Major Sky – New Moon January 2008 – Issue 25
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A Month in a Life: 2 Venus opposing Mars (24° Gemini/Sagittarius) Pluto ingress into Capricorn Jupiter trine Saturn (7° Capricorn/Virgo) Mars turning Direct (24° Gemini/Sagittarius) Interview with Chris McRae 6 The Educational Room: 2008 15 The UAC Interview – Ray Merriman 17 Virgolizer – Reports and Reviews 24 Article by Maurice Fernandez: Hereditary Astrology 25 Produced, Designed and Written by Maurice Fernandez: www.mauricefernandez.com Edited by Jinny Rodrigo: www.sacredstoneastrology.com Title Banner by Nicolas Copar: [email protected]
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A Month in a Life Below is an analysis of key configurations operating during the coming month. A brief introspection into the nature and intent of these influences is provided for your attention and research.
Venus Opposing Mars Retrograde (24° Sagittarius/Gemini) January 20, 2008
The Mars retrograde path includes an eventual opposition to the Sun and personal planets. After having fired at the Sun and Mercury late December, it is now Venus’ time for the treat. Mars and Venus together present a natural dichotomy; therefore, witnessing them in an actual opposition is rather interesting. While Mars aspires for change, Venus goes for acceptance. Mars is confrontational, Venus is about accommodating. Mars separates, Venus unifies, and on goes the list. I will spare you the “men are from Mars and women are from Venus” cliché though, for as far as my observation goes, all men and women possess both Mars and Venus in their chart! Nonetheless, a Venus/Mars opposition does point to serious relationship adjustments. A person born with this configuration usually carries a history of more than their share of battles between the sexes. Mars’ intrinsic urge to break away and confront is usually fuelled by accumulated frustration towards the partner (Venus) for both men and women. Mars/Venus aspects in general point to a need to change relationship dynamics because the “old way” doesn’t work. It will stimulate crisis and periodical upheaval in that area for the sake of raising awareness about what needs fixing. For a person with this aspect natally, saying “no” to relationships and checking out is usually easier than staying put. By transit, we may experience these dynamics for a short period of time, but significantly nonetheless. Rebellion in relationships and partnership, arguments, and/or a crisis of some sort is probable; prepare the cream pies! Yet, before you slam the door with the conviction that you’re done, think for a moment about the other person’s nose creating a dent in that door! (Does the door really deserve this?) In other words, there are many ways to address potential problems; the less collateral damage, the better… and you’d be surprised, something very positive may come from an honest, deep, and civilized discussion. On the other hand, after having explored the explosive scenario, let us consider that despite their differences, Mars and Venus actually share a great deal, and a powerful opposition can easily resemble a passionate embrace. Yes, these two planets are deeply into love and sexuality for one, and both represent potent creative urges. This opposition can lead to an overpowering attraction as you will bump into the sexiest person alive while walking your dog (a Gemini Mars scenario indeed); the hormonal rush will take you straight to this person’s chic apartment where… discussions about contemporary art
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will ensue… Upon returning home to spouse, scenario 1 will play out (see above in case you have forgotten the content). Since Venus also reflects financial matters, the same dynamics will apply to your relationship with money: charge, exciting prospects, or anger and frustration due to unexpected twists. We can expect some more stock market manic‐depressive symptoms. Keep in mind that if you go through some frustration it usually is because a change in direction or approach is needed. Mars calls for something fresh and new to be implemented… Use your creativity!
Jupiter Trine Saturn (7° Capricorn ‐ Virgo) January 21, 2008
Jupiter and Saturn are labelled the social planets; they represent our integration within the greater dynamics of society. Both ambitious and driven, they require the best from us, both creatively and ethically. They embody the responsibility of being a teacher or an authority; Jupiter refers to making sure we have substance to deliver, while Saturn double checks the reliability of the product (us). Trining in earth signs add more substance to the matter. Consider that Jupiter in Capricorn is ruled by Saturn… ambition we mentioned? This configuration will repeat by the end of 2008 at 19 degrees, and we may expect a great deal of achievement during those times. Sealing deals, taking care of legislative matters, political developments, or else grounding new projects are all on the menu. Nonetheless, as mentioned above, with opportunity come high expectations. This configuration is not for the average and is rather unforgiving in that sense; you’d better have something meaningful to deliver if you take a stand. Otherwise, criticism and loss of credibility can ensue… in simple words, failure can be bitter. In this same vein, this configuration calls for high ethical standards. There is a potent karmic charge involved. This means that issues of integrity will be tested. Since this configuration reflects high ambition, it easily can derail to greed and corruption. Will the prospect of opportunity and increase render you merciless and scheming? Jupiter and Saturn will live to tell and deliver the report. The karmic charge can also manifest in payback or reward based on previous actions. If you suddenly lose your wallet, or else, get transferred to that position in Hawaii… know that this is not an isolated event!
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Pluto Ingress into Capricorn 26 January 2008
It is hard to write about Pluto in Capricorn in a couple of paragraph only, but more will eventually follow. We have plenty of time to chew on this one! There have been so many discussions about this movement, and here we are… the world is about to radically change! The last time Pluto was in Capricorn was from around 1762 to 1778! The United States got their independence, Captain Cook initiated the first contact between Europeans and natives of Oceania as well as Hawaii, and the road was being paved for the French revolution a decade later. Many political changes are expected during this transit; borders, regimes, legislations are likely to change, some for the better, others for worse. Yet, beyond the redefinition of order on the surface, the deeper intent of Pluto in Capricorn is to restore better order to our existence. Moral issues will be addressed, and from a spiritual point of view, it implies collecting karmic debts! Thus we can expect a massive “karmic accounting” during this time. Hopefully all of you have been really good and will taste the milk and honey… Noteworthy of the course of this transit is the grand cross formed in Cardinal signs in 2010, as well as Pluto’s conjunction to Saturn on their respective nodes in 2020. These two periods of time will probably be of high significance in the writing of future history books, and you will be part of it! In more immediate terms, Pluto goes into Capricorn as Mars turns direct. This is both highly creative as well as volatile! Intense energy will be released and generated in this simultaneous movement. You could see yourself propelled to leadership positions, or else make radical decision about the course of your life. President Bush will be visiting the Middle East during this time… we can expect a mix of volatility indeed… maybe creativity too? Mmm… Mars will oppose Pluto in early March as it will return to Cancer. We will further discuss this configuration, but I thought it would be wise to prepare you for the feast, tender souls. All in all, this transit will require a high level of responsibility and leadership from all of us. This will occur through both times of crisis and progressive maturation. We will hear the personal call for further defining and solidifying a better sense of order. Will Pluto in Capricorn make us “respectable members of society” at last? This is a bold undertaking, but we are here to watch… A Telephone workshop about the Transit of Pluto in Capricorn will take place on February 23 & 24. Contact Maurice for further details.
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Mars turning Direct (24° Gemini) January 30, 2008
Mars will be catapulted forward after more than two months of retrograde motion. There are many implications to this change of direction. Since Mars retrograde had a lot to do with redefining the path and direction of our lives, many new projects may be launched as it goes forward. Nonetheless, this doesn’t mean that projects initiated during the time it was retrograde will not come to fruition! The change of direction simply adds more impetus. It is also common for Mars going forward to release a great deal of built up frustration and anger, for better and worse. Many may feel freer to express themselves and purge the “toxic” build‐up out from their system through activity or honest expression. Nevertheless, the potential for violence is not to be underestimated. Actually many wars have started with Mars going direct (within 6 weeks of influence range). For example:
‐ World War II (September 1939) ‐ The 6 Day war between Israel and Arab nations (June 5, 1967) ‐ The first Gulf war (mid January 1991) ‐ 9/11 events (September 9, 2001)
Obviously, a war doesn’t break out with every retrograde release, but it remains a volatile time. Considering that Mars will soon oppose Pluto on Cardinal points in early March, getting your shields out of the storage room is advised! On a lighter side, use this time for networking and promoting new ventures. The abundance of the Air element during February is auspicious for community and learning activities. Make astrology, not war!
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Interview – Chris McRae
I started teaching and seeing clients in the early 1970’s along with my career in television, and became a full time consulting astrologer about 1982
Website: www.astrologychrismcrae.com Email: [email protected] Consulting astrologer, teacher,
international lecturer, author
Stripped Your family status I was married to the love of my life, and father of our son for 47 years, when lung cancer took him on another phase of his journey. Since then I have had more time to devote to astrology, community service, and international travel, all related to my profession as an strologer. a
Religious background and conditioning? I was brought up in a Protestant church environment, attending church, singing in the choir, and Bible school in the summer time. I was a child with much curiosity and was told I asked too many questions. I was told not to question faith but just to believe in what was written in the scriptures. In my early 20’s I went on a spiritual quest looking for evidence of some kind of divine influence. I found that very evidence when I began studying astrology. Any system or body of knowledge so intricately and beautifully designed has to be Divine. I had finally found the answer to satisfy my spiritual longing and my quest for more knowledge as to why not everyone was born on an equal laying field. p
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Spiritual orientation – Do you follow any specific practice? I believe in the Divinity or miracle of life and a supreme power but I do not profess to have many answers. Nature is Divine. Life is precious. We are all fellow travelers on the road of life and I believe it is important that we extend our hand where ever it is needed, knowing it will also be there for us. That is just another way of expressing The Golden Rule of doing unto others what we would like. I also do believe in a soul growth through various personality embodiments on planet earth. I believe in reincarnation and feel that this temporary personality embodiment of Chris McRae is truly responsible for living with awareness that what I do will or not do will affect the next incarnation. That is an awesome responsibility to someone not yet born. What’s the worst thing and then, the best thing about you? The best thing about me is my dedication to living a fruitful life, contributing to whatever and wherever my particular abilities can be useful. I have always been the eternal optimist knowing that pain can be healed, all problems have a solution, and life is to be tasted to the fullest, without causing harm to anyone and bringing joy wherever possible. I am industrious and truly enjoy being productive. My worst thing is personal and not to be shared. When I was 17 I sat on a hillside for an afternoon, looking down at the river that runs through our city. I wondered what was the secret of happiness and fulfilment. I saw it as the river of life and realized that the water passing in front of me would never return. It was on its journey going elsewhere, nourishing other cities and towns. Therefore each passing moment was precious and should not be wasted on sorrow, envy, spite, regret because the river of time never goes backwards. That afternoon affected me deeply for the rest of my life. Seeking joy in every moment and stretching those moments into days, weeks, months, was to enlarge itself over many years later when I realized how happy I was just living through my life. What do you most value in people? Honesty and integrity. What makes you angry? I find this an interesting question. I find myself searching both my personal and societal levels to see what could arouse me to this emotion. I do not want to suggest I never get angry, but I like to think I have lived long enough to have learned how to be me; and, that I have lived with my chart long enough to realize there are many ways each energy can be manifested or utilized. I often wonder what the difference is between frustration and anger. I think anger starts with frustration but is not necessarily connected to a present issue or situation that seems to erupt in anger. Ideally, the frustration level is when an issue should be understood and solved before it erupts into anger. Anger is misplaced energy and if we use our energy rather than bottle it up, we are less likely to erupt like Vesuvius. Anger can be useful in discharging pent up energy before it becomes destructive. Isn’t it more productive to use energy rather than
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letting it bottle up? The question is how to use energy wisely. I believe my saving grace with a strong Mars in my chart has been through physical energy being spent on vigorous sports. Both my husband I with powerful Mars positions participated in many different types of seasonal sports from hiking, mountain climbing, tennis, skiing, scuba diving, competitive firearms shooting, white water canoeing, motorcycling, mountain biking, and eventually golf, etc. Now that he is gone and my age keeps increasing, it is more difficult to find outlets for all the energy generated through being me, but then again some of my energy has also diminished. I do have a Mars square Uranus, but that same Mars is in Capricorn, conjunct the MC, conjunct Venus and trine both Moon and Neptune. I believe the Moon in Taurus has been helpful over the years in seeking my own personal security. I believe if we can arrive at the point of internal peace and security, less outside forces will affect us in such powerful emotions as anger. What is your greatest fear? That is a difficult question and one I have not contemplated for a very very long time. Perhaps I could say I have a fear of drowning. I nearly drowned as a child and never learned to swim well. There must be symbolism in this but I cannot relate to fearing life unless it is fearing I have not or will not accomplished all I could have.
the Columbia Icefields on the way to the Summit of Mt. Athabasca.
Circa 1967 What is playtime for you? When I had my partner, playtime was our outdoor sports activity. Presently, when I travel abroad for astrological conferences and seminars, I may stay several more days to enjoy new surroundings and new friends. For instance, when I lectured at the 2nd Argo
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Conference in South Africa, I stayed an extra couple of weeks, saw some of the countryside, and went on a Safari. Astrology can also be playful when we are playing with new ideas. What is in your pocket/purse right now? More than is safe to carry. Your animal totem? I have 2 of them. My North American native totem is the wolf. I see him standing on a bluff across the valley, looking at me with kinship. My international totem is the Meerkat. He is very community spirited. I discovered an affinity with this delightful little creature at the Scottsdale Zoo, the very same year I became a member of the AFAN Steering Committee and started extending my community service in astrology. I am sure you realize the symbolism. After 2 terms with AFAN I was elected to the ISAR Board, then the UAC Board. We are a very vibrant community in which all of us are striving for our respected place in society. When I was on the Safari in Africa, I was delighted to have the opportunity to hold a baby meerkat who had become separated from its mother. It was a precious moment. Your Chinese sign I am a dragon by Chinese astrology
What would you define is an important evolutionary lesson for you in this life? I am a teacher. But before I could teach I had to learn. I had to learn how to be self-sufficient and not rely on what others may or may not be able to offer in the way of support. I had to learn that emotional security does not lie within the confines of a physical home, or in possessions, or by the presence of others. I had to learn that emotional security and happiness was to be found within the internal home. Favorite book? There are so many interesting and exciting books to read that I cannot seem to find a favorite. Favorite astrology book? My favorite astrology book is probably “Alan Oken’s Complete Astrology”. Favorite movie? I always enjoy ‘Gone With the Wind”
Favorite piece of music? I enjoy a great variety of music, but mostly the classics. My favorite composer is Chopin.
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Your favorite place on earth? Where I am at any given time. However, some of my most enjoyable and memorable times have been in the mountain regions of Banff, Alberta, where I have often sat beside a babbling brook, or a roaring river, or climbed a formidable peak for a great sense of achievement, or caught a trout with a barbless hook so I
could slip him back into the stream, or sat on a the edge of a glacier sipping tea for several days, contemplating everything. I also loved spending 10 years wintering in Scottsdale, Arizona, and golfing with my very favorite person. Favorite planet/spatial object? Mars excites me but I respect Saturn.
General Information about your practice Where do you live and practice? I live in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada where I have my home/office
Your specialty in Astrology? Astrology has no limits. I enjoy seeing clients. I do relocation as well as mundane and horary. I have been told I am a very good teacher. I do love to teach at any level. How long have you been practicing – How did it start? It started back about 1970, first as a part-time avocation seeing if what I was learning could be applied to actual situations in people’s lives. Also, I had a high profile in our community and when it became known I was studying astrology, many people asked for a “reading”. I was also a guest on many television and radio programs as well as being interviewed consistently by the press. So, my clients grew out f the natural process of my life. o
Details about your practice? Since I now travel a lot, lecturing at conferences worldwide, my clients know that if I do not return their telephone call or email within one day that I am out of the country and I will contact them as
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soon as I return. I also have clients in different countries but mostly in Canada and the US. How long are your counseling sessions? Your charge? My sessions range from 1-1/2 to 2 hours when dealing with personal issues. Some business sessions or horary questions can be handled within half an hour. I have some of these people on a retainer. My basic charge is $150 for a personal consultation, $50.00 for a quick telephone solution for clients who are on a retainer, $250.00 for a business consultation or a lifetime chart for a baby. List (some or all of) your published work? Do you write in any magazine/website?
Books: The Geodetic World Map
Understanding Interceptions
Contributing Author in: Llewellyn’s Anthology Series: Mundane Astrology
Contributing Author in: How to Start, Maintain & Expand an Astrological Practice published by OPA (Organization for Professional Astrologers
Contributing Author in: The Judge Case I am also a contributing author in a new book being published in England by Essex and edited by Martin Davis. I do not have a title for this publication. I understand it will be out January 2008.
I do not have time for writing occasional articles in magazines or websites. Besides making a living, what are the purposes of your work, what motivates you to do it? I feel it is an opportunity to grow through so many other people’s experiences that I could not possibly have an opportunity to live through in my own lifetime. It gives me pleasure in helping others be more objective about the circumstances in their life and it is easier than being objective about my own. What are your current projects professionally? I am still enjoying my international travel but would like to find more time to write a couple more books.
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your chaRt I have a Sun and Mercury in Aquarius, a Moon in Taurus with an Aries Rising. My Mars, Venus, MC are in Capricorn trine my Moon and trine my Neptune. I have many challenging squares with a good variety of trines to provide results for effort. I like my chart and I like being me.
The World Imagine a world with Neptune in Pisces and Pluto in Capricorn. First of all this is part of the 100 year sextile weaving in and out between these two planets which I see as providing insight, inspiration and spirituality when it is needed at the times when other planets form challenging aspects. I believe it helps ease us into the shift in consciousness that we will all need in order to make this transition with skill and wisdom like the upcoming Cardinal T-Square. Albiet, this sextile is significantly wide but nevertheless helpful. Pluto in Capricorn is transforming structures, such as Government, corporations, institutions, the way we do business, and the status quo as we know it, and Neptune will be in its own sign of insight, inspiration and spirituality. As populations are shifting, mixing cultures and ideologies, we need to grow towards more tolerance, understanding, receptivity and love for each other. I have been told I am a bit naive in my judgment and expectations, but I would rather be hopeful than cynical. It is easy to be hopeful when we recognize it as an evolutionary process. What are you thoughts on the Uranus/Saturn opposition on November 4th 2008? Of course this aspect will be in effect over many months, allowing plenty of opportunity for the creative change of structures that need to take place. It is also entwined with Pluto making a strong shift into Capricorn. All of this could be in preparation of the upcoming Neptune in its own sign or maybe we should look at it the other way around in that Neptune will give us the insight to make the transition with grace. Saturn is structure and status quo, Uranus is creative development, sometimes through rebeand upheaval, and at other times with conscious
llion
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design and purpose. We can think of Uranus as unexpected disruptions or we can think of it as challenges to systems that repress our grand development. In my own city, our Mayor wants to make a 10 to 1increase in taxes in order to give us a new face that we can shine with pride to the rest of the world. Creative development (Uranus) is good as long as it is done with fiscal responsibility (Saturn). And, I question the arrogance of wanting to rise above other cities in the world on the backs of the taxpayer who puts up the money. We need a compromise which is what the opposition asks.
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The US Sibley Chart is riddled with many challenges with this aspect across houses 3 and 9 as well as Saturn coming up to Square natal Mars in Gemini in the 7th and then to conjunct Neptune. This puts the US reputation on a very slippery slope as its path is challenged by public opinion, and the press both nationally and internationally. In a nutshell we could say the Saturn/Uranus opposition is aggression against the status quo or order of what has been. But we cannot isolate one aspect without considering the rest of the scenario with Pluto moving into Capricorn, followed by Jupiter/Saturn opposition, both square Pluto at the same time, then Uranus coming into complete the Cardinal Ingress T-Square pattern. It will be an interesting transition of change due to discontentment of worn out structures.
Your Position on the current state of Astrology Astrology in the Future? I have seen a vast change in astrology over the years since I started the study in earnest. At that time one could barely count on one hand those who were actually making a living through astrology, among them Sydney Omar, the Sun Sign columnist. At this time we have many making a good living at it, including a couple I know who profess that their income exceeds six figures. Yet, many struggle to barely make ends meet, while many others have a full time career and do astrology as an avocation, still charging for the work they do. My own income in astrology is highly respectable with a solid client base, and good investment strategy, giving me the opportunity to donate a portion of my time in helping the advancement of astrology worldwide. This I am currently doing through the work we do on the ISAR Board to uplift educational requirements, provide consulting skills, etiquette training, and testing competency in application. I have chaired various committees in the process and am currently Chair of ISAR Certification Program, as well as Board Vice-President. I also travel extensively participating in conferences globally, so that we can share ideas, cement our relationships, and understand our many different points of view. In fact, in developing our certification program, we consulted professional astrologers, reputable teachers and school heads from several different countries for input while we were developing the program. As we raise our own standards of professionalism, so we become accepted more as a profession.
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I believe we, collectively, are advancing the professional standards of astrology and gaining more credibility with the general public and even academia. I have noticed this within my own practice in the number of professional people as clients and students. Are you satisfied with the current developmental flow of astrology? There are always things we can do to uplift our own standards. I believe we are making progress but I believe we need a higher standard of education through curriculums that take students through various structured semesters. In Europe I know of several schools with high standards taking students through several semesters but there is still little of that in the US. Kepler College in Seattle is developing academic astrologers whom I believe need more consulting experience. David Cochrane in Florida has an excellent curriculum in his Avalon School, incorporating both excellent standards of education as well as consulting skills and ethics. These are leaders in the development of our education as I believe ISAR and NCGR are in promoting certification. We need more good schools. We need to be aware of building professional standards. OPA, Organization for Professional Astrologers, is also doing an excellent job in providing conferences and retreats to help the professional astrologer as well as those aspiring to be so. Suggestions to make the astrology world a better place? At the top of my website I have a paragraph for those who are looking for an astrologer, that they should ask for qualifications, and ask if the astrologer is certified. We cannot ascertain who is good, bad, or indifferent, but I believe recognition of standards is important. Maybe in that way we raise our own standards, slowly and gradually, but surely.
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The Educational Room
Astro ‐ bits
2008 2008 promises to be a year full of ambition and development. The Capricorn emphasis combined with the Leo/Aquarius Nodes reflect a considerable amount of creativity and actualization. This is a year to have your projects launched and to aim at higher achievement levels. The rat race fits the coming Chinese year of the Rat, starting at the February New Moon! But beware, for with ambition and creativity, the potential for greed and corruption also increases; it can affect “the best of us,” so self‐awareness is required! Consider that as much as Capricorn reflects the need to climb the ladder, it also reflects moral judgements and Karmic debts. The consequences of blind ambition can cost the soul a high price; be creative, promote yourself, stay fair. Some noteworthy constellations:
The ongoing Mars/Pluto opposition moving from 29° Gemini/Sagittarius (January) to 0° Cancer/Capricorn (March). Jupiter in Capricorn trining Saturn in Virgo (January and December) Neptune conjunct the North Node in Aquarius (March through November – exact at 24° Aquarius in May) Mars conjunct Saturn at 5° Virgo (July)
Saturn in Virgo opposing Uranus in Pisces at 18°
(November) The first four months of the year are particularly rocky and subject to serious personal as well as political upheaval, given the emphasis of cardinal energy colliding. Important changes are expected; people may experience this energy through relocation, break‐ups, self‐reinvention, or inspiration for activism. On a collective level, the potential for heated polarization and even war is considerable. It is suggested to go through this period of time well equipped; consistent spiritual practice, creative endeavors, honest but non‐righteous communication can help one make the best of this intensity.
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May and June are colored by Neptune on the North Node in Aquarius, later joined by Mars in Leo on the South Node. First, it is clear that this configuration is very community oriented. An event such as UAC uniting a wide range of astrologers is appropriate for such a transit. This configuration will also help infuse some spirit into matter; it is a welcomed balancing factor to the overall rather practical and aggressive climate of the year. Mars joining the Nodes by late June promises surprises… adventure and freedom of spirit for one, erratic behavior and volatility for two. If you go for a free‐fall, do not forget your parachute! July starts with a Mars/Saturn conjunction in Virgo. This follows the previous weeks with Mars on the South Node in Leo. Mars/Saturn in Virgo can, well, make you work a lot or lose weight on the treadmill… if you’re decided to go for an all organic diet, this is the time. On another front, this configuration is highly charged militarily speaking. The 2006 Mars/Saturn conjunction in Leo spurred a war between Israel and the Hezbollah on Lebanese grounds. Military operations can be expected. August is quite tempestuous as well… Leo eclipses and a Mars/Uranus opposition promise drama, and yes, fun too! It is a highly fertile, creative and festive time… but with drama, come tears of joy and tears of pain. Is it time to invest in Kleenex stocks, perhaps? The end of October is charged with Mars in Scorpio squaring the Nodal Axis, leading to the Saturn/Uranus opposition. This exactly coincides with election time in the United States! Needless to say, a great deal of unrest, protest and strong aspirations for change are in these symbols. Saturn and Uranus call for social change and reforms; since it takes place in Virgo/Pisces… a primary target may be the healthcare system. But beyond the greatly needed reforms in this field with respect to the United States, this configuration may also bring about new revelations in medicine as well as potential pandemics; a health crisis in other words. Natural disasters can also be expected during this period of time... Maybe the earth will also express its need for new leadership in Washington! The end of November and December appear more practical with the Saturn/Jupiter trine joining the Saturn/Uranus opposition. This is a time for development and implementation of change. Important treaties or contracts may be signed during this time, promoting the need for a new order. Resistance to change is likely to stimulate unrest in this concern. The year ends with a Mars/Pluto/Sun conjunction in Capricorn! Errr… I’ll leave it to your imagination to fill in the blanks for that one!
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Ray Merriman UAC Interview
Can you describe to those who are new to astrology, what UAC is? UAC stands for “United Astrology Conference.” It is the largest gathering of professional astrologers that takes place every 3-6 years. Originally it was on a schedule of every three years, from 1986 through 1998, and it was sponsored by AFAN, ISAR, and NCGR. But like many ventures involving astrological organizations, UAC fell victim to political conflicts and disbanded after the 1998 conference. It was re-organized and presented again in 2002, but that too fell victim to political squabbles between the three orgs. It took another three years to get the kind of harmonious leadership of the three orgs that could work together. At that time, the leaders of AFAN, NCGR and ISAR decided that they wanted to do it again for the community. They also agreed to include the Vedics (CVA -Council of Vedic Astrology and the ACVA – the American College of Vedic Astrology) as a sponsor. And so here we are, six years after the last one, on the verge of our biggest and most exciting astrology conference in many years. And I attribute that to the fact that all of us as sponsors are able to work harmoniously together, which may be a “first” for UAC since it started in 1986.
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What are the ideas, philosophy, and motivation behind it? To answer that question, you need to understand the history of UAC, and how it came to be. Prior to UAC, the only major conference around was AFA (The American Federation of Astrologers). They had huge biennial conferences from 1972 through 1980, where over 2000 astrologers would attend. In San Francisco, in 1974, there were over 3000 attendees. But in the 1970’s through the 1980’s, there was a major increase in the number of astrologers who were practicing professionally. Unfortunately, the AFA was not serving this new community of professionals in a way that the professionals felt they should be served. Anyone could speak at an AFA conference. And they would openly invite any member to submit for a slot on the faculty. But, as a speaker, you had no professional status, for you were treated exactly as any other attendee. That is, you had to pay as an attendee to be part of the conference. You received no speaking fee, and no hotel costs whatsoever. In other words, it costs you the same amount to speak as it did to attend. The only difference was that as a speaker, you had to sacrifice the time to prepare and deliver the talk, as professionals do. Efforts were made to the AFA board to change this policy, especially for those speakers who were professional astrologers, and whose income depended upon their practice as an astrologer. Efforts were made to the AFA leadership to open up their election process so that those astrologers who represented the professional community could serve on the board, and perhaps affect these kinds of professional changes. All these efforts were thwarted, and it became obvious that AFA was not an organization that was going to represent the needs of professional astrologers. The purpose of their conference was solely to enhance AFA, and all monies connected with the conference went solely to this purpose. So professional astrologers had to make a decision: to accept that this was how AFA was going to operate and if you wanted to speak at the largest gathering of astrologers in the world, to comply with these policies. Or, change it. Create something new. So a collective decision was made by the leaders of the professional; astrology community: the three “other” major astrology organizations would ban together to produce a professional astrology conference. It would be designed as a partnership between the organizations as sponsors, and the professional community of astrologers, where each would share in the work, the risks, and in the rewards. The orgs would take the financial risks to plan, finance, and conduct the conference. They would try to identify and invite the top 100 professional astrologers in the world, through a voting process of their combined directors. Those who were invited had to agree to pay their own expenses to be there. But, they would share in 50% of the profits with the orgs. In other words, 50% of the profits would go into a speakers’ pool and each speaking slot would consist of one share. The value of a share would be the number of speaking slots divided into 50% of the
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profits, and that is what each speaker would be paid. If there was a loss, speakers and orgs would eat it – the orgs through loss of their seed money (and possibly more), and the speakers through absorbing all the costs of their expense to be there. To everyone’s amazement, the concept was a huge hit. The first conference in San Diego in 1986 attracted about 800 attendees, plus the faculty of 100 and staff of about 40-50 more. It has grown since then to a peak of about 1200-1500 astrologers (I think) in 1998 in Atlanta. As UAC has grown, so has the professional community of astrologers. In contrast, the AFA conference has declined to less than 500 attendees. So the idea, the philosophy and the motivation for UAC are contained in its origin. It was to offer a united effort on the part of professional astrologers who were willing to take the risk of creating a new kind of astrological conference – one that would represent a partnership between the AFAN, ISAR and NCGR, with the professional astrologer community. Together we would create and produce a gathering that would serve the professional development of astrology, and offer an opportunity for astrologers all over the world to connect and network with one another. We would build the type of respectful professional community and conference for astrologers that we had wished from AFA, but which never materialized. How do you pick a location for such an event? What brought you to Denver this time? The leaders of the three organizations held a conference call, and discussed where to hold the event. We tried to avoid going somewhere that had hosted UAC before (San Diego, New Orleans, Washington DC, Monterey, Atlanta, and Orlando). We decided to try to find a hotel or resort in the Midwest or Mountain Time Zone. We did a search for hotels that would accommodate a group of our size. I happened to go to a Meeting Planners gathering in Chicago in late 2005, and met the representatives of the Adams Mark Hotel in Denver. I described to them our needs, and they convinced me they could accommodate us. I went to visit them in a couple of weeks later when I gave a talk in Boulder, and I was impressed. I called the other directors and told them about this great hotel that was designed perfectly for our needs. They were interested and so we scheduled a site inspection for all of us in early 2006. Everyone agreed this was an almost ideal set up for a conference like UAC, and so we went to work on negotiating terms right away.
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We came to agreement in May 2006 as Jupiter formed a trine with Uranus. You will, note that the time we selected for the conference is when Jupiter will sextile Uranus, and trine to Venus. For us, time is just as important as location. The Adams Mark was available at the time we wanted to host this conference, which was difficult because all the other hotels in Denver were being gobbled up due to the Democratic Presidential Conventional also taking place in mid 2008 in Denver. We lucked out to get it when we did, for rooms are now at a premium for the spring and summer 2008. You can’t find rooms at any of the finer hotels in Denver for anywhere near this rate at that time. Can you describe the general picture regarding the logistical requirements for having such an event happening? We first of all started by identifying a time band in which we thought we could logistically plan for such an event. We thought it would take us at least two years when we first started meeting in mid-2005. We then discussed what would be the best astrological time to host a conference like this. When were the aspects most conducive for a successful conference of this size? We knew that whatever time we chose, someone would be upset, because there are regional astrological conferences going on all the time. But we also felt that true professional astrologers would make sacrifices for the opportunity to have a UAC conference again after so long a wait. So we all looked into our ephemerides for 2008, and we came up with May and October and also I think a time in August. Each of us gave our best astrological impressions of each, and by consensus, we agreed that May 15-20, 2008 looked the most promising for our goals. We then queried our boards with our decision. They approved. We made our first announcements in late 2005. Sure enough, the dates we chose were in conflict with other regional conferences, like NORWAC and MAC. We communicated with each of those leaders and asked them to please make the sacrifice so we could go ahead with plans for UAC 2008 at the dates our orgs all approved. Laura Nalbanian (NORWAC) and Sandra Leigh Serio (MAC) were gracious in accommodating our request. But we had a bigger issue with the Swiss World Congress, which is about as large as UAC and scheduled for the exact same dates. After much discussion, Claude Weiss and Verena Bachmann also agreed for the Swiss World Congress to change their dates to the following year, so that UAC could meet again in May 2008. By late 2005, we knew we would be going forward. It was now a matter of picking the location and raising the money. Each of the orgs agreed to contribute combined start up costs of approximately $25,000 total. We split it between all four of us and this allowed us to create our brochures, hire a webmaster to create a website, and have our initial planning meetings. We also created a budget and outlined staff compensation. Like speakers, all staff gets paid according to share allotment, whose value is determined by the profit.
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Will UAC 2008 be any different than previous ones? If so, how so? Every conference is different to some degree than the others. For one, this conference will have 157 speakers. The largest prior faculty was about 110. For another, there will be more “first time” speakers and oversees speakers than ever before. We set a minimum of 20% of faculty for each category, and we surpassed that in both cases. For the first time ever, we have a fourth sponsor added to the historical sponsorship of AFAN, ISAR and NCGR. We have added the Vedic groups this time. And of course, the entertainment is all new and exciting (and to be a surprise). But the biggest difference of all is the fact that the leaders of all three historical sponsors, plus the Vedic groups, are working so well together. It is a harmonious group, without much bickering. We do often disagree, but it is respectful and in no way deters our desire to have a great conference, I think this fact alone has so many intangibles benefits that the atmosphere at this UAC will be much more electric and positive than ever before. During UAC, the Regulus award is awarded to astrologers. Can you describe more specifically what it is about, and how is each person chosen for the award and by whom exactly? This is like our Oscars, although some might not like this comparison. There are five categories of awards. A committee of respected astrologers (according to the three historical orgs) is chosen. They solicit the members of their three orgs for names of astrologers who they believe would be deserving of an award in each category, according to their known work of the past coupe of years. They get scores of nominations. They discuss each potential candidate, and then they vote by secret ballot. The voters are counted by the Chair of the group (who does not vote) and an independent vote counter. In this case, the Chair was Carol Tebbs, and the independent was Nick Campion. The top five vote getters of each category are then considered the nominees. Ballots are then sent to all the members of the sponsoring groups. The members vote by secret ballot too, and send those ballots to an accountant, who counts the votes and lets the Regulus Committee know the results. The awards are then presented at the Regulus Banquet on the last night of the conference. It is quite an elegant and moving banquet and ceremony. It is like the whole conference builds up to this final evening together, and these awards. There is also a cash dispensation that goes with each award, thanks to the Marion March Trust. Each recipient received at least $1000.00 in addition to the Regulus Award.
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How is UAC 2008 going to be different from other astrology conferences? What can you tell those who are still debating about attending? First of all, early registration figures suggest there will be 1200-2200 astrologers from all over the world present. This may be the largest astrology conference since the AFA conference in Las Vegas in 1976. So it will be exciting, high energy, and the best opportunity in a generation for astrologers to network and make contacts with astrologers from all over the world like never before. Should you attend or not? Well, consider this to be the Woodstock of Astrology for this generation. Do you want to be part of history? Do you want an opportunity to hear the latest and greatest ideas happening today in astrology? Do you want to meet astrologers from all over the world who might have an impact upon your own professional future? Do you want to share ideas with other world leaders in astrology? Do you want to further your own knowledge and understanding of astrology? Do you want to enhance your potential for success in the professional astrology community? Do you want to have fun, excitement, and meet charismatic new people? Do you want to connect with your colleagues in perhaps the only event of this nature to happen this decade? There is nothing else like this in astrology that will take place this decade Should you attend? If you are an astrologer or student of astrology, there will not be an opportunity like this for several years. My advice: take advantage of this moment. The celestial bodies are in an unusual arrangement for a fantastic experience, regardless of your age, gender, nationality, or experience with astrology. There will be more younger astrologers than you have ever seen in one place before, and there will be more international astrologers than you have ever seen in one place before. And of course, there will be a lot of Baby Boomers, for they were the primary generation responsible for the creation of UAC in the first place. What are your personal feelings regarding this coming event? I am excited. I think it is going to be The Happening in astrology for quite some time. I am excited because the leaders of the orgs are getting on so well together. That type of cooperative spirit has been missing from astrology for many years, and I love this change. Thank you for you time and looking forward to an insightful and exciting experience in May! You are welcome! See you there, Maurice!
For more Information and UAC Registrations, visit http://www.uacastrology.com/
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About the Regulus Award The Marion D. March Regulus Awards began at the United Astrology Conference (UAC) in 1989 as a way of honoring outstanding astrological achievement in a variety of fields. They have since been presented at each UAC (1989, 1992, 1995, 1998, and 2002). Because the awards are voted on by all members of the UAC sponsoring organizations, they are among the ultimate of true peer recognition in astrology.
The 2008 awards will be given in five categories:
• Research, Discovery, and Innovation: Recognizes one who has developed new tools or concepts to advance the study and practice of astrology. 2008 Nominees: James Herschel Holden, Alphee Lavoie, Michael Munkasey, Diana Rosenberg, Siegfried Schiemenz, Ph.D.
• Education: Recognizes the work of teaching through the published and spoken word, or the founding of schools and study programs. 2008 Nominees: Dennis M. Harness, Ph.D., J. Lee Lehman, Ph.D., Ena Stanley, Gisele Terry and Richard Smoot, Noel Tyl
• Theory and Understanding: Recognizes one whose work demonstrates the use of astrology with other disciplines and thereby encourages acceptance of astrology as a separate philosophical model or recognized discipline. 2008 Nominees: Bernadette Brady, Arthyr Chadbourne, Steven Forrest, Alan Oken, Robert Schmidt
• Community Service: Recognizes service above and beyond the call of duty, promoting good will and positive communication among astrologers. 2008 Nominees: Margie Herskovitz, Chris McRae, Roxana Muise, Dorothy Oja, Donna Van Toen
• Professional Image: Recognizes the astrologer as seen in business, community and in the public media exhibiting ethical professional standards and performance. 2008 Nominees: Kelli Fox, Gloria Star, Richard Tarnas, Ph.D., Chakrapani Ullal, Claude Weiss
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VirgoliZer – Reports and Reviews
October 2‐7, 2008
Certification in Basic Past life Regression Therapy For Astrologers: Deep Memory Process Training – Level 1 Windham, NY : Windham Retreat ‐ http://www.crosscircle.com/10.html Five Day Residential Workshop (Professional Training) With Patricia L. Walsh [email protected]
Maurice Fernandez Workshops
February 23/24 –Telephone Conference: Pluto in Capricorn ‐ The meanings of the transit ‐ Pluto in Capricorn in each house ‐ The Pluto/Saturn cycle culminating in Capricorn in 2020 right on Pluto and Saturn Nodes! And much more... Call from wherever you are to participate.
March 22/23 – Sacramento area: Day 1: Saturn and spiritual development
(the Law of Karma) Day 2: whole day Kundalini Yoga workshop April 5‐10 – Boulder, CO: Everything about Relationships in Astrology
‐What evolutionary lessons bring two souls together ‐ Relationship types ‐ Emotional and sexual needs by house and sign placements ‐ Synastry and Composite … Fabulous Rocky Mountain trips included for participants!
‐ Submit your own example charts
November 23‐ December 6, 2008 The Trip of a Lifetime: Astrology in South Africa! Mark your calendar for an unforgettable experience. Astrology and Yoga among the lions and giraffes...
Stay tuned for more details …
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Article by Maurice Fernandez
Hereditary Astrology Nodal Axis Patterns through the Generations
Perhaps another striking proof of astrology’s validity and magnificence is reflected in the fact that chart patterns pass on from one generation to another. Scientists discuss genetic heritage and how a child may acquire this or that gene from a parent or ancestor; but heredity does not limit itself to genes, we also inherit astrological configurations from our family line. Sometimes the pattern is very obvious, but it often is rather subtle and we must pay attention to a few rules regarding the matter. For example an aspect between two planets may repeat from a parent to a child, but it can occur in another sign or house. It can move from a sign to a house of the same archetype: the parent may have Mars in Cancer and the child Mars in the 4th House. Repeated duplications of this sort make us further realize the symbiotic connection between the house, the sign and the planet of a particular archetype. Referring back to the last example, Cancer, the 4th House and the Moon represent one unit.
Britney Spears and her two sons The case of Britney Spears and her two sons Sean and Jayden reflects this dynamic very graphically. ‐ Britney Spears is born with an Aquarius Moon in the 5th House (Dec 2, 1981. 1:30am Mc Comb Mississippi) ‐ Her first Son Sean was born with an Aquarius Moon in the 2nd House (Taurus House) (Sept 14, 2005. 12:56pm Santa Monica California) ‐ Her second son Jayden was born with a Taurus Moon in the 11th House (Aquarius House) (Sept 12, 2006. 1:11am Santa Monica, California) (Noteworthy that both the boy’s Moons make angular aspects to Saturn in Leo and Neptune in Aquarius) Moreover: Britney has her South Node in Capricorn in the 4th House (Cancer House) Sean has the South Node in the 10th House (Capricorn House) Jayden has the South Node in the 4tH House (Cancer House)
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All three have 4th/10th House nodal axes, albeit in different signs, (with Britney having a repetition of the 4th/10th House theme with the axis in Capricorn/Cancer). What can we conclude from these circumstances? Will the people in question have the same life path as a result of parallel signatures? The answer is: most likely not! While the repeated signature can describe similar themes and karmic patterns, the use of the energy can be radically different from one family member to another. Remember that an astrological configuration is multi‐dimensional and the common manifestation is that each family member will actually access a different expression of the same pattern. What must also be taken into consideration is the different level of evolution of each family member. The same configuration shared by a few family members will be expressed according to their individual level of evolution. Going back to Britney and her sons, the Cancer/Capricorn nodal axis theme clearly describes issues revolving around maturity and its lack. Britney had to mature rather fast during her childhood in order to meet the demands of her show‐business ambitions. This culminated in the recent events of her life where she lost custody of her children due to unreliable behaviour. The tremendous amount of pressure mixed with the absence of maternal maturity result in failed motherhood. This dynamic has everything to do with her nodal axis placement. Will her boys repeat the same pattern? They are off “the right” foot… with a dysfunctional mother, they spend their tender infancy deprived of appropriate nurturing and are forced into an accelerated maturation process as a result. This will lead to misplaced emotions that later on will likely play out in different ways. They may lack consistency and manifest infantile behaviour, or else, they may compensate through a very protective and overly mature approach. The theme is the same; the actual expression of the energies can be different. Family Karma and the Nodal Axis I would like to focus more specifically on the nodal axis themes repeated through the generations, including the planets making aspect to it. The nodal axis is such a central component of behaviour and development in a person’s chart that its importance in family dynamics must be further studied. In a nutshell, this axis represents patterns that the person comes with from past lives and further works on in the course of this life in order to eventually attain an optimal balance between the extremes of the South and North Node. The purpose is to transcend the duality represented in the axis! Since we learn our life lessons in great part through interacting with other people, being born into a family where similar nodal patterns exist is no rarity; it shows the deep (but not necessarily resolved) bond between the entities in question and the way they will affect each other’s evolution. Moreover seeing astrological pattern repeating through generations is also reflective of evolutionary/karmic patterns shared by the whole family. Consider that families carry as a whole lessons to learn and issues to resolve: family karma and evolutionary necessities.
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This means that one family member can aggravate or alleviate the karma and life lessons of all members involved! A criminal parent can be karmically saved by a saintly child; this means that the good deeds of the child can counter‐balance the negative deeds of the parent. This does not mean that that parent will never have to take responsibility for their actions, but difficult karma can be alleviated by that child – up to some point. The other way around goes as well when a child may go through difficult life experiences as a result of parental/ancestor’s dysfunctions; the karmic genes will pass through astrological signatures. The Nodal axis, including planets aspecting it, can particularly reflect such themes It doesn’t mean that this is the only factor representing the family karma, but it is a central one. Consider the following chart between father and daughter:
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They have reversed nodal axes in Virgo/Pisces and share Mars in Virgo conjunct the axis. Mars on the Nodes has various applications. It can reflect: ‐ High creativity levels and entrepreneurial inclinations ‐ Activism and freedom fighting ‐ An adventurous spirit ‐ Pronounced sexuality ‐ Compulsive behaviour ‐ Unresolved anger and rage ‐ Repeated changes and new starts in the course of one’s life ‐ Closely experiencing death through self or others ‐ Murder
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Needless to say, not every person with this configuration will experience the whole range of possibilities. Consequently members of the same family sharing this same configuration may experience different aspects of it. In this case, the father was in his younger years a very attractive fellow (Virgo reflects aesthetic appearances, especially with Venus on the South Node) with an entrepreneurial spirit. He was a rather successful business man and made sure to exhibit that sense of perfection; perfect look, great career, pretty wife and children, and so on. His sexual appetite was rather extreme and he consistently cheated on his wife. Outwardly, he was an extremely charming person, at home he exhibited angry outbursts and a need to be in tight control of his environment; it is unclear how far this behaviour at home went, but apparently it was not severely abusive. The daughter was a daredevil and had clear creative writing urges since she was very young. Coloured by her Scorpio Sun, her science fiction novels involved gory details and she fantasized about joining the police force. Around age seven, she climbed up furniture to get a hold of a particular cough syrup she liked, and overdosed as she drank the whole bottle, treating it like candy. She was pronounced dead at the hospital, but resuscitated! She later battled consistent weight problems, had multiple plastic surgeries through her teenage years and early adult life to “refine” her looks. She started to lose her hair and had hair transplants in her early twenties. She started dating relatively late and had her first relationship around age 26. She never joined the police force or further cultivated her writing skills following her father’s disagreement on the matter and got a job in sales instead. Both father and daughter had knee problems and underwent related surgeries. The interesting aspect of this study is first of all to see this almost identical configuration repeating at almost the same degrees. Moreover, it is interesting to see how they both experienced the same themes, but in very different ways. In fact, we may actually say that they experienced the same theme in directly polarized ways: Both were obsessed with physical looks and perfect appearances. The father abused his beauty, the daughter compulsively attempted to master it. The father was consumed by his sexuality, the daughter controlled it. They were both very creative. He manifested it through entrepreneurial business, the daughter was artistically inclined. They both like living on the edge. The father was a sports fanatic, the daughter attempted numerous sensation boosting experiences. Additionally, their karma intermingled. The father led a relatively sheltered life under the “perfection” umbrella, until his daughter died and resuscitated. This experience took
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him to the doors of death as Mars on the Nodes can do. The fact that he experienced that through her is important given this shared signature. This experienced forced him to re‐evaluate his behaviour and better connect with his family instead of being overly invested in his social life. The daughter’s struggle with her image through weight problems and the hair loss was a direct result of the karmic implications of the father’s dishonest behaviour through the use of his looks. She paid a price for his action and for the harsh criticism and excessive self‐consciousness intrinsic to the family dynamics. He had to learn to be more tolerant of women and refrain from seeing them as beautiful sex objects only upon witnessing his daughter’s ordeal.
Example two: Father and Son Consider the following example between father and son. Both have Mars, Pluto, and Moon in angular aspects to the Nodal Axis. (Chiron is also part of the equation as it conjunct father’s South Node and trines son’s South Node).
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The actual placement is not the same (except that of the Moon), but this matters less. It remains highly significant that the exact same planets affect nodal dynamics through the various placements. The evolutionary dynamics involving maternal issues is of high importance in this family. The father was abandoned by his mother and adopted by his aunt. The abandonment is graphically described in the Pluto/Moon aspect among others. He went on to become an independent person running his own business. Similar to the previous case, he too was consumed by his sexuality and was a compulsive dater who would try to have sex with “everything that moved.” He married the mother of his child as she got pregnant despite the fact that she showed signs of severe behavioural dysfunction. She suffered from mental instability through bouts of hysteria and raging behaviour. When the child was about 5 years old, the maternal grandmother, who lived permanently in the house with her daughter’s family babysitting the child, hanged herself. In her suicide note she said she killed herself in order to force her daughter to take better care of her child. The mother subsequently reduced her work hours to stay with the child, but her unstable behaviour continued. The son, despite being barely 10 years old, expressed signs of utterly unruly and disrespectful behaviour, daring both parents in such a way. The father, overwhelmed by these family dynamics (Neptune in the 4th House) tries to avoid spending time home, immersing himself into work duties and “chasing skirts.” He gradually started to develop health problems ranging from turning blind in one eye to severe bouts of anxiety. Once again, we can detect similar patterns between father and son through these nodal signatures: Both have abandoning mothers, and both had extended family attempt to correct these circumstances. The father was adopted by an aunt, the son was better attended following the grandmother hanging herself inside their own house. Both express untamed behaviour; the father through his multiple extra‐marital affairs, the son through his daring and disrespectful attitude. Since the child is still rather young, it is not possible to know exactly how these energies will be expressed through the course of his life, but unless something radically changes, the child is en route to mental and physical health problems himself. The father is confronting his own emotional problems, hoping they will “go away,” but he karmically attracts a child who exacerbates family dysfunction, for better and worse. Examples embodying these generational nodal signatures are abundant. They tell of a story and themes that all family members try to address and hopefully resolve. Each family member will approach the issue from a different angle and embody the “rewards” and “repercussions” of the family karma as a unit.