As astrologers we know that the Sun rules Leo and the heart. It therefore follows that sunshine is good for heart health. Dermatologist Richard Weller has identified this as a scientific fact. He hasn’t isolated how much sunlight is good for you but do we need the Vitamin D it provides, amongst other things. There’s more UVB, which produces Vitamin D in the skin, beaming down at the equator, eg. Equador, Singapore and Kenya, but the further from the equator the less UVB rays you can get, even in summer. Makes me want to pick up my banana lounge and head for the sun.

Listen to Weller’s TED talk Could the sun be good for your heart? to be enlightend by his findings.

A Full Moon occurs in Melbourne this Sunday afternoon 27th January at 3:39pm AEDT at 7°24′ Leo.

A Full Moon brings to fruition the intention set at the previous New Moon. It is a time of culmination, illumination, realisation, fulfillment and great emotion. All the hard work preceding it bears fruit and is infused with meaning and purpose.

The previous New Moon was in Capricorn – the intention was to focus on goals while enjoying the journey; the process rather than the destination was the goal. How were the last 14 days for you? What have you learned? Have you arrived empty handed or are you richer for the experiences? Capricorn is hard-working and never shirks responsibility. Did you pull your weight and soldier on no matter how heavy the load? Remember that something would have been lost in order for you to gain. With Capricorn there would have been a loss of control that required humility and fortitude. If you managed yourself and your time well then you would have enjoyed the ride, and now you have arrived at the destination – the Leo Full Moon.

When the Moon is in Leo we want to be noticed and feel loved and special and will throw a tantrum if this doesn’t happen. The energy is child-like and possibly childish. Full Moon in Leo is even more demonstative and demands your attention, or chooses to look down their nose at you and shun your approach.

At 7°24′ Leo, the sabian symbol reads “AN ACTIVIST IS STIRRING UP DISCONTENT BY SPREADING THEIR REVOLUTIONARY IDEALS”. Lynda Hill adds, “This Symbol speaks of having bright or burning ideas of revolution, or, at least, how life should be lived. It can show someone who feels they have to make people believe in their ideas even though, at times, they are radical, revolutionary or downright disruptive”. This is an uncomfortable place for some to find themselves in, especially if you dislike drama and unrest. You don’t have to agree with what’s happening. A different point of view challenges you to see the world differently and opens you up to other possibilities.

The Moon opposes Mercury, squares Saturn, trines Uranus and sextiles Jupiter. Emotion conflicts with reason and logicand Saturn offers harsh criticism. It’s okay to express how you feel but don’t make rash statements or leap to conclusions or you could regret it. Uranus brings in a little excitement and some surprises, and Jupiter adds congeniality. It’s bound to be an interesting day that’s quite out of the ordinary.

This is a colourful exploration of History that will surprise and delight you.

The following are screenshots from the History of Astrology DVD.
It is PACKED with fascinating and informative animation, slides, and commentary.

The Sun moves in to the sign of Aquarius on Sunday. The chart is ruled by Saturn in the 9th house – there will be talk of the mining industry, its tax and associated laws governing this industry as well as overseas contracts?
Saturn is in a partile (exact) opposition to the Moon – the public wont like what’s going on, and with the Moon in the 3rd house it will be all over the news and social media. People will voice their contempt for the government’s blatant waste of money and resources. A public statement will be made in an effort to placate the situation but it will not be well received.

16th – 18th January AEDT
When the planet of love meets the planet of intensity relationships become an all-consuming passion, and deeply mesmerising, like a fire full of hot coals. However, in this case, both planets meet in cool, cautious Capricorn so there is passion but it burns long and slow beneath the surface. You feel drawn but suspicious, obsessed but keep your distance, as it toys with your heart and torments your psyche. It could be that you decide a relationship, personal or professional, no longer measures up. Conversely, a relationship moves to a deeper, more intimate level.

Wherever 10°Capricorn falls in your chart, this is the affected area of life. For example,
in the first house you may take yourself more seriously,
in the second house you buy something of great value,
in the third house you have an encounter with a neighbour,
in the fourth house you go “home” for some solace,
in the fifth house a child becomes very attached to you,
in the sixth house you flirt with a workmate,
in the seventh house partnerships get reassessed,
in the eighth house you inherit an old estate,
in the ninth house you meet an alluring foreigner,
in the tenth house your boss makes a pass at you,
in the eleventh house you share an intense group experience,
in the twelfth house you have passionate dreams.

The first New Moon in Melbourne for 2013 occurs this Saturday morning 12th January at 6:44am.

A New Moon is the time to reflect on the new cycle ahead. The seed has sprouted but it is underground and cannot be seen. The New Moon holds the promise of a new beginning, new life, new rules, a new paradigm. The energy is naive, subjective, spontaneous and self-centred. Focus on what you want to manifest before the next Full Moon.

A Capricorn New Moon calls us to reflect on our social responsibilities and how we handle them. Capricorn, a cardinal earth sign, is a feminine energy yet symbolic of authority and the father. It combines practicality and subjectivity to create a well-rounded understanding of what needs to be done. Capricorn strives to achieve goals and wants to make a mark that endures through time. Aware of social mores and with caution, Capricorn slowly but steadily rises to the top. The quest for accomplishment, prestige, honor and material success are what drives Capricorn. More than any other sign, Capricorn understands the value of hard work and the spiritual joy experienced through achieving goals and serving humanity.

At 21°45′ Capricorn, the sabian symbol reads “A GENERAL ACCEPTING DEFEAT GRACEFULLY.” Lynda Hill adds, “This Symbol shows the ability, or the need, to be able to see where and when to accept that things are not working and let go of events or people or thoughts that no longer work for you.” We can’t always win and sometimes not winning is a far better position to assume. When placed in a position of authority certain outcomes are expected of us. When these are not reached or obtained we may feel inferior. In fact, some outcomes are either impossible, unreasonable or undesirable. We have to recognise this and accept the actual outcome. The way we handle ourselves in each situation bears more importance than the outcome – our integrity during the process is a measure of our worth. And what may appear to be loss on the surface may be success in disguise. Deal with your anger and accept defeat with humility.

All things considered, this is a time to focus on goals but to also be more focussed on the process than the outcome. When we reach the Full Moon on 27th January it will be the journey rather than the destination that holds significance.

The Moon makes contact with Jupiter today – make sure you look at them in the sky tonight. The Moon holds memory and Jupiter bestows joy and abundance. Both are in movement-loving, quick-witted Gemini. This augurs well for fun times, good conversation and happy memories. ENJOY

The solstice point in December marks the beginning of Winter in the northern hemisphere and the start of Summer in the south. The Sun reaches the tropic of Capricorn and the hours of daylight are at their extreme.

This is the time the Sun moves into the sign of Capricorn, sign of status, tradition and conservatism. We are motivated by a sense of responsibility, ambition, and respect for law and order – ie. doing the right thing. We lift our standards and expect others to do the same. Okay is no longer good enough. If you’ve been open-ended about a situation you will likely set an ultimatum to establish a clear boundary. Capricorn denads tangible results, knows what is practical and what is not, and will set boundaries or limits. Having a long-term goal and working towards it is most satisfying now. Capricorn isn’t always so serious – it does have a sense of humour but it is dry and within the bounds of good taste.

And so from the Capricorn Ingress we of course arrive at the December Solstice, 21st December 2012. This year is perhaps more significant than others being the end of the Mayan calendar, but no other calendar ends at this time. To cut a long story short, the Mayan calendar completes its current “Great Cycle” of the Long Count. It corresponds to 11:11 Universal Time (UTC), 21 December 2012, hence the myriad of doomsday prophecies surrounding this date. Just as your standard calendar doesn’t end on December 31, another long-count period begins for the Mayan calendar. It’s a symbolic ending, of one phase and the beginning of another. Our lives will continue on, but there will be a fresh perspective, a changed focus, and renewed sense of purpose. At the beginning of the Long Count we saw the emergence of writing, the first nations and cities and the building of the first pyramids in Egypt and Sumer. At the end of the Long Count we are seeing great advances in communication and technology, and transportation but also detrimental environmental and social issues as well. According to Calleman, “the Mayan Calendar … is in fact a calendar of the Cosmic Evolution Plan, a time schedule for all of Creation, and so, it goes back all the way to its beginning with the Big Bang about 15 billion years ago. In this perspective the precessional cycle of our particular earth dwindles and we may become aware that the Mayan Calendar is something of such a grand scale that, properly understood, it may serve to unify science and religion. This then also leads to a deep realization that we are fundamentally all one, and one with the Cosmic Intelligence.” It remains to be seen and felt what the end of this calendar means for us today. Nasa has issued a video with their view of the Mayan Calendar and 21st December 2012. - click here -

As with last year, the Sun is with Pluto highlighting deep psychological change. This is a forceful and serious combination. The Sun rules identity, vitality, ego, pride, recognition and self-expression. Pluto rules power, all things hidden and taboo, obssession, death and survival. A number of themes arise when we combine these two planets but most obviously there is a cool, reservedness that flavours the next 3 months. Being on your best behaviour will mask the seething reality underneath the surface. Keeping one’s emotions at bay, hiding true feelings, looking for psychological clues to behaviour patterns. The energy is covert yet there will be tension and the more sensitive types will prefer to stay in the background to avoid any flack. Everyone will feel the need to change from within which creates the surface tension. Someone is likely to be a catalyst for the change.

Saturn sextiles Sun-Pluto. A sextile offers the opportunity to reign in your power. While Saturn is in Scorpio we are forced to confront our demons and deal with long-buried issues – it’s a reality check in matters of change and survival. Some plans and committments come to an end but while we end up feeling renewed and transformed after doing time in Scorpio the process can be harrowing. If we do the time that Saturn demands, rewards will manifest from facing reality, stripping away ego, working hard and being true to ourselves. Note that Saturn and Pluto are in mutual reception, which highlights the powerfully transformative experiences that will occur right now. Time to pay off all our debts, to face the “thing” in our selves we have been avoiding, such as our addictions, denials, half-truths and unhealed grief. Change is the only reality to accept and we will all experience intense teachings that reach deep into the soul and psyche.

Sun-Pluto also squares Uranus in Aries. There is a tendency to fanatical reforms requiring sudden adjustments. This is especially true for those Both Uranus and Saturn are ruled by Mars, and Mars is exalted in Capricorn – energy and drive is more considered and carefully paced. It helps to modify the intensity of Saturn and the impulsiveness of Uranus.

Jupiter is weakened in Gemini and this is enhanced while Jupiter is retrograde. There may be a tendency to be scattered and confused because we overthink things. It’s time to reassess how much is too much and eliminate extraneous details. Avoid having long-winded and largely impractical dialogues with oneself. On the other hand, your mind may be blank, floating in a sea of ideas that suspend plans. Ask yourself honestly how your mind has been holding you hostage to flights of fancy and avoiding the bigger picture. Gemini will always offer at least two alternatives and Jupiter will make them expansive. The challenge is to accept all possibilities and be flexible enough to select what’s appropriate to each situation. Beware the tendency to either overdo things or procrastinate. Find the middle ground.

Jupiter forms the apex of a Yod with Sun-Pluto and Saturn. The Yod, shaped like an isoceles triangle, is commonly referred to as ‘the finger of god’, which derives from the 10th letter of the Jewish alphabet, ‘Yud’. A Yod brings our attention to the core theme described by the apex planet’s identity and placement. The planet at the apex forms a quincunx to each of the base planets that are sextile to each other. It is a challenging aspect formation so we need to understand what we are invited to integrate and how to best facilitate the process. Note that Jupiter is aspecting his father Saturn and his brother Pluto. Jupiter is the king of the gods, while Saturn represents the old law and Pluto governs the underworld. If we are to reap the rwards of Jupiter it must come through the synthesis of Pluto and Saturn – consistently putting in the work. Then an expansion of consciousness, a broadening of vision and a deeper connection to our moral compass will come to light.

After all the hype dies down, enjoy 22nd December 2012 and the beginning of a new cycle of the Mayan calendar. May you live long and prosper.

Blessings to you all.

The equinox point in September marks the beginning of Fall in the northern hemisphere and the start of Spring in the south. The Sun reaches the equator and the hours of daylight equal the hours of night, hence the term equi-nox. Of all the signs, Libra, the sign of the scales and balance, best represents this time of year. Neither the Sun nor the Moon dominate. They are on equal footing. In the southern hemisphere, Spring is a popular time of year for weddings and with a Libra Ingress the Sun favours relationships, contracts and interaction.

The Sun is with Mercury highlighting communication, signing contracts and open discussions. This is a forceful combination but the influence of Libra softens and refines the manner, delivery and type of language used. Diplomacy is highlighted but beware. Libra can sugar-coat a proposition in order to get what it wants. Always read the fine print and resist the seductive persuasion employed by colleagues, associates and partners. What appears to be a ‘soft’ approach may be camouflaging a hidden or sinister intention. Read between the lines and ask lots of questions.

Sun-Mercury is opposed by Uranus. Diplomacy will not be easy to maintain because others are vehemently opposed to the status quo. The recent uprisings in the Middle East will continue and outside forces will try for a more diplomatic approach but it may yield few results. Sun-Uranus makes for an unstable and unpredictable combination. Uranus exalts individuality and freedom and similarly the Sun is a singular entity around which evrything else revolves. At some point a clash is inevitable perhaps inciting rebelliousness but also creative innovation. Be prepared for the unexpected in the lead-up to Christmas.

The Sun is also square to Pluto. Time to let go of outmoded patterns of expression that will be challenged and proved to be invalid. It could be as simple as mechanical problem or as complex as a relatonship breakdown. While this will be a challenging experience it will allow new creative changes to take place. You may try but resistance is futile. Authority vs power and who weilds what, this is the them for at least the first and last two weeks of this period. By late December it will be clear who’s really in charge. If you take on the challenge and handle it well it will prove a source of strength in the future.

On 4th October, Jupiter turns retrograde in Gemini. Jupiter is weakened in Gemini and this is enhanced while Jupiter moves away from us. There may be a tendency to be scattered and confused because we overthink things. It’s time to reassess how much is too much and eliminate extraneous details. Avoid having long-winded and largely impractical dialogues with oneself. On the other hand, your mind may be blank, floating in a sea of ideas that suspend plans. Ask yourself honestly how your mind has been holding you hostage to flights of fancy and avoiding the bigger picture. Gemini will always offer at least two alternatives. The challenge is to accept all possibilities and be flexible enough to select whhat’s appropriate to each situation.

Saturn ingresses into Scorpio 5th-6th October. Reality check in matters of life and death. Some plans and committments come to an end in the next 2.5 years. Time to pay off all our debts, to face the thing in our self we have been avoiding, such as our addictions, denials, half-truths and unhealed grief. Change is the only reality to accept and we will all experience intense teachings that reach deep into the soul and psyche. Those born 23October to 2 November will have these intense experiences during the next 3 months. Be courageous and learn to let go. You can become a catalyst for change if you do.

After languishing in Virgo Mars is now moving swiftly through the signs. In Sagittarius from 7 October to 17 November the energy is hyperactive. Exercise, adventure, travel and extreme sports will appeal. In Capricorn from 17 November to 26 December the energy is more considered and carefully paced.

Mercury is retrograde in Scorpio from 7 – 27 November. As usual, travel plans and communications are likely to go awry. Double check everything but be prepared for the unexpected. mercury, the trickster, loves to surpise and gets a kick out of a little chaos. For those who learn to ‘see’ the joke mercury often has a hidden reward. He likes to teach us how to lighten up so just go with the flow.

On 11th November, Neptune turns direct in Pisces. This is when we focus on our dreams and with Saturn trining Neptune they can now become a reality. If you can dream it you can do it.

A total Solar Eclipse at 21 Scorpio occurs on 14 November, exactly conjunct Pluto and square to Jupiter-Uranus. Lynda Hill’s Sabian Symbol for Scorpio 22: HUNTERS PROTECTED BY HEAVY CLOTHING ARE SHOOTING WILD DUCKS. This Symbol implies the need for protection of those who are innocent or younger, smaller, or not able to protect themselves. Being an advocate for others, you can shield them from the more harmful elements of society. You may, at times, feel that you are the one that needs to be protected or given shelter or in need of people declaring a ceasefire and amnesty so people can come out into the open and not be afraid to show their true selves. Of course, there is a need for an outlet for aggressive emotions every now and then. Doing so in groups gives this outlet, such as “Shooting Wild Ducks” some sense of acceptability. However, picking on those that are undefended or smaller is really not right, no matter what the terms. Further this degree can reflect the idea of eating meat and the associated feelings that many have around the herding and killing of animals. As a friend of mine recently did, some will come to the realisation that they need to eat meat in order to stay healthy and there may be a need to drop any feelings of guilt around it.
Satiating one’s aggressive desires. Being able to hit the mark. Terrorism in its many forms. Camouflage. The armed forces. Armaments. Hunting for meat or trophies.
The Caution: Taking unfair advantage of the innocent. Exploitation. Hormones running rampant. Bullying behavior. Polluting nature. Shooting people down. Nowhere to hide.

November 28 features a Lunar Eclipse at 7 Gemini. Again from Lynda’s Sabian Symbols: AN OLD-FASHIONED WELL WITH THE PUREST AND COLDEST OF WATERS. This Symbol implies going into the depths of people, places and things in order to find nourishment or satisfaction. There is always a plentiful supply for all those who draw on the well with sincerity. You are able to access this through your faith and emotive confidence in yourself. You don’t need to employ your thoughts as much as your beliefs in this situation. The inner wisdom you seek has been tapped by others long ago. Tapping into the ‘Well’ may require a long rope and patience but it is worth the effort. Compassion and love allow one to plumb the depths of people and situations with certainty.
Being supported by people and your environment. Clarity of thought and perception. Deep and sustaining links to the past. The pool of universal experience. Water.
The Caution: Not trusting advice based on established ideas. Not seeing the depths of others. Shallow emotions and responses. Muddying of issues. Stagnant water. Poisons.

And lastly, on 13th December, Uranus turns direct in Aries. Watch for fireworks – literally and figuratively.

Of course I must say a few words about 21st December 2012 and the supposed end of the Mayan calendar. The very amusing cartoon below has been circulating for the past few years, and I believe it sums up the issue quite succinctly.

Blessings to you all.

This inclines me towards using the first method in future “contests”. Let me recap:
I assigned the 1st house to Julia – for she was the one I asked the queston about – and the 7th house to Kevin, her opponent. Julia is the Sun in Pisces in the 7th house and Kevin is Saturn in the 3rd house. On angularity alone Julia has it won, even though she is in Kevin’s house. Saturn is also retrograde and moving backwards in a cadent house that gives Kevin no power. Julia is stronger.

Julia wins – by more than a nose