Anne Massey’s astrology blog

Change is in the stars

Tuesday, January 18th, 2011 | Astrology for You, astrologer's diary | 1 Comment

As the astrological month ends, many of the planets are at the end of a sign. Jupiter, Uranus and Neptune are each about to change signs. This week, the Sun is also at the end of a sign, getting ready to move on January 20. And there is a Full Moon tomorrow… thus we are dealing with the gibbous phase until then—that phase, astrologically speaking, is when we are perfecting, working hard and trying to get out a polished product, whatever that might be. Those of us born just before a Full Moon were born with this mindset, I have got to learn how to do it better, I can do better, and I certainly have room for improvement. Once a month our natal Moon phase repeats for 3.5 days and that is when we are learning about our role in life and how to best tackle it. › Continue reading

The Zodiac Story

Saturday, January 15th, 2011 | Astrology for You, astrologer's diary, astrology basics | No Comments

Much like finding how to get somewhere using the GPS, an astrological chart gives insights about how to navigate through life.

It is easy for the scientific community to debunk astrology, which does not conform to current specific scientific rules. The statement that we might have thirteen signs for horoscopes, caused reporters to contact many of us to get a statement. The National News ran the story at the end of the broadcast where the cutesy stories are read, the final minutes. It was so poorly compiled and understood by the reporter that the statements had become the Earth has changed location as has the Sun… completely nonsensical…

It has become obvious that people don’t understand the basic premise of astrology or the origins of newspaper horoscopes. Horoscopes as they appear in newspapers were the result of astrologers in Great Britain attempting to popularize astrology, and are based on the sign of the Sun; this began about 90 years ago. The actual horoscope or astrological chart is much more complex, the Sun is one of the starting points.

What information is identical between the two fields of study? Astrologers and astronomers time the seasons and eclipses exactly the same.

What is the Zodiac and where is it? How do we define the Zodiac differently from astronomy? › 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

Age, Mars, Energy

Wednesday, January 12th, 2011 | Astrology for You, astrologer's diary | 3 Comments

You are young at any age, when planning for tomorrow. I forget whose quote that is. I was reminded of that when I spoke to an older colleague, whose life is so full and active. I dream that I can keep up and keep on going when I get there in terms of age. Aside from the horrendous news around the world, people individually seem more energized than last year. There are so many changes in the stars this year.

This week, Mars moves into Aquarius on Saturday for about six weeks having spent the last six weeks in the sign of its exaltation. Mars energizes us when it is nicely placed for us. Potentially, Mars in Aquarius energizes people who have the Sun or Ascendant in that sign. With Mars we need to remember that he is the god of war, and loves to do battle, so the side effect of having Mars in your sign is that we are extra assertive (read aggressive when appropriate). The other three fixed (remember stubborn) signs are likely to feel pushed to do more either from within (the easiest option) or from an external source such as a demanding boss. For the mutable signs Pisces and Virgo it is more about making compromises and adjustments. For Gemini and Sagittarius, things move more smoothly—support is readily available. The Cardinal signs Cancer and Capricorn similarly are working toward adjusting while making compromises.  Libra and Aries get a boost and support from this energy. It’s a huge topic, of course, however heads up it is changing and until then while Mars travels through the last bit of Capricorn we may feel swamped, I have been doing overtime in my office and I work for myself, so no-one to blame, hah, ha-ha. So Mars moves ahead on the 15^th at 14:41 PST. On the 4^th of February Mars has his biennial meeting in Aquarius at 15 degrees plus change. That sets the tone for the next two years, wherever that occurs for you in your chart gives you clues about what is going to keep you busy for the next two years. › Continue reading

Astrology, Accounting and Hair

Tuesday, January 11th, 2011 | Astrology for You, astrologer's diary | No Comments

Astrology has many practical applications; one I have used with great success is timing requests for payment on monies owed. Collecting overdue accounts used to be part of my job description for many years. My success rate was high and some of the amounts were massive. In most instances I did not talk about the fact that I chose collection times and dates with astrology. At one company they continued to use astrological timing after I left. I always collected with the Moon in a cardinal sign—that is Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn. I avoided collecting with the Moon void of course. I noticed that if I began with Aries I might have to wait for a month, and naturally some people paid within a few days. If I collected with Cancer the results were faster and with Libra they were almost instantaneous and with Capricorn I also got an apology for the oversight. › Continue reading

The Moon

Monday, January 10th, 2011 | Astrology for You, astrologer's diary | 2 Comments

Moon reached its apogee today, which is farthest from the Earth. This happens once a month. The Moon’s passage around the Zodiac is about 28 days. The natural cycle in nature is that of the Moon in its journey around the Zodiac. We know that the tides are influenced by the Moon and so are our lives. In a way the Moon measures our tides. We tend to be more emotional at the Full Moon and with the New Moon we take action, chart the course of our lives with a new goal.  The waxing phase of the Moon, from new to full, is associated with growth and instinctive action. The Moon is in crescent phase and in Aries today. This month the New Moon was a powerful eclipse. Today is a day to take action, and to chase after things you need or want. I love watching people with the Moon information. On days when the Moon is in Aries, lasts about 2.5 days, people drive more offensively and seem to be in a hurry. I think of the Moon in Aries as the ‘race-car driver’ Moon, however, most of us only drive in regular traffic. I have this Month’s Moon schedule at the end of this post. For example, once again watching people drive with the different Moon signs, check out the behaviour of drivers when the Moon is in Gemini. You will catch people talking on the cell phones without the ear piece while making an illegal U-turn or reading the newspaper or one of the modern gadgets while snarling through rush hour traffic. Gemini is the information junkie who loves to multi-task.

In the Moon Watch for the Month listing you will see notations every couple of days stating that the Moon went void of course. This means that the Moon will not communicate with the other planets until she reaches the next sign. The next time this happens is January 12 at 18:47 PST and lasts about an hour. The listings are in the Pacific Time zone, which is 8 hours behind Greenwich meantime see footnote[i]. When the Moon is void of course (V/C or VOC) we should avoid beginning something new and take this to mean time out, it is not a good time to make purchases, we tend to buy on an impulse and end up with things we don’t ever use. I have the annual Moon listings on my website www.astrologicallyspeaking.com/voc.htm and I also have articles about the void of course Moon. › 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

Venus in motion

Friday, January 7th, 2011 | Astrology for You, Venus stories, astrologer's diary | 1 Comment

“The joy of a spirit is the measure of its power”—Ninon de Lenclos

Venus is the topic for today. She left Scorpio at 4:30 AM PST today having spent four months in Scorpio, this theme returns in eight years. The next long visit Venus makes to a zodiacal sign is in 2012, when she spends four months in Gemini (April 3-August 7, 2012)and we experience the second Venus occultation, the first one was back in 2004. Occultations in Gemini occur at intervals of a quarter of a millennium. For now, Venus will breeze through all the signs in less than a year. In fact Venus will be in Sagittarius twice this year—good for you Sagittarians! The same applies to Capricorn. Venus stays in Sagittarius until February 3 (21:58 PST) and her next visit to Sagittarius takes place November 2-26, 2011. Her itinerary is at the end of this post. Venus is in her morning star phase and if we want to catch a glimpse of her we have to get up early or stay up most of the night. Venus is visible in the Southern Eastern sky beginning about 3.75 hours before Sunrise. She is the brightest and can even be seen when the Sun makes its initial entrance and the other stars quickly fade.

Sagittarius energy is inspired, enthusiastic and loves to explore. People with Venus in Sagittarius have an infectious laugh; they want everyone to feel the fun. Life to them is not a destiny but the road less travelled. Socializing is in their blood, and most of them have a big circle of friends. While Venus is in Sagittarius we should take a page from their playbook and engage in activities that feed our sense of fun and the explorer within. We should learn to take ourselves less seriously—laugh at yourself, and just laugh. Sagittarius is also the sign of the philosopher, everything has deeper meaning. Look beyond the surface, ponder the mysteries of life—learn to appreciate yourself. › Continue reading

Does timing matter

Thursday, January 6th, 2011 | Astrology for You, astrologer's diary | 2 Comments

“I never did anything worth doing by accident, nor did any of my inventions come by accident; they came by work.” — Thomas Alva Edison

As we continue with the Capricorn energy, we are likely to note price wars. It happens every year, and over the past couple—since Pluto moved into Capricorn—those Boxing Day sales are forever extended and the price wars fiercer.  I need a new printer for my home office. Went out on Tuesday to look for one, and today thought I would check who is selling it for how much. The price drop means over a hundred dollars in my pocket based on the suggested retail price. I love it how each retailer gives a different starting price. Could have bought it on Tuesday, was tempted, but decided to wait until the energy in the heavens spelled long-lasting. This will only be my fourth printer in 20+ years. I like buying items like the printer and the computer with a good Mars—it is now in Capricorn the best sign for Mars (exaltation). The Moon has moved into Aquarius and is no longer in her detriment. And I must admit I like the energy of Epiphany each year, the twelfth day or whatever else it is called. › Continue reading

What is in a horoscope

Wednesday, January 5th, 2011 | Astrology for You, astrologer's diary | No Comments

As the calendar year turns we think about what the year held for us and what the New Year will bring. We may choose to read horoscopes and hope to garner insights. Since the 1920s horoscope columns have become increasingly popular, and many hold the perception that this is the same as a personalized horoscope. The Sun sign columns began in England by astrologers hoping to popularize astrology—it worked in part, most of us know our Sun signs. That is the one known component for a horoscope writer. Astrologers, who write these columns, look at the planets in transit and see how these might influence the Sun position by sign.

Readers may think that it is easy to pen one of these columns, however it takes more than knowing the mechanics of astrology, we need to understand life and be able to choose the best words to convey the energy of the stars. Astrology is one the oldest jobs, the surviving text books date back a couple of millennia and the authors of these works refer to the ancient astrologers… Two thousand years ago astrologers wrote extensively about the techniques to decipher the length of life—nowadays that is somewhat of a taboo. This year I decided to talk about real astrology versus horoscopes written for a sign, which gives us a limited scope of information when contrasted with a horoscope for a person. › Continue reading