Chiron Chiron Chiron is a comet that was discovered in 1977. It has an orbit that oscillates between Saturn and Uranus and actually crosses orbits. In Astrology, Chiron seeks out enlightenment through affirmation of its ability to heal wounds especially those wounds of others. They say that the internal wounds formed in early life, such as self-worth and insufficiencies, are carried forward into adulthood and that these wounds are particularly hard to overcome and heal. Through these internal struggles and the lessons that they teach, we are able to help others often before we can help ourselves. As Chiron swings between the orbits of Saturn and Uranus, Chiron can bring with it enlightenment and new avenues of expression by exploring competent and reliable information often learned through life’s experience. There is a need to rise above the original wound even though it can be very deep and can require much work to find new directions or alternatives that assist in moving beyond the injury and rising above the issue. The sign and house position of Chiron show what area of life is involved and the character traits of the wound. In many cases, this is thought of as a spiritual wound and it also shows where we have great healing potential that can help others who have experienced similar wounds in their lives. In order to heal ourselves, we have to face the issues, and we will need to work tirelessly to overcome the effects these wounds have on us. It is said that the first house positioning of Chiron is the most challenging, perhaps due to the personal nature of the wound, as the first house represents us personally. In most cases, the healing powers that individuals develop during their lives are very powerful. Many with a challenged Chiron become doctors, psychologists and healers including modern day techniques such as reiki, hypnosis, etc. Chiron’s energies do not necessarily have to be overly negative, as hard work often produces great results. As we learn to overcome deep-seated challenging conditions, we gain internal strength and learn valuable lessons. The house placement will often define where we have reoccurring difficulties and there is an urgency to repair these concepts and believed notions in order to move beyond the hurt. We are able to heal ourselves but not without hard work and a very disciplined approach. Sometimes the healing comes in sporadic moments of enlightenment or happens when we are not expecting it, but a rational and an honest approach will often work quite well. On some level, our Chiron’s placement by sign and house position is indicative of the ability to heal human kind, and this is not to say that it will be on a grand scale, although we cannot rule this out. We can all certainly help others. We will, however, need to heal ourselves before we can do work with helping others. The issues/injury we speak of in connection with Chiron often are a big part of our life’s story and most of us unfortunately hold on to these wounds for many years. Some individuals will be unable to integrate the healing requirements due to self-doubt and preconceived notions. If we recognize that, in most cases, we are the ones holding ourselves back. We CAN make great strides in overcoming our adversities. Comets, Astroids, Etc. Ceres Juno Astrology 101

Neptune Retrograde The outer planets remain in retrograde for longer periods than the inner planets. Those that have Neptune in retrograde in their birth charts will certainly be affected. Those that have Neptune stationary in their birth chart will be even more powerfully affected. “Powerfully” may not be the appropriate word as Neptune’s energies operate in very subtle ways. Its influences are felt often through intuitive channels and the unconscious mind. In direct motion, Neptune often suggests cloudiness with our reasoning, potential deception or we may not be facing facts. In its higher representation is suggests idealism. It also could suggest a romantic involvement often associated with an idealistic view of the partner or situation. It is also linked to artistic abilities coming to the surface. Neptune is linked with fantasy and visions while in direct motion, but its energies turn to reality and dealing with the actual facts when in retrograde. Open-heartedness and level-headedness linked to common sense are terms that could also be associated with Neptune’s retrograde cycle energy. Since Neptune deals primarily with the mystical and spiritual side of our consciousness, during the time when Neptune is retrograde, you may find that you realize more concrete solutions or answers to questions pertaining to these pursuits. This applies particularly to those with Neptune retrograde in their birth charts. Look to see which house Neptune is transiting through during this cycle and also look where Neptune is located in your birth chart. Neptune’s retrograde cycle is approximately 150 days in length, and it spends about 14 years in each sign. Its return cycle is approximately 165 years, so we never experience its return in our lives. About 40 percent of people have Neptune retrograde in their birth charts. As a result, Neptune’s retrograde energies are quite common. When Neptune is in its direct cycle, there can be a cloudiness about life, depending on how it is aspected in the birth chart. There may be deception and deceit or often illusion and disarray when it comes to seeing things as they are. When Neptune turns retrograde, it becomes more genuine and more lifelike as Neptune can be illusionary when direct. It is more reliable and life becomes more real although what you see, at times, may not be all that pleasant. There can be a real feeling of let-down after a period of feelings of idealism and wonder but the truth is what we want, regardless of how it may look. Because of Neptune’s influence, when we view the world as it is, a part of us still wants to see it through rose coloured glasses. There is the unrealistic hope under this retrograde influence that what we see might just vanish; but it will not, and we have to face facts Life becomes more practical and realistic with the retrograde cycle, and this can also include “visions” that are real. This can also include mystical understanding that is also real and identifiable. Neptune retrograde is not a bad thing but it is truth in a broad scope. Mercury Venus Mars Jupiter Saturn Uranus Pluto Astrology 101 Retrograde

IMUM COELI OR IC The Imum Coeli more commonly known as the IC is usually found on the fourth house cusp (depending on the house system used by the Astrologer). In the equal house system, it can also be found in the second, third and fifth houses, which will alter the influence of its meaning. In most house systems, the IC is found on the cusp of the fourth house indicating a parent, arguably either parent, but in this Astrologer’s opinion, it involves the more submissive, mothering, caring parent.) The fourth house cusp or IC also deals with the home, the family and your roots. It is known as the basis or foundation of our life and although this area of the chart is considered quite private, it still has a dominant affect in our lives, especially when transiting planets make aspects to this area. It should also be understood that this highly influential area while in aspect will not only affect our home and family (fourth house matters), but will also affect the opposite end of the spectrum, the MC (10th house matters). Transits to either of these areas of the Chart will affect the opposite ends of the Chart. So when the home and family are being affected in our lives and security wavers, it may be due to demands from the MC, which deals with one’s status, occupation and ambitions. When either the IC or the MC is receiving a conjunction from a transiting or progressed planet or a luminary (the sun or moon), the opposite will be receiving an opposition. When one of the IC or the MC is receiving a square from a planet or luminary, the other will also be receiving a square. When one is receiving a trine, the other will be receiving a sextile. Hence the impact of a transiting planet or progressed planet will affect both areas of the Astrology chart. The IC describe our most personal needs, as it is connected to the natural sign ruling the fourth house, which is Cancer, ruled by the Moon. As a result, it defines emotional needs, nurturing characteristics, and our attitude towards family. It will be colored by the sign ruling the fourth house cusp, as well as any planetary links found within the fourth house, particularly when a planet is conjunct within 2 degrees of the cusp on either side. A planet or luminary within four degrees in the third house will also affect the IC. If, for example, Uranus were conjuncting the IC, it would be in opposition to the MC. We could, as a result, expect changes sometimes drastic in nature to the home and family, such as a move and influences in our occupation and status in life. These changes could be of a rather sudden nature and a need for freedom and breaking free in order to create change would be on the agenda. Much would depend on the overall conditions of Uranus in the birth chart and its location by house and sign. The IC and MC, particularly in early life, depict incidents linked to the parents which in turn will affect the child. This parental influence on a child shifts as we mature. The influence widens in such a way that we are no longer just influenced by the parents that dictate our lives, but we are also now affected by an extended version of the family and our place in the overall structures of life. Much emphasis is given to the MC and the Ascendant in an Astrology chart. We also, however, have to consider the IC and the DC when deciphering what impact planetary movement will have in our lives. ASCENDANT OR RISING SIGN DESCENDANT OR DC MIDHEAVEN OR MC Back to Axis or Angular House Cusps Back to Astrology 101

Planets in Retrograde Planets in Retrograde All the planets except the Sun and Moon go into retrograde motion. Retrograde suggests that the energies of the planets are not in full expression or allowed freedom of expression. The energies are stifled in some way. In some cases, we can wait for the energies (Planets) to go direct before taking action. In the case of the outer planets however, the retrograde cycle is so long that it would serve little purpose to wait for the energies to go direct. Saturn is the only exception to the rule. When Saturn is in retrograde motion, its positive energies are released. So stability and structure are enhanced and lessons, delays and obstructions are not as readily in place. Mercury Venus Mars Jupiter Saturn Uranus Neptune Pluto Astrology 101 Retrograde

Leo As far as romance goes, in general, most Leo individuals give everything when in love, but need a partner that they can look up to. When it comes to creativity, most Leo individuals have their own particular flair for creativity (as do most signs), but especially so here as creativity is closely linked to the fifth house. Wanting to enjoy life and partake in recreational activities is usually a strong point with Leo people. They truly want to have fun and to enjoy themselves. This is probably one of the most spontaneous signs of the Zodiac (as are Gemini and Aries ). Leo individuals are usually very energetic and often have a flair for the dramatic. They want to be the centre of attention and would really like it if others had a good, positive opinion towards them. They enjoy being applauded and appreciate recognition for what they do. Much of what they do is for others and when they go out of their way to make someone happy and do not get the recognition for their effort, they are easily hurt although they will not show this. They do bounce back, however, largely due to their optimistic attitude and cheerful disposition. They are usually very confident and quite capable of being a leader. They are able to delegate the workload but would just as well do it all themselves. They usually have high scale ideas and will push to have them implemented. They are very confident, unless something within the Birth Chart suggests otherwise, and make loyal and constant companions. They are ruled by their heart. When they are cloaked with their ego, they can become arrogant and want to rule the roost with no consideration for give and take. They want control of all situations and totally believe in themselves. They can feel that no one knows better than they do. They cling stubbornly to what they think is right and even when they are proven wrong, they may still hang on because their ego will not let go. When they have learned to conquer the ego, which is a prime objective of many Leo individuals, they become very spontaneous and warm-hearted. They are charming individuals with big hearts and have a very cheerful and optimistic attitude towards life. They have many good qualities when operating from beyond the ego and are not easily hurt by others as they understand that only the ego can be hurt. It is said that these big-hearted individuals are often powerfully affected by actions taken or taught in their younger years. They hang on to what their parents teachings from their youth. If they were confronted regularly as a child concerning mistakes they had made, they can mature into individuals who do not believe in themselves as much as they should. Parents of Leo children must watch for these children becoming overly bossy. It is also important for the parent of Leo children to shower them with praise especially when very young. It is important to correct these children when they make mistakes but not to linger on any particular failures. Astrology 101 Leo is ruled by the Sun and the fifth house. Onyx is the stone of Leo. Other stones associated with Leo include Amber, Carnelian, Citrine, Danburite, Dumortierite, Kunzite, Labradorite, Larimar, Muscovite, Onyx, Peridot, Petalite, Pietersite, Rhodochrosite, Ruby, Rutilated Quartz, Sunstones, and Yellow Sapphire. Return to Sun Sign Page

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The Fifth House The fifth house in astrology deals primarily with the act of pursuing enjoyment and pleasure in life. This can be found through many avenues of expression. The greatest of these expressions is found in the ability to express oneself without prejudgement and with ease. This is often released when the fifth house is activated through artistic endeavours such as dance routines or through a pursuit in music. Acting is also connected to the fifth house and in many cases many well-known actors of today have strong planetary influences linked to this house. This is the house of creativity. The eleventh house is connected to love received and the fifth house has to do with love given. This house is an expression of love that is given through romantic love affairs, although not linked to marriage. Marriage is a further continuation of love and is linked to the seventh house . The love given also can be spread through the love we have for our children, and this house often speaks of our children and procreation. Those with strong connections to the fifth house, either through planetary influences found in this house or by planets making aspects to these planets or the ruler of the fifth house cusp, will display many of these characteristics in their persona. Again this house is the house of pleasure and in many cases is also associated to gambling, speculation and a willingness to take financial risks It basically speaks of emotional enhancement through acts of playful interaction which provide enjoyment in our lives. Teaching abilities are also part of the fifth house foundation and anyone with a creative flair can do well in areas where teaching others can be utilized. Those with strong energies linked to the fifth house express some Leo characteristics as the fifth house is naturally ruled by the sign Leo . As a result, an individual with a Capricorn Sun with strong planetary links to the fifth house will be much more flamboyant and fun loving than the usual security minded Capricorn . The Capricorn tendencies of working to make a name for themselves may still be prevalent, but many of this individual's gifts would be found in areas where their self-expression can take them up that ladder of success which is so fundamentally essential to many Capricorn individuals. This Capricorn , strongly influenced Leo individual would not be as serious, would take chances and would be much more fun loving than the traditional Capricorn individual. Astrology 101 The Fifth House is naturally ruled by Leo This is the house of PLEASURE The First House The Second House The Third House The Fourth House The Sixth House The Seventh House The Eighth House The Ninth House The Tenth House The Eleventh House The Twelfth House

The Eighth House 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

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

Sun in Virgo Virgo Those who are born with strong Virgo character traits view life on a microscopic level. They do not miss anything life throws at them and are constantly analyzing life and current situations. They have an eye for detail on a most minute scale and see imperfection and the tiniest of flaws. They are seekers of perfection in life and in themselves. They are conservative in their approach to life and are rarely gamblers. They like the tried and tested route. Because of their intellectual approach to life and their ability to decipher even the tiniest details, they are excellent problem solvers, although their approach may be considered by some as going to the extreme. They are very service oriented and enjoy helping others and have an uncanny ability to create order out of chaotic conditions. They truly give all of themselves to those in need and can be counted on if they give you their word. They will offer their advice and aid in almost any situation. With their work, they enjoy detail. Accounting and design as well as organizational projects are right up their alley. They are very productive and enjoy being busy and often get noticed for their precise work and problem solving. They certainly seek perfection and can be counted on in doing a good job. Rewards come their way when perseverance is required and they will often take on jobs that are too difficult for others to handle as they can make it work in the very best possible way. They also make excellent writers, analysers and critiques because of their ability to stick with something until it is completed. They are usually good at handling money matters and make great financial advisers. They also make great secretaries or assistants. Order is key for them and will help them in many of their endeavours in life. Many are overly concerned with cleanliness and hygiene as well as diet and health. They can actually become overly conscious in health matters and some can become hypochondriacs if there is too much concentration in this area of life. When this becomes extreme, there is a tendency to worry and become anxious at the slightest ailment. They will have to watch from becoming obsessive and compulsive when it comes to health, especially their own. Too much worry is a direct sign of misalignment and they will need to find a place within where they can rationalise the situation and take some time to relax and let go of this focus. In most cases the problem will resolve itself and calming themselves down is the best route to take. They need to have intermittent rest periods where they can calm down and view things more realistically. This will assist in letting go of potential problems. Virgo individuals are very curious characters who intellectualize life matters. When it comes to their emotions, they usually keep them secret and because of this, often come across as very self-contained and self-reliant. They find their emotional equilibrium by intellectually analyzing their emotions and coming to terms on a mental level. They can use their logic and methodical approach to solve most any problem as long as they keep things in balance and do not let their analytical abilities run away with them. They see faults in others, are especially hard on themselves and their inner circle of friends, although their intent is to help. Sometimes others will require their assistance, but sometimes the Virgo individual will need to stand back and realize that not everyone wants their help. They are totally service oriented and truly want to help. If you have a problem that needs resolution and you just do not seem to be able to figure it out, your Virgo friend can surely help you uncover the solution you are looking for. Astrology 101 Virgo is ruled by Mercury and the Sixth house Carnelion is the stone of Virgo. Other stones associates with Virgo include Amazonite, Atlantasite, Sapphire, Blue Topaz, Carnelion, Chrysocolla, Garnet Gaspeite, Magnetite, Moss Agate, Peridot, Smithsonite, Stichtite, and Sugilite. Return to Sun Sign Page

return policy and rescheduling RETURN POLICY All commissioned Astrology Charts once paid for (Oral and Written) cannot be cancelled or refunded as all astrology charts are prepared specifically for each clients and work is commenced immediately upon payment whether that work is prep work or written work. All Astrology chart sales are final. Clients may reschedule their appointments 48 hours prior to their scheduled time and date. Oracle Card readings can be rescheduled or cancelled if 48 hours notice is provided. If a full Astrology course tuition fee has been paid in full, there are no full refunds once the Astrology course has begun. Refunds will be prorated. If you miss a class, you will not be refunded for that class but PDF literature will be provided to the student covering the class materials.

MERCURY'S RETURN Mercury is the planet of the mind and deals primarily with communication, the thought process and decision making. It is tied to such things as writing, public speaking, teaching, short trips, transportation such as vehicles and all things related to interaction with others. For all returns, a chart must be prepared for the exact day that the planet in question (Mercury in this case) returns to its original place by sign and degree that is was at the time of birth right to the minute. Some sites will do this calculation for you or you can buy programmes that do this work. The Mercury return usually follows closely to the solar return and occurs once a year. The rising sign is very important and will help define how life unfolds over the year in Mercury related ways. If Mercury is conjunct an angle or several planets, it often suggests an eventful year. Quite often a surge of energy related primarily to Mercury is experienced on the day it returns to its natal position. We would have to check which house Mercury is found in and although it returns to its original position by sign and degree the timing will be different from our birth time so the ascendant and houses will be different from their position in the natal chart. If, for example, the rising sign is Aries, this will be a year of personal activities that can be used to propel us forward in life. Aries always wants to push ahead and strive for personal growth. This could be the year for activities related to signing of agreements, buying an automobile, starting a book or releasing a book, beginning teaching or moving into a programme that will help you achieve what you are trying to accomplish. If we have Cancer on the ascendant, this could be a year that agreements or disagreements occur within the family or within the home environment. This could be a year when nurturing a family member or in contrast a year when we are in need of nurturing. Sensitivity is an important factor at this time and often intuitive experiences are enhanced. Of course things run deeper at this time as emotions are a big part of the process. Don’t forget as with any chart all the defining characteristics have to be taken into consideration. A challenged ascendant or difficult Mercury would suggest a year of some difficulty and decision making may not be easy, but in many ways the mind can still figure out the best route to take. The house and sign position of Mercury will define the area of life involved for the return year and will also define the energies associated with the sign. Don’t forget to also look at the ruling planet of the ascendant as it will give us further information. For example with Sagittarius on the ascendant, we will need to look at where Jupiter is in the return. The placement by house of Mercury (Angular, Succedent, and Cadent) along with the general meaning behind what these placements suggest will also be important. Angular and Succedent as well as Cadent energies are all quite different from one another. If for example using only as a timing device, if Mercury occurs in a cadent house most of the energy will take place in the first 4 months of the year. If Succedent then most of the activity will take place in the middle of the year and if in Cadent things take hold in the last four months of the year. Remember Mercury returns are highlighting Mercurial connections and will only last for one year. Also regardless of how challenging the chart appears, we can always find ways to work with the energy and learn from our experiences. Astrology 101 Planetary Returns Venus Return Mars Return Saturn's Return Outer Planet's Return (Uranus, Neptune & Pluto)