Happy Birthday Aries/ Gloria Steinem, An American Hero.

 "Like art, revolutions come from combining what exists into what has never existed before."
  Gloria Steinem

  

  Hello friends! This week we will be celebrating all those wild and wonderful Arieses out there! Happy Birthday Rams, your unique light is a gift to us all! Like every sign of the Zodiac, Aries comes to us when we need it the most. Aries is the first sign of the Zodiac and the first sign of Spring. For most of us on this side of the world, Winter transitioning into Spring is the most dramatic season change of the year. And Aries really knows how to bring the drama! (More on that later.) Aries charges in the last week of March and yells at us to get outside. Aries is the birds waking you up at three a.m.. Aries is the wild exuberance of Spring Break. At it's highest, Aries is that surge of creativity we all feel this time of year. At it's lowest, Aries is that shirtless dude yelling "Woooh!".

  A key word for Aries is 'headstrong'. Also 'headfirst'. Last week, I mentioned Pisces rules the feet,well Aries rules the head. Literally. An insurance company in England did a study on personal injury and found that Arieses are more accident prone than any other sign. Presumably because they're always jumping into things without considering the consequences. I used to wait tables with an adorable little Aries named Amber. Her nickname was Bam and I initially  assumed this was because 'Bam' kind of sounded like Amber. But no. Girl was always falling down or running into things. And then she'd laugh it off. Amber/Bam was the first person to tell me every Aries has at least one cool scar with a good story behind it. 

  Aries is our Fiery Cardinal sign. Fire signs are creative, passionate, hot headed, usually extroverted, and at times, eccentric. (The other fire signs are Leo and Sagittarius.) Cardinal signs come when the Seasons change. (The other Cardinal signs are Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn.) Cardinal signs are gifted at new beginnings, which also makes them good leaders. Aries is no exception. Gifted with powerful vision, Aries has no problem taking a quick look around and deciding what needs to be done, and doing it. Aries is not afraid to get it's hands dirty. 

  Aries is ruled by the scarred red planet that we call Mars. Just like the Arieses in your life, Mars has powerful energy that can be hard to contain, or at times, figure out. Mars is our Life Force Energy. Mars is our Will to Survive. Mars has been called the Red Planet, and also The Bright Burning One. Mars was the God of War in Roman Mythology, and it's true this planet rules war, as well as anger, violence and aggression. This might sound scary, but keep in mind, anger is a necessary emotion, and with effort, violence and aggression can be channeled into healthy expressions of boundaries and self-esteem. Other key words for Mars are initiation, motivation, ambition, sexual desire, determination. 

  Where Mars falls in your chart will determine how your passions manifest. Other planets in your chart will will determine how easily this energy is released. For example, my Mars is said to be in it's "fall" (a place Astrologers say planets don't like to be) in moody, watery Cancer. Which I guess is why I suck at team sports. BUT one of my Astrological gifts is that my Mars in Cancer falls in the spooky Eighth house of Secrets, blessing me with a greater than average ability to suss out people's hidden aggressions, motivations, and passions. Astrology giveth, Astrology taketh away. 

  Another thing Mars rules is sexual energy and attraction. Mars wasn't just the God of War, he was also lover to Venus, the Goddess of Beauty and Love. (The planet Venus also has a very important role in our sexuality and relationships, but that's another post for another day.) Just like those birds that chase each other dangerously close to moving vehicles this time of year, Mars wants what it wants, and most Arieses do to. The challenge of an Aries in love is to balance the needs of their ego, against the needs of their partnership. This is possible. It just requires discipline.

  To be born an Aries is to be born with a call to serve a higher cause, often in a leadership position. Arieses are natural leaders. When an Aries is not given a chance to lead, they would rather go their own way. (A textbook example of this is the character Sawyer on the ABC drama Lost.) In the Tarot, the Emperor Card is generally associated with Aries. This card most commonly depicts a king, seated on a throne, wearing armor.  This card definitely feels very Ariean to me. Seated, because he is master of all he surveys, but still in armor, always ready to jump up and fight to defend his kingdom. An Aries always fights their own battles.  It's a powerful card, but for me, the phrase "Lonely at the top" also comes to mind.  

  Aries Gloria Marie Steinem (b. March 25, 1934 at 22:00) has been fighting the good fight for decades Her leadership roles include Founder of the Women's Political Caucus, Co-founder of Ms. Magazine, Founder of the Women's Action Alliance. Her Mars is conjunct her Sun in it's home sign of Aries making her warrior spirit a huge part of her identity, and gifting her with leadership ability.Her public speaking style has been described as high-spirited, humorous, and inexhaustable. So Ariean! She was also born with Uranus the Upsetter, in Aries, assuring the battle she would someday choose would be a game changer. Jupiter, the planet of gifts and luck is in Libra in her Eleventh House, blessing her with beauty, grace, (she studied ballet for years) relateability, and the ability to draw a crowd. This placement also most likely contributed to her eventual attainment of cultural icon status. 

  By all accounts, her early life was hard. Her father abandoned the family, forcing her to be caretaker to her mentally ill mother. This is also evidenced by Saturn, the planet of challenging restrictions, in her Fourth House of Home and Early Life. Her Leo Moon in the Ninth House of Education and Higher Learning suggests that reading and writing have always been an escape for her.

  What really propelled Gloria Steinem into the national spotlight was her writing, what has been called her brilliant way with words.Interestingly, her natal Mercury, the planet that rules communication and the written word (and also organization), is in Pisces, the sign most closely associated with the Collective Unconscious. Astrologically speaking, this Warrior Spirit came to Earth with a powerful intellect, plus an ability to intuit and articulate what so many were feeling, but were unable to express. What a gift! For all of us!

  Gloria Steinem's Rising Sign is Scorpio, which makes her Ruling Planet Pluto. Pluto is the planet of destruction and rebirth. Wherever Pluto lands in our chart is where we seek to transform. Pluto spends years in each sign and that makes it really instrumental in defining a generation. Gloria Steinem's Pluto is in Cancer, the sign that rules Motherhood, the Family Unit, and Women's Traditional Roles.  Pluto was last in Cancer from 1913 to 1939. How interesting that the Nineteenth Amendment, giving women the right to vote, passed during this time! It was time for women's traditional roles to change, whether the world felt ready or not. So along comes Gloria Steinem at the tail end of this potent influence, herself the product of a nontraditional home life. She came to us blessed with a warrior's spirit, a call to speak for those who cannot, and a gift for writing and organizing. Bright burning light indeed! 

  Brightest Birthday wishes, Gloria Marie Steinem. You have positively influenced my life in ways that I am not fully aware of. I hope you did something nice for yourself, you deserve it! Namaste.

  Some gift ideas for the Aries in your life are, an Ashtanga Yoga package, a deep tissue massage, tickets to an outdoor sporting event. Basically, anything that encourages downtime. Beloved Aries works hard. 

Very Belated Birthday Greetings to my Beloved Pisceans/ Abbreviated Life Update.

  Hello friends, as some of you know, I have really been having a time. Some squatters took over the apartment above the one where I lived with my family, and made our lives unbearable. Currently, we are staying with my in-laws on the Eastern Shore. The good news is, we are waiting to close on a house! Unfortunately, in the rush to escape an unsafe and disgusting living situation, I ended up accidentally burying all of my beloved Astrology books somewhere deep in a Baltimore storage unit, and I won't have access to them for a few more weeks. So. Until I am settled in, with a dedicated writing space, these next few posts will be a little more from the heart, less from the head. Probably the perfect way to write about Pisces, now that I think about it...

  A reminder: I still have access to Astrology software and am more than happy to answer any specific questions about your life path to the best of my ability.

  Sorry I missed your Birthday Pisces, I really feel like shit. Hopefully you were too busy "going with the flow" to even notice. Pisces season can be a stressful time. My situation with the squatters had all the hallmarks of the dark side of Pisces: addiction, enemies, confusion, law enforcement. Even if it's not always that dramatic, it can be a troubling time. Pisces season is the last month of winter and the last of the twelve signs of the Zodiac, and that is why Pisces is associated with endings. But to think of this time as something to be endured until spring is upon us would be  a mistake. Pisces season is a time of deep reflection. It's time to look within and congratulate ourselves on how far we've come. It's also time to assess what still needs to be done. It's a fertile, creative time. In Ancient Egypt it was the rainy season, directly opposite Virgo, the time of the harvest. what's more life giving than that?

  Pisceans are notoriously mysterious, but here is what we know about them: Pisces is ruled by the planet Neptune, Ancient ruler, Jupiter. Neptune rules the arts and sciences, (Among other things) and Jupiter is the planet of gifts,so it's no surprise that most Pisces have some sort of artistic ability. Most notably music or dance. Pisces is a Water Sign. Astrologically speaking, Water means emotions, creativity, sensitivity, a desire to heal and be healed. Pisces is a mutable sign which means they have a gift for transformation, and are better at most than letting go. Pisces truly are the mystics of the Zodiac.

  All the water signs are guarded, but none more so than Pisces. The phrase "Still waters run deep." has always felt very Piscean to me. For a lot of Pisces, their default setting seems to be set at private. This feels so normal to them that they may not even think of themselves that way. That doesn't necessarily translate as introversion. Many Pisces love to be out around people and can be the life of the party. (More on that later.) Pisces are also gifted at picking up on the thoughts and feelings of the people around them. Their profound insights into human nature combined with an intense desire to deflect attention from their interior lives can occasionally result in a killer sense of humor. Seriously, my funniest friends are all fishes.

  Pisces is also considered by some to be the most attractive sign in the Zodiac. That is, if heavy lidded, long lashed eyes, full sensual lips, and a dreamy, other worldly quality are your thing. It probably helps that Neptune rules dance, and most Pisces are naturally graceful. I used to be roommates with a ballerina named Beverly who was a Pisces who basically looked like a mermaid with legs. She had long red hair and everyone was in love with her and she knew it. She never had to pay for drinks. I have this one kind of sexist Astrology book from the seventies that says that Pisces women have to be beautiful because otherwise no man would ever put up with their mood swings. FWIW, my friend Eben has a Pisces mom, a Pisces sister, and a Pisces wife and he says it's totally true.

  I mentioned before that Pisces is a mutable sign. Interestingly, the visual depictions of all four mutable signs have a duality to them. Gemini is the Twins, Virgo is the Maiden separating the chaff from the wheat, Sagittarius is the Centaur, and Pisces is the Two Yoked Fish, forever trying to swim in opposite directions. This symbolism makes me think about how some Pisces are so controlled be their unconscious, their earthly bodies can hardly keep up. Or maybe their spiritual leanings are so powerful, they have trouble functioning in the physical world. There are other possibilities as well, but a hard fact remains: Being born with your Sun, Moon, or Ascendant in Pisces means you came here this time with a battle to fight.

  Pisces is associated with the Twelfth House of the Zodiac. It rules music, mysticism, Universal Love, hidden enemies, medicine, addiction, insanity, prisons, and other institutions. It's true, there's a lot of darkness in the Midnight Sign. The line between spiritual ecstasy and insanity can be easily blurred, and sadly many Pisces struggle with addiction. Pisces Kurt Cobain ( Feb 20, 1967 -.April 5, 1994) struggled with addiction and depression, even as he tried to transcend that darkness through his Tibetan Buddhism practice.

  In your life, does it seem like a greater than average number of Pisces struggle with their mental health? My theory is to be born a Pisces is to be called to mysticism, but not everyone feels ready for that call this lifetime. To have the soul of a mystic, while feeling trapped in an earthly existence can feel like too much for a gentle Pisces soul to take. Alcohol/drugs can feel like an escape or at least a break from feeling all the feelings all the time. It doesn't have to be that way, of course. A challenge for the Pisces is to integrate the mystic and the mundane. Very few humans this day and age have the opportunity to live a full on mystical existence, but most people could be living with more intention than they currently are, Pisces included. An outlet for creative expression is essential as well.

  Pisceans make great therapists or healers of any kind because of their ability to empathize. No one feels your pain more than a Pisces. (The shadow side of this is the Pisces who cuts his/herself off completely from the source of human empathy as a coping mechanism. Perfect example: Mitt Romney.) Healing doesn't have to be a day job. Many lost at sea Pisces could benefit from Reiki training or some other form of energy work that would then enhance their own life and the lives of their loved ones. Aromatherapy can also be a great fit for a Pisces' sensual nature.

  My Aromatherapy mentor, Cynthia Loving (www.lovingscents.com) started her professional life as a psychotherapist who worked with violent criminals (prisons and institutions). A colleague introduced her to Aromatherapy, and it completely changed her life. A year later, she had moved to Florida to study full time with an Aromatherapy Master. (All or nothing, a Pisces trait.) Today, she has a thriving practice in North Carolina where she teaches, consults, and sells her own line of high quality essential oils. She says Aromatherapy is 30% chemistry and 70% intuition. Spoken like a true Pisces!

  As a final note on Pisces, I would like to share the mythology of the Pisces glyph because I think it is so beautiful. The story is that Aphrodite and her son, Eros were bathing on the banks of the Euphrates when they spotted the giant, Typhoeus. In order to escape unnoticed, Aphrodite transformed them into fishes, but tied them together with a rope so they wouldn't get separated. And I guess that explains why so many Pisces I know have such strong connections to their mothers.

Are you compatible?

  The Astrological inquiry I hear the most is from people wanting to know if their sign makes them romantically compatible with that special someone. Now, we already know that we're all more complex than just our Sun signs, but the Sun is a significant part our identity and how we relate to others. I prefer to say that while our Sun signs alone cannot determine IF two people can get along with each other, but they it might give you insight into HOW two people get along with each other. It really bugs me when people say things like, "I'm a Capricorn, my ex-wife is a Pisces, we're supposed to be able to get along, but she's a bitch. Astrology is bogus." It's a pretty common way people enjoy debunking Astrology actually. Some Atheist magazine did a spread awhile back about how divorce rates in England were the same for couples who were compatible astrologically as those who weren't but they only looked at Sun signs of course. Mars and Pluto will tell you how a couple will relate to each other sexually. Venus can tell us what attracts two people to each other in the first place. Saturn can tell us about a couple's ability to endure the test of time. Some Astrologers think compatible Moons are the most important factor to consider because that will show how a couple relates on the deepest level.

  But fuck it, Valentine's madness is upon us, Everyone already knows their Sun sign, and social media makes it pretty easy to find out the Sun sign of that special someone if you don't already know it. Even serious Astrologers like Liz Greene are willing to discuss Sun sign compatibility, so why shouldn't I?

   The most general way possible to make a guess of how two people will get along is by looking at the elements of their sign. As a general rule, same elements tend to get along, and have a lot in common. So much so that both parties probably need to have a few separate interests and friends to keep life interesting. Especially if the couple is not only the same element, but also the same sign. Same sign couples need a break from each other from time to time. They can be intense. Fiery Leos Sean Penn and Madonna come to mind. Some Astrologers argue that complimentary elements are the best fit. Air/Fire and Water/Earth. Complimentary elements are supposed to create balance and harmony in the life of a couple. But what if you're a sweet airy Libra and your beau is a watery Cancer? Don't worry. Libras tend to do better in relationships and Cancers are the caretakers of the Zodiac, you'll be fine. Personally I think  when a couple is drawn to one another even if they look incompatible on paper, it's a sign a higher force has brought them together, and an opportunity to grow and change!

  So let's talk elements!
FIRE: Aries, Leo and Sagittarius are all fire signs. Fire is considered to be a positive, or masculine element because it is more outwardly expressive. Fire signs are know for their passion and their creativity. You notice these people right away. Fire signs have an inner nobility and can be too idealistic for their own good. In love, they can be boisterous and giving to a fault. They tend to come on strong in the beginning. Subtlety isn't really their strong suit. In general, they are warm, loving, loyal,  and fun to be around. They can be attentive partners, but for some, listening can be a challenge.

AIR: Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius are all air signs.Air is also considered to be positive/masculine. Air signs are quirky, intellectual,and verbal. They tend to me the chatterboxes of the Zodiac. Air signs place a high level of importance on friendship. For an Air sign, things just seem to run more smoothly if friendship is involved. Air signs are great at diffusing potentially volatile situations by keeping things light. So much so that some people may think they're unemotional. A comment lament from the people who love an Air sign is that they'll talk about anything, except their feelings. In love they are playful and sweet.

WATER: Cancer, Scorpio,and Pisces are all water signs. Water is considered to be a feminine, receptive element. Water rules the emotions, and water signs tend to run deep. Sensitive, artistic, and mystical, theses guys keep it real. They may seem guarded at first,but that's just because they're so tender hearted underneath. Some of them have well developed senses of humor as a form of protection. In love, once they trust you, they can be very giving, but they can turn cold really fast if they sense you're holding back. Be gentle with these gentle souls, and be careful, they hold grudges!

EARTH: Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn are the Earth signs of the Zodiac. Earth is also a receptive, feminine element. The Earth signs are our anchors, they're here to help us stay grounded and stable. An Earth sign would appreciate a well made gift over something flashy. They also respond well to baked goods They're the sensualists of the Zodiac. Earth signs can be loving and giving, but don't expect them to talk about their feelings without being prompted. Having said that, they don't shy away from real talk and will give it to you straight if the situation calls for it.

  So what chemical changes occur when we combine these elements? Let's see:

FIRE with FIRE: Two Fire signs together can be fierce. Their mutual attraction will be obvious. They will most likely be intensely loyal to each other, but also unafraid to air their grievances in public. This is a couple that likes to see and be seen. Time, and other factors will determine if these two can continue to evolve as a couple and maintain a slow burning passion, or if they'll go down in a blaze of drama. Famous fiery couples include Leo Ben Affleck with Aries Jennifer Garner, and Leos Antonio Banderas with Melanie Griffith.

AIR with AIR: Two Air signs together can be a beautiful thing. Two of my dearest friends are a Gemini/Aquarius couple and it is such a treat when they come to visit. They create a playful energy, and have a better than average ability to understand each others thinking. They can have fun with each other out on the town, or just staying in, racing each other to the end of the crossword. It almost gives me hope for Aquarius Kanye West and Libra Kim Kardashian!  Other famous airy couples include Libras Micheal Douglas with Catherine Zeta-Jones (Same Birthday!) and Geminis Neil Patrick Harris with David Burkta.

WATER with WATER: Two water signs together can create a mysterious, mystical bond that outsiders don't have a chance of penetrating. Sensuous and dreamy, these two can support each others artistic endeavors and can communicate without speaking sometimes. Intuitive enough to give each other space when they need it, they most likely enjoy a mix of going in and staying out. Be forewarned, if you make plans with this couple, they will probably be late. Famous watery couples include Scorpio (of course) Ryan Gosling with Pisces Eva Mendes and Scorpio Goldie Hawn with Pisces Kurt Russel.

EARTH with EARTH: Two Earth signs in love may fall off the map in the beginning. They'd rather stay in, making delicious dinners in a well organized home. My in-laws are a Virgo/Capricorn couple and I love that my father-in-law has a well maintained garage for his various projects and my mother-in-law has an office for her stamping and stationary projects. They spend a chunk of every weekend separate but together, working with their hands. This kind of couple does run the risk of never being willing or able to discuss their feelings or inner worlds, but overall this combination has the potential to be peaceful and content together. Famous earthy couples include Capricorn Martin Luther King with Taurus Coretta Scott King, and Taurus Jessica Alba with Capricorn Cash Warren.

FIRE with AIR: Fire and Air can be a lot of fun together, Air loves to try new things, Fire loves to do things on a grand scale.Fire loves to get dressed up, observant Air appreciates beauty. Their shared love of excitement can make them the life of the party. Communication should not be a problem for them either. Provided they have some shared interests, these two can really bring out the best in each other! Famous Fire/Air couples include Gemini Angelina Jolie with Sagittarius Brad Pitt, and Aquarius Jennifer Aniston with Leo Justin Theroux.

WATER with EARTH: This combination is said to have the gift of endurance. Maybe it's the emotional honesty or the ability to give the other space, but these couples are built to last.Water can have a soothing, healing effect on hardworking Earth, and Earth can help put some of Water's more intense emotions into perspective. Together, they just feel at home. Bonus for the rest of us, as a general rule, this couple will not fight in public. Some famous Water/Earth couples include Virgo Blake Lively with Scorpio Ryan Reynolds and Capricorn Duchess Kate Middleton with Cancer Prince William.

WATER with AIR: These two are both lovers of humanity. Like bubbles in a champagne glass, these two can be a lot of fun together. They can talk for hours, sharing their unique perspectives on art, the human condition and everything else! I think this combination offers a unique opportunity for two individuals to evolve within a relationship. Some famous Water/Air couples include Cancer Nancy Reagan with Aquarius Ronald Reagan and Pisces Jessica Biel with Aquarius Justin Timberlake.

WATER with FIRE. Perhaps the most maligned of all Astrological combos, I think the feeling is Water will dampen the spirits of exuberant Fire, and Fire is too self absorbed to deal with Water's moodiness. But I've seen it work! Both are drama queens in their own way, and they can be a lot of fun together. They're also both creative. As long as they can can each give the other space sometimes, I really don't see a problem-especially if they are both open to growth. Famous Water/Fire couples include Aries Elton John with Scorpio David Furnish and Leo Kyra Sedgewick with Cancer Kevin Bacon.

FIRE with EARTH: This is another maligned combination that I have seen be great together. Fire can enliven things for dry, pragmatic Earth. Earth can help bring an excitable Fire down to well, Earth. There will need to be compromises about how the couple divides their time, but I think these two can really inspire greatness in each other. Leo Barack and  Capricorn Michelle seem to be doing okay! Virgo Beyonce and Sagittarius Jay-Z seem to be making it work as well.

EARTH with AIR: Have there ever been stranger Astrological bedfellows? Easy, breezy Air, and solid, dependable Earth? Well, all of us seek out what we're lacking. Air can help Earth keep it light, maybe have a night on the town, or have friends over and not clean up immediately after.I can see these two having a fun lazy Saturday bad TV marathon, Earth will make the pancakes. Earth can help Air be a grown up, maybe through talking, Air's favorite activity. They're both organizers, so those are lessons they can learn from each other as well. Famous Earth/Air couples include Libra Annie Liebowitz with Capricorn Susan Sontag and Gemini Priscilla Presley and Capricorn Elvis.

  In conclusion, Astrology is a tool to help us be our best selves. At it's highest, that's what romantic love does too. No matter who you love, or what their sign is, that person is in your life for a reason.

Superbowl XLVII Prediction using Astrology.

  If my teenage self could see me now, I don't know what she would find more shocking; the fact that I'm a stay at home mom, or the fact that I am somewhat invested in the outcome of the Superbowl. Hopefully, my teenage self would forgive me since I kept it real by leaving my nose ring in and having visible tattoos.You see, Pluto is my ruling planet and I also have that upsetter Uranus in the first house. Being nonconformist was a huge part of my identity when I was younger. Add to that your typical adolescent angst, and maybe an extra sprinkling of dysfunction, and I had a lot of rage to burn. The jocks in my high school seemed as good a target as any. While I didn't know any of them personally, and none of them ever really messed with me that bad, I was convinced they were all the worst kind of people (meanwhile, my closest friends were low level drug dealers and people who did graffiti so who was I to judge?). I saw them all as knuckle dragging thugs that would someday be the muscle for the ever present thought police of the dystopian  future I was sure was going to happen real soon. I even used to rip flyers for Fellowship of Christian Athletes events off the walls of my high school. Too far? I agree.

  Well it came to pass that I married a sports fan. It kind of snuck up on me. I'm an only child, I need lots of space, and it was only after we moved in together that I realized my significant other spent every Sunday between September and February watching football. Sometimes, he would even get up early and play flag football with his football loving friends before they all watched football together! I couldn't believe it, but it was too late, I was in love. A reluctant football observer was born. It probably helps that I love a good triumph of the human spirit story, and pro football has plenty of those. It's like the commercials say, "NFL, it's about the people."

  Which brings us to my first Superbowl, 2008, The (undefeated) Patriots vs The Giants. My husband, Jonathan, had filled me in on some of Bill Belichick's more unsavory shenanigans, so I was definitely rooting for the Giants. It didn't hurt that something about Tom Brady's face reminded me of why I used to hate jocks in the first place. Besides, I love underdogs, who doesn't? Mercury had just gone into retrograde, and I predicted the Giants would win.

  Mercury going into retrograde is a complex Astrological subject that merits it's own blog post, but a brief explanation is that Mercury Rx can be a surprising, confusing, emotional time for most people. Probably the most cited explanation of how Mercury can turn our world upside down is the 2000 US Presidential Election. No outcome is certain when Mercury goes retrograde.

   So back to Superbowl XXXXIII, the moon was almost full, and Mercury had just turned retrograde. Most people expected the Patriots to win, but I said, "Expect the unexpected" and the Giants won! I guess that's when I started to think I could actually like this stuff.

  So, Superbowl XLVII. I have two confessions to make. One is that I'm rooting for the Ravens. What can I say? I live in Baltimore and the excitement is contagious. I didn't even really give a shit about the Ravens at the beginning of this season,  mostly because a woman in a Ravens jersey cut my three year old son's pony ride short when my husband told her he was a Redskins fan. But Baltimore's enthusiasm has been building. Plus, nationwide, more people are rooting for a 49ers win, and if you're given an opportunity to root for the home team who are also underdogs, you should go for it right? Full disclosure number two, I really don't know that much about football. Just thought I should put that out there.

  The Baltimore Ravens started out as the Cleveland Browns and I felt conflicted over what to use as their actual birth date for their horoscope. I finally decided that they were reborn as the Ravens when they first took to the field in Baltimore. That makes their birthday September 1, 1996, 13:00 EST, Baltimore, MD.

  Right now Uranus is conjunct Saturn in the Ravens' natal chart until the end of the month. This is a little concerning because Uranus rules explosive change and Saturn rules structure. This could make it difficult for the Ravens to work as a team, ego energies may be running high. The key word for Uranus is surprise. Are the Ravens going to splinter on the field and bring shame to the city of Baltimore,or will they surprise us all with a spectacular win? Judging by this influence alone, hard to say.

  The Ravens sun sign is meticulous Virgo with their moon in in hardworking Taurus. On their natal chart, their moon falls into the 7th house of marriage and partnerships. It's no surprise then that Ray Lewis who spent his entire career with the Ravens is a Taurus. His professional relationship with the Ravens may even feel like a higher calling to him. From a Transformational Astrology standpoint, you could call it karmic destiny.

  The Ravens' rising sign is Scorpio. That makes Pluto, the planet of destruction, transformation, death and rebirth their ruling planet. On Superbowl Sunday, Pluto will be trining their Sun. A trine is considered to be an auspicious angle. This particular influence is so good that good things can happen to you even if you aren't trying, but obviously it's better if you do! Advancement in any field is easier with this influence. Another key word for this influence is Unity- /very important when discussing a team sport. This influence alone makes a Superbowl win seem likely, AND it lasts until December, 2013!

  A less favorable influence the Ravens have to deal with is Jupiter square Sun which started in July 2012 and will last for all of 2013. This can be a tricky influence because while it can bring luck and favors into your life, it can also go to your head, and cause discipline to be at an all time low. Hubris is a big challenge with this influence. Opportunities are likely, but the Ravens' still need to maintain focus and work together as a team.

  Interestingly, on Game Day the Ravens as a team will be experiencing a relatively rare astrological phenomenon. Their natal chart will be unaffected by the more swiftly moving planets. (Sun, Mercury, Venus, Mars.) This means the only planetary influences they'll experience will be from the slower moving planets that have more to do with long term plans. (Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune, Pluto.) In general this is a positive influence, but it more favors relaxation and day dreaming. (Hope not!) I wish Mercury was more involved to aid in communication, or Mars to help them be fierce and determined, but overall, I think this looks (pretty) good for the Ravens.

  So, moving along to the 49ers, I have to let you know that I don't know very much about this team, but I do love metallic gold and red together. The San Francisco 49ers first took to the field as a team on September 6, 1946 1PM EST San Francisco CA.This means they are Virgos, just like the Ravens. Their Moon is in disciplined Capricorn. Their rising sign is sparkly Sagittarius, which makes Jupiter, the planet of expansion, opportunity and luck their ruling planet. Jupiter falls in the 10th house of honors for them, a lucky placement. Because their "Birthdays"are so close together, The 49ers are also experiencing the Jupiter Square Sun influence that can bring many blessings but also calls for discipline.

  Jupiter is also trine Neptune for the 49ers right now. This can be an interesting influence for an individual, but not so great for a football team, because it can cause you to lose focus on your goals. It's a dreamy pleasant influence that doesn't favor ambition. I'm thinking it's possible that this influence will be less intense for the 49ers because they with a Sun in Virgo and a Moon in Capricorn, I think they may be on the cautious side of pragmatic anyway.

  Now for the big day, The 49ers will have Mercury in the third house which will highlight communication. Their ruling planet, Jupiter is also trine Mercury. This influence favors the power of positive thinking and came make almost anything seem possible. On the day of an important event, it doesn't get much better than that!

  So both teams have been experiencing some very positive long term influences, which is how they made it to the Superbowl in the first place. It does seem like the 49ers have just a little bit more sparkle on them right now because of all the aspects from their ruling planet, Jupiter. I'm just really concerned that the Ravens won't be influenced by anything astrological specific to February 3.Based on the natal charts of the two teams, to say nothing of the individuals on both teams, and leaving free will out of it, a favorable outcome for San Francisco seems more likely .

Happy Birthday Aquarius!

  Those Aquarians! What are we going to do with them? So much fun to be around, but often so hard to track down. Perhaps the most difficult sign to be in a romantic relationship with, they can be distant, then prone to sudden outbursts. Aquarius is the sign of the individual. According to this one Google search I did, Aquarius is the least common Astrological Sun sign. Aquarians! They're not like us!

  Aquarius is ruled by the planet Uranus and associated with the Eleventh house. Uranus/Eleventh House rules television, the internet, organizations and clubs, scientific research, occult studies, and Astrology to name a few things. Uranus also rules political parties which is maybe why more U.S. presidents have been Aquarius than any other sign. Aquarians are born leaders. Aquarius is also currently the most common Sun sign for politicians. Aquarius/Uranus wants us to ask ourselves, "How do I best serve my community, how do I create meaningful change?" Uranus was discovered when Uranium was discovered and the world was never the same. Aquarians are game changers too. Uranus is the only planet with an oval shaped orbit, and Aquarians tend to go blaze their own trail as well. A few well known Aquarians that surprised us all are Axl Rose, John McCain and (ironically) Sarah Palin.

  Oprah Winfrey is my favorite example of a well integrated, highly motivated Aquarius. She changed the talk show game when she took the focus inward and upward. Instead of focusing on scandal and judgement, she brought attention to inner work and spirituality. She continued to innovate the talk show medium when she introduced Oprah's Book Club. She actually used her television show as an opportunity to encourage people to read! No one had ever done that on a talk show before. (Her Moon is in nerdy Gemini, so it's no wonder she loves books.) She has expanded her media influence to include acting, publishing, and producing and managing her own network, the Oprah Winfrey Network. She used her considerable wealth to start an all girls school in South Africa. She is arguably the most influential woman in the world, and she uses her powers for good, raising awareness, and encouraging people to look within.

  Aquarians are known for their unconventional take on relationships. Gregarious and outgoing, they make friends everywhere they go. So much so, that they are prone to suffering from fatigue, burnout, and the exhaustion that comes from feeling like everyone wants a piece of you. A lot of times they prefer groups to one on one interactions because it's actually less overwhelming for them. Perhaps this is why they sometimes can be a bit chilly in their most intimate relationships.

  Some Aquarians are intuitive to the point of being psychic. They can be an interesting blend of private and curious. You may have gotten to the point with an Aquarian loved one where you realized they know almost everything about you, and you know almost nothing about them. That's because Aquarius is the most rational sign in the Zodiac.Those with Sun or other planets in Aquarius or the Eleventh house may feel uncomfortable expressing (or even acknowledging) the emotions they feel. Famous for their wide, open, understanding eyes, an Aquarius native can be extremely sympathetic to your pain. Opening up about their pain is another challenge entirely.

  Airy, intellectual Aquarius is directly opposite sunny, fiery, dramatic Leo on the Horoscope wheel. But these two have more in common than you might think. Both are stubborn, fixed signs. Both have expansive, creative imaginations. Both are so idealistic that it can get them into trouble sometimes. Big hearted Leo is ruled by the Sun and Associated with the Fifth House. The Fifth house rules pleasure, fun, joy, romantic love, creativity, hospitality and games to name a few.

  According to Carl Jung, (a Leo, BTW) a person isn't properly maturing until they have begun to develop all of the positive traits of their Sun sign, AND it's polar opposite. Conversely, one should also be actively working on eliminating all the negative traits associated with their sun sign and it's polar opposite. Then, and only then is a person truly actualized. I find this fascinating, and it makes a lot of sense to me.

  Essentially, the journey of the Aquarian needs to include balancing the needs of their community with their own personal needs and the needs of their families. Our Aquarian friends can give too much sometimes. I find it interesting that the "May We Help You' section of O Magazine usually includes at least one advice column that focuses on healthy boundaries and taking a step back.

  Years ago, I did Reiki training with a woman named we'll call Jean who was sweet as can be, but so overwhelmed. An animal loving Aquarius, she worked for an organization that fosters and rescues mistreated animals. To say she worked tirelessly would be an understatement. She was there 7 days a week, and every holiday. She was often late to the class we were taking together, or else she had to leave early to feed the animals. She hardly ever saw her husband.In class, whenever we had opportunities to discuss people or situations that we wanted to send love and light to, she always had a story about a mistreated animal who needed healing energy- never herself. She had a beautiful light inside of her, but it was dim and flickering. Everyone in class encouraged her to take a weekend off, spend some time with her husband, have a spa day with her daughter, but she just couldn't give herself permission to do it. Needless to say, such a lifestyle is not sustainable. It's impossible to pour from an empty vessel.

  Now let's take another look at Oprah. Her personal life is considered by many to be unconventional. She has Stedman Graham, her long term life partner that she was previously engaged to, then decided not to marry, (but maybe she is engaged to again?) and a famous, much speculated about BFF relationship with public figure, Gale King. Both relationships have that "Go your own way" Aquarius hallmark, but they also seem loving and sincere. She has no biological children, but the students at her school all call her "Mama Oprah". By all accounts, Oprah puts work and time into those relationships.

  Oprah's most well known Aquarian gift is her ability to get people open up to her, but over the years, she has gone against astrological type by sharing her personal journey with us as well. She has opened her life up to scrutiny many times, sharing stories of childhood sexual abuse, relationship struggles, racism she has encountered, and her ongoing battle with weight loss. Millions of people have invited Oprah into homes via the television and in turn, Oprah shares her home and life with us through her magazine spreads. Gregarious Leo rules hospitality, and Oprah has certainly shown us that. Her other Leo qualities include loyalty (She has famously kept the same hairdresser for decades.) and love of fashion and glamour. Even her famous greeting feels like Leo showmanship to me.

  Oprah Winfrey, you are a true Aquarian of the Aquarian age. You appear to be a happy, healthy, well balanced individual who clearly "did the work" to get there. Well done. Happy Birthday! I hope you take the day off.

  If you are having trouble choosing a gift for the eccentric, enigmatic Aquarius in your life, may I suggest a massage gift card, a dinner at a restaurant they've never been to before, (make sure there are vegetarian options)  a personalized astrological report, or a donation to a charity that works with animals.

Hey Baby What's your (Rising) Sign?

  Years ago,when I was living in a progressive little bubble of a town called Asheville, North Carolina, I applied for a job as a cocktail waitress at a high traffic pub downtown. One of the questions on the application was, "What is your rising sign?".

  Now, I don't think the owner would have actually hired or not hired anyone based on their rising sign. Case in point, he hired me and my rising sign is Scorpio- a sign known for extreme sneakiness and not giving a shit what other people think, not the qualities one looks for in a cocktail waitress, amirite? No, I think this pub owner just wanted to ensure that his staff knew what a rising was. He wanted me to be on the same metaphysical page as the rest of his employees and regular clientele. At least I think that's what he wanted. Who knows? He was high all the time. That job was awesome! But I digress. Rising signs! They're important!

  A Rising sign, otherwise known as an Ascendant or First House Placement is the constellation that was on the horizon at the hour of your birth. Your rising sign has a huge impact on your personality, appearance, and relationship to whoever raised you. Your rising sign is your outer self, your persona, the person you present to the outside world. A lot of times, when people incorrectly guess your sun sign, they're actually guessing your rising sign! (This happens to me a lot. People assume I'm a Scorpio because of my ren-faire hair and visible tattoos, but nope, that's my rising sign. Underneath the snark, I'm a Leo, warm hearted and eager to please.

  If you don't already know your rising sign, you'll need to know the exact time and place of your birth.  You can consult with a professional Astrologer to find out, or if you're not in a position to do that, there's a lot of good software out there, I like to use www.astro.com. If you don't know you're exact birth time, a qualified Astrologer can help you determine your rising sign by discussing the major events of your life and moving backwards to your birth. That's one of the ways Astrology is awesome. It's not just for predictions, it can help you understand your past as well as your future.

  Once someone's Astrological portrait is revealed, a lot of things fall into place. Someone with an extroverted Sun sign like Aries, might have introverted Virgo for a rising sign. You'll assume they're all demure in the beginning, and then a fierce warrior will emerge when you least expect it. My friend Sarah is your typical Leo, lionhearted and fabulous, Her Ascendant is high minded Sagittarius, the seeker, the sign that rules religion. It gives her a shimmering, spiritual quality and helps her inner light shine even brighter.

  For some people, their natal Sun falls in their first house, and is also their rising sign. This is known as being a double, and these people come on strong. Mick Jagger is a double Leo, Neil Young is a triple (!!!) Scorpio. (More on that later.)

  Every sign has a ruling planet. The ruling planet of your rising sign is also your chart ruler. You will have a more intimate relationship with this planet than any other. (But they'll all affect you in their own time, more on that later.) Your ruling planet can even affect how you come into this world! If your rising sign is Capricorn, your ruling planet is Saturn, the planet that rules hard work. My husband is a Capricorn rising, and my mother in law was in labor with him for 27 hours! If your rising sign is eccentric Aquarius, your ruling planet is quirky Uranus and you probably turned your parents world upside down! If your rising sign is sweet Libra, your ruling planet is Venus and you'll probably always follow your heart.

  The following is some general information about rising signs and the planets that rule them. This is in no way comprehensive, and results will vary depending on where the Sun, Moon and other planets fall in your chart. Oh, and I know the Sun and Moon aren't planets, but most Astrologers feel comfortable referring them that way as a sort of short hand. Technically, they are luminaries. Just wanted you to know that I know!

  Aries: If your rising sign is fast paced, fiery Aries, your chart ruler is Mars. Mars is the planet of war, but so much more. He rules life force energy and allows you to express yourself. If Mars is your ruling planet, you are most likely bold and spontaneous, and your strength and vitality is apparent to people as soon as they meet you! Not one to keep your cards close to your vest, you might actually have the opposite problem. You are probably more magnetic than even you realize, and you have great leadership potential. Famous people with Aries on the Ascendant include Barbara Streisand, AND Bette Midler, Lee Iaococca.

  Taurus: If your rising sign is steady, earthy Taurus, your chart ruler is Venus, the planet of beauty, love and gifts. Venus is also the ruler of Libra, but in Taurus, we see her sensual, earthy side. You possibly have dark eyes and dark lashes. When it comes to clothes, you may prefer comfort over fashion. The comfort of your loved ones is probably a priority as well. A tidy home where everything has it's place is most likely a must have for you. People trust you to communicate openly and honestly. Famous people with Taurus on the Ascendant include  Dan Rather, George Lucas, Serena Williams.

  Gemini: If your rising sign  is mutable, airy Gemini, your ruling planet is Mercury. Mercury is the messenger of the Gods, he rules communication, electronics, and sibling relationships to name a few. He's a busy guy. Mercury is also a trickster God, and his whimsical side is more often expressed through Gemini. You may look younger than your years and have inquisitive, shining eyes. Keywords for you are curious and restless. Maybe you've been told you talk too fast? Only because you think so fast! You may prefer almost constant stimulation, and you may be a fidgeter, too. You can be great fun to sit next to at a dinner party, because you probably know a fascinating detail about everyone in the room. Just remember to temper your gossipy urges with kindness, you can be a tad unemotional at times. Please don't text and drive. Famous people with Gemini on the Ascendant include Drew Barrymore, Julianne Moore, Bruce Springstein.

  Cancer: If your rising is watery Cancer, you are ruled by the Moon. The Moon rules motherhood, creativity and sensitivity.The moon is also our closest neighbor and affects our day to day life the most. If you are ruled by the Moon, it's possible you have a high forehead, high cheekbones, and round empathetic eyes. You are most likely a sweet, gentle soul. Your relationship to your mother might be unusually important. In general, relationships with with women mean a lot to you. You are more sensitive than most. You can be very shy, but once you let someone in, you're a faithful friend. The place where you grew up will always have a special place in your heart. Famous people with Cancer on the Ascendant include Angelina Jolie, Emmylou Harris, Nathan Lane.

  Leo: If your rising sign is fierce, fiery Leo, you are ruled by the Sun. The Sun rules artistic expression, children, royalty and fun. Like the aforementioned Mick Jagger, you are probably an attention getter. You appearance is most likely attractive, though possibly also unconventional. Maybe you love flamboyant clothes? Even if you don't, people probably notice you wherever you go, and you notice them noticing you.You may have a habit of falling in love easily and often. You have a noble quality that other people admire about you. You possibly are very turned off by vulgarity. There's a good chance you enjoy the company of children and they enjoy you. Famous people with Leo on the Ascendant include Muhammad Ali, Johnny Depp, Tina Turner.

  Virgo: If your rising sign is gentle, earthy Virgo, you are also ruled by Mercury, but you're probably a little more low key than mile a minute Gemini. You express the detail oriented side of Mercury. A key word for you is meticulous. You may be slender and on the petite side. I bet you know how to make a good first impression. Your clothes tend to fit well and be well made. You may have a soft spot for handmade  pieces, or even enjoy making them yourself. You are very observant and don't miss much, just like your Gemini counterpart, but you are less likely to speak without thinking. Famous people with Virgo on the Ascendant include Woody Allen, Uma Thurman, and Dolly Parton.

  Libra: If your rising sign is sweet airy Libra, your ruling planet is also Venus. Unlike Taurus, you might exhibit the flashier, more flamboyant side of  Venus. You are most likely attractive, and you know it, with symmetrical features and well styled hair.  You may enjoy  surrounding yourself with beauty; beautiful objects, beautiful clothes, beautiful smells, even. Friends probably flock to you like moths to a flame. You excel at the art of conversation, talking and listening- a rare gift. Famous people with Libra on the Ascendant include Leonardo DiCaprio, Courtney Love, Monica Lewinsky.

  Scorpio: If your rising sign is dark, watery Scorpio, Your ruling planet is Pluto. Pluto rules transformation, sexuality, death, but also regeneration. Sound intense? You probably are! You may have been told you have a piercing gaze. You are most likely a very private person. You probably have a better than average ability to suss out people's hidden motivations. Your intensity can make some people nervous, but you only know how to be yourself! You are probably not one for small talk. Famous people with Scorpio on the Ascendant include Aretha Franklin, Martha Stewart, David Lynch, Prince.

  Sagittarius: If your rising sign is fiery, adventurous Sagittarius, your ruling planet is expansive Jupiter. Jupiter rules adventure, travel,  higher education, and religion. You are most likely a sparkling social butterfly with an eclectic group of friends. People may come to you when they need to hear a positive spin on things. You're open to almost any new experience and your friends love that about you. You may get overwhelmed at times, and feel like everyone wants a piece of you. It's easy for you to get overextended, so remember to rest, everyone needs quiet sometimes, even you. Famous people with Sagittarius on the Ascendant include Coco Chanel, Jimi Hendrix, (double Sag!) Prince William.

  Capricorn: If your rising sign is serious, earthy Capricorn, your ruling planet is Saturn. Saturn rules hard work, long term goals, and restrictions among other things. He sounds serious, because he is, but hey, somebody has to clean up that mess that Jupiter left behind! If your ruling planet is Saturn, you may have dark features and a heavy, prominent brow bone. Your relationship to your father is probably very important to you in this lifetime. A key word for you is methodical. Some people may assume you're no fun at all, but you are actually pretty sarcastic and self deprecating once people get to know you. You have the potential to be very responsible and gifted at resource management. It is possible a loved one has called you cheap before. Famous people with Capricorn on the Ascendant include Queen Elizabeth I, Charles Bronson, Tom Seleck.

  Aquarius: If your rising sign is eccentric, airy Aquarius, your ruling planet is Uranus. Uranus rules sudden change, political parties, social justice, and occult studies. Life with you is not ordinary! You most likely have a great love for humanity, but can be distant in your personal relationships. Or maybe you prefer the company of animals. Uranus has an irregular orbit, and you probably go your own way as well. There's a chance you're a public figure like our President, Barack Obama. Other famous people with Aquarius on the Ascendant include Audrey Hepburn, Matt Damon, and former presidential candidate,  Roseanne Barr.

  Pisces: If your ruling planet is dreamy, watery Pisces, your ruling planet is Neptune. The great dissolver. Neptune rules the unconscious, dreams, music, dance, mysticism, addiction and insanity. You are mostly likely smoking hot in a  heavy lidded, long lashes languid kind of way. People may feel drawn to your not-fully-present-not-of-this-world vibe. Pisces is a water sign. All the water signs are guarded, but Pisces most of all. You are probably so practiced at guarding your true self, that you don't even seem guarded! Instead, you come off as aloof, mysterious, or in some fun cases, really hilarious. When you're not staring off into the distance, your other interests may include, yoga, meditation, dancing, drinking, and smoking weed. Famous people with Pisces on the Ascendant include Dean Martin, George Clooney, Gwyneth Paltrow.

  This concludes our beginner's look at rising signs and ruling planets. Thank you for reading! Talk to you soon!

 

Getting to know you!

    Hello friends! I'm Sister Lara. Thanks for reading! I've been into witchy stuff (Tarot, crystals, aromatherapy, Astrology) for forever. I am currently deepening my Astrological knowledge through a self-study program. My goal with this blog is to impart astrological wisdom that can improve your day to day life, and answer any questions that you have along the way.

 Before we go any further, I would like to address the question of "What's your sign?".  When people say that,what they're really asking you for is your Sun sign, or what quadrant of the sky the sun was in when you were born. This is called "Solar Astrology" and it, like women voting, is a relatively new phenomenon. This is an exciting time in history for Astrology! Information is available to anyone who is curious! (Thanks, internet!) But for thousands of years, this wasn't the case. Astrology was a highly skilled profession that people paid a lot for. Only the very wealthy could afford a private Astrologer, and readings were very specific to a client's natal chart. (Your natal chart shows the planetary alignment that was happening at the exact moment of your birth.) Then someone came along who changed all that. 

 William Frederick Allan (b. August, 1860), who later changed his name to Alan Leo is considered one of the first modern Astrologers. He revolutionized Astrology into just a sun sign.  It was easy to figure out which of the 12 groups you belonged to, all you had to know was your Birthday. Something that was once considered arcane and mystical, was a column in almost every newspaper by 1960. Pop Astrology was born. Some people say Alan Leo was a true man of the people, and other people say he was a shrewd business man. (He worked in publishing.)

   Don't get me wrong, the Sun is where the light shines brightest in your chart, and most Astrologers feel comfortable referring to people by their Sun sign, but please keep in mind, we're all more complex than that.  Having said all that, we've all heard or read things about our Sun signs that resonated with us. You probably wouldn't be reading this if that wasn't the case. Then again, maybe all your life people have been saying you're the bossiest Pisces they've ever met, and now you know why. You're more than just your Sun sign! There's a part of me that sort of loves the fact that at the Dawn of the Age of Aquarius, Astrology was made available to the people. There's another part of me that gets bummed when people use inconsistencies between their personality and their Sun sign as an excuse to dismiss Astrology all together. 

 Which brings me to my next point, fuck the haters! I have no desire to convince anyone of the impact of Astrology who already has their mind made up to the contrary. The evidence is there. To me, Astrology is as much of a reality of my day to day life as love, and food and air. The more I learn about Astrology, the more it improves my quality of life. I feel called to bring those bright blessings to you as well, so if you have any questions, please ask! I am happy to answer questions specific to your life's journey, as well as any general Astrology questions. If I don't know the answer, I'll do my best to find out. I'll close this out with wise words from acclaimed Astrologer Suzanne White: "And to those who say 'Astrology is ridiculous' I say, 'Yes, of course, I agree completely,now can we get on with it?'"

  

Confidential to SB, Jupiter has been square your Ascendant since August 2012 and this influence will last until April 2013. This is generally considered a lucky influence, the blessings usually come from a friend or someone new that you meet. There is a greater than average chance of opportunity coming your way, even more so if you keep an open mind and open heart!