Anne Massey’s astrology blog

Virgo and Libra

Tuesday, September 20th, 2011 | Ask Anne, Astrology Students, Astrology for You, astrologer's diary, astrology basics | No Comments

Reader question: I have a question for you – I have had my chart done a few times. I have heard different opinions on my rising sign, 29 degrees Virgo – 1st house. Some astrologers say, it is essentially the same as Libra rising. Others saying no, Virgo…antithetic

Anne’s response: There is a big difference between the last degree of Virgo rising to the first degree of Libra rising. We cannot change your Ascendant to be a Libra or imply that it almost is.

If the final degree of Virgo is rising, we tend to find a person, who is very driven to accomplish something in life and has worked diligently toward the perfect presentation of self—always putting the best foot forward, or knowing your most flattering side. (Ready for my close up…)

Antithetic means diametrically opposed, which is the complete or exact opposite. So that cannot be true. Libra is opposite Aries, and Virgo is opposite Pisces. Virgo and Libra are adjacent signs, their connection or lack of one, was called an aversion by classical astrology. Aversion is a polite way of describing we truly don’t like something, and have little or nothing in common. The energy between the two signs is actually mitigated by the fact that they are of equal ascension, meaning they rise for the same length of time each day—so the two actually work together, maybe somewhat reluctantly. › Continue reading

Astronomical versus astrological sky

Friday, January 14th, 2011 | Ask Anne, Astrology for You, astrologer's diary | No Comments

• Western or tropical astrology uses the Zodiac signs not the constellations as astronomers now define them.
• Copernicus—the father of the Scientific Revolution— was not only a Canon of the Catholic Church, but also a doctor, astronomer and a court astrologer.
• Rest assured this item for the latest 24-hour news cycle is not about to change a system of knowledge and wisdom that predates Christianity.

This new astrological constellation according to astronomer Parke Kunkle, who began the current sensational story, isn’t new. Astrology, absolutely is antiquated, the surviving astrological texts date back about 2,000 years. The authors of that era refer to ancient astrologers, so we can make an assumption that astrology is far older. Astrologers use the names of the constellations; however, these are names for the signs and are not directly linked to the constellations. Ancient astrologer-astronomers knew about it, and decided that it did not occupy an adequate length of the Ecliptic to warrant an immortal space on the band of animals. Rest assured this item for the latest 24-hour news cycle is not about to change a system of knowledge and wisdom that predates Christianity.

The story gone viral today and entering the 24-hour news cycle is about how the fixed stars have moved and now everything is off kilter—astrology with its 12 signs is antiquated, out of touch with reality and should now change the whole field of knowledge. We might still think that the Earth is the centre of the Universe and the Sun, the one and only star in the solar system, revolves around the Earth. That changed when Copernicus published his book. Incidentally he was not only a Canon of the Catholic Church, but also a doctor, astronomer and a court astrologer.

The way astrology defines the time when the Sun changes sign is different from astronomy. Vedic astrology practised in India is star-based, however, off a little from the astronomical measurements. Western astrology is also known as tropical and is based on the seasons to put it simplistically. Astronomers and western astrologers give an identical time for the change of seasons. This is primarily the starting point of western astrology with the twelve signs for the Sun used in generalized horoscopes. Astrology goes beyond the Sun… › Continue reading

Horoscopes 2011

Saturday, January 8th, 2011 | Ask Anne, Astrology for You, astrologer's diary | 2 Comments

“The best thing about the future is that it comes only one day at a time.”—Abraham Lincoln

A reader from New Zealand wondered if I was planning to post my annual horoscopes. I am not. However, in today’s instalment, I will be talking a little about how the energies in 2011 might influence the reader’s sign—Scorpio; the statements that might appear in a horoscope column are bolded.  When horoscope writers address the generalities for the signs, paying attention to what changes and what stays the same. The analysis typically begins with the most exotic and moves through to the level of the Sun, which marks the calendar months. I have written about Pluto in Capricorn, read the post, this influence began in late 2008 and I launched this blog then. Pluto is about 60 degrees from the early part of Scorpio—all signs are 30 degrees in length and form a circle of 12 signs. 60 degrees is an aspect in astrology, one that assists us to gain and achieve based on our actions. If we work through the wheel using the twelve segments as areas of life, Scorpios are dealing with communication, neighbourhood and the setting for daily life. This might see many Scorpios moving residence—I did.

 The next planet working in from the outer to the inner is Neptune, which is changing signs for a PREVIEW from April 4 to August 4. The new home for Neptune for 14 years is Pisces. This energy is harmonious to Scorpio. Neptune represents the mystical realm and has a knack for dissolving things. What was once important ceases to be so. This energy might manifest as spirituality, looking at life beneath the surface. It might bring creativity to the surface for Scorpio. Or it might make us want to forget our troubles at the bottom of the proverbial glass filled with some alcoholic nectar. Without an actual birth chart we can make educated guesses.  › Continue reading

Is Pluto in Sagittarius or Capricorn

Thursday, September 30th, 2010 | Ask Anne, Astrology for You | 1 Comment

I had an email question about the position of the planets, precession of the Zodiac, etc. from a reader in Australia. ”When astrologers talk of Pluto in tropical zodiac constellation Capricorn or Uranus in constellation Aries, do we combine this with the precession of Equinoxes, and say Pluto in constellation of Sagittarius, Uranus in constellation of Pisces? The short answer is no, we don’t combine.

Most western astrologers use the tropical zodiac, which marks the change of seasons. Sidereal and Vedic astrologers use the sidereal Zodiac, which adjusts the position of the planets by approximately 24 degrees (2010 adjustment). The signs of the sidereal zodiac approximately align with constellations of the same name.  Neither measures the sky the way astronomy does. › Continue reading

Questions about Interceptions

Wednesday, June 16th, 2010 | Ask Anne, Astrology Students, Astrology for You | No Comments

Question: Am I still a Cancer with the associated characteristics when my sign is intercepted? Answer: Of course you are. However, how naturally you express the associated qualities could be delayed or diminished. When you were younger you might have hidden your sensitive nature because the environment you grew up in did not support that kind of behaviour. The houses, in addition to defining different areas of life, describe our environment. When we live in an extreme climate our experience of life tends to be more extreme. In the harsh northern climates it is more about survival against the elements. Certain parts of life are necessarily emphasized over others. To endure several months in literal darkness or at best constant twilight would leave an impression and describe a different experience of life. The months when the Sun hardly sets and there is no true darkness would also be reflected in our lives. › Continue reading

Saturn, the Sun or the Moon

Monday, May 31st, 2010 | Ask Anne, Astrology Students, Astrology for You, astrology basics | No Comments

Your question: I’ve noticed that Saturn has returned to Virgo for a bit longer and will be heading back into Libra shortly. With my Sun in Virgo and my moon in Libra I was just wondering which is usually more difficult for someone to go through, Saturn in their Sun sign or Saturn in their Moon sign? See the response › Continue reading

Pluto, Saturn and the Moon

Friday, November 13th, 2009 | Ask Anne, Astrology for You | 8 Comments

I had a question about what it means when Pluto is transiting on the Moon is an astrological chart and Saturn in Libra is squaring both transiting Pluto and the natal Moon. It would take an article or two to address what this might mean. Firstly I want to state that it is important to look at the entire chart to get a good idea about what else is involved. Pluto, very simplistically represents profound change and when it influences the reflective, sensitive and highly personal planet, such as the Moon, our emotions, our daily experiences and comfort zone becomes something we have to address in depth. The Moon in Capricorn might mean that a person has always had a tight leash on emotions, what is practical, matters more than how it might feel. Openly showing emotion, crying in public or even losing one’s temper are not natural for Moon in Capricorn. I think Tracy Marks used a quote “Always listen to the control tower” as a description for Moon in Capricorn. Pluto has a knack of unearthing anything hidden, repressed or ignored, thus all kinds of emotional stuff is likely to emerge for your scrutiny. Saturn is the taskmaster of the Zodiac, and always wants something constructive to emerge from our ‘work’. So the question becomes, you have realized this about yourself now what are you going to do about it. During a time like this people may find that counselling is helpful. Now as with any energy, all of the action can play outside of your experience. Perhaps a sibling is making dramatic changes with career or marrying someone you don’t approve and have to learn to live with… We learn astrological concepts through isolating parts of it; however, the only way we can understand our lives is by integrating all of the concepts. This particular configuration playing out in one’s life, might be a time I would state, talk to astrologer about your chart, don’t try to figure it all out for yourself-you are more likely to fixate on the potential negative expression of the energy rather than welcoming the opportunity to know yourself more truthfully.

Interest and mortgage rates in Canada

Tuesday, June 30th, 2009 | Ask Anne, Current Planetary trends, Financial Cycles | No Comments

I have had several emails from readers asking for my thoughts on whether these are still on the way down. The short answer is NO. Interest earned on regular savings accounts and even terms is exceptionally low, and this won’t change in the short term. I don’t expect significant increase in interest paid until Jupiter reaches its exaltation sign of Cancer in five years. Banks and credit unions are imposing an extra percentage point on lines of credit — the bank of Canada rate of .25% did not reduce lending rates in direct proportion. The five year fixed rate reached bottom a week ago and is already on its way up. The shorter term rates remain low for now. The axis of the nodes of the Moon is one of the things I watch. These will shift August 21. From that point on I expect that the rates begin a slow climb upward. I think that July and the first three weeks of August are the ideal time to review your mortgage, consolidate loans and take advantage of the rates that haven’t been this low for several decades. In the so-called recession proof areas, real estate is now fetching asking price; it is becoming a seller’s market, which suggests that the bargains are over. At the end of October, Saturn which represents structures, limitations and business, moves into its exaltation sign of Libra. Saturn rules the North Node in Capricorn, so what is just and fair becomes the theme. A realistic value will be assessed and charged. Saturn returns to Virgo for three months in April 2010, which may bring some reduced real estate on the market. In British Columbia, this is likely to be properties created for the Winter Olympics.

What is a natal chart?

Tuesday, April 14th, 2009 | Ask Anne, Astrology for You | No Comments

Natal means birth. This is a birth chart or a personal horoscope. It is very different from Sun sign horoscopes which rely on the sign the Sun is in. A horoscope includes all of the planets and is calculated for the date of birth, place of birth and time of birth. The chart is a 360—degree circle, which is divided into twelve segments called houses. These all represent an area of life. Astrologers commonly use eight planets and the two luminaries-the Sun and the Moon. The planets are Mercury of communication, Venus of love and value, Mars of action, Jupiter of expansion, Saturn of boundaries, Uranus of surprises, Neptune of otherworldly and Pluto of transformation. The planets hold specific degree placements within that circle and form what astrologers call aspects to one another. › Continue reading

Moon and Change

Thursday, February 12th, 2009 | Ask Anne, Astrology for You, Current Planetary trends | 2 Comments

We watch the Moon wax and wane in the course of the month. We are fascinated with eclipses and when we see a full Moon we do look at it with delight. In astrology, the Moon represents change. The Moon has many different cycles linked to it. When she changes sign, form, declination, etc. we experience change. She is also the final timer in astrology. The Moon changes sign once every 2.5 days, at one-month intervals the Moon is full, and two weeks later we have a new Moon. The Moon describes the ebb and flow of our lives as well as gives insights into who we are and why we react to things the way we do. You can find a listing for the year on my website www.astrologicallyspeaking.com. I talked about the Moon’s declination cycle in my post February 10 and in the Canadian Budget item late January 2009. A reader commented on the Moon’s declination cycle, and I thought I should elaborate how this relates to both our personal lives and to what is happening globally. › Continue reading

Tags: moon cycles, moon declinations