My Top Tips For Astrology Beginners - Part 1

I often receive messages from people who are keen to become astrologers. Unfortunately, I    don't actually teach astrology but that doesn't mean that I don't want to guide students through their learning journey. With that in mind, I've compiled a few pieces of advice for anyone  who has just begun, or is about to embark upon, this fascinating quest.

TAKE A TOUR

Get to know what an astrology chart really looks like. I know this sounds silly but you have to be able to identify every detail in every chart you'll ever encounter as a professional astrologer, so it's important to become comfortable and efficient with the actual layout. The chart is, in effect, a map of space and time with you (or whoever you're studying) at the centre. The more up-close-and -personal you can be with this map, the better. Don't just skim the surface, absorb every detail - the signs, houses, planets, aspects, degrees, etc. In astrology, everything is relevant.

KNOW YOURSELF

The best person to analyse when you're starting out is YOU. With all the necessary ingredients required to be the perfect case study, use your birth data (date, time, place) to calculate your own natal chart, then take a good look.... It's important to be honest with yourself because not everything that emerges from your chart will be positive and flattering. If, for example, your chart says that you are prone to jealousy, think about it, don't just dismiss it. We all have negative personality traits which we'd rather not face up to, but your chart will present every facet of your character, good and bad. Accept your flaws as well as your assets because they are what make you the person you are.

DON'T TRY TO RUN BEFORE YOU CAN WALK

When we start out as astrology students we literally cannot wait to get to the most exciting part - predictions! However, doing forecasts is a long way off when you're still at the beginning. The most important thing is to get familiar with natal charts and practise the analysis and interpretation of them over and over again. The natal chart is the basic blueprint for everything else that astrology can be used for, so it's vital to get to grips with it before you attempt other, more complex techniques. Try out as many natal charts as you can by using yourself, family members and friends to test out your knowledge of what each chart represents. That way, you will be able to see how it all works and why your loved ones behave the way they do. Moody brother? It's his Pisces Moon. Overly strict mother? Her Leo Ascendant makes her want to be dominant. 

READ BOOKS, NOT JUST WEBSITES

I know this sounds bizarre in the 21st century when we have access to world's biggest reference library, a.k.a. the internet, but quantity does not equal quality. Anyone can set up a website on any subject and that includes astrology. Unfortunately, the world wide web is full of astrological misinformation and fake astrologers who want you to pay for everything. Social media is just as bad - the crap I read on Twitter from other 'astrologers' is appalling.

When I was an astrology student, the internet didn't exist (yes, I'm very old) and I now realise that was actually an advantage. The pre-digital astrologers like myself had to learn their craft from the bottom up. I sat at a rickety old desk in the spare bedroom of our house for hours at a time, reading astrological textbooks. My working 'equipment' consisted of reference books, ephemeris tables, an atlas, a pocket calculator, pens, and pads of A4 paper. Not only did we calculate everything, we also had to draw the charts ourselves. It was hard work but that meant that only the most disciplined, dedicated and committed students went on to become professional astrologers. However, we now use a combination of books and websites - particularly in our work - although most of my astrological knowledge is stored in my brain which was the whole point of all those years of study. Many of the astrological textbooks I used are no longer available, however, here are some books that I would recommend:

THE ONLY ASTROLOGY BOOK YOU’LL EVER NEED 

BY JOANNA MARTINE WOOLFOLK

The title is a bit pretentious as this is not the only astrology book you'll ever need, but nevertheless, this is a brilliant book for beginners. I haven't read it personally so I can't comment fully but my astrologer friends have highly recommended it.

RISING SIGNS: THE ASTROLOGICAL GUIDE TO THE IMAGE WE PROJECT

BY SASHA FENTON

This book is one I used myself when I was a student and I'm so pleased that it's still available now. Sasha Fenton explains everything in a down to earth but totally fascinating way. Her unique style combines traditional astrological information with her own observations gathered from surveys. For example, in her book on Moon Signs, she says that over 40% of people look like their Moon Sign and not their Rising Sign or Sun Sign. Facts like this blew my mind when I read them because no other astrologer provides this type of information. Sasha Fenton is definitely one astrologer who propelled me on the journey towards my own career in astrology. She is amazing.

THE NEW COMPLEAT ASTROLOGER

BY DEREK & JULIA PARKER

Another book I used as a student and read until it fell to pieces. Although mine was the original and this is an updated version, back in the 1970s and 1980s The Compleat Astrologer was the ultimate astrological textbook for blossoming astrologers and was revered in the astrological community. There's a bit of everything in it, so you can totally immerse your mind in all the facts and figures. A definite icon of astrological study.

ONLINE ASSISTANCE

For quick chart calculation I always use the website - www.astro.com  - a very comprehensive source for chart construction which is used by most astrologers. Personally, I wouldn't waste my money on an astrology software program because astro.com does it all. 

PATIENCE AND PERSEVERANCE

That old, well-known phrase 'practice makes perfect' is absolutely true. Once you have learned the basic principles of astrology, all you have to do is keep on doing it. The more you expose yourself to different people's charts, the more knowledge and insight you will gain. Astrology is a discipline, like learning a new language. There are no shortcuts. Be prepared to work hard to acquire as much experience as you can. If you really want to be an astrologer, it will be well worth the effort. 

Any questions? Post below.

Donald Trump....

There's a lot of Uranus activity in Donald Trump's chart right now so it's no surprise that he's more rebellious and controversial than usual: Solar Arc Uranus is conjunct his natal Ascendant. This combination tends to bring a reaction against change as well as a rebellious attitude towards established patterns and traditions. It triggers upset and the possibility of separation or divorce. Obviously this could refer to the end of his presidency, but could it also be more personal?

Natal Uranus is being opposed by Solar Arc Neptune. With this influence there is often a fear of the unknown. He'd never admit to it, but Donald Trump is probably scared of what his own future holds for him now that he no longer has the power and status of being POTUS. When you have held the highest position in the land, there is only one way to go.... Down. But this need not represent failure. Other former US presidents have embraced the end of their tenure with maturity and gratitude at having been given the opportunity and the honour of leading their nation. If Trump can adopt a more rational and reasonable perspective, he will be able to appreciate the success he's had.

Natal Uranus is being conjuncted by the Progressed North Node. This brings unexpected events which will have repercussions upon Trump's public reputation, leading to negative criticism. This planetary connection often occurs around the time of unexpected loss of a job or scandalous attacks. 

Donald Trump's Progressed Uranus has moved to oppose his natal Moon and conjunct his natal Sun. When Uranus hits the natal Moon by hard aspect in whatever chart - transit, progression, solar arc, etc, - it always indicates a change of residence. So the fact that he lost the election and has had to vacate the White House came as no surprise to most of us astrologers. Uranus conjunct his natal Sun showed sudden reversals and estrangements, as well as increasingly erratic behaviour.

Donald Trump's natal chart has his Sun and Moon in hard aspect to Mars in the USA chart so he was destined to be a provocative influence for his country. This planetary configuration was exactly triggered by the December Solar Eclipse and brought trouble on 6th January with the assault on Capitol Hill. The influence of this eclipse will last until June 2021. Donald Trump won't just disappear. Watch out for the consequences during the next six months - and beyond.....

Merry Christmas

Wishing all my readers a very

MERRY CHRISTMAS.

Wherever you are,

Whatever you're doing,

Whoever you're with,

Stay safe.

2021 - The Beginning Of A New Era

On Monday 21st December 2020 a conjunction between Jupiter and Saturn will take place at zero degrees (0°) Aquarius. This marks the beginning of a major new era which will bring hope and enlightenment. After all the heavy, oppressive Capricorn energy we've been under this year, 2021 promises to lift the load. There will be no overnight miracles, but there will be a gradual easing of restriction, worry and pessimism. We are about to enter a positive new era. Aquarius is about tolerance, philanthropy and humanitarianism It brings people together, celebrates diversity and recognises individuality. The renewal of society is iminent - and we will all be involved in the changes that are due throughout the next few years. 

Jupiter and Saturn meet every 20 years in an aspect known as the Great Conjunction. This time, not only a new 20-year cycle begins, but also one that will shape the world for the next two centuries. The conjunctions of Saturn and Jupiter occur in the same element for approximately 200 years. Now the current cycle in the Earth element is coming to an end, and with the Great Conjunction in Aquarius, we are at the very beginning of a new cycle in the element of Air when knowledge, communication and technology will dominate the next two hundred years.

Jupiter and Saturn have not been in conjunction in the sign of Aquarius since the 15th century. The last time they were together in that sign was in 1962 when they formed part of the 'Age of Aquarius' line-up which comprised a total of seven planets plus the South Node - all in Aquarius. The result was the beginning of a new, radical, forward-looking decade powered by a generation of young people born during, or just after, World War II, who decided to overturn the status quo. Although it would be 1967 before they really came to prominence, leading to the Hippie Movement and the beginning of a phenomenon called The Summer Of Love. The year 1962 and the Aquarius planets that defined it, brought a cultural revolution which would reverberate.throughout the entire decade and beyond.  

There have been other years since 1962 when a line-up of planets has occurred in Aquarius: 1986, 1998, and 2009. However, the year 1962 still remains the most dynamic of all  - so far -because it not only contained the highest number of heavenly bodies but also a Solar Eclipse. On Thursday 11th February 2021 there will be the biggest Aquarian planetary line-up in 59 years! Interestingly, when Jupiter transits Aquarius, mass social gatherings tend to be a theme, often connected to love, compassion, and a spirit of philanthropy and humanitarianism. Live Aid in 1985 is a prime example, and it will be interesting to see if something similar happens in 2021. Will this bring an explosion of creative talents? Another cultural revolution? Watch this space....

In early January 2021 transiting Mars will finally leave Aries after a six-month long stint and this will be when we start to rebuild our society.. During the rest of the year, Mars will be the driving force of positive progress as it freely transits throughout 2021 without any retrograde motion. 

A recurring theme throughout 2021 will be a square aspect between Saturn and Uranus which happens approximately every 21 years. These two planets represent opposing outlooks: Old versus new; the past versus the future; traditional versus unconventional. Under this planetary influence there will be tension as our need for freedom and spontaneity will clash with a need for structure and stability. Rules and limitations will be challenging, but without them there will be chaos. Under this planetary influence, there may be sudden and unexpected twists that will force us to do things differently or free ourselves from our past ways of thinking. Striking a balance between convention and innovation will be the main challenge of 2021. However, there will be a feeling of frustration related to differences in opinion - probably political.

On a more personal note, those of you born with planets or points in Aquarius will feel a surge of power, a new position of responsibility could arise and you'll experience a growing sense of optimism. The other Air signs will also benefit as Jupiter will form a trine aspect to Gemini and Libra Suns, as will Sagittarius and Aries when Jupiter sextiles their natal Suns. There are certain Aquarians who will be particularly affected/influenced. Those born on 11th February. will not only have a six-planet line-up in your sign conjunct your natal Sun on your birthday, but transiting Jupiter will hover over your Sun later in the year as it goes into a phase of retrograde, stationary and direct motion. In fact, everyone born between 11th to 21st February will be intensely influenced by Jupiter from 26th March until the end of the year. 

The sign of Aquarius is associated with progressive thinking and freedom. There used to be a saying "There is only one race, the human race." That is the bottom line - there is no 'them and us', there's just US. The international global community will become more important than ever in the years and decades ahead, and it is starting now! The generation born under this phenomenal planetary influence will come of age at the next Jupiter Saturn conjunction on 31st October 2040. Speaking of babies being born under this influence.... Aquarius is one of the signs of fertility, and with Jupiter, the planet of abundance situated there, will there be a post-pandemic Baby Boom? What will be their role in our destiny? Watch and wait....

The Presidents' Curse

The alleged curse known as 'The 20 Year USA Presidential Curse' (also the 'Curse of Tippecanoe', 'Tecumseh's Curse' or the '20 Year Presidential Curse') is a pattern of death in office of Presidents of the United States elected in years that end in a zero, from William Henry Harrison (elected in 1840) through to John F. Kennedy (1960). There have been no deaths in office since JFK, but then again, only two presidents have been elected in a year ending in zero since that fateful date: Ronald Reagan in 1980 and George W Bush in 2000 but crucially, both of them survived assassination attempts. 

William Henry Harrison was elected president in 1840, but he died in 1841, just a month after being sworn in. This became known as the 'Curse of Tippecanoe', derived from the Battle of Tippecanoe in 1811, when Harrison negotiated the 1809 Treaty of Fort Wayne, in which the Indigenous people ceded large tracts of land to the government. This angered Shawnee leader Tecumseh and brought government soldiers and Indigenous tribes to the brink of war. After Tecumseh was killed, his brother Tenskwatawa allegedly set a curse against Harrison in 1811. He was elected president 29 years later and died from natural causes on 4th April 1891, just over a month into his presidency. The cause of death was Typhoid.

Of all the US presidents elected in a 'zero' year since 1840, three died of natural causes, four were assassinated, and two survived attempted assassination. So, in all cases, death was near and only two escaped alive. Whether or not the curse is real, there is an astrological cycle which occurs every 20 years and has a strong influence over these presidents - the Jupiter Saturn conjunction. There has always been a Jupiter-Saturn conjunction within a year or so of the ‘zero’ Presidents being elected. The next one is due in December 2020.....

The big question is: Why does this only affect American Presidents? There are many intriguing connections to the USA national chart. The other big question is - why did the last two 'zero' year presidents not die as the result of the curse? Some astrologers claim that the previous Jupiter Saturn conjunctions have taken place in Earth signs and that since 1980, this major conjunction has occurred in Air signs. However, my research has proved this to be inaccurate, as the Jupiter Saturn conjunction in 2000 was in an Earth sign. The mystery remains as to why the previous presidents, Reagan and G.W. Bush survived the curse. Has its power weakened and what will happen to the president who is about to be elected on 3rd November 2020? Only time will tell....

Halloween Blue Moon

When the Sun is at the 8th degree of the 8th sign of the zodiac (Scorpio) in what was traditionally the 8th month of the year, we celebrate Halloween. Given that the number eight symbolises death, this seems entirely appropriate as on this date people wear costumes to represent the afterlife and everything associated with the hidden realms of the underworld. 

This year, we will have a Full Moon on Halloween, making the atmosphere even spookier and more highly charged than usual. The Moon has a repeat cycle of 19 years. This is when the Moon is at the same degree of the same sign on the same date. However, because this is not exact, the Moon doesn't always hit the target date of 31st October, either being a few hours too early or a few hours too late. That's why we haven't officially had a Halloween Full Moon since 1974, as the ones in between were either on 30th October or 1st November.

But this is no ordinary Full Moon! It's also a 'Blue Moon'. The Moon doesn't actually turn blue, but the term is used to describe a rare second Full Moon falling in the same month. A Full Moon is always in the opposite sign from the Sun, so the Halloween Moon will take place in Taurus the sign of it's exaltation - and intriguingly, also the sign which symbolises witchcraft and pagan rituals. This means that both the planet and the sign enhance each other, with the Moon becoming more powerful. At the same time, it will be conjunct Uranus, so the feeling on Halloween will be highly strung with erratic, emotional reactions. This will be especially true for those born from 29th October - 2nd November and 27th April - 1st May as the Sun, Moon and Uranus will all be in hard aspect to your natal Sun. Get ready for an electrifying night!

Mercury Retrograde

Mercury goes into retrograde motion three times every year, and it began a new phase on 14th October which will continue until 4th November. It doesn't actually move backwards, of course, but gives the appearance of going in reverse from the perspective of our position in the Solar System. However, this optical illusion frequently brings problems in connection with the affairs ruled by Mercury.

This particular Mercury retro phase takes place in the sign of Scorpio. During this time it will form the second of three opposition aspects to transiting Uranus on 20th October. The final opposition from Mercury to Uranus in mid-November. In world news this could bring a shocking revelation.

Mercury retrograde does seem to affect us all in one way or another. This is because, of all the planets, Mercury is the one which is connected to so many of our everyday routines. Phones, computers, transport, talking, reading, writing, etc. It's the planet of communication and commerce. So, when Mercury changes direction things go haywire! Phones malfunction, computers crash, vehicles break down. Exchanging information becomes dodgy too - letters get lost in the mail, or maybe you send the wrong email or text message to the wrong person. Say something, and it's more likely than usual that other people will misinterpret your words, or the meaning behind them. It's equally likely that you will take other people the wrong way too. Be careful what you say, read and write under this Mercury influence. 

So, how can we 'survive' this period without going mad? After all, in the 21st century, when we rely on electronic gadgets more than ever before, a broken phone or a wonky computer tends to spell disaster for most people. Well, to ease the pressure, it's important to realise that Mercury Retrograde can actually be a good influence. It's all about reviewing your situation. 

Imagine that you're driving along a road. This is symbolic of Mercury moving forwards. Now imagine slowing down, stopping, then doing a u-turn and driving back along the same road in the opposite direction. This is the real effect of Mercury retrograde. It's not about going backwards - it's about retracing your journey and taking another look at where you've been. Then, you can reassess your progress and decide whether or not you're actually on the right road.  

In essence, Mercury - or any retrograde planet - is not about beginning anything. It's important not to start anything new under this influence, and particularly with Mercury, don't sign any important contracts or documents. Mercury retrograde is not about starting anew, it's about re-doing - or at least re-thinking - what has already begun. It gives us the opportunity to stop and consider where we're going and what we're trying to achieve. A second chance to do the right thing. And that's why it can be a very positive influence.