personal points on the cardinal axis

Abe   ... As in Abraham Lincoln ...

Abe is the example I will use to illuminate the power of Personal Points on the cardinal axis. But first, a quick description of the personal points and cardinal axis.

In Uranian Astrology (aka Symmetrical Astrology) personal points are a big deal. The six personal points are the Sun, Moon, Node(s), Midheaven (MC), Ascendant (AS), and Aries point (meaning zero degrees of any cardinal sign -- Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn).  

Through the personal points we connect to things. Through the Sun we connect via our will, purpose, body; through the Moon it is with our feelings, emotions, and perception. The Ascendant connects us to our locale, our immediate environment. Through the MC we find our sense of "I" or "my," our soul connectedness. It is the place within, from which we look up and out. In a way, I like to think of the MC as connecting us to spirit. The Nodes are all about connections or unions by themselves, showing us how and with whom we'll connect. And finally the Aries point, which is both the cardinal axis and the intersection of the two great circles of the Ecliptic and the Equator, is the way in which everyone and everything connects in and to the world. The Aries point is the personal point we all share. 

My teacher Gary Christen would say a person who has personal points on the cardinal axis is going to be very visible and known in the world. You will see that Abraham Lincoln serves as a great example of this.

What does it mean (technically) to have personal points on the cardinal axis? When we say a person has points on the axis we are not limited to their having points directly at 0 degree cardinals, though that works too. We are interested in whether there are points "wrapping around" the axis as well. This is called antiscia: when points fall on either side of 0 degrees cardinal in perfect symmetry. 

Note: Zero degrees Cancer/Capricorn are the Solstice Points. 

Second Note: Antiscia, sometimes referred to as Solstice Points, have been used for a very long time. Hellenistic authors refer to them not infrequently. 

As an example, in the chart for today, we see that Mars resides at less than 1 degree Cancer. This means that Mars sits directly on the cardinal axis. 

But in the chart for the the Summer Solstice, June 21, 2011, we see several other points are antiscia to one another on the cardinal axis.

Here we find Node Pluto are anitscia, and also Jupiter Ascendant (Note: AS is only relevant in the immediate locale, here in Seattle. Lucky us.) Node Pluto would be indicative of transformative and powerful connections, changing connections, possibly concealed or subversive connections, and likely major power struggles. 

Back to Abe. 

Let's first check out his chart on the classic pie wheel.

We notice right away the strong angular Sun in Aquarius and the Moon residing in Capricorn. I find Saturn at the top of the chart (with Neptune) a very interesting feature, as it resides in the famous Gauquelin sector. Isn't Saturn so very appropriate for Lincoln? From his stature, to issues with melancholy, his reflective nature, his social commitment and responsibilities... And it is Saturn, of course, that disposits both the Sun and the Moon. I also find it quite fascinating that all of the 5 innermost planets, Sun through Mars, are in detriment! Just one planet, Jupiter, is in its own domicle.  

Next let's look at the chart on the 360 degree wheel. 

Look at those personal points! 

At first glance we see 4 of the 5 personal points sitting on the axis. The Sun lies antiscia to the Node, general connections in the public, to reach out and make contact, meetings with others. The Moon lies antiscia to Saturn, connecting with laboring and suppressed people, work with the public (moon), also feeling inhibited, somber or lonely. And the Ascendant to Node, connections with many in one's environment, many acquaintances, a kind of group identity.

Upon closer examination however, if you note where that tiny black dot is by the MC, the fifth and final point, the MC, is actually pulled in by 22.5 degrees. 

This is easier to see on the 90 degree wheel.

What this means is that President Lincoln has every single one of his personal points on the cardinal axis.

We can most definitely say he is a man known in the world.

To conclude, I find it personally interesting that upon writing this post his Node is coming due to his Sun by solar arc.

Is he connecting with the world again?   

The chart (moment) (person) lives on....

Today's eclipse = new Saros Series

Today, July 1, marks the very first eclipse of a new Saros Series. The series contains 72 eclipses in total with the final one occurring in 3237. This new moon/solar partial eclipse lands at 9 degrees 12 minutes of Cancer. The sabian symbol for this degree, 10 Cancer, is  A large diamond not completely cut. (Keyword: Latency.) If the eclipse falls in a prominent place in your own chart, i.e. conjunct or in dynamic aspect to one of your planets or angles, this might have pronounced meaning for you at this time.  

This birth of a new cycle is also meaningful for the collective.  

When we look at the eclipse chart on the 360 and 90 degree dials, some very important details pop out:

First we see that the only planet directly on the cardinal axis is the TNP (transNeptunian) Hades. You can find more information on Hades in previous articles, but in essence Hades relates to service, things from the past, that which is dirty or worn out, difficulty and hardship, and things hidden like the occult.

Moving to the 90 dial, we see more come to light as we turn the dial to 22.5:

Here we find Poseidon connected to Pluto + Kronos, with Mars close by. Poseidon rules light; it has to do with high-mindedness, understanding, philosophy and culture. It is like a higher octave of the planet Neptune, and so relates to spirit and enlightenment. The combination of Pluto and Kronos speaks to great change and/or development. All energies playing together should indicate some potential for highly transformative and spiritual development in the culture.  

Another immensely important combination occurring at this eclipse is Pluto/Kronos falling at the precise midpoint of Mars and Jupiter.

If Mars Jupiter typically indicates successful action and Pluto is the result, it seems to speak of an enormously rich time for (or beginning of?) big changes and transformations occurring because of or through fortunate decisions or activities. With Kronos, it's knocked up a notch or, in a more mundane sense, makes reference to leaders or people in authority. 

Venus also falls on an important axis:

Venus lies at the midpoint of three planetary configurations! In order, by tightness of orb, they are: Hades Node, Cupido Uranus, and Vulcanus Admetos. This could speak to some less than comfy circumstances as Hades Node can indicate unpleasant affairs or associations. However, if we consider the higher side of Hades -- service, tradition, or things from the past, it might be indicating more social interest in these matters. Certainly with the other combinations to Venus it could speak to continued difficulty for people and communities, but with the aforementioned potential for big time transformation it may just be showing the way to that transformation and why. Meaning: the culture is in trouble and sudden or drastic measures might need to be taken to deal with great obstacles, violence, or loss.  

I think because there is a strong Poseidon and Plutonian influence in this chart, what we will come to face as a culture, or as many cultures around the globe, we can work through.  To me, this illuminates the hindrances and limitations at hand and that more may arise, but that we can transcend, go beyond, grow from and out of a very difficult time. 

One final midpoint to mention is Jupiter on the axis of Sun Neptune and Moon Neptune -- and in the US chart, Saturn MC. 

To me, this indicates optimism in the face of difficult circumstances and the unknown. Modesty and simplicity ought to be welcome and encouraged at this time. And what we don't know can help us, so keep an open mind. Imagine futures full of possibility, and work on keeping a compassionate outlook. 

Please feel free to leave a comment or ask a question, or offer your perspective!

Royal Wedding = Cupido

Not every day do we witness such an archetypally important and highly visible event. Friday (Venus day) April 29 2011, was one of those special days. With the wedding of Prince William to Kate Middleton, much is being said by all -- and especially pondered and scrutinized by astrologers.

The first thing that stands out is Venus placed at the top, or MC (Midheaven), of this wedding chart! Venus symbolizes love, beauty, creativity, relationships and happiness, among other things, and placed at the MC makes her most visible. Also note that Mercury is also at the top of the chart and advancing (moving toward) the MC in the Ninth whole sign house (the house of religious and mystical matters and the king). With Mercury highly prominent and visible, matters pertaining to communication, news, public opinion, and... vows, are pronounced. The midpoint of Mercury and Venus is in fact the MC. This  VE | ME = MC  symbolizes beautiful appearances and sounds in public, thoughts and words of love, and a time (MC = the minute or moment) of beauty, grace, merriment, artistry and music. Remember the bells?

The ascending sign Leo, another symbol of royalty, is ruled by the prominent Sun in the Tenth whole sign house. This Sun, ruler of the First, however is not connected to the ruler of the Seventh (for partnership), Saturn, and this is where some of the trouble begins...

Another element of this wedding chart that makes many astrologers uneasy is a dark, waning Moon (the New Moon occurs on Monday, May 2). A waxing Moon, or Moon growing in light, is usually considered more desirable for the day of a wedding, because a marriage is something we want to see grow and the building of light is considered a fruitful thing. 

This moon is also considered by most western tropical astrologers to be VOC (void of course). This means it has finished making aspects to other planets while it remains in the sign of Pisces and before it enters the next sign of Aries. The VOC moon traditionally indicates a time when it is best not to start any new projects or sign contracts or make decisions about important matters generally. There are other factors at play in this chart, however, and what is typically considered a major no no by many astrologers may need to be reconsidered.

One of the simplest ways to contradict the notion of a VOC moon, which is thought to be unfortunate for a wedding chart and hence a marriage, is that in the Sidereal system where the signs of the zodiac are based on the fixed constellations (a system used widely by astrologers in India and all over the world today) this VOC moon just doesn't exist, and so would be totally thrown out. In considering another no no, the dark moon, we might want to think about what this would be good for; spirituality is one of the things that comes to mind, but are they a spiritual couple? What about things hidden, or there being much going on behind the scenes -- wouldn't this be especially helpful for a relationship that is so totally visible on the world's stage? It might also symbolize something really old, kind of like an old soul. Maybe it indicates a marriage coming together again -- one that has played out many times in the public before, indicative of some kind of collective karma. It's hard to say. I do think a dark or Void Moon could be good if a couple desires NOT to have a child. 

Let's examine this chart on the 90 degree dial, with the TNPs (TransNeptunianPlanets).  

The first thing that pops out is Venus and Cupido sitting antiscia to one another on the cardinal axis (aka world's stage). This is indicative of a harmonious marriage in its most simplistic, obvious expression. Venus/Cupido also represents artistic and musical associations, peaceful societies, and happiness among groups of people or in the family. 

Because Cupido rules marriage let's examine its placement further... 

The first thing we see is that Cupido sits directly across from the AS (Ascendant). Technically speaking, it is in precise sesquiquadrate from the AS at 0 deg 00 sec. A sesquiquadrate or half-square is indicative of things that happen out there, outside ourselves, or in our environment. The AS symbolizes location or surroundings and is what is on the horizon or rising at that exact moment. In terms of timing, the AS (and also the MC) is like the minute or secondhand of a clock. And if we consider it like we would in a nativity (a person's birth chart), it is the mask or persona, or the face, of this relationship as captured in this specific moment in time. 

The closest completed planetary picture, which is a perfectly aligned symmetrical arrangement of planets and angles quite often difficult to see with an unaided eye, is MC + Cupido - AS = MC. This means MC (the moment, soul, awareness) + Cupido (family, societies, associations, marriage, artistry) - AS (the place, relating to others in the surroundings) = MC (the moment, soul, awareness). And this occurs at 0 deg 0 min 01 sec. Now that is quite expressive of the time, isn't it?  

Very interesting to note, the next twenty completed planetary pictures all include Cupido -- which to me is pretty astonishing!

The second picture is with the Moon -- symbolizing the female, the public; add Cupido/AS and you get a woman proceeding to marriage. The next is with Mercury, symbolizing conversation, news, music, or vows. Then follows the Node -- symbolizing connections, sometimes karmic or fated; with Cupido/AS, a family coming together for a marriage. Next is with Venus -- the female again, the bride. Then with the Sun, and then Mars -- both symbolizing the man, the father, the bridegroom. The Sun with Cupido/AS adds community and the day, and Mars brings in the action -- connections leading to marriage. The list goes on... 

... So, per Uranian methods, utilizing some TNPs, this is a clear statement of a beautiful wedding day. Will the marriage be successful is another story. Consider the darkness of the Moon, and that by tropical standards it is Void, and that the ruler of the First and Seventh houses are not connected. These are all big factors going against the long-term success of a marriage. Nonetheless, it was a profoundly beautiful day -- and that picture was captured in the exact midpoints and planetary pictures of the day. 

midpoints 101

The midpoint between two planets can be an intense spot; especially when another planet (or planets) or other sensitive point, like an angle, is located there. This is relevant in both personal and mundane "world event" astrology. A point like this, with two or more planets situated around it, tells us a story. And in every midpoint story, like all things in a chart, there is the potential for a higher or lower expression. If the planets involved are known to be notoriously more challenging, for example a combination involving Saturn and Pluto, then it is up to us to direct that energy into an expression that we are satisfied with. Just as there really are no good or bad planets, there are not simply good or bad midpoints. Again, we could take as an example a midpoint that at first glance is typically considered to be quite pleasant say between Sun and Jupiter or Sun and Venus, symbolizing joy and enthusiasm, harmony and cooperation, and understand that it could devolve into arrogance, over-indulgence or superficiality quite easily without our attention or care. 

Let's look at a combination in the sky right now: 

See the arrow pointed to the Aries Point (the "world's stage"), there you also find Venus and Uranus. Wrapped around Venus|Uranus, at equal openings, are the Sun on one side and Neptune on the other. What we are looking at is a symmetrical arrangement of Venus and Uranus at the midpoint of the Sun and Neptune, or Sun|Neptune = Venus|Uranus = Aries. 

This combination will be in effect through the weekend and will continue to be very strong through Tuesday, April 26, 2011. 

Keywords we could use to describe Sun|Neptune are: 

Vitality or expression (Sun) is affected or altered by psychic or imaginative influences (Neptune). Heightened sensitivity, receptiveness and impressionability; or potential weakness due to Neptune's dissolving quality. People's motivations become more idealistic or there could be an unrealistic, nebulous quality to them. Visions, mysticism and dreams influence individual or collective perception; or escaping reality through daydreams becomes more rampant. It is time to cultivate a more soulful inner life -- or else be prone to greater self-deception and disappointment. 

Keywords for Venus|Uranus include: 

Eccentricity or breakthroughs (Uranus) made in artistic expression or relationships (Venus). An interesting rhythm. Nervousness around, or quick decisions made with regard to, others. The love of unusual things or people. The love of astrology, science and technology. Innovative or inconstant and disruptive expressions of talents and/or love. 

When we combine and consider these midpoints together, having an effect on the collective (via the Aries Point), we come up with a number of interesting scenarios that could play out in several different ways. It is important to note that its effect will be felt by all; however those who have personal points interacting with the planets mentioned, or in early degrees of the cardinal signs (or in antiscia on the cardinal axis), will feel it more acutely. 

In considering the keywords offered, how might we imagine the expression of Sun|Neptune = Venus|Uranus = Aries? 

"Dreaming of living in beauty, wealth, comfort, and luxury... delights in mental escape from life. Visualization and dreaming about astrology... indifference toward life or others while you inwardly escape." -Munkasey

"Reserve in love... disappointments, aberrations in love. Sudden upsets or excitements... inner or emotional crisis, mourning." -Ebertin

The time is ripe for artistic innovation and invention particularly via visualizations, in meditation, or upon waking. Pay close attention to your dreams, especially if you work in a creative field. Remain open to inspiration, but don't lose yourself entirely in fantasy. Use discernment while you collect and harness that which comes in. And know that everyone is feeling more sensitive at this time, so try to be more compassionate versus reacting quickly or disruptively to a difficult or confusing situation. 

Use the time to explore new ideas, new mediums, or concepts if you're an artist, musician or writer. Or focus the energies into visualizing the relationships you want in your life, whether new or old, it is a good time to explore new territory, break new ground, make changes...  Just don't get lost in a dream. 

The Ugly Truth? March 19 Full Moon

The Full Moon occuring on March 19 is being called a super moon because it is particularly close to the earth. The exact time of the Full Moon is 11:10AM PDT (2:10PM EDT). Occurring in the tropical and sidereal signs of Pisces and Virgo, this lunation emphasizes concepts of sacrifice and/or service. The Sun and Moon sit tropically at 28 degrees 47 minutes (chart below).

Interesting to note the Heliacal Rising star for the day is Deneb Algedi, located in the sea goat's tail in the constellation of Capricornus. Deneb Algedi, the "ancient law giver," is a justice-oriented star and, according to Bernadette Brady, is symbolic of an "ancient god who was seeking to bring civilization to his people." It promotes benefic rulers. And when it's rising she says it relates to the seeking of "legal, physical or metaphysical laws that govern the world," and of "knowledge or solutions... endeavoring to help others in one's community." I think the reference to serving our community is quite interesting here, as is the mention of physical or metaphysical laws (or limits) governing the world. We'll return to this idea when we consider Hades, another important point in the lunation chart. 

The Heliacal Setting star for the day is Regulus. A star located in the heart of the lion in the constellation of Leo. This star points to "the need to avoid revenge." It can indicate success and natural talent (military success is related to Regulus as well), but one must be careful to avoid hubris and excessive anger. 

Could we say:  The time for revenge and dictatorship is Setting (or needs to set) -- and the time for service in one's community and benefic leadership is on the Rise..? As always, I hope so.

Full Moon chart on the pie wheel set in Washington DC:

There are many interesting points to note with this Full Moon. It is square the nodal axis and square the Dec 21, 2010 Total Lunar Eclipse. Jupiter is culminating, while Saturn lies at the Nadir. The Mercury Saturn opposition has passed, but is actually very strong by paran (chart at bottom of this article). Other important parans for the day are: Moon rising (E) with Uranus setting (W), and Mercury Jupiter rising (E) while Pluto culminates (M). Parans are important combined planetary statements. For more information on parans see my previous post. 

Now I'll head to the 90 degree dial, with the TNPs (transNeptunian planets - used commonly by Uranian or Symmetrical astrologers). On the dial there is something that catches our attention right away: Hades. 

(See Hades snuggled right in between the Sun and Moon.)

Hades (the symbol at the top of this article - a waning crescent with a cross) is a hypothetical planet, though it very likely has a body floating around out there in the Kuiper belt somewhere. In addition to symbolizing things used, old, and thrown out, it signifies those things which are hidden or from the past and therefore relates to astrology and the occult. 

Hades sometimes carries with it connotations of sickness and deformity and importantly nursing, i.e. providing relief to those things (including parts of ourselves and other people or places) that we'd rather not look at. In its highest expression it relates to selfless service, pure unadulterated service provided without ego-attachment or a need for recognition. It is giving even though you may receive nothing in return. This echoes (the Full Moon) Virgo/Pisces - and is a perfect synthesis of the two.

At this lunation, Hades is in a precise square to the Sun and Moon. It currently presides in 28 deg 47 min of Gemini (the exact degree and minute of this mutable Full Moon). And it sits very close to the Nodes (the south node specifically). The Nodes signify connections - fated, possibly karmic, and just unions generally. Hades with the Nodes will likely bring a greater concentration of, and focus on, things like poverty and stormy circumstances, even literally stormy weather and floods. It may contribute to an increased interest in hidden knowledge, objects, or people; things from the past. It may also signify bringing to light (Full Moon) some criminal activity or deeply buried secrets held by governments or others in power. 

If we direct our attention specifically to the Sun Moon Hades combination, some other important points also come into focus. 

You can see on the dial some other points are strongly connected (note the midpoint lines tying these objects together) to this Full Moon. Two more hypothetical planets are illuminated: Cupido and Apollon. But even if we took these points out, we would be left with the Full Moon occurring at the precise Neptune Ascendant midpoint (for Washington DC). This is powerful and ought to be quite descriptive. Will there be more fraud and deceipt coming to light, or being actively hidden? Neptune Ascendant also signifies weakness or illness, even poisons; who is at risk, who needs healing - the government, the American people? Likely both.

Yet another expression of Neptune Ascendant is sensitivity. Some could likely use a little more, especially if it means developing more compassion and trusting intuition instead of listening to the 'experts' or to people who don't have your best interest in mind. Neptune Ascendant can dissolve things too. Aren't we, as a collective, in the midst of recognizing just how much there is to "clean up?" Neptune, like water, is a universal solvent.  

Speaking of cleaning, other Hades significations are things dirty, ruined, ugly, or just plain mean. Hades also rules catastrophes. To be blunt, I think this lunation is forcing us to look at the ugly truth. With the other two TNPs playing into this picture, Apollon with Neptune, and Cupido with Pluto, the ugly truth gets more descriptive. It is one involving corruption, mass deception, and "bad smelling matters" (Neptune Apollon = Hades per Alfred Witte's book, Rules for Planetary Pictures), where social and family conditions are in decline and communities are suffering (Pluto Cupido = Hades). In light of Japan's earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear issues; dictators killing their people; and increased attention finally illuminating our country's greedy and malicious Wall Street bank robbers, is it really a surprise we'd find this reflected in the current lunation?

So how can we use these energies to serve something more positive? By actively directing them into something for the common good. I think we must take action. We must participate in the solution. Uranus, the planet of revolution and change, is part of this picture too and there is no time to waste. Contribute in whatever tiny way you can. Drive your car less. Better yet, sell it! Especially if it's a gas-guzzling S.U.V. The days of mass-consumption are Over. Participate in making a better future (ensure a future period), don't turn the other way and contribute to the problem. (Okay, enough ranting..)

One last thing I'd like to point out about these combinations is that they are actually quite beautiful for those interested in or who study and practice ancient astrology. It is a highly favorable time for the occult sciences. The wisdom of the past meets a science for the future.  

Ne + Ap = Ha  Su  Mo

Paran chart :

I welcome you to leave comments +/or feedback.