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I don't believe in astrology, I'm a Sagittarius and we're skeptical - Arthur C. Clarke One of the first questions I had when I started learning about Astrology was "how does it work?" I have a fairly logical brain, and am analytical (I'm a Virgo Sun after all), so I felt that I really needed to understand this part before proceeding any further. Well, I still don't know, but now, many (!) years later I'm ok with not knowing exactly how it all works. As I'm old enough now, to be able to look back at some major events, I can see how they fit into my birth chart. Computer programs allow you to check the transits, on important dates in the past, and I've found that in itself very validating! There are 'many' books available covering the various philosophies around understanding Astrology, and naturally there are various points of view. At the risk of oversimplifying a very complex topic, I'll share a few things that reflect my own world view: We recognize ourselves in the patterns of the Universe because we speak the same language. We're made up of the same 'stuff'. As above. So below. We are in all things, and all things are in us. The Birth Chart as a Medicine Wheel There are many ways of looking at the 'wheel' aspect of the birth chart- it follows the progression of the seasons (both in the world, and the seasons of your life) - beginning with Aries, Taurus & Gemini in the Spring, Cancer, Leo & Virgo in the Summer, Libra, Scorpio & Sagittarius in the Fall, and Capricorn, Aquarius & Pisces in the Winter (Northern Hemisphere placements, reversed in the Southern Hemisphere). I've been reading a book called "Your Zodiac Soul" by John Wadsworth. In it he suggests looking at the birth chart through the lens of the medicine wheel. Each section of the wheel offers a gateway to wholeness. We are not only able to identify areas that may be challenging for us, but also the medicine to help us to integrate it. The shadow contains the wound, and the wound contains the medicine. Our own astrological 'maps' can guide us back to our place of power, our centre. This of course, requires work on our part, but the chart provides an excellent navigation tool that will help to guide us. Each one of the astrological signs and planets contains both the shadow and the light. I offer this, to remind you to look at the bigger picture. When I first learned about my chart - I looked at each sign in isolation - which sign was my Moon in? etc. and I pretty much left it at that. Now that I see it as part of something bigger, it makes more sense to me. You are made up of all of the signs, and all of the planets - even if there are no planets in some of your houses. You are at the centre of the wheel - looking up at the sky. A Bit about Birth Time The Ascendant (or Rising Sign) is the Zodiac sign that was rising on the horizon at the exact moment of your birth. It determines the placement of your houses on your birth chart. For example, in my chart, Cancer was on the horizon when I was born, making both my Rising Sign and my first house 'Cancer'. Now the thing is, the 'sign' on the horizon changes quickly. The zodiac sign changes every 2 hours. It moves through the full cycle of 12 signs every 24 hours, so having a fairly accurate birth time can make a big difference. Having said that, if you don't have a birth time, you will still get a lot of information from the placement of the planets in your signs. Thank you for visiting my blog! Until next time - Carol
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It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves - William Shakespeare De-Coding Your Birth Chart What Is a Birth Chart? Your birth chart is a blueprint of 'you'! On the day (or the night) you were born the Sun, Moon and Planets were located in very specific places in the sky, depending where you were born, and the chart reflects this. It's a snap shot of you (in the centre of the chart) in relation to the cosmos. Pretty cool, right? At least I think so. And just as 'you' are one of a kind, your chart is also! No two are the same. It isn't fate, or destiny - but there may be general tendencies suggested by the positions and aspects contained within your chart. Most people know their Sun sign, and might even know which signs their planets are in - but this is only the beginning. Just by looking at the 'pattern' of your chart (where the planets are clustered, etc.) says a lot about you. Beyonce's birth chart offers both an example of what a birth chart looks like, and 2 'patterns'. All of her planets are located on the left side of her chart. This indicates someone who is very driven, action oriented, and self motivated. It also shows a 'bowl' pattern with all of the planets contained within half of the chart. This gives her increased focus over the topics of the houses that the planets are located in. In addition to Patterns, some of the other things I may share about in this blog may include: The Ascendant, Chart Ruler, The Houses, The Luminaries (Sun & Moon), The Personal & Outer Planets, among other things. It won't be a linear progression, but rather a more organic one. I will share general information about different parts of your chart in order for you to better understand how they might apply to 'you' in your life. One of the other areas of focus will be the Moon. By combining the current Moon Phase, with the Sign that it's falling in, together with the house where it is transiting in your birth chart, you can get a more personalized understanding of how the Moon is being expressed in your life right now. As the Moon is my chart ruler, I have a special relationship with it! Over the past years I've studied (and am studying), with a few different Astrologers, and favour the Hellenistic or Traditional approach, using Whole Sign Houses. Like most things, it's a life's journey to study astrology, it is a vast subject with many different approaches. I can only share things based on my own experiences, and what I have learned so far. You are welcome to join me on this journey and play along at home! What will you need? A copy of your Birth Chart would be helpful so that you can get a more personalized understanding of how all of this affects you. There are many places that offer free charts, and I'll share my favourite one in the resources section. My main purpose for doing this blog is to share my passion for astrology, and would be very happy to have you join me as we travel together through our Birth Charts! On the 'resources' page I'll share favourite apps, books, websites, etc. that have helped me, and I hope that you'll share yours as well! Thank you for visiting my blog! Carol Virgo Sun, Cancer Ascendant, Aquarius Moon, Chart Ruler - the Moon |
Hi, I'm Carol - Thank you for visiting my Blog! I can be found most nights looking up at the Moon & the Stars, no matter what the weather. It was after I began learning Astrology and better understood the 'symbols' in my birth chart, that I felt 'seen', and gained some valuable perspectives about myself and my life!
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