick each other’s butts.
SignOn2Nine: I’ve read Stella Hyde’s Darkside Zodiac in Love and Darkside Zodiac at Work. They’re good but mimic the theme of your books, as I was attracted to hers after reading yours. In fact, I believe your Rotten Day series started in 2002 before her Darkside Zodiac series in 2004.
Hazel Dixon-Cooper: That’s correct. Her series was the first of many dark-side focused books to appear after the success of Born on a Rotten Day and Love on a Rotten Day. I was flattered to see that happen.
SignOn2Nine: How does your book, Work on a Rotten Day, compare to Darkside Zodiac at Work?
Hazel Dixon-Cooper: Work on a Rotten Day shows you how to handle yourself around the various nutty characters for and with whom you work. Although it points out your own bad behaviors and shoot-yourself-in-the-foot traits, it offers specific advice in a positive way on how to recognize and change them.
SignOn2Nine: Would you challenge Stella Hyde to a Pisces/Cancer, water sign astro-duel? (Apparently, Hyde is a Cancer: http://booklightinc.net/redwheelweiser/author.html?au=182).
Hazel Dixon-Cooper: “I don’t duel,” said the non-confrontational Fish.
SignOn2Nine: On the subject of work and the 6th house, what routines do you adhere to when writing your books?
Hazel Dixon-Cooper: Routines? You’re talking to a procrastinating Pisces. The good news about my 6th House is my Scorpio Jupiter. That makes me somewhat of a workalcoholic and more focused. However, I’ve had to learn to 1) operate from my Virgo opposition to stay organized, 2) overcome my Neptune-bestowed tendency to fantasize that I can write a million words by sundown of deadline day, and 3) balance work and play. We all deal with this on some level. For me it’s still a daily struggle.
SignOn2Nine: As a teenager, I was a regular reader of Cosmo Bedside Astrology long before I began to study astrology in my mid-20s. I also used to steal the little Bedside Astrology booklets from Cosmopolitan magazine, obviously to read them by my bedside. How do you feel about that?
Hazel Dixon-Cooper: You were the victim of your larcenous Gemini ascendant. Thank your lucky stars that your double-Virgo-ness put the brakes on your career of crime early.
SignOn2Nine: Do you favor the Placidus or Equal house system? Why?
Hazel Dixon-Cooper: Placidus. It’s what I learned because most Western astrologers used it at that time and it’s still the most popular today. I think it adds more nuance to the natal chart.
SignOn2Nine: Who are your top 5 music artists?
Hazel Dixon-Cooper: That’s difficult. I love music and have favorites from classical to punk. These are among my favorites.
- Norah Jones
- Van Morrison
- Eric Clapton
- R. Carlos Nakai
- Rhianna
SignOn2Nine: What advice would you give to someone looking to become a professional astrologer?
Hazel Dixon-Cooper:
Read. There are many good astrology books for beginners. One that I recommend often is The Only Astrology Book You’ll Ever Need by Joanne Martine Woolfolk. It’s a classic in basic astrology and written for the lay person or novice student.
Study chart interpretation. Practice on yourself, friends, and family. It’s easy to get a free chart and mini-interpretation from the Internet. I’d recommend doing that before investing in a software program. Anyone can buy a software program and spit out a computerized report. To be a good astrologer, you have to understand what you’re seeing. You also have to have a feel for people. Listen to what they say. See them for the individual being they are. Astrology is so multi-layered, and so is every person.
Investigate free lessons online. Many popular astrology websites have free lessons that can help the beginner not only to learn, but to decide whether he or she is serious about the profession before investing time and money in a formal program.
SignOn2Nine: Is there any professional or educational training that you would recommend?
Hazel Dixon-Cooper:
The American Federation of Astrologers, of which I’m a member, offers different levels of professional certification through a correspondence course. Details are at: www.astrologers.com
The International Academy of Astrology offers an online professional training course. Details at: www.astrocollege.com
Thank you, Autumn, for having me here today. I enjoyed it!
SignOn2Nine: Thank you, Hazel! I’m still reeling in the excitement of having the opportunity to interview you and am so excited to read your latest book. I will add it to my Rotten Day collection.
Readers, don’t forget, one of you will WIN A COPY of Hazel Dixon-Cooper’s new book, Work on a Rotten Day. All you have to do is leave a comment (please keep it related to astrology) and I will pick my favorite response to get a free copy of the book. Happy New Moon!!!
Iggy Pop’s Grotesque Sexiness: Mars and Pluto
Image Source: Last.fm: http://www.last.fm/music/Iggy+Pop/+images/167360
Most astrological interpretations for natal Mars in Cancer tell me that I’m attracted to males that are caring, sensitive, and protective. Okay, that sounds really positive and sweet. Unfortunately, my natal Mars in Cancer is assaulted by a wide square from Pluto in Libra. And even though I’ve got supportive sextiles from my natal Sun, Mercury, and Venus, it’s Pluto that has the final say in my male selections. That’s why I’m drawn to dark, dangerous, or even scary male archetypes like Iggy Pop and Jim Morrison. But notice, they still have an effeminate look about them. Lovely blend of Mars/Cancer and Pluto/Libra, huh?
I did some Iggy-digging on astro.com and found his natal chart. You know what I’m looking at … yes, Mars! Iggy has a heavily aspected natal Mars in Aries, conjunct Mercury, trine Saturn and Pluto, and opposite Neptune. And I thought my Mars was assaulted. Holy hell! So, most astrologers can agree that Mars (ruler of Aries) symbolizes action, energy, aggression, anger, war, fire, passion, etc. In addition, Pluto (ruler of Scorpio) is known as the higher octave of Mars and symbolizes destruction, hatred, darkness, depravity, cruelty, power, control, etc. You put these two together and it smells like some good old-fashioned violence! To get a taste of similar energies with Mars and Saturn, see my post from April 2009: Mars/Saturn: Gun Violence, Rockets, Legalized Rape, and Shoot N*ggas [*Explicit*].
As front man for the Stooges, Iggy Pop is known for his body contortions, the invention of the stage dive, and other extreme performance tactics:
“Other exploits of Pop include rolling around in broken glass, exposing himself to the crowd, and vomiting on stage.” – Wikipedia
You might ask, “what the hell is so sexy about that? That’s absolutely revolting!” Yes, it is. I like to describe it as grotesquely sexy. Everyone has their own ideas about sexuality. I tend to think of it as a mix between heaven and hell, spirituality and and bestiality—not in the the way you’re thinking. Human is beast. Humans can be animals to one another and usually those animal tendencies come out in the bedroom, behind closed doors. Especially when you have Mars in the ring with characters like Saturn, Uranus (ha!), Neptune, and Pluto. One of the things I love about music performance is that a person can creatively express their inner beast in a public exorcism. Iggy is a talented individual: he’s a singer/songwriter, drummer, showman, contortionist, and Punk icon. That is sexy to a girl like me with natal Pluto in Libra in the 5th house of creativity and love expression which squares natal Mars in Cancer in the 2nd house of values, sensuality, and self-worth.
So, what’s the deal with your Mars? What turns your “radio dials”? :-p Holler at me on twitter: @signon2nine or facebook: Mercury x3: Signon2Nine.
Image source: Rock Around the World: http://www.ratw.com/issues/11/iggy.jpg
Saturn-ruled 8th house: Needs? I don’t have needs.
Saturn eats the needy. Yes, that means babies too. Image source: Heidekolb’s blog: http://jungianwork.files.wordpress.com/2009/11/rubens_saturn.jpg
Phew! I’ve finally uncovered the mystery of my 8th house, ruled by Capricorn/Saturn. I have difficulty getting my needs met. I don’t like to ask for help even when I desperately need it. I don’t like to acknowledge my needs because I see them as weakness. I don’t like to acknowledge other people’s needs because of the inability to acknowledge my own. I keep tight boundaries around my emotions and expect that others do the same. I’ve found that some of these qualities work very well—I have tremendous coping abilities. However, I’m lacking in real human relationships with other people who are not so frigid with their feelings.
The downside to this Capricorn/Saturn-ruled 8th house is that my natal Saturn is in my natal 4th house. And that’s not all. Natal Saturn in the 4th house is also conjunct my natal Sun (cusp of 5th house) and natal Moon. Yes, I’m a cold-hearted, daughter-of-a-bitch. These placements are awesome when I hear that someone has died or that impending doom is approaching—these placements are not awesome when I really just want to cuddle. Seriously, I do like to cuddle. I just don’t get the opportunity to do so because I’m too busy setting boundaries around when the proper cuddling time starts, who the proper cuddling partner is, and how the cuddling should be performed. Oh, and most importantly, self-imposed guidelines to determine if the cuddling is deserved, necessary, or merely an indulgence that highlights my weakness for wanting intimacy.
Dealing with this astrological arrangement poses many challenges. I swing to extremes when I decide that my emotional needs are important. I throw tantrums. I get drunk and cause scenes. I demand attention during inappropriate moments. I cry randomly. I laugh when others cry. Sigh… I have to find the appropriate balance with my humanity and my machine-like temperament. I admire machines and systems. But I admire humans more. We made the machines and systems to suit OUR NEEDS.
