Astrologicalmind

The magic of astrology explored

Tag: planetary correspondence

  • Would this property be worth it financially?

    Would this property be worth it financially?
    Oct 17, 2025 at 16:43 AEDT -11:00 Melbourne, Australia

    BACKGROUND

    The question was asked after the querent and her husband saw a property that interested them. The property would need quite a bit of work, but had great potential. They had renovated several old properties so were aware of the work involved. They loved unique properties and this one seemed to tick all the boxes. They were drawn to the creative challenge & potential that this property offered them.

    There were two building on the property: a small three bedroom circa 1839 cottage, classified by the National Trust, with heritage overlay; and a small double story ‘studio’ that could be converted into a one-bedroom maisonette. The property promised a two-income stream, once works were completed.

    CONSIDERATIONS

    There is no accord between the Lord of the hour, Moon and the ASC or its ruler, Jupiter. This indicates that there maybe an emotional pull regarding the issue in question. Another consideration would be the presence of Saturn in the 1st house warning that there may not be a satisfactory resolution to this question.

    This chart is radical as both the querent and her husband’s natal charts have strong connection.

    The MC on the querent natal Saturn degree
    Mercury on the querent Mars/IC degree
    Mercury on the querent Mars/IC degree
    The Moon opposes the querent natal Moon and squares her Sun
    Mars on her husband’s natal Saturn degree
    Mercury on the husband’s natal MC
    The ASC on the husband’s natal Mars

    SIGNIFICATORS

    • Querent/husband –Pisces ASC (double bodied sign: querent & her husband, they are one relative to the question); and its ruler Jupiter in Cancer on the 5th cusp, as well as the Virgo Moon in the 6th.
    • The Property – Gemini IC and its ruler Mercury in Scorpio in the 9th house conjunct Mars. We could also look at the Moon.
    • The querent’s finances – The Aires 2nd house and its ruler Mars in Scorpio.
    • Debt/ money owed – Libra 8th house, ruler Venus in Libra and Libra Sun in the 8th house
    • Potential profit – Sagittarius MC/10th and Jupiter in Cancer.

    The significators are very descriptive of the situation. Jupiter on the 5th cusp signifies the querent and her husband, which is very indicative of their excitement at the creative potential before them. Jupiter’s partile aspect with the Sun, shows their strong vision of what could be done with place. Jupiter’s exalted state, and Neptune in the 1st is indicative of the illusion they are under regarding the amount of work required to make their vision a reality. The exact square between Jupiter and the Sun, ruler of the 6th, in the 8th; their vision and its cost, in time and money, are at odds.

    The overall state of this property is described by the 4th house, its ruler Mercury and the Moon. The double-bodied sign of Gemini on the IC indicating two buildings. Gemini like most Air signs, can describe a hilly or high place; this property is on a hill, the front cottage being on the lower side, the back rising high behind.

    Mercury, is peregrine in Scorpio, cadent and just beginning to slow down; the place has been neglected and seen better days. Mercury is conjunct the 9th ruler Mars; this warns of potential legal or bureaucratic issues and delays regarding permits.  The peregrine Moon in Virgo is slow, located in the 6th house and applying with reception to Mercury by sextile. This is indicative of the amount of work required to renovate this property; and how much the property would benefit from it. Supporting this testimony is the placement of Mercury/Mars in the turned 6th from the 4th… indicating that the property is currently unwell:)

    Mercury and Mars in Scorpio (stagnate water), and Lord of the 12th, Saturn retrograde in Pisces in the 1st house warns there are likely to be issues with water and drainage. The closeness of the water grand trine between: Mercury/Mars, Jupiter (querent) and Saturn reaffirm that water/moisture may be a problem. As the property is on a hill this is not unexpected. Saturn retrograde shows time being slow, so not only are there problems but they may take far more time to fix.

    Their money signified by Mars in Scorpio, shows that at present their finances are fine, but being Mars there is a danger of overspending in regards to this property. The potential for debt is great as Venus the Lord of the 8th is the most dignified and well-placed planet in the chart. Being in the 7th this shows that debt could be their enemy. The Sun, ruler of the 6th in the 8th, indicates that some work needed to be done on this property may currently be invisible, underground and unknown; all of which will be expensive.

    Exalted Jupiter rules the 10th house of the potential for profit, would at first seem a positive testimony, but on closer inspection it appears to be an illusion. The MC is conjunct the querent’s natal Saturn and Jupiter is on the contra-antiscia of her natal Sun; and it is also on the husbands DES.

    JUDGEMENT

    The overall judgement is simply that this is not a good investment to make at this time. The property needs more work than may be obvious. While the vision they have for the place is exciting and could result in a great investment, the reality of the work and time required to make it happen is greater than their finances can support. The money commitment far exceeds their ability to fund it. They would need to borrow a lot of money putting them into debt that would put undue stress on them. This stress is also indicated by the fact that the querent’s natal Saturn is on the degree of the MC (potential profit from the property); and her husband’s natal Saturn is at the degree of Mars (their finances).

    As a final testimony showing that this property would be an unwise deal for their finances, the ASC of this horary at 17 Pisces, has its antiscia degree at 12 Libra, the degree on the 8th house cusp… the house of debt.

  • What is a Horoscope? (a short philosophical digression)

    A horoscope is a map of the heavens, taken at a specific moment & place on earth; showing the relative positions of the Sun, Moon, planets, the ASC & midheaven in the degrees of the zodiac. A horoscope captures & anchors a moment, crystallizing it into a symbolic framework that provides a wealth of information. It is made up of three principal ingredients: the signs, planets and angles/houses. Each are of equal importance, symbolically defining and providing information on different: types of time and levels of existence.

    A very brief look at levels of time

    Looking at these three principal ingredients through the lens of time, we find that the signs of the zodiac are in essence timeless, they exist beyond linear time as we know it.

    The signs do not define periods time. While you may consider that zero degrees of the cardinal sign heralds the beginning of a new season, it is not so. Rather it is the Sun’s entrance into the cardinal signs that defines the seasonal division of time. The meaning of the signs is wholly symbolic and only activated when visited by a planet, at which point that planet begins to express its nature through the prism of that sign. The symbolism of the signs is not based on time; it is we who project our lived experience of the cycles of life onto them.

    Planets represent both real & symbolic time. As they travel through their diurnal and zodiacal path, each planet divides time in its own proportion, creating infinite interweaving real time cycles (the bread & butter of an astrologers trade). Via diurnal motion the Sun divides time into days and its journey through the Zodiac defines the years. The return of planets to a particular degree happens in a predictable real time.

    The movement of planets can also represent symbolic time. The degrees a planet travels may be taken to symbolically represent a particular unit of time; such as a planets movement in a day representing a year in secondary progression, or primary directions where a planets movement by diurnal motion over 4 minutes1 will equate to a year in the life.  Fidarias2 and other ‘time lord’ methods, divides the life into planetary periods, derived from their mundane time cycle, but used symbolically to designate unfolding periods in the life of an individual.

    The angles represent real timeand define how strongly the planets in signs will be manifested in our individual human life. When things will manifest lies with the movement of the planets. The ASC is the degree that dictates the other angles, for these are fixed to the location. The angles literally represent time over a 24-hour period.

    In summary: the signs of the zodiac are timeless; the planets divide life in real time movement & cycles and symbolic time through progression, planetary periods and such; the angles and houses define real experienced time.

    Even briefer look at level of existence

    In many of the world’s traditions, the universe, life itself was understood as existing on three levels or parts: the holy trinity3, the three parts of Hermetic wisdom4 and Plato’s theory of the tripartite soul5. This was envisioned as a triangle divided into three levels of existences, or divisions of the Universe.

    Looking at the three ingredients through level of existence we find that the top most section which represents the unchanging world of primary cause: the non-material, divine realm, the source from which everything emanates; this is best expressed by the signs, as the signs do not vary their nature.

    The middle section represents the in-between world of secondary cause:the world of elements, soul6 or psyche, which is best expressed by the planets who vary their expression and present different facets of their nature as they move through the signs of the zodiac and in their individual synodic cycle.

    While the base section represents the world of laws, the manifested, complex & everchanging, material world we inhabit.  This is expressed by the angles and houses, which represents the various areas of our everyday experience of life in this world.

    Sun, Moon & Earth

    The most important bodies in our astrology are: Sun, Moon and Earth (angles). They represent the tripartite nature of human beings; the three level of soul7; which are associated with the three levels of existence (spirit, soul or psyche and body).

    Spirit related to inspiration. This is the human or rational soul, and is what we aspire to. It is consciousness. The unified divine aspect of self, shared by all humanity. It is represented by theSUN in the chart and is symbolised by the Circle which has no beginning nor end.

    Soul or psyche related to emotions. This is the animal soul; it is what moves and drives us. It is our senses (sight, smell, hearing, touch & taste), our feelings, instinct and emotions. This is the individuated aspect of self, that distinguishes us from each other.  It is represented by the MOON in the chart and is symbolised by the Crescent, the alembic that holds spirit giving it context and definition.

    Body related to matter and physical existence. This is the vegetative soul; it is the physical body through which we experience life. It is the biological functions and innate, non-rational intelligence of our body. It is represented by EARTH/the angles in the chart and is symbolised by the Cross of matter that anchors and manifests spirit in the physical world.

    1. Primary direction is based on the ascensional rising times of the signs over the ASC which varies according to location and seasons. ↩︎
    2. Firdaria are a system of planetary periods much like the dasa systems of India.  Each period of life falls under rulership of the classic seven planets and Nodes. ↩︎
    3. Holy Trinity—Wisdom (Word), Intelligence (Holy Spirit) and Power (Source). In the Christian faith these are associated with God the father, the son and the Holy Spirit. ↩︎
    4. Hermes ‘Trismegistus’ (thrice great) said to know the three parts of the wisdom of the whole Universe They are referred to as Alchemy, Astrology, and Theurgy, which are also known as the Operation of the Sun, the Operation of the Moon and the Operation of the Stars respectively.  ↩︎
    5. The Platonic soul consists of three parts, which are located in different regions of the body: logos (reason) located in the head; thymos (spirit/emotions) located in the chest/ heart area and Eros (desire) located in the stomach. ↩︎
    6. The term ‘soul’ can be problematic as it is defined and conceived differently by many and leads to complex theological debates. For clarity I define soul as a non-individuated essence that is the interface between Spirit and matter, connecting our earthly being to a higher power. My understanding is that soul exists in all things on different levels. Where there is life there is soul. (see note 4) ↩︎
    7. The human or rational soul; animal soul and vegetative soul. (See note 4) ↩︎

  • Saturn: the great malefic or the astrologer’s friend?

    Traditional astrologers viewed the planets quite differently than how we understand them today. They understood the planets to be living conscious beings, or as 12th century Guido Bonatti called them: superior beings.

     “…On those things which move a man to pose a question. The first is the motion of the soul, when someone is moved by his intention to pose a question. The second is the motion of the superior beings, namely when someone asks what they are impressing into the quaesited thing, what will come of it…”1

    Planets were not owned in the way we speak of them, when we claim some authority over “my Saturn” or “my Moon” … In the past each planet was understood as having a fundamental nature that dictated its specific function, promise and associated chain of correspondence. Depending on their condition at a particular moment in time, they would express the best or worst of their nature and fulfill their promise to a lesser or greater degree.

    The notion of some planets being “malefic” and others “benefic” is one that sits uncomfortably with contemporary norms. Our world promotes the notion of equality and neutrality, to the detriment of natural order. Each of the seven classic planets was understood to govern an aspect of the divine order which dictated that everything in this world must be born, grow, sow their seed and die. The benefic planets were life promoting, initiating growth, birth and expansion; whereas the malefic planets functioned to restrict and destroy, ensuring that no one out stayed their allotted time. Each was crucial in maintaining balance in the world.

    The human experience tends to judge one side of this balance more favorably that the other. We want to avoid the pain that comes with lose, grief and death; and to seek out that which promotes life, joy and happiness. One is brought to us via the malefic planets Mars and Saturn, while the other by the benefic Jupiter and Venus.

    Who is Saturn?

    Saturn rules time and the restriction this imposes on our earthly existence. As astrologers, we deal in time and are prone to get caught in its apparent, but deceptive forward momentum. However if we are to look honestly into our past, we can recognize that we have not moved far. The cycles of life, the movement of the planets and stars, mark our experiences, but time stands still in a forever present moment that is re-experienced over and over and over. 

    Traditional astrology understood the importance of Saturn, not only as the significator of time but also as the ally of the astrologer. For it was only through hard study and serious application to this sacred Art that any relationship with the “superior beings” (the planets) is possible.

    Saturn is encountered at the beginning and at the end of all endeavors, including life. He provides the body that allows us this earthly experience, and at the appropriate time, he takes it away. It is for this reason that he is associated with the ASC and 1st house, the beginning point that marks our birth; and the 8th house of death.

    Saturn is the first planet in the Chaldean order, the first planetary gate through which the Soul must pass on its journey into incarnation. Encountering Saturn, the soul takes on structure and authority as well as the limitations of the physical body, matter and time. Even as modern astrologers we are well aware of the association of Saturn with restriction and limitation. The reason for this becomes obvious when we consider that Saturn exists at the outmost edge of our visible solar system, and defines our natural limits. Saturn is the border between our known world and the Divine sphere of the fixed stars.

    The basic qualities that make up Saturn’s temperament are cold and dry to the extreme. Cold constricts and dry limits movement. Saturn is of a melancholic temperament; he is stern, serious and authoritative. He is a masculine and diurnal or day planet. Saturn’s extreme cold nature needs the warmth of the Sun to function in a more balanced manner, therefore though he may like and feel at home in the cold darkness of night, he functions better in the heat and light of the day.

    Saturn’s extreme cold and dry nature is what accounts for his reputation as a malefic planet. The absence of warmth and moisture is antagonistic to life and growth. Yet it is these qualities of Saturn that allows matter to crystallise and take physical form. It is the discipline and structure of Saturn that allows life to exist and ideas to take shape. From a human psychological perspective, it is only when we engage with the discipline and structure of Saturn that we accomplish anything.

    The tears of grief are another of Saturn’s gifts to the soul. Hidden deep in Saturn’s strictness and authority lays the impossible longing for the return to the divine. The grief of Saturn is the knowing that one must pass through incarnated life, with its pain and joys and that one’s authority is fleeting and illusionary. The ruins of the past, the laws of old, and the desolation of yesterday are all part of Saturn’s cold and dry rule; and so, his association with melancholy and in its extreme form, depression.

    The great malefic demands hard work and is associated with death and the inevitable end to all beginnings. Interestingly he is also connected with births, to which death is always a close possibility. This is illustrated by the fact that the birthing process is called “labour”, for it is indeed hard work to give birth and hard work is Saturn’s territory.

    From a traditional medical understanding Saturn governs the memory function of the “animal spirit” which resides in the brain. Without Saturn our individual thoughts and knowledge could not be retained. Saturn is the storehouse of wisdom.

    Saturn is associated with the hardest, heaviest and oldest things. He is associated with old age (from 70 to 99 years old) and the seventh age of man, the age of resignation and ideally, wisdom. Saturn is associated with the metal lead, the heaviest and most poisonous of all the metals. Saturn corresponds to the most toxic and poisonous plants, including hemlock and belladonna.

    Saturn is said to rule the bones, teeth and skin of the body, that which defines the structure and limits of the physical body. All boundaries are under the rule of Saturn. At the borders of our travels, we encounter Saturn in the form of immigration and border authority which demands that we present our documents, our right to passage, or we can go no further.

    No need to fear the great malefic?

    Once we enter the world of traditional astrology our view of life and reality changes. Once we open our minds to the wisdom of our lineage, it is very difficult not to be influenced by the great astrologers that came before us. However, it is the incredible commonality between human experience of the past and our own that takes us by surprise. The emotional and psychological needs of the everyday person have not changed over the centuries, even though our technology has.

    We live in a linear world that is imbued with the ideas that promote evolution and progress. Whilst everything on earth is born, grows, withers and dies in the endless cycle of life, giving rise to the illusion of a forward movement of time, it is but that; an illusion.

    Saturn is the path less taken, because it is the path of greatest hardship; the path of blood, sweat and tears. Saturn provides us with challenges and obstacles that in the end force us to confront the inevitable transient nature of life. Saturn teaches us that this life is an illusion to which we are not meant to get attached. But by making the effort to befriend Saturn and do the hard work he requires, we are rewarded by the awe-inspiring storehouse of ancient wisdom that is his domain; and by making friends with Saturn the door is open to the other superior beings in our cosmos: Jupiter, Mars, Mercury, Venus and the Luminaries.

    1. Guido Bonatti Book of Astronomy – Treatise 5: 146 Considerations  translated by Benjamin Dykes ↩︎

  • Void-of-Course Moon

    On March 20, 2023 the WGA (Writer Guild of America) began negotiations on new contract with the AMPTP (Alliance of Motion Picture & Television Producers), which represented the major film & television studios).  One month later, on April 18, 97.85% of WGA  members voted to take strike action if a satisfactory agreement was not reached. The concerns of the WGA included: loss of financial residuals due to streaming media, the move towards a ‘gig economy’ model that threatened member’s financial and career prospects, general working conditions and the threat posed by AI.

    Six weeks after negotiations began, they broke down and the WGA downed pens at midnight on May 1, 2023 beginning a strike that would last 21 weeks. It would take 5 months before the two sides could reach a deal that saw the strike officially end at midnight on Sept 27, 2023.

    Pens Down

    May 1, 2023 at 3:59 PDT Los Angeles California

    We have very accurate charts for the beginning and ending of the strike. The chart for the beginning of the strike provides many clues as to its duration and the course it would take. In all charts the Moon provides important testimony as to the flow of events. Here she is cadent, at zero degrees, just separating from a trine to Pluto and most tellingly she is Void-of-Course. 1

    The WGA initiated the strike, so are signified by the Capricorn ASC & Saturn at 5 Pisces in the 2nd house. There were many practical reasons for their action, including financial renumeration as well as protection and compensation for their members. Pluto stationing in the 1st describes the intensity, passion and power of their stand . The AMPTP are signified by the Cancer DES, and the Moon, ruler of the 7th placed in the 9th house related to foreign affairs and publishing2; as well as Mars placed in the 7th house (in fall, but not without some dignity by triplicity). As the Moon covers many significations, we might put more emphasis on Mars as the studios significator, certainly their attitude is better described by Mars. They are comfortable in their position of power, willing to play aggressive and exhibiting a confidence that belies the need for compromise. The MC and its ruler Venus signifies the potential contract.

    The Moon has just had entered into the sign of Libra and is separating from her trine to Pluto by a mere 5 minutes, a clear testimony of the recent breakdown in the negotiation and the intense power-play & passion that inflamed this dispute. Interesting that Moon and Saturn (as well as Mars) are in mute signs3 and only have dignity by face, which indicates a sense of anxiety or worry affecting both sides.The Moon’s last aspect to a major planet, was her square to Venus 6 degrees previously, when in the sign of Virgo. This equates to the six weeks since the old contract expired and the unsuccessful negotiation for a new agreement began. The Moon went on to oppose Neptune, on the 3rd house cusp, before her ingress into Libra and trine to Pluto stationing retrograde in the 1st house.

    As her next aspect will be a square to Mars at 19 degrees Libra. The Moon is presently Void-of-Course and will remain so for the next 7 degrees and 17 minutes when she will enter into orb with Mars.  Following the Moon’s course from a symbolic timing perspective, giving each degree approximately one week of time, follows the unfolding of events pretty closely.

    Course of Events

    • For the first two month or 8 weeks nothing happened. (Moon is VOC for 7 plus degrees)
    • Ten weeks into the strike, on July 12, it was reported that the AMPTP would not return to the negotiation table till late October when the writers would be suffering financial strain and be willing to accept whatever the studios proposed. Naturally this enraged the WGA. (Moon 8 degrees Libra, now in orb of Mars – but Mars is not yet in orb of Moon4).
    • Thirteen weeks into the strike, on Aug 4 WGA & AMPTP leaders meet face-to-face for the first time since the start of the strike, with little apparent progress. Even the government of California wrote to the companies represented by the AMPTP (on Aug 30) imploring them to return to the negotiations as the strike was having a devastating effect on the economy as a whole. (Moon 13 degrees – Mars and Moon were now in each other’s orb. Moon has now entered into orb of her aspect to Venus).
    • On Sept 14, nineteen weeks after the start of the strike, the two sides agreed to restart the negotiation in earnest (Moon at 20 degrees – aspect with Mars has perfected.)
    • A deal is reached on Sept 24 and the strike officially ended on Sept 27 at midnight and the WGA go back to work.
    • The deal is ratified on Oct 9 (Moon 23 degrees – aspect to Venus perfects)

    The timing of the strikes ending is shown by the movement of the Moon to Mars, but also by Mercury who would travel just over 5 degrees before going direct (stationing at 5 degrees 51 minutes Taurus) equating to the 5-month duration of the strike. This was actually what I used to tell my daughter that the strike would last till roughly Sept 25th. I was off by a couple days.

    In real time the strike ended at the moment when the ASC/DES degrees were reversed almost to the minute; and the Moon was conjunct Saturn – the Moon being almost at the degree of Saturn in the strike chart; and the Sun close to the degree of the Moon in that same chart.

    1. The Moon is Void-of-course as she is not within her 12 degree orb of making any aspect. ↩︎
    2. Much of the dispute surrounded the issue of streaming content throughout the world without the creators (writers) being compensated for this new manner of delivery that had been extremely profitable to the studios. ↩︎
    3. All water signs are said to be mute, as water creatures make no sound. ↩︎
    4. The orb of Mars is 8 degrees ↩︎

  • ADOLF HITLER a Study in Evil

    Looking at Hitler’s chart we find that the Almuten of the Ascendant is Saturn 13 Leo in the  10th house, because it has both exaltation and triplicity dignity over the ASC degree of at 21 Libra in this day chart.

    Finding the compound almuten over the degrees of the Moon 6 Capricorn, Mercury 25 Aries, and 26 Libra ASC we find the significator of Quality of his Mind to be Mars 16 Aries with 13 points, closely followed by Saturn 13 Leo with 12 points.  These two planets would function very much as a team especially as they are aspecting each other by square as well as by a very tight, almost to the minute antiscia1 conjunction. This antiscia allows these two planets to function far more cooperatively than their stressful square aspect would indicate.

    Finally, we must find the Pilot of the Soul. In this chart the search is difficult because Mars, Saturn and Moon are all in detriment, Sun and Mercury are peregrine which means they have no essential dignity whatsoever and Jupiter though he has face dignity is in his fall. Of the seven classical planets only Venus in Taurus has any dignity and she is retrograde, conjunct Mars as well as being very close to the 8th house cusp. Yet by default she wins the position of Pilot of the Soul. This would have been the ideal planet for Hitler to follow…But did he? Let us review.

    His Lord of the Ascendant is Saturn in Leo in the 10th house. The planet signifying his Quality of Mind  is Mars in Taurus in the 7th house with Saturn in Leo a close contender. Finally the Pilot of the Soul is Venus in Taurus in the 7th conjunct Mars.

    Lord of the Ascendant, Saturn in the 10th house, is debilitated in his sign of detriment, in other words far from his (Saturn’s) essential best nature. Saturn was seen as the great malefic by the ancients. Debilitated malefics function in extremes, their nature is amplified and exaggerated. This planet could bring great misfortune in one’s life unless it was on his best behaviour. At its best Saturn is patient, responsible, disciplined and holds authority. But in this chart, he is not at his best, he is at his worst and yet he is positioned in the 10th house to act and act strongly. So, he will act in a strongly malefic manner.

    As Lord of the Ascendant, Saturn represents Hitler’s corporeal desires; being in the 10th house, he desires power and authority. Saturn in Leo, he probably wants to be king. Saturn’s dispositor (and MC ruler), Sun is peregrine, he has no ability to keep Saturn in check. Saturn disposits Moon and Jupiter in Capricorn conjunct the south node. Moon in Capricorn is in detriment and would feel insecure unless in control. Jupiter is equally debilitated in his fall, though he has a bit of face dignity this is more to do with fear than an actual strength2.  Both being with the south node only adds to their debility and sense of weakness. All this would give Saturn more justification to take control and not let go (Leo fixed).

    The significator of the Quality of the Mind is Mars working closely with Saturn. Here we find Mars equally debilitated in detriment squaring his ally Saturn.  One of the main meanings of the quality of the mind is conscience, knowing that an action is right or wrong because we are conscious of a higher and broader perspective than just that of our individual ego. Mars is a mutual reception with the Moon; both are peregrine and in detriment, but are trining each other with reception by exaltation. Unfortunately this will not bring the promised support usually associated with reception; the only thing they can provide the other is the insecurity of their debility.

    Mars also rules Mercury in Aries. Mercury being peregrine was easily enlisted to do Mars (and Saturn’s) bidding. Hitler was a great orator who was able to stir the emotions of the masses and lead them into war. As an aside, Germany is said to be ruled by Mars and Aries. Hitler became Germany’s mouth piece. So Hitler’s Quality of Mind was not going to tame or soften his Saturn’s drive for power and authority. On the contrary the two would work in tandem together and both bring with them the insecurity of the Moon and fear of Jupiter.

    So far, we have a dire situation, but was it absolutely necessary for Hitler to become what he became? The Pilot of his Soul may have helped him steer a different path. As Venus in Taurus, we see fertility and creativity, but it is retrograde, conjunct Mars and square Saturn. The good nature of Venus is over shadowed by the strong malefic energy working together and feeding off the long-term fears and insecurities (Moon, Jupiter conjunct South Node). The two malefics used the veneer of Venus to camouflage their indent, presenting a more benign face of Hitler to the world.

    Remember that Hitler’s first aim in life was to be an artist and then an architect. Unfortunately, he was rejected by the Vienna Academy of Art in 1907 and 1908 and didn’t have the educational qualifications to apply for study of architecture. We can only speculate how history may have turned out differently if he had been accepted by the Academy. So, his Pilot of the Soul was not given a chance to take the drivers seat. Does this mean that Hitler was inherently bad or evil? I do not think so, he was insecure and angry, so the odds were stacked up against him. He needed to overcome an awful lot to turn his life towards goodness.

    Astrology is about time and we can not look at Hitler’s life or chart without regards to his time. Hitler’s fate was that of Germany’s. Looking at the chart of the man I would conclude that this was a man who was essential weak with little choice then to be carried by the forces of the times in which he lived. Picking two events that seemed to have been pivotal in Hitler’s life; one mundane and one personal and, we may trace the growing dominance of Mars & Saturn’s influence in Hitler’s life.

    The Weimer Republic

    November 9, 1918 at 13:30 CET in Berlin Germany

    In 1918 on November 9th the Weimer Republic came into being, shortly followed by the signing of the Treaty of Versailles. This perceived public humiliation of the German nation coincided with the period of Hitler’s Saturn return and marked a turning point in his life. This event planted the seed of his nationalistic and racial fervour that germinated into the Nazi Party and lead the world down the road to holocaust.

    On that day the Sun 16 Scorpio was directly opposite Hitler’s Mars, Venus conjunction at 16 Taurus and in contra-antiscia to his Saturn 13 Leo. The event chart’s North Node was at 13 Sagittarius, conjunct its MC and was on the antiscia degree of Hitler’s South Node 15 Capricorn, whilst the event charts Jupiter 15 Cancer was transiting Hitler’s natal North Node; his 6 Capricorn natal Moon was being opposed by the obsessive and at that point unknown, Pluto at 6 Cancer. On a more personal front his progressed Moon 8 Aquarius was moving to oppose his Saturn 13 Leo.

    The fate of his nation evidenced by this charts MC, Sun and North Node triggered the worst of Hitler’s horoscope promises: deeply malevolent Saturn and Mars in positions of extreme power, fed by the insecurity of his foundations (Moon, Jupiter and South Node). 

    Geli Raubal

    Another incident that was very pivotal in the development of Hitler’s persona was the death by gun shot to the heart of his niece, Geli Raubal on Sept 19th 1931. Rumored to have been his mistress, Geli and Hitler had an unusual relationship which in many ways played out the symbolic configuration of his Mars conjunct Venus in Taurus in the 7th house square Saturn.

    Hitler, twenty years her senior, found happiness with Geli, her presence subdued and relaxed him and yet he was totally controlling and fanatically jealous of her. There were questions as to whether Hitler was in any way involved in her death. The rumours and innuendos were never proved, but her death was to have a profound effect on Hitler.  became suicidal and never regained the public joy he had exhibited in Geli’s presence.

    Her body was discovered at approximately 10:00 am on the 19th, by the landlord. It is believed that she died sometime on Sept 18, 1931.

    Body discovered Sept 19 1931 at 10:00 in Munich Germany

    On the day her death was discovered, Saturn was 16 degrees Capricorn trining Hitler’s natal Mars, Venus and conjunct his South Node; and transiting Jupiter at 13 degrees Leo was on his Saturn. Mars, ruler of his 7th house was transiting his 1st house, at 1 degree Scorpio applying to square his MC (5 Leo) and oppose his natal Mars, Venus conjunction. His progressed Moon sextiled natal Mars, Venus and was conjunct his North Node and on its way to conjunct his MC on the day he took the control of the newly formed Third Reich (January 30, 1933).

    Hitler’s highly afflicted Saturn and Mars were triggered by this event. It is said that after Geli’s death Hitler threw himself ever more into his public life. Having enough political influence to ensure that his involvement surrounding the suspicious circumstances of her death never came to light, must have empowered his sense of invincibility.  The ambition of his Lord of the Ascendant, Saturn coupled with the ruthless and destructive Mars, devoid of the balancing force of Venus (possibly symbolized by Geli herself, her death being the final death of Hitler’s Venus) allowed the evil that was festering below the surface to be given full expression.   

    We can not judge a chart in a vacuum. Hitler’ fate was linked to the circumstances of his era, culture, nation and birth. Hitler did not act alone in perpetrating the evil that was the Third Reich. Yet as the figure head for this movement he became the focal point of its manifestation. Was Hitler an evil man? The answer is that he was a weak man who through fateful circumstances yielded a huge amount of worldly power (symbolized by his celestially weak planets in terrestrially strong placement). What could have been done with this power need not have been so destructive, but it takes a strong individual to resist the allure of the ego.

    The 13th century Saint Thomas Aquinas expounded the truth that: “The stars may incline, but do not compel.” 3 Yet even Thomas Aquinas conceded that only when a man’s soul was in communion with God, was his will freed from the bondage of his corporal nature – with his physical body and its appetites, needs and desires. The stars may only incline, but your spirit needs to be in touch with a higher power to resist their inclination. Clearly this was not the case with the individual Adolf Hitler.

    1. Antiscia – From the Greek, meaning “opposite shadow”. A degree and its antiscia are equidistant from the summer-winter solstice axis (Cancer/Capricorn). Planets related by antiscia have the force of a conjunction.  Contra-antiscia (the opposition to the antiscia degree) has the force of an opposition. ↩︎
    2. The Faces supply some intriguing leads about those areas where the individual has fear or problems. The point is that most people don’t like fear and would rather cloak fear with hatred”.  From Lee Lehman “Essential Dignities” page 136 ↩︎
    3. This is a paraphrase of a Latin saying: “Astra non compellunt, sed inclinant”, translating to: “the stars do not compel, but they do incline”. A concept that Aquinas frequently used to explain how astrological influence may suggest a course of action, but because of human free-will, a person is not forced to follow it.  ↩︎

  • Using traditional techniques is it possible to find “evil” in the natal chart?

    EVIL  • adjective 1 deeply immoral and malevolent. 2 embodying or associated with the devil. 3 extremely unpleasant: an evil smell.  • noun 1 extreme wickedness and depravity, especially when regarded as a supernatural force. 2 something harmful or undesirable.
    In religion and ethics, evil refers to the “bad” aspects of the behaviour and reasoning of human being – those which are deliberately void of conscience, and show a wanton desire for destruction. The opposite of goodness, which itself refers to aspects which are life-affirming, peaceful, and constructive.

    Can evil be seen in a chart? Do certain individuals choose to be evil or are they fated to be so? And do their charts reflect this? And are we fated to live out what is in our chart? These questions are all loaded and profoundly disturb many in our profession. 

    In this day, when even the ancient descriptions of planets as benefic and malefic elicits discomfort in contemporary astrologers, it is no longer regarded as correct to think in these terms.  The idea that a planet or person could be inherently bad goes against our accepted standard of judgment. Deviation from acceptable behaviour is seen as an understandable reaction to the emotional and psychological experiences that have traumatized or otherwise wounded individuals.

    Ironically as we move away from judging an individual as evil we continue to embrace the idea that evil exists in the world. As illustrated by our “war on terror” and our fear of the “terrorist threat”. The concept of evil has always been present but we have confused the doing of evil with being evil.

    When our ancestors spoke of a planet bestowing malevolent or benefic influence in a horoscope, we tend to imagine this as being a very cut and dry affair: bad planet cause bad things, good planet, cause good thing. The reality is far richer and more subtle than it appears at first glance.

    The Malefic Planets: Mars & Saturn

    In the traditional cosmos the so-called malevolent planets were Mars and Saturn. At their best both are a necessary and positive force in the chart, allowing us to take righteous action, be responsible and build strong foundations. Both have ‘jobs’ related to ending and death. When these planets were afflicted, they went out of balance and their influence becomes negative and destructive.

    A planet is at its best when in essential dignity and with some reception. A debilitated planet has a really hard time expressing its true nature; they become an exaggerated or distorted version of themselves. Mars doesn’t just take action; he kills all who stand in his way. Saturn doesn’t just take responsibility he becomes tyrannical. The other planets can also cause trouble when in a debilitated condition, but their effect is unlikely to be thought of as evil.

    Whether fate is pre-destined or created by the native’s choices is a tricky one.  The modern paradigm places more emphasis on the free will and choice of the individual then was the case in the past. In previous generations the individual had their place within the social hierarchy and few had any choice about it. Even those at the top of this hierarchy had limited choices. Overseeing all, there was God.

    Now we may speak of the higher self rather than God. Many have become uncomfortable with the concept of a Supreme Being overseeing us all, choosing for us, and allocating our fate. The concept of the “higher self” individualises us, if not in fact certainly in title. It allows us the illusion of having more power to choose. Regardless of our modern belief in the importance of the individual, fate can not be denied; it is what is bestowed on us.

    We are born into a certain era or time, a particular body, gender, to a particular set of parents, within a family, culture and nation. We do not consciously choose this; we are given this. This is fate. Our free will to choose is confined to limits of our given fate. Man’s essential nature is both corporeal and spiritual; the integration of these polarities draws us closer to our essential nature. Essential nature by definition signifies a more balanced state of being.  A state more aligned with the Divine, however we define that word.

    In nature a daisy will grow into the best daisy specimen possible within the environment it is given. It can not do otherwise or choose to grow into a rose. Because nothing in the natural world can stray from its essential nature, there is no evil there. A volcano may cause devastation, cruel as this may seem, it is nothing more then the restoration of balance. Nature has no will to choose otherwise. But the human being has free will to choose and can turn away from his essential nature. He must come to know and accept who he is, what he has been given, understand his purpose in the scheme of things and fulfil it.  The further away from his essential nature he moves the more he encounters evil or in the words of our fore bearers; malevolence.

    The principal thing that pushes man away from his essential good nature is his desires; desire that stem from his corporeal existence. His desire to possess more than what he has been given, to have more power than he needs and to strive for a purpose not of his own.  In modern jargon these corresponds to the ego and remember that the ego is never satisfied.

    The Lord of the Ascendant, Pilot of the Soul and
    The Significator of the Quality of the Mind

    Using traditional astrological methods, we can see in the natal chart how easy or not it will be for an individual to stay aligned with his true nature and how strong the pull of his desires will be. By identifying three planets: the Lord of the Ascendant, the Pilot of the Soul and the significator of the Quality of the Mind, we have the information needed to judge how likely one is to move towards or away from his/her essential nature.

    To find these planets we use the table of essential dignities to calculate the almuten (overall ruler) of particular degree of the zodiac. Giving the planet in rulership 5 points, in exaltation 4 points, in triplicity 3 points, in term 2 points and in face 1 point, we simply add up the points for each planet to find the one with the most essential dignity at a particular degree or degrees. It is important to note whether it is a day or night chart and use the appropriate triplicity ruler.

    The Lord of the Ascendant is the planet which has the most essential dignity at the ASC degree, in other words the almuten of the ASC. Often this is the planet ruling the ASC but not always. As the overall ruler of our ASC this planet is most concerned with our corporeal life; the driving force that motivates us. In modern jargon we could say it signifies our ego.

    The Pilot of the Soul, is the planet with the most essential dignity overall; and in the strongest position, in the chart.  Ideally it would also be free of accidental debility such as retrograde or combustion. The Pilot of the Soul is the planet that would ideally take charge. This is the planet that could set us on the right path and redirect us if we get side-tracked. This is the planet most closely aligned to spirit; most connected to Divine source. This is the planet we should endeavour to engage and make friends with, for it is most likely to raise us above our corporeal fate.

    Finally, we find the significator of the Quality of the Mind by finding the compound almuten; the planet with the most essential dignity at the degrees of the Moon, Mercury and ASC.  Quality of the mind does not refer to intelligence, but rather to how and to what purpose the mind is used. It relates to conscience and the moral nature of the native. This planet represents the balance between their sensible and rational minds and how well their corporeal and spiritual facets integrate. In other words, do they use their mind for good or evil?

  • Easy Horary “Will I benefit from being involved in this project?”

    I love horaries that are quick and easy to judge!

    July 2, 2012 at 20:22 AEST, Melbourne, Australia

    Background

    The querent is a young woman trying to establish herself as a stylist in a competitive field. Initially she asked me whether she; should be involved in a project she had committed to? After a bit of probing we came to understand that what she really wanted to know was whether there was any benefit for her in being involved. So the question became “Will I benefit from being involved in this project?”

    The project was a fashion runway show for some young emerging designers and included the shooting of a promotional video. There was no money involved, though it promised to be a creative and possibly good networking opportunity. As her focus of interest is photo and props styling, she was made responsible for all props. She was now having second thoughts about the project as she had a lot of paid work on and felt that it was going to take up far more time than she first had anticipated. She also had a sense that the woman in charge of the project had subtly manipulated her into getting involved and was very vague as to the time commitment it would involve.

    Simple Judgement

    The chart has Aquarius rising giving Saturn exalted in Libra as significator of the querent. Saturn is being sextiled by the Moon in Sagittarius who could also be taken as a significator for the querent. The project, being a creative project that falls into the category of entertainment, I gave to the 5th house and therefore was signified by Mercury in Leo in the 6th house. Mercury is disposited by the Sun in Cancer in the 5th house, which I took as the “Boss” of the project, the woman who was putting the project together and had asked my client to be involved.

    Both Mercury and the Sun are in the signs of Saturn’s detriment. The answer was clear. She would not benefit from this project, in fact it was likely to be to her detriment.  Mercury in the 6th implies that she will be worked like a slave and the Sun’s position in Cancer shows us how the Boss could manipulate the Moon, our querent to do whatever it wanted.

    The promise that this would be a good opportunity to network and make contacts, was not going to happen as Mercury, the project was already separating from Jupiter, the ruler of the 11th house who signified these contacts. However, Saturn being in a partile sextile with the Moon on the cusp of the 11th house indicates that the querent is already making contacts.  A fact that the querent conceded.

  • The Moon and Related Flower Essences

    The Moon represents our past, it is that from which we have come. It is the unconscious feeling life that informs us from within, through dreams, memories, symbols, bodily sensations and emotions. The Moon relates to intuitive thinking and the non-rational part of the brain.

     

    The Moon represents our instinctual nature and is the planet most closely connected to our physical body. The body as a container for the Soul is like the crescent Moon that combines the spirit with matter. The Moon exhorts a pull on us back into our past, into the familiar haunts of our childhood, filled with the smells, sights and tastes we associate with mother. The Moon seeks security, warmth and the nurturing hand of the great mother.

     

    As a symbol for mother, the Moon connects us to our own nurturing capacity. How we give and receive love and affection is shown by the state of our astrological Moon. When the Moon is out of balance we experience insecurity and an inability to feel worthy of love. The lack of love in our life is manifested by overcompensation in the material realm either through the self-restriction or over indulgence in sensual pleasure. Eating disorders, materialistic obsession and body distortions are some common lunar imbalances.

     

    Mariposa Lily (Calochortus leichtlinii) is one of the most lunar essences. Mariposa Lily grows out of the barren, rocky, mountainous terrain. Her shallow roots indicating the harsh beginnings and limitations from which she emerges. Though not a true member of the lily family, her name tells us that this flower relates to the feminine, specifically the feminine role of mother.

    The Moon has often been called the great mother and Mariposa Lily is the ultimate mothering essence. Any issue around nurturing and mothering can be balanced with Mariposa Lily. This essence helps to repair the mothering bond in both mother and child and will help heal wounds associated with our experience of mother. The grief and trauma associated with the loss of either mother or child can be helped by the balancing qualities of Mariposa Lily.

     

    Other essences that relate to Moon issues:

    Flannel Flower (Actinotus helianthi) for those who do not like being touched, are uncomfortable with intimacy and have trouble in creating and maintaining their personal boundaries.

    Milkweed (Asclepias cordifolia) is an essence that helps those who are extremely dependent and desire to stay in a childlike emotional regression to become independent and self-reliant.

    Goddess Grasstree (Kingia argenta) is for those who find it difficult to bring out their nurturing, compassionate side, use guilt to maintain control of other and will not allow them to develop independence. This essence helps to heal and bring out the feminine principle.

  • Planets and Related Flower Essences

    Mercury and Related Essences

     Mercury represents our ability to think, communicate and learn. Mercury is related to language and words and indicates how we form relationships to things and how we exchange ideas. He is related to how we acquire skills and learn. Mercury rules the rational part of the brain and through our ability to reason we gain the freedom to choose.

     

    Mercury is related to Hermes the messenger of the gods and has the ability to travel into the underworld, the unconscious and bring up into the conscious light information and wisdom from within. Mercury guides us into the mysterious inner realms of the mind. He informs us through the thinking capacity, but it is important to remember that he is also the trickster. This aspect of Mercury is evident when logical arguments lead us astray.

     

    A Mercurial imbalance occurs when the logic of the mind and the knowing of the heart are not working together. This can manifest as becoming lost in the details losing sight of the overall picture or becoming overwhelmed with the big picture and being unable to focus on the details. All difficulties with verbal communication have at their root Mercury: not being able to find the words or lots of words with no meaning, having your words misunderstood. Over or under intellectualising are both symptoms of Mercury out of balance.

     

    Hibbertia (Hibbertia pendunculata), is a great essence to help the mercurial imbalance of head and heart separation. Its yellow heart shaped petals remind us to bring the heart into the intellect. This essence is especially recommended for those whose drive to acquire knowledge and improve themselves borders on fanaticism. They may read widely and learn a myriad of philosophies, but their focus on self-improvement is hindered because they are incapable of integrating what they learn. Hibbertia can help to bring the heart into the intellectual understanding engendering more acceptance and practical use of ones knowledge and limitations.

     

    Other essences that can assist with Mercury imbalances are:

    Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus) will come to our rescue when we are so overwhelmed by our ideas that we cannot coordinate our speech to express them.

    Madia (Madia elegans) for those who have difficulty in keeping focus, are unable to concentrate and are easily distracted, Madia essence brings about precise thinking and disciplined focus.

    Isopogen (Isopogon anethifolius) is for those who live too much in their head and are dominated by their intellect. They may become very stubborn and controlling and have an inability to learn from past experience.

    Brown Boronia (Boronia megastigma) essence frees the mind of obsessive worry, anxiety and repeating unpleasant thoughts that stop one from enjoying the moment. Frees one from constant thinking and brings about acceptance that solutions to life’s dilemmas will be found.

     

    Venus and Related Essences 

     

    After the Sun and Moon, Venus is the brightest and most beautiful light in the sky. Traditionally she was understood as a moist and warm planet that promoted growth and fertility. Venus is the embodiment of the feminine, balancing and harmonising function of the psyche. As one of the principle archetypes, she is the Goddess of Love and Beauty. Venus is the lover who will not sacrifice herself for love, but rather enter into relationship through seduction to fulfill her own desire. In our astrological chart she stands for what we values and what is important to us, she is about what we want and desire.

    Venus seeks to create beauty and harmony in the world and is associated with art, music and dance. She wants to conciliate, to unite and bring balance between opposites. She represents the urge to relate to another and defines how we are in relationship. It is through Venus that we come to know the pleasures of this world. She is about sensual, erotic desire and the artistic creative urge.

    The dark side of Venus is sexual deviance or dysfunction, an inability to enjoy being loved or difficulty with intimacy. Venus imbalances are common in woman during times of transition: adolescence, pregnancy, after the birth of children and menopause. Self-esteem and self-obsession problems all stem from a lack of self-value, which can be directly attributed to Venus issues.

    Easter lily (Lilium longiflorum) one of the most Venus essences comes from this beautiful white flower, long connected to the sacred feminine through her association with the Madonna. Easter lily is symbolically the pure white of the virgin mother. This essence will help with all imbalances of our sexual nature and inner conflicts regarding our sexuality. It helps both promiscuity and prudishness and helps relieve the tension that can occur between our sexual/physical desires and our spiritual aspirations.

    Other essences that can aid with Venus issues are:

    She Oak (Casuarina glauca) is another essence that has strong connections with the feminine encouraging a softening of the emotions and has been found to be particularly good for woman in menopause.

    Pomegranate (Punica granatum) is a particularly good essence for the confusion that so often arises out of feminine creativity and procreativity. The sense of ambivalence between the values of home versus career can often be resolved with Pomegranate.

    Tiger Lily (Lilium humboldtii) for those who are overly aggressive and competitive having a hostile attitude. This essence helps bring in balanced feminine strength instilling co-operative service with others and extending feminine force into social situation. When there’s too much Mars and not enough Venus, think Tiger Lily.

    Alpine Lily (Lilium parvum) helps women whose abstract sense of femininity is disembodied and alienated from their female body. Brings about an acceptance grounded in a deepened experience of their female body.

     

    Mars and Related Essences

     

    Mars is red hot and very dry, he is about focused and direct action. Mars is the ultimate masculine archetype, the warrior of the cosmos; he embodies courage, energy and fighting spirit. Mars carries the sword of discernment and in his purest manifestation he is the sacred warrior, righteous defender and protector of whatever needs protecting. Thinking is not Mars’s forte; he has little conscience and can behave like a brute. He is all action not complicated by emotion, opinions, morals or mindset.

     

    Mars is pure energy with no judgement, attachment or thought. In many regards he is like a soldier enlisted to do the Sun’s fighting. When Mars is truly integrated and in balance there is no need for fighting, no need for arguments or conflict, but out of balance Mars will rage and attack.

     

    True to Mars’s simple nature his shadow is the most easily recognised; anger, aggression and fury. Other signs of Mars out of balance are the inability to express angry, to assert oneself, to defend and fight for what is rightfully yours..

     

    Mountain Devil (Lambertia formosa) is an essence that helps those who are incapable of expressing feelings of love because they are blacked by the lower emotions of jealousy, hatred and anger. They tend to be profoundly suspicious of others and their motives and will hold grudges. Mountain Devil helps these individuals to set healthy boundaries and express anger constructively. They can then develop an ability to forgive and learn to love unconditionally.

     

    Other essences that can help with Mars issues are:

     

    Mountain Pride (Penstemon newberryi) helps those who lack the ability to assert themselves and stand up for their convictions. Mountain Pride brings in the warrior energy that can be used to confront a situation and take a stand. This essence is about positive action and activity.

    Mountain Mahogany (Cercopcarpus breviflorus) helps those who have become stuck in their development and who push to make things happen and believe that assertion means aggression, Mountain Mahogany helps one to accept direction from the sacred rather then from the ego.

    Mountain Wormwood (Artemisia tilesii) for unresolved anger, resentment and the holding of grudges against those believed to have caused one hurt or pain. Such held in emotions erodes ones peace of mind. This essence encourages one to let their judgement dissolve and allow true forgiveness to enter their heart.

     

    Jupiter and Related Essences

    If it weren’t for the Sun, Jupiter would surely be the king of our cosmos. Everything about Jupiter is big and as the largest planet in our solar system he struts his stuff bringing new growth, good fortune and luck wherever he goes. In traditional astrology Jupiter was understood to be the great benefic, the God of fertility and rain and was said to bestow good fortune, riches and plentiful bounties on all who honored him.

    Jupiter has long been associated with higher learning, philosophy and religion. He is keeper of the universal laws and sits in judgement, not condemning but rather as a compassionate spirit encouraging us onto the right choice. The rule of Jupiter is our conscience and moral stand. Jupiter can tempt us out of our limited everyday experience into the bigger more glamorous world of spirit through learning, knowledge, travel, dreams and prayer.

    Jupiter is the eternal optimist of the chart and can lead us down unrealistic and foolhardy paths. The downside of Jupiter is over doing it. Jupiter has problems with emotional issues particularly those of a darker nature. We see the imbalance of Jupiter manifested in over the top happiness hiding unacknowledged depression, in reckless spending of non-existent money, in gluttonous over eating or the inability of accepting limitations leading to all types of addictions. Jupiter imbalances can conversely express themselves as an unwillingness to grow beyond the safe and familiar.

    Oak (Quercus robur) is a good essence for one type of Jupiter imbalance, that of overdoing things. Oak people can be inflexible and have a cast iron will that stops them from knowing when to give up. This essence helps those who take on challenges in life and persevere through exhaustion, depression and discouragement with no complaint and a smile on their face. Life becomes a struggle and they lose the ideal with which they began. Oak helps one to balance their strengths and accept personal limitations allowing them to surrender when the going gets too tough.

    Other essences for Jupiter imbalances are:

    Agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria) For those whose cheerful exterior hides anxiety and the denial of emotional pain possibly leading to addictive behaviour. This essence allows one to work with their painful emotion and engenders emotional honesty.

    Forsythia (Forsythia suspensa) helps motivate one towards transforming old, useless patterns of behaviour such as addiction, habits and thoughts.

    Golden Waitsia (Waitsia aurea) is for contrary Jupiter imbalances, when one’s petty worries about details stops them from having a positive outlook. Golden Waitsia frees the mind from small perspective, allowing for a more expansive and adaptable attitude.

    Saturn and Related Essences

    As the most distant visible planet, Saturn up until the last few centuries, thought to be the outer limit or boundary of our solar system. Beyond him laid the divine realm of the fixed stars, he set the perimeters of our imperfect world. He was considered the greatest malefic in the cosmos and was portrayed as father time and the grim reaper. His extreme cold and dry nature restricted growth and life and was associated with endings, old age and death.

    Saturn is the stern, hard taskmaster whose authority defines the reality of the material world. He is the judge and lawmaker who condemn all who transgress the man made laws of the land. He is connected to the continuum of time and generations and as such is related to our ancestry and the inheritance or karma that binds us. Boundaries of all types are under the rule of Saturn.

    Fear emerges when Saturn has gone out of balance. Ultimately all fear has at its root the fear of death and death is one of Saturn’s roles, for he defines the limits of life: birth and death. When there are issues with authority or father you will find an out of balance Saturn.

    Boab (Adansonia gregorii) is a powerful essence that works on Saturnian issues of inheritance. Found in the Kimberly regions of Australia the Boab tree stores water in its bloated body. It is common for the Boab to have younger trees growing around it in a circular pattern eventually merging to form one giant tree. Very large Boab trees were often hollow inside and used by whites as holding prison for aboriginal, illustrating one of Boab’s messages: racism, prejudice and the imprisoning effect of our inherited patterns.

    Boab essence clears ancestral patterns that are passed on from generation to generation and deal specifically with the negative energy and core beliefs that are inherited from our forefathers. Boab allows us to gain wisdom from our inheritance with out becoming victim to its darkness.

    Other essences that deal with Saturn issues are:

    Saguaro Cactus (Cereus giganteus) is an essence that helps deal with any issue of power struggle with parental or authority figures. Brings about an awareness of the ancient wisdom and sacred knowledge of our elders and instill a respect for our lineage.

    Menzies Banksia (Banksia menziesii) deals with the fear of pain and expectation of repeating painful experiences, which limits our ability to move forward. Clears the hesitation and pessimism that blocks joyful new beginnings.

    Aspen (Populus tremula) helps with fear, anxiety and apprehension of the unknown, bringing about an inner trust and confidence to meet new circumstances. Aspen remedy is associated with feelings of guilt that have no logical reason for being.

  • Flower Essences related to the Sun signs

    To pick one flower essence and give it an association with a particular planet or sign is difficult, yet certain plant families have common energy and these can be correlated to the general significance of planets or signs. Sometimes the colour, shape or common name of a flower gives us clues as to their harmonising affect.

     

    For example the colour red is connected to feelings of anger to which Mars is closely aligned. Many of the flowers that deal with anger and other intense emotions are in fact red. Similarly yellow flowers often have an association with imbalances with the mental or thinking capacity, which is the principal domain of Mercury. The Lily (Lilium) families of flowers tend to be white or pastel coloured and are often highly scented. These flowers have an association with Venus, the archetypal symbol of woman and the essences made of these flowers address some aspect of the feminine principle.

     

     

    The Sun

     

    The Sun is a symbol for spirit, the life force and represents the light that gives vision to our life. The glyph for the Sun is a circle with a dot at its centre, symbolising the central position each individual inhabits in relation to the greater whole. The Sun symbolises the divine will that motivates us, the vital force that enlivens us and the heat that brings passion to our existence. The Sun encompasses all of our potential and represents our ability to shine and be noticed.

     

    The Sun is a symbol of Father both spiritual and corporeal, and relates to our sense of self and our ego. It is what makes us an individual and at the same time connects us to the greater whole. The Sun provides us with those momentary glimpses of enlightenment that propel us out of our comfort zone into a greater sense of self.

     

    When the Solar force is out of balance in our life, it can manifest as an over or under inflated ego. Pride and arrogance are the shadow side of the solar strength. Appropriately the Sun rules the sign of the lion, Leo, and groups of lions are called prides.

     

    Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) is the flower essence most closely related with the Sun. This plant’s association with the Sun is legendary and evident by its common name. Sitting atop a tall sturdy stem, its large yellow flower head follows the Sun in its daily motion across the sky. This essence addresses all issues of ego and helps to balance both the inflated or deflated sense of importance, which lead to low self-esteem or vanity.

     

    Sunflower heals and balances distortions in our relationship to the masculine, the use of masculine energy and the expression of our individuality. Sunflower is a very good essence for any authority or father issues and is particularly good for those with issues of trying to live up to daddy’s expectations.

     

    Sunsigns and their related flower essences

     

    Though it maybe a misnomer to call anyone a Capricorn or a Leo for these are adjectives that describe rather then nouns that define, the inherent qualities of the 12 signs of the zodiac as manifested by the Sun tells us a lot about a person’s character and motivations. It is therefore no surprise that much of popular, modern astrology is based on the position of the Sun in the zodiac.

     

    Being an Aries, Taurus or Libra means that you share some general characteristics with other people born under the same sign. Without denying the uniqueness of individuals we can identify certain traits that are common to all those born with their Sun in the same sign. The 12 signs can be further divided into 4 elements: fire, earth, air and water.

     

    The elements have general dominion over different areas of life.

    Fire is the element associated with spirit, as expressed through the signs of Aries, Leo and Sagittarius is more concerned with individuality and the pursuit of individual quest with the ultimate aim of merging spirit with body.

    The earth element has dominion over the physical world and as expressed through the signs of Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn is concerned with the practical application of skill and the responsibility of ensuring the needs of the body.

    Air is the element related to the mind and our thinking capacity. As expressed through the signs of Gemini, Libra and Aquarius it is concerned with connecting people, ideas and concepts in order to ensure the growth of community.

    The realm of the emotions is associated with the water element and as expressed through the signs of Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces is concerned with emotional connection, security and honesty.

     

    Sun in Aries

     

    Aries, being the first sign of the zodiac is like the baby of the bunch and as such he has a charming naivety and fearlessness that is refreshing. Aries is the initiator of action and is related to the pioneering spirit that helps us to forge new ground. Being ruled by Mars, the planet of action Aries is bold, impetuous, impulsive, competitive, and courageous as well as quick tempered, intolerant with a tendency to insensitivity and social clumsiness.

     

    Headstrong Aries will plunge into projects and situations without awareness or thought as to the possible consequences of doing so. Their thoughtlessness is unconscious and they often seem genuinely surprised by the reaction that their words or actions elicit. While their need for independence and excitement can alienate them from others, there is rarely malicious indent.

     

    Kangaroo Paw (Anigozanthos manglesii) is the essence most suited to balancing the excesses of Aries energy. Growing in the hot, dry deserts of Australia, an environment reminiscent of the fiery qualities of Aries and Mars, these tough plants grow unusual and unique flowers, whose velvety texture contrast with their hard and spiky leaves.

     

    This essence is great for those who are self-centred and socially “green”. Whilst there is no ill intent Kangaroo Paw people are clumsy in their interaction with others, because they are too focused on themselves and haven’t learnt to read to cues of those around them. They behave in an insensitive manner and with a lack of social grace that creates awkward situations, yet are often unaware of their role in creating these situations.

     

    Kangaroo Paw helps to bring out people’s innate kindness and sensitivity to others. Not only allowing them to relax in social situation, but also allowing others to experience their velvety flower rather then the spiky leaf aspect.

     

    Sun in Taurus

     

    Taurus is the first of the earth signs and is very connected to our sensual life. He is slow, steady and has his feet firmly planted on the ground. He enjoys all the physical and material pleasures the world has to offer: food, sex, money and acquisitions. Being deeply rooted to earth the concept of routine and stability is crucial for Taurus and they generally find change very challenging.

    Venus, the fertile love goddess, rules Taurus making him desirous of comfort, affection and beautiful things. Taurus has a sensual appreciation of beauty rather than an intellectual one. Taurus is patient, stable, dependable, loyal as well as greedy, materialistic, stubborn and self-indulgent.

    Trillium (Trillium chloropetalum) is a great essence to help balance the excesses of Taurus energy. This flower grows in the moist, shaded ground of the North American forests, his phallic appearance as he emerges from the earth mirrors the primal energy and earth bound sensuousness of Taurus and his ruler Venus.

    When the lower energy centers are out of balance a disproportionate amount of energy is directed towards personal welfare, wealth and power, Trillium essence helps to cleanse and balance these energy centers. This essence helps those who tend towards materialism and greed, feeling the need for possession in order to have security.

    Trillium is good for those who are disconnected from their spiritual strength and seek to overcome their unconscious feelings of impotence by exercising social and material power. Trillium encourages a shift of awareness to a more transpersonal level and engendering a more healthy relation with the material and earthly realm.

    Sun in Gemini

     

    Mercury, messenger of the Gods, rules Gemini who is quick, witty, versatile and nimble. His connection to the air element makes Gemini involved in all levels of communication. His primary motivation is the sharing and exchange of ideas; his greatest skill is networking. No one can bring together people and ideas the way Gemini can. They are curious, adaptable, verbally expressive and clever, but they also suffer the tendency to being inconsistent, changeable, scheming and lacking concentration.

    Gemini needs interaction, intellectual stimulation and variety, which can result in a superficial awareness of many things, but no deep knowledge of any one topic. Gemini may have a tendency to live too much in their head, using their intellect to rationalise their feelings and emotions to their detriment.

    Shasta Daisy (Chrysanthemum maximum) is one of the best essences to harmonise common Gemini imbalances. The typical white and yellow daisy grows readily in all parts of the world, Its connection with variety loving Gemini is symbolised by the fact that though it appears as one complete flower its yellow center is actually made up of hundreds of small flowers. The multiple white petals are like the many different ideas and inspiration that Gemini so easily tap into.

    Shasta Daisy is a great essence for those who are overly analytical and tend to see information as separate pieces rather then a whole. This essence allows for insights into the larger patterns encouraging a more wholistic thinking and living. Shasta Daisy helps balance the emotional and intellectual life.

    Shasta Daisy will also help those who need to be able to bring together a myriad of bits of information into an integrated whole. It is also great for those who suffer from information overload or who can not get their heads around the task of synthesising many different ideas and concepts into a coherent whole.

    Sun in Cancer

     

    The Moon rules Cancer and this makes him emotionally sensitive. Like the crab that symbolises him, Cancer can hide behind a hard exterior shell in order to protect himself from the harsh reality of the world. Cancer is naturally maternal, nurturing, traditional and helpful, but when threatened can become touchy, manipulative, negative and fall into self-pity.

    Because of Cancers close association with the Moon their basic well being is dependent on their connection to the lunar source: mother. The foundation of Cancer lies deep in the watery realm of the emotions, without a strong sense of emotional security and stability Cancer can become clingy and overly dependent. Unlike Aries who will rage when they should cry, Cancer will often cry when they should rage.

    A very good essence for Cancer is the aptly called Milky Nipple Cactus (Mammillaria Gummifera). This cactus grows in the southwestern desert of the US, is shaped like a ball and is filled with a white milky sap. The common name of this plant tells the story; all mothering issues can be helped by this essence.

    Milky Nipple Cactus is very good for those who never properly weaned from Mother, remaining dependent on others and being unable to care for themselves. They may experience the natural boundaries people put up as rejection and have difficulty in communicating emotionally charged issues, preferring to hide and not deal with them.

    Milky Nipple Cactus essence brings about a sense of calm, nurturing and autonomy. It helps people to express emotions that have been repressed and heal at a deep level their sense of disconnection, promoting a sense of belonging. Milky Nipple Cactus essence helps people find the security in being human, allowing them to confidently care for themselves and be released from the oppressive sense of dependency.

    Sun in Leo

    Leo is ruled by the Sun and has long been associated with royalty and kingship and just like his symbol, the lion, he is the king of the zodiac, or so he would like to think. Leo is charismatic, strongly individualistic and proud. Leo needs to be noticed and applauded for without an appreciative audience the proud lion can turn into a lost kitten.

    Wherever Leo goes, drama and excitement tend to follow. He has a strong need to express his individuality, to be playful, splash around colour and make life exciting. Leo is dramatic, optimistic, ambitious, generous and creative. But he can also be vain, childish, pretentious, need to be center stage and fear ridicule or rejection.

    Illawarra Flame Tree (Brachychiton acerifolius) is a good essence for Leonic imbalances. Native of tropical northeastern Australia, this large tree has become a favorite garden specimen now grown throughout the world. Its bright red-orange flowers appear on its leafless branches in the spring, creating a dramatic vision that would make any Leo proud.

    The Illawara Flame tree essence is especially good for those who feel left out or who are easily hurt when they perceive rejection, real or imagined. The rejection they feel from the outside eventually becomes self-rejection. Illawarra Flame tree people feel that without the approval or acknowledgement of others they are incapable of taking action.

    Illawarra Flame Tree essence brings about a sense of strength, self-reliance, self-approval and confidence without the need for outside approval. It helps one to take responsibility especially when ones reluctance to do so is as a result of perceived or feared rejection by others.

    Sun in Virgo

     

    Virgo is the second Earth sign in the zodiac and is ruled by Mercury who is responsible for her reputation as a finicky, perfectionist obsessed with detail. This unfair reputation of Virgo has undermined her true strength of analytical and practical action in order to maintain health and the sacredness of physical life.

    Virgo doesn’t just clean up the mess that Leo leaves behind; she is the keeper of the sacred vessel and the creator of sacred space. She is associated with health, healing and service. She is able to discriminate and sort through the details of life. Virgo is industrious, studious, discriminating, and methodical. Her negative expression sees her as critical, petty, pedantic, inflexible and obsessed with health, diet and disease.

     

    Manzinita (Arctostaphylos viscida) is the perfect essence for Virgo excesses. This small white-pink flower shaped like a tight little bell grows in small bunches on medium size bushes that like to grow with Pine (whose essence is good for self-critics who are never satisfied with their performance). The Manzanita flower inclines its head towards the earth, pointing to the direction of her focus before making way to nutritious but unpalatable berries.

    Manzanita essence helps to integrate the spiritual self with the physical world when the attitude towards physical life and health becomes too demanding of perfection. Manzanita people often have warped attitudes towards the physical body. They will often subject their bodies to grueling regimes of exercise and diet in order to cleanse their feelings of aversion, disgust and revulsion at their bodily functions.

     

    Manzinita helps the individual soften their relationship with the physical world and redirect spiritual focus towards the body, so that once again it can be seen as the beautiful receptacle of spirit and temple to the soul.

     

    Sun in Libra

     

    Libra is the second sign under Venus’s rulership and she exhibits much of that planet’s aesthetic longing for beauty. One of Libra principle motivation is to be in relationship with others and she can be quite the social butterfly. She seeks harmony and is concerned with equality, justice and peace. Her balancing characteristic can sometimes see her rocking the boat in order to create a more authentic balance, but more often it is she who is overly affected by the opinion and ideas of others agreeing in order to keep the peace and avoid conflict.

    Libra need to experience beauty and peace and to establish one to one relationships based on mutual respect and equality. Her sense of wellbeing is strongly tied to her environment and those with whom she comes into contact. Libra is co-operative, companionable, peace loving, refined and diplomatic, but she can also be fickle, indecisive, judgmental, hypocritical and easily deterred.

     

    Rose Cone Flower (Isopogen formosus) is an essence that could help many of the Libran imbalances. This flower grows on a small bush in Western Australia and like most Australian natives it has adapted to survival in a harsh environment. While so many in its environment are red, it is a beautiful rose colour reflecting its Venus connection.

    Rose Cone Flower essence allows us to create and to hold an inner place of stillness, peace and tranquility no matter what the outer circumstances maybe. It helps ease the mind at any time and in any place, not needing to have perfect surrounding in order to find inner equanimity. This is a helpful essence for those who are around a lot of people, and who become hassled, stressed and disturbed when there is a lack of peace in their environment.

    Sun in Scorpio

    Watery Scorpio is the intense shadow keeper of the zodiac. Traditionally ruled by Mars, he has in modern times been associated with Pluto, the lord of the underworld. Scorpio has the ability to probe deeply into matters and can act as a catalyst for growth, being associated with power, death and all matters of trust.

    Scorpio is the most private and intimate of the signs and is capable of intense emotional depth and darkness. He does not love superficially and is strongly connected to the past. He is motivated, penetrating, determined and passionate but can also be vengeful, secretive, suspicious, jealous and intolerant. It must always be remembered that Scorpio reserves his worst sting for himself.

    Cardon Cactus (Pachycereus pringlei) coming from a large tree like cactus, similar to the Saguaro Cactus, is a good remedy for Scorpio. This cactus stores large amounts of water in its body and has roots that extend for hundreds of feet in all direction. A night bloomer, who waits for the sun to set before revealing his exquisite white flower in the dark of night, reminiscent of the ever so private nature of Scorpio.

    Cardon Cactus essence can help us to see and accept our shadow. The more we try to deny or hide from the darkness within the more likely it will come out at unexpected times in destructive ways, just like the sting of the scorpion. This essence helps us to face our inner darkness without having to identify with it. We are purified and released of the shame and feelings of inferiority that result in our judgement of the darkness within, allowing us to become more compassionate. Cardon Cactus unlocks deep strength and confidence and inspires us to see pain and weakness as strength, giving us the power to be human.

    Sun in Sagittarius

    The last of the Fire signs, Sagittarius is ruled by Jupiter the bringer of good fortune. This is the philosopher of the zodiac. He is both preacher and teacher forever seeking truth and wisdom. Sagittarius wants to share his vision and knowledge with others and is connected with the spirit of the law. Generous by nature, he can tend towards excess. This is the sign most associated with religion, cult and new age philosophies.

    Sagittarius is straightforward, philosophical, freedom loving, optimistic, athletic and enthusiastic. Expressed in the negative they can be impatient, argumentative, blunt, risk taker and well as have a tendency towards missionary zeal.

    California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica) is the essence that would most help rebalance an off the rails Sagittarius. As the name implies this plant comes from the land famous for creating celluloid fantasies, embracing trends and giving birth to more hybrid spiritual practices then any other. Its bright orange flower faces up towards the Sun, gently folding its petal at the end of the day. Like Sagittarius it doesn’t want to know about the dark, it seeks only the light.

    Californian Poppy people are enticed by the glamour of spiritual or psychic experiences. Seeking outside themselves they are attracted to a vast spectrum of external phenomenon; psychedelic drugs, charismatic teachers, occult ritual or popular spiritual practices. Their spiritual life lacks the discipline, making them susceptible to disharmonious influences. California Poppy helps one find spirituality within their heart and to develop their inner sense of knowing. This essence helps one develop a more solid inner life awakening the light within and enhancing self-reliance.

    Sun in Capricorn

    Capricorn is the last of the Earth signs and the first to be ruled by Saturn. Capricorn, the surefooted mountain goat, symbolises the patience and perseverance it takes to reach the top. They tend to be concerned by status and hold positions of responsibility in society. They are conservative and cautious preferring the conventions of traditions to the risk of the untried. Capricorn is the entrepreneur of the zodiac being the most likely to build an empire, yet they do not seek the limelight, the power they seek is behind the scenes.

    Capricorn’s demand a lot of themselves and can be harsh critics of their performance. At their best they are hardworking, serious, reliable, faithful, traditional and economical, but their dark side shows them to be domineering, unforgiving, judgmental, inhibited and ruthlessly ambitious.

    Elm (Ulmus procera) is a very good essence for Capricorn. This large deciduous tree native to the forest for Europe and America has a small unobtrusive almost negligible flower reminiscent of Capricorn’s lack of flamboyance.

    The essence of Elm is the perfect remedy for those who take on so much responsibility that they feel overwhelmed by their duties. The task at hand becomes a crucible around their neck and they begin to judge themselves as unequal to job. Essence of Elm helps to turn this sense of incompetence into confidence in the ability to complete one’s task. In the long run Elm helps to promote faith in ones self and a joyous attitude to service.

    Sun in Aquarius

     

    Traditionally Aquarius was considered the day place of Saturn (Capricorn being his night place), but in recent times Aquarius has become linked to the erratic planet Uranus. The qualities of both planets are evident in Aquarius, for he is desirous of bringing people together in order to create functional communities and is also willing to demand change of the rules if needed. Libra maybe interested in personal one to one relationships, but Aquarius’s association with social movement sees him more focused on the relationship between the individual and the community.

    There is something of the avant-garde with Aquarius, he will do things differently, and ideas excite him. Called the humanitarian of the zodiac he demands that we all reassess the status quo and fix what needs fixing. At his best Aquarius is altruistic, progressive, unique, scientific, independent, logical and intellectual but when his shadow reveals itself he is unpredictable, temperamental, radical, inflexible, impersonal and rebellious.

    Quaking Grass (Briza maxima) would be one of the best essences to help with Aquarius issues. Like all grass they grow in massive groups, their weightless and drying flower heads appearing to shimmer or quake in the wind. This is an excellent essence to be taken by a group trying to achieve a goal. It works by harmonising all the individuals to the higher purpose of the group.

    Quaking Grass helps one maintain a sense of individual identity within a group while bringing about harmonious social consciousness and flexibility. This essence will balance the individual so that they are neither too weak to contribute to the group nor too strong to dominate. It enables everyone to commit their gifts and talents to the group.

    Sun in Pisces

     

    The last sign Pisces encompasses the entire pantheon of the zodiac and his recent association with the planet Neptune has overshadowed his place in Jupiter’s sphere. Watery Pisces is the sign most related to sacrifice so profoundly illustrated in the story of the crucifixion. Pisces identifies with the collective and can be susceptible to feeling the pain and despair of the world. This is the sign of the mystic, the dreamer who seeks to transcend this world.

    Pisces has been called the chameleon of the zodiac for his emotional sensitivity sees him take on the ideas and traits of those around him. At his best he is compassionate, creative, musical, dreamy, introspective and charitable, but his less constructive qualities are impractical, pessimistic, vague, escapist, prone to addiction and emotionally oversensitive.

     

    White Spider Orchid (Caladenia patersonii) essence made from the tiny Australian native ground orchid, one of hundreds in its genus is a good essence for Pisces imbalances. In the same manner that this little ground orchid can go unnoticed, so too can Pisces people lose themselves in their endeavour to be of service. This can expose them to the pain and suffering of others.

     

    White Spider Orchid essence allows one to bring love and caring into the darkest corners of the Universe without being devastated by the insensitivity and suffering of others. This essence helps those, whose sensitivity to the pain around them renders them unable to take positive action. It enables them to empathise with the suffering of others without being destroyed, this can be especially important for those who work in service to others. White Spider Orchid engenders a higher perspective on the purpose of pain and suffering in the journey of the soul.