Anne Massey’s astrology blog

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

Interceptions

Saturday, May 22nd, 2010 | Astrology Students, Astrology for You, astrology basics | 1 Comment

Intercepted signs are those that have no cusp in the astrological wheel based on various house systems. The interceptions vary between house systems. A chart may have an intercepted pair of signs in one house system and none in another, or a different set of signs. Illustrations in the article use the chart of Nick Clegg.  › Continue reading

Astrology Students test their knowledge

Monday, May 17th, 2010 | astrologer's diary, astrology basics | No Comments

On Saturday I had students writing a basic astrology exam at my house, all had taken classes with another instructor, a big change from a few years ago. Back then all of the students were my students; I love progress. The exams are offered in May and November each year—this year no exams will be offered in November. We choose the best Saturday in May; try to avoid Mercury retrograde and prefer to choose a date when the Moon is waxing. The exams are administered by the Canadian Association for Astrological Education; I was not involved in creating the exams this year, but it turned out that the level exam was one I prepared with a colleague back in 2007. Over 40 students of astrology wrote exams on basic astrology, natal chart delineation, forecasting and mathematics of astrology across Canada this past weekend. The tests are standardized; everyone gets the same test at each of the different levels. It is exciting to see that the Canadian Association for Astrological Education is becoming more recognized across the country. We are growing and are numbers are increasing. Back in December the first diploma astrologers graduated. The structure of the organization is changing to meet the growth and we are working hard on improving the resources to both our students and teachers. › Continue reading

Astrologer’s diary Mercury Rx

Monday, April 26th, 2010 | Current Planetary trends, astrologer's diary, astrology basics | No Comments

I just posted a response to the Mercury Rx piece based on a reader question. Mercury retrograde periods are about reviewing and revising our thinking. It is the planet of communication, commuting and learning—it makes connections and/or fails to make those when moving against the grain. Until April 28 it is about finishing things, reviewing and repairing. We are asked to let go of ideas that will not work. It isn’t the ideal time to begin new activities. However, most of us tend to make new choices and plan a new direction during these periods. It is so intriguing that we know what we are going to do by the time Mercury shiftshapes into its Morning Star phase, but do not choose to act if we happen to know that Mercury is retrograde. Yet many successful enterprises are begun with Mercury Retrograde. Other than signing important contracts or buying cars and equipment with wiring, I tend to ignore Mercury retrograde. › Continue reading

Mercury retrograde

Friday, January 8th, 2010 | Current Planetary trends, astrology basics | 2 Comments

Mercury became a morning star on Monday and will move direct Friday the 15th. Mercury retrograde is the best known phenomenom in astrology. Mercury has been retrograde this go-around since December 26. We quickly learn that we should not sign contracts and other important documents during these times. We should not buy vehicles and any equipment that has wiring. Mercury rules over all kinds of connections in astrology. This week I have had several discussions about Mercury retrograde—facts and myths. Remember that Mercury is also in charge of trivia! › Continue reading

Relationships Astrological Basics

Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009 | Astrology for You, astrology basics, relationships | No Comments

I just finished typing a short essay about how I became an astrologer—and it made me realize that the very first thing I became interested in was not who I was but what made relationships work. I decided to begin a series of essays about the insights astrology can offer. These days when I teach astrology I begin with the elements which describe our natural temperament, the way we are. These also instantly help us understand how we relate others. Understanding the four elements also gives insights into what else astrologers see when translating symbols into spoken language.

I will use pictures and basic symbols before even looking at the astrological glyphs, which are a means of encoding information. Symbols and pictographs have always been a way of storing information in a condensed manner. In this first instalment we will look at the circle. A circle has no beginning or ending, in astrology we have many circles, which represent eternity, primordial unity, inner perfection, and the heavens. The circle is also a symbol of time, the cosmic egg and creation. › Continue reading