LEVEL III LEVEL III ASTROLOGY COURSE Watch for announcements in the future for Holm Astrology's Levell III Astrology Course If you have not studied Astrology, our Beginner's and Level II course are prerequisites. If you have studied Astrology elsewhere and are unsure whether to register in the level II or Level III, please contact us and we will assist you in choosing which course to take. COURSE REGISTRATION Contact Us Course Outline CLASS ONE - A quick review of the purpose of an Astrology chart, is a chart indicating a healthy constitution, understanding Transits, Transits including Planets, the Angles and tight aspects. CLASS TWO Hemisphere emphasis, Hemisphere singleton, retrogrades and direct and stationary explained. We cover each planet and their retrograde energies. CLASS THREE Midpoints, Void off Course Moon, reviewing various charts including transits to natal planets, progressions in the Progressed chart (with transits), Solar Chart with transits. CLASS FOUR Solar returns, solar aspects to natal position, Solar chart delineation, Progressed Chart, Natal Chart with progressions (delineation Natal/Progressions), delineation of progressed chart without transits and Return charts from Mercury to Pluto. CLASS FIVE Composite Charts including aspects within a composite chart, Synastry (chart between two people), modalities in Synastry, Elements in Synastry, and Solar Arc Direction CLASS SIX Moon’s Nodes, with examples, and the Vertex. CLASS SEVEN Ceres signs, houses and aspects, Part of Fortune, Chiron. CLASS EIGHT Exam for level three. The exams are in place to give you a good idea of your understanding of the materials covered. CLASS NINE In-class Exam review. A great review of all topics covered in this course. Question and answer period. Back to Top of Page COURSE REGISTRATION Return to the Astrology Classes Main Page

Mercury Retrograde Mercury Retrograde Mercury has to do with our thought process and thinking ability. It has a great deal to do with our communication techniques and our ability to create ideas and formulate action through the thought process. Mercury goes retrograde three or four times a year, with interludes every four months (approximate). Its retrograde cycle is approximately three weeks in length. During its retrograde cycle, it appears to move backwards in the heavens between 10 to 15 degrees. This is a period when we would be wise to sit back and review what has taken place recently before pushing ahead with our goals. This is a time of analytical analyses before we move ahead. Careful study is advised and then when Mercury goes direct, we can move ahead with our endeavors. If by chance we have no choice but to proceed with a project under the influence of Mercury’s retrograde cycle, we can usually expect some delays or obstructions along the way. Venus Mars Jupiter Saturn Uranus Neptune Pluto Astrology 101 Retrograde

The First House The First House The cusp of the first house is known as the Ascendant, which defines how we represent ourselves to the outside world. It is the first impression one displays to the world upon meeting someone. The sign on this cusp will provide information as to how we will react to the world. We will specifically discuss the Ascendant which as mentioned at the beginning of the First House is the first house cusp. This will be discussed more in depth in "Angles", a page which is yet to come As there are twelve signs in the zodiac, each one having their own persona, the first house has a lot to do with our identity. This personality is not necessarily the individual we are on the inside, represented by our Sun sign, but often identifies us through physical appearance. For example, Taurus individuals are either a little shorter than most or average in height and have a strong body, while a Gemini is usually taller than average and slender in build. As all houses represent an area of life, the first house is defined as a house of action where things happen. When planets through transit or progression pass over the ascendant or cusp of the first house, things happen, changes occur and transformations take place on a personal level, as this house rules your personal self and everything we reveal to the world. The first house often has to do with our vitality and often describes our physical demeanour. The first house may also be reflective of our health, although the twelfth house deals with health as well, but often chronic conditions. When a planet moves from the twelfth house into the first house it is often a time of new beginnings, fresh starts and depending on the planet involved, we can feel regenerated and ready to begin anew. This is an angular house which strongly suggests an area where life is activated, and many times it is not hidden or repressed. Others will be aware that something has happened as we make changes which can even be appearance changes. Our personality undergoes transformations especially when Pluto moves across the ascendant. Many times our lives go through transformations and relationships are alter significantly. Astrology 101 The First House is naturally ruled by Aries . It is the house of SELF 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

Sun in Aquarius is ruled by Uranus. Aquarius individuals are the visionaries of the zodiac and have the ability to see far into the future and find ways to make the world a better place for everyone. They are humanitarian and are very conscious of the influence they might have on their environment. If only they could spread the word. They are progressive thinkers with excellent reasoning abilities and they truly want to provide something for others to share and incorporate into their lives. Aquarius This is the sign of the water bearer which symbolically represents these individuals spreading their ideas and new thoughts into the world. They are quite willing to spread their word and are particularly happy when it is well received. Their intention is to bestow the world with new ideas and also involve others in this progression. Aquarius individuals are the visionaries of the zodiac and have the ability to see far into the future and find ways to make the world a better place for everyone. They are humanitarian and are very conscious of the influence they might have on their environment. If only they could spread the word. Their mission is a noble one with the general good of all intended. They are progressive thinkers with excellent reasoning abilities and they truly want to provide something for others to share and incorporate into their lives. They are sympathetic and compassionate with a genuine concern for those around them. Their ideas can be radical and even rebellious, and they are against any type of constraint. Freedom seekers, they reach out beyond the confines of what could be considered normal, extending themselves beyond rational thinking. They are often thought of as trailblazers with progressive, intuitive ideologies in the forefront of their thinking. Aquarians want to change the world and make it a better place for everyone to live. They will patiently try to shake others away from complacency, pushing them into new and unexplored regions of their own minds. As mentioned, they are progressive thinkers and anything that has become stale and no longer serves a purpose, they insist on changing. When their views are obstructed or interfered with they can easily become impatient and temperamental. They are very fixed in their opinions with an intention of providing what others need on a mental level. The thinking process is considered quite logical and they have a broad focus. It is all about evolution and bringing in the new with advancement on their minds. Aquarians believe they are right and will follow along a planned route towards a given target. They can be somewhat rebellious but have no problem admitting to this; some are even radical in their ideas and considered quite different. They actually enjoy this. If you make a friend with an Aquarian, you will never be bored. They have an adventurous spirit and love wide open spaces. There is actually a real need for freedom and a need to roam. Being tied down does not sit well with the average Aquarian. If you are in search for a logical resolution to a problem they will assist you in reaching a positive conclusion and then make you aware that it was you that came up with the solution. To get a clearer picture of your Aquarius Sun, check to see which house your Aquarius Sun is located in. This will provide you with more information on how you might utilize these humanitarian principles and put your life to work. Also have a look at aspects from other planets and key point in the birth chart to define how the planets will affect the overall condition of the Sun sign. Check in particular if there are planets in the eleventh house, which is ruled by Aquarius and if there are, this will intensify many of the traits linked to this sign Astrology 101 Aquarius is ruled by Uranus and the eleventh house . Garnet is one of the stones of Aquarius. Other stones associated with Aquarius include Amber, Amethyst, Angelite, Blue Obsidian, Boji Stone, Cryolite, Garnet, Hematite, Lithium Quartz, Magnetite, Merlinite, and Rainforest Jasper. Return to Sun Sign Page

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

Transiting Pluto in the Signs We will review the energies of Transiting Pluto in each of the Astrological signs. This information is specific only to the Astrology sign and does not take into consideration the influence of the house on the energies. This section is under construction. Please check back regularly for more information being added. Pluto in Aquarius

Mercury's Return 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)

The Eleventh House The Eleventh House The eleventh house deals primarily with group endeavours, clubs and organizations that we would like to be affiliated with. Within these groups, we seek to find fulfilment and often as a group we define our ideals and ambitions. This is the house where we define our goals. These are often inner goals and through the discovery of these aspirations, we can uncover our contribution to the world. How we uncover this involvement may be discovered through the sign ruling this house cusp and planets found within the house. The relative ease or difficulty in reaching these aspirations are influenced by the planets in this house and the aspects formed through contacts with other planets. The eleventh house is also the house of friendships and the ruler along with any planets found within this house will define the type of individuals that we may associate with. Friends and acquaintances are often found within a group consciousness and gatherings of like-minded individuals. Planetary links and aspects to these planets will define the degree of difficulty in maintaining these friendships or relative ease in forming them. The fifth house is the opposite house to the eleventh house and often defines the love that we give out into the world. The eleventh house has to do with the love received, usually through friendship and group acquaintances. If the eleventh house ruler is under developmental tension, defined by the sign’s ruler and aspects to this ruling planet, there are often difficulties when it comes to a balance between love given and love received. Often the individual feels as though they are doing all the giving and not enough is returned. If for example you have Scorpio ruling the eleventh house, then the ruling planets would be Pluto and Mars . This would suggest that the organizations that you would want to be involved in would probably have metaphysical undertones and this could be a driving force within the structure of these groups. Much of your maturation would be developed through interchanges within these groups, would lead to transformations that at some point in life would cause you to re-evaluate who you are, and what you could do to change the world around you. Astrology 101 The Eleventh House is naturally ruled by Aquarius. The Eleventh house deals with GROUPS and FRIENDSHIPS. 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 Twelfth House

Sun in Scorpio Scorpio There are three main types of Scorpio people and this is why it is such a misrepresented sign. It is often referred to or designated as the Scorpion whose character traits are often the ones that are less desirable. The sign of Scorpio also has the salamander and the eagle personalities. The Scorpion carries with it traits such as deception and these individuals can harbour qualities that are not to be trusted. They are known for the sexual promiscuity and their sexual trickery or cheating capabilities. They also have a very vengeful side and once crossed, it is best to be on the lookout as they can be quite deceptive and sneaky in their plans to equal the score. You are best not to cross them although in some cases they can be plain spiteful and often very vindictive even without provocation. Jealousy is also a strong character trait and although they feel that it might be all right for them to have clandestine affairs, they would not take it well if their partner were to play the same game. It is rather one sided and although they may be quite aware that it is wrong to carry on this way, they still feel entitled and have difficulties controlling their strong desires. Alternatively, there is also the salamander and the eagle personalities of Scorpio. Many will carry traits of both persona’s but those that have found a way to rise above the Scorpion tendencies can become very altruistic in their natures. Most Scorpio individuals regardless of classification have a need to go beneath the surface and dig deep for answers, and because of this, they make great psychologists, pathologists and private investigators, along with surgeons and in some cases miners. The eagle personalities has found their way past primal urges and because of their tendency to go deep are often found in circles involving the mystical side of life. They are true to the cause of self-exploration and seek out qualities within themselves that can not only benefit them personally but also aid others in their time of need. They are quite loyal to their word, their friends and their lovers. Those that seek spiritual enlightenment are always ready to uncover their deepest and most mysterious character flaws and make dramatic changes and transformations to their character due to the planetary influence of Pluto. Most Scorpio individuals are great at uncovering the truth and they often have a penetrating gaze as though they see past the superficial and see right to the core. This can be a little formidable for those that are overly sensitive. They feel that their privacy is important yet private matter can be alluring to the Scorpio individual for they want to uncover all tendencies hidden within. Most Scorpio individuals have an air of secrecy about them and you will have a difficult time uncovering the deeper facets of their personality. They may even hide their true selves so as to remain a secret and to capture the fascination of others. Nearly all Scorpio individuals have a sensual appeal to them and many are aware of this quality but the eagle type does not abuse this trait. They understand that sexual connections are normal and that the appeal that they have should not be abused. If you are looking for a stimulating individual, one who will be hard to decipher and one who is interested in uncovering the deeper meanings of life and the undercurrents of the psyche, a Scorpio individual would be the individual you are seeking. Astrology 101 Scorpio is ruled by Pluto and co-ruled by Mars as well as the eighth house . Beryl is the stone for Scorpio. Beryl is a family of many stones including aquamarine, bixbite, emerald, helidor, goshenite and morganite. Alternative stones associated with Scorpio include Agate, Boji Stone, Charoite, Dioptase, Golden Yellow Topaz, Hiddenite, Kunzite, Labradorite, Malachite, Moonstone, Peridot, Rhodochrosite, Ruby, Turquoise, and Variscite. Return to Sun Sign Page

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 Pluto Square Natal Nodes Opposition Aspects T. Saturn Opposition N. North Node Uranus Opposition Natal North Node Sextile Aspect Uranus Sextile Natal North Node Back to Aspects Back to Astrology 101

Mars Locate Mars in your natal chart, and through its sign placement and house placement, you will begin to understand how your energy is activated. Mars is the planet of dynamism and action and instigates activity in your life. Mars specifically deals with the energy that it takes to deal with pressures in your life. Mars can be an aggressive force and when provoked will ignite the urge to fight and stand up for what you feel is your right. Mars is linked to masculine figures in our life, while Venus is linked to female figures in our life. Venus , among other things, represents young women; while Mars, among other things, represents young men. Mars is strongly connected to our sexual drive and ambitions in life. With a strong Mars, perhaps connected to Aries , Leo or Scorpio , the sex drive and push in life is exaggerated. The energy of Mars needs an outlet. This could be found in aggressive action, through violence and arguments or through mystical and spiritual avenues of expression. Mars when accompanied particularly with transiting Pluto (transits are planetary movements) will often be found in acts of violence or injuries caused through accidents, heavy machinery or sharp tools. Mars when transiting through certain houses can activate these areas of life and create new beginnings and fresh starts. Find how Mars particularly through progression (progressions will be discussed in a future post) affects your life and learn how best to manifest its energies so that Mars will assist you rather than hinder you. Astrology 101 Mars is the planet of passion and action. It rules Aries and co-rules Scorpio. Mars is associates with the first house . The Sun The Moon Mercury Venus Jupiter Saturn Uranus Neptune Pluto