Sunday, December 27, 2009

George Clooney: Confirmed bachelor or just hasn’t met his match?

George Clooney’s latest drama-comedy, Up In The Air, gets nationwide release today. As you may know, it’s about confirmed bachelor Ryan Bingham, who lives a cherished anonymous lifestyle as a corporate down-sizer. When faced with his own firing, he reexamines his choices and philosophies.

Obviously, Hollywood loves its parallel plotlines, as this film adds fuel to speculation of Clooney’s own confirmed bachelordom and makes us wonder: Is George really a confirmed bachelor or is it that he’s just not met his match? The stars tell all …

Star stats:
Birthday: May 6, 1961
Sun (basic personality): Taurus
Ascendant (social persona): Pisces
Moon (emotions): Capricorn
Midheaven (aspiration): Sagittarius
Mercury (communication): Taurus
Venus (pleasure): Aries
Mars (ambition): Leo

Verdict: Confirmed Bachelor
George loves love, is driven by it and can’t get enough of it -- but likes it new and fresh, like a delicious dinner. It’s something he indulges himself in like any leisure activity he enjoys, but it never becomes part of him, as freedom and independence are paramount to his idea of success.

The Year of the Metal Tiger is predicted to be tumultuous! How will you fare?


2010 is predicted to be a tumultuous year, but the Tiger's influence will offer us courage, while inviting bold actions and risk taking. The Metal element will provide steely resolve, fortitude and determination to accomplish goals.

About Writter:
Bill Hajdu has studied Chinese astrology for over 20 years, and he has been a leading astrology expert at allexperts.com for the last seven. He has made numerous trips to Asia studying the continent, its people and its culture. With his son, David, he established his website, Firepig, in 2002. It provides some of the most comprehensive Chinese astrology information on the Internet, supplementing an offering of products found on Astrology.com. Bill earned a bachelor of science degree with honors from the University of Wisconsin with a teaching degree in English. He is also a distinguished graduate (M.A.) of the University of Southern California, School of International Relations. Currently he lives in Berkeley, California.

New You in the New Year for dave and jo-anne.



The Your Past position reveals insight into previous issues, influences, or experiences that might have an impact on progress within your current and future life.


The Hermit in this position suggests that by your own hand you have gained some of the wisdom of the Father. You may have experienced a situation that tested your resolve and your unwillingness to compromise.
You may have recently completed an important project or task, or you were the initiator in a new one. Either way, it must have been your strong organizational abilities, as well as your ability to creatively inspire that led to success. You may have recently discovered the power of your inner force, and you should be able to recall this power as needed.


The Soul Search: father time, conscience, guide, face it, think back, wonder, seek proof, ask the questions, longing, leave a light on, examine, nostalgia, regret, read the writing on the wall, ghosts of the past, resignation, restless spirit, out of the fray.



In general, the Hermit represents the highest form of creation, as seen by his Staff or Wand, and His Wisdom is based upon direct experience. The Hermit is the Wise Father, who, rather than participate in frivolity, prefers to be alone. He is introspective and embodies authentic Strength. He is the bringer of light on your quest for knowing your Spirit.

The Hermit shows you the process of completing unfinished business. He is the symbol that can motivate you to bring beauty, balance and organization into your life. The Hermit may not need to physically be alone in order to experience emotional, psychological and environmental space as He searches for meaning and significant understanding of the internal forces that move him. His quietude gives comfort, nourishment, harmony and new form to life. Some examples of the Hermit may be Merlin, Diogenes, Tibetan monks, the great philosophers, the oracles, shamans, Mercury in his highest form, aspects of Pallas Athena, Hestia, or the Crone, to name but a few. The Hermit reminds you to take time out to really listen to or develop your own inner wisdom, or follow your own Star. Be open to counsel.

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Square

A square is present in a chart when two planets are 90 degrees from each other. The acceptable orb for a square is eight degrees. Another of the major Aspects, squares are generally considered to possess a hard energy.

Since squares are roughly three Signs apart (thanks to the 90 degree angle being formed), they are usually Cardinal, Fixed or Mutable in nature. Much like the qualities represented here, a Cardinal square denotes fast action, whereas Fixed squares speak to a more ponderous, measured state. Finally, Mutable squares can go either way, depending on other factors in the horoscope.

The essence of a square is friction. Things happen, and they're no small matter. The energy surrounding a square is forceful, intense and power-laden. It's effect on the individual will be to spur them to action, to cause decisions to be made. The risk to the individual influenced by a square is to ignore this Aspect's unmistakable energy. This Aspect will not be managed effectively until its force field and message are addressed. To illustrate the point, an individual with their Sun square Mercury might be expected to have difficulty when speaking. The lesson of this square will be to do the work necessary in order to speak more effectively.

A T-square is formed in the heavens when two or more planets are opposing each other and they square a third planet. In this formation, you have two squares present. Drawing a letter 'T' in the Zodiac is the easiest way to grasp this planetary formation. It is the third planet in this formation (the one not in an opposition) which is the focal point and the creator of the greatest tension (and by extension, the greatest opportunities). Lastly, a Grand Cross is formed when two pairs of planets are opposing each other. Think of a big plus sign dividing the Zodiac into four quadrants. In this formation, you see four squares. The tension created by a Grand Cross is quite strong and will surely challenge the individual. If it can be harnessed effectively, strength and success will be the result.

Aries-Cancer Taurus-Aquarius
Cancer-Libra Libra-Capricorn
Aries-Capricorn Gemini-Virgo
Leo-Scorpio Scorpio-Aquarius
Taurus-Leo Gemini-Pisces
Virgo-Sagittarius Sagittarius-Pisces

Sextile

A sextile occurs in a chart when two planets are 60 degrees from each other. An orb of six degrees is considered acceptable for this aspect. This is one of the major Aspects, and a soft energy is generally ascribed to it.

Since sextiles, by virtue of their sixty-degree separation, are usually two Signs apart, we tend to see positive Signs sextiling each other. By extension, negative Signs sextile each other as well. For example, it should be expected that Fire and Air Signs sextile each other, and that the same relationship will correspond between Earth and Water Signs. These relationships aid in the sympathetic energies between the planets involved.

Sextiles are about the easy and unencumbered flow of energy between two planets. There is a lack of tension inherent in this aspect which translates to the ability of the individual to accomplish much. Attraction is present, and self-expression is enhanced. It's important to note, however, that while a sextile presents the individual with opportunities, the responsibility is still on them to make things happen. A sextile isn't the answer to everything, but it's certainly a step in the right direction. Again, a sextile is harmonious and engenders cooperation.

Aries-Gemini Taurus-Pisces
Leo-Libra Scorpio-Capricorn
Aries-Aquarius Gemini-Leo
Virgo-Scorpio Sagittarius-Aquarius
Taurus-Cancer Cancer-Virgo
Libra-Sagittarius Capricorn-Pisces

Semi-sextile

We see a semi-sextile in a chart when two planets are 30 degrees from each other. This is one of a number of minor Aspects and, as a result, an orb of influence of only one to three degrees is acceptable.

With the thirty degree separation between the planets in this formation (they are usually but one Sign apart), the semi-sextile is half of a sextile. Even so, this Aspect is not quite as harmonious in tone as a sextile. Further, there tends to be a fated quality to this Aspect.

Semi-sextiles tend to create minor tension. It's not the big message or jarring jolt that's brought forth by an opposition or a square. Rather, there is a niggling sense of something going on underneath the surface which can't quite be placed. Unease is the result, and a sense that something should be done (or that if it were done, all would be better).

This Aspect also has a karmic tie. When two planets are semi-sextiling each other, we need to know that there is a lesson (albeit a small one) to be dealt with and effectively overcome. This lesson may well come to us from our past. Lastly, with this Aspect, there is always that karmic connection. Something is out there, and while we're not quite sure what it is, we just can't seem to break away from it. Is this yet another lesson from the semi-sextile?

Aries-Pisces Gemini-Cancer
Virgo-Libra Sagittarius-Capricorn
Aries-Taurus Cancer-Leo
Libra-Scorpio Capricorn-Aquarius
Taurus-Gemini Leo-Virgo
Scorpio-Sagittarius Aquarius-Pisces

Friday, October 9, 2009

Conjuction

A conjunction is easy to spot in a chart: It is two or more planets situated closely together, generally within an orb of eight degrees. It is one of the major Aspects; neither a hard nor soft energy is specifically ascribed to it.

While conjunctions are often found within the same Sign, they can also fall within adjacent Signs. For example, Mars at 27 degrees Gemini is conjunct Venus at 1 degree Cancer. Here we see an orb of influence of 4 degrees. As with all Aspects, the more exact the angular measurement, or specificity of the orb, the more intense the energy. Therefore, a conjunction at 0 or 1 degrees would be much more powerful than one at 4 degrees.

Conjunctions tend to add great emphasis to the planets and Sign(s) involved. There is no mistaking the effects of a conjunction, for they are palpable and often in full view. Pluto conjunct the Sun can give great intensity and power to the individual, while Mars conjunct Venus can point to an assertive lover. The House in which a conjunction rests is also affected by the presence of neighborly planets. Were the Mars/Venus conjunction noted above in the Fourth House of Home, it could presage domestic battle (or even bliss) between a couple.

The energy of a conjunction can be either favorable or unfavorable, depending on the planets involved. What is important to remember when considering a conjunction is that the tenor of the planets will be enhanced, magnified. This is not likely to be subtle energy.

When three or more planets are in conjunction, a stellium is formed. Again, these planets may fall in the same or adjacent Signs. A stellium has an energy all its own and also greatly influences the Sign and House where it resides.

Aspects

Along with the Signs and Houses of the Zodiac, the Aspects are key to our interpretation of a horoscope. Aspects address the angular relationship between planets and points in the Zodiac. To keep it simple, assume that the circle of the Zodiac is divided into twelve equal pie-shaped slices (which, in fact, it is, for the Signs). Since a circle is 360 degrees, each slice of pie (or Sign) is 30 degrees. Using the Earth as the center of the horoscope, we can make the following statement: if Venus is at 1 degree Aries and Mars is at 1 degree Cancer, these planets are 90 degrees apart and therefore making a mathematical square angle, or for our purposes, a square , to each other. Taking this a step further, if Mercury is at 1 degree Libra in the above horoscope, it will find itself 180 degrees away from Venus, or in a direct opposition aspect to that planet.

The major Aspects are conjunctions (at 0 degrees, or planets which are right next to each other), sextiles (60 degrees apart), squares (a 90 degree separation), trines (120 degrees in distance), and oppositions (180 degrees apart). Squares and oppositions are also known as hard Aspects in that the energy from these Aspects generally represents challenges to be overcome or a balance that needs to be found. Sextiles and trines are considered soft Aspects in that their energy is generally harmonious and beneficent. The energy resulting from a conjunction can be either positive or negative, depending on the planets involved and other Aspects, and factors, in the horoscope.

Minor Aspects which are often considered when viewing a horoscope are semi-sextiles (a 30 degree separation between planets) and quincunxes (a 150 degree distance). Other minor Aspects are addressed only if their angle is very precise.

Speaking of precision, Aspects between planets are usually not at the exact angular distances listed above. In order to calculate Aspects, Astrologers adhere to an orb of influence, or a set number of degrees within which a specific aspect is effective. For example, two planets which are 86 degrees apart may well form a square to each other even though they are not at a precise 90 degree square angle. It's safe to say, however, that the closer the planets are to each other, the stronger the aspect's energy. Most Astrologers are comfortable using an orb of 8 degrees for major Aspects, or 8 degrees on either side of the angle (Aspects) being referenced (again, for a square, this would mean an orb beginning at 82 degrees and ending at 98 degrees). For minor Aspects, an orb of between 1 and 3 degrees is considered reasonable.

Aspects and orbs are both subject to interpretation as to their energy and distance, respectively. Lastly, Astrologers are quick to use the entire horoscope as an aid in gleaning the message of the various Aspects.

Orbs

It is a matter of personal opinion and experience in deciding whether or not two planets can be considered within the orb of a specific aspect. The following is a quick guide for orbs and aspects.

Degrees Orb
Conjunction 0 10
Semi-Sextile 30 2
Sextile 60 6
Square 90 8
Trine 120 8
Qunicunx 150 2
Opposition 180 10

Thursday, October 8, 2009

The Astrological Houses

1st HOUSE
The First House is also known as the House of Self as well as the Ascendant or Rising Sign. It describes your outer personality and physical attributes. It is the image we project to the world, our mask and outward behaviour. It represents the head and face and is ruled by the sign Aries and the planet Mars .


2nd HOUSE
The Second House is also known as the House of Possessions . It describes your material assets, monetary income, and the potential ways it may be earned. It also indicates what you value throughout life. This is the house of personal finance. It represents the neck, nose and throat and is ruled by the sign Taurus and the planet Venus .


3rd HOUSE
The Third House is also known as the House of Communication . It is the way which we express ourselves (through speech, written etc...) and think on an intellectual level. It also describes siblings, neighbors and our local environment as well as early education, mechanical dexterity, and short trips.It represents the hands, shoulders and lungs and is ruled by the sign Gemini and the planet Mercury .


4th HOUSE
The Fourth House is also known as the House of Home . It describes your residence, real estate, domestic environment, ancestry, heritage and roots as well as the past. It also indicates one's Mother. It represents the breasts and digestion and is ruled by the sign Cancer and the Moon .



5th HOUSE
The Fifth House is also known as the House of Pleasure . It describes romance, creativity, children, fun, talent, gambling, and enjoyment. It also rules the dramatic, and one's artistic ability. It represents the heart and back and is ruled by the sign Leo and the Sun .


6th HOUSE
The Sixth House is also known as the House of Health . It is your job, routine, daily responsibilities, diet, employees, pets, and physical fitness. It also describes fulfilling your duty and obligations, and the conscious mind. It represents the stomach and intestines and is ruled by the sign Virgo and the planet Mercury .


7th HOUSE
The Seventh House is also known as the House of Partnership . It describes marriage, joint partnership or ventures, and business partnerships. It also rules divorce, legalities, open confrontations, contracts, lawsuits, and negotiations. It represents the kidneys and is ruled by the sign Libra and the planet Venus .


8th HOUSE
The Eighth House is also known as the House of Sex . It describes shared resources, inheritance, alimony, taxes, support one receives from others, and surgery. It is also the house of sexual behaviour, procreation, regeneration, death, and reincarnation. It represents the sex organs and is ruled by the sign Scorpio and the planets Mars and Pluto .


9th HOUSE
The Ninth House is also known as the House of Philosophy . It describes religion, travel and foreign countries, in-laws, higher education, publishing, import/export and ethics. It represents the hips and thighs and is ruled by the sign Sagittarius and the planet Jupiter .



10th HOUSE
The Tenth House is also known as the House of Social Status . It describes one's vocation, career, profession, ambition, reputation, authority, prestige, one's achievements and governmentand. As well as one's father and his influence. It represents the skin, teeth, bones and shins. It is ruled by the sign Capricorn and the planet Saturn .


11th HOUSE
The Eleventh House is also known as the House of Friends . It describes friendships and acquaintances, as well as hopes and wishes. It rules groups, organizations, associations, humanitarianism and philanthropic attitudes, and one's originality. It represents the ankles and is ruled by the sign Aquarius and the planets Saturn and Uranus .


12th HOUSE
The Twelfth House is also known as the House of the Unconscious . It describes the hidden or unknown, the subconscious mind, the intangible, sleep, dreams, sympathy, karma and spiritual debt. It rules solitude, confinement, fears, sorrow, secrets, hidden enemies, non-reality, drugs, institutions, public welfare and charity. It represents the feet and is ruled by the sign Pisces and the planets Jupiter and Neptune .

The 12 Star Signs:




Originally referred to as your Sun Sign, your Star Sign represents the Sign of the Zodiac that the Sun was in at your birth. The Sun rules will power and ego. It is the core of your potential and uniqueness as an individual; who you are and what you are about.

Your Sun Sign represents the main direction and focus you want your life to take and your determination to accomplish what you set out to do. It is your personal honesty and integrity and your ability to command respect and authority, to impress and influence others.