Cancer Cancerians may not rationalize everything as might Virgo individuals nor philosophize about life as might Sagittarius individuals but they are attached to the emotions and use their sensitivity to absorb life’s events. Many with strong emphasis in the Sign of Cancer have a real difficult time separating their feelings from their thoughts. They feel what they think and this unique insight can often lead to the opening of channels to intuition and psychic perception, as these gifts are not part of the intellect. With these strong emotional ties to their personality, they are usually known for their gentleness and tranquil nature. Do not be fooled by perhaps their standoffish manner especially when ridiculed or when they feel attacked emotionally for there is a lot that goes on beneath the surface. These individuals are deep and reflective and often prone to emotional confrontations within themselves. They are the mothering and nurturing sign of the Zodiac and are very protective of those they love. As a mother protects her offspring so too will an individual with strong Cancer tendencies. Do not be deceived by their gentle nature for if you threaten their loved ones they will unleash a protective barrier that you will not be able to penetrate. They are overly protective instinctively. They can feel the moods of those around them and will move into their protective shell when they, themselves are threatened, but will lash out if there is emotional danger or physical danger to those they love. As children they are usually very helpful wishing to please and sensitive to their environment. Great harm can be caused and may hinder their development if there is strife within the family unit or in the home environment. They need loving tenderness and should be allowed to explore their great sensitivity at an early age. Do not shut down their emotional makeup. This teaches them to understand their own emotional temperament and will assist them as they mature into themselves over time. If there are any psychic tendencies at a young age these tendencies should be reinforced and they should be allowed to explore this side of their nature rather than be shut down and told that it is not real. The sensitivity that is so inherent within this group of unique individuals can become their greatest asset as time passes or become their weakest element in their psyche if self-expression is hindered. Open yourself to sensitivity and unlock your Cancer tendencies within. Find your expression of this very sensitive sign, Cancer. Astrology 101 Cancer is ruled by Moon and the fourth house . The stone for Cancer is Emerald. An alternative stone is Ruby. The numerous stones associates with Cancer include Brookite, Calcite, Carnelian, Natrolite, Moonstone, Rhodizite, Rose Quartz, Ruby, and Tinaksite. Return to Sun Sign Page

Sun in Cancer Cancer Cancerians may not rationalize everything as might Virgo individuals nor philosophize about life as might Sagittarius individuals but they are attached to the emotions and use their sensitivity to absorb life’s events. Many with strong emphasis in the Sign of Cancer have a real difficult time separating their feelings from their thoughts. They feel what they think and this unique insight can often lead to the opening of channels to intuition and psychic perception, as these gifts are not part of the intellect. With these strong emotional ties to their personality, they are usually known for their gentleness and tranquil nature. Do not be fooled by perhaps their standoffish manner especially when ridiculed or when they feel attacked emotionally for there is a lot that goes on beneath the surface. These individuals are deep and reflective and often prone to emotional confrontations within themselves. They are the mothering and nurturing sign of the Zodiac and are very protective of those they love. As a mother protects her offspring so too will an individual with strong Cancer tendencies. Do not be deceived by their gentle nature for if you threaten their loved ones they will unleash a protective barrier that you will not be able to penetrate. They are overly protective instinctively. They can feel the moods of those around them and will move into their protective shell when they, themselves are threatened, but will lash out if there is emotional danger or physical danger to those they love. As children they are usually very helpful wishing to please and sensitive to their environment. Great harm can be caused and may hinder their development if there is strife within the family unit or in the home environment. They need loving tenderness and should be allowed to explore their great sensitivity at an early age. Do not shut down their emotional makeup. This teaches them to understand their own emotional temperament and will assist them as they mature into themselves over time. If there are any psychic tendencies at a young age these tendencies should be reinforced and they should be allowed to explore this side of their nature rather than be shut down and told that it is not real. The sensitivity that is so inherent within this group of unique individuals can become their greatest asset as time passes or become their weakest element in their psyche if self-expression is hindered. Open yourself to sensitivity and unlock your Cancer tendencies within. Find your expression of this very sensitive sign, Cancer. Astrology 101 Cancer is ruled by Moon and the fourth house . The stone for Cancer is Emerald. An alternative stone is Ruby. The numerous stones associates with Cancer include Brookite, Calcite, Carnelian, Natrolite, Moonstone, Rhodizite, Rose Quartz, Ruby, and Tinaksite. Return to Sun Sign Page

The Descendant or DC in an Astrology chart lies on the cusp of the seventh house. The Rising sign or Ascendant is the sign coming over the horizon from the east at birth & the Descendant is the sign descending on the western horizon. The natural rule of the Descendant is Libra (creating balance). The Descendant’s energies pertains to the need to integrate self with others. The Descendant defines what we seek in a relationship, what we are looking for in an individual & how we will react to them. DESCENDANT OR DC The Descendant in an Astrology chart is the opposite axis of the Ascendant and lies on the cusp of the seventh house. The Rising sign or Ascendant is the sign coming over the horizon from the east at birth, while the Descendant is the sign descending on the western horizon at birth. The natural rule of the Descendant is Libra, which is the sign associated with creating balance. This is what the Descendant’s energies pertains to--the need to integrate self with others. Depending on the sign on the cusp of the seventh house which is always exactly 180 degrees from the Ascendant, it will define how we relate to others. As you can imagine, Aries on this cusp would be very different from let’s say Libra on this cusp. The Descendant also defines what we seek in a relationship, what we are looking for in an individual and how we will react to them. On a deeper level, it is said that the sign on the seventh house cusp or Descendant describes the unconscious part of ourselves that we need to seek from within and work on in order to become complete. It is not that these qualities are lacking only that they are hidden or not acknowledged. We have to come to terms with these qualities and bring them to the surface or remove them from our makeup. Through relationships with others, we build on and develop ourselves. The sign on this cusp often describes the type of person we are attracted to, good or bad. It describes the type of person we seem to keep meeting up with, over and over again. An example of this might be if you have Virgo as your Ascendant. You would express yourself in an organized manner. You would be very precise and your attention to detail would be impeccable. You would easily see the faults or shortcomings in others as well as within yourself. You would undoubtedly use this information to decipher yourself as well as others. If your Ascendant were Virgo, your Descendant would be Pisces. With Pisces, you would be attracted to dreamy people, mystical people or people that you feel you need to save in some way. You may be drawn to people who have a difficult time in the so called “real world” and it would be easy for them to use alcohol and drugs to try to escape reality. They would be a very gentle person with an ability to accept others without restriction. They could be psychic, spiritual or an escapists and usually hard cold facts are not easily digested. These energies obviously would vary depending on the overall condition of the Natal chart and the emphasis in certain houses. A detailed examination of the Natal chart is required in order to get a full and clear picture. As you can imagine, we can learn a lot from these ever gentle people and perhaps through these people we can learn not to be so judgemental or find within ourselves the ability to locate only the good aspects of in others and ourselves. We can find out a lot about ourselves through close personal contacts and business relationships, as this would fall under the Descendant as well. We may find that the sign on the Descendant could describe our perfect business partner for a prosperous business or perfect lover eventually leading to marriage. Discover more of yourself by carefully analysing the Descendant in your Natal chart and find hidden characteristics that if allowed to bloom will complete who you are as an individual. This is the highest qualities working at its best from this placement. ASCENDANT OR RISING SIGN IMUM COELI OR IC MIDHEAVEN OR MC Back to Axis or Angular House Cusps Back to Astrology 101

The Twelve Houses THE TWELVE HOUSES IN ASTROLOGY The snapshot of the heavens at the moment of birth is divided into twelve sections which are referred to as houses. There are several house systems but we will not be discussing these here. For now we will go on the assumption that the house system used is Placidus which is the most commonly used house system in modern (Western) astrology. Equal house and Koch, in this Astrologer's opinion, would be the next two most common house systems. Each house represents a specific energy or area of life where the planets are located. The first Six Houses are considered to be personal Houses, while the last six Houses are considered more universal in their nature, connected to spiritual learning, the occult, higher learning and social conditioning. You can now combine how a planet expresses itself through the sign it is in together with where the planet is located (which house it is located in which represents an area of life) . Remember that even this is only a portion of the equation as we have not touched on the energy of the planet itself or the aspect it is making to other planets. These will be discussed on pages yet to come on our website. Astrology 101 The First House is naturally ruled by Aries . It is the house of SELF The First House The Second House The Third House The Fourth House The Fifth House The Sixth House The Seventh House The Eighth House The Ninth House The Tenth House The Eleventh House The Twelfth House Back to Astrology 101

The Ninth House The Ninth house is naturally ruled by the sign Sagittarius and the Planet Jupiter . Sagittarius and Jupiter combined speak of optimistic expansion through the use of the mind and through life’s experience. This house seeks to expand the scope of the mind's focus using whatever means appropriate to reach this understanding, whatever that understanding may entail. Higher education is one scope in finding answers, whether this be through actual academic schooling or the schooling of life. As learning can come from many sources in the ninth house, long distance travel, foreign cultures and travel through the mind are all areas that relate to this house. Many of life’s issues and deeper understandings can be attained while visiting foreign countries and the people one meets along this journey. One seeks to discover more of our world through communication with people of different cultures to gain an appreciation of our life’s meaning. The Ninth house provides learned information through gathering the meaning of things gained only through experience. This is the house of philosophy and religious interaction, and any planets found in this house use their particular energies to uncover philosophic meaning to an otherwise conventional world. Within the realms of the ninth house the higher meanings of life can be unearthed through wisdom gained in experience at any level that appropriately satisfies this yearning for truth. Dreams and visions also come into play in this house, as the mind's focus shifts and works through channels that consciousness only discovers when delving into these states. Problems can be resolved through these channels. This issues can then be modified to fit into the proper channels and as a result will be understood on a conscious level. The ninth house is where we uncover the truth through any channel that provides us with answers. It is the study of religion in its highest form and through philosophic understandings, we slowly weave our way through our life’s journey and uncover the deeper meaning of life and the ultimate truths. Astrology 101 The Ninth House is naturally ruled by Sagittarius. This is the house of PHILOSOPHY and FOREIGN TRAVEL. The First House The Second House The Third House The Fourth House The Fifth House The Sixth House The Seventh House The Eighth House The Tenth House The Eleventh House The Twelfth House

The Twelfth House The twelfth house is often said to be a difficult house for it is the house of hidden matter and issues that have been brushed aside and left undone, skeletons in the closest if you will. It is traditionally associated with prisons, hospitals and places that are out of view of the general public. These places are isolated or unknown and work in ways that most would not uncover. Working behind the scenes is a general theme for people who have strong planetary links to this house. It is also considered a secret house and an occult house where the subconscious tends to work relentlessly to uncover unknown factor that lie beneath the surface. It is the house of self-undoing and in many cases, it can signify how someone stands in their own way. We can gain knowledge with inner reflection and open channels to the subconscious and recognizing that they are part of the collective consciousness that envelops us all. Karma is also known to have its domain linked to this house along with charity work and the ultimate understanding of our sub-conscious connection. The sixth and twelfth house deal with service and they constitute service to others. While the sixth house may reflect service to others and the rewards it may bring, the twelfth house speaks of service without rewards, selfless service if you will. It is also linked to secret affairs as well as progressive illnesses and weaknesses within the body that can build over time and be the eventual cause of death. The aspects to the planets within this house and the house cusp ruler can provide information in this regard. You also have to look at the ascendant and the aspects to it as well as the Sun to get a clear picture of chronic health conditions that are suggested in a chart. Astrology 101 The Twelfth House is naturally ruled by Pisces . This house deals with HIDDEN MATTERS and SELF-UNDOING The First House The Second House The Third House The Fourth House The Fifth House The Sixth House The Seventh House The Eighth House The Ninth House The Tenth House The Eleventh House

Aspects to the Moon's Nodes We are working on this section and will be adding more information in the future There are two nodes of the Moon, the North Node and the South Node. These areas of the chart are always in opposition (180 degrees apart). They are known as destiny’s gate or the axis of fate. These Nodes have a karmic and spiritual relevance and some say they are the meeting point between the higher powers and humanity as a whole. This is where the spiritual energies enlighten humanity with their life’s mission. It speaks about where we should be heading (North Node) and where we have come from in a life that has significant ties to this one (South Node). Information on the energies of the Moon's Nodes Trine Aspects Saturn trine North Node Uranus Trine Natal North Node Pluto trine Natal North Node Conjunct Aspects Saturn Conjunct Natal North Node Neptune Conjunct South Node Pluto Conjunct Natal North Node Square Aspects Jupiter Square Natal Nodes Nodes square Nodes Saturn Square North Node Uranus Square Natal Nodes Neptune Square Natal North Node Pluto Square Natal Nodes Opposition Aspects T. Saturn Opposition N. North Node Pluto Opposition Natal North Node Uranus Opposition Natal North Node Sextile Aspect Uranus Sextile Natal North Node T. Jupiter Sextile Natal North Node T. Saturn Sextile Natal North Node T. Neptune Sextile Natal North Node Back to Aspects Back to Astrology 101

Ceres Ceres Ceres is an asteroid which is found between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. Its main influence in Astrology focuses on nurturing and protection, but has also been known to be connected to anguish and grief. Some individuals suggest that Ceres is connected to loss and that people will go to great lengths to regain what was once lost even if it means discarding anything that gets in their way of this recovery. The problem is sometimes we cannot regain what is lost. This is where the nurturing instinct and protection influences may surface with someone who has lost something important to them or in direct relationship to “something” that has been physically lost to them. The placement of Ceres by sign and house position will define what area of life needs nurturing and in what manner this nurturing can take place. A couple of examples might help. We will use both the sign and the house placement for clarity. If, for example, Ceres were found in the sign of Aries, what this individual needs and wants to give would be self-regulated. They would work diligently driving themselves, sometimes using force, to achieve their objectives. Action is what is needed and if for example this were in the third house, their needs and wants may involve their siblings or even neighbours. A great way to help heal or nurture that which needs to be nurtured would be through communicative techniques with this example house placement. With our example, the intellect would play a significant role in what unfolds. They would feel as though it would be up to them to move ahead and their priority may be to nurture what suits them or push for nurturing those siblings, but this individual would want to be the forerunner in what takes place. Another example may be Ceres in the sign of Leo. These individuals would really appreciate attention and even admiration if it goes to the extreme. Above all with this example, these individuals would like respect and to be noticed for what they do even if the actions were being carried out for someone else. They would want to control the situation but would have strong consideration for what the other person may want. If Ceres happened to be in the fifth house with our Leo example, the focus may involve a romantic partnership or their children. Enjoyment and experiencing life would be strong points with this placement and living life to the fullest would help in the healing process. Let’s look at one more example. Let’s say that this last example, the individual has a Scorpio Ceres in the 12th house. This individual may need healing through acts connected to sexual expression or through internal integration and eventual transformation. There would be a need or deep understanding of the mystical or spiritual side of life and a strong want for full understanding of these subjects. Anything mysterious would open doors to eventual healing through deep self-study or a strong push to help others through their own methods of self-study revealing anything that needs to surface. This in turn would lead to healing deep integrated wounds. Due to this placement of Ceres being in the twelfth house with this last example, this individual may work behind closed doors or undercover in some manner, as this work could be secretive or subdued in some way. They may work in hospitals or prisons or work as a volunteer for the underdog. With this placement, they may use their own understanding of what needs healing in others because they have lived under similar conditions themselves (knowledge through direct experience). There is a strong need for healing and also to be the healing agent when it comes to Ceres in the Astrology chart. It is a mothering influence and some say it is connected to the sign Virgo with Venus having rulership. So Venus in the sign of Virgo suits this asteroid (which is also known as a dwarf planet). Comets, Astroids, Etc. Chiron Astrology 101

Jupiter Jupiter Jupiter is known as the great benefic and wherever Jupiter resides in our natal chart, we have an urge to expand and grow in that area of life. Jupiter provides us with protection and offers good luck and optimism. Jupiter is the planet of growth and signifies the highest aspects of life, your view of life and your attitude toward religion. When Jupiter becomes activated through transit or progression, it stimulates the potential for growth, luck and ease in obtaining benefits that will further your spiritual growth. Jupiter deals with philosophy and the grand scheme of things. It is the glue that holds us together; it binds us with one another and always wants to help find a positive outcome to any situation. Jupiter promotes consciousness expansion and teaches us valuable life-lessons that we can take with us on our earthly journey. There is no restriction, no limits and no time restraints when Jupiter is involved. You are always offered help on a higher level and will gain knowledge through the higher channels of learning that Jupiter provides. Jupiter is linked along with the outer planets, Uranus , Neptune and Pluto to conscious expansion and promotes healing on all levels. Jupiter is the philosopher, the law maker and the judge. It sets all things right and in their proper place. Jupiter does not reflect on failure. It only promotes continued growth through expansion of consciousness. Find Jupiter in your chart and locate where your luck and optimism are found. What you need, Jupiter will provides, on all levels. Growth and expansion are Jupiter’s prime objective and will stimulate and maintain its higher octave of power continuously--never ending! Astrology 101 Jupiter represents luck and optimism. Jupiter rules Sagittarius and is associated with the ninth house . (Some Astrologers believe that Jupiter is a co-ruler of Pisces but this is questionable.) The Sun The Moon Mercury Venus Mars Saturn Uranus Neptune Pluto

THE OUTER PLANETS' RETURN CYCLES (URANUS, NEPTUNE & PLUTO) The outer planets also have return cycles although the only one we might experience would be the Uranus return which occurs around the age 84. The remaining outer planets (Neptune and Pluto) have much longer cycles and we would never live long enough to experience these returns. We can, however, experience sextiles, squares and some minor aspects from these planets to their natal positions. The outer planets move slowly and they are more connected with generations (affects many people at the same time). The main difference in their influence will be their alignment with other planets, their house positions and aspects to angles in the birth chart and through transit. This will be how they interact in our personal chart. The Uranus opposition is quite notable and because of this, we will touch on it here. The Uranus opposition occurs in and around the age of 42. Some individuals experience this opposition as early as 38 and others can have it as late as 44. This is known as the mid-life-crisis in layman’s terms. It speaks of a need to break free of anything that is restrictive and there is a strong desire to begin something new and unique. If you are going through a stressful period and you are between the ages of 28-30, 57-59 or 86-88, you are experiencing your Saturn’s return. Some individuals consider the influence of this aspect "irrational". What takes place comes from within and there is a strong need for change or even a revolution of sorts because life has become stagnant and no longer satisfies our need for growth. People have been known to pick up suddenly and change jobs or leave partnerships that have been in place for long periods of time. To some this may be completely out of sorts but to others not so unusual. Much depends on the rest of the chart by natal positioning. Uranus is the planet of unpredictability, and we can expect the unexpected in whatever areas of life (houses influence) are involved at the time. Things may take unusual turns and move in erratic manners. The events are often sudden and unexpected by those around the people involved. The main purpose of this timing factor in our lives is connected to the soul's need for growth and sometimes new experiences will be just what is needed. It is best not to worry about life situations as our attitudes always have a big hand in what unfolds. Expect some change under this influence and always know that these changes are put in place for our greater good, no matter how things look under the aspect's influence. Astrology 101 Planetary Returns Mercury Return Venus Return Mars Return Saturn Return

The Eighth House The eighth house is rather a mysterious house, although not quite as mysterious as the twelfth house . It is considered an occult house and many undertones related to the mystic have their origins in this house. The occult is closely linked to this house, as it is naturally ruled by Scorpio , which has its routes buried in the psychic underground This house is ruled by the planet Pluto . Pluto regenerates and causes one to delve deep into one’s own psyche and discover the undercurrents that push and pull us to where we are meant to go throughout our lives. Pluto is all about transformations, and life and death issues which is closely linked to the eighth house. Death and rebirth can be brought forward on many levels. This house deeply relates to death and rebirth. By the time a transiting planet passes through this house, we will have undergone a transformation which will focus on the energies of the planet transiting this house. If there are planets located within this house, such as the Sun, we will experience great changes to our core personality, especially if Uranus or Pluto are the planets transiting our Sun in this house. This house offers support and an interest to uncover our most inner characteristics which are found deep inside that places that we may not venture often. When an outer planet is transiting through this house, we may be forced to dig up issues that have been locked up in our subconscious for years. The support that this house speaks about occurs when we confront these so called demons that have been dormant for years and face them head-on to transform them into something that can assist us in our overall growth This is also the house of legacies, wills, inheritance, alimony and taxes. Depending on what needs to surface while a transforming planet such as Pluto passes through this area of our chart, these areas will be brought to the surface. Other people’s money is governed by this house as well as joint finances. Often these types of issues are resolved by the time a transiting planet passes through this house if there is a connection to these matters. This is the house of the unspoken word, and often there are other powers related to spiritual connections associated to this house. People with many planets in this house natally often have a marked increase in psychic experiences and especially when linked to any signs that are in the element of water. This is a powerful house and often the necessary changes that need to take place in a person’s life unravel during times when planets are transiting through this house. It usually takes a little time to uncover all the transformations that have taken place, as much lies beneath the surface and you will have to uncover the hidden messages that may be revealed during transits through the eighth house. Sex is also under the domain of this house and much can be uncovered by the study of this house to ascertain the sexual undercurrents in a person’s life. The sign on the cusp will help to uncover much of these sexual undertones of the individual and how they respond to sexual "content" entering their lives. Astrology 101 The Eighth house is naturally ruled by Scorpio . The eighth house is the house of INTIMACY, TRANSFORMATION and SHARED RESOURCES The First House The Second House The Third House The Fourth House The Fifth House The Sixth House The Seventh House The Ninth House The Tenth House The Eleventh House The Twelfth House

Mercury Mercury Mercury in the natal chart by sign and house position can vary a great deal. We will primarily discuss the planet Mercury in this section. The planet Mercury is associated with the mind's focus and our attention. Its primary function is the act of communication, both on the receiving end and on the giving end. Mercury also has a lot to do with what could be termed as our everyday living, and our connections with the outside on an immediate level. Mercury’s house position in the natal chart and its sign position indicate something about the way we think. It also has a lot to do with the learning process and how we become aware and absorb the information that the mind is incorporating into our point of focus. Mercury can be interconnected with our schooling. For example, if Mercury is poorly aspected in the natal chart, we may have some difficulty completing our schooling. We could have problems with concentration, or the written word would not come as easily to us as it would to someone who has a well aspected Mercury. Knowing this can be helpful and assist us when our children are having difficulty understanding or focusing on their schooling. Mercury has very little to do with feelings as it relates primarily on the non-verbal level. In some cases if mercury is in a very receptive sign (usually water signs) one can pick up information on other levels, such as telecommunication or through psychic channels. The planet is an important factor in consciousness raising, as Mercury can be associated with making some areas of life apparently unconscious more conscious. Gemini and Virgo are both ruled by the planet Mercury and if you know any people with their Sun , Moon or rising signs (Ascendant) in either Gemini or Virgo , you may find that the mind is a strong active force in their lives. Astrology 101 Information on Aspects to Mercury Mercury is the Planet of communication. It rules Gemini and Virgo and is associated with the third house and the sixth house . The Sun The Moon Venus Mars Jupiter Saturn Uranus Neptune Pluto