The Luminaries: Sun and Moon

The state of the solar system at the time of your birth points to self-similar (fractal) qualities within you. But of all the planets, the "lights" - the Sun and Moon - are thought to indicate the main polarity of your being. In psychology, this has been articulated in the concept of complementarity between the conscious and unconscious contents of the mind. The Sun and Moon act as positive and negative poles - an intentional, directing element (Sun), and a suggestible, receptive one (Moon). In a beneficial relationship, the emotional conditioning of the Moon is given a purposive and positive expression by the astrological Sun. This has been called 'intentional living'. Wherever we allow our consciousness (attention) to rest, that we vitalize.

 The Astrological SunThere is only one center to our solar system, and there is only one center to your psyche. The Sun is the great central powerhouse which illuminates us and shows us where we can get the most from life by radiating all that our sun represents. In Jyotish, the astrology of the Hindus, the Sun is known as 'atma karaka', or soul indicator, signifying a person's confidence, authority and power - the ego center of the horoscope. The Sun is our central identity and 'true self', in that it is toward this more than anything that we should be moving and developing. Thus, it represents that which we wish to become and those we look up to. It is also our essence, our bliss, and that which we do for the sheer fun of it. The Sun is creativity, original flair, celebration and glory - the quality of output we tend to expect from heros and celebrities. But we are each capable of giving out more than we do - and I don't mean money. The Sun is about having a purpose large enough to animate the whole of your life and going about it with a tone of appreciation and joie de vivre. Your Sun shows how and where you can shine.Light your fire! Sun in Cancer  You are a very sensitive person who can rely on feelings and 'intuitive knowing' to get around in life. With the Sun placed in Cancer, you are very good at creating the receptive atmosphere and nurturing climate necessary for desires to grow and flourish . And since this sign is about drawing on all that informs and supports life, you should also seek to put yourself in situations that 'feed' you as well. Cancer energy is strongly impressionable. Emotional comfort and environmental stimulation are very important if you are to avoid becoming too introspective. Your attachments to the past make you a natural historian. Cancer is the mother of the zodiac, always making a home, protecting and providing a foundation for others. A sensitive sign where feelings and real experience count more than cold logic, it doesn't get any more physical and emotional than this. Cancer energy is always nurturing, sensitive, tender and moody. It feeds on emotional comforts, and often has a strong attachment to the past and ancestry.  Sun Trine Moon  Able to grow and progress throughout life without major emotional difficulties. Yin (male) and yang (female) energy flows easily. Resources are at hand, as are the necessary instruction on how to use them. There is an inner sincerity and naturalness that does not resist life, but looks for the truth of life as it is. A special gift for spanning generation gaps; bringing older and younger spirits together. Easily gains the respect of others.

Sun Semisquare Venus  Gentle charm and personal magnetism. There is a natural sense of discrimination and beauty which excels in music, drama, dance or any artistic profession. There is a love of making connections which is welcomed in social scenes of all kinds and gives easy popularity. Fosters aesthetic leanings with an appreciation of cultural matters. Sensual and refined with a tendency to be easy-going and accommodating.

Sun Sesquiquadrate Saturn  Construction, conservation and regulation of the life force. Lives cautiously and with discipline. There is always pressure to be responsible and 'do the right thing'. An ability to be highly successful in business through leaderhip and strong ambition, although there is a held-back-ness to life which delays and restricts rewards. Values and morals are exceptional and works for justice and benefit of the whole. There is a depth of character which comes from willing self-responsibility.

Sun Opposite Uranus  Unconventional, independent and drawn to whatever is different and original in life. Hates being tied down with the drudgery of routine, preferring instead to keep options open. Gets involved in causes that go against tradition, revolutions of one kind or another - social or political. Men in particular are eccentric or nonconformist. Computers, electronics and everything 'new-wave' appeals.

Sun Opposite Neptune  Dreams and visions are reality. High ideals and an ability to enchant with words and images. There is concern with the true mysteries of existence. Lives with no boundaries between the self and the environment. At home in the 'transcendental' realm; the most crucial experiences of life happen internally in the form of deeply sensitive perceptions. There is also a great affinity for music and poetry.

Sun Trine Pluto  A real talent for working with sensitive material and touching upon the more vulnerable areas of life. Able to handle 'delicate' matters without breaking stride, for emotional and tender areas of the human psyche don't phase. Enjoys getting beneath the surface and has an innate savvy for handling touchy subjects. Perfect aspect for any research investigation or detective work.

The Astrological MoonThe astrological Moon symbolises memory, memes and conditioning - the habitual, instinctive, unconscious side of our nature, and therefore the most predictible. Our interface with the environment - how we react to it - is best indicated by the Moon's position and the planets it aspects. Because it represents our upbringing and emotional background, the Moon denotes our sense of belonging and well-being (or not) and what we need in order to feel comfortable and content. But all too often the tendency is for the Moon to reflect back the frayed impressions of old hurts and vendettas, thereby wasting precious energy on painful and unproductive distractions of the past. Clearly what is needed is a more aspiring attitude; one in which we are continually banging our cup and demanding that our needs be satisfied! What is your special hunger? What kind of stimulation do you need in order to feel good about yourself? True gratification can be had only by feeding your Moon. The Feast of the Present is spread out around you! Moon in Pisces  Intuition is a fact of life, and you are sensitive, kind and gentle. A romantic with a tender heart, you love all that is musical and artistic. All of these aspects make you highly imaginative and idealistic. Strongly receptive, you can pick up on others' moods and emotions like a sponge. You have great empathy with the underdog and victims generally but must constantly beware of the tendency to see yourself as one and avoid the 'woe is me' lifestyle. There is also a hunger for emotional nourishment and for the ideal life. Don't be afraid to dream your impossible dream! .  Moon Sesquiquadrate Mercury  Speaks from the heart and feelings color reason. Mental processes are very open to the environment, so makes for strong perceptions and a creative imagination. There is a strong connection with 'the public' and takes an active interest in psychology and cultural studies. Gains support when it comes to writing, speaking and teaching. Women especially tend to be very communicative. Restless. Good memory and strong powers of recall.

Moon Square Venus  Discriminating, sensual and kind. There is great concern with beauty and comfort, especially in and around the home. An optimistic and charming nature; this is a very favourable feminine combination. Lives for loving relationships and pleasant memories. Excels in the aesthetic talents. Voluptuousness and eroticism are implied.

Moon Opposite Mars  Energized emotions. Can be a real moving force in the lives of others. A natural group leader or trainer; vitality and drive are communicated to all in close contact, especially the young. Emotional enthusiasm is strong. Puts a lot of energy and effort into surroundings and the domestic environment, but home life may also be plagued with quarrels. Moral courage.

 The Planets: Agents of the Cosmos

The planets of astrology are not just giant balls of rock and gas, but fractal reflections of the different facets of reality - whole self-consistent categories of meaning. They reveal tendencies which are in a continual state of 'becoming'. But each individual is responsible for developing his or her attributes and actively integrating the planets' detailed messages. Having had the broad qualities pointed out, you are free to work with or against the cosmic current. But you will only benefit from the universal self-organising process by intentionally and planfully improving on those features as depicted in your birth chart. We only get where we're going by moving in the right direction. Destiny is a matter of Destination.

 The Astrological MercuryMercury is the articulate messenger - Hermes - master of the networks, change and complexity. He represents mentality: words, thoughts, ideas, communications. But more generally, this is the planet of connections - everything that links and conveys - synchronicity - the magical crossroads at which the observer stands to see the 'similarity of meaning' in the converging strands of various causes and effects. This is the meeting place of mind and matter, where logic, wit and reason are brought into play. The power of thought. The power of words. The ancestor of every action is a thought, and how we say something is often more important than what we say. Words trigger attitudes and set up resonances of their own, continuing to do their work even when the attention is elsewhere. Guided by your Mercury, you begin to construct a bridge between yourself and the world, bringing together all the unique circumstances needed to trigger results that none of them could have produced on their own. Mercury shows how you can 'hijack' people, places and situations to your best advantage - the way you can go about getting your way. Mercury in Cancer  You sense things with the mind and understand that feelings are thoughts too. What does this or that thought mean? Where is it pointing? These are questions you ask. You use subjective rather than objective logic -- intuition and gut instinct. Poetry, music, and the arts interest you, as do psychology and the psyche.  Mercury Semisquare Mars  You are a very forceful speaker and communicate with great enthusiasm. Words just flow out and are always followed by an emotional impact that brings them home to your listeners. You have no trouble putting your feelings into words; in fact, you may have to exercise some control over your tongue, for you are quick to say things and everything you communicate packs a wallop. Things you say mean a lot. You have a great mental drive and lavish great energy on mental pursuits of all kinds. Ideas, words, books, and the like are pursued with great gusto.

Mercury Opposite Uranus  You do a lot to fulfill the popular stereotype of the "genius," so obviously brilliant are some of the things you think and say. You have such an outpouring of insights that having a conversation with you can be a real experience. Your mind works like lightning. Words and thoughts sort of shoot out, illuminating whatever subject is at hand. You really do have very different ideas and ways of expressing them. There may also be a sustained interest in communication, computers, electronics, and all that is electrical.

Mercury Opposite Neptune  You have more than just the gift of gab. Your words and ideas can transport and enchant listeners, carrying them beyond the world as they know it into the world as they wish it could be. Your imagination and sense of what connects all of life is felt in your speech and in the way you communicate. You love a good story, and a sense of the mystical pervades every one you tell. You are at home in the world of myths and dreams, for your mind soars on wings of the imagination.

Mercury Trine Pluto  When it comes to mental work, you have a perfect gift for research and investigation. You enjoy examining and analyzing, in particular when it comes to psychological and sensitive areas of the mind. Your ability to sift through the dross and come up with what is essential every time is exceptional. You like to discuss and communicate, again always at a psychological and very personal level. Others may find you intense. 

 The Astrological VenusVenus is harmony. She symbolises our relationship with all that we meet in the world. When we appraise or appreciate something, whether that be another person or a possession, this is Venus - the sense of love or appreciation we feel. Venus is reciprocity, interaction with others, compromise, reconciliation and balance. She is also our need for approval, and how we seek it - 'we' consciousness and union. This ability to get-it-together is also tested by our talent (or lack of) for developing a sense of wealth and affluence. Venus is what we love, feel comfortable with and what appeals to us. And she has much to do with desires, luxuries and their enjoyment. She is also about making oneself enjoyable. Thus her energy is what has been called the 'courtier spirit', which means being agreeable and smoothing the path. In many ways she shows us how we can get the most, both relationship-wise and financially, out of life. As the planet of balance and resources, Venus speaks to us about the ways one influences the other; for as any successful businessperson will tell you, you must be willing to spend money in order to make it. This is the lifeblood of commerce - there must be an out-going as well as an in-coming flow of energy. Good relationships require give-and-take, as do all successful enterprises. Venus in Gemini  Gregarious, you are very friendly indeed. You love to communicate, and thoroughly enjoy good conversation. Change, variety, and making connections are things you deal easily with. You have many avenues to explore when it comes to relating, but you may prefer to keep it light when it comes to love. Always on the move, you have many different friends and places to go. Travel will appeal.  Venus Square Mars  You enjoy life yourself and value gusto and enthusiasm in those around you. Feelings are something you express with ease, and you appreciate others doing the same. Emotional drama is valued rather than avoided. Your appetite for action is probably well known, and well noted. Sports, outdoor activities, and everything physical are high on your list of favorites. Sex is, no doubt, also important.

Venus Trine Jupiter  You have an innate love of the law and working things through, and you are not put off by problems and obstacles. On the contrary, you look forward to solving them. You have the ability to work with others, in particular regarding vocation or career guidance. You can advise and guide in matters requiring work-related decisions. Others find you a generous and loving person. You always share what you find and have a lucky streak too.

Venus Square Saturn  You value the simple life and have little use for pomp and circumstance. Your appreciation for hard work and discipline is natural and lifelong. You actually love responsibility and tend to pile on the work. Others may find you frugal or unnecessarily spartan, but you love simplicity as much as they love opulence. You can discriminate the wheat from the chaff and put great value on organization.

Venus Sesquiquadrate Uranus  You cherish whatever is different and out of the ordinary. The commonplace and the humdrum are not for you. Your friends and surroundings -- everything around you -- must be unconventional to the point of being controversial. You could care less what others think, and this independence is your passion. The way you show affection may also be unusual, and your partners are certainly nonconformist. You set a high value on being different.

Venus Sesquiquadrate Neptune  You place a high value on your dreams and ideals and don't consider them otherworldly or impossible. You experience the unity around you -- that which joins things together. There is a love of the sea and of whatever solves that which separates us. Mysticism, mythology, poetry, and music are natural. These are all known items to you. People who encounter you may sometimes feel deceived by your remarkable vision, which they enjoy when they are with you but find hard to maintain by themselves. They wish the world were like you say it is.

 The Astrological MarsMars is the planet of motivation and drive. It is the self-starting impetus, initiative and energy we need to get moving. When we search for the meaning of something, life or whatever, it is Mars that urges us on and keeps us searching. Mars also drives us against things too, as when it sends us into war and combat. Mars looks for the challenge, takes charge and pushes forward with a pioneering spirit. Mars is purposeful, direct and courageous; where our passion is, there we find the planet Mars. Thus it also has to do with ardor and impulses, and often signifies the sex-drive, especially in a man's chart. Martian energy enjoys becoming involved in the thrust of life - acting promptly on an urge and, within that conviction, creating more trust in its own actions. This is a circular process: The more we trust and act, the more we receive impulses that can be trusted. Mars in Virgo  You have an innate urge to save, salvage and conserve, and take the initiative when it comes to looking after the details of a project. You always want to help and to be of service - to have your talents fully utilised. You hate waste and are very thorough and precise. For the most part, you are understanding and accepting, but this can sometimes be perceived by others as criticism. You are a careful technician, good at finding practical solutions to problems. 

The Astrological JupiterWhen it comes to an astrology of success and empowerment, some planets are more important than others simply because of their nature. As the planet of outreach and exploration, Jupiter plays a very important role here. The Hindu word for Jupiter is 'Guru' (Teacher), and Jupiter is about having an outlook or belief system - something we can identify with or look forward to. It shows how we search for meaning in our lives, and therefore has much to tell us about our 'ideal' vocation. Jupiter is the guiding philosophy which provides us with our sense of direction and shows us how to approach life's problems. Jupiter is 'conscience', ethics, as well as our opinions and how we form them. It represents our speculations about the world and can tell us much about the process of self-discovery. As the 'lord of opportunity', prosperity, affluence, and all the benefits we earn through our outgoing-ness and out-giving to others, Jupiter's position in your chart is instrumental in determining your capacity for optimism and attracting luck. To enhance Jupiter's benefit in your life, follow the indications of his placement in your chart. In general, by adopting a spread of effort rather than a concentration - by accepting Life's invitations and maximising what they have to offer - by saying 'yes' to the exotic and unfamiliar - we deliberately extend our range of contacts and interests whereby luck can reach us. There is an organic connection between this attitude and the arrival of the good things in life. A note of warning though, you can have too much of a good thing. Jupiter in Libra  You could enjoy a career working with people as a go-between, negotiator, or mediator, for you can be all things to all people - a mirror. You are not interested in what runs deep, but prefer to control what goes on at the surface. You are a natural diplomat, and luck is drawn into your life by your natural ability to give counter-support and restoring equalibrium.  Jupiter Semisquare Pluto  A career in psychology, areas of the mind and self that are vulnerable and sensitive, is indicated. You not only like change and transforming experiences, you pursue them for their own sake. You head straight for whatever challenges your sense of identity and puts you through changes. This life path could also carry you into subjects like reincarnation, psychic experiences, and all that is occult or hidden from common view. You plunge right in, dig through the whole mess, and leave not a secret unturned. Yours is a career deep in change, transformation, and metamorphosis.

 The Astrological SaturnSaturn is the prince of the material world - the planet of materialisation and incarnation, self-containment and personal distinction. Saturn rules the limitations of the world we live in and so indicates where we are bound to learn self-discipline and duty - whether we like it or not! It is the boundaries around us that make identity possible. As time passes, you slowly but surely crystallise a personal identity, distinct and unique from the others around you, by excluding whatever does not seem compatible with your purpose. Each new day adds to this evolutionary sense of 'I', with the object being an increased sense of responsibility. Saturn is said to be the hard taskmaster, the planet that keeps us from getting carried away in one direction or another. And although it seems to limit and undermine, it also defines and clarifies. For it is the process of sedimentation - building layer upon layer with structure and control - whereby we see our ambitions realised. Nothing worthwhile can be accomplished without determination, concentration, persistence, commitment and patience. Saturn in Aquarius  You have an innate distrust of groups or large organizations and could tend to avoid what is new or future-oriented. You are, perhaps, too conservative and need to develop a sense of community and sharing with others. Learn to be independent. Practice impartiality and altruism. Strive to become more innovative.  Saturn Square Pluto  You may have a tendency to avoid sensitive subjects and to take refuge in duties and responsibilities rather than face issues that might disturb you or put you through some changes. You are a stern pragmatist in all that is psychological -- whatever wells up from inside us. Your need for psychological security and absolute truth in all matters cuts through most chit-chat and settles on core material. You concentrate on deep, inner changes in you and in others - depth psychology.

The Astrological UranusTo live a full and satisfying life, you must be vividly yourself. Many of us are afraid to be different, and the pressure to conform can be stifling. But to live creatively is to find your own way, even if this means going against the grain. This urge to free-will and self-authorisation is Uranus, the planet of fierce independence. Surprise can be stimulating - the jab that gets you out of the rut. And if you want to ride the wave of chaos instead of being swallowed by it - if you want to liberate yourself from the disruptions and shocks around you - you must voluntarily keep out of the groove. Realise that change is the only constant phenomenon. In randomness is all potential. Disorder increases possibilties. Chance! Uranus is the reverse of the status quo and always unconventional and heretical: If life is accidental, we are free to give it any point we like. Become Yourself! Uranus in Capricorn  You are innovative in the political and business arena. You find new ways to manage and control things and people. Ever practical, you come up with new or alternate forms of management -- breakthroughs in top-level management and corporate styles. You bring new life to conservative traditions.  Uranus Conjunct Neptune  You have real vision and insight into the unity that ties this world together. Your brilliant imagination and enchanting manner transport all who meet you beyond the mundane and into the extraordinary regions where you spend a lot of your time. You are a seer, in the true sense of the word, and possess a waking experience of that part of us that is mystical and dreamlike. You find new ways to bring people together, to unify situations. Unusual music.

Uranus Sextile Pluto  You have great insights into what motivates the public, crowds, and the mind in general. You can work with sensitive and vulnerable psychological areas without batting an eye, and would be good at instructing others in these areas. Your keen mind and gre at analytical powers always manage to get at whatever motivation is beyond apparent behavior. You can see what is behind touchy and very personal matters.

 The Astrological NeptuneNeptune is the desire and ablility to transcend normal consciousness and everyday waking life - to dream the impossible dream. This 'divine discontent' can be the cause of much mischief in itself, for to pursue the Ideal is often to avoid the reality of how things are. But, when it comes to many of the apparently insolvable problems, the Neptunian approach is often the most sensible and practical: Rise above it and get over it! The healthy tendencies of Neptune lie in its ability to see the cosmic humor in almost anything; to laugh at life's absurdities. And sometimes laughter is the only genuine response - the last great act of defiance! This is the art of 'sitting loose to life', which means developing a less resisting, more surrendered attitude in which we expect the best of all unfulfilled possibilities and potentials - and never stop dreaming! Neptune in Capricorn  The practical is the ideal. Form follows function. You have a dream of being in control - the puppetmaster. You are very interested in tradition and tend to be dignified and conservative. You believe in an orderly society led by benevolent monarchs - those who can see what to do.  Neptune Sextile Pluto  You work with real imagination and understanding in areas of the mind that are the most personal or private -- depth psychology. You are like a midwife of the spirit, assisting at the birth of each individual going through a spiritual or re-birth process. You accept the natural process of birth, spiritual and physical, and have dedicated yourself to helping it along. You would make a great teacher in these areas.

The Astrological PlutoPluto is the planet of profound change, starting deep within you and moving toward the surface, often touching upon the most sensitive areas. It's about waking up to the 'hidden things', and doing so by reaching an intensity of awareness whereby, once touched, you have no choice but to change and grow. Pluto is the process of becoming fully conscious of (revealing) what has been happening all around you, even though you may not have been aware of it. Like sex and death - you get to a certain stage in your development and suddenly you realise what's going on. Pluto is first-hand sensitive experiences and times of complete identification with a person, feeling or idea. This is very intense stuff, and to touch upon this material is to go through permanent change and transformation - inner alchemy. Pluto in Scorpio  You tear through appearances in an effort to get beneath, behind, and at the heart or essence. You may find psychology, initiation, mysticism and the occult of great interest. Intense personal change and inner growth are lifelong habits.   House Activity and EmphasisAstrologers agree that astrology is first of all the study of the angular relationships between the planets themselves. But this planetary framework is seen to shift and modify itself as the planets slowly move across the backdrop of the signs, the so-called 'fixed stars' which make up the zodiac. As the earth turns daily on its axis, the planets and signs appear to move across our field of vision through what astrologers have termed 'houses'. The sun rises at dawn and can be seen on the eastern horizon, or first house cusp, or ascendant. It reaches 'midheaven' at noon, and sinks below the western horizon at the descendant. 

Like the twelve signs of the zodiac, the twelve houses of the horoscope can be viewed as stages in a complete cycle: From the initial thrust of Aries and the first house, to the maximum entropy symbolised in Pisces and the 12th house. They provide clues as to which areas of your life can be given special attention and used depending on the signs and planets residing there. Here is an analysis of the house activity in your chart based on sign and planet emphasis. As you read along, keep in mind that each house represents a department of life, and the sign falling on each house cusp indicates the mode of action applied to the affairs of that house. In other words, the sign on each house cusp, along with any planet(s) contained therein, shows how one deals with the conditions of that house. The First HouseThe first house, also called the ascendant or rising sign, is a dharma house and connected with motivation and our approach to life. It also has to do with how we come across to others, thus our appearance and how we make a first impression. The ascendant is the essential stuff that bubbles up in us spontaneously - what is obvious to others as our trademark look or approach. The first house shows our ability to be recognised, how we make a directed effort, and how we exert our will. Cultivate the strategies of this part of your chart to move forward in life. Capricorn on the 1st House Cusp Capricorn is the business head of the zodiac, for it is the very opposite of the emotional Cancer. Given to clear ambition and practical insight and vision, this sign always takes a distanced perspective and a cool appraisal. Deliberate and painstaking, sometimes to the point of austerity, Capricorn loves work and the hard-earned results. Status and material reward are very important. Uranus in the 1st House  You are an original personality, who has the ability to make an immediate impression upon others through your unique outlooks and individualism. You are strongly independent and delight in being different and going against the grain. Motivated by freedom of action and individual expression, in general, you don't care what others think of you. Restless by nature, you require a lot of change and variety to keep stimulated. Conventional attitudes and conservative people are likely to bore you, while anything different and innovative attracts your interest.

Neptune in the 1st House  You tend to radiate a dream-like quality that draws others to you. You are also highly receptive to environmental influences and to other people. More positively, you have a keen imagination, intuitive and creative gifts, coupled with the power of inspiration. Though care is necessary with intoxicants, as these can over-stimulate your nervous system. You can leave yourself open to exploitation by being too yielding or impressionable.

 The Second HouseThe second house is connected with matters of wealth; how we respond to, enjoy and get in harmony with our surroundings. This is how we hold or acquire things (possessions, material goods, money, and other resources), and how we gain material support and sustenance. The second house refers to how we secure ourselves, how we make a firm foundation, as well as the kind of response we get from life and those around us. Therefore it has much to say about our material rewards. Aquarius on the 2nd House Cusp Aquarius, the sign of humanitarian goals and altruism. Always impartial and nonsectarian, Aquarian energy is communal (even global). The focus is on the goal, and the goal is always one that is for the many and not the few. Thus this sign is connected to far-seeing visions, world views and group work of all kinds. This sign tends towards coolness, independence. Moon in the 2nd House  You seek emotional security through acquiring material security. However, you may find your financial circumstances in life are quite changeable. You tend to form emotional attachments to possessions and can be inclined to hold onto things from your past. You may gain financial know-how or advantage through your family, mother, significant women or public life.

Saturn in the 2nd House  Financial success and wealth comes through good old-fashioned hard work and effort, and as a rule, you tend to be cautious and careful with regard to spending money and investing. You can be frugal when it comes to possessions, always limiting your purchases to what is essential and has value. This same theme carries through in your responses to people, and you don't tend to lavish affection or sentiment. You keep it short and simple and don't waste words; communications tend to be short and to-the-point. You are very determined and deliberate when it comes to mental work and might make an excellent researcher or scientist.

 The Third HouseThe third house shows how we make connections and communicate with the world. This is where we draw parallels, make comparisons, and sort through it all. A very mental house, it is concerned with finding, gathering, all manner of questioning, articulation and conversation. In short, it symbolises the functions of the rational mind - linking observations and ideas, and using them to our advantage. Pisces on the 3rd House Cusp Pisces energy runs deep and toward the mystical -- whatever transcends the everyday world. This sign is understanding, patient and compassionate. Super-sensitive, it tends to absorb it's surroundings like a sponge. The sign is very trusting, accepting and giving of itself for the sake of more important issues. It loves free-ranging activities which allow for some imaginative scope.  The Fourth HouseThe fourth house is a very emotional house, concerned with matters of comfort and security. Here is how we create the right conditions, the matrix or womb, in which our desires can flourish; the climate necessary for things to grow. It's about receptivity, nurturing and all the self-protective measures we take to ensure a secure base of operations. This is why the fourth house is related to the mothers, all 'mothering' functions, domestic issues and feeling 'at home'. Aries on the 4th House Cusp Aries is the sign of pioneers, leaders and 'firsts'. It is impulsive, assertive and spontaneous. It tends to act first, only thinking about what it may have done later. Rushing in where others fear to tread, Aries energy is attention-getting and always provokes a response from the surroundings and from others. It takes decisive action and loves self-reliance.  The Fifth HouseThe fifth house, another dharma or 'life purpose' house, has to do with creativity and warm out-going self-expression. Here is where we find our originality and flair, enthusiasm, and even pride in ourselves, building confidence and self-esteem. This is the life area of personal sovereignty, where we begin to recognise and appreciate our own dynamic and playful nature. All forms of creative expression (including love affairs and offspring) are connected with this house. Taurus on the 5th House Cusp Taurus is about drawing on the bounty of the earth, and seeking material security and physical safety there. It is the on-going, enduring, unchanging and preserving element. Hightened sensory input is also important, for it is the mission of this sign to not only find a sense of place within the material realm, but to enjoy it to the fullest, becoming physically aware of, and bonding with the environment. Venus in the 5th House  You have a strongly romantic nature and will probably experience many affairs of the heart. You know how to live and how to enjoy life's pleasures. You are easy-going, popular and well-liked, and other people are attracted to you for your infectious sense of fun. Children, in particular, find you easy to get along with. You appreciate the arts, and are probably artistically talented in some form of creative expression, especially in the performing arts.

 The Sixth HouseThe sixth house is the house of physical efficiency. Here we separate the wheat from the chaff; get a sense for what is useful, what is not, and make the best of it. This is the life stage of 'apprenticeship', where we make a connection between mind and matter, adapt ourselves to a situation and then seek to improve upon it. Hence the connection of the sixth house with routine; 'practice makes perfect'. The sixth house shows how well we handle the details of life - our ability to solve problems and get our way. Gemini on the 6th House Cusp Gemini is concerned with connections, communication and logic -- voice, thoughts, writing, and rational mental processes in general. It is also concerned with making comparisons, 'twins' and duplications of all kinds. Gemini is the communicator, the gossip of the zodiac, the collector of trivia. Gemini energy is unattached, independent, very inquisitive and changable.  The Seventh HouseThe seventh house, the descendant - opposite of the ascendant - is connected with partnerships, relationships and 'significant others'. Here is where we learn to strike a balance - the art of give and take. All that carries us beyond our personal self (and into an awareness of contradictory or complementary points of view) is symbolised by the seventh house. This is where we respond to the personal needs of others. Therefore marriage and union (yoga) are indicated by this house, as well as one's ability to respond to a marriage partner. Cancer on the 7th House Cusp Cancer is the mother of the zodiac, always making a home, protecting and providing a foundation for others. A sensitive sign where feelings and real experience count more than cold logic, it doesn't get any more physical and emotional than this. Cancer energy is always nurturing, sensitive, tender and moody. It feeds on emotional comforts, and often has a strong attachment to the past and ancestry. Sun in the 7th House  Your ability to gain recognition in life in either a personal or professional capacity is facilitated through union with a partner. You are at your best and most productive when you work together with another. Marriage is important to you and you can gain valuable experience from one-to-one relationships. You are drawn to powerful and strong-willed personalities or to people that you can respect.

Mercury in the 7th House  You are attracted to people who are intelligent, witty and communicative and seek these attributes in a partner. Mental rapport with others is important to you and, in personal relationships, this may take precedence over emotional interaction. You need to feel that you can discuss any aspect of your relationship with your partner. You are well suited to public relations work, as you enjoy meeting people and dealing with the public in general, though under certain conditions, verbal, written or commercial dealings with others can be difficult.

 The Eighth HouseThe eighth house is the house of first-hand transformative experiences and situations - those areas of life that we may not care to face, but we must face sooner or later... the so-called 'inevitables' of life, such as death and taxes. The eighth is also concerned with catharsis; the getting rid of excess parts of ourselves that we no longer need. This house covers initiations of all kinds, as well as activities where we find ourselves transformed toward a more integral position. Thus it also covers any jointly held resources, their problems and their benefits. Leo on the 8th House Cusp Leo energy is expressive, vital and exuberant. Often very artistic, and always theatrical and dramatic, this is the sign of creativity and the arts. Warm and big-hearted, Leo lives in full appreciation and celebration of the finer elements of life, bringing a dynamism and enthusiasm to everything it touches. This is the fearless 'becoming' stage, where things are done for their own sake, playfully and with pleasure. Mars in the 8th House  You have strong survival instincts and react quickly to threatening or risky situations. You can act recklessly and defiantly, yet you instinctively know how far to take things. Facing perilous situations can give you an adrenalin rush. You are also prone to arguments over money and shared resources with personal or professional partners. Problems and disputes could arise over legacies and inheritances. You may also be keenly interested in the occult or metaphysical subjects.

 The Ninth HouseThe ninth house shows where we are willing to go beyond our everyday experience in search of meaning. Traditionally the house of 'long journeys', the ninth house is where we take journeys both of the body and the mind. Philosophy, beliefs, speculation, opinions and how we form them all belong to this house. Any time we reach out, explore new territory, or align our activities with something bigger, we are operating in the realm of the ninth house. Along with Jupiter's position, here is where we can attract luck by keeping open and receptive to opportunities. Virgo on the 9th House Cusp Virgo energy is analytical and precise, always separating out what is worthwhile and worth supporting from that which is outmoded and of no further use. A mental earth sign, here the mind takes control over matter. This is the sign of 'ways and means', implementation, instrumentation, physical effectiveness and efficiency. Virgo energy is always facilitating, often caring more for others than for itself. Jupiter in the 9th House  You are a seeker of knowledge and wisdom, and have a deep interest in philosophy, spirituality and higher learning. Most probably, you will travel widely and acquire a good education and, if your inclinations are strong enough, you may study theology or comparative religions. Vocationally, you could have a flair for teaching or lecturing, the legal profession, publishing or the travel industry. Gains could be made in foreign lands, as your devotion and search for truth carry you across the globe, and certainly to the far reaches of higher thought.

 The Tenth HouseThe tenth house, commonly called the midheaven, is the house of success and glory, practical vision and achieving a public distinction. Therefore one's reputation and career are often connected with this house. The sign on the tenth house cusp, as well as any planets located therein, show how we can strive to be a benefit to - as well as how we can benefit from - society. The tenth house is about having a goal in life and the self-determination to reach it. Here is how we can 'live our calling' and become self-piloting individuals. Libra on the 10th House Cusp Libra energy is always responsive and conciliating, assuming the appropriate reaction or delicately-weighted strategic response to any question or statement. What is sometimes seen as two-faced is only Libra's facility at responding to each in kind, giving both sides equal consideration. This is certainly the social sign, par excellence. Impersonal and impartial, this sign doles out only what is demanded - nothing overdone, but nothing neglected. Pluto in the 10th House  You desire a measure of power and recognition in life, and can achieve positions of authority in your profession; however, you may need to guard against dictatorial inclinations, as these will cause unfavorable reactions in others. Possibly, employers or co-workers may act unreasonably towards you, but given time, your tremendous practical sensibilities and drive can root out and expose their injustices.

 The Eleventh HouseThe eleventh house is where we put our visions and dreams to work for others. The most future-oriented of the houses, the eleventh shows our hopes and dreams, and the opportunities we may have to reach them; how we can turn our dreams into reality. Therefore this house has always been connected with altruistic and humanitarian goals, as well as having the self-authorisation to set them in motion. Inventive and unusual, eleventh house activities often break from conformity, establishing new and unprecedented states of being. Scorpio on the 11th House Cusp Scorpio is intense, passionate, and very personal. It rushes past superficialities and right to the heart of any matter. A loyal friend but a fanatic foe, this sign does well in politics and all areas where someone who dares is rewarded. Associated with sexual energy, Scorpio loves to get involved, going down deeper, coming up dirtier, and laying bare anything that lies hidden there.  The Twelfth HouseThe twelfth house is where consciousness dawns - the house of the rising Sun. This is the indeterminate state - the chaos before the new impulse - where all is yet unfulfilled potentialities. Traditionally this is the house of 'sacrifice', and is often connected with prisons, betrayal and self-undoing. Although we can choose to become trapped and frustrated by the many obstructions to attaining our dreams, we can also choose to reach outward and upward to a more fulfilled state, transcending the usual down-dragging conditions and rising above difficulties - thus establishing a life nearer our ideal. Here in the twelfth house we have the capacity to attain liberation by using our visionary scope and working creatively with life's intangibles - the power of imagination! Sagittarius on the 12th House Cusp Sagittarius is nothing if not direct, candid, and to the point, for this sign is always concerned with the absolute truth of the subject at hand. Associated with philosophy, outreach and all things boundless, Sagittarian energy is always welcome in politics as well as social and community endeavors where its basic fairness and expansiveness is helpful.  

Lastly, there is no 'one and only' reading of the birth chart. The symbols of your horoscope change as your life changes - they mean one thing in the life of a youngster, and quite another in middle age. The mystery of the astrological symbols, and part of their beauty, is that they are flexible enough to be relevant and fixed enough to be meaningful, allowing you to approach your horoscope again and again with questions about past, present and future concerns.

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